Chapter 42: The Strange Rush Strategy

This was a formal competition, devoid of any omniscient perspective, offering only a first-person view; all the audience could see was the viewpoint of a single player. On the LCD projection screen, what played was Liu Ran’s rapid dash toward the Grand Observation Point. Thus, the spectators remained unaware of events unfolding at other positions.

A flash grenade blinded Li Xin, who immediately cried out in dismay and changed direction toward the central passage of their base. But three high-explosive grenades followed swiftly behind. One missed, yet the other two detonated not far from Li Xin’s position.

Bang!

HP: 52.

Bang!

HP: 0.

Two high-explosives killed Li Xin outright.

“They actually rushed,” Li Xin sighed, pressing his headset as he spoke quickly, “Liu Ran, push mid; Wang Shuai, fall back to defend.”

The four teammates received their orders and moved, while the audience watched the kill notification pop up in the top right corner of the display.

Gobolrisk Two killed Stealth One with high-explosives.

Since all accounts belonged to Gobolrisk Internet Café, their names were distinguished in a simple, intuitive way. “Stealth” indicated the infiltration team, “Gobolrisk” the defenders, followed by capitalized player names.

Stealth One was the sharpshooter who had claimed four consecutive kills in the central hall during team mode.

The crowd erupted in astonishment, and the camera switched to Gobolrisk Two: Dongjia Baobao. He was swiftly leaping up the ladder outside the observation point, ready to ambush the opponent about to emerge.

Meanwhile, Gobolrisk Three: Dongjia Ruiming, tossed a flash grenade toward the Grand Observation Point, providing cover for Baobao and drawing enemy fire.

“They truly are professionals. That coordination—unbelievable!” a bespectacled man exclaimed with envy.

“They rushed straight down mid. The defenders are bold indeed,” another commented.

“The defender’s commands are brilliant—attacking the weak without hesitation. Suppression equals victory. That commander is outstanding,” a stout student shared his opinion.

A young man with long hair pondered silently, then spoke aloud: “If Stealth had grouped up with four, there’d still be a chance.”

The crowd gasped, admiring him. Every time the dark-clad, long-haired man spoke, his reasoning was sound, leaving everyone convinced. He seemed a master himself, though none recognized him.

At this moment, the camera shifted to Wang Shuai, who had already rushed back from the B iron gate with his teammates, tossing a high-explosive grenade toward the long crate in mid.

He successfully killed Cool, who was holding position at B’s passage.

Just as Wang Shuai was about to celebrate, Li Xin continued directing: “Don’t just stand there, quickly support Grand Observation. Watch your back.”

“Got it.” Wang Shuai suppressed his excitement and hurried toward Grand Observation.

Meanwhile, Liu Ran and his teammate, blinded by a flash, could only fire wildly in panic.

Baobao, holding position, swiftly killed Gobolrisk Three, who had arrived first. Fortunately, Liu Ran reacted quickly, retreating during his wild spray and avoiding the incoming bullets. The three-second blindness vanished in an instant; he and Wang Shuai regrouped and began returning toward their base entrance.

But the tide had clearly turned.

Just past the corner, the three encountered Yang Yu and Ruiming, who had pushed in from mid. The five exchanged furious gunfire, bullets raining down. Yang Yu’s skill was superior; with two shots, he killed Liu Ran and Wang Shuai. Stealth Five was taken out by Ruiming’s sweeping headshot.

Ding!

Mission success. Gobolrisk win!

Dongjia claimed the first round, the audience erupted in passionate cheers, their expressions agitated—it had taken only eighteen seconds. Perfect command, precise marksmanship, seamless teamwork—the defenders used victory to defend their honor and pride.

“Damn, incredible! The Stealth side had professionals, yet they were wiped out in one bold rush.”

“So this is the true level of a pro team. I bow before them.”

“Damn, when will I reach this level?”

“You? Dream on. You’ll spend your life looking up at them. Stick to your wild matches, play with the kids.”

“Damn, mind your own business!”

Luckily, the second round had already begun, or else those few might have started fighting.

The long-haired youth in black furrowed his brow, deep in thought. Wang Xiaoqian bit her delicate tongue, both playful and alluring; the men nearby felt their hearts surge, hormones rushing wild.

“Miss Wang, you’re so beautiful.”

“Ms. Wang, how are you still single? What do you think of me? Will you consider it?”

“Goddess, please take care of me—I can cook, warm the bed, and know many poses.”

“Boss, I’m willing to serve you like a beast of burden, guaranteed to satisfy you.”

“Get lost! Beauty deserves a hero, but you look like a bear. I’m handsome, six feet tall—it’s perfect!” A tall man puffed his chest, full of confidence.

“Uh…”

Black as coal and still claims to be handsome?

Wang Xiaoqian’s brows knitted; this swarm of pests was truly irritating. Unable to tolerate it any longer, she snapped from behind: “Are you done yet? Can’t you watch the match in peace?”

Swish—

The men all fell silent, exchanging awkward glances, not daring to utter another word.

The match continued.

Stealth’s morale was low—Dongjia had wiped them out in eighteen seconds in the first round, leaving no one with a shred of temper. Wang Shuai and the others were top marksmen of Gaoyou, having reached the provincial finals in the Hundred Cities League; their confidence had always been high. Yet, none had expected their opponent today would be Dongjia.

Once the nine-time champion.

Even a dying camel is bigger than a horse—let alone now, as Dongjia’s overall strength was rapidly rising again.

“Liu Ran, bro, we…”

“Don’t say anything. Stay focused. Win or lose, it doesn’t matter. Just don’t leave any regrets,” Li Xin spoke gravely, awakening the three to clarity.

Indeed, what use is fear?

It would only lead to a more miserable defeat, more humiliation! Better to fight with all one’s strength—there’s honor even in loss.

For reasons unknown, Li Xin abandoned his usual cautious approach this time, becoming uncharacteristically bold. Just four seconds into the match, both Stealth and Gobolrisk’s grenades blanketed mid—flashes, high-explosives, green and red smoke billowed, obscuring all vision.

Ten players clashed head-on in mid without any real tactics. Hundreds of spectators in the internet café were bewildered, unable to grasp the meaning.

Seconds later, Gobolrisk took the second round!

As people began to comment, the third round started—another chaotic brawl. The defenders claimed three consecutive victories.

“Li Xin, we can’t keep doing this, or we’ll lose,” Liu Ran said gravely.

Li Xin sighed lightly, “We can’t drag it out. I won’t last if this takes too long.”

Liu Ran froze, realizing he’d forgotten about Li Xin’s illness. He spoke gravely, “Tell me when you can’t go on—we’ll do our best. Don’t let this make you worse.”

“Alright, I know. Let’s keep rushing—victory will come eventually.”

“Let’s go!” Liu Ran’s eyes hardened as he spoke softly. But Wang Shuai and the others were baffled, unable to understand what the two meant.

At that moment, the three deeply doubted Li Xin's tactical command. Previously, he had said they had to win at all costs, but now it seemed like aimless leadership and continuous defeat. They’d prepared themselves, but the result was hard to accept.

Gobolrisk’s fourth win!

Fifth win!

Sixth win!

The entire venue was in uproar—despite the chaotic fighting, Stealth lost six in a row. Their luck was remarkable. The audience praised and admired the defenders, while sneering and mocking the Stealth side.

Some went further, privately ridiculing two people:

Wang Xiaoqian and the long-haired man in black.

Just over ten minutes ago, both had placed big bets on Stealth. Now, it seemed Wang Xiaoqian’s hundred thousand yuan would end up as benefits for the hundreds of spectators present.