In the laboratory, Zhao Kuo was in a conversation with Gu Shan.
Gu Shan: "The upper levels are rallying players to attack the lower levels. Each participant will be rewarded with 500 subway coins. Honestly, even I'm a bit tempted by 500 coins."
From Gu Shan's message, Zhao Kuo learned that this rally was coordinated almost simultaneously with the departure of the doctor and his group. This meant that the doctor, Jon, and the others were likely in a precarious situation now.
But this was expected.
Zhao Kuo wasn't worried about the doctor and his group dying in the upper levels. After all, with the [Roar of Death] in their possession, the upper-level nobles, though fierce in appearance, lacked the courage to risk total destruction.
The higher one's status, the more fragile they tend to become.
However, soon Gu Shan sent another message: "The attack on the lower levels has been temporarily canceled. Many are upset, feeling they've lost out on 500 subway coins."
Zhao Kuo thought for a moment and asked, "Did Lu Tianming and the others make a fuss?"
Gu Shan: "No, actually, I haven't seen him at all today. Also, Li Er, the one you asked me to keep an eye on, doesn't seem to be with Lu Tianming right now. I interacted with him earlier, and he seems like a decent guy."
Hearing this, Zhao Kuo nodded: "Good, keep in touch with him. If there's a chance, try to bring him into our team."
Gu Shan: "Got it. By the way, can you lend me some subway coins? I want to buy something."
Borrow subway coins? Zhao Kuo was slightly surprised. Given Gu Shan's personality, if he was asking for money, it must be for something worthwhile.
Without hesitation, Zhao Kuo asked, "How much do you need?"
Gu Shan: "I'm short by 500. The equipment is good and suits me well."
500 subway coins were nothing to Zhao Kuo now, so he didn't hesitate and immediately transferred the amount.
Not 500, but 1,000.
Zhao Kuo: "Keep some coins on you. Don't spend them all."
Even in the subway world, having no money makes life difficult. Besides, Gu Shan was his teammate, someone he trusted with his life. A few coins were nothing.
Just then, a chat message popped up from Luo Ping'an.
Zhao Kuo opened it.
Luo Ping'an: "Hahaha, I've finally arrived! It's Eternal Station. Brother Zhao, where are you? I'll come find you."
Zhao Kuo smiled. This guy had finally made it, and this time they were on the same platform. Good news.
Zhao Kuo: "I'm on the 16th level. You'll probably be taken to the upper levels directly. We'll meet when there's a chance. You can go find Gu Shan first."
But soon, Luo Ping'an sent a "?"
Luo Ping'an: "What upper levels? Uh, going up from here should be the 18th level?"
Zhao Kuo was stunned for a moment but quickly understood and asked, "Aren't there any upper-level guides at the platform?"
Luo Ping'an: "No, there are only some players who just arrived like me. Everyone's confused and doesn't know what to do..."
So that was it. The upper levels must have already gathered enough mid-to-high-level players and withdrawn from the platform.
This meant Luo Ping'an's speed was lagging behind most players.
This guy, a merchant by trade, had probably focused all his energy on making money, hadn't he?
Zhao Kuo said, "Alright, wait there. I'll come down to get you."
Zhao Kuo had a good impression of Luo Ping'an. Not only was he Zhao Kuo's first friend in the subway world, but he was also a merchant who had provided valuable information and assistance in the early stages.
When Zhao Kuo arrived at the platform, he finally saw his friend in person.
A rather handsome young man, somewhat thin but with a good demeanor.
Luo Ping'an saw Zhao Kuo and flashed a bright smile: "Finally, we meet, hahaha! Where's Brother Gu Shan?"
"Gu Shan is gathering information in the upper levels. Tang Yingying is probably resting at the hotel. I'm not entirely sure," Zhao Kuo replied, then added, "I should have properly welcomed you, but the lower levels don't have much to offer. We'll make up for it later."
Luo Ping'an quickly waved his hand: "No, no, no need. I'm not one for formalities."
Zhao Kuo smiled: "Alright, let's head to where we're staying. A lot has happened recently. You can help me analyze it."
Luo Ping'an had a sharp mind, at least sharper than Tang Yingying and Gu Shan. As an outsider, he might also provide fresh perspectives.
As they walked, Zhao Kuo explained the situation. Suddenly, Luo Ping'an asked, "Don't you and the doctor have a fixed means of communication?"
Zhao Kuo shook his head: "No, Eternal Station doesn't have mobile phones. Fixed-line phones aren't very convenient either."
Luo Ping'an stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "I find it strange. If it were me, I definitely wouldn't take the [Roar of Death] directly to the upper levels. After all, this is the subway world. What if they have a way to counter it? Wouldn't that be the end?"
"You know the saying, 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket,' right?"
Hearing Luo Ping'an's words, Zhao Kuo smacked his forehead: "I knew something felt off at the time."
If it were Zhao Kuo, he wouldn't have recklessly taken his trump card to the upper levels. Though he had thought it would be more intimidating, it was undoubtedly a risky move.
"So, the [Roar of Death] is probably still in the lower levels?" Zhao Kuo asked.
Luo Ping'an nodded: "I think so."
Zhao Kuo was about to say more when he noticed a figure walking past in the distance.
Crimina?
Zhao Kuo frowned. His impression of Crimina wasn't good. She seemed like a spoiled brat, and now she was sneaking around, clearly up to something.
But it had nothing to do with him.
Just as Zhao Kuo was about to look away, he noticed Tang Yingying also sneaking around, following Crimina.
Luo Ping'an followed Zhao Kuo's gaze and saw Tang Yingying. He asked, "Isn't that Sister Yingying? Why is she sneaking after that girl?"
Zhao Kuo furrowed his brow, shook his head, and after a moment of thought, said, "It's fine. Let's follow and see."
At the same time, he sent a message to Tang Yingying.
Tang Yingying, who was in the middle of tailing someone, was startled by the message notification. Fortunately, only players could hear the alert sound.
Opening it, she saw it was a message from Zhao Kuo.
Zhao Kuo: "Are you at the hotel?"
Tang Yingying tilted her head. Why was he asking if she was at the hotel? But she quickly replied: "No, I'm out. I've discovered something unusual."
Zhao Kuo felt relieved upon receiving the message. Good, good. Comrade Tang was still loyal to the team.
He didn't press further but continued following the two.
Because Zhao Kuo had detected the signal of the [Roar of Death] he had created—on Crimina's person.
Yes, the nuclear bomb capable of destroying all of Eternal Station was now on Crimina!