A New Optimization Path for the Hideout: Traps

[Beep... High-value supplies detected!]

[New optimization path discovered for a hideout facility. Add this optimization path to the Ventilation Duct Construction List?]

Yu Yuan took the item from the drawer, stunned.

What could make the system issue a special alert about a new optimization path?

When he saw what he was holding, surprise flashed across his face.

"Is this... a blueprint?"

There was no time to examine it. He stuffed it into his backpack first.

Yu Yuan had now collected every supply in Room 503. After one last check for anything he might have missed, his gaze fell on the curtains.

That was a large piece of fabric. Whether he used it as a cover or cut it up, it would come in handy.

But just as he was about to move...

Clatter, clatter...

The sound of a can rolling came from the corridor. Yu Yuan's eyes sharpened.

Someone's here! Already?

He crept to the door and pressed his ear against it.

"Key... Key... are you there?" A deliberately hushed voice came from the stairwell. It was Monkey.

"Key... Key..."

"Key..." Monkey was about to call again when Brother Biao cut him off.

"Enough. He's probably upstairs. Let's go look."

"Okay!"

Their voices faded. Yu Yuan narrowed his eyes and stared at the door as if he could see through it, thoughts racing through his mind.

They went upstairs.

Wasn't this the perfect chance to leave?

If they failed to find Key, they would come back to search. There was blood by the door; they would know something was wrong at a glance.

It took Yu Yuan only a few seconds to decide.

He put the backpack on, securing it firmly, then pulled his crossbody bag around to the front and shortened its strap so it would not get in his way.

He took out the Folding Crossbow and a bolt. Once the crossbow was loaded, he strapped the Kukri to the outside of his thigh, where he could draw it at any moment.

Everything was ready. He carefully opened the door and headed toward the stairwell, crossbow raised, his steps steady and quick.

Leaving now with all the supplies and without a scratch would be the best possible outcome!

Once he escaped Phoenix Tree Apartments, the dark city would give him plenty of places to hide. It would take a miracle for them to find him.

However he looked at it, leaving now was his best option. Hesitation would only cost him. Once those two caught on, he would have to fight them for real.

Brother Biao and his lackey had barely any supplies. Why would Yu Yuan risk his life against them?

When the risk outweighed the reward, getting out with a full haul was the only sensible move!

This time, I've got a sixty-forty chance. The advantage is mine!

He reached the stairwell. Inside, it was pitch-black.

Dim-Light Vision, granted by his title, let Yu Yuan make out the vague outline of the stairs even in the darkness.

He listened for a few seconds. The stairwell was oppressively quiet, and he frowned.

That's not right. If they're upstairs looking for someone, I should hear something.

An uneasy thought crossed his mind. Getting out fast mattered most.

He stopped hesitating and crept onto the stairs as quietly as he could, keeping the crossbow aimed toward the sixth floor in case the two men suddenly appeared.

He had only practiced a few times at the Hideout, but firing a crossbow was simple. Yu Yuan was confident he could hit any target within five meters!

He had barely taken two steps down the stairs.

Click...

A flashlight lit up at the landing between the fourth and fifth floors. In an instant, the stairwell was bright as day.

Monkey looked at Yu Yuan, his mouth twisting into a savage grin.

"Brother Biao, the bastard came out, just like we thought... Get him!"

The moment the light came on, Yu Yuan realized he had forgotten about the threat from below.

Luckily, he had already worked out an escape plan for the worst-case scenario.

As Monkey cried out, Yu Yuan immediately swung the Folding Crossbow away from the stairs above and aimed it down.

The instant Monkey saw the crossbow, the savagery vanished from his eyes. Fear had not even had time to take hold before all he managed to say was, "Sh—"

Thump—whoosh—thud!

Before Monkey could react, the bolt pierced his throat. Blood sprayed.

Clutching his neck, Monkey stared at Yu Yuan in disbelief and collapsed.

The instant Yu Yuan fired, he shifted the crossbow to his left hand, gripped the Kukri in his right, and looked toward the sixth floor.

But when he saw the weapon in Brother Biao's hand, his pupils contracted and his scalp prickled.

He had no time to think. He spun and leaped down the stairs without a moment's hesitation.

Bang!

While he was still in the air, a heavy blow struck his back. He stumbled as he landed, nearly falling.

He did not dare stop. Scrambling on hands and feet, he raced downward.

Bang... Bang, bang!

Gunshots echoed through the stairwell.

"Damn it! He's got a gun? That's cheating!" Yu Yuan felt as though death had brushed past him. Adrenaline surged through him, leaving his whole body tingling.

Only his quick reaction and decisive shot at Monkey had bought him a chance to survive.

He seemed to have been shot in the back, but he felt no pain. He was probably fine.

Yu Yuan's mind raced. He had not expected Brother Biao to have a gun.

Behind him came Brother Biao's furious roar and pounding footsteps. The man was close, no more than ten meters away.

Yu Yuan's original plan would not work. If he ran straight out, he would leave his back exposed to Brother Biao. At this distance, he might as well be a stationary target.

No. I can't show him my back. It's too risky. What do I do?

Only a second had passed.

To Yu Yuan, it felt like an eternity. Under the threat of death, his mind grew calmer and sharper.

Thump!

He jumped down onto the fourth floor.

Then Yu Yuan's breath caught as a bold idea came to him.

He heard Brother Biao leap down behind him. With no time to think, Yu Yuan changed direction and charged into the fourth-floor corridor.

Bang, bang!

Two bullets grazed past him and struck the wall. He could feel the debris scatter.

"Fuck! Let's see where you can run now!" Brother Biao shouted behind him, beside himself with rage.

The deaths of Key and Monkey had driven him over the edge. Losing two helpers in the Wasteland World was a nightmare.

But what Brother Biao cared about most was the backpack he had glimpsed on the man's back. It was bulging, clearly packed with supplies.

He did not care what those supplies were. He wanted to take them.

As for the man, he would kill him.