Former Hero Streamer – Chapter 190

The game Zombie Root gives off a soup-like vibe, blending various elements, but at its core, the basic gameplay revolves around farming and survival.

Survival is, of course, a given in this genre of games to continue playing. Farming is the crucial point that helps maintain that survival.

You gather items that respawn all over the map or break down parts to craft the gear essential for survival.

Alternatively, you can raid rival users and target their strongholds or even loot that bountied boss zombie.

In short, it’s all about using every possible method available in the game to stay alive.

Of course, survival sounds easy, but no one could guarantee what difficulties lie ahead in this vast and dead city.

Staying holed up in your stronghold isn’t entirely safe either.

The wave after wave of invading zombies continues, and players are always attempting to loot each other’s hideouts.

You might just get lucky, collecting items and return safely to your stronghold, or you may find yourself caught in a fierce battle between zombies and survivor players.

The conclusion is clear: you only know how the gameplay unfolds by jumping in.

“Hehe, is this a gun? It’s my first time with a gun.”

Yuri was beaming with excitement as she fiddled with the weight of the firearm, even if only in virtual reality.

Considering she barely encountered guns in real life, except when fulfilling national defense duties, it makes sense.

Yuri had come from a world where firearms were nonexistent, making this experience even more special.

On the flip side, Dayoung, fully prepared, grumbled as she loaded her weapon.

“This is what you get for cash items around here.”

“Cash items only get you this far. Normally, you’d be fighting with a bat or a crowbar.”

I finished loading my pistol, shaking off the jitters.

The black bike suit clung closely to my body, seemingly providing sensations of everything outside instead of skin.

I had chosen comfortable clothes for movement, but the chilly air brushed against my skin, creating a peculiar sensation reminiscent of wearing a skirt but still somehow different and strangely fascinating.

Hmm, compared to Soul Warfare, this feels quite refreshing.

[Wow, Friede’s outfit is on point.]

[Hey sis, be honest. Do you have an exhibitionist streak? You love showing off that body, don’t you?]

[Don’t tease and just enjoy. Momma’s got us covered, didn’t you hear?]

[That black bike suit clings to every curve… Functionality is zero, but sexiness is a hundred.]

[Look at that zipper on her chest about to burst, lol.]

[Sis, I’m seeing the goods!]

[Shhh.]

“Sis, you’re not changing that outfit, right?”

Dayoung sighed tiredly at the reactions in the chat, her eyes glazed over.

Despite the term “bike suit,” it was closer to a skintight bodysuit with no protective gear, so saying it’s uncomfortable wouldn’t be too far off.

“Yeah, it’s comfortable to move in.”

“Figured as much. Just checking.”

While I had customized my outfit, the others were stuck with the default attire, so I stood out a bit.

This game’s basic outfit is rather shabby and plain, far from any fashion-forward coordination.

But hey, these purchases are a valid way to enhance immersion in the game.

So why bother worrying about their reactions? Why put yourself through the grind?

In times like these, it’s best to just enjoy and say, “Look at this stunning body!”

“Let’s go!”

“Alright!”

Once ready, our temporarily assembled team of Heroes set off.

Though, “set off” is a stretch; we were basically just five people walking down a forest path into the city.

I wanted to buy a hideout or a means of transportation, but it seemed direct equipment or items affecting gameplay were restricted for balance purposes.

After about ten minutes of walking, we found ourselves at a main road, with a system notification flashing red.

“We’re entering the industrial district.”

“Copy that.”

I nodded at Ah-jin’s words.

The area we were about to enter was known as the industrial district, one of the decimated city zones.

It’s a popular spot for beginners due to its suitable difficulty and decent loot.

The pros of the game slowly migrate from here to the industrial district, but even they often farm here… as per Ah-jin’s briefing.

And once we set foot in this area, it means everything before us becomes a battlefield.

Zombies, survivor NPCs, and users galore make for a situation where we can’t let our guard down.

“If we make a right turn and walk about 300 meters, we’ll reach Grand Mall. Let’s farm there first.”

[This zone was generated not long ago, so let’s hurry. We might get some good weapons!]

[Why don’t we head to the northern outskirts and switch strongholds? Even if someone’s there, they won’t have time to fortify.]

[With Friede’s physique, wouldn’t she be fine in that area? If it were me, I’d wipe out the Grand Mall by myself.]

[Five people taking over a huge shopping mall? No way lol.]

[Let’s just use Grand Mall as a farming spot and then suggest moving the stronghold.]

Ah-jin was scanning the entire map, and there was a lot of positive chatter about the target point she found.

I could already see the horde of zombies loitering ahead.

In this game, you couldn’t just fire your gun recklessly; ammunition was limited, and the gunshots would draw zombie hordes, making you totally screwed.

“Let’s move.”

We stealthily advanced towards our destination.

Though the zombies here and there were sometimes a hassle, smashing their heads with a crowbar instead of the Holy Sword was easy enough.

It might be because we were still at the beginning.

“Wow, it’s just like a real shopping mall!”

Yuri, wide-eyed in awe at the sight in front of the building, seemed cuter than ever.

Even though she had seen countless buildings in Seoul, her genuine amazement here showed that virtual reality resonates differently.

“They said it’s based on an actual American city. Something like New York? Not the entire city, though.”

“Oh, New York.”

“Let’s get in. We’ll have problems if we dawdle around here until nightfall.”

Following Dayoung’s gesture to keep things moving, we spotted the emergency exit of Grand Mall.

—Creeeak.

‘Looks like it’s unlocked.’

We secured the entrance to prevent zombies from getting in and entered the building.

Most of the buildings were pitch dark due to power outages, but this one was dimly lit by emergency power.

The stark contrast between light and darkness was disruptive, though.

Just then, Ji-hye, who had been quietly following us, chimed in with a bored expression.

“Isn’t it a bit dull here?”

“What’s that?”

Turning to her slightly irritated voice, Ji-hye shrugged her shoulders.

“I was expecting a good zombie horde or intense PVP among survivors, but it’s just sneaking around like we’re a bunch of nerds.”

“Well, it’s still the early game. Plus, don’t you realize how that could backfire?”

“Oh, getting into the zone? But we should be going all out; it’s a game after all.”

“This is just typical for a disastrous prologue.”

True, it was still the beginning, but our weak gear made diving deeper feel harder.

In reality, we were still on a tutorial level.

Dayoung nodded in agreement, shaking her head at my comment.

“Don’t rush it. Eventually, we’ll be in a situation where we can’t hide even if we want to. Just be patient…”

—BAM!

Before Dayoung’s words could finish, a loud crack of gunfire shook the area.

Without saying a word, we all dove for cover behind obstacles.

‘An ambush?’

Already?

While my mind thought it was too early for this, my body reacted instinctively.

I quickly swapped to my pistol and aimed at the face of the person peeking out ahead.

—BANG!

“Ugh!”

With a scream, In-young crumpled to the ground.

The following kill mark indicated a headshot.

‘Not bad aim.’

Even with some distance, hitting was uncertain, but thankfully, I got a lucky shot.

[What the hell, lol. Look at that username!]

[Was that aimed at Friede? Right?]

[Why would someone have that username near Friede?]

[Guess we met a theme player, for real.]

[Wait, that’s a bit suspicious. The host was just taken out, and that dude’s only just started today.]

[Huh?]

With the chat buzzing around and that kill mark, I caught sight of the ambusher’s username.

‘FriedeLover4GayGay.’

What a ridiculous name.

But if that were the only red flag, I wouldn’t have felt this chill creeping up my spine.

Did a user who started today really set up an ambush for me?

There was only one answer.

“Yippee! It’s game time!”

Finally, it felt like the game was about to get lit. Ji-hye was excited while Dayoung and Ah-jin stayed calm, and Yuri just peeked out, watching with a deadpan expression.

Seems everyone finally understood the situation we were in.

And then…

“Hey, did you hear that gunfire?”

“When did FriedeLover4GayGay go down?”

“Shit! Look at the kill mark. Friede took out FriedeLover4GayGay. LOL.”

“Floride, where did you die, you piece of shit?”

“Looks like they went down near the emergency exit on the first floor. Can’t you think?”

“Friede’s here!”

“Ah, Friede’s all up in the legs!”

Users yelling my name burst forth from all corners of the building.

These weren’t your average ambushing survivors; they had the look of dedicated players.

This was undeniably… a sniper encounter.