That’s why Xia Xinyan called this girl crazy.

And she wasn’t just crazy—she was sharp too.

In her past life, many had been fooled by her goofy exterior, only to fall into her traps without ever realizing how they’d been played.

But at least for now… this girl probably wasn’t as ruthless as she’d been before. After all, this was still early-game—where lives weren’t on the line—so no need to play it *too* safe.

Still, her cleverness was already showing.

Take that earlier line: a quick thought revealed her motive. She truly had nothing on her—most critically, no weapon for self-defense.

Once Day Two hit, the instance would enter its late stage. Difficulty would spike. Without a weapon at this point? Clearing it was nearly hopeless.

So if there was a chance to latch onto a strong player and scavenge gear? Best option. At least give herself *some* means to survive.

And if Xia Xinyan and Ling Mo were only temporary partners, Murong Yue’s “Who you calling boss?” could’ve sparked tension between them. A less perceptive person would’ve taken the bait—letting Murong Yue slip in and fish in troubled waters.

…Though maybe she’d just said it casually.

But after a lifetime steeped in game-and-reality betrayals, Xia Xinyan’s mind still defaulted to conspiracy theories.

So she wouldn’t keep Murong Yue close.

“We don’t need a burden,” she murmured, slowly crouching before Murong Yue. “I’ll give you two guns and ammo—but it’s not free. If you clear this instance, I want half your base game points reward afterward.”

Murong Yue didn’t hesitate. “Deal! No problem!”

“Add me as a friend first.” Xia Xinyan sent the request, then pulled two pistols and several magazines from her pack. “You know how to use these?”

“Nope, I’ve got it—guns? Easy.” Murong Yue grinned, snatching them like Xia might change her mind. “May good people live in peace! So… I’m free to go?”

“Go ahead.”

Murong Yue spun and bolted—blazing fast.

Xia Xinyan stood, watching her vanish, expression unreadable.

She hadn’t expected to meet *this* girl in the very first instance.

Crazy? Sure. But if befriended later, Murong Yue could be a solid ally. Early investment would pay off.

…Just not now.

Right now, Murong Yue was still a newbie to the Realm of Divine Descent—maybe not even grasping the rules. Bringing her along would likely become dead weight. Ling Mo alone was already a handful; adding two more? Way beyond capacity. This wasn’t a daycare.

Plus, she knew the butterfly effect. Messing with Murong Yue’s path now might steer her wildly off course.

This first instance mattered most for every player. Awakening abilities? Secondary. What truly decided if they’d love the game happened *here*.

It was where players were weakest—zero experience, zero buffs. Die here, feel death at 70% pain sensation? They’d likely hate the game forever. And even the strongest latent ability would be useless if never awakened.

Xia Xinyan would only lend a hand *this* time. After? Not her concern.

Priority now: awaken her own and Ling Mo’s abilities—or rather… make *him* fall for the game.

Only then could she spare energy for anything else.

Seeing her let Murong Yue go, Ling Mo frowned. “Why not let her team up with us?”

Xia Xinyan shot him a sidelong glance, voice tinged with mock sorrow. “You… *want* another girl with us?”

She looked exactly like a pitiful girl abandoned after a night of intimacy.

—and honestly? Not far off. Ling Mo *had* held her all night. Taken quite a few liberties.

Guilt instantly flooded him. “N-No… I mean… Okay, fine. I didn’t want her tagging along either…”

Xia Xinyan smiled. “Kidding. It’s late—I’ll make breakfast.”

*This guy… way too easy to handle.*

As she mentally teased him, Ling Mo felt his heart swell again.

*Making breakfast…*

*So thoughtful…*

First time in his life waking to a girl preparing his meal.

This… was heaven.

Breakfast was yesterday’s smoked wild boar—leftovers, not tasty, but filling. The instance would end today; all negative effects would vanish upon exit. A little discomfort? Worth it.

They finished quickly. Outside, dawn bled through the dim forest.

The game framed this instance as a 24-hour wilderness survival reality show. Plot would wrap near 1 PM. Standard trope: toughest phase right before finale. Time to prep.

Xia Xinyan’s goal? Hunt the guards protecting the supply points.

Ideally, let *Ling Mo* take the lead—the system’s target was him, after all.

Hearing her plan, Ling Mo’s pulse quickened.

*This* was the real main event!

Jungle gunfights—more intense than real-life CS. Even overshadowed his lingering warmth from last night.

—Until Xia Xinyan spun, shoved him down, and pinned him.

“!!!”

Ling Mo froze, staring up at her.

W-Was she… taking the initiative?!

What was she doing?!

Could she be… for… for…

“Who are you?!” A sharp female voice shattered his spiral.

He turned. Pink-uniformed women burst from the bushes—submachine guns, rifles. Bold text across their chests: [Fresh Meat]

A tiny heart symbol beneath.

Tacky as hell—but danger radiated off them.

Ling Mo wasn’t stupid. *They’d been found.*

Then Xia Xinyan straddled his waist, fingers closing around his throat. “Found a hunk! Subdued him! Girls, search for the others!”

Ling Mo: “…”