Chapter 24: Gems Can Be Inlaid?

The CF Mall had not officially opened yet. Xing Xiaolong pulled up the semi-transparent screen, and the layout was more or less the same as before.

On the left was the mission panel, with the words: Special Training Main Mission (2) — Become an Excellent Soldier, followed by a series of mission descriptions and rewards.

The rewards for the second round of main missions were overall similar to the first, except for an added bonus of 5,000 CF coins.

What these CF coins could actually purchase, or whether they would just be taken back through some trick like last time, or perhaps served some other purpose, remained unknown for now!

The mall was still unavailable, the interface blocked out by a mosaic, making it impossible to guess the answer.

To the right was a rectangular black pouch, somewhat resembling a common backpack, labeled “Backpack No. 1.”

All of Xing Xiaolong’s current loot was temporarily stored in this bag.

He tapped the pouch virtually, and it opened into a grid-like inventory. From left to right, it contained: Lucky Revolver x1, Random Weapon Pack x1, Random Dagger Pack x1, Random Accessory Pack x1, Mystery Gift Pack x1, Amethyst x1, Small Medicine x2.

The first four items couldn’t be opened yet—the condition was that the player needed access to the mall.

The Mystery Gift Pack was from the previous mall promotion, and it, too, couldn’t be used for now.

Still, the description on the Mystery Gift Pack read—“If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get whatever you want.” It sounded quite enticing.

The last two items, the Amethyst and the Small Medicine, were exactly what Xing Xiaolong urgently needed.

After the last push-up test, he already knew the actual effect of the Small Medicine: besides instantly restoring all physical and mental energy, it also provided a five-minute sustained recovery “buff.”

The effect wasn’t overwhelming, but neither was it weak—comparable to sitting down and resting.

In other words, after taking the medicine, for the next five minutes, whether he was running or performing high-intensity physical activities, it was as if he were sitting and resting; his body would expend no energy or stamina at all.

It had to be said, this medicine was truly remarkable.

The remaining Amethyst had a very peculiar effect, completely different from the Small Medicine. Its description read:

“Special Effect Gem: Increases player’s movement speed by 4%. Embed in the player’s personal equipment panel. Only one of the same attribute can be embedded.”

A 4% speed boost didn’t seem all that useful at first glance.

For every 100 meters, you’d only gain 4 extra meters!

However, the gem’s effect was permanent. It worked continuously, unlike the medicine, which, though powerful, only provided a brief surge.

“I remember there were even stronger Amethysts in the CF Mall. If you could get a 40% boost, that’d be insane—like being The Flash,” Xing Xiaolong mused, daydreaming as he selected Embed for the Amethyst.

“Ding~”

With a crisp sound, the Amethyst vanished.

Xing Xiaolong had no idea where the Amethyst had gone, but the instant he heard the chime, he felt a subtle difference in his body.

It was hard to pinpoint exactly what had changed.

The most direct sensation was that his body felt lighter, more agile. With each step, his pace was just that little bit quicker than before.

“What a wondrous thing.”

This kind of mysterious enhancement, achieved without any practice, left Xing Xiaolong amazed, and all the more eager to discover even more potent crystals.

By now, however, He Chenguang had already run far ahead, less than 200 meters from the summit.

Xing Xiaolong had no time to ponder further. Reluctantly, he pulled out a dose of Small Medicine from Backpack No. 1, quickened his pace for a couple of steps, dodged Wang Yanbing and the others’ gaze, and jabbed the syringe into his chest once more.

Less than a second later—

Whoosh—

That familiar sensation, striking straight to the soul, like a lightning bolt of clarity and euphoria, filled Xing Xiaolong’s entire being once again.

“Ah, that’s the stuff~”

His body instantly revitalized, brimming with strength, Xing Xiaolong let out a triumphant roar.

He shook off the exhaustion and lethargy from before, gripped the shoulder straps of his pack with both hands, and, feet flying, dashed forward at lightning speed, heading straight for He Chenguang.

“What the hell is going on?” Wang Yanbing stared in disbelief at Xing Xiaolong, who was now sprinting ahead as if supercharged, the scene striking him as oddly familiar.

A sense of dread surged through his mind.

Unfortunately, by the time Wang Yanbing snapped out of it, it was already too late.

He could only watch, wide-eyed, as Xing Xiaolong—seemingly overflowing with boundless energy—flashed past He Chenguang, whose face was filled with utter shock, and charged straight to the summit in one go.

He was a first echelon all by himself, unmatched by anyone!

“Instructor, this—this isn’t scientific! What on earth is with this Xing Xiaolong?” Old Hei’s brows furrowed deeply as he watched Xing Xiaolong, who had suddenly exploded with energy, effortlessly run to the top and showed no sign of coming down any time soon.

This sort of sudden, unstoppable burst—who on earth could withstand it?

“This kid…” Gong Jian could only smile wryly, unable to figure out what kind of game Xing Xiaolong was playing. He could only guess, “I reckon this Xing Xiaolong enjoys playing the underdog. Last time you fell for it, Old Hei. This time, maybe someone else is in for a surprise.”

At that, Gong Jian remembered his own plan. Waving his hand, he said, “Let’s go. Since these guys are so energetic, we might as well up the stakes—give them a big surprise.”