Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!

Having gained another specialization ability that reached level 4, Bai E's bold conjecture had been confirmed—

Directly upgrading a specialization ability to level 4 only meant to compensate for the lack of special attributes provided before reaching that level.

A warrior who relied on actual training to attain a level 4 specialization ability wouldn't be without special attribute bonuses.

Indeed, he had lost out when he had previously upgraded his light firearms skill using his own points.

But that had been a necessary evil due to lack of experience. How could he have had a later stage without an early one?

Should there ever be an opportunity to respec, Bai E was determined to train for a perfect build!

As for the present, it was time to see what uses the three skills unlocked after reaching level 4 Ranged Weapon Specialization possessed—

Concussive Shot, hmm... a control skill.

Power Shot, hmm... a damage-dealing skill.

Vector Shuttle, hmm... a movement skill.

Clear and simple!

Gun Fighting Skill had given Bai E many surprises, and naturally, he held high hopes for the newly unlocked skill tree.

Yet with each skill having its merits, Bai E was reluctant to make a choice before encountering a practical application scenario.

Although he had quite a store of experience by now, it hadn't come easily. Spending 1000 points of experience in an instant still required careful consideration.

He checked the sky, noting it was still early, probably just past three o'clock.

The main purpose of his return to the camp was to learn Yue Ying's archery skills and to advance the progress of the "Yue Ying's Approval" mission. Now that he had achieved his goal, it seemed like he suddenly had nothing to do within the camp again.

So... Chavez, the fitness instructor, had mentioned underground boxing, which the other players had all tried. He hadn't experienced it yet.

In his pocket was the betting money given by Chavez, not much... just 500.

Let's check it out!

Considering appearing there directly might be too conspicuous since his last visit to Black Street Tavern had drawn a lot of attention, Bai E decided to opt for a disguise.

The whole set of clothes and even a mask given by other players last time would do just fine, so he took them.

With no players around, the secret base was empty except for the rat-like individuals.

"Where did they all go?" Bai E asked as he picked up the clothes to change, addressing the seemingly well-behaved boy in the corner.

"They said they were out of wood… and needed to chop some more."

Bai E glanced around, noting the warehouse propped up by wood looked somewhat ragged and disorganized.

[Relying on wood all the time isn't a solution...]

When they gained a bit more capability, he could consider having them build a pure metal base like the server ruins. Hmm... that seemed unrealistic. However, constructing one out of concrete and reinforced steel might work.

Mulling over these ideas, Bai E asked the rat-like individual, "Have you felt anything unusual recently?"

Since the rat-like beings were always related to demons, he had to stay vigilant about their mental and physical health.

The connection between humans and demons couldn't easily be discerned from the outside; problems always began in the mind first.

"No… no, nothing."

"Do you find it boring to stay here?"

"Yes... just a little bit."

The adolescent yearned for the outside world, no matter how much suffering he had endured, he always longed for the beauty and fascinating aspects of the world; it wasn't right to treat him as a mere tool, keeping him confined here forever, when saving someone, one must also take on the responsibility for their future well-being and any potential troubles they might bring."

Bai E nodded in understanding, acknowledging that speaking truthfully to him was a good sign, "It's okay, once I'm sure there's nothing wrong, I'll let them take you out for a stroll occasionally. But for now... please try to suppress these thoughts."

"I understand, Sir!" the Mouse Person responded quite sensibly.

"...Work hard."

Bai E picked up the mask and climbed up the ladder.

The clothes prepared by the players were pretty nice, albeit a bit sexy...

The black leather jacket was skimpy on fabric, leaving the stomach and part of the chest exposed, showcasing clear lines of sturdy muscles.

He wondered what state of mind they were in when they chose these clothes for him... but unexpectedly, it suited the style of Black Street quite well.

Those living there either wrapped themselves up completely like the Mouse Person, not daring to expose their inner softness, or dressed in bizarre and personal styles to the extreme.

This ostentatious outfit was, to some extent, also a disguise for his usual persona, and it wasn't entirely unacceptable.

As Chavez said, Bai E found the man known as "Black Goat" in Black Street.

He was a black, slim man with sharp eyes, looking to be in his thirties.

When he heard Bai E was referred by Chavez, the black man immediately became all smiles, leading Bai E in the direction away from the hub of Black Street.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Bro, is this your first time here?" Walking in front, Black Goat asked enthusiastically, looking back as he spoke.

"Yeah..." Bai E posed confidently with his arms stretched out, his brazen gaze sweeping around; this was his first time visiting Black Street during the day.

And perhaps because of the clothes he was wearing, his behavior naturally exuded an air of brashness, striking a contrast.

"Got any money on you? The first time you participate in a fight, you need to pay a deposit of 500 Black Water coins, which is essentially betting on your own match."

"500?" Bai E's voice paused, as Chavez had given him exactly 500.

Normally, as a man-made being, he would likely have no funds of his own, so... was this actually his startup capital?

Also mentioned was betting on Blood God...

"Of course, I have it!"

Filled with a surge of emotion, Bai E strode ahead boldly, his tone hearty. Find more to read at empire

"Hurry up, my fists are itching for action!"

...

Following Black Goat, they reached the so-called "Underground Boxing Arena," a solitary grey concrete building stood forlornly upon the barren land, with the surrounding sand swirling, stinging the eyes of onlookers.

Bai E shielded his eyes with one hand, tilting his head to examine the concrete behemoth before him.

"This was supposed to be an apartment building for folks outside the city... The big shots from the inner city were once ambitious, vowing to extend urbanization to every place where human footsteps had trod. Unfortunately, everything that wasn't too heavy to move was cleared out of the building overnight, and they abandoned the idea..."

"..." Bai E was at a loss for words.

Badass!

"But what does that have to do with me?" Bai E's figure surpassed Black Goat's frail body, striding into the building, "You talk too much! I'm here to compete, not to sightsee!"

Watching that grand silhouette enter the building from behind, Black Goat swallowed reflexively, only one thought echoing in his mind—

The fighter Chavez introduced this time... sure has a fiery personality.