With a creak, the car door shut, and Qin Ming snuck out, making sure no one noticed him before hastily slipping away.
After all, he had no choice but to flee. He had stabbed that poor guy over twenty times, and blood had sprayed everywhere like a fountain. There was no way he could make it look like a natural death now.
Better to leave before anyone realized he was the culprit—otherwise, he might end up beaten to death by those guys outside.
Rushing through two alleys and distancing himself from the crime scene, Qin Ming quickly pulled out a small green key from his pocket.
This was the loot he had obtained from the unfortunate bandaged man—a green-quality box key.
With this key, he could open a green-quality chest and randomly obtain loot of either green or lower quality.
As Qin Ming had guessed, that bandaged man was indeed a mid-level boss, classified as an elite enemy.
Because of this, despite the risks along the way, Qin Ming had accidentally completed the main task, avoiding the threat of mission failure and being killed by the system.
The Nightmare Space is a terrifying and mysterious realm, and no one knows how it came to be. All that's known is that it periodically selects random "lucky" individuals, forcing them into its world to complete tasks, with no way to refuse.
Those sent to perform these tasks are called Adventurers, and the worlds where they execute these missions are based on popular arcade games and old video games.
How difficult are the tasks? Qin Ming's current mission paints a clear picture.
As a newly chosen rookie, he had to face brutal battles with his own teammates right from the start, and also find ways to kill five enemies, enduring both physical and mental trials. The difficulty was sky-high.
Fortunately, the Nightmare Space wasn't entirely heartless. For one, it didn't throw you straight into a mission after selecting you—it gave you a month to prepare.
That's how Qin Ming knew the name Vise-Teschion and understood his role.
He had done his homework, researching most of the popular arcade games in advance.
Moreover, as a rookie, he received a stat boost in his first mission world. For instance, all of Qin Ming's stats were currently doubled, giving him the edge he needed to survive these life-and-death encounters and some room for error.
[Identity: Adventurer 441985]
[Talent: Junk King – You possess the ability to turn junk into treasure. You can use one item to enhance another of the same quality and type.]
[Strength: 4+4] (Standard adult strength is 5)
[Equipment: Green-quality key]
[Special Status: Newcomer Protection – All stats doubled]
[Description: Welcome to the infinite space, newbie.]
His base stats weren't impressive, his skill column was empty, and his personal talent was still unclear in terms of its actual use.
This was all Qin Ming had.
Finding a quiet corner, he sat down and, after confirming no one was around, quickly pulled out the green key he had just obtained and used it.
With a flash of light, three items appeared in his hands.
Seeing the three items, Qin Ming's heart sank.
It was simple: when you're chosen by the Nightmare Space, you naturally come to understand its basic rules.
With a green-quality key, there's a chance of getting an item of the same level or something one grade lower.
If you get an item of the same level, you'll only receive one.
If it's a lower-level item, you'll receive several.
So, when opening a chest, more loot doesn't necessarily mean better—it can actually mean worse.
Looking at the three items in his hands, Qin Ming sighed, already used to his bad luck.
He quickly inspected the items, and his eyebrows twitched slightly.
[Equipment Requirement: None]
[Description: Short, but cute!]
[Category: White Consumable]
[Effect: Restores 10% of your health when used. Usable during combat. Cooldown: 1 minute.]
[Description: I'll fill you with milk!]
Two consumable healing croissants and a simple, ordinary dagger—this was Qin Ming's entire haul.
He wasn't satisfied as he looked at the three items. Just as he was about to eat a croissant to heal his wounds, he paused.
Because as soon as he touched the croissant, the unique talent that every adventurer unlocks after entering the Nightmare Space suddenly activated.
Looking curiously at his talent, then at the croissant in his hand, Qin Ming hesitated for a second before placing the other croissant on top of the first.
In the next moment, to his astonishment, the two identical croissants fused into a single, brand-new... well, croissant!
[Name: Deluxe Croissant]
[Category: Green Consumable]
[Effect: Restores 20% of your health when used. Usable during combat. Cooldown: 1 minute.]
[Description: A luxurious croissant filled with milk!]
Staring at the now upgraded croissant, Qin Ming was in shock.
After quickly regaining his composure, he eagerly tried fusing the croissant with the dagger, but unfortunately, nothing happened.
Disappointed, he sighed and stuffed the croissant into his mouth.
As a warm sensation spread through his body, the wound on his waist began to heal rapidly, and his body was restored to its original state.
Standing up and stretching, a wide grin spread across Qin Ming's face.
He wasn't just happy about his recovery—he was thrilled by his talent. It seemed pretty useful.
Fusion and upgrading! Two items of the same quality and type could be merged into an upgraded version!
This effect was amazing! If he could get his hands on a decent weapon, he could create a super weapon!
Twirling the dagger in his hand, Qin Ming's spirits soared as he quickly headed toward the end of the alley.
He planned to see if he could find another weapon. After all, with the elite enemy dead, his main task was already complete.
Free of burdens! He now had time to explore the full potential of his talent!
After searching the area, he soon came across a gun store. But after glancing at the dagger in his hand, he immediately gave up the idea of robbing the place.
Trying to rob a gun store with a knife? That's just asking to die!
If he ran into some quick-drawing American gunslinger, he might not even know how he got shot.
So, he quickly tidied up his hair, cleaned off all the bloodstains, and wiped his face with his jacket.
Once finished, he even stopped by a store across the street to buy a cheap but fancy-looking wallet.
Satisfied with his preparations, Qin Ming swaggered into the gun store, immediately catching the attention of the staff.
Eyeing the array of guns on the wall, Qin Ming raised an eyebrow and calmly walked over.
"I'd like to buy a gun."
As he spoke, he pulled out his bulging wallet, casually pulling out a $20 bill and handing it to the staff.
"Here, this is your tip. Get me the best one you've got."
The staff, who had initially noticed his somewhat disheveled appearance and was about to ask questions, immediately smiled, quickly accepting the money with a nod.
"Of course, sir. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
"Good, make sure of it!"
Relieved that he had successfully bluffed his way through, Qin Ming quickly tucked the wallet back into his jacket.
After all, he had to act fast. When they entered this rookie mission world, the Nightmare Space had only given each newcomer $50 as starting funds.
Although he hadn't spent anything earlier due to the gas explosion caused by that crazy girl, he was still running out of money.
The wallet had cost $10, and the tip was $20, leaving him with only $20 left in his pocket.
What kind of gun could he buy with $20? He probably couldn't even afford bullets! If he didn't hide the wallet quickly, his bluff would be exposed.
What? How did the wallet look so full if he didn't have much money?
Well, nobody said wallets had to be filled with cash. Just stuff some paper in there, and it'll look nice and fat!