Chapter Forty-Four: Captain Steve

In the game, the caliber, range, and other attributes of firearms are modeled after real-world weapons, but to help players distinguish the quality of their equipment, several key attributes are standardized: power, rate of fire, accuracy, and reliability, each capped at 100.

Power refers to the destructive force the gun delivers upon firing a bullet; rate of fire is the speed at which bullets are discharged; accuracy denotes the weapon’s precision; and reliability determines how prone the firearm is to malfunction.

The standard version of the Mauser pistol without its holster, being a handgun, has a power rating of only 40—only heavy machine guns can reach a power of 100. The Mauser pistol that can be used as a submachine gun boasts a good rate of fire, but that's the 1932 version. The one in Chen Hao’s hands is the 1896 edition, which loads from the top of the receiver and can only fire single shots, so its rate of fire is set at 60 in the system.

Since the 1896 Mauser can only fire single shots and lacks automatic capabilities, there’s no issue with muzzle climb, and its standard accuracy rating of 60 is quite reasonable.

Reliability isn’t a major concern for individual players, but for those commanding armies, it becomes crucial. Some guns break down frequently and are unsuitable as standard issue rifles for a player’s troops.

In the game "War," ordinary firearms usually have reliability below 60, but the standard Mauser’s reliability at 90 is exceptionally high. German-made weapons are renowned for their reliability; Chen Hao’s favorite is the Mauser. If he establishes a base, his ideal standard rifle would be the Mauser 1898.

However, it’s difficult to acquire firearms in the Huaxia region; with luck, a player might get a few Mauser 1898s to play with, but making it the standard issue rifle is unrealistic.

After fiddling with the Mauser for a while, Chen Hao handed it back to Lin Xiaofeng, saying, “It’s an excellent gun. I’ve fulfilled this commission, but I still need to find Second Lieutenant Podolsky for my next task.”

Lin Xiaofeng replied heartily, “We happen to be free right now. If you need help with your quest, just say the word.”

Chen Hao shook his head, “My quest isn’t a group mission—it must be completed independently, but thank you for your kindness, Brother Lin.”

Lin Xiaofeng waved his hand, “Helping each other is what we should do. Honestly, I used to think I was pretty good at games, but after seeing your skills, I realize what a real expert looks like. I’ve become a frog at the bottom of a well.”

Chen Hao was sweating inwardly; he hadn’t expected his presence to dampen Lin Xiaofeng’s confidence. In truth, much of his prowess in combat came down to luck. Still, he intended to recruit Lin Xiaofeng’s squad for leveling, so he wouldn’t expose his fake expert persona. Instead, he smiled modestly, “You flatter me, Brother Lin—I was just lucky.”

The more modest Chen Hao was, the more convinced Lin Xiaofeng and his companions became that he was a master in disguise. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Xiaofeng said, “After level 10, it gets harder and harder to level up. Now that I’m a second lieutenant, my squad limit is six. Would you be interested in teaming up for leveling?”

Hearing Chen Hao mention he was a second lieutenant, Lin Xiaofeng exclaimed, “Could it be you’ve already reached level 10?”

Although the system announced it server-wide, Lin Xiaofeng hadn’t paid attention to who first reached level 10, thinking the top two players were far out of his league. Seeing their surprised expressions, Chen Hao pointed to the pale, almost supernatural figure, “This is my brother—White Demon. We’re both level 10 players.”

Lin Xiaofeng suddenly understood, “No wonder you’re so formidable. You’re the top two on the game’s level rankings.”

Liu Zixuan, who hadn’t spoken for a while, glanced at Chen Hao and White Demon, but said nothing. She was straightforward by nature and disliked people who acted superior without cause. Now, seeing they were indeed the highest-level players, she realized their confidence in completing tasks was well-founded, not mere posturing.

Even knowing how strong Chen Hao and White Demon were, Lin Xiaofeng didn’t immediately agree to form a team. He apologized, “I personally would like to team up, but I need to check with the others first…”

“I’m in.” To everyone’s surprise, Liu Zixuan was the first to agree.

Lin Xiaofeng’s hesitation was due to concern that Liu Zixuan might be impulsive, but since she agreed, the matter was basically settled. As he expected, both Yudie and Chen Feng readily agreed, and Chen Hao’s post-level 10 leveling squad was officially formed.

With the team settled, Chen Hao approached Second Lieutenant Podolsky. “Lieutenant, I’ve heard the German Army is the best in the world. I’m curious about your garrison camp. Could you take me inside for a look?”

Podolsky was a bit troubled, “My friend, you saved my life, and I shouldn’t refuse your request. However, entering the camp requires Captain Steve’s permission. I must consult him first.”

Chen Hao smiled, “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

Podolsky entered the camp and found Captain Steve. After hearing the report, Captain Steve’s face took on a contemptuous expression. “Those sick men of East Asia know about military matters? Lieutenant, since they acknowledge that our army is the best in the world, I’ll make an exception and let them come in for a look.”

Podolsky frowned but saluted and left the barracks. At the gate, he smiled, “My friend, Captain Steve has asked me to welcome you on his behalf. Follow me inside!”

Chen Hao was about to enter the camp when Liu Zixuan stepped forward, “Lieutenant, can the rest of us go in together?”

Podolsky nodded, “Of course. Captain Steve placed no limit on the number of visitors.”

Chen Hao thought Liu Zixuan might be suspicious again and frowned, “This task isn’t easier with more people. You should return to Penglai County first; I’ll join you there shortly.”

Liu Zixuan stubbornly shook her head, “Captain, we’re a team now. Even if we can’t help directly, at least we can cheer you on.”

Chen Hao realized then that Liu Zixuan was quite straightforward; she cared about those she considered her own, and mocked those she didn’t. Although this task required single combat with an NPC and extra people wouldn’t help, their sincerity made it hard to refuse, so he smiled, “Then let’s all go in together.”

The six of them arrived at the training ground, where an officer was directing soldiers in formation drills. The German troops were well-trained, their steps perfectly synchronized. As Chen Hao and his companions approached, the officer strode over, “Have you seen the might of the German army, sick men of East Asia?”

This officer was Captain Steve himself. After Podolsky left, Steve had immediately called the troops together to show off the splendor of the German Empire. He had always looked down on people from Huaxia; letting Chen Hao and his group enter the camp was merely an excuse to sneer at them.

(P.S. The 1896 Mauser pistol should load 10 rounds—there was a mistake in the previous chapter, which has now been corrected. Today is the weekend; another chapter will be posted after midnight to compete for the new book rankings. If you’re online, please vote to support me!)