“...So, is this what you bought with that money?”
“A snake-shaped bracelet. Isn’t it cool? I couldn’t come empty-handed, so I bought it as a gift.”
“Eh… thank you. I’ll use it well.”

Laurentina, who had returned to the quiet house after scurrying around and even making some money, stepped inside. At the same time, a rather expensive-looking gift box was pressed into her hands. There was no need to check the contents; a picture on the packaging made it clear that it was a snake-shaped bracelet. The thin chain made of pure gold and the impressive snake head at the end were striking.

As she began to talk about money, she quickly switched the conversation to expressions of gratitude. After all, it was more polite to think about how this bracelet would be worn for a long time rather than discussing how much other things could be bought with that money.

“I thought it would be an accessory like a suppressor or optical gear.”
“…Our youngest. As if that could be possible.”
“I’m joking. But you’re really giving it away naturally.”
“I’ve done it several times before.”

There was no need to ask what hidden depths lay behind that statement. The carrier that had seemingly been sent in advance was already neatly placed in one corner of the house, and Laurentina let out a deep breath as she flopped onto the sofa. The house was quiet. The three of them had returned to their homes for their respective reasons. Logan had also stayed home for quite a while but eventually departed.

After about 30 minutes of light conversation, she threw out the main subject.
“How are things going in Seattle?”
“Tacoma is still in a back-and-forth struggle, but the Lewis-McCode Joint Base has finally fallen into our hands. Two division-sized engineering units are continuing north via Portland.”
“A proper forward base should appear soon.”

As she said that, a dark zone version of Seattle began to float in the air.

The red and blue colors formed a taut balance, but if arranged chronologically, it became clear that the blue areas were eating away at the red from below.

Wondering where to start speaking, Laurentina eventually shook her head and added,
“I should probably receive a simple SITREP report, including the world the youngest visited.”
“Hmm, how should I put it? It’s a bit ambiguous to say it’s a back-and-forth struggle. We have the advantage, and there are quite a few users who have split off as separate units. It’s more of an all-around offensive… if that makes sense.”
“Such as?”
“We’re touching the eastern defense line, which stretches up to 80 km, and there are occasional rear infiltration missions to prevent missile launches… Nowadays, there’s discussion about completely disrupting retreat routes to prevent any retreat to Vancouver or reinforcements.”
“The allied forces must be in a panic right now.”

Indeed.

In fact, rather than a panic, it was closer to a funeral. While the numbers were somewhat similar, it was curious to think about how they would feel knowing that the immortal legion was approaching to throw them into the waters of Seattle. If I were the commander, I would have surrendered long ago.

However, they had long since fallen into the swamp of sunk costs. Logically, they should have realized that after launching an amphibious invasion thousands of kilometers away from home, surrounded on all sides and pushed back to their main base, they had already become something starting with the letter “D” or “F.”

Of course, if they had known this properly, they would have surrendered long ago. If so, the recovery of America would have already been completed. It would be best to abandon the happy thought of negotiating for a stronghold after a satisfying strike.

“Since dozens are surrendering daily on the front lines, no matter how long it takes, I think it’ll end within two months. The same goes for Vancouver… The Canadian forces are beginning to stir, so even if it takes a while, it should be over in at most six months.”
“That’s right.”

And the follow-up question.
“What happens after that?”
“What happens? It’s time for an exciting collection.”
“Collection, that’s true.”

The time was approaching to present hefty bills to Russia and China.

Russia had completely wiped out about 20% of the federal military forces in the eastern United States—due to the naval battle with the US Navy’s First and Third Fleets held beforehand, the Russian-Chinese naval coalition was in a state of near-death—and China had also suffered immense losses in combat in the western United States.

If they lost all the forces concentrated in Seattle and Vancouver, their choices would be nearly gone. Specifically, they might have to use something similar to the National Shock Troops that were once operated by the old players.

Of course, this would likely only be a discussion when the US military launched a serious invasion of another country. Would there even be urban warfare then? It seemed more likely they would deploy strategic drones to wipe out buildings or use laser hydrogen bombs. Since they had already launched their nuclear weapons, they had enough justification.

However,
“...It would take quite a long time to digest all that.”

Currently, the US population was around 50 million.

Considering that the last time she remembered, the US population was about 350 million, it could be said that merely one out of seven survived. The virus had wiped out half like Thanos, and the subsequent invasion of the US had brought the country to the brink of destruction.

It wasn’t for nothing that the opinions in the parallel world had literally ignited. If territorial recovery were to end, there was a high probability that Russia and China would disappear into the annals of history.

Moreover, unlike the allied forces, who would be unable to retreat if pushed back to the sea, if the US were to attack Russia and China, there would be plenty of buffer zones. Europe, Alaska, or even Korea and Japan could serve as buffers.

And—
“Even if it takes years for the US to recover half of its original economic scale, it wouldn’t matter much. The Pacific Fleet has already bent the knees of both countries.”
“Hoho.”

The Xingsha Dam had been destroyed, and lightning had inevitably struck the major industrial zones of Russia and China.

After the large jamming base in Hawaii was neutralized, the information shared that San Diego and Seattle had been hit by nuclear bombs was enough to gradually melt the minds of the US fleet stationed in Yokosuka.

Thus, the silos opened, and the glimmering surface visible from satellites appeared. Mushroom clouds began to rise throughout East Asia.

Without anyone knowing, the Third World War was already racing toward its end rather than just starting.

She continued speaking quietly.
“Anyway, there’s a message Logan left behind… he says if you have nothing to do after getting home, help us retake Seattle.”
“Trying to catch someone who just got back from shooting? Damn it.”
“Haha.”

While adding that, she put on the bracelet.

The feeling of it jingling on her wrist was strange, but gifts were always welcome. A present from a superior and teammate was even more so.

“It suits you well.”
“Of course. Who bought it for me?”

After saying that, she turned her body. Honestly, she felt good. A smile slipped onto her lips as she turned, but seeing Laurentina giggling behind her made her feel like she already knew everything.

Now, what remained to be done was clear. She added to the shark.
“Please greet the viewers after a long time.”
“That’s a request that’s not too difficult.”

Of course, they had to eat first.
Retaking Seattle could wait until after lunch.

Now, it really wasn’t long until it would happen.

“Will it really have an effect?”
“We have nothing to lose. Let’s see if there are friends who accept it.”

Mission request.
Retake the oil refinery.
High-risk area, numerous enemy weapons not confirmed. Recruitment of immortals.
From Dagger Team.

Recruitment began.

“New parts, fashion elements, interior… Wow, is this heaven?”
“Heaven is heaven. But if you want to enjoy that heaven, you’ll have to go fight some monsters, teacher.”
“Ugh…!”

The Seattle offensive is officially underway.

Newbies are newbies, while seasoned veterans who have experienced nearly all the content in Dark Zone long ago are enjoying the flood of different content and rewards. However, as they enter the VR era, users must ponder even more unique rewards placed before them.

“Wow, the new avatar that just came out is so cute… No, why is that linked to the Seattle offensive reward?”
“A limited-edition weapon decal? But it can be applied elsewhere? This is maddening.”

Simply put, it was an avatar part that could be used anywhere in virtual reality, but it could only be obtained by participating earnestly in the Dark Zone Seattle offensive.

Weapon patterns, but these could be acquired through contribution points secured via various paths during participation in the Seattle offensive.

Naturally, for users, the fact that it was a limited edition that ‘couldn’t be bought with money’ and the knowledge that specific conditions had to be cleared to obtain it triggered enthusiastic participation.

This was especially reinforced by the craftsmanship of Icarus International, which combined ideas from world-class designers with user needs.

As VR Seattle plunged into delightful chaos, an otherwise unnoticeable recruitment for a minor mission was suddenly thrown into the midst of the uproar by unseen hands.

“What? A new mission was added… this is insane.”
“What is it, why?”
“Hey, keep it down. Just take a look at this.”

A mission that couldn’t be seen before.

Originally, what would have been written on paper was enhanced by the power of VR to be much more visible, and they soon realized it was an extreme difficulty, yet immensely rewarding top-tier content commissioned by NPCs.

If a specific building or area was secured or if a certain number of enemies were surrendered—unlike the usual contribution points automatically received through specific methods—it was said that you had to go directly to the NPC to receive the mission, something that hadn’t been seen since the early days of fantasy VR games.

However, as the chosen few reached the briefing room to check the mission, they realized what true superhuman players were.

‘These NPCs… why is their average reputation score four times higher than the users’?’.

In other words, one here was stronger than the average user—top 20%—rolling around the streets of Seattle.

Someone swallowed hard as they gathered personal information. Tactical planning ability, combat skill, endurance in battle, average operational duration, number of missions completed, and awards received—this was all data revealing a person’s skill index, known as the ‘hexagon,’ and it was all beyond the charts.

It wasn’t just a full hexagon, it was stamped as ‘unmeasurable.’

Of course, even thinking that was a luxury.

Then the briefing began.
“Welcome to the briefing room of Task Force Dagger Team. Currently, our team is planning to sabotage the most heavily guarded oil facility while blocking the enemy’s retreat route from Tacoma. You will be evaluated on whether your skills can match the team from this point forward.”

And at the same time, subordinate missions floated before their eyes.
If the first test is passed, Dagger Points: 10; if the second test is passed: 15… After finishing the third test, one would earn points and the title of ‘One Who Passed the Dagger Team’s Test,’ and afterward, there would naturally be the title of ‘One Who Cleared the Dagger Team’s Sub-Missions,’ and upon clearing, there would be clear-related titles as well.

Of course, since it was the very beginning of the mission, what captivated the eyes of those who had made it this far was the request for a gunsmith through points to adjust weapon options—just receiving the adjustments would reduce recoil by half, permanently increase the chance of critical hits, and improve visibility. In other words, there were only advantages.

Thus, ten users headed to the mock combat room next to the briefing room—

• [Alert: You have been eliminated.]

“...What?”
“Didn’t we just get wiped out in under 30 seconds?”
“Exactly. We were supposed to break through here, reach a specific target, retrieve intel, and hold off the incoming enemies… and that counts as passing the first test?”
“This is… hey, doing this without using your brain means you can’t clear it. How many times can we do this? Twenty? Let’s rush in and gather some intel.”

Of course, that was impossible.

The first test, which tested the capabilities of both squad members and squad leaders beyond their limits, was not something that could be cleared in just twenty tries, and they ultimately had to promise to return the next day, having barely solved half of the first mission. So, the next day came, and then the next day, and the day after… the number of people visiting the test chamber increased.

A week later, they finally cleared the first test, and the second test began.
“This time, three holograms containing Dagger Team’s combat data will be deployed. Our team will not be involved in tactical command; it will be purely based on improvisation.”

And they experienced just how cruelly the ones with an average reputation score over four times higher than the users could play.

“Wow, what are these guys? If there are players like this, they’d smash every pro gamer’s skull in reality!”
“This is definitely Yujin. That Biyam has definitely given them data. Or else, they’d be naked avatars here.”
“Stop talking nonsense, please.”

Of course, among them were special users, and the two individuals who didn’t even need to mention their names—Biyam’s first and second disciples—managed to barely clear the second and third tests in four days.

However, those two had no intention of participating in the main hidden quest.

The reason was simple:
“...So, you were waiting for us?”
“Yes!”
“Wow, I thought I was going to die clearing the third Dagger mission. I thought my friend and I couldn’t do it, so I called a few more from the ugly crew, and we barely pushed through in four days.”
“If Yujin-sensei faces the Dagger Team, she’ll have quite the struggle, too.”

Said Dais, looking up at Yujin and Laurentina, but somehow their expressions were genuinely bizarre.

The two of them burst into awkward laughter, and the first to speak was Laurentina, whose voice was oddly soothing but somehow intimidating.
“...Of course, of course. She’ll have quite the trouble.”
“Haha. But that, what should I say. Among the Dagger Team… there are two operators with about 15 times the reputation score of other users, and I don’t think they’ll come out, so how about you two figure out how to get through?”

Of course, Yujin chuckled quietly at that statement. That high-reputation individual… no, the shark was right beside her.

If they had participated in the tests, there might not have been anyone to clear this game until it reached the end of its service. Yujin and Laurentina, folding that thought nicely, spoke up.
“Alright. Let’s go give it a try. Get ready.”
“Yes!”

Task Force Dagger was launched to defeat them, with Task Force Yujin emerging.
It was spring.