Chapter 8: 7: Pyrophobia is an illness that needs to be treated.



"Hey."

The boss shook his head with a hint of emotion, "This has almost become a disgrace for Fengtian City. When the supernatural changes first occurred in the world, out of the thousands of cities in the entire federation, 128 were selected to become major cities."

"Each of these 128 major cities has a unique and exclusive city-state effect."

"Take the widely known 'Broken Pot City', for example. This city's fame is quite high within the federation—after all, it has the special profession of 'Person of Leisure'. You don't have to do anything, just lie at home and you can get 6,000 credits a month—who wouldn't love that?"

"Every year, many people head to 'Broken Pot City', planning to stay for three years to meet the prerequisites to activate this profession, then switch to the 'Person of Leisure' occupation and start living a slacker life."

"Among them, there are not a few who bring their parents along and treat the city as a retirement home."

"And the exclusive city-state effect of this city is—"

"'Within this city, any player is immune to damage from other players, and likewise, players within the boundaries of Broken Pot City cannot inflict damage upon other players, including car accidents, stabbing people with knives, or sudden killings.'"

"This also makes the city often stay on the fine line between peace and chaos, not just attracting countless people who long for peace, but also those seeking to escape from being pursued or those who retire from the Jianghu, washing their hands of the old life."

At this point, the boss suddenly looked somewhat wistful and said, "Speaking of which, I also stayed in Broken Pot City for three years, but I didn't switch to the Person of Leisure; instead, I returned to Fengtian City. Over there, life seemed happy on the surface, but living without purpose."

"It's complicated to explain; you'll understand if you have a chance to go there."

"As for Fengtian City's exclusive city-state effect—"

"'The drop rate for Gunman Profession materials, props, Occupation Inheritance Books, and other related items from secret realms or major events in this city is three times higher than for other professions.'"

"Three times the drop rate? That's strong?" Hungry Monkey, standing to the side, was a bit shocked: "No wonder the Gunman Profession used to be so popular in Fengtian City!"

How could it not be popular?

This meant that Gunman players in Fengtian City could get their hands on more profession props or materials than Gunman players in other cities, this advantage isn't just a small step up.

Although he was a local from Fengtian City.

He wasn't really aware of these things. He's just a laborer, an ordinary Lifestyle Occupation. Before meeting Miao, he lived his life in a daze, with no concern for any Supernatural Occupations, let alone what Fengtian's city-state effect was.

He grew up in an orphanage, and unlike in schools, they didn't teach this sort of knowledge.

"It's now incredibly prosperous, all shiny new skyscrapers."

"If only we had known to buy a few condos in advance—would have been rich by now."

The boss's eyes were filled with helplessness and unwillingness. Speaking of this, he sighed several times, "Sometimes I even think about taking a gamble and heading over to Gaobei City."

It's understandable, really.

Work hard all your life, gambling your fate, and the money you earn doesn't even compare to the fortunes others gain without lifting a finger—it really does feel unfair.

"Gaobei City?"

"Yeah, just a few dozen miles west of Fengtian. It's not one of the chosen 128 major cities, lacking a unique and sole city-state effect, but it still has a general city-state effect, which three smaller cities share."

"The city-state effect is quite brutal. All players can offer any organ of their body as a sacrifice in exchange for items, materials, or random Supernatural Props."

"It's been less chaotic in recent years, but back in the chaotic times, some gangs would capture homeless drifters and forcibly take them to Gaobei City for sacrifices. There are fewer cases nowadays, but it still happens. It's still quite a messy place."

Chen Miao nodded thoughtfully.

This was all news to him; he always wondered if a lot of stuff had been deleted from the city library, or perhaps it had an expiration date? Otherwise, he hadn't seen any trace of this information.

Listening to the boss, it seems the drawbacks of the Gunman profession are indeed numerous. A career change would be necessary later on.

But it was all he could find next to the trash can, the Occupation Inheritance Book for the Gunman profession.

None of his buddies had ever seen an Occupation Inheritance Book for the "Martial Artist" thrown in a trash can, that's for sure.

And just then—

The Jade Amulet of Safety he'd been carrying close to his chest suddenly began to heat up. Before he could react, he saw the panel popping up in front of him. Chen Miao stood there, stunned for a long while, then suddenly the corners of his mouth curled up into a smile.

The Gunman profession, it was really a good fit for him.

Fear of firepower is a disease.

One that needs curing.