As the timer counted down, Ling Qingyu's breathing slowed down in anticipation. Her sight remained on the threshold of the entry point. She could even sense her own heartbeat drumming through her temple.
The heightened concentration narrowed her peripheral vision. She punched out her arms and pointed the gun at the entrance, waiting for the slightest movement to squeeze the trigger.
The surrounding sight began to blur and the door slammed open, even shaking Ling Qingyu's body in fright. Despite sudden fear, Ling Qingyu managed to pour all the rounds toward the open doorway, when she saw the black shadow appear on her sight.
Ling Qingyu resisted the recoil on her forearm and opened fire, sticking to the training she honed previously this morning.
Even though she tried to aim, none ever hit the target, particularly in the stressful situation. The shadow managed to retreat to the side under her suppression, waiting for her to stop.
After all, she would have to reload later, creating an opportunity for the SWAT team members.
Ling Qingyu decided to retreat while she kept shooting. She had no idea how many opposing forces were on her side. The pressure was high, even if she knew this was a simulation.
She had an ego. She didn't want to lose even if she was aware her skills weren't up to the standard.
Losing to her subordinates miserably would lose her face. She must hold on and not die fast, giving away lunch box as soon as they had contact. (The boxes you have in the game after death! PS: correct me if I made mistakes)
Bang! Bang!
The loud thunderclap ushered across the hall. Despite ear protection, Ling Qingyu sensed the vibration, even reaching inside her chest.
Tang Ziyi and the onlookers were watching Ling Qingyu. They nodded imperceptibly, applauding in their heart, regarding Ling Qingyu's suppressive fire.
Her shots were indeed accurate, pre-firing positions where people would likely peek. Anyone trying to fight back against her without other crucial elements such as a shield, flashbang or other distraction would be a suicide.
However, there was a big problem. Ling Qingyu was alone. Sooner or later, the bullets she had currently at her disposal would be gone and need to be replaced. In the next seconds, as many expected. This part of the hall quietened down.
Click!
In contrast to the prior sheer explosive noise, this staccato mechanical click sounded loud and sudden. Everyone held their breaths—would Ling Qingyu suffer right at the beginning? Even Tang Ziyi's eyes were focused on Ling Qingyu.
Ling Qingyu already knew 33 rounds inside were all spent and quickly flicked away the magazine and inserted another one while not forgetting to lunge backward.
With the previous suppression effect gone, the guards on the opposite side noticed the short pause and instantly pied from the threshold, exploiting the immediate gap. From both sides of the door, two people leaned toward the side and inched rapidly, pointing their guns, trying to gain perspective inside.
"Left still clear, no factor!"
The first engagement between the two parties ushered in the operator's victory. They gained ground while Ling Qingyu was forced to retreat. The advantage tilted toward Ling Qingyu's opponents.
"Dried!"
"Mine!"
When their magazines flushed out all the bullets, they retreated at the back of the formation and switched with the ones who had available bullets. The lead ones maintained a burst of shots.
No matter what, their shooting never ended.
On the receiving end, Ling Qingyu smiled bitterly. Not one minute had passed and she was about to deliver the lunchbox. Damn, Tang Ziyi! Why must she let her work alone? If only she had another accompany.
Wait, Ling Qingyu remembered, apart from the three in the group, there were also robots, which might be a big help for her.
Too bad, their positions were a little further back. Unless, she could successfully retreat out of the hallway, she couldn't make use of their existence.
While she tried hard to concentrate on planning, the shattering debris flashing on the doorway, always managed to break her thoughts. Her head fumed as she simulated the best course of actions. Her brain seemed like melting, as her eyes narrowed.
"Oh! President Ling is dead, so soon." One of the onlookers above murmured.
"Well, she is indeed alone. How can she fight? Even us will have to knee in her situation." Another exclaimed her thought.
"I mean I expect President Ling to bring one or two down."
"You thought too much. How much time does she have for training? How many hours, do those operators have?"
"Too much bullying." One of them shouted, drawing attention from around, thinking whether this one was another Ling Qingyu's diehard fan. Everyone became quiet, worried their words agitated the others. "Why not me in their place? I also want to suppress President Ling!"
Those who heard her voice had their corners of the lips twitched. They almost fell off, out of balance. Well, no one expected everyone to have the same expectations.
Tang Ziyi, who was listening to their commotions had her face darkened. Why the members she trained hard appear like little children, eager to seek their parents' attention, without any seriousness?
It should never be the result of her hand. Tang Ziyi reiterated herself. Glancing at them for a while, Tang Ziyi held tight on the rail.
Ling Qingyu would be too disappointing if she capsized this quickly without a strong fight though her fall was only a matter of time since the simulation's purpose was to test the guards' capabilities. Although Ling Qingyu trained under her guidance for a few hours, she already made a good guess of Ling Qingyu's strength.
Ling Qingyu hadn't shown her real edge yet. With her talents and high IQs, there should be countermeasure soon. Tang Ziyi's eyes glinted as she saw Ling Qingyu beginning to calm down.
While others thought she accepted defeat, Tang Ziyi, who knew her inside-out, anticipated interesting things to follow.