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Jhon's journey along the highway continued, a thin line of unbroken asphalt cutting through the vast green hills. The golden light of late afternoon was beginning to slant, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple. Fresh air wafted through the bus windows, bringing with it the earthy scent of vegetation.
He was searching for new badges. He knew they were the key to upgrading his shuttle and ensuring its survival. His Predatory Sense was on high alert, scanning for any anomalies in the environment that might indicate the presence of a supply crate.
As Jhon drove, he thought about his new Multi-Function Pot and Survival Knife Set. He imagined rice and monster meat cooking on the makeshift stove he'd set up inside the bus, the smell of hot food filling the room. The knives, sharp and versatile, would be useful for both food preparation and, if necessary, more intimate combat. He was ready for whatever came his way.
His attention was diverted by an icon on the HUD: a private message notification. Jhon accessed it.
"John," Loli announced in her mind, her tone excited. "You've received a private message! It's from a player!"
Jhon accessed the message. The HUD screen filled with a username: "LuaSerena." The font was delicate, almost calligraphic, a contrast to the brutality of the surroundings.
The message read: "Hi, Jhon! I saw your offer on the Auction. I have a large metal pot with a lid, brand new. I'm interested in your car parts. Are you still looking? My pot is in the trade system. You can access it through the Store or Auction. I don't trust men to negotiate, so please, only if you're a woman, reply to me to confirm the transaction. I'm waiting!"
Jhon read the message. A woman. She had already placed the pot in the barter system. Jhon understood now. The barter system, created by "God," was infallible and fraud-proof. There was no need for physical encounters, no unnecessary risks. Gender identity was still a factor, but the transaction would be digital. Jhon considered the possibility of starting his "harem," a fun thought, but one he quickly dismissed to focus on the task at hand.
"Loli, how do I confirm the transaction for her?" Jhon thought.
"It's simple, Jhon! Just think about your answer and I'll send it to 'LuaSerena'. Once you confirm, she'll need to approve the transaction in her system. Once approved by both sides, the system automatically transfers the items. It's completely safe and fraud-proof, as 'God' himself guaranteed!" Loli explained, her voice carrying a tone of finality.
Jhon formulated the answer in his mind. He needed to be direct, but also maintain the pretense of his female identity.
"Hello, LuaSerena. I'm Jhon. Yes, I'm still looking for the pot and confirming the transaction. My gender identity is female, you can trust me. I appreciate your honesty and efficiency. Waiting for your approval in the system," Jhon thought. He sent the message; the lie was just another tool in his survival arsenal.
He immediately accessed the Auction tab on his HUD. He searched for "LuaSerena's" listing. There it was: Large Metal Pot with Lid (Rare), with the option to "Buy It Now" using 10 Car Parts (Armor). He clicked "Buy It Now." A "Waiting for Seller Approval" notification appeared.
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The unbreakable road continued, now with the expectation of a completed transaction. As the bus advanced through the world's landscapes, Jhon focused on his search for badges. He knew they could be found in supply crates or obtained from creatures. He also kept his eyes peeled for other utensils, any useful bladed weapons, anything that might increase his chances of survival on this madcap journey. The golden light of late afternoon faded, giving way to the bluish and grayish hues of dusk.
Suddenly, Jhon's Predatory Sense went off. It wasn't an alarm of imminent danger, but a subtle vibration, a sign of something unusual nearby. The HUD radar flashed, indicating the presence of a Supply Crate a few meters from the road, half-hidden among thick bushes. The crate, a metallic cube with a faint glow, appeared to have been abandoned there. The dark, flawless asphalt of the road remained unchanged.
Jhon slowed the bus, bringing it to a gentle stop at the side of the road. The engine fell silent, leaving only the whisper of wind through the trees and the distant calls of some nocturnal creatures. The atmosphere was calm, and the road remained untouched.
He stepped off the bus, the Enhanced Desert Eagle in his hands. Though the box looked ordinary, caution was a lesson learned in this world. He approached, his steps light, scanning his surroundings. The only sound was the rustling of leaves beneath his feet.
"John! It's a Supply Box!" Loli announced, her voice in her usual voice. "Let's see what's inside!"
Jhon opened the box. The top dematerialized in a brief cloud of green light. Inside, a few items were neatly stacked. He picked them up.
Small Creature Hide x 3: Small pieces of rough skin, possibly from some crawling creature.
Dehydrated Meat x 2: Compact packets of dried meat, a quick source of energy.
Pistol Ammo (Varied Caliber) x 5: More rounds for your Desert Eagle.
"Hmm, basic supplies. Useful," John thought. While not a badge, each item had its value. He could multiply or upgrade these items later if needed.
As he put away the items, a new notification appeared on his HUD.
"Jhon, the transaction with 'LuaSerena' has been confirmed! You've received the Large Metal Pot with Lid (Rare) in your inventory! And 10 Car Parts (Armor) have been deducted!" Loli informed, her voice excited.
Jhon checked his inventory. There was the pot, gleaming with a "Rare" status. A good utensil for cooking on the bus. He also noticed that his Car Parts (Armor) had gone from 1150 to 1140. The transaction had been perfect, as God's system had guaranteed. The female identity charade had paid off to secure the deal.
He returned to the bus. The night was beginning to deepen, and the search for badges would be a goal for the next day. For now, he had a new pot and was ready to prepare a meal with the meat he already had.