Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 1297: Sowing Discord

Chapter 1297: Chapter 1297: Sowing Discord

Ouyang Jin got annoyed, "About this artificial beauty, if she truly wants us to slaughter each other, why bother giving us food and water in the first place? What’s the point of all these complications?"

"There’s no fun in that," Gu Fan sighed slightly, "Previously, when we waited in place without food and water, we wouldn’t move forward and were unwilling to step into the traps that were meticulously set up ahead; this would have made it boring for the adversary."

"Now, we find ourselves in a quandary deliberately planned for us by our opponent; the sight of us being unable to find a way out while desperately searching for one – that’s exactly what they want to see." After speaking, Gu Fan clenched his fists, aware of the current situation. Without food and water, it would be tough to endure; having food and water but not enough to share would easily provoke internal conflict.

Time ticked away, and Gu Fan led the remaining people through the labyrinth for a long time, still unable to find the exit, not even encountering those who had separated earlier.

To prevent retracing their steps, Gu Fan made marks as he moved, his current goal was to map out the structure of the labyrinth and figure out a clear direction to move forward.

Everyone started to get anxious and restless. They had no idea how big the labyrinth was; after wandering for such a long time, there was no glimmer of hope, and they had already circled the same paths several times.

Some people occasionally glanced at Lu Yi, which was definitely not a good sign.

Stomachs rumbled with hunger, and everyone started to feel hungry and uncomfortable. The preciousness of food and water made them reluctant to consume any; they were determined to hold out as long as possible.

Some people were very tired from the journey, the fatigue compounded by hunger and mental strain tormented them. If they hadn’t been trained as mercenaries, they would have probably collapsed by now.

However, Gu Fan hadn’t come up with a good solution in this unfamiliar environment without any hints. Right now, he was like a headless fly, crashing around in confusion.

After a long trek, with many marks made along the path, a map began to form in Gu Fan’s mind. This route had been taken, that area had been visited, and there were other paths to try, and so on.

Finally, Lu Yi and Ouyang Jin couldn’t hold on any longer; they sat down on the ground, demanding a rest, unable to take another step.

Gu Fan was also pushing his limits, exhausted beyond belief, and could only agree to let everyone rest in place.

During the rest, everyone took out the remaining food and water to replenish their strength.

With a small piece of bread in hand and only enough water for a couple of sips, everyone felt as if they were at the end of their rope. After this meal, in less than an hour, hunger would strike again – what would they do then?

While some people savored the meager food, they cast menacing glances at Lu Yi, the words of the artificial intelligence Xiaolan echoing in their ears – if they could kill Lu Yi, their path to survival would be assured.

"Damn it, let’s do this!" To mercenaries, work meant risking their lives, not much different from being desperadoes, and they were truly resolute when they got ruthless.

Several people pointed their guns at Lu Yi, "Sorry, but for everyone else to survive, you’ll need to be the sacrifice."

Seeing this unfold, Gu Fan knew that the worrying event had finally occurred. He immediately stepped forward, shielding Lu Yi, ready to take a bullet for his friend, "What are you doing? Do you really believe what that artificial intelligence said? Do you honestly think that by killing Lu Yi, the AI will let you leave?"

The mercenaries scoffed, "But we don’t have a better option, do we? Even you haven’t figured out how to escape this maze, right?"

Gu Fan shook his head, "We do have a better choice – to stick together and fight our way out. But that requires unity and trust."

"Don’t try to fool us. We know we can’t make it out on our own strength, and deep down you know that too," some mercenaries chose to be spectators, but many decided to confront Gu Fan and Lu Yi.

Seeing the situation about to spiral out of control, Gu Fan’s expression darkened, "So ready to sacrifice others just to save your own skin. You’re mercenaries, for heaven’s sake; shouldn’t you understand the concept of teamwork?"

The mercenaries showed a disdainful face, "Save us that spiel; we’re not really a team nor companions. We’re just a temporary coalition, and you mean nothing to me."

Upon hearing this, Gu Fan felt a chill in his heart. He hadn’t expected them to consider him a comrade, but this was too much – after all, they had fought together to get here.

The mercenaries issued a warning, "Gu Fan, I respect you, but please step aside. We’re only after Lu Yi."

"If you want to touch my friend, you’ll have to get through me first," Gu Fan revealed a murderous intent, "If you intend to kill Lu Yi just to survive, let me tell you this – if you dare to make a move, you’ll be dead in an instant."

The murderers challenged by Gu Fan’s piercing gaze and intent hesitated, faced with the prospect of their own demise.

At that critical moment, Irina and the members of the Hunter’s Guild sided with Gu Fan, all drawing their guns and aiming at the mercenaries.

Irina spoke up, "So you want internal strife, huh? Well, we’re ready to see this through to the bitter end."

Seeing the do-or-die stance of the Hunter’s Guild, the mercenaries grew nervous. Just as Gu Fan had predicted, the more they wanted to get at Lu Yi, the more they wanted to survive, which also meant they feared death even more.

A clash was very likely to ensue, and since the leading troublemakers were afraid of dying, they naturally didn’t want conflict to escalate, so they backed down.

"Fine, we won’t touch Lu Yi, but I’m giving you, Gu Fan, one day. After that, I believe we’ll all be at our limit. At that time, Gu Fan, you should think of the bigger picture." The mercenaries indicated that they hadn’t given up the idea of killing Lu Yi in exchange for a way out.

But Lu Yi stepped up boldly, "If it really comes down to that, I’ll end it myself. I’ll secure a path for you all, but do you honestly believe that damn AI would be so generous?"

Gu Fan nodded, "Exactly, you’ve also heard what the AI said – she will never allow anyone to leave alive because the secrets here are too astonishing, and she won’t permit anyone who knows them to escape."

Hearing this, the mercenaries felt as if cold water had been dumped on them, chilling them from head to toe.

The mercenaries realized that their desire to live had been manipulated against Gu Fan and Lu Yi and guessed that their likely fate was to be trapped here forever. But what other choice did they have other than to take a gamble?