North American Detective: I am Proficient in All Kinds of Gun Quick Draws-Chapter 537 - 313章_1

"What do we do now?"

A group of people looked at the vast ocean and panicked.

The cruise ship was 120 meters long and nearly 20 meters wide, drifting on the sea like a lonely island, yet it couldn't provide any sense of security. They had searched the entire cruise ship. Except for the still-operating electrical equipment, there were no hints, no food, no communication devices, and not even items like knives and forks had been left behind. The control systems in the cockpit were all sealed off with specially made steel plates. Apart from staring blankly, the gamers on the cruise ship couldn't do anything.

Seeing the panicked crowd, Barton's irritation grew, and he shouted, "Shut up!"

Aboard the ship, apart from Barton's small group of mercenaries, Dean, and his companion, everyone else was, in reality, an independent individual. They weren't united at all; furthermore, Barton and his men wielded intimidating force.

Under the scolding, the noisy scene finally calmed down significantly.

Barton took a deep breath and looked at Dean. "Dean, what do you suggest we do in this situation?"

"Wait!"

Dean pointed to the plainly visible surveillance equipment in the corridor and said, "These devices are still operating, which means those people haven't abandoned us. Although I don't know why they left us here, people can't survive long without food and water, so there should be a turning point coming soon."

Not far away, a tall otaku with a bruised face, upon hearing Dean's words, suddenly chimed in, "It's like playing a game. Right now, the plot probably just hasn't triggered yet. But with the cruise ship's monitors still running, it means there's still electricity. Maybe we can try making a radio to call for help, and as for food, let's see if there are any fishing tools..."

They had just been defeated one-versus-seven by Barton's subordinates.

The young man had recognized the reality of their current situation, understanding that here, in this lawless place, might is right. So, as soon as he found an opportunity, he began to showcase his value.

Barton glanced at the tall and thin young man, recognizing he was the leader previously appointed for the third group of gamers.

He smiled, extending his hand. "Sorry for being a bit rough earlier. My name's Barton, what's yours?"

Seeing Barton extend a hand of friendship, the tall and thin young man felt elated.

He hurriedly walked forward, took Barton's hand with both of his, and said humbly, "I'm Kaxiu, an expert at completing many story-driven games. Since those guys have labeled this a 'Battle Royale' game, then surely there will be plot developments that I can help with."

Barton looked at the young man, then at Dean and his companion, and nodded. "Good, you can stand behind me."

Kaxiu's face couldn't contain his smile as he bowed and scurried to stand behind Barton's teammates. He gave an ingratiating smile to everyone who glanced over, fearing he might offend someone.

As for his former companions? Sorry.

Kaxiu flat-out ignored those former teammates who looked at him with disdain or jealousy.

They didn't know each other, to begin with. For Kaxiu, betrayal came without any psychological pressure.

For Barton, taking Kaxiu onto his team was more advantageous than not. There were twenty-one people on the ship. He and his teammates numbered only five. With no food or water currently available, reducing enemies and increasing collaborators was the smart thing to do. It could also, to a certain extent, prevent Dean and his companion from making any secretive moves.

Barton might not have been very smart, but he possessed basic common sense. He accepted Kaxiu's offer after just a moment's consideration.

「..」

Even though Dean and Kaxiu both said that changes might come later, as mercenaries, Barton and his men were not willing to leave their fate in the hands of others.

Next, following Kaxiu's advice, Barton ordered the athletic team and the online gamers to divide into two groups.

One group, led by Barton's teammates, would stay on the cruise ship to look for tools to make fishing equipment.

The other, led personally by Barton and including Dean and others, would search for materials to make a radio.

Barton's teammate, Spider Woman, was a technical expert. As long as she had the tools, she could set up a distress radio to seek a chance of rescue.

If they really couldn't find the tools, they planned to turn to the ship's electronic devices and even the constantly flashing collars around everyone's necks!

With their forces spread out, Dean took the opportunity to pull Cheston En aside into an unremarkable corner and whispered, "Cheston En, from now on, try to minimize idle thoughts and physical exertion."

Cheston En's eyes lit up, and he asked somewhat excitedly, "Boss Dean, do you know something?"

Since boarding the ship, Boss Dean had him lay low, allowing Barton and his men to control the narrative aboard the cruise. But Cheston En knew Boss Dean too well. This was a Smiling Tiger, the type who wouldn't act unless absolutely necessary, but when he did, it was lethal. Definitely not someone easy to deal with. When Boss Dean was being accommodating, it meant he definitely had some mischief brewing!

Facing the excited Cheston En, Dean shrugged. "Have you forgotten what this game is called?"

"Battle Royale!"

Dean nodded. "Right, 'Battle Royale.' So, what do you think our current predicament is for?"

Cheston En lowered his head, considering Dean's recent instructions, and said uncertainly, "To exhaust our remaining strength and keep us on edge?"

"Correct!"

Dean sat cross-legged in the corner, looking up at the camera above him, and said smilingly:

"Just wait.

"I'd guess that within a day or two, nothing will happen."