Chapter 2｜Brothers in Harmony

In the mornings of the seventies, the forest was still shrouded in mist, the damp air carrying the fresh scent of earth and wild grass. Li Xing carried his hunting rifle, Zhao Yun followed behind with a bow and arrows in hand, while Li Yu gripped a small sniper rifle, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement.

“Xing, do you think today's prey will be tough?” Zhao Yun asked as they walked, a smile playing on his brow.

Li Xing replied softly, “It's not just the prey. The system suggests we conduct cooperative training. Today, you'll join me in trying it.”

Zhao Yun's eyes lit up. “Cooperative training? What does that mean?”

Li Xing crouched down, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Simply put, it means the two of us hunt together, relying on our coordination and the system to enhance each other's abilities. Like combat—you protect me, I cover you.” "

Li Yu blinked beside them, “Brother, can I join too?”

Li Xing glanced at her and nodded slightly, “Of course. Your long-range support is crucial.”

Silence hung in the forest, broken only by occasional bird calls. The trio moved forward slowly, blue light mist flickering faintly around Li Xing and Li Yu. A system prompt appeared in their minds:

“Cooperative Combat Mode Activated: Potential Growth Accelerated, Accuracy +10%, Reaction Speed +10%, Cooperative Experience +15%.”

Not far ahead, a wild hare darted out of the grass with agile movements. Li Xing raised his hunting rifle, blue mist flowing along the barrel. He whispered to Zhao Yun, “You block the path. I'll provide covering fire.”

Zhao Yun nodded, swiftly drawing his bow and nocking an arrow. The hare attempted to flee to the other side, but Zhao Yun's arrow blocked its path with pinpoint accuracy. Li Xing pulled the trigger. The shotgun emitted a low, throaty roar as the bullet struck the hare squarely in the chest.

System notification flashed:

“First Cooperative Hit: Cooperative Experience +20%, Li Xing Strength +10%, Zhao Yun Reaction +10%, Potential Hidden Skill Trigger Chance increased.”

Li Yu crouched slightly further away, her finger lightly on the trigger. A faint blue mist spread, and another small beast in the distance collapsed instantly. The trio's movements were seamless and efficient, their potential for coordinated combat beginning to manifest.

Li Xing glanced at Zhao Yun and smiled faintly. “Not bad. You're quicker than I expected.”

Zhao Yun wiped his sweat and chuckled. “Turns out we can cover for each other. Feels pretty good.”

Another system prompt appeared:

“Advanced Cooperative Combat: Potential Boost +15%, Reaction Speed +10%, Accuracy +10%, Stamina +5%.”

Just then, a deep growl echoed through the woods. A beast larger than the previous one slowly emerged, its eyes glowing red, radiating an intimidating presence.

Li Xing whispered, “Brothers, this time we go all out. Test our potential to break through.”

Zhao Yun clenched his fists. Li Yu steadied his sniper rifle. A blue mist enveloped the trio. Li Xing provided long-range suppression, Zhao Yun handled close-quarters control, and Li Yu delivered precise long-range support. As the beast lunged, their seamless coordination triggered system feedback with each strike:

Strength +10%

Reaction Speed +5%

Teamwork +15%

The beast was finally subdued, restoring silence to the woods. Panting but radiant with excitement and confidence, the trio gazed at each other.

Li Xing gazed at the village bathed in morning light and murmured, “Today, we've all grown. With brothers and sisters together, there's nothing to fear.”

Zhao Yun clenched his fist. “Yeah, our teamwork is tighter now.”

Li Yu smiled. “Brother, I'm stronger too. I can protect everyone now.”

Final System Notification:

“First Collaborative Training Completed: Team Combat +20%, Accuracy +15%, Reaction Speed +10%, Potential Hidden Skills Enhanced.”

Morning mist gradually dispersed through the woods as sunlight bathed the trio. Blue light shimmered around them like a symbol of protection and strength. Future challenges would be fiercer, but in this moment, they were ready.