More Contributions to earn?

Xiao Bai was looking at the evaluation that popped up after completing the mission.
It i ncluded detailed assessment categories such as 'Number of Kills', 'Survival Time', 'Effective Hits', and 'Damage Taken', which were used to calculate a final 'Single-Match Score'. The scores were then ranked based on the time taken to complete the mission.
Naturally, Xiao Bai had maxed out all the categories. He received the highest 'SSS-rank evaluation' and ranked first in this scenario with a time of 14
seconds, earning him a 100-point Contribution reward.
It didn't seem like much, but considering the exchange rate, it wasn't insignificant. After all, this was just a simulation scenario score, essentially a special kind of scholarship.
Still, Xiao Bai couldn't help but grumble:
"Why are they so obsessed with rankings? Did the designer used to work at a mobile game studio?"
He glanced at the scenario rankings again.
The leaderboard was organized by squads, but since Xiao Bai had been randomly matched, the top-ranked team was simply named 'Random Squad'. The second-ranked team, 'Sixth Battalion, Third Squad', was clearly a Defense Force squad that had coordinated their participation, with a time of 48
seconds. Further down the list was the actual historical completion time for this mission—just over an hour—which left Xiao Bai staring in astonishment.
The gap between actual combat and simul ations was immense. The mere condition of the mechs alone put them on different starting lines, let alone the fact that this was from over twenty years ago. To achieve such results with the equipment of that era could only have been done by an elite squad.
"In this age where human brilliance shines across the stars, one must never underestimate the world's heroes," Xiao Bai murmured to himself.
He chose to leave the simulated maintenance bay, noticing four "Friend Request" notifications pop up simultaneously. He declined each one, then shut down the simulation program entirely.
"One session a day to clear my mind is enough. Playing too many low-difficulty scenarios might make me get stuck at that skill level."
He then briefly summarized his experience:
"Ever since installing the Omnidirectional Central Control Cube, both the mech control and combat feel have become much more natural. Unlike before, there's no longer any discomfort when switching to the simulated mech."
"The distinction between 'activated' or 'deactivated' Auto-Combat is irrelevant now. The Auto-Combat function has seamlessly merged with my soul. There's no longer a disconnect between my mind and actions. Today's battle was executed entirely under the guidance of my mind, not my hands acting independently."
"As my processing power increases, my combat experience grows, and I find more databases to update my Auto-Combat module, my combat capabilities will continue to improve."
"So..."
"I, Xiao Bai, haven't been cheating!"
With that, he resumed fiddling with the High-Frequency Saber.
Several hours later, a notification about a Contribution deposit interrupted his thoughts. He logged into the Tavern and discovered he had mysteriously gained 500 Contribution points, all from Virtual Battlefield.
Upon further investigation, he realized that the combat record from his recent simulation had been downloaded over 2,000 times, earning him the extra Contribution reward.
The downloaded combat record contained d etailed footage from multiple perspectives of the simulation, such as an omniscient view of the entire battle, or following a specific mecha to observe its operations, equipment configuration, and even overhearing the voice communications during the fight.
However, it didn't include the specific operation logs or first-person viewpoints.
This was actually more detailed than the records Lao Luo had distributed, though it lacked the analytical summaries and wasn't a real battle.
"I didn't know this feature existed! When a recording's download count reaches 100, 500, 2,000, or 10,000, you get corresponding rewards, with a maximum cumulative total of 1,000 points."
"Why do it this way? Wouldn't it make more sense to reward each download individually?"
Xiao Bai couldn't quite wrap his head around the 'designers' logic, but earning contributions was always a good thing.
But then he started receiving private messages from a flood of people asking how he pulled off that play, how his marksmanship was so precise, what was the deeper meaning behind not using any defense, and if he'd add them as a friend to train them.
A deluge of chaotic comments also appeared under the recording:
"I watched the entire recording, and No. 5's long-range play was simply divine! I was on my knees the whole time."
"That terrif ying marksmanship scared me! At first, I thought it had to be a bug or cheat, but when I checked with the admins, they confirmed it was completely real. Someone actually managed to wield that Precision Rifle—a glorified staff—with such transcendent skill!"
"Did anyone else notice how cool his Chai nsaw Sword work was? He didn't use it often, but every strike was decisive, with perfect angle and timing. His movements were fluid and stylish, as if the sword were an extension of his own hand. Is this the advantage of the motion-sensing control system?"
"Don't be fooled by his gunplay. That level of skill isn't something mos t people can learn. The real value in this footage is his coordinated use of multiple weapons and his strategic positioning during combat. I won't elaborate further—those who understand already know. I've downloaded it to my smartphone to study in detail."
"Exactly! Even with the most basic weapons, he maximize s their effectiveness. His combat strategy is remarkably clear. In such a complex environment, facing Demonic Beasts from all directions, he always maintains a position of advantage, making it look effortless. That level of experience is truly impressive."
"Haha, his four teammates are both pitiful and fortunate. They just tagged along, getting covered in dust the whole time, and ended up with an SSS-rank evaluation for free."
"I love getting covered in dust! Can I get a Big Shot like that to feed me some?"
Beyond the praise, many were speculating about his identity and origins.
"It's impossible to tell where this expert is from. But why is his record 2-28, such a red-hot streak? Was he solo-farming some ultra-high difficulty scenario?"
"It doesn't quite add up. This Simulation Program has only been in public beta for a short time, and the scenarios are still quite basic. Jungle Purge is already considered the second-hardest Tier 1 scenario, yet he cleared it effortlessly. How could even the hardest scenarios possibly stop him?"
"Exactly! Although the Demonic Beasts in this scenario aren't particularly strong, the environment is utterly revolting. It severely hampers our detection equipment, leaving us practically blind. I've heard even the highest difficulty levels aren't this unbearable."
"Stop guessing. Let me explain: Before the public beta, there w as an internal testing version of the Simulation Program that allowed users to freely adjust the strength and quantity of Demonic Beasts. This Big Shot must have participated in those tests, challenging himself and somehow keeping his achievements intact."
Xiao Bai read these comments, feeling a flicker of pride before shaking his head with a smile.
"We still lack experience. We've never witnessed the true prowess of a genuine powerhouse. We should buy more paid combat records from the Tavern to broaden our understanding."

Chapter end