Chapter 5: Chainsaw and Knife

In an era where smart appliances are ubiquitous and new energy is abundant, Luo Di rarely hears the sound of fuel-burning engines.

This fuel-powered chainsaw from a bygone era reminded him of his favorite movie.

Before he knew it, he had arrived in front of the display counter.

“Young man, are you interested in chainsaws? You look quite sturdy; would you like to give it a try?” The shopkeeper, with a physique of muscle wrapped in fat, naturally wouldn’t miss a sales opportunity, especially since few people buy chainsaws these days.

“I’m just looking.”

The shop was mostly filled with vintage gas-powered chainsaws, but there were also a few new models equipped with high-performance batteries, which were superior to traditional gas chainsaws in terms of charging method, portability, and operating power.

Luo Di’s fingertips slid between the hinged teeth, and he carefully sniffed the scent of gasoline wafting from the engine compartment, as if he had returned to the most classic hunting scene in the movies.

But reason quickly took the upper hand, causing his gaze to fall on the price tag.

Vintage gas chainsaws were priced around 2600-3000 rubles, which converted to over two hundred units of his country’s currency, while the price of the new electric chainsaws was at least three times higher.

At this moment, a delicate face leaned in, staring at the chainsaws alongside Luo Di.

“You like this kind of thing? That’s fine too. Our field practice is tentatively scheduled for a forest area, so this might be very useful. Maybe we can use it to saw wood for a fire. Buy this one~ This one looks good.”

The class monitor pointed to a silver-plated portable chainsaw with a price tag of 25000 rubles.

This price was obviously too high for Luo Di, and he waved his hand to refuse.

But the class monitor had already carried the silver-plated chainsaw to the counter. “The place we’re going to doesn’t have a gasoline supply. If the gas runs out, those cheap things will be useless. Plus, they’re bulky and not convenient to carry. Don’t worry about the money. As long as we pass the practice, its value will far exceed the cost of these items. Even if I let my dad choose, he would definitely pick the most expensive and best one for you. This is called a smart investment, get it?”

During the two years of high school, other than classroom interactions, Luo Di had absolutely no extra contact with the class monitor. This sudden enthusiasm made him feel quite uncomfortable.

However, he didn’t refuse. The silver-plated chainsaw selected by the class monitor was indeed very attractive; it was a brand-new product with a retractable function.

Just by pressing the button on the side, the protruding “saw blade” could be folded and retracted, making it look like a compact silver briefcase. It had a moderate weight and was easier to handle than a gas-powered chainsaw filled with fuel, while also having higher power.

Although Luo Di really wanted to recreate the authentic movie scene, considering the specific nature of the practice, it was better to play it safe.

“Thank you.”

When Luo Di took the chainsaw, he noticed a very famous company logo engraved on the surface of the body.

Luke Electronics (the word ‘Lok’ wrapped in an arc-shaped halo) specialized in the manufacturing of modern intelligent power equipment, so the quality was guaranteed.

Just as Luo Di was feeling the texture of the brand-new chainsaw through touch, the class monitor had already gone to the knife shop more than ten meters away.

“Luo Di~ Why don’t you pick out a knife too? After all, a chainsaw is a bit exaggerated; I’ve never seen anyone use that for self-defense. Besides, my tutor once taught me something: relying too much on electrical energy isn’t a good thing. Only tools directly powered by our own biological energy are the most reliable.”

“Okay.”

Luo Di didn’t mind; after all, the class monitor was paying.

He eventually chose a machete that suited his style, almost identical to the one in the movie “Friday the 13th.” The moment he gripped the solid wood handle, his arm instinctively raised and slashed towards an empty area.

Swish!

The movement was almost exactly the same as in the movie.

The sound produced by the blade cutting through the air was very heavy.

This scene was seen by the other members, and the blonde Anna became even more interested in this boy, whispering to herself: “If I have the chance, I must arm-wrestle this guy.”

The class monitor raised her arm to signal everyone to gather around her. “We’ve basically bought everything. Now, let’s head to the Institute to verify the details of this practice, and then conduct a simple physical examination and sign the papers.”

“Thanks, my Wu Wen!”

Anna gave the class monitor a bear hug that felt like it was about to crush her. Gao Yuxuan nodded politely to express his thanks. Luo Di had already thanked her when buying the chainsaw, so he didn’t say much else.

The vehicle carrying the four high school students drove to the municipal Institute. Any institution at the municipal level or above has the Qualification to arrange “social practice” for students.

The class monitor had already arranged everything, and the relevant procedures were completed easily.

However, regarding the specific rules and details, the Institute side deliberately kept them a secret, saying they would explain them in detail during the car ride to the practice area tomorrow.

“Everyone remember to sleep early tonight. We have to gather at the Institute entrance at 06:30 tomorrow to depart. Wishing our simulation practice all the best!”

“Yeah.”

After saying goodbye to everyone, Luo Di chose to take the bus, which he considered the most cost-effective option. But before he could even walk to the bus stop, a pure white sports car had already stopped beside him.

The window rolled down, and the class monitor lowered her sunglasses while quickly waving at him.

“Hurry up and come over~ If I stay here any longer, I’ll get photographed and have points deducted!”

Luo Di first walked towards the back seat of the car, but it was already piled full of various things, so he was forced to sit in the passenger seat.

“Class monitor, you can drive?”

“You can get a learner’s permit at sixteen, and I passed with full marks. Just rest assured. Where do you live? I’ll take you home.”

“No. 13 – Resettlement Community.”

The class monitor immediately switched to an upright sitting posture, gripping the steering wheel tightly with both hands and mimicking an AI-like voice.

“Received! Precision navigation is now on, and a veteran driver with twenty years of experience will serve you throughout the journey.”

As she stepped on the accelerator, the class monitor also specifically glanced at the passenger seat, unexpectedly catching a faint smile flashing across Luo Di’s face.

“Tsk~ It seems you do know how to smile. You’ve been stiff-faced all day, and Gao Yuxuan is the same as you. It’s really boring.”

“No.”

“By the way, Luo Di~ When we went to the Institute for the physical exam today, your physical condition met the standard but it wasn’t healthy; you’re lacking quite a few trace elements.”

The class monitor switched to driving with one hand, while the other skillfully opened the center console compartment and took out a bottle of vitamins.

“I haven’t opened this yet; you take it. Don’t be polite with me. As long as we can pass this brand-new practice, I’ll cover all your school expenses from now on.”

“Fine.”

Luo Di wasn’t polite either. He had a strong obsession with his physical body, and such supplements that were helpful to the body were very necessary.

“Class monitor, you don’t seem to have bought anything today.”

“You mean self-defense tools? I prepared mine long ago. You’ll find out when the time comes.”

“Oh.”

Luo Di didn’t say anything more, turning instead to look at the city streetscape flashing rapidly outside the window.

The class monitor glanced at him again, wanting to say something, but swallowed the words back. The ride was silent.

The car stopped at the entrance of the Resettlement Community, and the class monitor poked her head out to carefully observe this old-fashioned building complex built with state funding, looking very curious.

“Which building do you live in?”

Luo Di, carrying the bags he had purchased today, pointed straight ahead. “The one furthest inside.”

“Can I come to your place to hang out sometime in the future? Like during winter or summer break?”

“Better not.”

The class monitor keenly noticed that while discussing this topic, a look of displeasure quickly flashed across Luo Di’s face, and his eyes looked a bit strange, so she hurriedly cut off the topic.

“Alright then~ See you tomorrow!”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”