Chapter 182: Chapter 182 Accident (Requesting Full Subscription)
[Congratulations, you have completed an impossible battle. Reward: one golden key.]
[Although you are the 47th player to join the game, as the first player to complete the hidden condition, you are rewarded with: one revolver.
Additional Hint 1 for the Hidden Quest: The power of your revolver is immense, far greater than you can imagine.
Additional Hint 2 for the Hidden Quest: Knowledge is power, my friend.]
After displaying the rewards, the light screen also provided Bai Yuetong with directions to the game center.
The revolver is very powerful? Does that mean this revolver has an additional effect? Could it be the kind that fires a missile? But a missile should still be within the realm of my imagination! As for knowledge being power... does that even need to be said? Isn’t that stating the obvious!
At this moment, Bai Yuetong’s gaze gradually focused on the light screen before her.
As one of the Alliance’s top mechanics and a master of high-end weapon manufacturing, she was one of the people closest to understanding intelligent machinery.
She could naturally discern the technological level of the light screen before her.
In terms of resolution and information transmission alone, the light screen had already far surpassed all the Alliance’s current audiovisual projection equipment.
It wasn’t just a matter of surpassing; it was at a level the Alliance likely wouldn’t reach for many years to come.
Then there were the two items transmitted as data: the golden key and the revolver!
The formation process of these two items wasn’t concealed; they were genuinely formed by data streams.
This process undoubtedly had a significant psychological impact on Bai Yuetong.
Complete datafication affecting reality... I’m afraid only Noah is capable of such a feat, right?
Bai Yuetong wasn’t familiar with other Exotic Species, but she had conducted profound research into Noah’s abilities.
As the representative of the Smart Technology Crisis, the first mechanical Exotic Species to gain sentience, Noah’s power and the trauma it inflicted upon humanity were undoubtedly the most outrageous of all calamities.
To say nothing of other consequences, after the Smart Technology Crisis, humanity was forced to abandon the smart technology development path.
It was akin to severing one’s own arm, a decision over which countless scientists wept.
It couldn’t be helped. After Noah’s appearance, even manufacturing a smartphone risked it transforming into an Exotic Species right before your eyes.
Can you imagine playing games like ’Honor of Kings’ or ’PUBG,’ only for the on-screen characters to retaliate with actual missiles? That was the reality.
Humanity simply couldn’t accept such outcomes and had no choice but to implement a blanket ban on smart devices.
That was the devastation wrought by Noah.
If it’s Noah, is this the prelude to the Black Tide? Which Black Tide War would this be? Forget it, I scored a 13 in History, better not dwell on this. Luckily, I should be pretty good at playing games! So much time has passed. Lu Luo and the others must have reached the game center by now. I need to hurry and find them.
Bai Yuetong picked up the golden key and revolver from the door, pushed it open, and headed straight for the game center.
「...」
"Sister Yuetong is so amazing!"
Qiao Xiao Mi watched Bai Yuetong on the screen with some excitement.
Everyone was safe, and that was what made Qiao Xiao Mi happiest.
"Xiao Mi, how are the snacks here? Are they good?"
"Uh, they’re okay," Qiao Xiao Mi quickly put down the snacks in her hand, saying a bit sheepishly.
The snacks were actually really good; at least, she had never seen these things in the Fourth Ring. For example, this Wei Long spicy strip? Or these pickled pepper chicken feet? And pork floss cakes? Although this Zhou Ke’er was definitely a bad person, the things he brought were actually quite decent!
"As long as you enjoy them, that’s all that matters. Since they’ve all completed their initial tasks, it’s time for me to leave. My mission here is crucial! If I fail, my superiors won’t let me off easily!"
Seeing Zhou Ke’er seemed about to leave her alone, Qiao Xiao Mi was a bit agitated, yet also curious.
"You’re leaving? What are you going to do?"
Zhou Ke’er put on clown gloves and painted his face with greasepaint right in front of Qiao Xiao Mi.
"I’m going to raise the game’s difficulty for them and, incidentally, attract more players. Xiao Mi, you be good now, okay? Running around is very dangerous."
"Okay, I understand."
Qiao Xiao Mi waited for Zhou Ke’er to leave, naturally having no objections.
After Zhou Ke’er had left, Qiao Xiao Mi didn’t rush. She waited a moment, and once she confirmed Zhou Ke’er had truly left, she began searching the room for a possible escape route.
However, what she didn’t expect was that she could see the gameplay of players like Lu Luo on the screens.
After Zhou Ke’er left, other players in the game center could also see Qiao Xiao Mi on the large screen there.
「...」
Lu Luo and Gu Fangyi followed the signs to the visitor center.
"Lu Luo! Qiao Xiao Mi."
"I see her."
On the large screen in the middle of the visitor center, Qiao Xiao Mi, clutching a bag of spicy strips, was relentlessly searching the room.
Qiao Xiao Mi herself seemed utterly oblivious to this surveillance, meticulously combing every inch of the room.
First, she tried the door. Finding it locked, she then attempted to open the window.
Then, she searched for ventilation ducts and sewer access, and even smashed a television screen.
However, from the game center’s perspective, the television screen in front of Qiao Xiao Mi was blank.
In other words, they could see each other through their respective screens but couldn’t see what was displayed on the other’s screen, much like a one-way mirror.
The footage showed Qiao Xiao Mi searching for a while before seeming somewhat disheartened. She simply picked up a pack of potato chips, sat down on the sofa, and began to eat while lost in thought.
Seeing Qiao Xiao Mi’s current situation, Lu Luo breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Qiao Xiao Mi was Qiao Xing’s precious charge. If I were to lose her, wouldn’t Qiao Xing want my head?
"She seems to be okay for now. Trapped, but trying to find a way out."
After confirming Qiao Xiao Mi was alright, Lu Luo began to observe his surroundings.
A few people were already scattered around the game center; presumably, they were all players who had joined the game.
What surprised Lu Luo was that the few people he had encountered outside the Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals surveillance room were also here!
People from the Inner Ring visiting a Southern Ring amusement park for fun? They certainly have a lot of free time!
Due to land area constraints, the Inner Ring couldn’t build massive entertainment facilities like those in the Outer Ring.
This was one of the few areas where Outer Ring facilities were superior to those in the Inner Ring.
But the pleasures of the Inner Ring’s inhabitants... were likely beyond the imagination of anyone from the Outer Ring!
Lu Luo noticed the trio opposite him, and they, in turn, noticed Lu Luo.
As their eyes met, an imposing aura emanated from the tall man leading the trio.
[Human male. Strength: Fourth Tier. Energy: Extremely Strong. Specific Abilities: Unknown.
Attributes: Strength 30, Constitution 30, Agility 35]
He’s quite strong! But why is he staring at me like that? Does he want to pick a fight and rob me? This guy is strong, but I’d have to fight him to know his true capabilities.
Beside him, Gu Wanyun and Jin Chen were somewhat surprised. How could Lu Luo remain so calm under this man’s pressure?
Expression unchanging, Lu Luo walked towards the trio.
The two groups passed each other without conflict, and Lu Luo finally arrived before the game center’s large screen.
Below the large screen, several lines of text in small print declared who had created this amusement park.
[This amusement park game is specially provided by the Dream Monarch - Nightmare Demon.
The game content is enjoyable, and the rewards are generous. Please give it your all.]
"Lu Luo? Why is the Nightmare Demon here again... and inside the Wall? Is he specifically targeting you?"
Under normal circumstances, Gu Fangyi wouldn’t say so much.
Speaking this much at once was enough to show his concern for Lu Luo.
"I don’t think so."
Lu Luo shook his head. Although the large screen claimed the game was provided by the Nightmare Demon, he knew better.
The Nightmare Demon might be powerful and enjoy games, but Noah must also be involved in this. Two Eighth Order Exotic Species wouldn’t be this bored. They must have some other objective.
As Lu Luo was pondering, the voices of Qi Xinzhu and Zhou Kai came from behind him.
"We meet again, Priest Qi."
The speaker was Gu Wanyun. Her voice was still gentle; as a professional singer, she certainly possessed the talent.
"Move aside."
Qi Xinzhu’s expression was frosty. She was in a foul mood and naturally unwilling to waste words on Gu Wanyun.
"Oh? Getting flustered, are we? HEHEHE."
Seeing Qi Xinzhu being blocked, Zhou Kai quickly shouted to Lu Luo, "Lu Luo, we’re over here!"
[What is the Host waiting for? Get in there! Qi Xinzhu is being bullied! Go defend her!]
Seeing Qi Xinzhu being bullied, Lu Luo naturally couldn’t just stand by idly.
"Coming, coming! Well, if it isn’t the famous idol, Miss Gu Wanyun! What an honor. I recall Miss Gu Wanyun has a song, ’Alliance Warriors.’ It’s sung so incredibly—I’ve no idea how you hit those notes. I still remember, when I was a kid taking a dump, my silly neighbor Shaqiang ran out of toilet paper. After hearing your song, he just stood right up without wiping. When we asked why he didn’t wipe, he said that after listening to your song, he felt there was no hurdle in life he couldn’t overcome. No need to wipe! At that moment, Shaqiang was practically glowing; he’d never been so confident. Seriously!"
[Well done!]
Zhou Kai and Qi Xinzhu were somewhat shocked! Just how many ways did Lu Luo insult Gu Wanyun with that little speech?
Gu Wanyun’s face had turned green!
Lu Luo hadn’t just implied she was old and a terrible singer; he’d also sarcastically likened her song to toilet paper.
This was unbearable! She was about to explode.
Just then, Bai Yuetong’s slightly surprised voice emerged.
"You guys? What are you doing here?"
Her gaze shifted uncertainly among the seven people, but Lu Luo was sure of one thing: Bai Yuetong wasn’t looking at *their* group.
Interrupted by Bai Yuetong, Gu Wanyun subconsciously stepped back, apparently losing the will to argue with Lu Luo and simply backing down.
"Yuetong!"
Seeing Bai Yuetong, Jin Chen immediately showed his sycophantic side, while Bai Yuetong was characteristically blunt.
"Idiot, get lost."
"Bai Yuetong, over here!"
Although Qi Xinzhu and Bai Yuetong usually didn’t see eye to eye, they were still companions. Qi Xinzhu was quite happy to have found her.
But before she could call out to Dumb Hair, the tall man from the opposing trio, who had been silent until now, stepped forward.
He directly grabbed Bai Yuetong’s arm.
"You shouldn’t be messing around here; it’s too dangerous. Come with me, I’ll take you back."
"Are you insane, Luo Shan? What right do you have to control me?"
The tall man’s name was Luo Shan, son of Luo Xuemin, one of the thirteen Council Members.
"Hey, she already said she doesn’t want to go with you. You’d better let go now."
At some point, Lu Luo’s hand had already clamped onto Luo Shan’s wrist.
Their silent contest of strength was known only to them.
Luo Shan was slightly astonished by Lu Luo’s strength.
Even without using energy, Lu Luo’s physical strength was terrifyingly immense; his grip on Luo Shan’s wrist was agonizingly tight!
"Lu Luo. From the Fourth Ring, grew up in an orphanage, recently founded a company named Circle Studio for Transcendents. I’m generally aware of your affairs. I just don’t have the time for you right now. I suggest you don’t go looking for trouble."
Although Luo Shan said this, he had already released Bai Yuetong’s hand.
He couldn’t help it; Lu Luo’s grip was too strong, he simply couldn’t withstand it.
"Now, what you’re saying, I just don’t understand. What do you mean, ’looking for trouble’? Bai Yuetong is a key technical expert in our company and one of our founding shareholders. It’s only right that I help her. Who do you think you are, acting so high and mighty? Your arrogance stinks worse than my athlete’s foot!"
Seeing Luo Shan let go, Lu Luo’s eyebrows shot up.
It couldn’t be helped; every time Lu Luo achieved a breakthrough, he would feel invincible. In truth, this was a deceptive sense of invincibility. Young people always need a few harsh lessons from society to mature.
"Her shares? I can relinquish all of them on her behalf. As for technical matters, her abilities shouldn’t be wasted in a place like your... studio. As for who I am, my name is Luo Shan, Bai Yuetong’s older brother. As her brother, it’s my responsibility to take her back."
Lu Luo was stunned!
Seriously? Your surname is Luo, hers is Bai. How can you be her brother?
[Bai Yuetong had once vaguely mentioned that her father was Council Member Luo Xuemin.]
Huh? This...
Lu Luo shifted his gaze to Bai Yuetong, his eyes full of questions.
"Is he really your brother?"
Bai Yuetong looked a bit awkward. Lowering her head, she then peeked at Lu Luo before nodding.
"Well, sort of, maybe, probably! Not entirely, though. We’re half-siblings, same father."
Lu Luo felt a bit awkward now. Council Members... he was indeed a little wary of them, as they stood at the apex of the Alliance’s power structure. Was the son of a Council Member basically a crown prince? Bai Yuetong, I thought we were buddies, are you trying to set me up?
"Alright then. An upright official can’t resolve family disputes. You two siblings talk first."
Seeing Lu Luo act as if he wanted no part of this, Bai Yuetong grew anxious.
"Wait, Lu Luo! I’m not going back with him."
"Your dad’s a Council Member, he’s a Council Member’s son! My humble operation can’t afford to offend someone of his stature!"
Bai Yuetong grabbed Lu Luo’s hand.
"Lu Luo, have you forgotten your speech at East Ring University? You said that young people should strive for themselves, expand the boundaries of their lives, cherish every opportunity, and seize every possibility. While I’m young, I’m determined to forge my own path! You said all that!"
[Little White has swallowed all your inspirational nonsense hook, line, and sinker! This is on you!]
"Come on, that was all just inspirational fluff! Did you actually buy into it?"
Seeing Lu Luo’s apparent indifference, Bai Yuetong lowered her head, a wronged expression on her face, and said, "If I go, the jet-powered omni-directional mobility gear goes with me. That means no one will be making money for you."
Hearing this, Lu Luo suddenly straightened up and pulled Bai Yuetong behind him.
A Council Member’s son? Big deal! Anyone who gets in the way of my fortune can go to hell!
"Bai Yuetong is now a member of our Circle Studio. Her safety is now the full responsibility of our Circle Studio. Besides, on our home turf in the Fourth Ring, Circle Studio still carries some weight."
Hiding behind Lu Luo, Bai Yuetong peeked out, thinking to herself, That Lu Luo... he’s so incredibly pragmatic! Money talks far louder than emotions with him...
Luo Shan looked at Bai Yuetong, then back at Lu Luo.
Now that they were trapped in this amusement park, and Lu Luo was clearly very strong, provoking a conflict wasn’t wise. It was better to take a step back.
Luo Shan nodded, seemingly abandoning his plan to take Bai Yuetong away.
"I’m only backing down because she doesn’t want to go with me, not because of you. Understand, Lu Luo? You all should focus on figuring out how to leave this place. I’ve checked it out; it doesn’t seem simple."
Lu Luo shrugged and spread his hands.
"You don’t need to concern yourself with that. I’ll get my people out safely."