Chapter 2 - 2

Hearing Fu Luo's words, Lin Yu and Li Nian both showed expressions of admiration.

"That's quite a unique hobby you have."

Lin Yu remarked with emotion.

Li Nian went straight to issuing an invitation: "Interested in joining our 'Free Alliance'?"

Seeing their reactions, Fu Luo looked somewhat displeased.

"Hey, what do you mean by that? I'm a 'Detective'... Isn't this approach perfectly normal?!"

But no matter how strange this quirk might be, Fu Luo's previous unintentional actions had indeed been helpful now.

After recalling for just a moment, he put on his Straw Hat and raised his head again.

"Well, although I don't know the meaning behind that director's actions, I'm quite certain he was the one who killed his wife and daughter... uh, to be precise, his mistress and illegitimate daughter."

"The evidence is at the crime scene. This Mr. Pang Kedo is suspected because explosive fragments from his field equipment were found at the scene, right? At the time, it was said to be an out-of-control equipment from a field operative... hmm, it should have been Mr. Pang Kedo's."

"But just from the corpses in the case files, I could see a detail that those people missed... Judging from the charred remains, the mother's posture was protecting her child."

"Out-of-control equipment instantly blasted through the wall from outside and destroyed the entire room in an explosion. Was she some kind of Sleepless City superhero to be able to protect her child in an instant?"

"Therefore, the explosion or fire that actually killed them must have given this mother some reaction time—she foresaw the explosion and tried to protect her child."

"And there wasn't enough time for her to escape with her child."

"And from Director Kid's statement, he suspected it was revenge or an assassination attempt targeting him—because he had just left the apartment shortly before the incident."

"According to the records in the case files, there were remnants of his briefcase at the scene... At this point, I have reason to suspect that he planted some kind of timed bomb in his own apartment."

"Subsequently, whether he discovered there happened to be field operatives nearby or had investigated missions in advance, in any case, he used some kind of privilege or method to tamper with Pang Kedo's weapon and frame him... disguising everything as an accident caused by Pang Kedo."

Furbollo flicked his Straw Hat.

"The above is my deduction."

After he finished speaking, Pang Kedo looked confused: "I can't remember any of this at all... Is that how it happened?"

"I don't remember the case files clearly either, but I think he might be right."

Baron Coleman said in a low voice.

"My deductions cannot be wrong," Fu Luo said seriously, "I suspect this case wasn't thoroughly investigated simply because the perpetrator was a director—no one dared to investigate while he was in power, and when things went wrong, he directly fell from grace and even committed suicide at home, so others probably couldn't be bothered to investigate further."

"Especially since the wrongly accused person ended up directly on this Despair Train."

"Otherwise, such a simple trick couldn't have gone unnoticed... Truth Corporation, after all, is a company built on technical and intellectual talent—they shouldn't all be a bunch of incompetent good-for-nothings and idiots who couldn't see any clues."

As Fu Luo spoke with absolute certainty, Lin Yu cleared his throat lightly.

"I don't know about others, but the Baron here definitely investigated thoroughly... He just said he was responsible for rescuing Pang Kedo."

Hearing this, Fu Luo glanced at Baron Coleman, who sighed helplessly.

"I'm just a researcher, I might not really be good at deducing these things." ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ novel[f]ire.net

Fu Luo immediately trembled with fear—whether Baron Coleman was good at deduction or not was one thing, but this guy had just called in a bunch of robots to deal with those field operatives.

He was definitely good at killing people.

But fortunately, Fu Luo had other skills besides deduction.

"You're too modest, Baron... Someone like you is research talent, innovative, driving social progress. What I do with solving cases is just picking apart details, it's all like brain teasers, just clever tricks that can't compare to your great wisdom... Moreover, you've reached a supervisory position, which shows you're also leadership talent—that's even more remarkable, far superior to a 'Detective' like me who still needs parental support and can't tell one grain from another."

Fu Luo said with a serious expression.

But Baron Coleman didn't seem to care much.

He seemed to have even forgotten the matter of Pang Kedo being the "real culprit" earlier as he looked at his old friend.

"Well, it seems you were framed too—I really shouldn't have doubted you. No matter how far you've fallen, you wouldn't target a ten-year-old girl—your weapon was indeed stolen."

Pang Kedo also seemed shocked, though belatedly.

"Ten years old?!"

"How damnable... In other words, that Director Kid killed his own daughter who was only ten years old!"

As he spoke, he even seemed somewhat angry.

"Truly scum. Suicide was too easy for him."

Fu Luo waved his hand dismissively, while Li Nian spat: "Definitely scum... Cheating and then cruelly killing his own daughter."

Lin Yu didn't offer any opinion though. Instead, he spoke up to bring the topic back to the dungeon itself: "Now Furbollo has completed two-thirds of his mission, with only the final case remaining... But we don't even seem to know what this last case is about."

"It's fine, we don't have to do it."

Fu Luo was quite open-minded about it. After finishing his deduction, he transformed from the confident 'Detective' back into that timid guy.

Looking at the armed personnel around them who were still in their dazed, wandering state, he whispered: "We could just stop now..."

"These people were too easy, which makes me feel that the President must have some backup plan... He's the President of Truth Corporation, after all—he shouldn't handle things so sloppily."

Baron Coleman agreed with Fu Luo's assessment: "Yes, Paris's methods definitely wouldn't be this simple... But precisely because of that, I recommend you don't retreat now."

"Otherwise, if some attack happens to occur just when your dedicated vehicle arrives for evacuation, that would be really troublesome."

Lin Yu nodded: "I also agree with eliminating all potential hidden dangers."

Before Pang Kedo and Li Nian could voice their opinions...

A voice came from the end of Carriage Two.

"No need for you all to struggle with this decision—you'll all die here anyway."

At the far end of the carriage, a figure appeared.

Dressed in the same armed uniform as the eleven people around them—but the style seemed more advanced.

Somewhat similar to what Pang Kedo was wearing, but even more sophisticated.

On his chest was a prominent δ symbol.

"The current leader of the Delta Team," Baron Coleman narrowed his eyes, "You came to lead the team personally... President Paris must trust you quite a lot, not afraid of losing his trusted aide here too?"

From beneath the Delta Team Leader's face mask came a chilling voice.

"Of course."

"Because I have sufficient strength to kill all of you."

Facing the Delta Team Leader's threat, Fu Luo wasn't afraid at first.

He was just a team leader!

They, however, had a former Delta Team leader here, plus an A-ranked supervisor and two powerful players.

Judging by eliminating like terms…

No matter how you sliced it, the advantage was on our side!

"This guy's got quite the mouth. Take him down!"

After sizing things up, Fu Luo said excitedly.

But after he voiced his support…

From the serious reactions of the others, Fu Luo realized the situation might not be so simple.

And then…

The moment the Delta Team Leader on the other side made his move, Fu Luo's worries were confirmed.

This guy moved insanely fast!

Whoosh—

He dashed like a black afterimage toward Pang Kedo, who stood at the front.

Pang Kedo reached up to block, but at the instant of contact, he was sent flying backward as if hit by a dump truck.

Bang!

Pang Kedo smashed to the ground hard. Although he scrambled up immediately…

There was no doubt he had been thoroughly outclassed in that first exchange!

Shock and disbelief spread across Pang Kedo's face.

Fu Luo looked at Pang Kedo and asked puzzledly, "Weren't you also some former Delta Team leader? Why the huge gap?"

"I don't know!" Pang Kedo answered helplessly.

He didn't even understand how he had become a Delta Team leader!

Luckily, Baron Coleman standing nearby knew what was going on.

"This Delta Team Leader isn't just a regular Security Department C-rank privilege… I think Paris transferred him up from the Great Wasteland Special Operations Unit!"

"He should have been stationed long-term in the deepest parts of the Great Wasteland."

When Baron Coleman said that, Fu Luo jumped: "Great Wasteland Special Operations Unit?!"

"Where did that come from? Hurry and explain!"

Lin Yu urged.

After Pang Kedo fell, the other side politely didn't follow up, but it was clear…

this guy's next target seemed to be Lin Yu.

The "Great Wasteland Special Operations Unit" sounded famous enough that even Li Nian had heard of it.

"I won't go into details… just think of it like those military backgrounds they give macho characters in Hollywood—Navy SEALs, Delta Force—something along those lines," Fu Luo quickly said. "Yes, that unit is Truth Corporation's strongest armed force!"

Once everyone seemed to grasp the situation, the Delta Team Leader finally spoke.

"Good, it seems you all have some insight, recognizing my background at first glance…"

He murmured, and the next moment he was already in front of Lin Yu, clenching his fist and swinging at him. Follow current novᴇls on novęlfire.net

"Then I'll start with the one who knows the least about value—you!"

Pow!

With a heavy thud, Lin Yu stood in place…

motionless.

Surprise crossed the Delta Team Leader's face.

"What?"

Lin Yu watched him calmly.

"A bit stronger than expected… but still, nothing special."

He said it casually…

but Lin Yu was actually in agonizing pain!

Judging from the impact, Lin Yu estimated this hit was even more brutal than Yu Longguo's earlier blow.

If calculated like a Soldier, this guy's physical stats might be ten to fifteen times that of an ordinary person!

A punch like that to an average person would be instantly fatal!

Lin Yu could withstand the punch that Pang Kedo couldn't block…

entirely thanks to the Ancient Notebook!

Although Lin Yu had discovered a new use for the Ancient Notebook today, he hadn't forgotten its original intended purpose.

This thing had to be an excellent piece of armor!

So Lin Yu had tucked it against his lower abdomen.

Though the transmitted force still hurt, it was within tolerable limits.

More importantly, the Delta Team Leader wasn't just cocky—he was skilled at unarmed combat and hadn't used a weapon!

So his bare-fisted blow landed on the Ancient Notebook.

Even a tough man like him couldn't help but have his hand tremble and feel the recoil pain.

"What trick is that of yours?"

He asked instinctively.

But the Delta Team Leader had no idea…

Not engaging Lin Yu in conversation might have been easier to deal with.

If Lin Yu, as a Fraudster, were given a chance to speak…

Lin Yu lowered his voice: "Just like you—it's simply a sufficiently powerful physique… although it's temporary."

"I'm a Veterinarian; of course I must have methods to subdue beasts."

Saying that, Lin Yu opened his hand and tossed out an empty-looking bottle.

Clatter!

The bottle hit the ground, shattering into crystal-like fragments.

The Delta Team Leader furrowed his brow, surprised: "Did you take some forbidden potion?"

"Of course," Lin Yu said calmly, "though you might not recognize it. It's called a Physical Enhancement Potion… plain name, but very effective."

Fu Luo recognized the bottle and exclaimed, surprised: "Ah, I know this—it's the kind the Player Mutual Aid Association sells!"

He sounded thrilled: "Amazing. This thing grants comprehensive physical enhancement. For an ordinary person, it can boost physique by about sevenfold!"

Li Nian raised an eyebrow: "Decisive—using such a precious potion outright."

Hearing Fu Luo's explanation, Lin Yu secretly breathed easier.

If this guy could recognize it, he didn't have to explain the potion's effects himself.

The bottle's appearance had been constructed by a Counterfeit.

Because the Miserly Wealthy One had already activated his effect earlier, the Counterfeit hadn't entered cooldown after use…

Lin Yu didn't know whether it was Chen Zhuo's lucky buff or pure chance.

Even this time, the Counterfeit once again didn't enter cooldown.

Of course, Lin Yu wouldn't need the Counterfeit again in the short term.

The bottle's look was exactly the support item Lin Yu had seen Radish Grandpa use in the Mad Banquet Beyond Heaven dungeon!

Although Radish Grandpa's frontline combat ability was lacking, the old man's resources were indeed abundant!

Potions he produced could even affect creatures and competitions at that level.

They were certainly not common-grade.

Lin Yu had originally thought that without Chen Zhuo present, obtaining enough belief to make this real would require extra effort…

But now, the collective "belief" from everyone present had already granted Lin Yu the power to make it happen!

He felt as if he had truly ingested the Physical Enhancement Potion, gaining bodily strength even surpassing what a typical Soldier buff would provide.

Although it was time-limited and still fell short of the man's raw power…

at this moment, there was no doubt Lin Yu had a fighting chance against him!

That's why he had gone to such lengths to take that risky approach and absorb the earlier punch.

Everything was so that…

the ruse which could grant him "combat power" here would come true!

After Lin Yu obtained combat power sufficient to directly confront the Delta Team Leader, this elite among elites of Truth Corporation, Paris's trusted confidant, no longer dared to underestimate Lin Yu.

Especially when Lin Yu lit the [Fear Torch] and sensed its dense aura of fear, the Delta Team Leader grew even more solemn.

"To think even this object has fallen into your hands!"

He no longer held back and began using a weapon—perhaps due to his different background, the Delta Team Leader's weapon wasn't the previous short rod.

Instead, it was a dagger with a blade that shimmered with red light.

He and Lin Yu instantly clashed in combat.

Yet even with enhanced physical attributes...

Lin Yu still found himself at a disadvantage from the very beginning.

After all, there remained a gap in their physical capabilities, and furthermore...

In terms of combat skills, Lin Yu was completely outmatched.

A veteran combatant tempered through life-and-death struggles naturally held near-overwhelming superiority over a university student like Lin Yu.

All of Lin Yu's understanding of fighting techniques consisted merely of flashy martial arts moves he'd self-taught during his spare time!

That he could barely hold on without being instantly taken down was entirely thanks to the significant advantage provided by the [Fear Torch].

For some reason, the current Delta Team Leader seemed to harbor even deeper apprehension toward the [Fear Torch] than previous team members!

He wasn't even willing to let that pale flame come within half a step of his body—whenever Lin Yu swung the torch toward him, this Delta Team Leader's first reaction was always to dodge away!

Relying on this, although the Delta Team Leader suppressed Lin Yu, he couldn't immediately incapacitate him either!

This gave Pang Kedo, who had been forced back earlier, a chance to catch his breath.

Soon, the recovered Pang Kedo joined the battle!

He grabbed his short rod and attacked the Delta Team Leader from the side, forming a pincer attack with Lin Yu!

With Lin Yu drawing the main firepower, plus their heightened vigilance against the opponent's superhuman physical capabilities, the situation quickly reached a stalemate.

Moreover, with someone holding the frontline, Li Nian also began sneakily attempting to pickpocket some items from the Delta Team Leader...

The battle even reached a deadlock!

Fu Luo grew optimistic again: "Good, good, good, kill him!"

"Wasn't this bastard acting all arrogant?!"

But Baron Coleman, who hadn't made a move yet, looked increasingly grave. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on N0velFire.ɴet

"Something's wrong... earlier he deliberately let his team members attack first while hiding in the shadows, and now that we're at a stalemate he shows no urgency at all..."

Baron Coleman frowned deeply: "I'm afraid he's waiting for something!"

"Waiting for what? Could there be another expert?"

Fu Luo asked in confusion.

As they conversed.

The Delta Team Leader suddenly spoke up during the fight, picking up their thread of conversation.

"I am indeed waiting for reinforcements, but..."

"Those reinforcing me aren't individuals."

As he spoke, a burst of chaotic sounds resembling "cheering" and "laughter" erupted from his body, causing Lin Yu and Pang Kedo to freeze momentarily.

Lin Yu only felt brief breathing difficulty and a momentary blankness in his mind.

By the time he regained his senses, this Delta Team Leader had already retreated to the side.

He sheathed his dagger at his waist and looked arrogantly at Lin Yu and Pang Kedo.

"I admit I underestimated you—dealing with you alone is still somewhat difficult!"

As soon as he finished speaking, piercing alarm sounds suddenly filled the entire carriage, with red lights flashing so frequently they made people dizzy.

The carriage ceiling suddenly opened up, and insane machinery along with various eerie Truth Corporation creations poured into the carriage.

Baron Coleman's expression changed dramatically.

"You initiated the Great Purge early?!"

Li Nian also showed a pained expression.

"Ah, I thought we were progressing so quickly we'd avoid that 72-hour Great Purge... this makes things really troublesome!"

Those machines swooped down and began indiscriminately attacking all living creatures in the carriage.

While his drug effects hadn't worn off yet, Lin Yu joined Pang Kedo in withstanding the first wave of attacks—explosions, slashes, and mental assaults erupted in succession.

The good news, however, was that the Delta Team Leader was no exception.

Baron Coleman, who was attempting to seize control of some sentries, spoke coldly.

"Even so, you're also restricted... what's the point?!"

"You've even gotten your own subordinates killed!"

Those Delta Team armed personnel still in their "trance" state were almost completely slaughtered by the wildly runaway alchemical machines while completely defenseless!

The Delta Team Leader sneered.

"This is just the appetizer, Baron."

"Moreover, initiating the Great Purge early is merely to clear out the 'cargo hold'."

As he spoke, he grabbed two flying robots lunging at him and smashed them together, flames exploding before his face.

"As for these few sacrifices... the CEO will record them on your account anyway!"

The Delta Team Leader declared loudly, as the carriage ceiling above him with its flashing red lights suddenly trembled again.

A faint rumbling sound emerged, followed by...

"Boom!"

Fierce winds poured down from above, intense light coming from the sky!

The roof of this carriage... had been completely torn off.

And directly above everyone's heads hovered a massive black aircraft, moving in sync with the Truth Train.

The aircraft's light flooded the carriage interior, and the oppressive presence of this colossal object finally made Lin Yu realize the situation had turned dire.

No matter how powerful a single person might be, there were always limits.

But having such an enormous steel construct, comparable to a small mountain, bearing down from above made him almost afraid to even consider resistance.

Baron Coleman nearly erupted in curses.

"'Throne of Wrath'?! Damn it, Paris, are you determined to kill me today?!"

Baron Coleman raised his head, gnashing his teeth.

"Aren't you afraid the directors who still covet 'Professor Dort's' legacy will completely break with you?"

"Do you intend to destroy this Despair Train?"

The response remained the same—cold, silent steel and intense light.

So Baron Coleman turned to the Delta Team Leader.

"Who exactly are you? You're definitely not just some combatant from a Great Wasteland special investigation team!"

"I even feel you look somewhat familiar—you're certainly no unknown newcomer just returned from the Great Wasteland!"

The Delta Team Leader spoke calmly.

"I have no obligation to satisfy a dead man's curiosity."

As he spoke, he reached out.

From the giant aircraft named "Throne of Wrath," several black shadows rapidly descended and flew onto the Delta Team Leader's body!

These were pieces of equipment that perfectly slotted into special grooves on his combat suit—exoskeleton mechanical arms, boosters, external turrets...

This Delta Team Leader, who was originally merely a troublesome combatant, now transformed into a humanoid weapon.

He spoke again.

"Come, witness the ultimate masterpiece of the 'Calamity Series'!"

"To die by my hand is your honor!"

And at the moment the Delta Team Leader's words fell.

Behind him, another voice emerged, even more calm and composed than his.

"Oh really?"

"Then it seems you haven't asked for our opinion."

Hearing this voice, Li Nian slapped her thigh, her fear from seeing the giant ship overhead instantly vanishing.

"Haha, dumbass, think you're the only one with reinforcements?"

"Brother Wang, Sister-in-law—hurry up and take him down!"

position

At first, Lin Yu honestly didn't quite understand why Li Nian felt reassured the moment she saw Wang Yuyang.

Even if you ignored the colossal thing in the sky—assuming this so-called Throne of Wrath wouldn't intervene—just the fact that the Delta Team Leader had upgraded equipment made him look like no easy opponent.

If the fighter had been someone at the level of Fish, Li Hua, or Robin—those kinds of masters, either with strange, unpredictable abilities or overwhelmingly powerful gadgets—taking this guy down shouldn't be a problem.

After all, they were Third Tier experts—even among Third Tier, they were the stronger ones.

But Wang Yuyang was only Second Tier, on the same "rank" as Li Nian.

Even if he did have some strength and had cleared grunts quickly earlier, why would Li Nian feel so sure of victory?

Lin Yu understood once he saw Wang Yuyang himself at that moment.

Wang Yuyang stood at the broken opening on top of the carriage, looking down from above at the scene inside Carriage One.

"This is exaggerated..."

Fu Luo couldn't help murmuring.

Wang Yuyang was still wearing a black casual shirt, but over it was a layer of cold machinery.

Like an exoskeleton battle suit, the equipment covered him—but compared to the streamlined, high-tech external apparatus on the Delta Team Leader, Wang Yuyang's armor looked harsher and more rugged, as if it were battlefield-issued gear tempered through countless strikes.

Exposed springs and gears formed mechanical drive structures, and some crimson wiring was woven through them.

"Sorry, it's a bit hard to concretize this thing, so I'm a little late," Wang Yuyang said as his gaze shifted toward the Delta Team Leader, his voice cool.

"How nice, you seem to be playing with 'mechs' too. This battle is looking promising!"

The Delta Team Leader turned his head.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Never mind—if you're bringing a bunch of junk here to seek death, I'll help you achieve it!"

As he spoke, the mechanical arm on his left shoulder opened and unleashed a crimson beam.

The strike aimed straight for Wang Yuyang's face, but—

"Shh!"

Wang Yuyang didn't dodge. He simply lifted his forearm, and white metal along his lower arm blocked the attack, leaving him completely unharmed.

"Dirty tricks."

Wang Yuyang tossed out the comment, then drove with his legs—the mechanical structure outside his lower body creaked as metal deformed, and he shot toward the Delta Team Leader like a falling meteor.

"Bang!"

Two metal constructs smashed together, sparks flying, iron singing like a lament!

Two massive blades appeared in Wang Yuyang's hands—two thick iron plates almost the size of shutters, yet they moved and twirled with surprising lightness!

Even though the Delta Team Leader had four mechanical arms, being dragged into Wang Yuyang's rhythm, he found himself entangled in the clash.

Lin Yu glanced over and said aloud.

"Oh wow, Wing Chun Eight-Slashing Blades—Brother Wang knows quite a mix."

Fu Luo exclaimed in astonishment, "You can tell that? Have you practiced it?"

"I did practice—otherwise would I have gotten beaten so helplessly just now?" Lin Yu shook his head calmly. "I only saw it in a movie... Have you not seen it? 'Master,' it's all about Wing Chun."

"I only know 'Ip Man,'" Li Nian said with a grin. "I'll take on ten!"

The three players chatted casually, but Baron Coleman and Pang Kedo, who were just recovering, didn't dare relax.

"Shouldn't we go help?" Pang Kedo asked quietly.

"This level of fight we can't butt into," Li Nian waved her hand. "Don't make things worse... Trust him—I've got a sense of his strength."

Baron Coleman worriedly looked up at the Throne of Wrath overhead.

"If that thing powers up and comes down, even if it avoids using mass-destruction weapons for fear of wrecking the Despair Train, with that support, that guy will be hard to beat!"

Sure enough, what happened next confirmed Baron Coleman's worry.

Under Wang Yuyang's relentless assault, he seized an opportunity and severed two of the opponent's mechanical arms with two slashes.

Before he could press the advantage and expand the victory, new parts flew out from the Throne of Wrath to replace the damaged limbs.

It was like a huge logistics depot supporting the Delta Team Leader, giving him near-infinite fault tolerance.

Seeing that, Wang Yuyang frowned slightly.

"They even have that."

The Delta Team Leader sneered, "What, were you still imagining a fair duel?" Chapters fırst released on N()velFire.net

After switching to new mechanical arms, he launched another sudden assault.

Two new arms clamped Wang Yuyang's blades, and the turret behind him erupted in the opposite direction, thrusting them both onto the carriage roof!

"I'm not here to play noble duels with you—I am here to annihilate you!"

The Delta Team Leader roared, then launched a counterattack against Wang Yuyang on the roof!

The Despair Train screamed forward, gale-force winds sweeping across the roof, making it a struggle just to keep footing.

Especially after Wang Yuyang was brought out of the carriage, the Throne of Wrath in the sky, now that he'd been pulled away from the Despair Furnace inside Carriage One, seemed to unlock some of its long-range firepower!

Below, bird-like floating turrets launched and poured concentrated barrages toward Wang Yuyang.

Pang Kedo's face changed dramatically. "Damn! We have to help him!"

But Lin Yu held him back.

"Stay calm."

Li Nian remained composed.

Although Lin Yu didn't fully know Wang Yuyang, Li Nian had already spoken, and he trusted her judgment.

He also had a vague feeling...

Even though it looked like Wang Yuyang was at a disadvantage up on the roof, Lin Yu felt this was exactly what Wang Yuyang had wanted.

This guy had first appeared on this carriage's roof! Maybe everything now was the result of deliberate baiting by Wang Yuyang.

Just as that thought surfaced in Lin Yu's mind, Wang Yuyang shouted again.

"This is trouble, Yuqiang!"

The moment Wang Yuyang's voice dropped, Pan Yuqiang's voice answered cheerfully.

"Got it."

Then...

From the shadowed rear of the carriage roof, a girl's figure emerged.

Pan Yuqiang smiled as she raised both hands—in them was something strange.

It looked like a thick hemp rope, but it seemed to be connected to something, trailing back into the darkness behind her.

"Though I haven't finished a detailed investigation... your actions are already enough to convict you."

She stepped forward lightly; Wang Yuyang shielded her from the floating turret fire.

Pan Yuqiang reached out, and the rope looped around the Team Leader's body.

Then...

Tighten!

Down he went!

Dragged along!

It was just an ordinary hemp rope, but it seemed to possess an irresistible force—even impossible to slice through.

"Damn! Damn!"

The Delta Team Leader grabbed the rope around his neck desperately, trying to resist, but it was all in vain.

Soon, his heavy body was hoisted high—the Throne of Wrath's lights tracked and revealed what had been hidden in the shadows...

"The Gallows! The Murder Weapon is the Gallows' 'Killer'!"

Fu Luo shouted out.

"'Citalopram'... so she's the 'Executioner'!"

Pan Yuqiang on the roof turned to look at Fu Luo and laughed.

"Oh my, discovered... Detective, you really are well-informed!"

"Well then, please keep my secret, okay?"

After saying that, she suddenly whipped her head back and looked at Wang Yuyang who was about to jump back into the carriage.

"Stop, Yuyang—what I said earlier wasn't about silencing anyone!"

Regarding the title of "The Executioner," although she was a veteran player active about a year ago and there had been almost no news of her in the past year, Lin Yu still knew of this title.

Because "The Executioner" was simply too famous a year ago.

This name had once killed six famous players on the Hunters' Association bounty list with rewards exceeding ten million level within a single week.

All were executed by "hanging."

Not only that, she also listed "charges" for all those she killed and posted them on the forum.

This extreme method caused much controversy, with some believing she was doing good deeds like "Order."

But others thought it was simply indiscriminate killing of innocents with excuses.

Regardless, eventually the Game Master and "Order" intervened and stopped the controversy.

"The Executioner" was honorably expelled from the forum as an individual player.

Afterwards, news about "The Executioner's" victims and her activities continued to emerge sporadically.

Then... ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel[f]ire.net

One day, "The Executioner" suddenly disappeared, and it seemed no one had seen her since.

Many players speculated that she might have died silently in some dungeon—this was quite common for Death Game players.

Even long-famous experts could suddenly die one day.

After all, the stronger one became, the greater the dungeon difficulty they typically encountered... this was common knowledge not fully verified but acknowledged by almost all players.

But no one expected...

That "The Executioner" hadn't actually died, but had instead become a member of the Psychological Society and was dating a member of the Free Alliance.

Fu Luo sighed again: "I knew it, there's no Assassin who isn't good at direct combat... So the Designer doesn't let her fight only because once she does, it's either death or serious injury."

Li Nian seemed to have known about Pan Yuqiang's skills all along. Watching the Delta Team Leader who, despite wearing high-tech equipment and even having a giant ship's support, still couldn't break free from the seemingly primitive hemp rope, she curled her lips.

"Mainly because her move is too conspicuous... Once recognized, it's quite troublesome. Brother Wang is cautious and doesn't want her taking risks."

Lin Yu also watched the Delta Team Leader who was starting to kick his legs and was about to be hanged, and quickly spoke up.

"Hey hey, Sister Pan, can you show some mercy?"

"Preferably keep him alive, I still have use for this guy."

As Lin Yu spoke, Pan Yuqiang glanced over: "Can keep him alive, but he's quite vigorous. Let him hang a bit longer."

"If we take him down now, he might still be able to resist."

As if afraid Lin Yu wouldn't believe her, Pan Yuqiang added another sentence.

"Trust me, I'm a professional."

Since Pan Yuqiang said so, Lin Yu naturally chose to believe her.

He nodded silently, then looked at Pan Yuqiang's gallows.

A few more minutes passed, and Pan Yuqiang observed that the Delta Team Leader had gradually stopped struggling much, and seemed to be foaming at the mouth under his mask, feeling it was about enough.

Then, Pan Yuqiang snapped her fingers.

"Snap!"

With a crisp sound, the large gallows vanished from the train roof.

The Delta Team Leader fell to the ground. Pan Yuqiang waved her hand, and Wang Yuyang walked over, picked up the unconscious man, and carrying Pan Yuqiang, jumped down from the roof.

Wang Yuyang threw the man in front of Lin Yu.

"What use do you have for him?"

He looked at Lin Yu and asked.

Lin Yu pointed at the giant ship still hovering above them.

Although it hadn't taken any action after the Delta Team Leader fell unconscious, according to Baron Coleman's words, due to the existence of the "Despair Furnace," this Throne of Wrath seemed unwilling to fully bombard the train carriages with firepower.

But it lingering here without leaving still created significant psychological pressure.

Baron Coleman, with Li Nian's help, had temporarily suppressed the berserk mechanical units during the great purge while Wang Yuyang was fighting the Delta Team Leader.

But precisely because of this, he seemed to have reached some limit—this wasn't hard to see from Baron Coleman's slightly bloodshot eyes.

If the Throne of Wrath deployed new robots or sentinels to attack, they'd probably have to confront them head-on.

Even if Wang Yuyang could deal with the Delta Team Leader, facing endless robots, he might not be able to protect everyone.

So...

"First, his primary use is to drive that thing away."

Lin Yu said, looking up at the giant ship in the sky.

"Hey, President Paris, are you watching... Let's make a deal."

"Your right-hand man is in our hands. We guarantee his safety, and you call off this thing, how about that?"

"Everyone takes a step back... You don't really want us dead that badly, right?"

"You wanting us dead isn't impossible, but can you guarantee killing all of us instantly before he dies—and with a plan that avoids blowing up this furnace as much as possible."

As Lin Yu spoke, the giant machine in the sky remained silent, just as it had when facing Baron Coleman's accusations earlier.

But...

Lin Yu wasn't Baron Coleman, and the current situation was different from before.

He waved his hand.

"Seems President Paris can't hear, or he doesn't care about this guy's life..."

"Then let's just kill him—please do the honors, Brother Wang."

Lin Yu said politely, and Wang Yuyang nodded.

"Small matter."

His exoskeleton mech had already dissipated, but Wang Yuyang casually reached out and condensed a long blade again.

Just as Wang Yuyang prepared to strike...

The giant ship in the sky trembled, and a sound came through.

"Stop, deal."

With these brief four words, Lin Yu laughed.

"Good, as expected of President Paris, reaching this position indeed shows some qualities of a formidable leader."

"Quite decisive in making decisions!"

Wang Yuyang also stopped his movement.

And the giant ship offered no additional opinions, no bargaining, and directly ascended into the sky.

Pan Yuqiang was very surprised.

"It was actually resolved like this? I thought it would take more effort."

Lin Yu shook his head.

"This is mainly thanks to the other party being Truth Corporation—they're a group that can read people's emotions... So negotiating with them easily reveals fear."

"But once you show no fear, controlling them becomes easy."

"That's why I 'borrowed' Brother Wang earlier... Because the killing intent on Brother Wang must appear very pure to them."

"In other words, if not for the emergency stop just now, Brother Wang would have really killed him directly—this created a deterrent."

Fu Luo looked at Wang Yuyang with deep respect.

"Bro, if you were born in the 'Three-Body' world, humanity wouldn't have to worry about lacking a Swordholder after Luo Ji."

After the huge ship turned around, Baron Coleman let out a long sigh of relief.

"This was unexpected. I didn't think we'd gain the upper hand in negotiations with Paris and make him back down."

Baron Coleman said, and Pang Kedo also nodded.

"Anyway, it's great that no one was killed... but what about that Delta Team Leader? Are we really letting him go?"

Wang Yuyang looked at Lin Yu again.

"You said 'first' just now, right? Where there's a 'first' there's a 'second'... Does this guy have any other use?"

Lin Yu nodded.

"Of course. As President Paris's confidant, he could make that ruthless man spare his life just to protect him..."

"So I suspect this guy knows a lot."

"And coincidentally... we very much need to know some truths about Truth Corporation right now."

"For example, about the memories and experiences this guy lost."

Lin Yu pointed to Pang Kedo beside him.

Pan Yuqiang nodded.

"Good idea, but how do we make him talk?"

"Since that president values him, it means he's not only capable but also loyal... How would he speak up about things that could damage President Paris otherwise?"

Lin Yu smiled.

"Simple—use a method to change whom he's loyal to."

He said it casually.

Wang Yuyang and Pan Yuqiang were only slightly surprised and had no strong objections. But the two employees who knew Truth Corporation better and Fu Luo all frowned.

"You want to brainwash a senior security armed officer, a former Great Wasteland special ops member who underwent the latest Calamity Series modifications? Honestly, I'm not optimistic!" Baron Coleman said, choosing his words carefully.

Fu Luo earnestly advised, "If you have any precious tools that can interfere with cognition, I suggest you don't use them on him. These people's souls and perceptions have been modified."

"They're very good at resisting methods aimed at those aspects."

Lin Yu smiled. "I know that... which is why I'll be using this."

He opened his hands, revealing a small leather collar.

This was another transformation of the Counterfeit—if the Counterfeit hadn't been so "luckily" affected by the Miserly Wealthy One, Lin Yu wouldn't have dared this bold idea.

"You all should know I'm a First-Tier Veterinarian... but aside from A Nian, others probably don't know which direction I chose when I promoted."

"Now I can tell you... I chose the Collar."

"And I just completed the Promotion Trial not long ago, so I haven't found my desired 'pet' yet."

"If you don't mind... I'd like to take this fellow in."

Lin Yu said softly.

Li Nian was shocked. "Hey, are you serious? But... that's a human, right?"

Pan Yuqiang then spoke up, "If I'm not mistaken, a Veterinarian can't turn highly intelligent creatures into 'pets,' right?"

Lin Yu shook his head.

"Not exactly. According to the item's description... it's just that the higher the intelligence and strength of a creature that exceeds the user's, the higher the failure rate of conversion."

Lin Yu paused, then winked and spoke in an extremely gentle tone.

"But for me, ordinary humans, especially those who clearly enjoy violence, are no different from dogs."

"I noticed when I worked at the pet hospital that intelligence gaps between dogs are sometimes greater than between humans and dogs."

"And sometimes the differences between humans themselves can be even greater."

He crouched down and patted the back of the unconscious Delta Team Leader, smiling in a manner like a warm neighborly big sister or an extraordinarily patient kindergarten teacher.

"I like people, the same way people like dogs."

His tone and touch were so soft they felt like feathers turning in the wind.

Wang Yuyang watched and couldn't help scooting a little closer to his girlfriend.

"I'm now certain this Veterinarian is totally S-ranked."

Then he looked at Li Nian. "No matter what others in the organization think, I think he's very fit to join our Free Alliance."

Li Nian looked at "Zhu Ming" and licked her lips.

"I fully agree."

Meanwhile, Lin Yu, crouched on the ground playing up the "neurotic" side he had added to Xia Yue, felt more and more belief gathering and exhaled.

Good, good, the time is right.

He ran his tongue across his teeth and activated the Tongue of Deceit.

"For me, the success rate of this conversion... is almost one hundred percent."

Lin Yu said softly and placed the Collar around the Delta Team Leader's neck.

The lie he'd just spat out fell like a silver needle, and within the existing multi-person belief, aided by the Tongue of Deceit's power...

False became true!

The moment the Collar—formed from the Counterfeit—was put on, the small success probability that should have existed because the Delta Team Leader was a powerful human instantly reversed...

If the Gambler had activated his ability to check right then, he'd see that tiny success percentage number rolling, increasing, and swelling in a short time.

Until it became...

Nearly one hundred percent!

Just as Lin Yu declared!

The Collar made from the Counterfeit was now even stronger than a genuine one. Once fastened around the Delta Team Leader's neck, the man writhed in pain.

"Ugh!"

He suddenly snapped awake from unconsciousness and growled.

"What are you doing? What are you going to do to me!"

"Dammit... dammit!"

He screamed almost manically, twisting his body.

Lin Yu held his head down and smiled sweetly, "Good, good..."

Eventually, the Delta Team Leader's struggles grew weaker and weaker, until slowly...

He lay still on the ground, motionless.

The Collar, empowered by godly force, had stripped away a portion of his personal will—though his "self" still existed, it was as if some foreign object had invaded his brain and soul and stamped a mark.

And that mark said...

"Be loyal to Lin Yu."

He looked at the girl before him with reverence, somewhat at a loss.

All his memories and cognition remained, even the recent experiences were still in his mind.

But he could no longer make correct judgments in those areas.

"My god, I actually tried to resist you just now. How rude and ignorant of me..."

The Delta Team Leader rubbed his head and slowly got up, speaking as if fatigued.

Seeing his change, Fu Luo shuddered.

"God damn, this is a bit scary."

Not just Fu Luo—Wang Yuyang and Li Nian were a little frightened too.

"They really turned him. Although he's only First-Tier, this guy is terrifying."

Li Nian murmured. Latest content publıshed on novel✦fire.net

Wang Yuyang nodded in agreement.

Only Pan Yuqiang seemed rather amused.

"Quite an interesting fellow."

After this Delta Team Leader was "converted" by Lin Yu, the final trace of uncertain crisis on the train came to an end.

And at the same time, this also meant Lin Yu now held a "key" containing a vast number of Truth Corporation's secrets.

But at this moment, Lin Yu showed no intention of immediately using him.

Instead, he turned his gaze toward Baron Coleman.

"Anyway, Your Lordship, the timing should be appropriate now... regarding that question I'm curious about."

"Why they spared your life—you seemed to have mentioned it earlier."

"'Professor Dort's' legacy, correct?"

Baron Coleman calmly looked at Lin Yu, then at the armed team member now standing respectfully behind the young woman.

"'First', 'second'... now it's 'finally', isn't it."

"His existence can serve as a new 'chip' in negotiations with me and as 'verification' for the content of my words."

Lin Yu nodded.

"Yes, I believe you bear me no ill will... but I don't believe you would hold nothing back from me, esteemed Baron."

"You are a former high-ranking member of Truth Corporation, who survived both launching a rebellion and an assassination attempt."

"With someone like you, discussing good and evil is meaningless, and you would absolutely never be completely open with anyone." Official source ıs novel(ꜰ)ire.net

"Although Your Lordship repeatedly mentions 'candor', I don't feel we've been candid enough."

It wasn't just as Lin Yu said.

Baron Coleman had already understood their group's strength—Wang Yuyang and Pan Yuqiang's earlier actions further confirmed this.

But the usage of the [Collar] that Lin Yu had just demonstrated represented "strength" in another dimension.

What methods could be employed, what convictions were held.

The formerly loyal subordinate of Baron Coleman's greatest enemy, now obedient and docile behind him, served as a kind of warning and symbol.

Baron Coleman raised his head.

"So, where do you think I haven't been candid?"

Lin Yu gave a slight nod: "Did you truly not know that President Paris was the mastermind behind it all?"

"Although I don't know the specific details of your past experiences... based on timing alone, one can deduce it."

"Not long after you were framed and then cleared your name, you became completely at odds with that President Paris."

"Even if you were 'wrongfully accused', were you truly innocent?"

"Even I'd like to ask—were you really learning for the first time that 'Pang Kedo' was the true culprit?"

He spoke softly, taking a step forward.

"You could use those sufficiently 'logical' performances to fool the detective who lives by logic, but ah..."

"I belong to the faction that trusts intuition more."

Baron Coleman looked at Lin Yu: "A woman's sixth sense?"

"Of course not, it's because your acting for shock and astonishment is terrible!"—though Lin Yu really wanted to say this, he restrained himself.

It was always like this... someone always tried to deceive him, a professional actor and Fraudster, with their amateur acting skills.

Lin Yu suppressed the urge to retort in his heart and nodded noncommittally in a manner fitting his current persona.

"Indeed, so—exactly why did you go to that laboratory, why were you framed as the murderer, how did you obtain 'Professor Dort's' legacy, and why did you turn against President Paris?"

"Moreover, since what you obtained was the legacy of 'Vale Valetti's' mentor, and you have some understanding of the [Ancient Notebook]... so you should have been able to foresee what we consider an 'accident', right?"

Lin Yu snapped his fingers and looked toward Pang Kedo, who had long been listening with astonishment.

"You're also very curious about all this, aren't you... Mr. Pang Kedo."

Pang Kedo looked at Baron Coleman: "Jerry, is it really true... I was genuinely feeling guilty for you earlier."

Baron Coleman smiled silently.

"Talking to you who's so naively like a blank slate is really quite unfamiliar, Pang Kedo."

He sighed deeply and spoke: "People always conceal facts unfavorable to themselves—I consider that simply human nature."

"Anyway, I'm indeed not some innocent person persecuted by Paris, not some idealistic, righteous, and progressive individual... that kind of person might exist in Truth Corporation, but they could absolutely never become an A-ranked supervisor, and they're absolutely not me."

"Similarly... Pang Kedo over there is the same, which is also why I was reluctant to speak of these matters."

"Rarely has he forgotten all that, I always thought it better not to bring it up."

As he spoke, he looked toward the sky—the Despair Train raced along, the night haze above Sleepless City gloomy and dull gray, stained by the bright spotlights and neon of the towering buildings.

"Anyway... back then, we were indeed allied with Paris—the Security Department Minister, A-ranked supervisor, Delta Team Leader... he helped Pang Kedo undergo the 'Calamity Series' modifications, helped me take charge of Laboratory 7."

"At that time, we had different goals—Pang Kdo wanted to investigate his great-uncle's whereabouts, I wanted to restore my family's glory, and that guy Paris came from the bottom with a seriously ill younger sister..."

"But we all shared the same objective: climbing upward within Truth Corporation."

"Although the initial starting points sounded quite noble, the higher we climbed... the more motivation 'becoming those in power' itself provided, and while our original purposes weren't forgotten, mixed in, they increasingly seemed like excuses."

"By the time the three of us 'gathered' together, everyone was already far from pure."

"So, there was a reversal of cause and effect in my words—I did indeed find evidence of the 'ghost project's' existence after entering Laboratory 7, but before entering, I actually knew Laboratory 7 might contain that evidence."

"I went there precisely for that evidence."

As Coleman narrated all this, Fu Luo was shocked.

"Damn, no wonder I felt something was off during my reasoning... the problem was here."

"If your discovery was a 'coincidence', it would indeed be too strange!"

He exclaimed in astonishment.

Pang Kedo was stunned: "So, you anticipated that I would kill Reed?"

"No, I truly didn't know it was you and Paris who did that," Coleman sighed, "When I entered the laboratory back then, I really didn't expect Paris would directly have Reed killed—because our plan at the time was for Paris to divert him away, while I entered the laboratory to steal the 'data' that would allow all three of us to climb higher."

"At that time, Paris told me this 'ghost project' was something Reed discovered privately and persuaded Director Chick to conduct secret research on, and that obtaining it—whether as an independent project for Laboratory 7 or for negotiation with Director Chick—would give us a chance to advance further."

"And that thing's value far exceeded my imagination... so at the scene, I hadn't yet realized this was a trap set by Paris, but when I returned to my own laboratory and read that data, I instantly understood."

"The content of that data far exceeded value that could lift us several levels higher... it held immense value enough for Paris to risk killing his two 'accomplices'."

"Because it was the discovery of Professor Dort and his student Researcher Vale Valetti—the truth about 'Fear'."

Baron Coleman slowly revealed the dark side of what happened back then.

Both Pang Kedo, who had lost his memories, and Fu Luo, who had just learned all this, were utterly shocked, as if digesting what they had heard.

Only Lin Yu remained calm.

He spoke softly: "So then, what exactly is this 'truth'?"

Although Baron Coleman said he had inherited "Professor Dort's" legacy.

From the other's words, it wasn't difficult to see that this so-called "legacy" should be some research results, some conclusions—these should be considered part of the "legacy."

The remaining parts were probably partly controlled by Paris... the fact that the other party had now become the CEO of Truth Corporation was enough proof of this.

And aside from Coleman and Paris, the final part of the legacy—the applied creations from these research results and conclusions, and the research materials used to reach these conclusions...

Lin Yu felt they should be in his hands.

[Ancient Notebook], [Fear Torch], [Fear Lens], [Chate's Supplies]...

After the pale flames ignited in the snowy mountain, everything in the world related to fear had burned to ashes, leaving only the final remnants that fell into his hands.

So, like CEO Paris, he needed the knowledge in Baron Coleman's mind.

"Although Your Lordship didn't explicitly state it, I think since you're still alive and present here, you probably destroyed those precious original data, and then... stored them in some way closely related to your life, right?"

Lin Yu said calmly.

Hearing Lin Yu's question and counter-question, a relieved smile appeared on Baron Coleman's face: "No wonder you were chosen by such an existence, you truly are talented."

"Correct, all of that exists in my mind."

As he spoke, he pointed to his own brain.

"I know you want those too, I have one final request."

Lin Yu wasn't surprised.

The negotiation had reached this point, it was indeed Baron Coleman's turn to make his final offer.

"Take him away from here, find a safe place—if possible, help him recover his memories as much as you can."

Baron Coleman pointed at Pang Kedo.

Pang Kedo was stunned again: "Me?"

Baron Coleman nodded, an unprecedentedly relaxed smile appearing on his face: "Yes, my friend, you need to leave this place and retrieve your memories."

"Although you killed Reed back then and undoubtedly betrayed me once, we still fought side by side in the end—the fact that we've been stuck here together in such a wretched state is proof."

"You are still my friend after all... Now that you've regained your senses, leave this cage."

As Baron Coleman spoke, he took out a brilliant golden train ticket from his chest, held it between two fingers, and slipped it into Pang Kedo's pocket. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel·fıre·net

Pang Kedo stared blankly at the ticket, lost in thought.

"What do you think, my friend?"

Coleman spoke again, but this time he was looking at Lin Yu.

Lin Yu smoothed the hair by her ear: "We've only been somewhat honest with each other for a little while, and we're already considered friends? This isn't how you try to get close to someone."

Her voice was gentle, as if joking, effectively shutting down Baron Coleman's attempt.

Coleman chuckled wryly: "It's true that I'm trying to get close, but you might not believe it... I'm actually the type with pretty accurate intuition."

"My intuition tells me that if we had more opportunities to interact, we might become good friends."

As Baron Coleman spoke, Lin Yu crossed her arms.

"I'll agree to your request—but, it seems this matter requires more than just my opinion."

She tilted her head, gesturing toward Pang Kedo standing beside her.

The tall, thin man finally snapped out of it and pulled out the ticket from his chest: "Hey, although I do want to leave, I can't accept it in this form."

"I just 'woke up' today, my memories incomplete, and now I suddenly learn so many 'truths'..."

Baron Coleman interrupted him: "That's exactly why you should leave this place, for your own sake and for mine, to complete those unfinished matters."

Hearing Baron Coleman's words, Pang Kedo said bluntly: "That's exactly what I wanted to say, of course I'll do what I want to do—but don't force your stuff on me!"

"I won't accept your gift, I'll find my own way to leave!"

"Don't be naive," Baron Coleman said again, his voice already somewhat stern, "Do you think opportunities like this are easy to find? This train ticket alone is precious enough... Not to mention, the moment you leave this Despair Train, all those directors, CEOs, and supervisors will swarm in. Do you know how many people are watching us, Pang Kedo!"

"Your empty brain knows nothing—having powerful people like these who don't belong to the company board the train is our best chance to leave!"

Pang Kedo raised his voice an octave: "Then you go yourself, why give this opportunity to me?!"

"You really are an idiot who forgot everything completely, let me tell you, you need this ticket more than I do, a lonely man," Baron Coleman stepped forward, grabbed Pang Kedo by the collar, and said with frustration, "In those memories you lost... you fucking got married and had children!"

"You have a daughter waiting for you outside, dumbass—my entire family has passed away from illness, but you still have a child, you terrible father!"

Pang Kedo froze.

"What?"

Even though he had already experienced enough shocks today, he still felt somewhat dizzy at this moment.

Lin Yu appropriately explained for Pang Kedo: "This time it seems like the truth."

"I have... a daughter?"

Coleman released his collar.

"Yes, you became a dad," his tone and expression were very complex, mixed with helplessness and sarcasm, "So you need to go out, you need to go out more than I do—and besides, even with the help of these 'uninvited guests,' if either of us wants to leave, the other has to stay on the train as cover."

"This is a plan I've simulated many times... although today is the first real chance to execute it."

Pang Kedo was puzzled again: "Then what's the plan? How are you going to cover for me?"

Baron Coleman didn't explain.

"Hurry and go, it's almost too late."

"Tch, looks like you're planning to fight and sacrifice yourself," Lin Yu saw through Baron Coleman's deeper meaning, "How cliché, hiding in carriage number two all this time... so part of your plan is to blow up this furnace, right?"

Baron Coleman was helpless.

"I know you're smart, but don't expose me at a time like this."

Sure enough, upon hearing Lin Yu's words, Pang Kedo, who had been about to leave, changed his mind again.

"I won't accept it!"

After learning from Lin Yu about Baron Coleman's desire for self-sacrifice, Pang Kedo instinctively objected, even though his memories hadn't returned and he couldn't recall those past events.

"We don't need to do this, there might be a better way..."

As he spoke, Baron Coleman chuckled softly.

"I'm glad your first reaction was to stop me, but there's no better way - I've calculated this many times."

"This is our only way out - and as I said before, you have a daughter."

Baron Coleman spoke, and just as Pang Kedo was about to object again, Coleman cut him off first.

"Moreover - there's another very important reason!"

He sighed, speaking with some relief: "I don't have much time left anyway, Pang Kedo... Staying in that pitiful tank was partly to hide, but mostly because I'm dying."

Baron Coleman pointed to his own head.

"My modification surgery was different from yours. Staying in this godforsaken place without maintenance for so long, frequently using 'overload' mode to extract emotions - my brain isn't far from becoming rotten mush."

"So... don't let me linger on here."

"Let me die heroically, embracing hope and in a way worthy of my mother's family name, alright?"

Baron Coleman spoke sincerely. Pang Kedo opened his mouth, then finally nodded and forced out a single word with difficulty.

"Okay."

He pulled out his train ticket and tore it.

"Seems it's time to leave."

Wang Yuyang nodded, also pulling out his ticket and tearing it.

With the sound of tearing, those golden tickets transformed into golden light particles and dissipated - this form made Lin Yu think of the Banquet God's "Flavor Papers."

But before Lin Yu could ponder what connection there might be between the two, the voice of Fu Luo, the last one who hadn't torn his ticket, sounded.

"Hey, aren't you guys forgetting something?"

Hearing Fu Luo's voice, Wang Yuyang said: "Oh right, the reward the Baron promised Zhu Ming hasn't been given yet."

This 'Designer' had long considered Lin Yu half one of their own.

Although he only half-understood the previous conversation, he knew that Zhu Ming and Baron Coleman must have reached some deal: Zhu Ming would help him kill the CEO and take away his friend Pang Kedo.

And Baron Coleman should have given Zhu Ming something involving Truth Corporation's secrets.

Lin Yu glanced at Wang Yuyang with gratitude: "Thank you, Brother Wang - but his reward should have already been given to me."

After he finished speaking, Baron Coleman smiled.

"I wondered if you'd notice... Indeed, I left it for you in the [Ancient Notebook]."

When transmitting memories earlier, that part was actually included in the memories.

Fu Luo nodded: "That's not what I meant either."

This great detective had also realized this.

Li Nian looked at Fu Luo: "So, you mean your 'Promotion Trial' mission isn't finished? You only investigated two of the three wrongful cases... Although it's unfortunate, there doesn't seem to be time for you to complete it."

Fu Luo shook his head helplessly: "No, I wasn't that concerned about 'Promotion' to begin with... Besides, if my conjecture is correct, my 'Promotion' should actually be completed."

"Anyway, what I meant was - don't you guys have a 'patron'?"

Li Nian's expression changed dramatically: "Oh shit, you're right! We haven't notified that fat guy yet!"

"He couldn't be dead already, could he?"

Lin Yu was relatively calmer - he hadn't forgotten Chen Zhuo.

And Chen Zhuo at this moment...

The carriage door opened again.

"Holy shit, finally made it back - that was terrifying!"

"Just now a group of masked bandits infiltrated the carriage, and then all the robots in the carriage went berserk! Good thing I had survival items!"

The chubby boy rushed in hurriedly, carrying a large backpack.

Li Nian was first surprised: "You're not dead?"

Chen Zhuo nodded, speaking with lingering fear: "Yeah - why are you all here?"

As he asked, Li Nian's expression changed, then she immediately spoke solemnly.

"Of course it's because we gathered all our forces to fight desperately against the mastermind to protect you... Did you really think your safe journey so far was just good luck? It was all my doing!"

"Hurry up and tear your ticket! The situation is critical now, we need to evacuate!" Check latest chapters at NoveI-Fire.ɴet

Li Nian's lies came effortlessly.

But...

Chen Zhuo naturally believed it completely!

He immediately showed a grateful expression and tore his ticket along with Fu Luo: "So that's how it is... Thank you so much!"

"After we get out, I'll definitely add to your reward."

Li Nian was about to politely refuse, but before she could speak, Chen Zhuo patted the backpack behind him.

"Thanks to you, those robots suddenly shut down and self-destructed... and some of them turned out to be [items] that can be taken out of the dungeon!"

"This is a huge windfall - this must be the bonus you mentioned giving me, right?"

As Chen Zhuo spoke, Li Nian paused for a moment, swallowing her original words.

"Oh, no problem, this is indeed what I promised, you can keep it."

"Just give me a cut when you sell them."

After she finished speaking, golden light suddenly flashed above everyone's heads.

Through the opened carriage roof, a shuttle-shaped aircraft slowly came to a stop.

"Special Vehicle 008 at your service - please wait a moment, distinguished guests, we will arrange for your orderly boarding!"

The broadcast sounded, and then...

The bottom of the shuttle-shaped aircraft opened, accompanied by a golden light...

Pang Kedo, who had torn his ticket first, suddenly flew upward.

"Uh!"

He cried out, and Coleman laughed and shouted: "Relax, friend, this is normal - this isn't your first time riding this thing!"

Then, Pang Kedo's entire body seemed to be sucked into the aircraft.

"Holy shit, UFO abducting a flying cow!"

Li Nian exclaimed with both amazement and sarcasm.

Pan Yuqiang said with a smile: "I think it's more like demons capturing people with magic treasures in Journey to the West."

"I know, Golden Horn King's Purple Gold Gourd, it does look similar."

Wang Yuyang nodded in agreement.

Originally, Fu Luo and Chen Zhuo were somewhat nervous about this bizarre boarding method, but seeing that the several "advanced players" weren't afraid, they couldn't help but feel somewhat relieved.

They were successively sucked into this "special vehicle" as well.

After watching everyone leave, seeing the golden aircraft gradually depart again, Baron Coleman let out a sigh.

"Well, only the two of us remain now."

He tapped his temple, releasing the suppression on the machines in "purge" mode.

Then, Baron Coleman looked at the Despair Furnace before him, meeting the gazes of those hundreds of faces.

"Although I've developed some feelings for you too, I'm sorry, my friend."

"For the sake of my more important friend..."

As he spoke, Baron Coleman spread his arms.

"Perish with me!"

The machine swarm surged forward like a tide, engulfing him and the Despair Furnace!

After Fu Luo volunteered to input a destination for the group, the aircraft named "Special Car" smoothly and swiftly traversed the skies above Sleepless City.

This special car truly lived up to its designation as exclusive transportation for VIPs—not only was the interior spacious, but it bordered on luxurious.

Seats, beds, wine cabinets... it even had a temperature-controlled swimming pool!

Through the transparent, beautiful window on one side of the aircraft, Lin Yu saw the entire track of the Despair Train—it resembled Saturn's rings, encircling Sleepless City.

The track's light strips shone brightly yet gently, with countless pipelines extending from Sleepless City's buildings and converging into the track, densely packed like insect mouthparts sucking tree nectar.

It appeared this "train" indeed handled a significant portion of Sleepless City's energy supply tasks.

And next, Lin Yu witnessed Baron Coleman's plan.

Just as he had stated earlier, it was an extremely clichéd act of self-sacrifice.

Yet, even clichéd to the point of being trite, it couldn't conceal the greatness and... magnificence of this sacrifice.

The train speeding along the tracks suddenly exploded, swallowing up those gentle lights.

Fireworks-like flames burst forth, while simultaneously the track lights began extinguishing section by section.

After the tracks, then came the lights of the entire Sleepless City.

Large swathes of skyscraper lights dimmed.

Almost simultaneously, scattered aircraft lights lit up, rushing toward the explosion and fire site.

At this moment, the entire Sleepless City fell into what might be its first night in decades.

Aircraft passed by the one carrying Lin Yu and his companions—yet no one paid them any attention.

"What a grand and brilliant fireworks display."

Li Nian also stood by the window, sighing with emotion.

"It's simply too romantic."

Chen Zhuo was taken aback: "Can this be described as romantic?"

Pan Yuqiang supported herself against the window as she spoke: "Why wouldn't it count as such?"

Wang Yuyang's assessment was more practical: "So that's how it is. As long as you create a big enough, urgent enough trouble, no one cares how many people slipped away from this train."

"Not only that," Fu Luo reminded, "if I'm not mistaken... about eighty percent of Truth Corporation's positioning and monitoring system facilities should be down or operating at low power now."

"Even the tracking device on him might have been affected."

"In other words—they might genuinely not know this guy has escaped."

Fu Luo pointed at Pang Kedo beside him.

He too watched the explosion in silence, the leaping flames reflected in his eyes.

The flame's color was monotonous yet fervent, surpassing the earlier chaotic mix of colorful lights.

No one knew what he was thinking at this moment.

A long time later, after the aircraft had flown some distance, Pang Kedo finally spoke: "In other words, as long as I find a blind spot where they can't track me before the power system recovers and remove some devices from my body, it's possible Truth Corporation will never find me again?"

As he asked, Fu Luo looked somewhat shocked.

"Yes... wait, you were listening? I thought you were simply mourning an old friend!"

"He's still a new friend to the current me," Pang Kedo sighed, "Perhaps only after I retrieve my complete memories will I be able to taste the full version of sorrow."

Li Nian looked at Pang Kedo: "Your plan should be feasible, but within Sleepless City, is there really any place Truth Corporation doesn't cover?"

Pang Kedo shook his head: "Based on my judgment, there probably isn't."

In Sleepless City, ordinary people searching for someone might be like finding a needle in a haystack.

But for the three giant corporations to find any individual was as simple as taking a numbered drink from a vending machine.

They collectively governed, and could even be said to own this ocean. Orıginal content can be found at novel{f}ire.net

"So although you agreed to Baron Coleman's request quite readily, actually settling this guy properly isn't an easy task!"

As Li Nian spoke, Lin Yu shrugged.

"No matter, I have professionals I can consult—this one's memories are relatively complete."

Saying this, he pointed at the current Delta Team Leader following behind them.

"Do you know any good places?"

"Certainly, ma'am," the Delta Team Leader spoke meekly and politely, "Finding a place within Sleepless City is indeed difficult, but... he can go outside Sleepless City."

"To the 'Great Wasteland'—find the towns and villages of the Great Wasteland people."

"There, Truth Corporation's control is weak—among the three giant corporations, it has the strongest grip on the inner city, but the weakest control over the Great Wasteland."

"And 'Divine Power Group,' which has the highest control over the Great Wasteland, has had extremely poor relations with Truth Corporation in recent years."

"Those areas outside Sleepless City where Divine Power Group is active, in the southern Great Wasteland regions, are considered 'restricted zones' even for us Truth Corporation professionals who handle Great Wasteland affairs."

The Delta Team Leader shared all the information he possessed and offered his suggestion.

"Excellent," Lin Yu looked at the others in the aircraft, "If I suggest taking a detour... everyone should have no objections, right?"

The others naturally agreed.

Lin Yu looked at Pang Kedo.

"Then, Mr. Pang Kedo..."

"I have no objections," he immediately replied, "just... although Coleman asked you to help me retrieve my memories, I'm not particularly concerned about that. Memories are my own matter, and I'm not impatient—you don't need to be so diligent about it."

"I've also obtained much information about my great-uncle's whereabouts from you, and I plan to investigate the rest along with my memories slowly... but, ma'am, I still have something I'd like to request of you."

Pang Kedo spoke sincerely.

"Please speak freely."

Lin Yu said calmly.

"Coleman mentioned I have a wife and daughter—I beg you to investigate their whereabouts. Before I find a way to return to Sleepless City from the Great Wasteland, I hope you can help take care of them."

Pang Kedo said seriously.

Lin Yu nodded slightly: "Naturally."

He agreed, then walked to the screen where Fu Luo had previously input the destination, lightly touching the screen.

Although this was Lin Yu's first time seeing Sleepless City's aerial map, he quickly found what the Delta Team Leader had described as the southern Great Wasteland—the area where Truth Corporation's control was weakest—from this concise and clear map.

Setting the navigation to what appeared to be some kind of settlement, the aircraft turned in the air and headed toward Sleepless City's border.

From the aircraft, Lin Yu saw this seemingly near-future modern city feature a somewhat "retro" design—tall city walls stood at Sleepless City's boundary.

The aircraft crossed over the walls, revealing boundless, barren land beyond.

Using the city walls as a dividing line—outside these walls, almost no man-made structures could be seen.

The special car's broadcast issued a reminder.

"Please note: You have entered the Great Wasteland area."

The first time entering the Great Wasteland, Lin Yu didn't have any special feelings about it.

Perhaps it was because he was sitting in the specially selected vehicle chosen by Baron Coleman and many nobles of Sleepless City, with both safety and comfort levels maxed out.

After saying farewell and leaving that Pang Kedo outside the town, the special vehicle turned back and returned to Sleepless City, continuing toward Fu Luo's address.

During the return journey, Lin Yu didn't stay idle either.

He walked up to Fu Luo, who was lying on the recliner with his hat covering his face pretending to be dead, and spoke with a smile.

"Alright, friend... you should satisfy my curiosity now."

"In your 'Promotion Trial' mission, what was the third 'wrongful case' you needed to find?"

Faced with Lin Yu's questioning, Fu Luo couldn't keep pretending to be dead.

He removed the hat from his face, his eyebrows drooping as he grinned.

"It's nothing much, just... that Pang Kedo we just dropped off had another wrongful case attached to him."

"It's the same one his good brother Coleman is carrying - Coleman was falsely accused of being the murderer who killed Investigator Reed, right?"

"And Coleman himself thinks that the one who actually killed Reed was Pang Kedo... which is also a huge injustice for Pang Kedo."

"Because it definitely wasn't him who committed the murder."

As Fu Luo spoke, Lin Yu raised an eyebrow.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because that guy doesn't use knives - although he carries one, it's not his preferred weapon - the standard weapons trained by the Security Department's field teams under normal circumstances, even when killing, they're not accustomed to using daggers."

"What the Security Department field teams usually deal with are out-of-control machinery and combat personnel from other companies and organizations, even mercenaries. When dealing with these 'Sleepless City' types, the killing efficiency of sharp weapons like daggers is too low... combat suits and various shields give them high protection against sharp weapons."

"Even when dealing with unarmed researchers, on such important missions, he would definitely choose to use his most familiar weapon - while daggers are more effective against people from the Great Wasteland."

"In other words, only Truth Corporation members who frequently deal with the madmen of the Great Wasteland are skilled with daggers."

Fu Luo explained everything in detail.

Lin Yu looked at Fu Luo with an approving expression.

"Furbollo, you really have some skills. May wasn't wrong to praise you."

Fu Luo caught his breath: "Whew... Aren't you going to ask why Pang Kedo has the same face as the murderer in the 'notes'?"

"The scene was constructed based on Baron Coleman's memories. He had preconceived notions that Pang Kedo did it, so the memory restoration would naturally reflect that."

Lin Yu said calmly.

Fu Luo nodded: "Exactly, that's what I think too - seems you're not bad either."

"Brother May actually mentioned you to me too... At first I didn't connect the dots, but now it seems, when he talked about his beautiful, kind-hearted, clever, witty, and decisive female friend, it must be you!"

Fu Luo said with careful flattery.

Although his attitude was cautious, Lin Yu knew exactly how bold this guy really was.

This was outright fabrication.

When had he ever mentioned these things to Fu Luo using May's identity?

Not just Fu Luo... he hadn't said such things to anyone using any identity!

He wasn't shameless enough to praise himself so directly!

So, he spoke with a strange expression: "Is that so? I don't think he would say that."

Fu Luo examined the strange pursed-lip expression on Lin Yu's face, seemingly misunderstanding something, then gave an ingratiating smile.

"You know Brother May's personality - sometimes he seems quite cold, so how could he say such things to your face?"

"But your strength and beauty are objective facts. He couldn't completely ignore them, nor could he resist praising you - so he could only express his admiration behind your back."

"But please don't tell him, otherwise he definitely won't admit it and will easily guess it was me who said it."

Lin Yu was completely exasperated.

"What kind of nonsense is this!"

At that moment, Li Nian popped her head out from behind the nearby recliner: "Wow, you're that familiar with that guy who's joining 'Order'?"

"I thought Brother Wang dating someone from the 'Psychological Society' was shocking enough... You're not planning something even bigger, are you?"

Wang Yuyang walked over, stroking his chin: "The 'Psychological Society' doesn't prohibit this, but does 'Order' allow its members to date people from the 'Free Alliance'?"

Pan Yuqiang said regretfully: "They definitely don't allow it..."

Chen Zhuo gave a thumbs up: "Damn, forbidden taboo love... so shippable! It's like a real-life version of Romeo and Juliet!"

Lin Yu looked at this group of people who had inexplicably gathered around for some reason, opening his mouth but no words coming out.

Although he had been meticulously planning and scripting schemes since joining the 'Death Game', dealing with various unexpected situations by adapting and using opponents' strength against them.

Although Lin Yu didn't consider himself a genius who could anticipate everything, now with the 'Fraudster' profession as his foundation, supplemented by various [items], he had gradually shrouded himself in mist, maximizing his safety and creating an environment conducive to his growth.

But this current situation truly exceeded Lin Yu's expectations. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ noⅴelfire.net

He couldn't help but sigh that human effort and calculations indeed have their limits.

After living for twenty years, in the end, he found himself being the subject of fabricated gossip and rumors about himself.

Finally, he could only let out a long sigh.

"It's not at all what you're thinking!"

But by now, prejudice had solidified like a mountain.

Fortunately, before these people could continue adding embellishments, the special vehicle arrived at Fu Luo's destination.

The aircraft slowly hovered and landed in a classical courtyard on a semi-slope high point in Sleepless City, where there was actually a dedicated landing pad for aircraft.

And after the aircraft landed and stabilized...

The dungeon "ended."

But just before the official end, before the familiar dizziness arrived...

Through the window, seeing this absolutely high-end residence, everyone looked at Fu Luo with a question.

"Where exactly is this address you entered?"

Especially Lin Yu.

So this Fu Luo guy isn't simple either?

But before he could prepare the appropriate wording for "Zhu Ming" to ask the question... the feeling of weightlessness struck.

Opening his eyes again, Lin Yu had already arrived in the [Settlement Space]!

[Congratulations on passing the game "Express Train of Despair"!]

[Calculating your rewards for this game!]

[You have obtained the basic reward: 7 days of survival time.]

This time, he didn't even have time to look at his additional rewards, first directly looking at Fu Luo in the [Settlement Space].

And before Lin Yu could speak, Li Nian's voice rang out first.

"You damn detective! You have such powerful connections in Sleepless City and Truth Corporation, why haven't you been using them earlier?!"

Facing Li Nian's questioning, Fu Luo appeared utterly innocent.

"This... we were in that car, we couldn't use it anyway!"

As he spoke, Li Nian spat in disdain.

"You could have at least used your reputation to bluff them."

The smile on Fu Luo's face grew even more bitter: "I'm afraid that really wouldn't work."

"Why wouldn't it work?"

This time even Lin Yu couldn't help but ask.

Fu Luo scratched his cheek: "Because the people we were meeting at the time were Coleman and Pang Kedo..."

"So what, they recognize quality goods too, don't they?"

Li Nian raised an eyebrow as she asked.

Fu Luo rubbed his hands together awkwardly again: "Right, so the owner of that mansion is Paris."

"He's my biggest connection inside Truth Corporation."

These words plunged the entire Settlement Space into silence.

Even Wang Yuyang and Pan Yuqiang, who had been cuddled together seemingly exchanging their gains from this round, couldn't help but look at Fu Luo.

Li Nian pulled her sunglasses down her face, her eyes wide open.

"You're one of that President Paris's people?"

Fu Luo continued rubbing his hands uneasily: "To be precise, we're on equal footing... we both work for the family behind him."

Li Nian's expression turned serious: "It's not the damn Sleepless Sky family, is it?"

"Hey, you know them—the dock I pledged allegiance to in that world is Sleepless Sky Huole."

Fu Luo said happily.

Hearing this name, Li Nian gave a thumbs up.

"Then you're truly awesome... I underestimated you, truly worthy of being an Order external personnel."

"Even though you hadn't been promoted, you really do have strength... oh wait, you've actually been promoted now."

Mentioning this, Fu Luo also reacted.

"This is all thanks to everyone's help, especially Zhu Ming, I'm endlessly grateful."

Lin Yu nodded: "No problem."

Although he didn't know who "Sleepless Sky Huole" was, judging from Li Nian's reaction and Fu Luo's mention that this guy seemed to be Paris's backer, he must be a formidable character.

So he silently remembered this name.

If he ever enters a dungeon in Sleepless City again, he might be able to borrow Fu Luo's name and try to connect with this big shot.

After some questioning, having clarified some of Fu Luo's hidden cards, everyone quickly turned to check their gains from this round.

Lin Yu took a look...

This time it was rare that he didn't get the Master of Control evaluation, but he did get Threading the Needle, plus an additional Far-Famed Reputation.

[Based on your performance in this game, you have received the evaluation "Threading the Needle," granting one additional reward.]

[Additional reward: Randomly obtain two "non-exclusive item" rewards.]

[Item · Rage Spray, bound.]

[Item · Corner of the Gloomy, bound.]

[Based on your performance in this game, you have received the evaluation "Far-Famed Reputation," granting one additional reward.]

[Additional reward: Randomly obtain two "non-exclusive item" rewards.]

[Item · Mind-Peeping Eyepiece, bound.]

[Item · Resentful Little Fish Launcher, bound.]

After pocketing these four items, Lin Yu took a look and couldn't help but marvel.

"The items this company produces are each more useful than the last."

[Item · Rage Spray: Specially processed, colorless and odorless extract of rage emotion. The spray canister can be activated silently and remotely. After spraying, those who inhale it will enter an uncontrollable state of anger, experiencing indescribable rage. After use, it can recharge by absorbing surrounding "anger emotions."]

[Item · Corner of the Gloomy: Non-mass-produced high-end product within Truth Corporation. After use, creates a "shadow" in a corner that is extremely easy for others to overlook. Hiding within it grants hearing and vision enhancements, but may breed negative emotions. Simultaneously, once you actively step out or are discovered, you can quickly transfer to another nearby corner.]

[Note: Creation from bookworms, loners, introverts forced to attend parties full of strangers. Long-term use may risk self-esteem damage and developing strange hobbies!]

These two items from Threading the Needle were both very useful.

Rage Spray was perfect for use when deceiving others.

People's judgment severely declines when angry—precisely based on this, Lin Yu had chosen to provoke Yu Longguo in his first dungeon.

As for Corner of the Gloomy...

Although it seemed somewhat overlapping with the little octopus "Hannah's" functions, it had its own unique aspects.

Moreover, this item was of the type that had an additional "Note."

Among Items, the finest and rarest ones aren't necessarily those with additional "Notes" and "Remarks"...

But those with "Notes" and "Remarks" are definitely the rarer, finer Items. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel⟡fire.net

Although the description of Corner of the Gloomy didn't reveal much, Lin Yu was convinced that its actual performance should be stronger than the text description suggested.

Just like Li Nian's sunglasses—seemingly having only the function of seeing through spirits and energy bodies, but seeing Li Nian wear them 24/7, you know this thing has a hidden powerful aspect.

It has no consumption, no cooldown.

As long as it's worn on the face, it makes any spirit unable to hide from Li Nian.

This is extremely useful in dungeons with ghosts and such.

Moreover... spirits and energy bodies aren't just limited to ghosts.

Li Nian must have developed more advanced uses, she just hasn't revealed them.

"I should still test how useful Corner of the Gloomy is when I get the chance..."

Lin Yu pondered, then looked at the items rewarded from Far-Famed Reputation.

But before he could check the Mind-Peeping Eyepiece and Resentful Little Fish Launcher, Lin Yu was interrupted by new "blood text" that popped up before his eyes.

The settlement rewards for this dungeon actually weren't limited to the conventional ones!

"Alright, I'll research the Items after going out..."

Lin Yu was actually quite accustomed to this, because so far, none of the dungeons he had experienced had been completely normal and followed the rules.

Moreover, he had already anticipated this.

In fact, this was something he had been actively striving for throughout this dungeon.

[Detected that your reputation in the dungeon world has reached requirements, interaction count with non-player intelligent life has reached requirements...]

[Detected that you have passed one Promotion Trial, player level is First-Tier player...]

[Now activating new player privilege module for you—"Social."]

Seeing this blood text prompt, Lin Yu let out a breath.

"Good, now the 'privileges' are also obtained."

"But... what the hell is 'Social'?"

Soon, the time in the Settlement Space ended. Lin Yu opened his eyes again, finding himself sitting in the car with Li Nian and Chen Zhuo.

The car was in a state of gradually slowing down—eventually coming to a slow stop by the roadside.

Before he could communicate with Chen Zhuo and Li Nian, Lin Yu immediately realized what the "Social" privilege referred to.

He felt that deep within his soul and consciousness, something new had appeared—as natural as being able to store Items and see Item descriptions, as if innate.

It was an interface resembling a chat software, which could be summoned just by thinking.

This was...

the players' Social panel!