The outskirts.
Far from the city's edge, in a quiet and isolated zone, an ancient castle stood in solemn silence. Neatly trimmed gardens surrounded a three-story manor, their symmetry lending the place an eerie sense of order.
Inside the grand hall, a group of people sat in a circle. Almost unconsciously, their gazes converged on the man seated at the head of the room—a black-haired figure whose presence carried an inexplicable authority.
"Welcome, everyone, to this session of the Game Arena."
The man swept his eyes across the group, the corners of his lips lifting in a faint, barely perceptible smile.
His name was Valerius—a transmigrator, and the possessor of the Game Arena System.
At this very moment, they were all standing within a space constructed entirely by that system itself.
"Although many of you are already familiar with one another through the livestreams, this is the first time we're meeting face to face inside the Game Arena. Allow me to formally introduce everyone."
As he spoke, Valerius raised a hand and gestured toward the man seated on his left.
"This is Mr. Jing Yuan of the Xianzhou Luofu."
Then, starting with Jing Yuan, he continued down the line.
"This is Lady Jade of the Interastral Peace Corporation."
"And this is Lady Herta, from the Genius Society."
Each person whose name was called rose briefly in acknowledgment.
Valerius then turned and gestured to the opposite side.
"And over here… from the continent of Teyvat—Fontaine's Hydro Archon, Furina."
"From Liyue, the Conqueror of Demons—Xiao."
"And from Inazuma, the Electro Archon—Raiden Ei."
"That's enough, Valerius. Stop with the opening ceremony and get on with it already."
Furina raised her hand and cut him off impatiently. This wasn't her first time participating in the Game Arena—what was the point of all this formal fluff?
More importantly… she was panicking inside.
Just look at this lineup! Every single one of them was a heavyweight. Was this really something she could handle?
Even worse, plenty of people in Fontaine were watching the livestream right now. If she ended up being the first one eliminated, the embarrassment would be catastrophic.
"Lady Furina, the opening explanation is still necessary," Valerius replied calmly. "Besides… this time, the rules are different. It's important that everyone understands them clearly."
At the mention of different rules, several expressions instantly grew serious.
After all, Valerius had hosted the Game Arena many times before, and the rules varied wildly each session. One wrong step could mean immediate elimination—it was far safer to listen carefully.
"First of all, the biggest difference this time…"
Valerius deliberately paused, his gaze sweeping across the room before he spoke again, unhurried and deliberate.
"This time, victory comes with rewards."
"Rewards?!"
Even Jing Yuan couldn't hide his surprise.
Valerius had already made it clear before that future games would offer rewards—but no one expected them to arrive this soon.
And judging from what Valerius had hinted at earlier, these rewards were no ordinary prizes. There were even items capable of treating Mara.
How could Jing Yuan not be moved?
If things went well, he might be able to bring back a solution to the Xianzhou—today.
"Mr. Valerius," Jing Yuan asked calmly, "what is the game this time?"
That was critical information. If cooperation was possible, then cooperation was absolutely the optimal strategy.
"A survival game."
"Hiss—!"
The moment those words left Valerius's mouth, excitement rippled through the room.
Raiden Ei was the first to raise her hand. "Alliance. We should form an alliance."
"I second that."
Furina quickly raised her hand as well.
"Agreed."
It wasn't just Teyvat's side—Jade also raised her hand, clearly expressing her intent to cooperate.
Not only did the participants react—the livestream exploded instantly.
Livestream Chat:
[Fu Xuan]: What a shame, I didn't get selected this time.
[Silver Wolf]: Lost a hundred million—my heart hurts.
[Yae Miko]: Waaaah, I refuse! Why did they draw Ei instead of me?! Pick me next time!
[Charlotte]: Wow… the Hydro Archon herself is participating? The rewards are basically guaranteed! This is huge—write that down, write that down!
[March 7th]: Says the one who's basically an insider…
[Ningguang]: As the previous game's winner, I formally request my overdue reward.
[Stelle]: Go to sleep. You'll get everything in your dreams.
[Jean]: Everyone here is incredibly strong. Who do you think will win?
[Kujou Sara]: Naturally, Her Excellency the Shogun.
[Keqing]: The Conqueror of Demons' strength speaks for itself.
[Chevreuse]: Obviously, it'll be the Hydro Archon.
[Sampo]: Just thinking about it is enough.
[Albedo]: @Bennett — who do you think will win?
[Bennett]: Uh… me? Let me think… I think it might be Mr. Jing Yuan.
The Game Arena had already been held many times.
Based on Jing Yuan's past performances in the livestreams, Bennett genuinely felt that this man named Jing Yuan was exceptional—sharp-minded, perceptive, and always hitting the mark.
If he had to choose someone… Jing Yuan felt like the safest bet.
[Qingque]: Oh no…
[Bailu]: General—danger!
[Fu Xuan]: Why would you jinx him like that?!
[Feixiao]: It's over. Completely over.
[Sparkle]: 666, Bennett! You're amazing!
[Bennett]: Uh… s-sorry…
Bennett's legendary bad luck was already famous across two worlds.
Since he'd chosen Jing Yuan… well, no one needed to say what that implied.
Back inside the Game Arena.
"Heh. Valerius—get the rewards ready."
With prizes on the line and a survival game that allowed alliances, Herta felt confident this time. Ever since Valerius started hosting the Game Arena, she'd watched countless matches—but none had offered rewards before.
If things went right, she might just become the first-ever reward winner.
Valerius shot her a sidelong glance, clearly amused.
"An alliance?"
"Keep dreaming."
Sure, if this group truly joined forces, they'd be terrifyingly strong—but—
"This game is called 'Night Falls, Please Close Your Eyes.'"
"Inside this house… there exists a killer."
"Find the killer, and everyone else wins."
"If only two people remain—then the killer wins."
Valerius spread his hands and leaned back lazily in his chair.
"Go on," he said with a grin.
"Try forming an alliance now."