The forest was silent, yet somewhere a bonfire seemed to leap.
But strangely, beneath that scorching heat, there were no logs, yet the flames danced wildly regardless.
A gust of wind passed, and this rootless fire spun out wisps of silk, wrapping into a cocoon, which soon outlined the shadow of a young man.
"I... have I resurrected again?"
Luke clenched his hand, a sharp pain shot through his palm, and a wave of emptiness washed over him. This emotion's emergence meant he didn't need to question his own existence.
"The ninety-seventh time."
He uttered the number flatly, his brow furrowed, his expression shifting under the bonfire's light.
This place was no longer the world he was familiar with.
There was no long night where dawn broke, the moonlight was absent, and the only light in the forest came from the eyes of various monsters—a single pair, or perhaps two, or wherever they might be located.
Dying without value, over and over, endlessly repeating the nightmare until even the timid soul grew numb, and the passionate heart turned as cold as iron and stone.
He looked up at the sky; it should have been a clear night, but it was unnaturally dark. He wondered if there truly were gods or Buddhas in the heavens, they should have taken pity on his plight long ago!
This couldn't go on. If it continued like this, his soul might even change, completely embracing despair and becoming a vicious beast roaming the dark forest.
But Luke hated this. He had always been a patient person, but if he couldn't think rationally about problems, it was worse than being killed.
"Perhaps just dying outright wouldn't be so bad."
Luke chuckled faintly. He hadn't been averse to seeking death intentionally, but the result was always resurrection by the campfire.
Many poets and writers have attempted to end their own lives; the success rate is quite high. Perhaps for dreamers, the very existence of 'reality' is the root of their suffering.
Judging by Luke's current situation, 'transmigration' existed in reality, and perhaps after death, one could truly go to a world of fantasy.
"Heh, I hope those great authors can travel to the worlds they wrote about. If not, it would be nice if they came to keep me company."
Luke thought this with malice.
He too had once been a writer, or rather, he dreamed of being one.
Although he had no famous works, what he wanted to convey was positive, and the plots followed mainstream development. If he were to transmigrate, it might actually be quite nice.
However, even though Luke could imagine this possibility, he had no choice at all; he could only drift along and take things as they came.
Isn't this also a form of 'reality'?
Although it was a 'reality' tainted by 'blackness,' bearing blood and cruelty.
Alright, let's continue.
Hmm, let's start by finding a living person.
If he couldn't find someone to communicate with soon, what was the point of maintaining this 'human' appearance?
Luke pushed aside distracting thoughts and began to review his previous death.
He entered a village full of mushrooms and was killed by a hidden trap during exploration.
Undoubtedly, this time he died due to carelessness, or perhaps poor eyesight... But why would that village be filled with traps? Were they hunting someone, or protecting someone?
And since the traps there were still usable, did that mean there were living people there?
No... Luke immediately dismissed that judgment.
It was desolate there, and the mushrooms had become spirits. He had visited many times and never found any trace of living people.
Then let's take a different route. Maybe a different path offers an opportunity.
Luke thought this, lit a torch, and set off again on the path he was already familiar with.
He skillfully dodged the Monsters, walking the path paved with his own life, and arrived once more before the milestone.
[To the North is the ruined village full of spores; to the West is Andoru City]
Since the path to the ruined village was negated, Luke began to ponder the so-called Andoru City.
This route had always made Luke uneasy, signaling great danger, but perhaps the key to solving the puzzle lay there.
Luke suddenly felt a bit lost again.
The quiet path was intermittently filled with eerie shrieks, and the wind, acting as a guest, roared loudly, showing that the woods were far from peaceful on the surface.
People seek quiet when it's bustling, yet descend into madness and despair under oppressive silence.
How many more times must he die before it is enough?
Save me, save me... No... whoever it is, please, truly and completely, kill me.
"Hoo!"
Luke leaned against the signpost to rest for a while. Having regained some energy and confidence, he prepared to move forward with renewed vigor, but as he took a step, he noticed something under his foot.
He picked it up and saw it was a broken wooden plaque. Putting it together, he read the words: "I am searching for my missing father and mother. Anyone who sees them, please inform me."
Signed... Little Red Riding Hood?
This should be a nickname rather than a name, and since the story of 'Little Red Riding Hood' is universally known, 'Little Red Riding Hood' wouldn't typically be used as a common moniker... This implies that 'Little Red Riding Hood' might genuinely exist, and this place is highly likely a fairy tale world.
"A fairy tale? That's a bit too humorous."
Luke merely smiled. His own experiences could be compiled into a horror film, definitely an R-rated one that wouldn't pass censorship.
A fairy tale? You show this to children?!
"But, Little Red Riding Hood... are you alive?"
Looking at the wooden plaque, it felt as if he were corresponding with a pen pal, and the desire to see the other person's true appearance grew intensely hot, even his heart continuously surging with new power.
"Let's go!"
Having made up his mind, he walked west along the path, faintly hearing the sound of flowing water, and glimpsing a long bridge in the distance.
"I have to cross the bridge. It seems there are many Monsters on the other side."
When he reached the bridgehead, he frowned slightly.
There were decaying walking corpses, as well as bizarre, spore-covered plants with mottled branches. They were quiet now, but any slight movement would surely change the scene.
That was a lesson learned from death.
Can I clear this in one life?
After all, logically, the muscle tissue of the corpses should have decomposed long ago, and the plants don't have legs; how could they possibly catch him?
I have to try. Alright, without hesitation, with a'swoosh,' his four limbs instantly exerted force, every muscle activated, displaying the theoretical limit of the physical body!
The speed displayed in that instant would have made his former physical education teacher proud, causing him to heavily circle his name and recommend him to the City Team and Provincial Team.
But even so, the imagined scene always went against reality. In the now unquiet night, dozens of Monsters were tightly chasing his heels. Their speed had already surpassed the human limit; even Bolt would fall behind here.
Creak, creak, the joints of those things sounded like they were falling apart, but the sounds behind him never stopped. When the commotion passed, the trampled grass was left with pits of decay.
"The night is beautiful, do you want to dance too?"
Luke ran, joking lightly, but in reality, he was far from the dashing youth in the wind; he was stumbling and rolling like a stray dog.
It wasn't entirely his fault. Dealing with the running corpses, which were as energetic as track athletes, was manageable; Luke's footwork was skilled, and he could use positioning to deceive these single-threaded creatures.
But the most fatal were those seemingly harmless plants. While their surfaces appeared still, they were extremely insidious and cunning. Their roots lay on the ground, as nimble as tongues, and they were not slow in pursuit.
Suddenly, Luke was tripped. He fell to the ground, and then his leg was entangled by vines. Luke tried to pull free, but it was useless.
Watching the ferocious, eager walking corpses approach him, a sneer appeared on Luke's face: "Ahahaha! Will you get used to me shouting like this? Maybe you want something more intense? Don't, I'm really not into that."
Nowhere to run, captured alive—this was the result of insufficient ability. Not strong enough, so this outcome was only to be expected.
Then, the time to pay the price has arrived.
"Hey, hey! Don't just bite my leg and stop! Use some strength! No, don't just focus on eating the meat! Eat the head first! Eat the head, you bastard! Damn you, you mongrel should really supplement your brain!"
As the dismemberment finished, that noisy mouth finally quieted down. The feast concluded, and the blood-stained guests looked at each other and began to fight among themselves.
Waking up again, Luke sat before the campfire for a long time.
"This time, it's probably the ninety-eighth time... right?"
He curled up, feeling the false warmth, while the phantom pains occasionally transmitted constantly told him everything this body had experienced, causing him to tremble intermittently.
He was sick of it.
What exactly was he persisting for?
Was it ideals... or the future?
The former Luke possessed and believed in these things. Now, those things had become woven illusions, painkillers used to numb himself, yet tragically, deep down, he didn't believe them.
So-called hope is truly a fire.
Scorching, dazzling... seemingly so far away, yet seemingly within reach, requiring the soul to be burned away completely to suffice.
"..."
He remained silent. He actually felt that sitting right here by the campfire would be fine.
It was safe here, and there was light.
Perhaps he could sit here forever and ever.
However, for some reason, a voice constantly conveyed itself clearly in his heart.
"Change the current situation."
Because of this voice echoing incessantly in his heart, Luke developed an almost frenzied desire to explore.
Returning to the bridgehead, Luke took a deep breath.
His life was long; he could afford to be calm. He could always get through, even if his soul was constantly worn away, turning him into a complete Monster.
Alright, the route plan is tentatively complete, Monsters are marked, physical condition is completely OK. Just this one time, one more time.
Just as he assumed a stance, ready to burst forth, his hand froze in mid-air.
Hm?
He confirmed again, yes, it was correct... his hand was being grabbed.
Luke stiffly turned his head to look, but the surroundings were empty. He suppressed the trace of timidity, his figure remaining stubbornly resolute.
"Please strike."
As if resigned to fate, he raised his head and looked at the night sky.
The night wind was truly boisterous now, he thought. If this touch of coldness was meant to be his funeral rites, it would surely carry away the pain... "Hush..."
A voice sounded by his ear, cold as silk.
"Follow me."
The overly plain words gave Luke a strange feeling, causing him to freeze momentarily.
Something is very wrong... the other person's hand seems warm.
"Okay... Mm, okay."
Pulling himself out of his confusion, Luke immediately made a rational judgment.
Regardless of who the other party truly was, he should agree to the request; in any case, the situation couldn't possibly get worse for him.
"Don't move."
This time he understood clearly; it was a girl's voice. Although Luke was puzzled, he complied as requested.
Specks of Fluorescent Powder began to drift down from the air, landing on his body. In his sight, his body gradually became transparent until it vanished.
How marvelous... That hand pulled Luke, leading him into the monster swarm.
At first, Luke's heart was beating nervously, but it seemed the monsters hadn't noticed him. They passed through until they reached the towering city wall, walking along its base until they saw a small door.
Pushing the door open, inside was a room that wasn't spacious. Mats were laid out piece by piece on the floor, and an aged scent permeated the surroundings.
A collective dormitory—could this be a military camp?
Luke curiously looked around. The hand that had been holding him let go, and a small, crimson figure appeared before him.
The girl wore a bright red cloak, with strands of golden hair falling over her shoulders. Her beast-eared hood covered most of her face, giving her a slightly gloomy appearance. She tilted her head up slightly, revealing a pair of azure eyes.
Her features matched the stereotype, only her personality wasn't very lively. Could she be Little Red Riding Hood?
"Why are you in the forest?" The girl stared at Luke, as if questioning him.
"I don't know."
Due to the height difference, looking at her felt like looking down from above, which seemed impolite. Luke shifted his gaze, but this made him look guilty.
This reaction was not good when facing an interrogation.
"Hm?"
He could feel the other person's gaze growing colder.
"Please don't make things difficult for me, I really don't know."
Luke began to show weakness, meeting her gaze with a calm and honest look.
"Is that so." The girl closed her eyes slightly, then stood still.
The two faced off like that, silent for a long time.
What to do next?
Although Luke didn't show it, he was actually very anxious.
His talent certainly wasn't in socializing, and his solitary nature meant he rarely faced such problems.
But actually, didn't the other person have many suspicious points too?
"Are you Little Red Riding Hood?" Luke asked, using her tone.
"My name is Red Hood," the other replied flatly.
"Luke."
"Mm."
"..."
The conversation abruptly ended.
"Right, I think I saw a mark earlier... are you looking for your parents?" Luke turned his head away, scratching himself awkwardly.
Perhaps because he hadn't interacted with anyone for too long, he displayed such clumsy behavior.
"Mm."
Little Red Riding Hood seemed quiet; Luke didn't know what she was thinking.
"If that's the case, do you need help?" Luke asked proactively.
Regardless of whether the other party needed it, he had to use this opportunity to gain precious intelligence from her.
However, Little Red Riding Hood didn't speak, maintaining a cold expression. Luke couldn't tell if she was sulking or if this was just her natural disposition.
A difficult opponent to deal with... "What's going on with the Monsters here?" Luke changed the topic.
"Demonic Beasts...?"
A hint of emotion surfaced on Little Red Riding Hood's face.
"They are 'Scraps'."
Scraps?
Luke was slightly confused. "What do you mean?"
"..." Little Red Riding Hood was unwilling to say more.
Luke had to settle for the next best thing. "Why did you help me? What is your objective?"
"I need your help," Little Red Riding Hood stared intently at Luke, seemingly having made a decision.
"Huh?"
Luke was stunned for a moment, then shook his head.
"Wait, I need to understand the situation!"
Based on the information revealed by the other party, the Monsters here were'Scraps'.
Literally meaning waste products whose value has been completely extracted.
This meant the current situation here was man-made.
And since this place had never seen light, perhaps it was an underground world?
No, let's make a bolder assumption... this place lacks many elements yet forms a self-contained system. It could be called a'Small World,' or perhaps a 'Sandbox'!
Clang! Clang!
A crisp, strange noise sounded quietly. Little Red Riding Hood turned her gaze toward the side of the door and whispered:
"We're out of time. If we stay longer, we'll be discovered."
As soon as she finished speaking, Luke was abruptly pulled away.
"It's coming, very close. Don't speak, follow me."
Little Red Riding Hood gripped Luke's hand tightly.
Luke was somewhat annoyed; the interruption of his thoughts made him very dissatisfied. He was a writer, and his bad temper should flare up at a time like this.
But Little Red Riding Hood was too urgent, pulling Luke upward. The spiral staircase made it hard for him to catch his breath.
Boom!
A sound came from downstairs, likely the noise of the door being torn apart.
What was that?
Thump! Thump! Thump... Rhythmic footsteps approached; that thing was chasing them!
So fast, getting closer! Could it be that someone is targeting this girl?
What should he do?
No, in fact... Luke realized he had an opportunity for betrayal at this moment.
In this instant, he faced a choice.
He could betray the girl before him, offering her as a token of allegiance. Although he didn't desire wealth or status, he could end this desperate situation he was in.
This was far from being treacherous, as they had only exchanged brief words; neither had built trust, nor had they formed an emotional bond.
Moreover, her hand was warm, meaning she was different from Luke—she was alive.
That alone was an irreconcilable gap.
This forest was full of Bloodline Descendants and 'Failed Products'.
And Luke himself was a 'Monster' just like them!
He truly knew this: he was ultimately a dead man, and the paths of the living and the dead are different.
Therefore, it wouldn't matter; he could go ahead and do it, with no need for self-reproach... "But... Red Hood, thank you.
For one moment, you made me find the meaning of being alive.
Perhaps hope truly exists."
Luke let go of her hand and turned around to walk back down.
No matter what was below, he had no reason to be timid.
Perhaps this was what was meant by the wrath of a common man.
But this anger seemed insignificant when faced with the surging wave of heat that spread towards him.
Thump, thump, thump!
After a few steps, a figure appeared on the stairs: clad in black armor, his true appearance obscured. In his hand, he held a sword burning with Black Flames.
"You've come."
Luke looked down from his higher position and said coldly.
"You shouldn't have come."
Saying this, he paused, then continued.
"But you still came."
The other party surprisingly made no move for a moment, even though Luke was completely exposed.
The two stood facing each other. Luke was higher up, giving him an advantage in momentum, and he grew bolder.
"Step back. I won't take your life."
The Black Armored Warrior scratched his head, appearing conflicted.
"No, I must deliver Little Red Riding Hood's head to the Master..." He glared fiercely at Luke and extended his hand: "Hand Little Red Riding Hood over to me!"
"I'm sorry, but even if you knelt down and begged me, I would never give her to you."
Luke finally relaxed, placing his hands on his hips, a slight smile playing on his lips, though his tone remained as cold as ever.
"You... you bastard!"
The Black Armored Warrior finally realized that Luke was merely putting on a show. A feeling of humiliation surged through him, and the flames of anger were instantly ignited.
The narrow stairway instantly grew scorching hot.
"Tsk."
Facing the danger, Luke remained unconcerned.
He was long accustomed to this; right now, he was truly a Master of grand scenes.
"Kill me?"
Luke closed his eyes, shook his head, and said mockingly:
"Remember to use a slow burn."
Then, he impatiently waved his hand across his face.
A scorching torrent rushed toward him; clearly, the other party had ignored his suggestion.
So be it. Judging by the current situation, he had already performed beyond expectations.
"Actually, you shouldn't have too many expectations of someone like me." Luke sat directly on the ground. He already sensed his impending death; it was always like this, always.
He was used to it, but this time, it felt slightly different.
May the living embrace hope and continue walking forward.
And the dead should be eternally trapped in the inferno, unable to find release.
Just like that, just like him... Black Flames swept through the heavy wind pressure, and Luke slightly closed his eyes, calmly facing it.
Mm, that warmth... that softness... like being tightly enveloped, yet somehow also somewhat flat.
Mm, am I dead?
Luke opened his eyes again and found the waves of flame had abruptly stopped, splashing against the walls on either side.
Eh?
What was going on? His mind was a mess, and being restless, he struggled a bit, only then realizing he was restrained.
It turned out he was being held tightly in one arm by Little Red Riding Hood.
And the girl's other hand held a dripping knife.
Saved...?
A sense of unreality washed over Luke.
"It's you?!"
On the ground, a set of armor staggered upright, and after a few clanking sounds, the flames finally ignited.
"Let's go."
Little Red Riding Hood helped Luke up, then took out a mirror from her cloak. The mirror surface didn't show a reflection, but rather seemed to be in another place.
Brilliance spread, confusing reflection and reality. This momentary error made the impossible possible; the world had already stitched itself together.
She grabbed Luke's hand and suddenly accelerated, as if breaking through a mirror. Sizzling noises occasionally came from the surroundings, and all his senses experienced slight abnormalities.
When he opened his eyes again, the scene had changed. Looking back, he vaguely saw a figure unwilling to give up.