Chapter 236

Chapter 236: Both Ends of the Scale 17

At eight o’clock in the evening, four hours remained before the moment for time travel.

Yu Hansue sat at the edge of the roof, examining her fingers with meticulous attention, occasionally manipulating them in the light and shadows of the street lamps.

“You’ve been staring at your hands for several minutes now…” Kui Xin commented.

“My fingers were finally returned to me after being lost… Why is looking at them a problem? It’s incredibly torturous seeing bones and flesh growing, so I should probably take another good look at the new fingers,” Yu Hansue blinked her eyes.

The skin color of the new fingers was slightly lighter than her palm.

“Alright…” Kui Xin shifted her gaze to the buildings in the gray sky, which looked dim under the distant lights; the tobacco factory still stood there. She said, “Everyone has presumably withdrawn; there are no more signals around here.”

“The response was quite prompt—only half an hour since that player’s post? This also indirectly shows the influence the ‘Black Snake’ has on the forum,” Yu Hansue replied. “Wasn’t this area sealed off? What about those responsible for sealing it up?”

“They have withdrawn too. Some players were involved in the sealing operation—those players would surely be notified,” Kui Xin said. “Even if their equipment is top-notch and they’ve received elite training, they’d stand no chance against an S-Ranked Extraordinary Ability Possessor like the Remover. They wouldn’t fare well against Augus either, so it’s better they don’t sacrifice themselves in vain.”

“That’s good news,” Yu Hansue said. “This clears up the old industrial zone.”

Less than half an hour prior, Kui Xin had posted a warning on the forum, noting that the Remover 777 had arrived in Tonglin City, and he might possess an S-Ranked Extraordinary Ability. His intentions might involve hunting players or interfering with the Dark Realm’s descent in Tonglin City. Kui Xin advised all players to take evasive measures and stay clear of being alone in open areas.

Upon posting, players within the old industrial district immediately took action, withdrawing according to Kui Xin’s advice.

Kui Xin separately reached out to Li Wanran through data manipulation, warning her under the alias of “The Shadowless” using the nickname “Mirror.” Now, everyone had received the message, and Kui Xin had done all she could.

Though longer summer days made it barely bright half an hour ago, by eight o’clock it had turned completely dark.

Kui Xin waited on the rooftop until she saw the person she was expecting appear. A tall, thin man approached Kui Xin at lightning speed, arriving just below the rooftop floor where she and Yu Hansue were in less than a minute.

Tang Guan leaped effortlessly three meters high, scaling up the windowsill to the first floor. His movements were even more agile than a monkey’s, quickly scaling to the top floor to stand in front of Kui Xin in a few seconds.

Yu Hansue carefully observed Tang Guan, who glanced back at her hesitantly before nodding at Kui Xin and her respectively.

“Evening, this is Evening, and this is White Pigeon,” Kui Xin introduced simply.

Using the code name Evening, Yu Hansue finally responded, “Hello, White Pigeon.”

She chose the codename “Evening” because Yu Hansue mentioned it was a time of misfortune, and even slightly related to time, making Evening a straightforward choice.

Tang Guan went straight to the point, “I saw the post you made on the forum. Why did you want to talk?”

Since joining the Black Snake’s personal section, Tang Guan had been quietly observing developments in the game, rarely participating himself. The sudden appearance of Remover 777 in Tonglin City made him uneasy, and anyone with any sense could guess either he was targeting person 233 or heading for the tobacco factory.

Kui Xin signaled Yu Hansue who immediately stood and left, avoiding their conversation.

“Remover 777 wants to do something to the Dark Realm at the tobacco factory,” Kui Xin said to Tang Guan. “Can the one in your head help provide some clues?”

After standing for two seconds, Tang Guan frowned as though communicating with the ghost within his mind.

“Could you let me talk to the ghost in your head?” Kui Xin asked. “Do you control its actions?”

“In our world, yes,” Tang Guan closed his eyes after saying that sentence.

When his eyes opened again, they looked entirely different, filled with an eerie malevolence.

The ghost laughed through Tang Guan’s body, “Humans, what do you want to ask me?”

“What is inside the factory?” Kui Xin queried. “Or to put it differently, what exactly does the Dark Realm bring to this world?”

“Tang Guan asked me the same question a few times. Do you think I told him the answer?” the ghost smiled. “If I told him, then he would have surely told you, right? Since he didn’t tell you, that means he himself doesn’t know! Why ask me when I won’t tell you anything?”

Kui Xin narrowed her eyes, coldly fixing her gaze on Tang Guan’s face.

“No matter how much you stare at me, it won’t help. Are you trying to threaten me? You can do it by killing Tang Guan,” the ghost continued, “But I don’t think you will.”

“I thought the truce between you and Tang Guan meant you’d cooperate a little,” she said.

“But we agreed to a truce just to escape from that hellish mechanical place, just so I wouldn’t interfere with his body. I didn’t make any unnecessary promises, right?” the ghost said.

Kui Xin considered for two seconds, “You seem to know something about the Dark Realm…”

“Yes, but only a little. Here’s my advice to you humans,” the ghost offered.

“What advice?” Kui Xin inquired.

“Rather than listening here for information, go directly to see what’s really in the Dark Realm yourself.” The ghost implied with deep meaning, “Go see what’s inside the Dark Realm, and what’s hidden in there. After all, according to your saying—seeing is believing.”

Kui Xin’s expression hardened.

She’d thought about going herself too; she was truly curious. Yet stepping into the Dark Realm potentially meant her death.

“Thinking of death if you enter there?” the ghost continued, “Then consider this—does Remover 777 fear death? If entering the Dark Realm meant death, why would he go there? There must be something beneficial there; some attraction pulling him towards danger.”

Her brows twitched; she was indeed swayed by the ghost’s words.

Even if it meant death, she had the Reincarnation, a crucial safeguard…

But immediately she reined in her impulse. The cost of that ability would likely be dire. She was almost certain that every cycle brought a darker omen. With each death cycle, the looming shadow crept ever closer as a highly ominous sign.

And since acquiring the ability, despite her frequent self-reflection, the impact of multiple death cycles inevitably altered her attitude—she had gradually lost her reverence for death.

This was not an ideal state of mind; fear kept one cautious, circumspect.

Kui Xin lived not merely because of the Reincarnation, but through her cautious approach.

The ghost continued persuading her, “Certainly, entering carries risk, but isn’t everything risk-filled? Without taking the risks, there are no rewards. Staying stagnant won’t reveal the truth.”

Kui Xin fell silent, weighing her options.

Every death brought her closer to the shadow lurking in each cycle. Her suspicion was that another round might fully consume her.

Kui Xin could place one life on the scales. Was understanding the truths of the Dark Realm worth the life?

Indeed, it was.

The Dark Realm was the intersection of the Second and First Worlds, marking the beginning of an infiltration. To better prepare for impending calamities, one needed to uncover the methods of infiltration and the truths concealed within.

Observing Kui Xin’s reaction, the ghost spoke within Tang Guan’s mind, “Whoosh!” He suddenly relinquished control of his body, sinking deep into Tang Guan’s consciousness.

“Moth Rattlesnake…” Tang Guan regained control, feeling dizzy. He paused, “You shouldn’t go to the Dark Realm, Moth Rattlesnake. That’s too dangerous. You might die.”

Kui Xin replied, “Remover 777 is hiding in the old industrial site. He might want to go there, and we need to understand why.”

“I know. I know it’s crucial, for both you and me, and for the two worlds, and others, it’s extremely important.” Tang Guan exhaled deeply, “Don’t go to the Dark Realm. I’ll go and check it out.”

The ghost suddenly shouted in Tang Guan’s mind, “Are you crazy?!!! In all these years, I’ve never met someone so willing to sacrifice themselves! Isn’t it great to have someone fight for you? Are you trying to get yourself killed? What about your parents and siblings?”

Ignoring the ghost, Tang Guan spoke to Kui Xin, “I’m the best choice. The ghost won’t end my life unless it wants to destroy itself with me. I can regenerate with its regenerative abilities—if my form isn’t instantly obliterated I’ll survive. Don’t take risks; I’ll go.”

Listening to Tang Guan, Kui Xin hesitated momentarily.

She had always been the adventurous one, leading the charge. Now, Tang Guan was suggesting she step back as he would take her place.

“Moth Rattlesnake…” Tang Guan pondered his words, “I can sense you’re not very old, perhaps younger than me. Although you seem mature, I feel your young heart. Acceptance and communication—your organization seems to be fighting for our world. You are too young though; powerful, yet young.”

After wrestling internally for a while, he spoke his mind, “As the elder with reasonable capabilities, and you, younger but surpassing even my strength. If we must choose one to enter the Dark Realm, it should be me. The power you have should be preserved.”

The conversation continued, reflecting the strategic decisions and emotional dynamics of the characters involved.