Chapter 179

Chapter 179: The Boundless Dark Realm Part 34

120th Post: Didn’t some people up there want to team up and hunt the Remover 4? I’ll ask you straight: If Remover 4 is out of the picture, will anyone dare to form a team to hunt Remover 233?

121st Post: Laughing my head off, obviously not.

122nd Post: Just empty talk. Remover 4 just showed up and killed two players, which understandably aroused public indignation. But Remover 4 is a newcomer, while Remover 233 has been operating for a long time with accumulated power, deeply entrenched in the shadows.

123rd Post: Looking back at the previous events, he was the first to be reported for killing someone according to forum notifications, and he was also the first to complete regional tasks. While most players were struggling hard to make progress, Remover 233 had already been reported multiple times and stood at the top. Those players earlier thought Remover 4 understood how to lie low, so he didn’t appear. Remover 233 was overly aggressive, and that’s why he kept getting reported… Such comments make me want to laugh.

I’d like you to consider: Is Remover 233 overly aggressive or merely confident with his own strength?

124th Post in reply to 123rd Post: Agreed. This guy doesn’t care about being reported. Or maybe he’s already standing at the apex with invincible power. Whoever he wants to kill, he kills. No one can touch him.

125th Post: Earlier there was great enthusiasm talking about hunting Remover 4, but now things have cooled down. The fact proves it; people fear the strong and bully the weak. Remover 4 was soft and easy to handle, but Remover 233 is tough meat; whoever bites at it risks breaking teeth!

126th Post: Remover 233 is like a powerful emperor with courtiers cowering before him, whereas Remover 4 is akin to a newly crowned prince whose actions are met with disapproval. Yet this prince soon lost his head after being overthrown by the emperor…

127th Post: Exaggerating Remover 4 too much… At most, he’s an insignificant foe who crumbled under the mere sight of authority.

128th Post: What nonsense! Emperor? What are you talking about! What benefits would praising Remover 233 bring you? As long as someone is strong, can’t you worship them mindlessly? This makes me sick!

129th Post: This thread fully exposes the weaknesses and diversity within human nature.

130th Post: I want to say, the idea of forming a team to hunt the Remover is not impossible! Remover 233 is somewhere in Tonglin City! And where is Tonglin City? It’s the first gathering area for players. Now, countless players gather there to investigate the event of the Dark Realm’s arrival. If all players unite, taking down Remover 233 is certainly achievable.

131st Post in reply to 130th Post: That’s true… Remover is the biggest threat to players. Solving them once and for all would ensure everyone’s safety…

132nd Post: You’re not making others feel motivated, right? Do you think murdering someone is as simple as typing on a keyboard? With grand rhetoric, what are your actions? Did you go to Tonglin City yourself? Others risk their lives, while you hide behind screens thinking your advice is useful?

133rd Post: Sending others to the front, while you hide behind, is that realistic?

134th Post: Tsk, don’t be too harsh. People face different difficulties. It’s just a suggestion. Besides, aren’t there many who bear a grudge against Remover 233? Anyone aware of his “heroic deeds” would likely fear him and hold back in such a way.

151st Post: That’s right, do you guys realize the danger? Remover 233 is a ruthless player, not a regular person. Do you understand what we are doing? It’s like pointing at a tiger by the roadside and calling it a cat, then wanting to provoke it. The tiger sees you foolishly approach and thinks, “Nature’s gifts dropped right into my lap!”

Promise me, don’t provoke them, okay? Take responsibility for your own safety. We live not just for ourselves but for our loved ones too.

155th Post: One thing you may have overlooked is, most players in the Second World are ordinary. They haven’t encountered any high-level Awakeners, nor are they high-level Awakeners themselves. Their awakening levels are generally low. These lower-tier players might not understand the destructive power of a high-level awakened individual, who could easily take out common people like cutting through melons and beans, without exaggeration. Ask yourself honestly—how much stronger are you compared to ordinary people with low-level abilities and no specialized training?

Kui Xin read to this point and clicked out.

People often act rashly due to fear, and the players online were no exception.

After weeks of hardship, they’ve calmed down significantly, yet the overwhelming shadow of Remover 233 remains. Each feels vulnerable and unsure if they will become his next prey. Thus, they dread him and wish to annihilate him completely.

Kui Xin was convinced someone would indeed form a team to carry out such a plan.

Those truly capable don’t stop at paper plans; they act on them.

Clicking into the second popular post on the homepage, the title was: Analyzing the combat capabilities of Remover 233 to offer advice for potential group hunts.

Kui Xin raised his eyebrows after reading the title and looked toward the first post.

First Post: Calculate the number of times Remover 233 has been reported.

The first report was during a reset week, showing his kill of Proxy 1368 in the Second World on July 29th.

The second report was also on July 29th, but in the First World, when he killed Proxy 1286. Note, this Proxy 1286 could very well be Fang Zhi.

The third report was in the second reset week, when Remover 233 killed Proxy 7980 on August 6th in the Second World.

Following that, activity ceased in the third week. They assumed he lay low, but he wasn’t really.

Now it is the fourth reset cycle, and he resumes his activities.

13th Post (Author): Every week, Remover 233 causes major incidents. These incidents are scattered to dilute horror individually, but combining these data reveals his terrifying presence. His formidable presence isn’t only in his actions and power, but in his mindset and daring—doing what many players cannot.

32nd Post (Author): Especially, I want to analyze the incident involving Fang Zhi. Who is Fang Zhi? A fanatic from a cult who slaughtered his entire family. He definitely possesses extraordinary abilities, becoming an Xenomorph. Initially, Fang Zhi’s physique was robust—he didn’t just kill people, he had the strength to escape. Being an xenomorph with flesh regeneration ability, he was hard to kill.

However, such a crazy individual was quickly eradicated in Tonglin City. News reported his appearance early morning, and by noon, he was dead.

From this, we can infer that Remover 233 possesses extraordinary control over Tonglin City. We might even speculate he possesses an intelligence network that enables tracking, neutralizing any threats. From the moment Fang Zhi surfaced, 233 terminated him.

We could even hypothesize Remover 233 employed a unique method to draw Fang Zhi to Tonglin City, aiming for his execution there.

Regardless of how this unfolds, it reflects Remover 233’s formidable prowess.

45th Post (Author): Assuming Remover 233 killed three players with extraordinary abilities, he must possess several himself. His prominence would naturally lead him to eliminate local extraordinary entities in the Second World. Their skills must be his arsenal.

Considering Remover 4, killed by Remover 233 after killing two players, suggests a minimum of two extraordinary abilities.

Remover 4 transferred his abilities to Remover 233, possibly including more extraordinary skills prior to his demise. Had he attacked native inhabitants, reports would have emerged.

56th Post (Author): Be clear, facing Remover 233 means confronting someone with multiple extraordinary abilities, cunning, and perhaps even a blood-regeneration skill. Engaging him spells doom; understand?

61st Post: Terrifying. Previously, I felt Remover 233 was terrible, but I lacked understanding of his strength. This summary reveals his true horror.

62nd Post: Why did Remover 233 kill Fang Zhi and Remover 4? Because they entered his territory?

63rd Post: Likely. Both are dangerous individuals, possibly threatening his dominance.

64th Post: The author suggests a large-scale information network aiding Remover 233 in swift resolutions. The question remains—if he has such a network and is indeed a murderer, why not kill more tonight? According to the author, it wouldn’t be hard for him.

65th Post: Possibly due to fear of widespread outrage and backlash from players?

66th Post in reply to 65th Post: Isn’t that self-contradictory? On one hand, saying he’s strong and fearless, but on the other, stating he’s afraid?

67th Post: … Then show yourselves in the forums and provide addresses.

68th Post: Maybe it’s his twisted sense of humor—he enjoys watching people rack their brains in vain, and seeing them panic as if hunted birds.

69th Post: Could there be partners helping Remover 233? Must he manage everything alone?

70th Post: Partnering with a Remover requires immense courage and resolve…

80th Post: Is it possible Remover 233 seeks justice?

81st Post in reply: Impossible!!

82nd Post: How is that impossible? Very plausible! Fang Zhi was evil, correct? Remover 4 was evil, correct? So, isn’t terminating them just justice?

83rd Post: What about the initial report? Was it a coincidence or due to dire circumstances?

84th Post: Currently, Remover 233 is reported four times, two of these actions justified as eliminating evil. Might those two instances have been driven by compelling circumstances?

85th Post: Possible, but unprovable. You can’t confirm he acted out of necessity.

86th Post: Everyone assumes malice. Fear and uncertainty drive the belief in his malevolence rather than compassion.

87th Post: We can’t demand rationality from others, least of all ourselves. The “compelling circumstances” theory holds no ground with limited knowledge about Remover 233.

Seeing the nickname of the player who initially defended her, Kui Xin noted, “CottonFuzz…” Fuzz… Rong?

Her lips twitched. She felt she might have touched the truth.

Leaving the post, she moved on to the next one.

The next hot post was a real-time broadcast, with a player saying they reached the edge of the Old Industrial Zone, offering fresh intel to the forum.

Broadcasting started at 11:30 PM.

1st Post (Author): Arrived at the outskirts. The exact location remains undisclosed for personal safety. Reporting only visible elements, without exposing interactions with other players. Despite arriving, the zone remains sealed since morning, revealing only limited views. Don’t expect too much.

6th Post (Author): Currently 23:45, calm, nothing happening.

26th Post (Author): Currently 23:50, encountered a player wandering the streets, possibly a Night Patrol participant. This remote place draws few visitors by day; by night, only players.

49th Post (Author): 23:55, nothing out of the ordinary. Changes theoretically occur at midnight, waiting with anticipation…

60th Post (Author): Midnight! Standing outside, nothing seems amiss.

62nd Post (Author): Holy s*it!!! Major event transpired! A highly professional armed vehicle sped past, ignoring my presence and heading into the heart of the industrial zone! Flares lit up the sky, visible from kilometers away! What now, a firefight?!

79th Post (Author): Craziness! Met a helpful passerby player who said a swarm of xenomorphs erupted deep inside the zone. Everyone rushed to intercept them!

Posts later, the author ceased contributing.

96th Post: Where did the author go? Joining the fight against xenomorphs?

97th Post: Insanity, truly insanity that such creatures exist… the end times must be imminent.

98th Post: Regardless, thanks to those present at the scene.

99th Post: Deeds over words—the hesitation about heading to Tonglin City is over. Packing up, ready to confront these abominations from beyond.

100th Post: Where’s the author? Silent, is the battle ongoing or did something happen? Stay safe, avoid mishaps!

101st Post: Predictions are coming true. The dark shadows of the Dark Realm’s descent are unfolding.

102nd Post: Is there a way to halt this? Did xenomorphs cease their emergence?

103rd Post: Assistance is urgently needed. Casualties are inevitable tonight; memorize the fallen’s serial numbers, honor their bravery.

104th Post: Heaven forbid, if xenomorphs infiltrate cities, the chaos is unimaginable.

105th Post: The Dark Realm descent is currently confined to Tonglin City—stay calm.

106th Post in reply to 105th Post: Panic is natural. If it spreads everywhere, gratitude to fate if confined to Tonglin.

Approaching 200 posts, inquiries about the author’s safety persisted, yet no reply followed.

Kui Xin observed the growing tension, progressing from peace to the onset of demonic invasion, followed by numerous participants in the Night Patrol. The appearance of Remover 4 sparked debate, and Remover 233’s elimination of 4 marked the climax of the night’s horror.

216th Post: Reviewed analyses of both removers. Clearly, Remover 4 sought opportunistic advantages amidst chaos. My theory: Was Remover 233 involved in Night Patrol, thus eliminating 4?

217th Post: A merciful tiger?

218th Post: Possible. In this critical situation, all players share a common goal—resisting another world’s intrusion.

219th Post: Would a doomsday scenario benefit Remover 233?

220th Post: After reviewing others’ analyses, Remover 233 stands as one of the strongest players. Only Remover 777 can rival him, equally infamous. How ironic, the mightiest of us are Removers.

221st Post: If your assessment holds, Remover 233 significantly impacted the xenomorph invasion?

222nd Post: Realistically possible—it’s worth noting 233 only took out Remover 4, leaving others untouched if he wished to kill more, casualties would’ve increased.

223rd Post: Unreal! A madman turned warrior for his homeland…

224th Post: All speculation! Evidence is needed to prove anything good done?

225th Post (CottonFuzz): Eliminating Remover 4 isn’t a good deed?

226th Post (CottonFuzz): If Remover 233 appeared at the Old Industrial Zone tonight, it only confirms his intention to participate in the fight!

Observing ongoing debates by a user suspected to be Su Rong for hundreds of posts, stopping at around 3 AM, likely because of sleep. Checking the time, it approached 4 AM… it was time to rest.

Before sleep, she flipped through her phone and noticed a hospital emergency notice for urgent blood donations due to incoming critically ill patients. Her eyes fixed on the hospital name, which was the one adjacent to the Old Industrial Zone.

It had been a bloody night, filled with conflict. Some died, others were injured, and still, others ended up in jail…

Despite everything, each contributed their effort.

Such nights would continue. The Dark Realm’s arrival continued, and future openings of the Dark Gate could unleash more monstrous beings onto earth.

Initially passive, players soon turned proactive, continually battling until this situation’s resolution.

Kui Xin’s phone buzzed twice, a message from He Kangshi.

She knocked her head, remembering his mention hours ago about Augus contacting him anew. Kui Xin told He Kangshi to ignore him, stay focused on Night Patrol, and remain undisturbed until dawn…

Opening the messages, He Kangshi replied, “Boss… I’m finally released from the police station; they drove me home due to safety concerns and warned me not to wander aimlessly at night.”

Kui Xin: “…”

“Other players were arrested alongside me, questioned during Night Patrol, and then escorted to the police car, sent home after checkups…,” He Kangshi said sadly. “Now, I have swapped contact and names with those players, agreeing on further patrols together.”

In just one night, they had become close comrades-in-arms through shared trials.

Kui Xin: “That’s good. Let’s proceed.”

He Kangshi: “Good. Check if Augus messaged.”

Within a minute, He Kangshi sent another text.

“Boss, Augus says Remover 233 killed one of his sect members, declaring himself a fine catch for eliminating Remover 4, a big letdown… Remover 4? Dammit! What did I miss entering the station?!”