Chapter 222: The Scales of Balance 03
Kui Xin casually glanced at the homepage and clicked into the list of deceased players to check the killing log of Remover 777. This week, Remover 777 had killed two players already…
Where did he get his information on player movements? Was he working for the Federation or was he free?
Kui Xin was truly annoyed by this pestilence. Augus had disrupted the cohesion among players and the forces in the First World. If circumstances allowed, Kui Xin would have wanted to eliminate him as soon as possible. However, Kui Xin was also bogged down by too many things, with the Dark Realm’s arrival looming, and university registration coming up… she simply could not afford the time to deal with Augus in the First World if he wasn’t dealt with in the Second.
The existence of Anchor Points introduced an uncertain element to the equation. Kui Xin did not know if eliminating Augus in the Second World would remove his Anchor Point in the First.
The primary pressure Kui Xin felt was the pressure of time.
The registration time for university had been set long ago, but the timing of registration coinciding with the arrival of the Dark Realm was troublesome. If school life and gaming were placed on the scales of importance, the latter clearly weighed more.
Kui Xin had always been adept at prioritizing issues and making sacrifices. If both goals couldn’t be achieved simultaneously, she chose one.
She had placed tremendous effort in her final year of high school, eagerly awaiting university life, but after experiencing the “Crimson Soil,” her anticipation had faded, replaced by anxiety.
Even though Kui Xin had not deliberately evaded it, the scenario she most wished to avoid had now come upon her—her ordinary life was perilously close, and now she must make a choice.
Playing ignorant and blaming it on others, like Li Wanran, might grant some temporary peace, but in reality, peace would not last. Kui Xin could choose to ignore impending disasters, but that didn’t change their inevitability.
This was a critical moment for Tonglin City, and Kui Xin couldn’t leave like this.
Sighing, Kui Xin exited the list of deceased players and browsed the posts on the homepage.
Each post title was striking, with players expressing their shock and amazement so vividly that every title seemed to be punctuated with question marks and exclamation points, from beginning to end.
“I’ll post this as soon as I get back home! The Black Snake is insane!!!”
“Jesus, did you all see that news? A week of dominating headlines in the Second World!”
“Right now, everything still feels surreal! Who knew I would feel so stunned seeing that news pop up on my communication device? Recognizing the familiar names, I even thought it was a mistake or a coincidence!”
“Incredibly unbelievable to see that in the Second World! Two Black Snakes are one person! We players are taking a stand!”
“Insane! The player group led by the Black Snake has emerged out of nowhere, in just one week they kidnapped two members of the wealthy clans and demanded billions in ransom! They even caused a massive blackout in White Whale City, causing billions in losses and slapping the Federation in the face!”
Top Post: Sweet! This is our first shot against oppression in the Second World!
Post #1: Tears—When I saw the news in the Second World, I got emotional and cried. No words can describe how I felt…
Post #2: Truly, it’s like we’ve been bullied and our protectors stepped in to get us justice.
Post #5: Saw the updated list of dead players today, thinking about those IDs makes me感慨. How many do you think were directly killed by the Federation?
Post #6: Our fellow countrymen are suffering, and we can’t even show our faces in that highly developed society, but someone has stood up, taken the lead, and begun taking action, fiercely retaliating against those who persecute us.
Post #13: Wait, why are you guys assuming the player Black Snake is the same as the one from The Shadowless Organization? No one with nickname 233 has posted about this yet! I think we should wait a bit longer for updates.
Post #14 replies to #13: Agreed, maybe it’s a name coincidence. The Shadowless Organization in the Second World is extremely powerful. Black Snake is a new player there, can he really pull off these big moves?
Post #15: The city blackout was due to a power plant mishap; it wasn’t The Shadowless, right?
Post #16 replies to #15: There’s plenty of discussion on that in the news comment section. Most people assume it was The Shadowless. The whole city went dark—it fits their MO.
Post #20: The Black Snake in The Shadowless must be the player Black Snake! Got info from various channels that recruitment is ongoing on their dark net site, plus Black Snake is posting on our player forums too, though few responded. This aligns with actions in the First and Second Worlds showing overlap, so it’s likely the same individual.
Post #21: Agree. Also, recruitment by The Shadowless has been going on for days. Could players be joining, passing the interview process? Any insiders here?
Post #24: Hoping for an insider.
Post #59: An insider here, took the recruitment interview, can confirm The Shadowless is formed by players! The Black Snakes are the same person indeed!
Post #60 replies to #59: Really? Can you give details?
Post #61 replies to #59: Yes, an insider truly spoke up!
Post #62: Is the insider legit? Not stirring drama, right?
Post #72: Can’t reveal too much. Even though the interviewer didn’t insist on confidentiality, I think sharing such sensitive info publicly is inappropriate. I’m waiting for responses, both for my interview and for an official one from the Black Snake.
Post #76: What’s with this secrecy? “Can confirm” isn’t the same as “sure.” Sharing uncertainty could mislead. Better to wait for a clear statement.
Post #82: During the interview, I asked if The Shadowless was associated with players. The interviewer didn’t deny or affirm, which implies a tacit approval, leading me to believe it’s confirmed.
Post #85: Damn, hearing the insider’s insights, I’d say that’s it—eight-ninths accurate!
Post #86: Why be ambiguous? If it’s a player organization, why not just admit it?
Post #87 replies to #86: You’re idealistic. Haven’t you heard rumors players were brainwashed? Careful screening needs to be done; else, unscrupulous individuals could ruin the whole organization.
Post #91 replies to #87: Understood. Too hurried with my post before.
Post #99: It’s unbelievable! How could Black Snake manage it? That involves elite family members whose wealth is unparalleled! The Popov Clan is ultra-wealthy. They’re essentially on the top of a pyramid with global wealth at stake. These targets, Dimtry Popov and Abrak Popov, had protection and yet…
Post #100: Abrak might be a red herring. His appearance at the Popov press conference disproves kidnapping rumors.
Post #101: Abrak was reported kidnapped early and several media sources claimed confirmation from The Shadowless.
Post #102: So there are fake and real Abraks?
Post #103: All signs point to The Shadowless intentionally creating hype. They aim to amplify this case globally. Their motives are complex.
Post #109: Players in the Second World are highly fragmented. With the Federation’s super-AI monitoring, we’re cautious about our actions and speech. This leads to misunderstandings, especially among “countrymen.”
The appearance of The Shadowless has disrupted this stalemate. Their bold actions signal presence and intent across the board in player communities. The Black Snake’s kidnappings are part of rallying players, building an organization.
Post #116: Since public recruitment exists, will all players be eligible to join The Shadowless through applications?
Post #117: I want in too, feeling safer with a protector.
Post #123: Some earlier analyses were quite astute. One thing to add:
The Black Snake’s actions suggest a word—crazy! Challenging the wealthy, the government, risking severe retaliation. But they remain resolute, unyielding. Their actions, binding multiple powerful players, show resolve.
Those thinking of joining must weigh consequences. Black Snake has a strong group around him, and future efforts won’t be simple. Don’t expect just protection without contribution.
Have you prepared? Are you ready for sacrifice?
Every step is treacherous, The Shadowless a razor’s edge. Join only if determined. Not everyone can jump in.
Post #124: So actions are both advertising and proving capability, rejecting the weak?
Post #125 replies to #124: Makes sense… What can you do once you join? You can’t just idle.
Post #136: High-profile tactics aren’t good. The Federation controls many players, likely aware of our forum discussions. They’ve figured it’s player-led since Black Snake openly revealed.
Post #137 replies to #136: Same opinion. Too risky, fear other innocent players will suffer retaliation.
Post #137: The Popov Clan hasn’t offended The Shadowless. Kidnapping is excessive. They need to consider normal players, who wouldn’t handle retaliation well.
Post #140: Dismissive. Ignore others? Casualties, regardless of The Shadowless, will follow. Questioning their actions is like smiling after being slapped. They defend others’ deaths as overkill, Stockholm Syndrome?
Post #141: Agreed. The Shadowless’ actions thrill me, and my sympathy goes to those who suffer, the oppressors.
Post #142: Black Snake’s actions demonstrate principles, concern. Such a player wouldn’t target the Popovs without cause. The Clan has likely offended, and Black Snake used them as scapegoats.
Post #143 replies to #142: Though unfounded, I agree.
Post #144: Wealthy clans exploit common folk. Their fortunes arise from exploitation; hence, none are innocent. Remember this.
Post #189: Reviewing his old posts, every move seems strategic.
Initially, Black Snake used forums to recruit players, requiring First-World identity and range to proceed. This ensures purity. Revealing identities prevents betrayal within ranks.
Many hesitated initially, but this week reassured most. The Shadowless’s stance is clear. Actions speak louder than words by far.
Advice for doubters: don’t reject opportunities prematurely.
Exiting the thread, Kui Xin noted over 300 comments. Most awaited her response. She reviewed her private messages, overflowing with replies, players disclosing their identities to enter her personal section. Many followed suit.
Closing her inbox, she created a new post:
“The Shadowless Organization recruits openly. Interviewed players prove your identity, interested candidates contact me as well.”
Top Post: Awakened players take priority.
Also, continuous recruitment underway in the Black Snake’s section, entry terms unchanged.
Posting stirred significant response. Once doubts were dispelled by her direct message, certainty was confirmed.
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