13. The Boundary Between Reality and Illusion
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With Jiang Heyi’s reminder, the others all noticed the system announcement delivered by the seagull messenger.
Prison Guard Brother explained, “The rewards aren’t bad. Just by participating, you get a chance in the lottery. If your performance is decent, you can consistently obtain some rare materials. The top ten get cash prizes and direct invitations to the inaugural tournament.”
“But it’s PvP,” Zhong Zemo said with a troubled expression.
Original Fries took out an apple, bit into it expressionlessly, and said, “I’ve never found PvP fun.”
Though it was a joke, in reality, most players Jiang Heyi knew preferred to outwit the computer rather than engage in PvP, showing little interest in it and strongly disliking how developers forced players into PvP.
Especially PvP with social elements.
In this regard, Starproof did quite well. It was said they built models based on player behavior data. Those particularly aggressive, troublemaking players couldn’t enter the “world bubbles” of normal-behavior players, thus not disturbing their daily activities.
No one knew the exact algorithm, and the community eagerly awaited the first “war maniac” to appear and share their experience.
“But…” Zhong Zemo glanced at the easy participation rewards again. “If it’s free, why not take it?”
Prison Guard Brother nodded, “We have Orange Tea. If we don’t seize these lottery chances, it’d be wasting good opportunities. As for higher-ranking rewards, just leave it to fate.”
Unconsciously, Orange Tea had become the chosen one worthy of wading into PvP muddy waters to fight for room to maneuver.
“Then let’s just mess around and see where we land.”
Original Fries’s suggestion gained unanimous approval.
“Who’ll be the guild president?” Zhong Zemo looked around.
As expected, all eyes fell on Jiang Heyi.
Prison Guard Brother supported, “You’re already the team leader, so just be the president as well.”
Zhong Zemo agreed, “As I said, the capable should bear more responsibility.”
“Why look at me? I don’t mind,” Original Fries turned her head away.
With consensus reached, Jiang Heyi immediately spent eight purple materials to unlock the guild function.
“Uh, I don’t mind being president, but should we decide on a guild name?” Jiang Heyi was bad at naming and scanned everyone’s faces for suggestions.
Zhong Zemo didn’t hesitate: “The Fantasy Land favored by the gods.”
“Electronic Viet Cong patrols.”
“Congratulations, that name has already been taken.”
Prison Guard Brother’s eyes lit up: “How about ‘Divine Tablet’?”
If possible, Jiang Heyi preferred not to reveal the guild name to avoid attracting killers in the conflict zone.
But…
“Someone else grabbed it too?”
Prison Guard Brother quickly suggested an alternative: “Then, how about ‘This Land’?”
“…”
Jiang Heyi looked at Original Fries, who still hadn’t spoken.
“I don’t mind.”
Orange Tea, it’s up to you.
“Since the game begins after falling asleep… what about the boundary between reality and illusion?”
A guild can’t just have jokers; it needs normal people like Orange Tea!
Amid applause, Jiang Heyi clicked confirm.
“Guild ‘Boundary of Reality and Illusion’ created successfully.”
“Your guild base is under construction and expected to be completed in three days.”
“Publishing bounty quests can accelerate construction progress.”
Publishing bounties was like raising a doll, requiring feeding it materials.
Unaware of other guild functions, Jiang Heyi decided to log off and explore the community before making further decisions. After all, every game had pioneers with a spirit of exploration; following their lead was best.
Night deepened, and the underground temple nestled in the forest lay utterly silent.
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As the group’s game logout sounds sounded simultaneously, a pale mist bathed in bright moonlight slowly rose from a deep pit that had been dug.
Over time, the mist thickened, and the nun’s spirit became clearer.
“Thank you, thank you…” She looked at her body in the pit and began to sob.
Jiang Heyi asked, “Now, can you tell me what exactly happened here?”
“Please, cut the thread sewn across my lips.”
Orange Tea was about to step forward but was stopped by Zhong Zemo.
Jiang Heyi signaled everyone to stay alert, then spoke seriously, “You need to reassure us.”
If releasing the seal unleashed a big boss, all their efforts would be in vain.
The nun’s hollow eyes welled with bloody tears, endlessly streaming down her pale cheeks.
“Why… why won’t you believe us? We have always been protecting you… saving you. Why… why…”
Her trembling voice was full of sorrow.
“This is your last chance for salvation… I don’t hate you. I only ask you… don’t make the wrong choice again.”
Everyone exchanged hesitant glances.
With the Starry Sky Gem that Orange Tea had, even if disaster struck and they were wiped out, they could quickly return. Jiang Heyi nodded at Original Fries.
“Let’s take the risk and see what’s really going on.”
The last thread sealing her mouth loosened and broke. Original Fries gripped a dagger in her hand.
She didn’t step back; if the nun made any sudden moves, she would immediately strike at her precious body!
Under the spirit’s gaze, the soulless body twitched slightly, the head first raising high, then dropping forcefully.
The curled index finger, torn ear, and pierced tongue were all spat out from the nun’s mouth.
This scene made Jiang Heyi’s spine tingle as if a cold snake was crawling along it.
There was no doubt—the nun endured cruel, inhumane torture before dying.
Rather than the perpetrators trying to seal her, they seemed to be venting their rage.
What grudge or hatred could justify utterly destroying a person in such a way?
“Now, can you speak?”
As the broken body was freed from her mouth, the nun’s spirit began to repair, with only her eyes remaining hollow.
She seemed hesitant, then sighed deeply.
“Thank you for letting me rest in peace… Stranger, leave here quickly. Return to your homeland and tell your friends, your king… The Eternal Night Church is launchingI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.