[Detecting contamination in the host. Initiating automatic cleansing...]
A mechanical voice echoed in Chi Mu's mind. Suddenly, his vision cleared—his thoughts snapped back into focus.
He stared at Yang Qu in shock, a chill running down his spine. Instinctively, he stumbled backward and downed a glass of water, the cold liquid calming his nerves. Then, he forced a smile toward Yang Qu, whose face now carried a touch of grievance.
Thank god for the system's built-in cleansing function. Without it, he'd probably be dead by now.
In contrast, several other countries' Chosen Ones weren't so lucky. Many were lured in by their enchanting online lovers. Their screens abruptly cut to black—each a silent death.
Those who survived the elevator encounter were the ones who had figured out the baited logic behind the rules and resisted the temptation to speak to the female attendant. Their nations still had a hint opportunity left, which their think tanks used in time to intervene.
—"Wait, how the hell did Chi Mu just snap out of the contamination on his own?"
—"We didn't even use a hint yet! How is that possible?!"
The Dragon Nation's think tank was stunned, exchanging confused glances. None of them had any idea how Chi Mu had managed to resist the influence unaided.
Back in the Dragon Nation's livestream chat, the audience erupted.
—"Holy crap, that online lover is basically a succubus. I'd simp for her in a heartbeat!"
—"Bro, calm down…"
—"Mu God never disappoints! Surrounded by beauty and danger, he stayed cool and came back to his senses all by himself!"
Chi Mu glanced again at Yang Qu, still lying on the bed, and felt a wave of lingering fear wash over him.
There was no doubt about it now—this woman wasn't normal. Just holding eye contact for too long was enough to trigger contamination.
He looked up at the wall clock. It read 22:46.
But that brought back the new rule:[Rule 1 – Before midnight, lights must be turned off.]And then Rule 10:[All devices that show time in your room are incorrect.]
To test it, Chi Mu pulled out his phone.The screen displayed: 23:45.
A cold sweat broke out across his body.
This meant he had no way of knowing the real time. If he didn't shut the lights off in time, he could die. But if he moved too early, it might violate another rule.
"Chi Mu, what are you doing? Why aren't you coming to bed?"Yang Qu's voice was playful and curious.
Chi Mu swallowed hard. "Babe, I just feel like it's our first time meeting, and jumping into bed together might make me seem too forward. Why don't we sleep separately tonight? You take the bed—I'll crash on the couch."
Since he couldn't determine the actual time, he figured it was safest to turn the lights off now. But before that, he had to make sure Yang Qu was settled.[Rule 4 – Do not share a bed with your online lover.]
He had no way to know whether this rule was a lie, but he had no choice. He had to take the risk.
Yang Qu looked touched, her eyes glistening."You're so sweet... Then let's sleep separately tonight."
Chi Mu switched off the light and lay down on the couch, his mind racing too fast for sleep.
He went over the rules again and again. Were his decisions truly right? Was Rule 4 actually real? And more importantly… what exactly were the conditions to clear this level?
Whatever the case, he knew one thing—he couldn't just sit around. He had to start seeking out more information.
—"Chi Mu's being super cautious. Since the room's clocks can't be trusted, he just played it safe and turned the lights off early."
—"But what if Rule 4 is a lie? If it's wrong, then splitting the bed might be what gets him killed!"
—"We haven't used our hint yet. Everyone keep watching. If we notice anything off with the other Chosen Ones, we deploy it instantly!"
The Dragon Nation's think tank team was deep in discussion, dissecting every rule, looking for contradictions or traps.
After lying in the dark for a while, Chi Mu was just starting to feel drowsy when he suddenly heard Yang Qu's voice:
"Chi Mu, can you get me a glass of water? I'm a little thirsty."
Chi Mu blinked in the darkness. She'd called him by his full name—technically safe. He rose from the couch, ready to get her the water.
But halfway up, he froze.
[Rule 2 – After lights are out, do not agree to any request made by 'it'.]
The voice sounded exactly like Yang Qu's.
But how could he be sure?
What if it wasn't her?
What if that was it?
But what if it was her, and he ignored her request?
That would violate Series One, Rule 1—to maintain a good relationship with the online lover.
Chi Mu was stuck, mentally racing for a solution.
Then it hit him.
Rule 2 from Series One:[You can always trust the messages she sends you through your phone.]
Chi Mu grabbed his phone and opened the WeChat chat with Yang Qu.
Chi Mu: "Babe, did you just say you were thirsty and wanted water? I didn't catch that clearly."
A reply came quickly:
Yang Qu: "No, I didn't say anything."
Chi Mu: "Ah okay, must've misheard. Get some rest. Good night~"
Chi Mu put the phone down and wiped the cold sweat off his forehead.
It wasn't her.
It was it.Trying to lure him into breaking the rules.
—"Holy crap?! Did Mu God just reverse UNO-card a ghost??"
—"This dude's brain is built different. I'm bowing down right now!"
—"Everyone else: dies. Mu God: 'Let me just text my demon wife real quick.'"
Some of the other Chosen Ones had heard similar voices in the dark. Many had responded without thinking—and their livestreams went black.
The smarter ones hesitated and chose not to act. They lived.
Back in the Dragon Nation's stream, Chi Mu was still lying on the couch, finally starting to drift off, his mind easing now that he had passed another deadly trap.
But just when everyone thought the danger had passed, Chi Mu suddenly sat up.
Without hesitation, he walked straight to the bed—and lay down beside Yang Qu.
The livestream exploded in chaos.
—"What is he doing?! Rule 4 says DO NOT sleep in the same bed! Is he insane?!"
—"Holy sh*t. Possession?! Is he being controlled?!"
—"This is suicide. He's throwing it all away. Is the Dragon Nation doomed?!"
Even the think tank was completely dumbfounded.
What was Chi Mu thinking?
Why would he make such a move now?
Was this some deeper strategy—or had the horror finally broken him?