The sky was dark, the cloud canopy dim and lightless.
Affected by the sandstorm, the sky overhead remained a hazy gray. Finding a depression at the edge of the desert, Bai Zhi lit a small campfire.
Given Xi'er's current condition, she was no longer fit to keep moving.
Because of the newly emerged fourth ability, she could no longer touch anything with her hands, causing considerable inconvenience to her movements.
As a result, Xi'er had to keep an eye on her hands at every moment, afraid that they might touch something.
—The clothes on her body were within the range of corrosion as well.
"So, do you want something to eat?"
Poking at the campfire with a stick, Bai Zhi glanced at her hands, which had nowhere to rest, and asked.
Xi'er did not answer. She merely silently grabbed a handful of sand.
The next moment, the sand in her hand rapidly turned into countless black fragments... crumbling at the slightest touch.
Like the Charisma Halo, this additional corrosion ability was constantly strengthening over time.
"It's fine. I can feed you."
Bai Zhi answered readily enough.
Xi'er: "..."
"Alright, you don't need to worry too much. The problem with you may be strange, but it's not without a solution."
Yawning, Bai Zhi looked up at the sky.
"It's inconvenient while we're in the Game Arena. Once my people arrive, I'll take you outside, and things will be much easier."
His purpose in joining this game had been to uncover the truth of this world. Now that a mysterious existence combining the powers of nine Evil Gods stood before him, there was naturally no need for him to continue participating in the game.
"...What will happen to Xi'er and me once all nine abilities manifest?"
After a brief silence, Xi'er suddenly