So, I Really Am Different From Them

"Fleeing?"

Bai Zhou asked, "If we flee, what will happen?"

"Nothing much."

Ya said, "You will be free."

"Your life has only just begun; the future will be even more brilliant."

That expressionless face remained as if frozen, like a harbor in the permafrost of the North Pole.

Yet, that northern frozen soil, cold all year round, could nurture a swan of heart-trembling beauty.

And so, this swan marched boldly into Bai Zhou's world and said to him, "Let's flee together."

Of all the things Bai Zhou had heard over the years, words warmer than "keep going" were likely just "I am here." She neither forced him forward nor urged him to escape; she simply stayed by his side, letting him do as he pleased regardless of his choice.

Ya was that kind of person; she would never make decisions for Bai Zhou.

But the moment he made up his mind, she would take him onto that Mule of destiny and gallop away wildly.

--Since it was the direction you chose, don't worry about how exactly you run or how fast you go.

"..."

And so, Bai Zhou suddenly felt at ease.

Although his life had been a mess lately, and he always felt his future was bleak, Ya's words made him feel much more grounded.

Thinking about it carefully, wouldn't the outside world be quite nice?

It was a completely novel world, filled with Tall Buildings, neon-lit streets late at night, where the Mystic World and daily life did not intertwine.

Everyone was completely ignorant of the Mystic World, with the Authorities and the Blood Worship Cult only surging in the shadows.

The bustling crowds were busy making a living, students went to school in groups, and at that moment, Bai Zhou would leap from a Tall Building, descending from the sky.

The unfamiliar wind would brush against him, and in the blink of an eye, he would blend into the crowd and disappear.

Just like that, facing the unfamiliar sunlight, he would flee openly and honestly.

Together with Ya.

...It seemed, not bad?

That must be a thrilling life filled with urgency, completely different from Bai Zhou's past life.

Facing Bai Zhou's escape and revenge, the Special Management Department, worried about their secrets being exposed, would surely send an endless stream of Pursuers.

Troublesome figures would track him along the city's veins, casting a Heavenly Net, surrounding and intercepting Bai Zhou on the empty streets.

--But that was still better than being watched in the base, waiting to be slaughtered like a Pig.

Thinking of this, Bai Zhou was not only no longer afraid... he even felt a faint sense of anticipation for such a future.

The cells deep within his body began to stir.

Such days were, of course, far more dangerous than idling away in the base... but they also carried a touch of romantic adventure.

Didn't all those adventure stories go like that? The Protagonist's life begins with being hunted by villains, charging forward like a wild boar, and finally completing a magnificent transformation.

Bai Zhou hated trouble, kept a low profile, was quite cautious, and especially liked to make a fortune in silence.

But that didn't mean he was a coward.

He hadn't been content even in Evening City, always wanting to see the Wilderness outside... though fortunately, he hadn't.

His Destiny Path—was "Adventurer," after all.

Perhaps such an adventurous life was actually more in line with the true essence of this path.

As long as Bai Zhou's speed of becoming stronger outpaced those hunting him.

Then one day, he would return to counter-kill, slaughtering all those who deserved to die!

However, before that—

"Before leaving this base, there is one more thing I want to do," Bai Zhou said.

"What thing?"

"Kill someone."

Ya glanced at him in surprise, not expecting these words to come from Bai Zhou:

"Kill whom?"

"Deputy Han."

Ya understood instantly, "He indeed deserves to die."

"But this person... is not easy to kill," Ya added.

"How so?" Bai Zhou asked humbly for advice.

"You asked me to help you investigate the truth behind the 'cannibalism,' and I have found it out."

"You also asked me to figure out the base's strength, and on that point, I have succeeded."

Ya's expression turned grave.

"--Inside the base, the most noteworthy elements are the four Sword Bearer tactical squads."

"These are the Special Management Department's signature rapid-response units, known for their outstanding tactics and advanced equipment, specifically used to strike at the dangerous activities of lawless cults in the most efficient manner."

"...Fortunately, you don't need to worry about this group of killing machines for the time being, because tomorrow night, they will be the main force confronting the Blood Worship Cult."

Ya's voice paused briefly before he continued:

"Additionally, among the base's six major departments, excluding the Black Box Maintenance Department, there are five commissioned officers. Each is a department head and a Level 3 Extraordinary or higher."

"...As for Deputy Han, because his promotion was recent, he is the only officer who is not a Level 3 Extraordinary."

"--But among Level 2 Extraordinaries, he is absolutely in the top tier of combat power."

"That is because he is likely the wealthiest person in the base aside from the Major, possessing enough capital to arm and augment himself."

Ya warned Bai Zhou in a low, serious voice, "You have only just become a Level 1 Adventurer. Even if you are a Destined One, the gap between you and Deputy Han remains impossible to ignore."

"This person might be quite troublesome for you!"

"A Level 2 Extraordinary..."

Bai Zhou was lost in thought; it was indeed a bit difficult to handle.

But Ya added, "...However, killing Deputy Han before leaving is indeed a very necessary task."

"Huh?"

"Everything in the base is conducted in the shadows."

Ya shook his head and said, "There are many people hidden behind Deputy Han, but all substantive evidence and leads come to an abrupt stop at him."

"This man handles all the interfacing directly, carries the most secrets, and it is suspected that he possesses a ledger."

"A ledger?" Bai Zhou's heart stirred.

He recalled that Deputy Han carried a black notebook that never left his side.

"Bai Zhou, you must understand that the Special Management Department and Branch 36 cannot be lumped together."

Ya spoke to Bai Zhou with an unprecedented level of seriousness, "You cannot fight the Authorities forever; there is no path to survival in that."

"But if the true face of Branch 36 is not thoroughly exposed, the pursuit will never stop, and the people you have to face will become increasingly desperate."

"I understand." Bai Zhou nodded.

"So, before they realize I have discovered their secrets and begin hunting me down..."

"Getting the most critical piece of evidence from Deputy Han—tomorrow night is the final opportunity, right?"

"...Theoretically, yes."

Ya nodded hesitantly: "But it is very difficult!"

"--Then kill him!"

What else was there to say?

With all factors combined, the justification could not be more complete.

--Deputy Han must die!

The others were simply not worth provoking for the time being.

Killing Deputy Han offered the highest return on investment, and the key to breaking the deadlock lay with him.

As for strength—

"Isn't there still one night left?"

Bai Zhou said.

He seemed to have been prepared for this all along.

This left Ya stunned, not understanding what Bai Zhou meant.

"One night... what could you possibly do?"

You are an "Adventurer," not a "Dream Walker" who can find fortune in a dream and ascend on the spot just by sleeping.

It's only this late, and you're already starting to dream!

Points deducted!

When your score isn't high enough, you're going back for remedial training!

Bai Zhou glanced at the tower outside the window; the time displayed was eight o'clock in the evening.

"It's getting late; it's time to prepare the ritual for entering the Reflection Ruins Realm."

He said this.

Entering the Reflection Ruins Realm at the stroke of midnight, as if stepping into a mist within a mirror, was a mandatory lesson for every Extraordinary.

Ya had taught him long ago, but Bai Zhou had never found the time to put it into practice.

Had it not been for the incident with Brother Liu, he would have intended to make the trip the very night his special training concluded.

But now, it was truly time.

--Re-entering "Jurassic"!

First, he would retrieve that "Trojan Horse"; he felt it could serve a purpose.

Then, he would take revenge on the Dead Fatty; this time, he would definitely cleave it in two with a single strike, leaving no chance for it to transform.

Bai Zhou was quite curious: what was the deal with the Last Will floating above the Dead Fatty's head, which stood out so starkly from the other Corpses?

If he fulfilled that last wish, what would he obtain?

Since becoming an Extraordinary, he had never had the opportunity to complete another new last wish.

But Bai Zhou knew that this might be the fastest "shortcut" for him to grow stronger.

Even in a single night, it could potentially bring about a life-altering change!

With simple goals set, Bai Zhou was filled with motivation.

...However, Ya seemed to have a different opinion.

"The Reflection Ruins Realm?"

Ya was stunned.

She rubbed her temples and looked at Bai Zhou with a hint of helplessness.

"It seems you have a misconception about the Reflection Ruins Realm."

"...The Reflection Ruins Realm is not a place where you can just go and pick up rewards."

Bai Zhou blinked.

Is that so?

Ya said:

"I think you must have noticed that the so-called Reflection Ruins Realm is essentially the Tinghai City magnified countless times... yet it is not quite the same."

"Because you entered the Reflection Ruins Realm from Tinghai City, the place you went to was [Reflection Tinghai]."

"Simply put, it is the reflection of the current civilization on the flip side of Blue Star."

"The vast Wilderness filled with mist between each Reflection City forms the Reflection Ruins Realm that we see."

"--Evening City is the stronghold the Blood Worship Cult established on the edge of 'Reflection Tinghai'."

Bai Zhou: "...?"

What was Ya talking about?

He couldn't understand her at all.

What did she mean by... the reflection of Tinghai City?

Are you talking about that city outside filled with Tall Buildings?

--Are you sure the Reflection Ruins Realm looks like that?

"The fact that you encountered danger the moment you entered last time is enough to show how perilous this place is."

Ya warned Bai Zhou with a grave expression:

"Most resources are monopolized by the Authorities, and other resource sites are extremely dangerous; most Extraordinaries explore in groups."

"Otherwise, one can only wander around and try their luck."

"Time is tight, and I do not suggest you pin your hopes on a place like the Reflection Ruins Realm, where it's purely a matter of luck."

"If you are encountered by people from the Authorities inside, you might face even more trouble!"

"..."

His clear eyes blinked incessantly.

Bai Zhou was truly becoming more confused the more he listened.

Where did this talk of others monopolizing resources, forming groups, and being discovered by the Authorities come from...

In that desolate Wasteland Ruins, Aside from monsters and Corpses, Bai Zhou had never seen a single living soul.

...It seemed that something was not quite right.

Only at this moment did Bai Zhou finally realize—

His perception and Ya's perception seemed to have diverged significantly.

"Then, what about the Previous Civilization relics you mentioned earlier..." Bai Zhou asked cautiously.

"--Are you actually thinking about that?"

Ya opened her ruby-like eyes slightly.

She couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance at Bai Zhou:

"Although, perhaps it was the guidance of the Extraordinary knowledge of the Sacred Oath Slash that allowed you to pick up a broken entry-level Extraordinary Weapon the first time you stepped into the Reflection Ruins Realm..."

"It's possible that this bit of luck has given you a misconception."

"--But in reality, this is an extremely low-probability event."

"You certainly can't expect to get rich by scavenging for antique gold at an elementary school flea market."

Ya suddenly felt that her special training still had significant loopholes.

She really found it necessary to properly educate Bai Zhou on the Law of the Jungle within the Reflection Ruins Realm.

That vast metropolis, filled with the grotesque and the paradoxical, was a genuine "Dark Forest."

With a "whoosh"--

Flames ignited in her hands, shaping themselves out of thin air.

Layers of high-rise buildings sculpted from fire were held aloft in her palms.

Then, using the foundation as a boundary, another set of high-rises appeared symmetrically beneath it.

The blazing firelight illuminated Ya's helpless face:

"The Tinghai City beneath our feet is on the surface of Blue Star, while the Reflection Tinghai is on the back of Blue Star, yet it is the surface layer of that back side!"

"It is the convergence of all the ends that Tinghai City has experienced over the past few hundred years."

"Everything that has passed away in Tinghai City during this civilization era echoes here in various forms."

As she spoke, the fiery city in Ya's hands collapsed with a roar.

A new city rose from the ruins.

A new symmetrical reflection of flames appeared once again.

"Whenever a new civilization era arrives, its reflection appears on the surface layer of the Reflection Ruins Realm, burying the traces of the previous civilization in the deeper layers below."

"History is always like this, isn't it? New civilizations are always built upon the ruins of past civilizations."

"As history moves forward and civilizations cycle, one ancient and unknowable Previous Civilization after another is buried layer by layer beneath the civilization of our era."

With a "boom,"

The chaotic flames intertwined beneath the reflection of the high-rise buildings, becoming a tangled, impenetrable mess.

--Symbolizing the many Previous Civilizations suppressed and buried deep within the Reflection Tinghai.

At this moment, Ya continued:

"These deep-seated pasts are thoroughly buried, impossible for anyone to explore, and gradually eroded by the passage of time."

"Occasionally, relics or Undead of a Previous Civilization, or even an entire [Ruins]..."

"Unwilling to be eroded away, they 'overflow' from beneath the deep layers and arrive at the surface of the Ruins Realm--"

"This becomes our greatest opportunity, and also our greatest danger!"

"Every such occurrence is accompanied by a Bloody Storm of contention."

Ya spread her hands, "After all, there are many monks but little gruel."

"It's just that your Mechanical Spear-Gun is of a low grade and severely broken..."

"I estimate it didn't cause much of a stir when it overflowed from below, which is why it was lying inconspicuously on the side of the road for you to pick up as a lucky find."

"--And now, you still want this to happen again?"

"I'm really not trying to discourage you..."

Ya shook her head coldly.

--But Bai Zhou, standing opposite her, was actually completely bewildered.

So, your so-called excavation and research of Previous Civilization ruins...

Is it all just waiting for them to "overflow" to the surface on their own?

So, this is what your Reflection Ruins Realm looks like?

Then where am I?

--Where the hell am I?

While maintaining a thoughtful expression on the surface, Bai Zhou's mind was in total chaos.

He understood.

Bai Zhou understood...

The place he went to was absolutely not some "corner and cranny" of the Reflection Ruins Realm as he had assumed.

--He wasn't going to the Reflection Ruins Realm at all!

Or rather, not the Reflection Ruins Realm that everyone else thought it was!

Because they could only operate on the surface of the Reflection Ruins Realm, passively waiting for the relics or artifacts of the Previous Civilization to emerge.

--But Bai Zhou was different.

They were not the same; he was unlike anyone else.

--He was alone in the "Deep Ruins Realm"!

Like a solitary patient, he dwelled all by himself within the depths of the Ruins Realm, buried and undetectable from Crow's Mouth.

Or rather...

He was right inside the Previous Civilization.

--What did this even mean?

"I think, perhaps..."

Bai Zhou took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the agitation of his heart, and looked at Crow as he said:

"Perhaps, if I am truly lucky enough, I might encounter something else 'overflowing'?"

He said, "As long as I stay safe, I can just go take a look in the Ruins Realm; it wouldn't affect anything, would it?"

"That's true." Crow's expression softened.

"As long as you don't pin too many expectations on it."

"Mm..."

Bai Zhou nodded slowly.

Thump, thump, thump!

His heart felt as if it were about to leap out of his chest, yet he maintained a calm expression.

No bloody struggles, no Law of the Jungle.

No one knew that Bai Zhou was enjoying a ruin of the Previous Civilization all to himself.

All the Extraordinary were fighting over the "first layer"... while Bai Zhou alone was in the depths of a layer unknown to anyone else.

--So, I have been "adventuring" alone in the depths of history?

--Exploring alone in the mysterious "Jurassic," whose full picture cannot yet be seen?

Until this moment, Bai Zhou still doubted whether Crow was joking with him; he felt as if he were in a dream.

...Because if this were true, he was far too special.

Places others could go, Bai Zhou could go too;

As long as he didn't use a pass and instead used the proper ritual, he should be able to reach the surface where the Extraordinary gathered.

But places others couldn't go, places beyond imagination... he had already been exploring for quite some time.

--Truly nothing is forbidden!

It was as if, starting from the day Evening City shattered, Bai Zhou had completely changed into a different person.

Deputy Han, the Major...

It seemed that suddenly, none of them could bring Bai Zhou any fear or pressure anymore.

They knew nothing about Bai Zhou.

Even Bai Zhou himself couldn't see through who he was now.

That Bai Zhou who used to worry about going hungry, who grew up in mediocrity and hardship, seemed to have long since quietly vanished.

In his place was someone...

Bai Zhou suddenly recalled the words Crow had spoken to him when he advanced to [Adventurer]--

"Congratulations, Destined One Bai Zhou!"

He slowly clenched his fist, gripping the lines on his palm that symbolized fate.

As if holding destiny in his hand, a subtle sense of confidence welled up within him.

So it turns out--

"Destiny" really is with me...