Phantoms of the Past, Punishment for Rudeness

Anyone who isn't an incurable idiot can understand the unspoken meaning behind the Octopus's "Card".

This Aperitif...

There's definitely a big problem.

After drinking it, there is a high probability that the person will exhibit behaviors such as "crying, cursing, and damaging the tableware."

There were clearly no fools among those present.

This is an explanation of the Rule, and also a well-intentioned reminder.

"Grabbing the glass" is not the only hurdle to overcome in the Aperitif session, and this Instance is definitely not just a simple "battle" between Player.

Lin Yu looked at the wine in his glass and felt a headache coming on.

However, as for "Fluoxetine"...

Lin Yu could only put on an air of confidence and interest.

"Interesting!"

He chuckled and was the first to raise his glass and drink it down in one gulp.

Wine from a "Deity" banquet, and wine whose name itself contains the word "wine" or "Deity," is indeed extraordinary.

Cool, slightly sweet, and with the aroma of fermented grapes, it glided across the taste buds, surpassing any other beverage Lin Yu had ever tasted.

And...

This wine also contains an experience that transcends human "taste" and, literally, strikes at Lin Yu's soul.

Just as the name of the wine is described as "Sorrow Wine"...

The essence of a clear, crisp wine, beyond its "smell," lies in its "emotions."

An emotion called "sadness".

These emotions overwhelmed Lin Yu, then sketched out the most "sorrowful" scene in his heart.

That is...

Fire and explosion.

Raging flames, crumbling buildings.

People wailed and wept, kneeling on the ground, their cries piercing the sky through the billowing smoke, as if questioning the Deity.

In a daze, Lin Yu saw this long-sealed Memory.

In the previous Instance, in order to Deception the monster named "Chate," he fabricated a tragic past and identity—a boy whose closest relatives perished in an explosion and fire during his childhood.

However, this is not entirely Deception.

Although Lin Yu's father was not a miner and did not die in the explosion.

But...

Long ago, Lin Yu did indeed have a close relative who perished in a fire.

He watched the flames silently, the leaping light reflected in Lin Yu's eyes.

This was probably the most "tragic" thing he had ever experienced in his life.

"No wonder the Octopus said that..."

Lin Yu muttered to himself.

Drinking this wine seems to force one to relive the most painful scenes and Memory of their life.

Even knowing it's just a past illusion, it's still difficult to control your emotions and not lose control, isn't it?

"Bang!"

"Damn it, this liquor is awful!"

Lin Yu faintly heard a curse—it seemed to come from "A'yu".

And she also seemed to have slammed her fist on the table.

There were also faint sobs... I don't know who couldn't hold back their tears.

"So someone has been infected after all."

Lin Yu sighed.

Although everyone here is a master, but...

Being emotionally affected by painful memories of the past has little to do with one's level of emotional maturity.

Just like now...

Lin Yu still had plenty of energy to observe the others.

The explosion and fire that took away his loved ones did indeed leave Lin Yu with a lingering sense of unease when he recalled it.

But...

Being able to manage one's emotions is one of the most basic qualities an Actor must possess.

Lin Yu could still clearly remember how he felt back then when he saw this scene being recreated.

There was shock and grief, but more thoughts...

That's why Lin Yu still remembers how he felt back then.

"I need to remember these 'intense emotions'—they might come in handy for my performance."

After calming down, Lin Yu even began to observe the grief expressed by those around him who had also lost loved ones.

This is why the Memory at this moment are so vivid.

Some collapsed to the ground, some burst into tears, some tried to rush into the fire, some trembled all over...

Therefore, Lin Yu didn't need to fight against the sorrow of the past at all.

Even if he was emotional at the time, after Leng Jing analyzing and reflecting on his state of mind and feelings over and over again, he had long since become accustomed to it.

Therefore, Lin Yu simply watched all of this unfold calmly, as if he had a rare opportunity to review and carefully observe the scene from his Memory once again.

It must be said that after studying performance theory professionally and performing on Stage for two years, one's feelings about those rare materials in life are indeed much deeper.

"He even improved his acting skills a bit along the way."

Lin Yu sighed inwardly.

Then, the memories faded, and Lin Yu felt his vision clear again.

Although he has a good tolerance for alcohol, at this moment, he felt no sensation of drinking at all, as if he had never drunk anything.

"That's really amazing!"

He sighed, then looked around.

A'yu looked very unwell; the little girl had a gloomy face and a murderous aura that seemed about to solidify.

Next was the Carrot. This simple old farmer, upon seeing something, was already choking up, wiping away tears, completely unable to control himself.

The others were alright, but their eyes were all red, and their expressions were more or less tinged with sorrow.

Qianhuan pinched herself hard.

Li Hua looked up at the vast sky.

Mosin-Nagant pulled a pocket watch from his pocket, seemingly looking at a photograph.

Robin her sitting position—she hugged her knees and buried her head between her legs.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was very oppressive.

Only Lin Yu remained calm and composed.

Lin Yu even started to think.

Should I also act a little sad?

"I'm playing the role of Fluoxetine, and in this situation she would..."

As Lin Yu pondered this, he belatedly realized something and sighed softly.

If it were "Fluoxetine" that came, everyone would probably feel a moment of confusion and sadness.

A fact that Lin Yu was somewhat unwilling to admit was laid out before him.

"Perhaps in this respect, I am even more abnormal than Fluoxetine, the acknowledged psychotic."

Realizing this, Lin Yu shook his head.

A hint of sadness also appeared on his face.

Fortunately, his acting skills are good enough and his expression can change quickly enough. Even if he has no sadness in his heart, he can still perfectly express the melancholy that is appropriate for the identity of Fluoxetine.

The Octopus "Ka" smiled and spoke.

"It seems everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious 'sorrow' brought by the Aperitif..."

"Grief is the most important emotion, the cornerstone of Revelry —it is precisely because people want to reconcile with grief that they often choose feasts and Revelry, using 'rituals' and 'commemorations' to soothe it all."

"Of course... although everyone is indulging in the fun, some people may inevitably behave rudely, but the rules set by the Lord cannot be changed!"

As the Octopus "Ka" spoke, it then took two Red Button covered with waterproof membranes from the pool.

"Smack!"

After its two tentacles slammed down on the button, a faint sound suddenly came from the air.

"Smack!"

A rope on A'yu and Carrot's chair snapped.