Reasons to Survive
Life is always unpredictable. What seems like a happy and lasting life can be completely shattered by just the slightest change.
In that [Instance], almost all the leaders of the "Player Mutual Aid Society" and Carrot like-minded friends were wiped out.
They were already at "Tier 2" and "Tier 3" at that time, and originally thought it would just be a normal [Instance], although it might be a bit difficult, and many Player were mentally prepared to sacrifice themselves...
But no one expected...
The cruelty of the "Death game" was beyond their imagination.
In that Game, only Carrot survived—and the biggest reason he survived was simply good luck.
Besides luck, there was also the Carrot's own retreat.
He clearly remembered that they entered that [Instance] in search of a legendary [Item] of "Divine Artifact" quality that could be used to mass-produce consumables and materials.
With this [Item], Player "Player Mutual Aid Society" will be able to become a large organization on par with the "Order," "Night Watcher," "Marauders," and "Psychology Society," and then they will be able to better serve Player.
However, after all his teammates died and only Carrot remained, he hesitated.
He chose to complete the minimum required level of the [Instance] mission and returned to reality.
The reason was the same as when he entered the "Death game"—Grandpa Radish wanted to survive.
However, at that time, Carrot wasn't quite sure what his biggest reason for living was.
After that return, Carrot found out.
His wife passed away suddenly.
Having given his all, almost betraying the expectations of his comrades, he returned to reality. The next day, he woke up, went out to check on the greenhouse, and came back to find his wife collapsed in front of the house.
This time, after he was taken to the hospital, the Doctor did not say that he had been brought in promptly.
From that day on, Carrot suddenly understood why he had such a strong obsession with living.
To be honest, he and his wife didn't really have a passionate love story... Carrot didn't even remember whether his third aunt or fourth aunt introduced them to each other.
He simply got married, had children, and lived a life that wasn't even considered wealthy... It was at that moment that Grandpa Radish realized that perhaps his spouse was truly the most important thing in his life.
Even though my spouse has passed away, my children are still here, the tomatoes in the greenhouse are still here, and I still have my responsibilities and the "Player Mutual Aid Society" are still here.
Carrot didn't have any suicidal thoughts, but... he really didn't have the same strong, almost obsessive, desire to live as before.
"It's not that the 'Player Mutual Aid Society' isn't important enough, but rather that my own life has become less important to me," Grandpa Radish said, looking longingly at the tomatoes. "Actually, to be honest, life still has many beautiful things, and I have many things I care about... but feelings can't be faked."
As he spoke, Lin Yu nodded slightly.
"I understand, sir... I'm sorry to have bothered you."
"I will tell Comrade Li Hua that there is no deep-seated reason for your motives, and that we are overthinking it... If you are unwilling, I will only say this to him and will not elaborate."
As Lin Yu spoke, Carrot laughed again.
"It's alright to say it. Saying it will put Li Hua at ease... Li Hua is a very good person. He and the other high-ranking members of 'Order' are all people with great vision. They are much more capable and have a better reputation than me, a nice guy with only a good name..."
"He worries too much. I'm just telling him about this little thing so that he'll have fewer doubts."
Carrot spoke, Lin Yu nodded.
"You're so kind."
Carrot smiled and said, "I've already said I don't have that kind of vision... So, these things are only for Li Hua. Just tell him not to say anything more."
Lin Yu nodded again.
Carrot headed towards the entrance of the vegetables, and Lin Yu followed.
"However, young man, since you've come all this way, I won't let you come for nothing—I guess you're at 'Tier 1' or 'Tier 2', right?"
Carrot spoke, Lin Yu nodded.
Yes, I am "Tier 2".
Carrot nodded leisurely. "While alive, you're restricted by the 'Death game,' and you can't go around talking about high-level matters, otherwise you'll be punished by the 'Game,' and the next [Instance] will become difficult, but..."
"Since I'm already dead, it doesn't matter anymore—I'll tell you about the 'Tier 3' and 'Tier 4'."
"The Rank Advancement Trial's for 'Tier 3' is divided into two parts, just like 'Tier 2'. The first half is a 'Rank Advancement Mission' in a normal [Instance], but the second half is no longer a [Personal Instance] -- after completing the 'Rank Advancement Mission,' it will give you a notification."
"The format might be a list, drawings, Map, or a combination of all of them; it varies from person to person and 'Profession.' Based on my interactions with other 'Tier 3' members within the organization, it's different for everyone."
"You need to use those 'hints' to craft your own [Exclusive item] and complete the 'Tier Advancement'."
"Therefore, this 'Tier Advancement' may even be completed in reality, and the completion time is not fixed; it may require several [Instance]!"
Lin Yu quickly wrote down what Carrot had said.
"I see..."
Grandpa Radish then continued, "As for the 'Tier 4'... since I haven't succeeded either, and this is even more special than the 'Tier 3,' my words may not be accurate, so you can't completely trust them."
"The advancement to the Tier 4 doesn't involve acquiring a specific [Item], but rather a power called 'Heart Domain' —a power you'll gradually begin to feel once you reach the Tier 3."
"It's like a path that's started and extended by your [Exclusive item], a path that belongs to you and incorporates all your past experiences."
"Once you've grasped the concept enough, you'll know you can acquire a 'Heart Domain' —you can grant yourself a 'Heart Domain' at any time while within a [Instance]."
"Therefore, the fourth 'Rank Advancement Trial' will not be fixed—it will appear the moment you obtain the 'Heart Domain' —and will still take the form of an 'Rank Advancement Mission' attached to your current [Instance]."
"However, because it appears suddenly, it often causes Cataclysm to the entire [Instance]."
"This is why many people, even though they are already capable of opening their 'Heart Domain,' still choose not to fully open it—because the 'Heart Domain' is easy to obtain, but this fourth 'Rank Advancement Trial' is definitely not easy to pass."
At this point, Grandpa Radish paused.
"Okay, that's all I wanted to say... I hope this helps."
"And also... cherish the reason that keeps you alive, don't put the cart before the horse and forget why you entered the 'Death game' in the first place."
Lin Yu listened to Grandpa Radish's advice with a solemn expression. "I will."
Grandpa Radish just smiled, walked out of the vegetable greenhouse, and headed towards the courtyard with his hands behind his back.
In the dim light, Lin Yu seemed to see an old woman walk out of the house and wave to Grandpa Radish.
Then, a flash of white light appeared, and Lin Yu woke up again.
"What a kind person..."
Lin Yu said with emotion.
But the feeling of being moved lasted only a moment before Lin Yu heard some strange noises.
"Call..."
He looked at Fu Luo —the guy who said he would keep an eye on him, who was now fast asleep on the table!
Lin Yu's expression instantly turned serious.
Something's not right!