Chapter 298

The Borderlands are now connected, and even from a faction's perspective, it's unclear what the point of doing dungeons is. One question has been puzzling all players who enjoy thinking.

After the Transcendental Grade comes the monster, and after the monster comes the epic. When will the growth of power ever end? It's just a tool for struggling to survive.

"Even cattle and horses have a day when they regain their freedom. If the Reincarnation Game doesn't offer a way out," Yuki muttered to himself, gazing at the vortex. He didn't answer the boy; it was more like he was speaking to himself.

"Then I'll go find it myself."

With the cooperation agreement finalized, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka will soon go to see Mr. Ye. The details may differ, but the general direction of these types of people is not much different.

Intelligent people always like to think about 'meaning'. Power is just a tool for survival. As they become stronger, they will start to think about the meaning of power and the meaning of life.

To survive, each player has given almost everything, but the prison called the game is endless, and clever people will always find a way out.

Aside from a few twisted individuals, the players in the entire Reincarnation Game can be roughly divided into two categories. One category consists of those who are obsessed with power, unwilling to be ordinary, and wantonly control the life and death of others, or write heroic epics. The other category consists of those who are just trying to survive. And what can guarantee survival? Of course, it's escaping the Reincarnation Game.

Yuki won't comment on which is better or worse, but in 'Thorny Rose', the latter type of player is the majority. They are the kind of people who get excited reading web novels, but regret it when they actually transmigrate into the world.

This is even more evident in the Reincarnation Game. In every dungeon, Yuki is fighting desperately. So what if he can punch a hole in a mountain peak now? There will always be stronger monsters and more terrifying enemies. If you miscalculate even slightly, you will die without a burial place.

I'm so tired. Compared to those Living Corpse, evil gods, and swarms of insects, homework is practically a reward.

'I'll leave the order to them to maintain, so I can focus on leveling up, then use power to suppress everything, and incidentally create an oversight organization.'

The logic had formed a closed loop, and seeing fewer people speeding on the road, he couldn't help but nod in satisfaction.

Power is the foundation for maintaining order, and his authority will be further enhanced. Perhaps he can develop a few administrators in the future, and then he can completely stop interfering.

Then the illusion of a supervisory organization had to be created. On the one hand, he was too inexperienced, so some 'seniors' had to be created to scare people; on the other hand, it had been foreshadowed before, so it wouldn't seem abrupt.

That idiot Shinomiya Oko must have gone to the Borderlands to investigate, only to find out he'd been tricked. If he knew what happened at the Outpost, he'd probably be completely brainwashed again.

Yuki a little uneasy. Shinomiya Oko was a loophole, but at most it was just his own boasting. Surely no player would actually believe the nonsense about the 'Imaginary Tree' and the 'Quantum Sea'? The only troublesome things were the Outpost and the 'Transcendental Grade' anomalies.

"There are countless factions in the game, and I'm definitely not the only one with problems. Besides, even if some players are curious, so what? Without my invitation, no one can get in."

Yuki consoled himself, secretly resolving to kill Shinomiya Oko and the others as soon as possible to completely close the loophole.

As I walked home, just as I reached the intersection, my eyes suddenly lit up.

Frieren and Hayasaka Ai were standing across the street. Mushroom, following local custom, changed into a white dress, leaving a good impression on Yuki.

It's huge, way too big.

Compared to Frieren, even with a large number of maids, she still paled in comparison, instantly making one understand the correct usage of the term 'slightly chubby'.

In the blink of an eye, the maid had already blocked his way, rushing forward to meet him.

"Are you done talking?"

He was all smiles and pleasantries, but the way he looked at the bedbug made Yuki stare straight ahead.

"Well, I don't need to worry about what happens next. As long as we improve our strength, we can get exposed when the truth comes out."

Yuki's biggest fear is receiving a list of punishments from Ayanokoji; if he can't beat them, he's doomed.

"At worst, we can go together. There shouldn't be any enemies within this Outpost," Hayasaka emphasized. She disliked Yuki always doing everything by himself.

That's true; apart from a few key figures, no one managed to leave the room alive.

Yuki turned his head and looked at Frieren, who was bowing to him very politely. He was not used to it. Hiyori used to be so polite. Now she had been corrupted and just watched the show all day.

"Are you getting used to it, Miss Frieren?"

"Hmm, there's a unique sense of ease, like going back to a long time ago." The girl smiled faintly, realizing it had indeed been a long time since she had sat down to eat with someone and chatted about topics unrelated to survival.

"This place is strange and unfamiliar, but Miss Mai Sakurajima and the others are all good people. I'm sorry, I haven't used the word 'good people' in a long time. How should I put it? Thank you for giving me a place to stay, Mr. Yuki."

She bowed again to express her gratitude, still feeling like she was dreaming.

This is true. She had no value in having a group of players act with her, so it was all a dream. She originally thought that accepting protection would mean being treated like a beast of burden, and that if her secrets were exposed, she would be silenced on the spot.

As a result, no one treated her like a beast of burden. They ate at the same table, and Kaguya even opened her wardrobe and let her choose some strange clothes. When she discovered that none of the clothes could fit her, her ashen face was definitely not an act.

Everyone is doing well, so well that it's hard to believe they're all playing the same game.

Frieren glanced at Yuki furtively, utterly baffled by what the man was thinking, just as he seemed to disregard the authority of the Pioneers.

"Hey, we're all family, relax. You're making me nervous." Yuki didn't care at all, turning to Hayasaka Ai, "Is this your after-dinner walk?"

"Yes, show Frieren around the Outpost. She said it's completely different here from the 'Aether Particles'."

Aside from these towering buildings, the biggest difference is the vortex in the sky. According to Frieren, this is a channel connecting the worlds. There are dozens of Aether Particles, and I've never heard of any faction having only one channel.

Yuki had already noticed the problem, but he had no clue as to why, so he simply accompanied the two beautiful girls for a walk in the Outpost and listened to Fei Lun tell stories.

The Aether Particles don't consist of densely packed buildings, but rather castles or demonic caves. Each team occupies a specific area, and there's no real security even in the Outpost.

Players struggle to survive in dungeons, and even after returning to the game, they still have to fight tooth and nail. Living permanently in the Borderlands is something that ordinary players can't afford.

Yuki alone is a headache. Humans, demons, and monsters are physically intertwined, and there are several magic guilds, each recruiting their own people and dominating their own territory.

They are fighting for the fragments of the 'Throne of Gods', turning the Outpost into a never-ending dungeon.

This group really benefited; they didn't go into the Dark Forest to raise Gu poison.

Yuki glanced at the passing players; the place was so empty it made him feel lonely, much more harmonious than those powerful factions.

'I hope they go out and see more of the world, so that one day they can protect their homeland.'

Yuki suddenly felt a protective instinct; he figured if he threw him into the Aether Particles, he'd probably turn evil soon enough.

Sitting on a bench, inhaling the fragrance of flowers, a gentle breeze blows, stirring up a few Petal. There is no dust here. The exquisite fountain rises and falls with the music. Across the square, several players have adopted the Borderlands model and set up several coffee stalls that offer consumable items.

It's so peaceful; this is how it should be after such a difficult journey.

Frieren paused for a moment, then spoke to himself, "I understand you somewhat now. Why don't you care about the Trailblazers' authority anymore? Not changing anything is the best outcome."

That's because the permissions haven't been unlocked yet.

Yuki didn't refute this; he truly had no desire to become a god. Watching a group of players worship him with respect on their faces but secretly wanting to replace him would be too boring.

"You like this?"

"Well, for most players, this is paradise." The girl hesitated, wanting to say that she didn't belong here, but according to the rules of the Reincarnation Game, a player's team would return with this man unless the entire team was wiped out.

So neither the 'Aether Particles' nor the 'Thorny Rose' matters anymore; she will make the squad her home.

It felt magical, like a dream to Frieren, who had been looking for a place to stay. Perhaps in the Reincarnation Game, there was no place more perfect than this.

Just then, a hand reached out from the side, and a man with black hair and red eyes smiled gently.

"Then, welcome to Paradise."

Chapter Ten: Harmonious Team (6K)

As the owner, Frieren was naturally pleased to have his own territory, especially after learning a lot of gossip from the young girl.

Each faction's Outpost are different, but most are filled with bloody killings and looting. There's even a faction called 'The End World,' where players who make mistakes are captured and burned as firewood.

The players of Thorny Rose are all too normal; even the most notorious 'artist' seems perfectly normal compared to those demon hunters and Chaos Grade Orcs.

In addition, Yuki also obtained an important piece of information from her: many factions did not have pioneers, or rather, they did not have a single pioneer.

The 'Aether Particles' refers to the pioneers as the Throne of God. The original Throne is untraceable, but it has been split into many pieces, and the factions fought tooth and nail to seize it.

He figured the other factions were probably in the same boat. He wondered why the 'Iron Faith,' as the representative force of the 'Mechanical Believers,' hadn't been able to unify the factions. With Yuki's current authority, he could easily become the absolute king by eliminating dissidents.

Is it because there are too many people to manage? Or is it because the permissions are incomplete and unable to be used effectively?

Yuki didn't know, nor could he ask; with just a little thought, he could discover the problem.

The pioneer is the first player to explore the new territory and must lead their faction through the trials and the connection to the Borderlands. Unless there is a superhuman player who can complete the game in one life, there will be replacements.

Like the throne of the 'Aether Particles', it is the authority that shattered after the fall of the last pioneer. Since everyone's strength is about the same, it is difficult to reunite them.

There are too many players in those large factions, so even if the 'Mechanical Believers' wanted to collect all the permissions, they would have to go through a lot of trouble.

I'm the only one who's different. I don't need to pass any tests, and no one is competing with me. Unless I die in a dungeon, no one can shake my position.

Yuki was completely relieved, and then enjoyed a few peaceful days, while also observing Frieren.

Reality speaks louder than words. Before long, Frieren developed a sense of identification from the bottom of her heart. For several days in a row, she would go for walks in her spare time, and there would always be someone accompanying her, explaining common sense to this player who came from a magical world.

She began to integrate into the group, no longer acting like a timid guest, and even took the initiative to do housework, preparing a lunch with a medieval flair.

"Frieren is a good child. I've observed her for many days, and she hasn't had any problems."

A cup of tea was placed on the table. Mai Sakurajima, who was never a carefree person, had been quietly observing.

"Don't worry, the people I chose are definitely fine. Whether it's their personality or their strength, they'll definitely get along with everyone." Yuki looked up; he had been studying how to use the newly drawn Conceptual Craft Essence 'Sadist'.

"Okay, I admit you made the right choice this time, but try to bring fewer people back in the future."

"Why?"

Mai Sakurajima rolled her eyes at Yuki, smoothing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It takes a lot of effort to integrate a stranger into a team."

"That's because you're all good people, and I hope everyone in the team can become friends." Yuki decisively grabbed his senior's hand, and she struggled slightly before letting him hold it.

Frieren's walk inspired everyone else, and this afternoon everyone went out shopping and visiting friends.

"With the lady of the house around, I feel much more at ease; the whole team atmosphere is great."

Yuki is busy, so Mai Sakurajima basically takes care of the household. Her high emotional intelligence and gentle, generous personality allow her to get along well with everyone, making every member of the team feel comfortable.

"Huh? You just said I was the lady of the house?"

"There can't be two suns in the sky, and in my heart, there is only one sun—senior!" Yuki with unwavering loyalty.

"So where are you planning to put Hayasaka- san?" Mai Sakurajima deliberately retorted, only to see Yuki's expression turn awkward, which made her feel a little smug.

This man may be cold, cruel, or lewd, but these witty remarks are unique to him.

She simply snorted softly, "Alright, alright, stop making that face, but listen carefully—"

Mai Sakurajima cupped Yuki's face in her fair hands, her expression serious.

"If you dare to start a relationship with me and then abandon me, I will kill you."

Upon Yuki this, Yuuki's pupils contracted slightly. This was the first time her senior had directly addressed their relationship, a result of her persistent and proactive approach, and of Hayasaka Ai's cooperation.

My strategy has finally paid off, and my game strategy has entered a new phase. This is a powerful tool; I can finally launch a full-scale offensive.

"So, does this mean you've accepted my confession?"

"When have I ever refused?" Mai Sakurajima turned her head away from him. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. She could hear her own heart pounding, and then she felt a slightly itchy sensation spreading across her thigh.

The black stockings felt wonderful to the touch—silky, warm, and even a little damp.

His wrist was suddenly clamped, and his straight legs were tightly sealed together. His Transcendental Grade body was truly like an iron clamp. Yuki didn't seize the opportunity to attack desperately; in any case, the feeling of having his hand clamped was quite nice.

Mai Sakurajima's face was completely red, forming a sharp line between her long black hair and fair neck. Her brain was overloaded, and she felt dizzy and had no energy at all. As if possessed, she loosened her legs.

"Hayasaka and the others won't be back until dinner time. She's very punctual, usually not a second late."

The voice was extremely soft, Yuki had to concentrate fully to hear it clearly. He couldn't help but open his mouth slightly, thinking, "Has this upperclassman taken the wrong medicine today? Why is she so brave?"

He couldn't help but take a deep breath, the limiter was released, and the human cannon was ready for level one.

"When is dinner?"

"Let me think... Oh, I told her it was six in the afternoon." Mai Sakurajima glanced at the clock on the wall, then turned back, her face still flushed, but her eyes gleamed with a mischievous light, accompanied by a vengeful satisfaction.

"It's 5:58 now, you idiot, you have two minutes left."

Click.

The door opened, and a group of people went home chatting and laughing. They went to Central Park to meet Rikka and the others for coffee. Now, players with business acumen have started doing business at the Outpost.

Admittedly, you can exchange all kinds of living supplies in the game, but at this stage, players care more about emotional value. They can have a comfortable gathering with friends and family, and they don't care about a few points anymore.

"Senior, I brought you a cake. It tastes better than the ones you can get in the game." Kaguya placed a bag on the table. The young lady had extremely high standards for her quality of life. After exchanging her last special exchange point for 500 points, she returned to her old ways of being a rich girl and throwing money around.

"Hey, your face is a little red. Are you sick?"

"How could Transcendental Grade physique get sick?" Mai Sakurajima put down the kitchen knife, not daring to look at the maid, thanked her, and then looked at Hiyori, who was carrying a large stack of books, "Didn't you buy a lot of books?"

"These are novels written by players based on their adventure experiences, and I want to learn some lessons from them." Hiyori stuck out her tongue. Of course, this was a lie; it was just that these experiences, which resembled fantasy novels, were particularly appealing.

The girl created a special library. As her power increased, she could read ten lines at a glance, had a photographic memory, and read millions of words every day.

"You should move around more, instead of just sitting on the sofa all day."