Chapter 438

"I wouldn't dare." Yuki quickly shook his head. How could he dare? Don't be fooled by Kaguya Shinomiya persecution; in a normal world, she could crush him with a single finger. The reason he could do whatever he wanted was quite simple:

Power can break the shackles of all rules.

"We've fallen for your trick. Some things can't be changed since the Bloodthirsty Red Moon. You just seized the opportunity and shamelessly tied us together." Hayasaka Ai hugged her knees, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun outside the window.

"So I never doubted that you would become 'Taiyi,' a being that could not possibly make such a 'weak' choice."

Weak? That's true.

Yuki raised his head. When he survived, he had hesitated about whether to team up with the two. To be honest, his senior and Hayasaka provided a lot of help, but they also got him involved in karma he shouldn't have.

This includes the option to 'untrace'. He had imagined what 'Taiyi' would choose if it were him. Of course, he would choose to fight alone with one sword, braving the game's targeting, and reach the top as quickly as possible.

Become stronger, kill, become even stronger, and continue killing. Don't waste a single second; invest all your energy and effort.

Having annihilated all things and severed all laws, only one remains when one looks around.

"But that would be too boring. In the end, after hesitating for a moment, I chose instinct. Perhaps this 'seed' of mine has gone astray since that moment. That's why Taiyi said that it was my own choice that made the decision."

Hayasaka Ai turned her head. She didn't understand what seeds were, and asked curiously, "Survival instinct? I'm not that good, am I?"

Before she could finish speaking, she gasped in surprise Yuki reached out and tackled her to the seat.

Nose to nose, he felt the girl's rapid breathing and gazed at her flushed face.

"To be honest," Yuki brushed aside his disheveled blond hair and gently lowered his head.

"It's desire."

Can't find it? How could you not find it?

Just as Yuki was admiring the fairytale-like sunset and snuggling up to the beautiful girl, within the deep void, powerful and ruthless beings were scratching their heads in frustration.

The evidence was irrefutable, and the clues were right in front of them, yet they invested enormous resources only to end up making Clown.

[The female player's identity has been confirmed; her name is Frieren, her world of origin has been found, and cross-referencing has been completed.]

[Confirmed, she has left the Aether Particles, but is not within the Borderlands, nor is she in any faction. The Aether Particles player's instance prophecy cannot locate her.]

[But her case serves as evidence that this Taiyi is indeed a player of the Aether Particles.]

The synthesized sounds continued, but the result was unexpected. Assuming Taiyi possessed abilities beyond the game's limits, it's impossible for an ordinary, homegrown player to have such abilities.

This is a crime drama, a puzzle that even Transcendental Grade powers cannot solve.

"It can be confirmed that Raymond is Taiyi, and that he is the player of the Aether Particles."

"But why can't I find it?"

"The Aether Particles are too large and complex. Be patient. This faction is under close surveillance. Even a Extraordinary-level player on a mission will be tracked by our people."

"At this point, our dislike is only growing."

"It doesn't matter. Don't forget this trial has a time limit, and I can't care about the opinions of those ants."

Recent events have further tarnished the already infamous reputation of the Judge. What are the consequences of a monster-level Judge forcibly joining an extraordinary-level player's instance?

Of course, it's the dungeon mutation that killed all participants. And don't forget, it wasn't just the Aether Particles players who participated in the mission; what will the other factions that were caught in the crossfire think?

"And then there's the Aether Particles itself. That dragon and the skeleton demon have been using us all along. War will start sooner or later, and more and more players from other factions are joining in." Aizen tapped the armrest. He was now barely the commander-in-chief, but some things had nothing to do with intelligence.

This was an open conspiracy, and he couldn't even ignore it. Ten years at the Borderlands were too short; the Reincarnation Game was more like an allied siege.

If there were twenty years of Borderlands years, they could find 'Taiyi' at their leisure without any flaws.

When time is short, people rush, and rushing leads to mistakes. Taiyi doesn't need to do anything; he just needs to guide these mistakes.

"Both sides are preparing for war. With more than fifty factions identified, any spark could ignite a conflict. On paper, the Monster Front and the Great Tomb Nazarick are at a significant disadvantage. We must give a clear answer."

"Attitude? We need Deathwing's power. Without it, our people can't even enter the Aether Particles."

"So you mean you want to get involved? Have you considered the consequences?"

"Wait a minute, I smell a conspiracy here. Is Taiyi trying to force us into this?"

"So what? We are stronger, and we have every right to act with impunity!"

Arguments rose and fell, or rather, the arguments became more frequent ever since the investigation into 'Taiyi' began.

Aizen listened quietly, not in a hurry to interrupt. This mission was fraught with difficulties, as every choice would come at a price.

"Your Excellency, I understand your concerns." Seeing that the atmosphere had built up sufficiently, he finally spoke, "But we have no choice. This mission has a time limit, and finding Raymond is only the first step. Given Taiyi's strategic acumen, no one knows how many complications will arise later."

The fact that no one is speaking up is the real problem. The Reincarnation Game never shows any compassion for its subordinates; it only cares about achieving its goals with maximum efficiency.

This was Yuki's hidden objective: to deliberately reveal that he wasn't particularly powerful, but rather extremely cunning. Dealing with such a troublesome opponent was bound to cause problems, and many Judge even speculated that Raymond was merely a decoy, at best a collaborator.

"Ten years may seem like a long time, but it's too short for Borderlands. We don't have time to adjust slowly. Sometimes we have to take the first step at any cost. Don't forget, 'What's more terrifying than making a wrong choice is not making a choice' is the Truth of the Reincarnation Game."

Aizen's voice was magnetic and approachable. He didn't try to persuade others; he only reasoned with them gently.

"Furthermore, you've all seen the Hidden Sage's investigation report. This person was a Monster II player not long ago. Shouldn't we consider that time might be more advantageous for Taiyi?"

These words sent a chill down many people's spines. Indeed, 'Taiyi's' leveling speed can only be described as abnormal. Right now, even his slightly weaker strength is causing everyone to scratch their heads in frustration. What will happen when he fully develops?

"There's one more thing. We not only have to deal with 'Taiyi,' but the regular trial missions haven't stopped either." Dio Brando said somewhat irritably, grinning, "The next epic trial will be my turn, so I'll have to put these other matters aside."

Who is the target?

"That 'Machine Intelligence' angel, dealing with it shouldn't be a problem, but it'll definitely need some time to recover." Dio Brando didn't want to talk about the dreaded trial mission, so he steered the conversation back on track. "The longer it drags on, the worse it will be for us. I agree with Mr. Aizen's view—to directly intervene in the Aether Particles war."

"I agree. If they can't find it, it must be under the protection of local players."

"I object. The cost would be too high, and the resulting chain reaction would be uncontrollable."

I agree.

"I abstain. You guys figure it out."

Aizen sat calmly, listening to the opinions of each senior figure until everyone expressed their views. The proposer passed the motion by a narrow margin, and Aizen's tapping fingers finally stopped.

He smiled slightly. Everyone here, including himself, was a powerful and experienced veteran player, so he wouldn't let personal feelings get in the way.

Because it's unnecessary, having come to this point, no one can withstand the pressure of 'annihilation,' and they might even resent the coercion of the Reincarnation Game.

The cost is high, but what's even more frightening is that there's no opportunity to pay the price. Everyone becomes a traitor, and who will care about fairness, or the title of 'Judge'?

"That's settled then. The investigation continues, with the two Grand Inquisitors and their subordinates directly intervening in the Aether Particles to eliminate any uncooperative players."

"Wait, why not just make a final decision?" A domineering voice rang out, carrying a strong sense of accusation.

"Lord Boros, I need to control the chain reaction. The consequences of annihilating the entire Aether Particles are too great. Excessive terror will unite the weak, and I want to minimize that possibility."

"Oh, you mean you're giving them a false sense of security? Fine, I'll count myself as an interferer."

Aizen slightly, still as calm and rational as ever, but inwardly he sneered.

A decisive blow? Splitting the Reincarnation Game in two? Or suppressing discontent with absolute power?

No, I can't accept even a one percent chance of this outcome. If you don't rely on me, if some of you don't fall, how can I gain control of the discourse and become the king of Judge?

Without fully mastering this force with special privileges...

How can I become the god of the new order?

Intrigue and daily life, ambition and desire.

At the same time, in different places, yet with completely opposite mindsets, the Judge could never have imagined that the target they had been searching for had ceased to think.

Hayasaka Ai, her Hayasaka Ai hair slightly disheveled and her cheeks still flushed, was very happy. This was the first time Yuki had wholeheartedly accompanied her, abandoning all his schemes and tricks.

She rode the Kaleidoscope Ferris Wheel for a full three hours. After it stopped, she put on her shoes and turned around in surprise.

"Hey, aren't you going to find the Anthropomorphic Front?"

"It's too late. I just received news that Taihou has received a mission, and none of the other players can be trusted." Yuki's expression was a bit strange, unsure whether to feel regret or relief.

Taihou...

Hayasaka Ai's eyes became wary. She had heard about the other woman from Mona, who had praised her highly, saying she was incredibly beautiful, had a stunning figure, and was very clingy, especially since she got along very well with her older brother.

These words were pure warning to her, so she poked Yuki with her finger. "You... you're not thinking of meeting her, are you?"

"How could that be? I'm on a date with you right now. By the way, how was your day?"

"Hmm." Hayasaka Ai's face turned even redder, and she nodded slightly.

"I need to relax a bit, things are about to get busy." Yuki stretched, his expression shifting instantly from playful to serious. "I've intercepted information that a Grand Inquisitor is about to be deployed. This is a good opportunity."

The youthful energy vanished instantly, and Hayasaka Ai transformed into that serious and composed maid. She knew what the Grand Inquisitor meant; even the weakest among them was Epic Rank III.

"Can you confirm which one it is?" She stood up, swaying slightly, Yuki quickly helped her up.

"No, but their main focus is on the Aether Particles, and they can accurately calculate combat strength. They never expected that I would dare to counterattack."

Hayasaka Ai's eyes widened slightly, then she regained her composure. Having been with Yuki for so long, she knew that this man would never suddenly come up with any whimsical ideas.

His style is to prepare in advance, quietly arranging the next step of the plan, and by the time the prey realizes what's going on, it's already trapped in the net and can't get out.

"In other words, the forces dispatched by the Judge will be based on the strength of the target and won't go too far?"

"Most likely. I've looked at all the information Mona gave me. The most wanted criminal is Epic II. We should just keep him under control."

Yuki nodded confidently. Sometimes, you don't need any Transcendental Grade power; simple prediction is enough.

He didn't know if this interception would be effective, so he could only enter the instance like a normal player and give the Judge a surprise later.

"Hey, hey, hey, you're starting to laugh so sinisterly again." Hayasaka Ai waved her finger in front of her eyes, then asked hesitantly, "How much time do we have left?"

"Half a day, intercepting coordinates, then directly joining the dungeon, still not enough fun?"

"It's never enough." Hayasaka Ai twirled her blonde hair with her fingers and looked at another enormous building in the distance, the 'Palace of Ten Thousand Kings'.

The name sounds impressive, but it's actually just a partitioned space where each room can be customized to fit any known style, allowing you to indulge in unparalleled luxury that words can't describe.

Taihou?

"Or..." The girl's eyes darted around, her tongue licking her lips.

"Shall we go in and stay for another half day?"

Volume 1: Race Game

Chapter One: Race Game

Prepare the space.

Yuki stood in the center of this pure white space. He had seen this scene before at the Wizard's Tower and found it somewhat strange, so he later made a special trip to inquire about it.

It turns out this space is special; it's like a preparation space before the dungeon begins, and it's triggered when certain conditions are met.

For example, the Judge follows closely and selects a target location.

"Successfully. This instance most likely contains a Judgment quest, which is why it tracked us down."

Yuki breathed a sigh of relief, trying not to look away. The reason was simple: several the Heat gazes were coming from the side.

Some looked slightly melancholy, some were watching the show, and some were very interested. Hayasaka Ai, who was holding his hand, hesitated for a moment, then let go, took a half step back, and went to look at the scenery from both sides.

The dungeon has already started; now is not the time to press our advantage.

Understanding the situation is a basic skill for every player. Seeing her actions, Kaguya Shinomiya and Mai Sakurajima, who had been hesitant to speak, exchanged a glance, took a deep breath, and suppressed their questions.

Before they could even ask, Hiyori blurted out, "You mean we're going to be facing an Epic Tier III player?"

"Yes, most likely, maybe even a whole team. This dungeon must be very difficult; I'd estimate the minimum strength required for participants is at least Tier Monster III," Yuki replied seriously. Sensing the sudden tension, he waved his hand, "Don't be nervous. Everyone here is very strong. Otherwise, I wouldn't have let you participate."

This is certain, because the Reincarnation Game does not allow players to destroy the fish ponds; only the weak participate in the strong's dungeons, and no strong player ever rampages in the newbie village.

Judging from individual strength alone, everyone here except for Mona is not qualified. However, the strength of the team lies in their cooperation. Each person brings out the strengths of their own to the Limit and then makes up for each other's weaknesses.

"We also have another advantage. This instance is called 'Race War,' which should be categorized by faction. According to the conventions of Reincarnation Game, factions are usually selected by faction, so Mr. Yuki's strengths can be brought to the Limit."

Hiyori has already gotten into the swing of things; they're all veteran players now, so of course they know about the faction ranking system.

The Thorny Rose faction score is definitely low, but besides Yuki, they also include Frieren of Aether Particles and Mona of Valhalla. Moreover, unlike Nighttime Murder, they are a team, but their total score will not be added together.

Pure cheating gives you an advantage during the setup phase, but how exactly you do it won't be known until the prompt begins.

"Try to use dungeons and other players to deal with the Judge."