This Humble One, Reincarnation Stream Player Chapter 5

"Don't bluff me. What could a first-year medical student possibly learn? Fine, at least you're somewhat useful, better than that historian." Rich Brother cast a mocking glance at the White College Student, instantly losing interest in Yuki.

The group turned away in disappointment, refocusing their attention on Li Dan. It was clear they viewed him as the leader; even the Black Strongman looked at him with eager, expectant eyes.

"Brother Li, we're all listening to you. Just tell us what to do."

A natural progression of events.

Li Dan smiled slightly, pressed his hands downward, and cleared his throat. "Everyone, don't panic. The outer city walls should be able to hold back the Living Corpse. We won't be in danger for a short while, so we have time to plan properly."

That wall was high and thick, providing a genuine sense of security. Most of the group relaxed, listening as he analyzed the hints one by one.

"The Ancient Castle is a safe zone for now, but don't get too happy yet. Hint three indicates the enemies will gradually grow stronger; that wall won't hold forever. However, we can't run around like headless chickens either, because we can't stay outside for more than two hours. There's absolutely no way to hide out there."

"What happens if we exceed two hours?" Rich Brother asked loudly.

"Heh, what happens if you don't open the door when you enter the game? It's pretty much the same thing."

Before Li Dan could explain, Thomas sneered, causing several people to shrink back in fear.

If you didn't open the door, you'd already be wandering that hallway with your head blown open. Defying the hints definitely meant a miserable death.

"Don't scare them. After all, they haven't experienced such bizarre scenarios. The first rule of survival in this game is never to rely on luck." Li Dan rubbed his face, looking as if he were recalling something unbearable, then pulled himself together.

"But don't blindly trust the hints either. 'He' won't let us pass these three days comfortably. The immediate priority is to search the Ancient Castle, at least to get a handle on the terrain. And according to hint six, never act alone."

Familiarizing themselves with the terrain—at least finding out where people could hide and where the safe houses were—was indeed a mature and steady approach. As for hint six, it was stated clearly enough, though it was unclear what the second half of the sentence meant.

The Ancient Castle was massive; it would take at least half a day to walk through it, and that city wall didn't look like it could guarantee safety for long. Thus, Li Dan decided to split them into groups. Since the rule was 'don't act alone,' two people would suffice.

Leaving this hall to return to that terrifying corridor was something most people were unwilling to do, but since they had handed the authority over to Li Dan, they had to obey the orders of this veteran Player.

The group looked at one another. They were all strangers, unsure of how to form teams, not to mention the Band Guy who was causing trouble.

"Hey, do you two want to join my team? It's a great deal, you know." Thomas looked at Mai Sakurajima and Hayasaka Ai, flicking his tongue provocatively. "Don't be so resistant. Who ends up having more fun isn't set in stone yet."

In terms of looks, figure, and temperament, the two girls were clearly superior. However, Mai Sakurajima wore an expression of disgust, clearly valuing certain things above her own life, while Hayasaka Ai looked hesitant, which actually fit her Gal appearance quite well.

He carried a weapon like a Chainsaw Sword, yet he himself was corrupted by Slaanesh. It seemed there was no Emperor to deliver judgment here.

Yuki watched coldly from the sidelines, silently mocking him.

"That's enough. If you take everyone, the search efficiency will drop significantly." At this moment, Li Dan stepped in front of the two women, his face stern. "There are only ten of us in total. You're taking four; are you trying to drag everyone down with you?"

The two veteran Players stood in a standoff. The others didn't dare to breathe, save for Yuki, whose eyes flickered, as if curious about how powerful a human who had undergone such a qualitative change could be.

After a few seconds, it was the Band Guy who backed down.

"Meddlesome. Anyway, everyone is going to die sooner or later. What does it matter if we survive this Dungeon?" He didn't bother arguing with Li Dan, hoisted his chainsaw-like greatsword, and walked off. Rich Brother and the two women hesitated for a moment before hurriedly following.

The troublemaker who lived for instant gratification had left, leaving six people in the room, the air thick with an ominous mood.

When individual desires differ, talk of unity is a joke, but the Dungeon still had to be cleared.

"It's fine. They have more people, so they can attract fire. We'll pair up according to the hints and search the Ancient Castle as planned. Everyone draw lots to decide the groups; that's fairer." Li Dan clapped his hands to draw attention, pulling out slips of paper with names written on them, clutching them in his palm.

He did things flawlessly. Everyone wanted to be in a group with a veteran Player, so to ensure unity, drawing lots was necessary. Naturally, no one objected.

The remaining people stepped forward one by one. Seeing the Black Brother's excited expression, Yuki knew he had drawn the jackpot, and a sense of vigilance stirred within him.

Group exploration was generally the prelude to something going wrong.

Yuki had originally intended to save his reinforcement points to see if there was a more suitable place to use them, but he didn't dare hold back now.

[Player Yuki, consume reinforcement attempt to draw item or skill.]

As this thought crossed his mind, a flickering playing card appeared before his eyes, spinning incessantly as if digging into the depths of the unknown.

Through the beginner tutorial, Yuki already knew that the game's rewards were divided into reinforcement points and specialization points: the former served to upgrade items and skills, while the latter specialized physical attributes and that 'Ego Trait' thing.

Aside from the uses that could be categorized under 'reinforcement,' the second function was the lottery.

On the way to explore, Yuki had already pondered this. He currently had no items or equipment, and even if he upgraded a skill by one tier, it wouldn't provide a substantial breakthrough. The choice was simple.

Gamble, damn it. Even if he lost the gamble now, he could make up for it later.

[Consuming one reinforcement point, draw complete--]

[Player Yuki, has obtained skill: Reinforcement Magecraft (Novice)]

The murmuring began again, causing Yuki to freeze. This skill sounded somewhat familiar.

Before he could look closely, the Black Brother beside him was already urging, "It's your turn. Why are you spacing out?"

"Sorry."

Yuki snapped back to reality. He couldn't afford to space out now. With everyone watching, he couldn't exactly test it out, so he walked forward.

He chanted 'Hayasaka Ai, Hayasaka Ai' in his heart, knowing that this maid's combat prowess was also very high and could greatly increase his survival rate.

But the moment he glanced at the slip of paper he drew, he immediately looked at the bunny girl with the subtle expression standing by the round table.

Mai Sakurajima.

Chapter 7: I Won't Be an Honest Man (Revised)

This luck... was it bad or good?

Yuki turned his head to look. Mai Sakurajima clearly knew her outfit was too strange, so she had torn off a piece of curtain to wrap around her body. The translucent white gauze made her graceful figure appear and disappear, and one could vaguely see her towering chest and long, black-stockinged legs, making her look even more alluring.

Her small, tense face showed brows slightly furrowed, yet there was little sense of fragility; she was doing her utmost to adapt to the current situation.

Although Mai Sakurajima's physical fitness was merely average, she was calm, mature, and kind-hearted; at the very least, she would not drag him down or suddenly stab him in the back.

Furthermore, there was the most important point: in his previous life, this upperclassman had left a deep impression on Yuki, the kind of person one wouldn't even dare to click on when browsing adult sites, and she was one of the few female characters he had been most focused on after his rebirth.

People live for Mai Sakurajima, but why is our first meeting in a Reincarnation Game? This Dungeon has issues.

Yuki turned his head, just in time to meet Li Dan's apologetic gaze; at least in the latter's view, Yuki's luck in the draw had been poor.

The strongest Black Brother happened to be grouped with the veteran player, and the Gal had drawn the White College Student; fortunately, Yuki looked relatively sturdy, at least more reliable than that weak, history-major college student.

"Jerry and I will head to the garden, Hayasaka and Oliver will scout the main body of the castle, and Yuki, you and Mai go downstairs." He left the most dangerous-looking area for himself, then gestured with his chin toward a cabinet on the side of the hall. "Whether you know how to use them or not, grab something handy first."

The glass cabinet was filled with various weapons: knives, swords, meteor hammers, axes, and spears, though few modern people practiced with cold weapons.

"Motherfucker, I need a Glock, not these antiques." The Black Brother muttered as expected, yet he still honestly picked up a broad-bladed heavy sword to weigh in his hand; even swinging it wildly was better than being empty-handed.

Seeing everyone else rushing to choose weapons, Yuki didn't panic; he just asked casually, "Brother Li, are these the starter weapons the game gives us?"

"Of course not. These are just common weapons. Items or weapons in the Reincarnation Game are very rare. Like this revolver of mine, it possesses Transcendental Grade effects, but it also comes with a corresponding price." Li Dan patted the massive revolver at his waist, then suddenly cut off his explanation, asking in an equally casual tone:

"Little Brother Yuki, you must have practiced something like swordsmanship, right? I felt calluses when we shook hands earlier."

It was a normal and forthright question, but Yuki subconsciously grew vigilant, answering stiffly, "Yeah, I was in the Kendo Club at school."

"I thought so. Why didn't you mention it during the introductions earlier?"

"Uh, it was just an extracurricular activity for a school club; I didn't think it counted as a special skill."

Li Dan nodded, not dwelling on the concealment; in this game, no new player with a bit of sense would fully trust others, just like this youth before him, the Gal, and the bunny girl who hadn't given their full names.

"Fine, go pick a handy weapon. We're officially starting the game."

Yuki didn't feel embarrassed; acting should be three parts fake and seven parts real, so he put on a curious expression: "By the way, Brother Li, can you form teams in the Reincarnation Game?"

"What kind of team-up do you call this? Cross-Dungeon teaming is very troublesome. Don't ask, just go pick."

Yuki nodded, keeping it in mind. He walked to the display cabinet and, without needing to think, reached out and grasped a Tachi with a brass hilt and a dark red fish-skin scabbard. He drew it gently, the blade reflecting the Crimson Moon, and he nodded in satisfaction at the fine, dense patterns on the steel.

Damascus Steel, clay-tempered blade; although it couldn't compare to modern heat-treated steel, it wasn't some trinket that would shatter at a touch.

The balance is also crafted quite well; it's enough to cut through flesh and blood. He drew the blade, swung it a few times, and returned it to the scabbard, looking up just in time to meet Hayasaka Ai's gaze.

The Gal, who was carrying an axe, was squinting at him; after being discovered, she waved her hand with a grin, looking quite curious.

A professional is indeed different; if I didn't know your background, I really would have been fooled.

Yuki didn't call her out. He reached out to take the walkie-talkie Li Dan tossed him, looked at it in his hand, and knew without asking that it was brought from reality, just like his scalpel.

"There's no signal interference. Keep these walkie-talkies safe. If you run into danger, contact each other. Don't try to be a hero," Li Dan warned, tucking his walkie-talkie into his belt and taking a deep breath:

"Let's go, start the game!"

Moonlight shone in from outside the window, dyeing the thick carpet and cyan walls a crimson red; the light was so intense that it gave one the illusion of walking through a sea of blood.

Yuki descended the stairs, hearing only the dull sound of footsteps, his head turning back and forth as he carefully observed every detail.

The Ancient Castle was deathly silent. Outside the windows was a garden stained blood-red, and the city walls were already higher than his line of sight; he could only hear wailing sounds like ghosts, and even from a distance, he could sense a kind of hunger.

He had already checked the floors above; aside from having more rooms and a few extra windows on the walls, there was no difference, and the monotonous scenery easily induced visual fatigue.

Then, in the direction facing the main entrance of the building, there was a foyer with a huge crystal chandelier and an expensive carpet—it was clearly the place where the master welcomed guests.

"You, aren't you afraid?"

A crisp female voice suddenly rang out in the deathly silence, adding a touch of horror. Yuki didn't stop his pace, feeling a bit amused in his heart.

Finally couldn't hold it in anymore, huh? But being able to keep her composure for so long was already far better than the average person.

"I'm afraid. Haven't you seen me trembling? That's why I'm walking down the stairs so slowly."

Mai Sakurajima pursed her lips, taking a good look at Yuki from behind. She didn't have a good impression of this guy; he was both impolite and frequently distracted, but there was no changing the luck of the draw.

The prompt 'Do not go alone' didn't look like a joke, and having gone through the beginner's guide, Mai wasn't prepared to bet her life to verify it.

Thus, she had gritted her teeth and explored the Ancient Castle with Yuki for nearly three hours, walking through every floor and carefully checking every room. Not only did they not encounter anything like 'beastly impulses,' but Yuki hadn't even glanced at her once.

This youth always had a thoughtful look on his face; upon closer observation, she felt he was very strange.

His footsteps are steady, and his breathing is calm. If this is feigned composure, the duration is far too long.

As an actress who had been grinding in the entertainment industry for ten years, observation and imitation were basic skills.

"Hey, you wouldn't happen to be a veteran player in disguise, would you?"

"Why would you think that?" Yuki maintained his pace; the carpet here had turned bright red.

Woo-woo--

The night wind blew in from the main entrance where Li Dan and the others had gone to the garden, passing through the foyer and making Mai Sakurajima wrap her curtains tighter, instinctively moving a little closer to Yuki.

"Just a feeling. I always feel like you're handling this with ease."

"That's just my mental fortitude being relatively good. If I were a veteran player, how would I have a 'beginner's guide'? Come, let's go the other way."

The open door on the left led to the marble steps and the fountain garden, but Yuki decisively chose the right side. Mai Sakurajima paused for a moment, feeling that what he said was correct—he had actually observed such a detail.

"Huh, you're quite sharp."

"Did you really think I was just spacing out?" Yuki placed his hand on the door, turning his head back as he pushed it open. "Besides, have you ever heard a certain saying?"

"What saying?"

"Persuading others to study medicine is a crime against heaven."

Huh???

Mai Sakurajima didn't process it for a moment, but then realized he was likely joking that medical students aren't idiots, and her pursed lips relaxed slightly.

This guy was actually quite humorous; at least, he wasn't bad for now.

His favorite female character was right behind him, but Yuki didn't glance back, pouring all his focus into the Dungeon.

This had nothing to do with playing hard to get; it was simply a good habit of his—he was exceptionally sensitive to priorities and urgency.

Creeeak—

Yuki pushed open the wooden door to reveal another hall, though it was much larger than the one where the team had gathered. A massive crystal chandelier emitted a dim glow, and a multitude of crates, tables, and chairs were scattered about, all covered in thick layers of dust.

Red moonlight shone in through narrow windows overhead, appearing slightly less garish than the crimson light outside.

Yuki had already observed the terrain from upstairs; the structure of this Ancient Castle wasn't complex. The outermost layer was the city wall, the inner side was wrapped in a beautiful garden, and the main body of the castle was divided into a front and rear building—the front building had five floors, while the one behind it was slightly shorter.

Hayasaka Ai's group had gone through the upper floors; attacking from two fronts was far more efficient.

There was even less moonlight downstairs—did that mean it was safer here? Moreover, three hours had already passed without them facing any trials. Could it be, as Li Dan had said, that this Reincarnation Game couldn't be judged by common sense?

You think it's difficult, but in reality, it's easy?

Filled with questions, Yuki walked over to a square table, sat down, and took out a blank sheet of paper to sketch. Mai Sakurajima rummaged through the crates at random, only to find they contained nothing but glassware—not even a single piece of clothing—so she returned to Yuki's side in frustration and plopped down onto the square table.

She crossed her legs, swinging her toes, clearly much more relaxed. She turned her head to see Yuki drawing a topographical map, where he had even labeled the area as the 'Banquet Hall'.

"Once we pass through that door, we'll have finished exploring the main body of the castle, but it feels like we haven't gained anything?"