Chapter 586
"I don't have such lofty ambitions, nor can I achieve them. This world is as vast as the sands of the Ganges, how much time would it take? Besides, this is Reincarnation Game, why would I fight it to the death? Would I think I've lived too long?"
Everyone nodded quickly. Mai Sakurajima and Hayasaka exchanged a glance and breathed a sigh of relief.
They were both afraid that Yuki would climb higher and that he would become overconfident; they just wanted to return to an ordinary life with him.
"Through this experiment, I've confirmed that all players within the Outpost, regardless of their faction, will fall with the stars and follow the vortex clouds back to their original world."
"What happens to players from other factions?" Mona asked urgently, and Frieren apprentice also looked over.
"You'll be randomly thrown into a world—well, it's like you've been transported to another world. It's a very old-fashioned concept, but there's only one vortex cloud in Thorny Rose, so you won't be thrown somewhere else." Yuki gently pressed his hands down to reassure them.
"Great!"
"Alright, alright, your decision to stay or leave is up to Ms. Ryougi Shiki." Yuki's words made her pout. She shook her head slightly at Hiyori, who seemed hesitant to speak, before saying, "Then, after the connection is severed, there will be a period of falling. During this phase, players can still choose to stay, but they can't stay if they're too far from the game's core."
"Would players from that faction be thrown back to the Borderlands? But then they'd be without a faction."
"Let's discuss this when Miss Mebius arrives; she'll investigate." Yuki didn't take it to heart. Some demons were deliberately released to gather intelligence. "As for me, I'll leave at this stage to liberate the 'Valhalla' and other factions as promised. Senpai, please let me finish."
He raised his hand to stop the tense-looking Mai Sakurajima, and after going around in circles, finally returned to the original topic.
"My privileges are special, no, to be precise, this faction is special, belonging to the true legacy of 'Taiyi'."
Unbreakable access, combat prohibited from the start, a unique vortex, extremely sturdy high-rise buildings, extremely high mission frequency, and over-the-top teleportation media.
Most remarkably, they could see images of Earth, just like how the senior student often stalked Waka.
"This used to be a battlefield, the site of Taiyi's experiments. I don't know what he did, but he left behind this legacy." Yuki scanned the faces of Mai Sakurajima, Kaguya Shinomiya, Hayasaka Ai, Shiina Hiyori. They themselves didn't know, but as transmigrators, they already knew that they came from different worlds.
I initially thought it wouldn't matter if these ordinary worlds without Transcendental Grade powers were combined, but this time I realized something was wrong. No matter how similar or ordinary they are, they are still different Earths. Even a butterfly's wings can cause a storm, let alone forcing a bunch of people together.
After witnessing the return of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, he became even more certain that the same world could be divided into countless holes to fill different timelines; how could it possibly be a hodgepodge?
Combined with the unique dungeon frequency and the bizarre restriction that only those at the Transcendental Grade level could ascend back to Earth's era...
"Tell me, why are you staring at us?" the senior student urged, feeling that this pig-headed man's gaze was rather strange.
"The legacy is that our hometown is special. Even if it falls, I can go back, but only I can go back. That's the highest level of authority."
This one sentence solved everyone's biggest concern: Thorny Rose is the best place for the final battle and the first place to be sent back. But if Yuki keeps his promise, he won't be able to go back. But if the final battle is fought against another faction, the chances of winning will drop a lot. If they can't win, everything is for nothing.
"Real?"
"Of course it's true. I'm reluctant to say goodbye to you all. Why should I help 'Taiyi' achieve his ideals if he doesn't give me some benefits?" Yuki spread his hands. The singularity was right there, and he couldn't lie to anyone.
With their biggest worry resolved, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and the rest was easy:
Start the war, achieve victory, and try to annihilate Judge; begin with the difficult and then move on to the easier ones.
"I now have the authority to suppress, and I'm giving it to you. This thing isn't very effective against the Judge, but it can suppress their assistants."
"We're a united front; they can't get in, can they?"
"It's best to be lenient with the enemy, but given the aftermath of the 'Night Parade of One Hundred Demons,' they won't have an easy time finding us, and I won't give them any time." Yuki hand, and the starry sky reverted to its original form, revealing a sturdy fortress with full-view perspective.
With the advantage of location and the support of the people, all that's left is to seize the opportune moment.
Yuki was in a hurry, yet as precise as a clock; with a light snap of his fingers, the list flew into each person's hands.
"Gather the people on the list, figure out the details of the faction's return first, and then gather your comrades."
"Well, I knew you had ulterior motives all along. You really are just using us as errand boys." Mona exclaimed. The first person on the list was her own mother.
Yuki has created a series of nested dolls, and now the core team understands their own ideas. It's time to bring in the second layer of nested dolls and then expand outwards in sequence.
This was extremely well-hidden, with virtually no possibility of leaks. He was sharpening his knives, while his opponents remained completely unaware.
"There's no other way. We have to race against time with the Judge, and even more so with the Reincarnation Game. Any slackening is suicide." Yuki pinched his brow. These past few days, he had been unlocking permissions while simultaneously devising plans, and his mental energy was almost completely depleted.
"Once I decide 'where to play,' I can make a plan on how to Limit of the cards I have."
"Hmm? The battle plan is all done?"
"The first draft is done. I'll add the missing details later. Alright, I'll handle this myself." Yuki smiled, without asking anyone's opinion.
It has nothing to do with trust levels; it's top secret, and no one can know it until the very last moment.
The senior students weren't angry. If they were caught by the Judge and their memories were extracted, they would lose everything. The judges were all cunning, and they had almost fallen for their trap before.
Yuki gazed at the players on the screen, and at the densely packed fortresses, wielding supreme authority, and took his first step.
The transmission medium is locked by unauthorized users.
Task frequency, maximum interval.
Transcendental Grade power, unlocked.
Player attacks are prohibited.
Player-only space area. 100x multiplier.
He adjusted the permissions, causing panic throughout the Outpost. When the teleportation medium was locked, some players stranded at the Borderlands were teleported back, looking completely bewildered.
"Hiyori and oversee things, the others will do the work, and I—"
It's time to confront the players here.
Ring ring--
Yuki pushed open the door of the barbecue restaurant. The ingredients here didn't have any Transcendental Grade powers; the selling point was the atmosphere of gatherings with friends back in Earth's time. It was always packed with people, as if queuing up could bring back memories of their old lives.
"Sir, this is not our business hours. Please come back to queue in an hour." A girl wearing a white apron and with long pigtails was yawning.
This looks like the female protagonist from an old animated film?
Yuki stared at her, then slowly asked, "Signboard girl?"
"Hey, you really know your stuff. These days everyone calls me waitress or maid. It's been ages since anyone called me 'shopkeeper'." The girl perked up immediately. This profession has regional characteristics and isn't just about being a waitress.
"I used to work at a Chinese restaurant, I'm a really professional signboard girl. Why don't you come in and sit down while you wait?"
I know, after all, that anime was called something like "Muteki Kanban Musume," which sounds like a relic of a bygone era.
"No need, I'm here to find someone. Are Iori and Chisa here?"
"They went to the Borderlands, but Ms. Kasukabe and the others are there. Would you like me to call them for you?"
"Never mind, I'll wait for Iori to come back. I have some friends coming later." Yuki wasn't familiar with the people from 'Genshiken', so he didn't want to bother them. He took a few steps, then couldn't help but come back. "You're not a member of their team, are you?"
"Hmm, a lot of the waiters aren't." The girl shook her head, giving a strange answer, "We prefer working part-time, and we think it's a good way to pass the time. But the atmosphere has been really weird lately; a lot of people haven't come to work."
Okay, so it's strange that someone who's a player also enjoys working like a slave.
Yuki looked at the bustling street. Many people were dressed smartly and carrying briefcases, walking back and forth like early morning workers. But upon closer inspection, they were no different from the Adventurers from the 'Aether Particles'.
Humans tend to prefer staying in familiar surroundings, as if it brings them a sense of security.
He chose a private room, and Miki Onimaru, the signboard girl, brought him hot tea and peanuts. Even in his free time, his fully active brain couldn't stop.
The aftermath of the Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) ends here.
Local players rarely go to the Borderlands, but that doesn't mean they're out of touch. This matter has caused quite a stir, and they all know about it. Some are eager to go, some are nervous, and the smarter ones have already vaguely sensed that it's inextricably linked to them.
A year has passed since the ascension, and players aren't fools. They naturally noticed that the Outpost seemed Taiyi from others, and this difference meant danger.
To maintain secrecy, Yuki won't step into the limelight, but exploiting value has become instinctive for him, and he won't let the players stand idly by.
Besides, you couldn't avoid it anyway; you were just a bit rushed and hadn't matured enough yet.
Yuki took a sip of tea. This level was nowhere near that of his senior or Kaguya. He interlaced his fingers, having already taken into account the strength of the Thorny Rose. There was no other way; the location of this Outpost could increase his chances of winning by at least 30%.
I can monitor the entire Outpost, appear anywhere at any time, and have the authority to suppress any enemy except for Judge and Epic-level players. The control room is hidden deep inside, making it absolutely safe.
As for Thorny Rose, including the senior students, their overall strength has surpassed that of 'Night Parade of One Hundred Demons', and since each player cannot escape, they are absolutely reliable.
Why discard such a useful tool? Besides, unlocking it fully grants some interesting additional permissions.
Firstly, we can freely allocate permissions and increase the number of agents, which has already been done.
Secondly, establish and change the rules of the Outpost. For example, the current setting of completely prohibiting the use of force, although it may be broken by violence, can at least deplete the enemy's capabilities.
Third, they modified the weather system of the Outpost, creating deceptive tactics.
Fourthly...
This place is completely controlled by Yuki, and it's impossible to infiltrate. He can create a battlefield as he pleases, unlike anywhere else.
Having determined the location of the decisive battle and possessing sufficient trump cards, he began to plan the final battle.
Knock knock knock.
The sound of light footsteps approached, and a moment later, Iori Kitahara suddenly pushed open the door to the private room. Seeing Yuki sitting there, her expression turned serious.
He's a goofball, but not a fool. Just because he doesn't ask about certain things doesn't mean he knows nothing. This time, he went to the Borderlands specifically to gather information.
The battle between Taiyi and the Judge, the return of one faction, and the disappearance of many participating players in the Reincarnation Game —each of these is earth-shattering news that cannot be concealed.
Upon hearing this news, Kitahara suddenly had a bad feeling, and the changes at the Outpost turned that feeling into reality.
"You did this?"
"Hmm." Yuki sipped his tea softly. As friends, there were some things he could talk to Iori Kitahara about.
"Ha, I'm not surprised at all." Iori Kitahara laughed instead. He could have guessed these things, but Yuki could say that he was a friend, and his smile became playful.
"Should I use honorifics, or should I kneel down before you so you can protect me in the future?"
Yuki glanced sideways at him. This bastard's thought process was truly unique. When others learned the truth, they were either afraid of being silenced or extremely respectful. What kind of bizarre brain could come up with such a rhetorical question? Shouldn't one keep their distance when encountering a legendary being?
But I like this feeling; I hate being treated like royalty.
Yuki laughed and patted the stool next to him, "Nothing needs to be changed, just keep it the same as before."
"Haha, same as before, no honorifics needed?"
"Iori Kitahara, if you were this boring, I wouldn't have made a special trip to see you."
"I understand, you're busy, just like always, right? Let me think about it." The young man walked over with a smile, sat down next to me, and pulled out a bottle of vodka from somewhere, slamming it heavily on the table.
"Come on, drink!"
Chapter Three: We must go back!
It's about to begin.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka walked hurriedly, his already expressionless face now filled with tension.
Upon receiving Yuki's message, he led the executives of the 'Arbitration Council' to gather there. Behind him, Sakayanagi Arisu, Oreki Houtarou, Zhang Jin, One Leaf Foretells Autumn, and others remained silent. As representatives of various groups, they were highly intelligent and knew some inside information.
The road to the Borderlands was blocked, Transcendental Grade powers were unlocked within the Outpost, and the exclusive space inexplicably expanded many times over—all these indicate that some secrets are about to surface.
At a time like this Yuki Sorajima summons everyone—is she just giving up the act altogether?
Zhang Jin's mouth was dry, and he said in a low voice, "It was too rushed. We weren't prepared at all. If we had three Borderlands years, no, even one year would be fine..."
"Do you think this is a single-player game? The Judge isn't stupid, how could he give you time?" Ye Qiu walked behind, spreading his hands. "To be honest, it's already incredible that we've managed to keep this a secret until now. Which of us hasn't been investigated by the Judge? Our memories, causality, everything has been tested. I thought we were going to be wiped out."
The Thorny Rose is special, and the Judge knows it's special too. None of them know why the story just fizzled out. Hopefully, the Judge still doesn't know who the enemy is.
When I first ascended, I felt that this place was extraordinary.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka surveyed the dense high-rise buildings around him, each containing countless rooms, each an independent space. Destroying such independent spaces would be extremely difficult.
"This place is like a fortress that was prepared long ago." Oreki Houtarou voiced his thoughts for him, adding, "And it's crammed full of warriors who want to go home."
This... was planned a long time ago?
They all realized why they wanted to exterminate the 'Day' and the 'Artist' and eliminate the ambitious people physically, and why they wanted to maintain the habits of the Earth era and reduce the frequency of going to the Borderlands.
This is a deliberate attempt to avoid the corrosive influence of the Reincarnation Game. If you randomly pick a few players on the street, more than half would want to go back, while the other half would be indifferent. However, when the Judge come knocking, probably very few would choose to defect.
"That person has been preparing for the final battle for a long time and didn't intend to discuss it with us."
"No need to discuss it, our interests align. Which of us wants to stay?"
"Nobody wants to stay, and nobody can. This nightmare has lasted for years; it's time to wake up."
"Damn, I'm so nervous."
As they walked and talked, their strange expressions turned when they saw the barbecue restaurant. This was a formal meeting; even if they didn't choose a mysterious space, they should at least find a slightly more serious place. What was the meaning of choosing a barbecue restaurant?
However, upon closer inspection, one can indeed discern some flavor.
"He didn't treat us like subordinates, he was more like... friends?" Ye Qiu was somewhat uncertain.