Communication and the Unexpected

What exactly are you doing?

Witch Forest.

Lu Xiu looked at Jian Li and Shen Nian in front of her. "Why are you two getting angry with the dungeon characters?"

This will happen.

Lu Xiu had already sent Ellen and Viola away, using the excuse that they needed to familiarize themselves with the surrounding environment and try to leave the forest.

certainly.

Lu Xiu didn't completely give up either.

As long as they are in the forest, Lu Xiu can sense their whereabouts at any time and rush over immediately.

----They haven't fought or harmed any soldiers so far.

Lu Xiu then set aside the matter for the time being and looked at Shen Nian and Jian Li in front of her.

Lu Xiu hadn't expected that Ellen and Viola wouldn't have fought, but Jian Li and Shen Nian almost did.

What is all this nonsense?

Hearing Lu Xiu's words.

Shen Nian seemed a little embarrassed; she dared not look Lu Xiu in the eye.

As for Jian Li's words—she still looked at Lu Xiu with an air of self-righteousness.

As for why she was so self-righteous.

Lu Xiu didn't know either.

Lu Xiu was so overwhelmed by the stare that she didn't know what to say.

"Don't argue with them, and of course, don't let them hurt you. Otherwise, treat them like wandering NPCs. No, they are NPCs—but they have a higher intelligence than ordinary NPCs, so don't provoke them."

Lu Xiu advised, "If that still doesn't work, then just treat them like protected wild animals! Don't take it seriously! Don't do things like you were about to try a slide tackle and fight them again."

"If they attack, can I take emergency evasive action?"

"Sure, if they harm you without provocation, you can even call me to help you take emergency evacuation."

Lu Xiu nodded, then continued, "But you're not allowed to provoke them! We don't yet know their destructive power in reality! If you see a tiger in the forest and deliberately shout to attract its attention in an emergency, then I'll beat you up."

"All right."

Shen Nian heard this.

I felt much better immediately.

She was indeed very unhappy after seeing Viola and Ellen and hearing what they said.

She didn't know why she was unhappy, she just was unhappy.

But hearing Lu Xiu say that now makes me feel much better.

Lu Xiu then looked at Jian Li: "And you? You're not allowed to look at me so righteously."

Jian Li's imposing aura immediately softened, and she lowered her eyes. "Fine—but I want you to tell me, what exactly did you do when you verified the completion of the dungeon? Why did the Witch and Viola treat you that way?"

As they talked...

Her voice softened, as if she lacked confidence.

Shen Nian then realized, "Yeah, their eyes definitely looked a bit off."

Lu Xiu replied vaguely, "The reason their attitude is strange is because I am the Architect, and my verification of passing the level has the greatest impact on them."

Jian Li seemed to have noticed something, and moved closer to Lu Xiu. Then she leaned forward, placed her hands on the soft grass, and tilted her head slightly to look at Lu Xiu.

The three of them were sitting in a circle at the moment.

Lu Xiu only needed to lower her head slightly to meet Jian Li's gaze.

Jian Li usually carries an aloofness that keeps strangers at bay, which fades even when she's around Lu Xiu, but it still remains.

But at this moment, her posture completely dispelled that aloofness.

Jian Li's smooth, long silver hair was draped over her shoulders. She tilted her chin slightly and looked at Lu Xiu. Her beautiful eyes, which were usually devoid of emotion, were now reflecting the dappled sunlight falling from above.

Just like a curious cat sniffing its owner.

Curiosity. JPG.

Lu Xiu couldn't take it anymore and subconsciously looked away, trying to be stubborn. "I didn't do anything. Stop asking about the Architect ' operations. If I had to say, it would be that I won them over with my personal charm."

3

Jian Li didn't speak, but remained in that position, quietly watching her.

Just as Lu Xiu was about to say something...

Suddenly, a rustling sound of fabric rubbing together came from the side.

Lu Xiu turned her head and looked.

Shen Nian followed suit, placing her hands on the grass and moving closer to Lu Xiu.

Her beautiful face was also slightly tilted up, and she stared straight at Lu Xiu.

but.

Compared to Jian Li's sense of contrast.

Because of her taller and fuller figure, and her usual mature and intellectual demeanor, Shen Nian, wearing glasses, was making this unguarded move of leaning closer to someone—

Um.

----It's just a matter of attaching a tail to her.

Especially the moment she opened her mouth.

It looks even more like it now.

Please tell me, I beg you.

"----"

Seeing that Shen Nian was also like this, Lu Xiu couldn't take it anymore and said helplessly, "Alright, alright, I'm telling you, don't come any closer."

Actually, keeping it a secret like this isn't a good idea.

There must be a reason why Ellen and Viola in the Witch Instance are so persistent.

Anyone can see that.

If Lu Xiu doesn't tell them, and they come up with even worse reasons, then it would be a case of losing more than they gain.

So Lu Xiu took a deep breath and briefly explained how she had verified her success in clearing the Witch Instance.

What? They knew from the beginning that Viola was a fake?

Why treat Ellen like a maid?

What happened at the last moment when he stepped on the Black Cat and headbutted the Hunter?

After sending Viola away, they returned to the Witch's House and locked her outside.

He went back and pressed Ellen's head down, telling her she was cute, but the next second he was going to kill her.

Finally, he set fire to the Witch's House and then laughed wildly in the flames (Shen Nian imagined this from the description), leaving only Ellen, who was completely consumed by the flames, and Viola crying out at the door.

After hearing this outrageous and inhumane statement...

Shen Nian gasped in shock.

"Wait a minute—can you really clear a dungeon like this?!"

After a while.

Shen Nian finally realized what was happening, her beautiful eyes widening. "----Is this really a normal way for you to play?!"

She already has a complete picture in her mind.

The Witch was forced into being a maid, enduring humiliation throughout, only to discover it was all a deception. Lu Xiu had known her true identity all along but deliberately manipulated her. In the end, Lu Xiu ruthlessly dismembered her, but after regaining her mutilated body, just when she thought it was all over, Lu Xiu returned, praising her for being quite adorable, and then joined her in burning to death.

Viola initially thought Lu Xiu was unaware that she was the real Viola, but she eventually discovered that Lu Xiu had known all along. In the end, Lu Xiu not only saved her from danger but also defeated the Hunter who didn't recognize her. However, just when Viola thought everything was settled, Lu Xiu returned to the Witch's House's the Witch's House and locked her outside.

The emotions of both sides were repeatedly pulled in different directions.

This is something that would break anyone.

"Now I finally understand why they looked at you with such unwavering eyes."

Shen Nian complained, "If it were anyone else, encountering someone like you who goes on a rampage like a tiger, completely unpredictable, and then ends up setting the house on fire, their worldview would collapse! Developing a 'baby bird fetish' would be the least of their worries; they might even develop... Stockholm Syndrome?"

"Nonsense!"

Lu Xiu argued, "I was just following the storyline of the instance—I never intended to hurt anyone, I was just acting on impulse! I wanted to go back because I genuinely thought Ellen was indeed cute, and the Witch's House was the source of evil and should definitely be burned down, while keeping Viola outside was because I didn't want her to get hurt."

"----I know."

Shen Nian nodded. "You definitely didn't do it on purpose."

After all, she had known Lu Xiu for quite some time.

If Lu Xiu were truly a wicked and sadistic psychopath who enjoyed torturing people, it would have been obvious if they had spent so much time together.

But in reality, Lu Xiu often acts like an ordinary, naive girl.

The moments when I'm truly angry are very few and far between.

He is very kind to most people.

But this is the kind of person who, once inside a dungeon, seems to suddenly switch to another personality.

Shen Nian had already noticed this when they completed the Left 4 Dead together before.

Now, hearing Lu Xiu recount how she cleared the Witch Instance, Shen Nian became even more certain.

Lu Xiu's behavior in the instance was unbridled; she was capable of doing anything outrageous to achieve her goals.

Shen Nian didn't know that.

This state is called player mentality.

Lu Xiu can be said to be the person with the most serious player mentality in this gamified world.

Before she knew what would happen if she placed items in a dungeon, she could do all sorts of outrageous things without any psychological burden—even now that she knows, she hasn't really toned it down much.

"Right?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiu immediately became self-righteous.

Even if it wasn't intentional, your actions have left a psychological scar on the dungeon NPCs! How can you play like that!

"Mind your own business!"

Lu Xiu remained defiant. "How could I have known the dungeon setup would turn out like this? I just thought I had cleared a dungeon that operated according to my settings, who knew it would end up like this—"

On the other side.

Jian Li had been listening quietly to Lu Xiu's story, and upon hearing this, she finally responded.

She nodded in complete agreement, then whispered, "That's amazing."

"Right?"

Lu Xiu looked at Jian Li and smiled charmingly, "You have excellent taste."

"

Shen Nian watched from the sidelines as one dared to praise and the other dared to accept, and remained silent.

---- Jian Li's filter is way too thick!

but.

When Shen Nian turned her head and saw Lu Xiu's fair and beautiful profile again, she couldn't help but smile softly.

All right.

It's actually quite impressive.

Although Lu Xiu's actions in the dungeon were outrageous, repeatedly manipulating the emotions of two NPCs, upon closer examination, it was probably just her doing whatever she wanted.

Even if Lu Xiu ultimately praises Ellen for being cute, given her personality, it's probably a heartfelt sentiment from the bottom of her heart.

Her willingness to return to the Mansion -style Mansion was likely partly due to her aversion to it.

Another reason is probably that he felt he had deceived Ellen, and since he was going to leave the instance and return to reality anyway, he simply decided to perish in the flames with her.

At the time, Lu Xiu had no idea what would happen if she placed a copy of the game, yet she managed to do it this way.

----At heart, he's still a gentle person.

Upon closer examination, the outcome that Lu Xiu orchestrated actually seems more like a truly happy ending.

The moment Lu Xiu set fire to the Mansion was a salvation for Ellen, who was waiting to die inside, and Viola, who was rescued outside.

One, after struggling for countless years in the Abyss despair and pain, finally received equal companionship and sincere praise in the final moments of his life, no longer rotting alone in the darkness. The other, on the other hand, was completely freed from the cruel nightmare of having his body taken away and was reborn.

Regardless of the outcome these players create, someone will ultimately be unable to escape their fate.

Even if you achieve the true ending and ultimately save Viola.

Ellen's resentment will not dissipate.

Although she deserved it.

But ultimately, it's still a regret.

No wonder Ellen and Viola behaved that way—that's why they treated Lu Xiu that way.

Shen Nian asked herself honestly, if she were in the same situation, she would probably also regard Lu Xiu as the Deity.

On the other side.

Lu Xiu had no idea what Shen Nian was thinking.

After gently stroking Jian Li's soft silver hair, she braced herself with her hands behind her back, looked up at the tree canopy above, and sighed deeply.

I'm so tired----

She's already overwhelmed by just one instance of trouble in the Witch's House dungeon; what will happen to the other dungeons?

Hmm----everything else seems fine.

But Sekiro and Dark Souls will definitely be troublesome.

Thinking of this...

A gentle and composed figure dressed in a kimono appeared in Lu Xiu's mind.

Gentle Blade Emma.

It seems Lu Xiu killed her nearly a hundred times during the test.

In a way, this person can be considered Lu Xiu's close combat instructor.

During testing.

She probably doesn't have any memory of it, right?

Surely not, right?

Just then...

rustle.

Faint footsteps echoed along the forest path.

Lu Xiu snapped out of her daze and turned her head away.

Viola and Ellen, who had gone to explore the forest, returned one after the other through the shadows of the trees.

Ellen held the Black Cat in her arms, while Viola gripped a longsword. As soon as they approached Lu Xiu, their gazes instinctively fell on Jian Li and Shen Nian, filled with hostility.

However, the anticipated tense scene did not unfold.

Shen Nian didn't get angry like before. She just glanced at the two of them and said, "You're back? How did the investigation go? Would you like to sit down for a while?"

That look and that posture.

Lu Xiu felt she looked familiar—it seemed like this was the same person when she played the role of a caring older sister.

Jian Li glanced at the two of them, then looked away and sat quietly next to Lu Xiu without saying a word.

Both of them had clearly taken Lu Xiu's words to heart. Now that they knew what Lu Xiu had done in the dungeon, they roughly understood why the two core NPCs in the dungeon had acted that way, so they didn't hold it against her.

Anyway, they're fake, just duplicate characters.

This sudden change in attitude.

This completely confused Ellen and Viola.

The two looked at Jian Li and Shen Nian in silence for a while, then looked at Lu Xiu.

Having roughly guessed that this was Lu Xiu's friend in this world, they didn't say anything further.

Instead, he walked straight up to Lu Xiu.

"I've confirmed it."

Viola looked at Lu Xiu: "She and I cannot step out of the forest. Once we reach the edge of the woods, an extremely strong barrier will block us back. If we try to break through, our bodies will feel like they are collapsing."

"But within the forest, we can move freely."

Ellen, holding the cat, said, "We can reach any corner of the forest instantly if you need us, so as long as you're in the forest, no one can hurt you."

After listening to what the two had to say...

Lu Xiu nodded, seemingly lost in thought.

The result was roughly as she had expected; due to the rules, the NPCs were completely unable to escape the mutation zone.

Even core NPCs are not allowed.

Otherwise, it would be too much of a bug for the Architect to be able to carry dungeon characters around.

but.

How strong would they be if they were confined to the forest?

Thinking of this...

Lu Xiu looked at the two of them and asked curiously, "So, how much of your strength can you utilize in the forest?"

"Uncertain."

Ellen shook her head.

Speaking of which...

She turned her head slightly, glancing intentionally or unintentionally at Jian Li and Shen Nian sitting next to Lu Xiu: "I don't know what your world is like, or what your power system is like, so I can't give a definite answer, but no matter what, I won't let anyone hurt you."

Viola replied, "In the forest, we can manipulate the rules at any time, but the specific destructive power needs a point of reference to be known."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiu thought for a moment and was about to say something more.

But at that moment...

Buzz!

Not far away.

The third Bonfire that Lu Xiu had set off not long ago suddenly sent sparks flying everywhere.

Immediately afterwards.

Swish, swish, swish!

With a series of flashes of light, the once empty forest clearing instantly became lively.

Li Shengkai, who had returned, was the first to step out from the light of the Bonfire.

Following closely behind him was Yan Fushou, sporting Cheng Liang's bald head, and a team of well-dressed, capable-looking staff.

Finally, there were three figures with expressions of utter despair—the three lively members of the Strategy Group who had just finished Monster Hunter and were dragged out to work overtime.

Wei Yidong, Fan Lixin, Cheng Xiu.

"Ugh... I can't take it anymore, this teleportation is making me so dizzy!"

As soon as Wei Yidong landed, he immediately leaned against a large tree and began to retch.

Fan Lixin took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth while looking at Wei Yidong: "Disgusting, can't you swallow it back? Spitting it out pollutes the environment."

"You who smoke in the forest! What right do you have to talk to me like that?"

Wei Yidong wiped his mouth, leaned against the tree trunk, and suddenly raised his head, about to start cursing.

But as soon as he looked up, he froze.

He was feeling unwell after landing and didn't have time to look around, but now he's noticing his surroundings.

Suddenly, I found myself in a primeval forest where the sky was completely blocked out.

The initial reaction was indeed one of shock.

"Is this the Witch Forest that was moved from Chen Capital?"

Cheng Xiu looked around.

Although I had heard about it before, seeing with my own eyes that this eerie forest had actually taken root on the western Frontier still made me exclaim in amazement, "They really did move it here!"

The others also looked around curiously.

After a brief moment of shock.

soon.

Everyone's attention was then drawn to Lu Xiu's side.

In a clearing in the woods not far away, a Wooden Cabin stands quietly.

Lu Xiu, Jian Li, and Shen Nian were sitting on the grass in front of the Wooden Cabin.

But that's not the point.

These are all familiar faces.

Surprisingly, two strangers were standing next to Lu Xiu.

She was petite, with purple hair, and seemed to be holding a cat in her arms; she looked adorable from afar.

One of them had golden braids, a tall figure, and striking features; she looked very mature and sophisticated from afar.

In short, the two are vastly different.

Who is this?

Wei Yidong followed the crowd and was the first to shout.

However, upon closer inspection...

No need to ask anymore.

Others may not know this.

But how could they not know?

Especially that petite little girl, they would recognize her even if she were reduced to ashes.

After all, the Witch Instance left a very deep impression on them.

The moment Fan Lixin saw their faces clearly, he stopped abruptly, his face contorted in disbelief. "----Purple hair, Black Cat, Witch?!"

Cheng Xiu then looked at the other one. "That blonde with braids over there— Viola?! How did she grow up?!"

Wei Yidong immediately shrank back.

This is partly due to the impression left by the dungeon.

On the other hand, it's due to the subconscious.

Although the memory has been blurred.

But the human mind is amazing. As the only player who was killed by Ellen without even trying when he entered the dungeon, he was the unlucky guy who indirectly caused the Witch Instance to be split into different versions.

Although Wei Yidong didn't remember that experience, he still subconsciously felt a chill run down his spine the moment he saw Ellen.

Yan Fushou and Li Shengkai, who were standing nearby, seemed to be doing alright.

After all, Lu Xiu had told them beforehand that the key figure was about to emerge.

Moreover, these management personnel weren't responsible for frontline strategy, so they didn't have a strong impression of the NPCs within them.

The group continued walking towards Lu Xiu's direction.

Cheng Xiu and the others kept observing Ellen and Viola.

When Ellen and Viola saw so many people walking towards Lu Xiu, they immediately looked over warily.

With an aura of readiness to strike at any moment----

The killing intent rushed towards me.

Yan Fushou and Li Shengkai suddenly stopped in their tracks.

"..

Lu Xiu stood up from the grass.

She gave Ellen and Li Shengkai a light glare, then turned to Yan Fushou and Li Shengkai, asking, "Why are you making such a fuss—are the Red Tide and Franca delegations arriving soon?"

"It won't be that fast; it will probably arrive tomorrow afternoon."

Yan Fushou glanced at Ellen and Viola several times before stepping forward and explaining, "However, necessary preparations must begin."

Li Shengkai nodded in agreement and directed the staff behind him to begin unloading the supplies.

After briefly explaining the purpose of our visit.

Yan Fushou looked at the two girls who had suppressed their killing intent, and couldn't help but take a small step forward. Noticing that Ellen's gaze had changed again, he didn't dare to get too close to Lu Xiu, but instead lowered his voice and asked softly, "Lu Xiu —will this core NPC attack us?"

"Highly unlikely."

"----That's a low probability event?"

"It's a very small probability."

Lu Xiu didn't know how to say it either, because she was still figuring it out. "Anyway, you shouldn't provoke them. I'll keep them in check."

Yan Fushou nodded.

At this moment, Lu Xiu noticed Wei Yidong and the others, who were gathered a few meters away, scrutinizing Ellen. She looked at Yan Fushou and asked curiously, "Do we still need top-tier players to support us?"

Is this a gesture of hospitality or an initiation of war?

"The higher-ups think it's necessary."

Yan Fushou pointed to the sky. "We've always been neighbors with Red Tide and Franca. You should have learned that in high school history, right?"

Before the gamification, there were already many disputes among the three parties on the Frontier, especially regarding the Red Tide. In fact, the land we stand on has always been controversial.

Of course, that was just Red Tide being unreasonable. They initiated the war and offered to cede territory to make peace, but they refused to admit it. Anyway, before the game was made, we had constant friction with them, and the tension had never dissipated.

After gamification, all disputes ceased due to Border Barrier, but some things are not so easily explained.

Speaking of which...

Yan Fushou paused, his gaze turning towards the boundary marker. "According to intelligence, the Red Tide Delegation brought quite a few top players this time, at least ten or more. To avoid unnecessary trouble and to maintain control, it's quite necessary to have the Strategy Group oversee things. If any friction arises, we can't have the reception staff or you step in."

"As for Franca, things are a bit better, but—"

Yan Fushou's expression was somewhat subtle. "However, about a century ago, we occupied their capital. The dynasty at that time was too warlike, and we made them a vassal state for thirty years. Theoretically, the two countries are still sworn enemies. Although the original Franca dynasty has been overthrown by the Silver Fox Clan, before the game was made, it always seemed to want to shake hands and make peace with Nine Provinces. But after the game was made, no one knows what the situation will be. It's better to be prepared."

Of course, this is also to prevent Red Tide and Franca from going to war. These two countries are also adjacent and have more friction. Although the relationship between the three countries is unlikely to be affected by the previous events, in the end, the three countries already had friction before the game was made public. Now that they have resumed contact, there is indeed a lack of mutual trust.

Some have suggested that the reception should follow formal diplomatic procedures, downplaying history and showcasing the grandeur of a major power like Nine Provinces.

However, according to intelligence, Franca and Red Tide are currently unstable, with too many internal voices. According to intelligence personnel who squeezed through the National Border Barrier, Red Tide's delegation was even attacked—they brought a large group of top players, and with the World Gamification, individual power is too exaggerated. Their regime's legitimacy is also not high, so it is hard to guarantee that they will not be swayed by public opinion—therefore, the suggestion of the standard reception procedure was ultimately not adopted.

The prevailing opinion is that some reasonable defensive measures should be taken.

Of course, all of the above are just my judgments. Ultimately, our Coordination Bureau was just following orders this time.

Speaking of which...

He pointed to the top of his head.

After hearing these words, Lu Xiu fell silent.

She recalled the historical materials she had consulted in this world.

---- Nine Provinces does seem to have always been very warlike.

The martial virtue is very abundant. The reason why Lu Xiu's hometown is three times the size of his previous life's homeland is because one-third of it was conquered.

Completely with one's past life----

All right.

My ancestors from my previous life weren't much better.

After a brief chat.

Yan Fushou also went to attend to his work.

The rest of the time.

The staff demonstrated exceptional professionalism and efficiency.

The temporary reception venue was quickly set up.

This was without Lu Xiu's help.

As Lu Xiu had said, Ellen and Viola stayed quietly by Lu Xiu's side as long as no one provoked them, and they did seem to pose little danger.

After everything was settled.

Yan Fushou came to Lu Xiu's side again. "I forgot to tell you earlier because I didn't deliver all the materials. Now that they've all arrived, I'll give them to you together. Wei Yidong and the others, along with Ah Yi and a few other members of the Strategy Group, have all cleared Monster Hunter. These are the materials they obtained."

That's all.

He simply emptied a large pile of materials from his backpack.

The materials were piled up like a small mountain in front of Lu Xiu.

I saw the small hill in front of me.

"Wow----"

Lu Xiu's beautiful eyes suddenly lit up.

Fatalis Set Fragments! Alatreon Set Fragments are here!

And on the side.

Ellen and Viola glanced at Lu Xiu's expression, then at the materials, seemingly lost in thought.

At the same time.

Within Franca.

A small border city located only 200 kilometers from the Frontier.

Rosalind.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Franca stared blankly at the intelligence officer before her. "What do you mean the Frontier has disappeared? What do you mean a forest has appeared between the two Frontier? What are you talking about?"

--