Nameless frowned. The thing did not seem meant for his own use, and applying it to an ability did not seem quite right either.
Maybe I could use it to screw someone over?
Once someone was locked into a particular state, they would freeze completely, forever fixed in that state.
Their thoughts, their body—everything would be fixed. The slightest change in their thoughts would trigger a restart. That was... a little terrifying.
A devastating trump card!
In an instant, Nameless thought of plenty of uses for the Restart Cube.
He put the Restart Cube away and looked at the others. They followed his example, reaching into the ring of light to draw their prizes. Some were lucky, some were not; each had their own joys and sorrows.
Once everyone had drawn a prize, they quickly collected themselves and prepared to face the final test.
The ninth stage was the last for the vast majority of challengers. After clearing it, most would choose to end their trial rather than continue.
After all, knowing when to quit while ahead was how you lived longer.
The Golden Gate appeared again, and everyone entered it one by one.
Nameless walked neither first nor last, simply going with the crowd. The ninth stage still had this many survivors, which was much better than the last time he had been here.
"Stage nine: the Wuming Escort. Challengers, you will become escorts responsible for guarding a shipment. Protect the cargo and deliver it to the client."
Nameless opened his eyes to find himself seated on a horse. After reading the rules, he looked around. The other challengers, all dressed as escorts, were looking at him too.
"Looks like we're in luck. This is a cooperative stage," Nameless said with a faint smile.
A blond man grinned.