Role-playing

When Zhou Ze stepped out of the elevator, the sight before him stopped him in his tracks.

In the vast space, two rows of fully armed security guards stood ramrod straight, like two human walls. Unlike the guards he had seen before, these wore some kind of specially designed helmet. Faint blue lights flickered across them, lending them a cold, high-tech feel.

Not far away, a group of researchers in white lab coats gathered around a strangely shaped machine. A holographic screen hovered above it, complex data and charts streaming across its surface. The researchers spoke in low voices, occasionally pointing to parts of the screen, their expressions serious and focused.

Where the containment chamber door should have been, there was now a stretch of dark silver metal wall. Its surface was smooth as a mirror, without any visible seams or openings. The entire wall seemed to be a single seamless piece, giving the impression that nothing could penetrate it.

At the same time, Old Yang's voice sounded in Zhou Ze's ear.

"Luck doesn't favor fools. Be careful, Zhou Ze. Be careful..."

All right, all right. Here to pile on the pressure, huh?

Even without Old Yang's warning, Zhou Ze had no intention of doing anything suicidal at a time like this.

After all, every detail around him told him he was about to enter a cage and dance with a wild beast. He would have to be a complete idiot to gamble with his life.

The security guards escorting Zhou Ze to this experiment were unfamiliar faces. He was certain none of them were Lu Fei's subordinates.

This experiment could very well be the most dangerous situation he had faced since arriving in this world. Worse still, it seemed he could not count on anyone's help.

Escorted by armed guards, Zhou Ze slowly approached the dark silver metal wall.

The researchers around him stopped talking, every gaze settling on him.

When he was only a few steps from the metal wall, a researcher approached, holding a complicated scanning device.

"Stand still. Don't move."

The researcher spoke coldly and began scanning Zhou Ze's entire body. A blue beam swept over him from head to toe, leaving his skin feeling slightly numb.

Once the scan was finished, another researcher approached with a miniature headset.

"Put this on."

After examining it briefly, Zhou Ze obediently put on the headset. It weighed next to nothing; he could barely feel it.

After a brief, slightly grating burst of static, a familiar male voice sounded in his ear. Its rising intonation immediately stirred Zhou Ze's memory-this was the very voice he had heard over the loudspeaker outside the containment chamber during the previous incident.

"D-87465, the experiment you are about to undertake is critically important. You must carry out your task in strict accordance with the rules, or you will be executed either during the experiment or after it ends."

The male voice continued, stern and formal:

"First, when interacting with the subject, you must remain emotionally stable and maintain a polite, friendly attitude. Any unnecessary emotional fluctuations may affect the results of the experiment.

Second, you are strictly forbidden from asking the subject to do anything in any way. This includes direct commands, inducements, hints, and all other forms of prompting. Your role is limited to observation and response.

Third, you must not disclose any information about the outside world to the subject, including but not limited to the time, location, or personnel.

Fourth, if the subject asks for your personal information, you may only provide the background story we have prepared in advance. You must not reveal your real identity.

Fifth, under no circumstances are you to attempt to touch or move any object in the room unless explicitly instructed to do so.

Finally, remember that everything you see and hear may be unreal. Stay alert, but do not show suspicion. Your task is to observe and record, not to judge."

Zhou Ze frowned slightly. These requirements sounded like some sort of rules-based board game.

But obviously, the people here would not go to all this trouble just to play a game with him.

In theory...

If I break these rules, there'll be bad consequences... No, they might not necessarily be bad for me, but they'll definitely be consequences the containment facility doesn't want to see...

Zhou Ze clicked his tongue softly.

It looked as though the subject of this experiment was some immensely powerful being that was fully capable of communication.

If not for Lu Fei, he would not have minded trying something. After all, his situation was already bad enough.

But since Lu Fei had given him hope of escaping his predicament, he had to consider whether doing so would be worth it.

So is it possible Lu Fei approached me for this very reason...?

The thought flashed through Zhou Ze's mind, but he immediately felt it was unlikely.

Would they really need to go to so much trouble to deal with one member of Class-D Personnel?

"Have you memorized what I said? If you have, repeat it." The voice in his headset abruptly interrupted Zhou Ze's thoughts.

At that, Zhou Ze cleared his throat and haltingly repeated the instructions.

"...Under no circumstances are you to attempt to touch or move any object in the room unless explicitly instructed to do so."

"Very good." The voice in his headset sounded satisfied.

At that moment, a researcher beside him handed him a sheet of parchment covered in densely packed writing.

"This is the role you will be playing. Memorize the contents, and make absolutely sure you give nothing away. You have twenty minutes to prepare." With that, the voice in his headset fell silent.

Zhou Ze took the parchment and examined it, his brow furrowing even deeper.

[Your name is Zhou Ze, and you come from Misty Town, deep in the Albert Mountains. You are Archwizard Clive's new apprentice. Though your magical talent is unremarkable, he accepted you as his pupil because you are diligent and dependable.

Clive appreciates your attention to detail and your powers of observation. He often assigns you to help organize magical texts and prepare alchemical materials.

Today, at your master's instruction, you are visiting a young witch named Alice. She possesses a rare innate gift for magic, and her abilities are astonishingly powerful.

However, such tremendous power is a double-edged sword for a young girl. Archwizard Clive worries that she may not be able to fully control her abilities.

Alice lives in an enchanted cottage. Remember, everything there may defy common sense. The walls may speak, the furniture may move, and even time and space may be distorted. Stay calm and accept everything before you.

The purpose of your visit is to learn how Alice has been doing, with particular attention to her emotional state and her ability to control her magic. Observe her living environment for any signs of abnormalities or danger. But proceed cautiously; you must not let Alice discover your true intentions.

Remember, in the world of magic, words may hold power. Use terms such as "magic" and "power" with caution to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. If Alice asks how Archwizard Clive has been doing, say that he is conducting important magical research and cannot spare the time.

Finally, whatever happens, remain polite and respectful. Alice may be young, but her power is not to be underestimated.]

Magic? Wizards? Alice? What the hell?

Zhou Ze was somewhat dumbfounded.