Chapter 21: The Ability, Rewind!
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Yu Longguo was undoubtedly a smart man.
Lin Yu admitted he had slightly misjudged him before.
Among the other six players, Yu Longguo was definitely the most ruthless and intelligent.
And precisely because of this...
It wouldn't be easy to deceive him through "acting."
But conversely, once such a clever person was fooled...
He would start helping Lin Yu "fool himself."
So when Yu Longguo saw Lin Yu's "helpless" smile and heard his words, he immediately sensed something wrong.
"What do you mean by 'again'...? Have we met before?!" Yu Longguo said coldly.
Watching Yu Longguo's reaction, Lin Yu continued his performance calmly and composedly.
"Of course. Why don't you guess when else we might have met?"
"Don't listen to him, he's probably just bluffing!" Xu Xiumei said sharply.
Yu Longguo wanted to think so too, but Lin Yu's current demeanor... was too composed!
Who would remain this calm before death just to bluff?!
"What exactly are you trying to say."
Lin Yu smiled and turned to Chen Zhuo.
"Hey, otaku... Chen Zhuo, among the anime you like, there's Danganronpa and Detective Conan, right? Do you like Haibara Ai? There's a new season you're currently following, isn't there?"
Chen Zhuo froze.
"How... how do you know that?"
—Of course! Because you clearly showed great enthusiasm for this "deduction"-themed game, so you must enjoy similar anime!
And among ten otaku who watch Conan, nine like Haibara Ai!
Then Lin Yu turned to Xu Xiumei.
"Teacher Xu, you're teaching a graduating class with good grades, right... but there must be a few troublesome students you're worried about... And your own child's academic performance must be giving you headaches too."
Xu Xiumei, who had been planning to urge Yu Longguo to kill Lin Yu directly, was now dumbfounded.
"You... how could you know?"
—Again, obvious! Xu Xiumei clearly looked like a highly capable teacher, and such teachers usually teach graduating classes! And as a responsible teacher, how could she not worry about her students?!
Her strong "obsession" to be here must relate to her students!
As for children—Xu Xiumei wore a wedding ring, and given her age, she most likely had kids. And Lin Yu had never met a teacher-parent satisfied with their own child's grades!
Lin Yu then looked at Yao Zhengye.
"Thief, I actually quite like you... Though you call yourself a thief, you've had it tough and haven't stolen much. I think... your family really treated you poorly, both your father and mother!"
"After dying this time, you really want to turn over a new leaf after getting out, don't you?"
Yao Zhengye's mouth fell open: "Detective... how do you know all this?"
—Still obvious! If your parents had loved you and your family was good, would you have become a thief?!
And what thief doesn't want to reform after getting out?!
Lin Yu's composed gaze finally landed on Yu Longguo.
His previous persuasive tactics utilized his analytical skills and the psychological "Barnum effect"—people tend to believe vague, general descriptions apply specifically to them.
Though partly a gamble, it seemed... he had won.
All three were now "shocked." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novelꜰire.net
Upon closer inspection, they might notice something off, but Lin Yu's rapid-fire statements left no time for that!
Moreover, the others' shocked expressions created a herd mentality effect.
But now came the toughest challenge—Yu Longguo!
He was ex-military, strong-willed, and genuinely smart.
Even somewhat socially awkward and paranoid.
So...
"Activate ability: Probe Yu Longguo's deepest, darkest secret."
Lin Yu exhaled, and then...
An image surfaced.
"Ah Guo, what are you doing?! Smuggling this stuff is a serious crime!!!"
"Platoon leader... I'm sorry, my mother is very ill!"
A bloodied, buzz-cut soldier in uniform was brutally bashed with a rock by Yu Longguo!
"She has uremia... still 400,000 short for a kidney transplant!"
"If there was no matching kidney, fine, but... we found one!"
"I desperately need the money! Platoon leader!"
"I'm sorry!"
He kept smashing.
Lin Yu exhaled.
Final puzzle piece obtained!
The show must go on!
He turned to Yu Longguo and grinned.
"And you, Yu Longguo—I never liked you..."
"But you've had it rough too. You're really worried about your mom, aren't you?"
"Uremia... even after the transplant, she needs your care."
As Lin Yu spoke, Yu Longguo's face darkened.
"What the hell... are you trying to do?!"
Lin Yu remained expressionless.
"Everyone here has reasons they must survive. I understand that, I know none of you want to die..."
Now, his "performance" had created a crucial impression—that Lin Yu "knew" them intimately.
Time for the climax.
No time for them to recover or think.
Lin Yu spread his arms with a regretful expression: "As you've guessed, this isn't my first time playing this game... While you retain no memories, for me, this game has repeated over ten times."
"That's how I know you all, understand why each of you wants to live!"
His words shocked everyone.
"What?!"
"How is that possible?!"
"You're spouting nonsense..."
Xu Xiumei pointed at Lin Yu: "I don't know why you're saying this, but... you got this through detective skills, right?!"
Lin Yu smirked: "Forget how it's only day three and I know all four of your secrets..."
He reached into Chen Zhuo's pocket and pulled out the lie detector.
Lin Yu's face showed nostalgia.
"Ah, the lie detector... helped so much in previous runs..."
He pressed the button, and the indicator lit up.
Lin Yu spoke slowly: "Listen carefully. My awakened class isn't 'Detective,' but a Unique Class!"
He held up the lie detector.
The green light remained steady—no reaction.
He tossed it aside.
Then...
Lin Yu delivered the most crucial line of his performance!
"My class name is 'Player'!"
"My ability is... 'Rewind'!"
Chapter 22: The Only Way to Win—Playing God!
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"Rewind?!"
Lin Yu's words immediately excited Chen Zhuo the most.
"I get it, Lin Yu... you mean you can go back to the past and start over like the protagonists in 'Re:Zero' or 'Edge of Tomorrow'?"
Lin Yu nodded slowly.
"Exactly."
"That's impossible," Xu Xiumei exclaimed. "Wouldn't that make you 'invincible'?"
"As long as you don't win, couldn't you just keep rewinding?!"
"So I don't believe—at the very least, he can't rewind arbitrarily. There must be some restriction to this ability," Yu Longguo said coldly. "We just need to..."
Before he could finish speaking, he lunged forward and punched Lin Yu in the face.
"...restrain him before he activates the rewind!"
This punch carried Yu Longguo's enhanced physical strength!
Though perhaps not his full fivefold power, it still nearly knocked Lin Yu unconscious, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Blood spilled from his mouth as dizziness overwhelmed him, sharp pain radiating from his jaw.
The overwhelming metallic taste and agony almost completely consumed his awareness.
But Lin Yu forced himself to stay conscious—he couldn't afford to black out now.
"Pah!"
Lin Yu spat out blood and a broken tooth.
Yu Longguo looked down at him contemptuously.
"Why haven't you rewound yet? What are the conditions for your rewind?!"
"Tell me now, and I'll make it quick for you!"
Lin Yu raised his head, grinning through bloody teeth at Yu Longguo.
"Why haven't you killed me yet? Not using your weapon... do you particularly enjoy 'bludgeoning' people to death?"
He then turned his gaze to the stunned Chen Zhuo, Xu Xiumei, and Yao Zhengye, laughing wildly.
"HAHAHAHA—ow... damn that hurts!"
"Did you know this 'honorable' soldier brother is actually a murderer?"
"I'm genuinely curious—why is Bao Liu's profession 'Ruffian' and Yao Zhengye's 'Thief', but yours isn't 'Traitor' or 'Criminal' or something similar!"
Yu Longguo growled, "Enough!"
His fist smashed into the floor beside Lin Yu's head.
Struggling to his feet, Lin Yu roared back at him.
"Hit me properly—just like you smashed your squad leader's skull in back then!"
Lin Yu's face flushed crimson as he screamed.
Blood-flecked saliva sprayed from his mouth.
Yu Longguo's eyes became bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead.
"I'll fucking kill you!"
He drew the curved knife from his waist!
At this moment, Yao Zhengye suddenly shouted, "Wait, Soldier! His 'rewind' condition might be getting killed!"
But it was too late. Lin Yu provoked again:
"Come on, A'Guo, you smuggling traitor!"
"Using smuggling money to treat your mom's illness—she must've been so proud, right?"
Yu Longguo completely lost control, slashing Lin Yu across the chest: "Don't you fucking mention my mother! Don't you dare insult her!"
The blade struck deep, and Lin Yu's body collapsed.
Yet his face showed no pain—only faint mockery: "Dumbass, you're the one who insulted her."
His expression looked almost accustomed to death.
As blood gushed from his chest, Lin Yu addressed everyone present:
"Pretty clever deduction, Yao Zhengye... figured it out again..."
"Next time, I hope you'll vote me out... this endless cycle is too painful."
With these final words, Lin Yu fell backward.
He exhaled.
"Perfect—Yu Longguo, see you next time."
The rewind was imminent!
Next time... how to win this "game"?!
Lin Yu had absolute faith in his "rewind" ability.
After all, to deceive others, one must first deceive oneself.
His own "belief" could become the crucial factor in determining whether something would 『manifest』.
And as an actor who embraced method acting...
Lin Yu was exceptionally skilled at "fooling himself".
At this moment, he believed more strongly than anyone present that his profession was 『Player』 and his ability was 『Rewind』.
Holding onto this intense conviction...
Lin Yu embraced "death"!
Infinite darkness and void assaulted him again, the primal terror chilling him to the bone.
But this time, Lin Yu faintly heard something like... "praise"!
"Truly... magnificent!"
As if some deity was applauding his performance.
Whether it was a "god" or not...
"Hah!"
Lin Yu exhaled sharply and opened his eyes.
Once again... he had returned to the game's beginning!
Back in that conference room, facing the long table!
The familiar faces were still unconscious. Lin Yu checked the wall clock.
Five minutes to 7 AM—last round had started precisely at seven.
Lin Yu understood.
They must still be receiving their "professions"!
"So our bodies arrived here first..."
This "rewind" had actually granted him five precious minutes of free movement!
But...
Even with this advantage, even knowing the game's "narrative traps"...
Lin Yu still lacked confidence in "winning"!
His identity was "human"—and with fanatics like Yu Longguo possessing the awakened "Soldier" profession on the "werewolf" side... Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on noⅴelfire.net
Victory seemed nearly impossible.
His "Fraudster" ability also warned that another 『rewind』 wouldn't work!
Such reality-defying, rule-breaking 『manifestations』 had limits—no matter how strong the 『belief』, they couldn't be activated twice in quick succession.
Lin Yu found this reasonable... Since this game was clearly created by "gods", whether for amusement or benevolence.
That deity probably wouldn't tolerate someone repeatedly using "time reversal" to cheat their way to victory.
"Last round I did everything possible, but it wasn't enough..."
"As I realized before dying, the 'human' faction walks on thin ice—even without mistakes, bad luck means failure!"
"What now? Should I trick them into thinking I have some powerful profession to face Yu Longguo one-on-one... since 'Detective' is useless now."
"Or swap identities with Yu Longguo during this time... no, if he finds he can't open the box, he'll realize something's wrong."
Lin Yu felt his brain might explode from the pressure.
There had to be a way...
As a Unique Class, 『Fraudster』 must have some method to overturn this unbalanced game.
Abandon conventional thinking—cast off all restraints.
Beyond the 『Fraudster』 Unique Class, there was his proudest asset—his "acting"!
Plus this being his "second" attempt... stacking all these advantages together...
A "mad" idea suddenly flashed through Lin Yu's mind!
"Heh... might as well go crazy—this game is insane enough already!"
Lin Yu stood up—one minute remained.
He collected the envelopes before each person, then swaggered out of the conference room.
Closing the door, he counted down silently...
"Bang!"
Lin Yu kicked the door open.
The others had begun waking up, exchanging confused glances.
With elegant flair, Lin Yu flicked the brim of his fedora, sweeping his gaze across them with a haughty, mocking smile.
He strode to the table and knocked twice.
"Tap tap."
Even without the knock, all eyes had locked onto him the moment the door opened.
Their expressions held wariness, scrutiny, and unease.
Bathed in their collective gaze, Lin Yu spoke like a descending deity:
"Not bad, everyone's 'survival instincts' are strong—waking up so quickly..."
"Regardless, lost lambs—welcome to my game—"
"'Who Is the Outsider'!"
This was Lin Yu's conceived "winning strategy"...
To play God!
Chapter 23: The Colossal Lie! The Divine Identity Becomes Reality! Administrator Privileges!
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In the room, the remaining six people looked at Lin Yu with uncertainty as he suddenly entered.
This time, it was Chen Zhuo who spoke first.
The chubby boy looked excited as he addressed Lin Yu: "Are you the master of this game? In other words... are you a god?!"
Of course, Lin Yu couldn't outright declare himself a "god."
But with Chen Zhuo's question, things became much more convenient.
Facing Chen Zhuo's inquiry, Lin Yu didn't deny it, merely nodding slightly with that profound smile returning to his face.
"I prefer to be addressed as 'Administrator.'"
As Lin Yu spoke, Chen Zhuo nodded fervently in agreement.
"Understood, Administrator. Could you explain the game rules to us?"
This otaku had clearly watched plenty of anime, completely accepting Lin Yu's "setting" as a deity.
But the others weren't so easily convinced.
"Bang!"
Bao Liu slammed the table, coldly demanding: "Stop playing these mystical tricks! What exactly are you?!"
"Why have you brought us here? What's your purpose?!"
Lin Yu maintained his smile while looking at the blustering Bao Liu.
"Mr. Bao Liu, before you came here... didn't you see the clues that should have helped you understand the situation?"
As Lin Yu spoke, Bao Liu's expression changed slightly.
"You actually know my name?!"
"Of course, this is my game after all," Lin Yu's smile grew even more mysterious. "I not only know your name, but also that you've awakened a profession—'Ruffian.'"
"Everyone here is the same... so let me introduce you to each other."
"You've already met Mr. Bao Liu here, who awakened the 'Ruffian' profession."
"The one who just spoke is Chen Zhuo, who awakened as 'Otaku.'"
"This lovely lady is Xia Yue, the 'Veterinarian.'" The source of this content ɪs novel[f]ire.net
"This robust gentleman is Yu Longguo, the 'Soldier.'"
"The sharp-looking one next to him is Yao Zhengye, the 'Thief.'"
"And this bespectacled lady is Xu Xiumei, the 'Teacher.'"
Lin Yu spoke unhurriedly.
Each person's expression changed slightly when introduced.
Lin Yu's ability to accurately name them and their professions had already convinced half the group of his "divine" identity!
For a moment, everyone fell into deep thought.
Chen Zhuo spoke up excitedly again: "So, Administrator—could you explain the game rules now?"
"Certainly," Lin Yu nodded with a smile. "Though it shouldn't need repeating, because of the earlier 'interruption'... let me say again—you're all clearly aware that you're already 'dead,' correct?"
As Lin Yu spoke, even the previously excited Chen Zhuo looked uncomfortable.
But Lin Yu didn't care.
His current identity was "god"—and gods needn't concern themselves with mortal feelings.
So Lin Yu pressed further, offending everyone present.
"Each of you had an intense desire not to die... perhaps for your students or children, maybe for unfinished anime, or wanting to become a better person, or for an ill mother... or simply wanting to live."
After these words, Lin Yu could clearly sense...
Their belief in him had grown several degrees stronger!
"In any case, it's precisely because of your 'desires' that you've gained this opportunity to participate in the game—I hope you'll make the most of it."
"Enough talk—let me explain the game rules. Have any of you heard of or played 'Werewolf' before?"
"The basic gameplay is similar—you'll be divided into werewolves and humans. Next, I'll distribute envelopes containing your identities and specific rules."
Lin Yu pulled six envelopes from his pocket.
He then handed each envelope to its rightful owner.
As for Lin Yu's own envelope...
He had already tossed it outside and hidden it under the doormat.
Watching them open their envelopes and confirm their identities, as the "flames" rose again, Lin Yu snapped his fingers.
"Alright, you should understand the basic rules now. Any questions?"
After Lin Yu finished speaking, everyone appeared thoughtful.
Yu Longguo was the first to speak.
"Administrator, one thing confuses me... Before entering this game, I remember seeing the player count was '7.'"
"Why are there only '6' people here?"
Yu Longguo voiced his doubt.
He didn't suspect Lin Yu was that player, his confusion appearing genuine.
Lin Yu laughed.
"Quite sharp, 'Soldier.' I appreciate your keen observation—congratulations on discovering one of this game's special rules!"
"This game features a player who awakened a special profession called 'Lone Wolf,' so he won't wake up with you all."
"This person will be hiding somewhere within the castle grounds."
Xia Yue also asked: "Is this person on the 'Werewolf' or 'Human' side?"
"His faction isn't tied to his profession, and he won't participate in the 'voting phase.'"
Lin Yu said with a smile.
"Huh? If he's 'Human,' doesn't that mean the good side loses a vote for free?"
Chen Zhuo exclaimed in surprise.
Lin Yu chuckled: "Hehe... don't worry, this game isn't as simple as you think."
Yu Longguo pondered before speaking again.
"Administrator, besides not appearing with us, what other abilities does the 'Lone Wolf' have?"
Lin Yu wagged his finger: "I'll only tell you his profession name... whether he reveals his abilities is his own choice."
"Similarly, whether you reveal your own profession abilities is also your decision."
After some thought, Yu Longguo said: "In that case, I choose to reveal mine!"
"Certainly, the 'Soldier's' ability is... a fivefold enhancement in physical capabilities."
Lin Yu stated calmly.
Bao Liu grumbled discontentedly: "Why go through the trouble... if you want to reveal your ability, can't you just say it?"
"I believe the 'Soldier' wants to prove he's not lying," Lin Yu smiled. "After all, as the 'Administrator,' I not only know your professions, abilities, names and other personal information... I'm also fully aware of every trap and mechanism in this game."
"However, my 'Administrator privileges' are limited to understanding the game's structure—to ensure fairness, I won't directly interfere with the game's progress."
"I don't even know what each of your 'faction identities' are!"
Lin Yu finished speaking with a smile.
And then...
He could feel his 'Fraudster' ability finally taking effect!
The 'Administrator' identity... had now become real!
Chapter 24: Accelerated Game Progress! Players Acting Independently!
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In Lin Yu's perception, the identity of the "Game Master" suddenly became real.
The entire castle's floor plan, the locations and information of various mechanisms and supply crates, all flooded into his mind.
Lin Yu breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.
"It finally became real!"
His understanding of the Fraudster's ability had deepened further.
From earlier until now, Lin Yu hadn't felt any change in the degree of "belief" from those around him.
The moment he distributed the envelopes, everyone had already firmly believed in his identity as the "Game Master" or even a "deity"!
But...
Lin Yu still hadn't obtained the Game Master's authority at that time—this lie hadn't "become real"!
The reason wasn't because the degree of "belief" from those around him was insufficient...
But because Lin Yu's description of the Game Master's authority wasn't clear enough.
They didn't understand what this "deity" or "game master" Lin Yu could actually do.
So just now, Lin Yu had outlined his specific "authorities"—directly claiming he could "arbitrarily manipulate" the game would indeed require stronger belief.
But...
Obtaining complete information about the entire game was still achievable!
For Lin Yu, having already secured a verified Game Master identity that placed him outside the game's rules meant he had practically won most of the battle!
Now gaining an all-seeing "map vision" cheat perspective, Lin Yu felt objectively ninety percent certain of victory.
But with last time's experience...
Lin Yu still didn't dare be overconfident.
None of the people present were fools.
And precisely because they all harbored an almost obsessive desire for "life," every one of them absolutely wouldn't hesitate to kill.
Even the seemingly fragile Xia Yue had immediately drawn her knife to stab him the moment her identity was exposed in the last game.
So...
He still needed to find a way to resolve this quickly.
Having already stated he wouldn't "directly interfere with the game," he needed to find a way to "accelerate their progress."
And preferably eliminate any room for "discussion"—last time it was Yu Longguo and Xu Xiumei making contact that ruined his plans.
Previously Lin Yu couldn't think of a way...
But after obtaining Game Master authority, a new idea formed in his mind.
He clapped his hands.
"However, everyone—although I won't directly 'interfere' with this game, I'll still move about this castle alongside you all."
"And when you see me... you can ask me one question."
"For example, about others' locations, abilities, or even whether they've killed."
"Or about the castle's mechanisms and supplies."
Lin Yu said this while grinning widely.
"Though, 'questions' require payment of a certain 'reward' before I'll answer."
As Lin Yu spoke softly, Xu Xiumei quickly asked:
"What do we need to pay?"
"Others' 'lives'—for every person you kill, you'll earn one question."
Lin Yu's words reached this point.
And the clever ones present instantly deduced one fact from his statement.
"In other words, this game isn't limited to 'Werewolves' killing—they just have a 'weapon advantage,' right..."
Yu Longguo murmured.
He left the second half unsaid.
That with this condition...
Not only could humans counter-kill Werewolves.
Even same-faction characters could "kill each other."
"Yes," Lin Yu chuckled softly, "You players are far more interesting than I imagined, so I've decided to give you one more 'hint'—not about this game, but about the entire Death Game."
"The condition for clearing the game is naturally 'faction victory' but... all surviving 'players' will equally share the 'mission reward.'"
"What's the mission reward?"
Xia Yue couldn't help asking.
"Time, dear lady... or to put it in terms you'll understand better," Lin Yu paused slightly, "The clearance reward is your 'lifespan'—after this game, you'll revive, but to keep living, you must continuously participate in games."
"The 'lifespan' you earn in this game will determine when you next play."
"The clearance reward for this beginner game... is seven years." Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs noveⅼfire.net
As Lin Yu spoke softly, everyone present exchanged glances.
They'd realized one thing...
Other players in this game might not just be from opposing factions...
Even same-faction "players" couldn't be trusted.
Anyone might raise their blade against those beside them.
Lin Yu glanced at the clock and smiled.
"Oh dear, time's almost up... I suggest you all start moving immediately."
"Don't forget, your enemies aren't just those around you—this 'castle' itself is also man-eating."
Lin Yu smiled, lightly pointing at the schedule on the wall.
Naturally, as the 'Game Master,' Lin Yu's suggestions made other players subconsciously obey.
Yu Longguo was the first to stand, snorting coldly before glancing at the schedule and striding out the door.
This time he didn't mention anything about grouping.
Under Lin Yu's "hints," this "game" had transformed from "faction conflict" into a battle royale.
No one doubted Lin Yu's words.
Thus they naturally developed subconscious wariness against even same-faction allies.
Only one person clearing meant at least seven more years of life.
But having even one teammate survive with you...
Would mean the next brutal life-or-death game would come three and a half years sooner.
Three and a half years of stable, happy life...
Especially for these people with abnormal desires to "keep living"...
Was reason enough to kill!
After Yu Longguo left, next was Bao Liu with a gloomy expression.
He didn't even glance at the schedule before exiting.
Then Xu Xiumei and Xia Yue departed.
Finally, Chen Zhuo and Yao Zhengye.
Lin Yu observed everyone's departure patterns—not a single pair moved together.
After leaving the meeting room, everyone quickly distanced themselves from others.
From their movement patterns... Lin Yu could easily guess one thing.
"Seems everyone except Chen Zhuo is going for Werewolf weapon crates."
Lin Yu smiled.
This time everyone's "enthusiasm" was much higher than before.
"Well then, I should go find that most suitable weapon too."
Lin Yu muttered, his gaze turning to the castle "map" in his mind.
In a storage room at the end of the first floor was an ordinary-looking human supply crate...
But inside lay this game's ultimate representation of violence.
The pistol from last game that ended up in Xu Xiumei's hands!
Chapter 25: Rapid Changes! Impending Victory!
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The Game Master's authority was even more formidable than Lin Yu had imagined.
Not only did he have real-time access to the entire castle's map, but Lin Yu was astonished to discover that this map updated continuously.
The positions of other players and opened containers were all displayed in real-time.
Currently, the storage room on the first floor happened to be unoccupied.
Without hesitation, Lin Yu left the conference room and headed straight for that storage room.
Then...
Inside the storage room, Lin Yu opened the container.
A heavy, coldly gleaming pistol fell into his hands, giving him an almost surreal sensation.
Simultaneously...
An indescribable sense of security washed over him.
With this pistol, even if he faced Yu Longguo again, he'd have the means to defend himself!
"Phew... perfect!"
Lin Yu tucked the pistol at his waist and checked the map again.
The names of Yao Zhengye and Bao Liu overlapped on the map - at the far end of the first floor.
Lin Yu's interest was immediately piqued.
"Even if you two aren't in the same group, you sure seem destined to meet."
Moments later...
Yao Zhengye's name disappeared, leaving only Bao Liu's name remaining.
Lin Yu understood immediately.
"Well, without the element of surprise from 'ambush', a 'Thief' simply can't defeat a 'Ruffian'."
Having reached this conclusion, Lin Yu decided to go see for himself.
With the pistol on him, he wasn't afraid of Bao Liu going berserk and attacking him.
Lin Yu left the storage room and headed toward the opposite side of the first floor.
Soon...
At the restroom entrance, Lin Yu saw Yao Zhengye's corpse lying in a pool of blood and Bao Liu panting heavily beside it.
Bao Liu's hands were covered in blood - he hadn't even used any Werewolf weapons!
Their fight had been bare-handed!
In the end, Bao Liu had beaten Yao Zhengye to death with his fists!
Noticing Lin Yu approaching from a distance, Bao Liu straightened up while catching his breath.
"Well, if it isn't the honorable Game Master... I wasn't expecting company!"
Lin Yu smiled as he spoke.
"Haha, you players never fail to surprise me... I truly didn't expect the first death to come so quickly!" ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NoveI★Fire.net
Bao Liu chuckled at this: "Heh... any first blood rewards or something?"
"Not officially, but since you asked, here's some free information - behind you in the restroom, there's a 'Werewolf weapon container' under the sink. Hope you find it useful."
Lin Yu said with a smile.
Bao Liu narrowed his eyes: "Oh? I thought you didn't know our 'faction identities'?"
"I don't know for certain, but I can make educated guesses," Lin Yu replied cheerfully. "Attacking so quickly... and judging by how you initiated against Yao Zhengye, you must belong to a faction that requires 'killing' - in your view, you'd have to do it eventually anyway, right?"
Bao Liu nodded meaningfully.
He turned and entered the restroom, indeed finding a hidden Werewolf container beneath the sink.
Without bothering to hide from Lin Yu, Bao Liu opened it and pulled out a hammer.
"Bit underwhelming, but... better than nothing."
Bao Liu weighed the hammer in his hand as he commented.
Gripping the hammer, he turned to Lin Yu with renewed ferocity in his expression.
"Say, Game Master, don't I still have one 'question' left unused?"
As Bao Liu spoke, Lin Yu nodded calmly.
"Of course, would you like to ask now?"
"Alright... my question is - where is the nearest other player?"
Bao Liu's face twisted into an excited, bloodthirsty grin.
Lin Yu glanced at the map and answered casually.
"At this exact moment... the 'Veterinarian' is on the spiral staircase between the first and second floors in the castle's central area."
"But she's moving too."
As Lin Yu spoke, Bao Liu's eyes narrowed with murderous intent.
"Veterinarian, huh? Got it..."
He licked his lips and strode purposefully toward the central staircase.
Lin Yu could roughly guess Bao Liu's strategy as the Ruffian - his approach was brutally simple.
Before the bodies of those he killed were discovered...
Kill as many as possible!
Whether they were teammates didn't matter...
What mattered was killing!
Eliminate everyone else, and the game is won!
"Excellent, Bao Liu, I'm starting to like you..."
Lin Yu murmured as he watched Bao Liu's retreating figure.
Without question...
Bao Liu's mindset and actions were exactly what Lin Yu wanted to see right now.
That's precisely why Lin Yu had approached Bao Liu after seeing him kill Yao Zhengye, even helpfully pointing out where to find "weapons."
Once someone starts killing, it becomes easier to keep killing.
He looked at the map again...
Bao Liu's name rapidly closed in on Xia Yue.
And then...
In the next instant, Bao Liu's name abruptly vanished.
Lin Yu was stunned for a moment before...
He simply shrugged.
"Well, that works too!"
Lin Yu headed toward the staircase.
Soon enough, he found Bao Liu's corpse - a gruesome wound on his neck gushed blood, with two additional slash marks on his arm.
His eyes were wide open, as if he couldn't rest in peace.
Nearby, Xia Yue, who should have left already, had actually turned back from the second floor and returned.
Seeing Lin Yu, she relaxed slightly.
"Oh, it's you, Game Master..."
In Xia Yue's hand was a dagger - identical to the one she'd carried before.
This coincidence made Lin Yu sigh inwardly once more...
Fate truly worked in mysterious ways.
"Hello, do you have any questions you'd like to ask?"
Lin Yu smiled as he addressed Xia Yue.
After some thought, Xia Yue blinked and asked:
"Game Master, may I ask - which players are still alive currently?"
"Besides you, there's the 'Lone Wolf', 'Soldier', 'Teacher', 'Otaku'..."
Lin Yu recited while checking the map, but suddenly paused mid-sentence.
"Oh wait, the 'Teacher' just died."
On the map, among the overlapping names of Xu Xiumei and Yu Longguo, Xu Xiumei's name had disappeared.
Honestly, seeing Xu Xiumei and Yu Longguo's names overlapping again had given Lin Yu quite a scare.
Fortunately, due to Lin Yu's earlier "announcement" and the fact that Xu Xiumei no longer had a pistol...
This time, the two...
Didn't get another chance to talk.
Now the only remaining Werewolves were Xia Yue and Yu Longguo.
It was astonishing... in just one short hour since the game began, so many had already died!
Last time, no one died throughout the entire day.
However...
This was good. It meant this game was nearing its conclusion.
Lin Yu turned to Xia Yue with a smile.
"Well then... Miss Veterinarian, I've answered your question."
"I'll be going now to check other areas. Good luck."
Chapter 26: The Troublesome Veterinarian! Lin Yu's Counter-Checkmate!
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After parting ways with Xia Yue, Lin Yu's next target was naturally Yu Longguo!
Even though he now possessed a pistol, Lin Yu still wasn't particularly eager to face Yu Longguo, the 'Soldier'...
But some meetings were unavoidable.
After all, that single bullet in the chamber was most likely meant for him!
With only Yu Longguo and Xia Yue remaining as 'Werewolves', Lin Yu's plan was to wait for them to eliminate each other before executing the survivor with his pistol.
Lin Yu arrived on the third floor.
After killing Xu Xiumei, Yu Longguo hadn't moved from his location.
Thus Lin Yu easily found Yu Longguo in the third-floor study.
The soldier was casually lifting Xu Xiumei's corpse, attempting to stash it atop a bookshelf.
Lin Yu approached the study door and politely knocked to announce his presence.
"Knock knock. Greetings, 'Soldier'."
Yu Longguo immediately turned around in alarm, relaxing when he saw it was Lin Yu.
"It's you, Game Master. What brings you here?"
Lin Yu smiled at Yu Longguo.
"Just came to check on your progress... Do you have any questions for me now that you've succeeded?"
Yu Longguo seemed surprised by Lin Yu's proactive approach.
"Hmm, didn't expect the Game Master to be so helpful," Yu Longguo muttered while stroking his chin. "As for questions..."
Just as Yu Longguo was pondering...
Rapid footsteps suddenly approached from behind Lin Yu.
"Huff—"
"'Soldier', don't be so quick to ask him anything!"
Xia Yue's voice abruptly rang out from behind Lin Yu.
Both Yu Longguo and Lin Yu turned to see the panting 'Veterinarian'.
In her hand, she openly carried a bloodstained dagger.
Yu Longguo frowned at Xia Yue. "You're that... Veterinarian. What do you want?"
Ignoring his question, Xia Yue looked at the half-concealed corpse on the bookshelf. "So you did kill the 'Teacher'. Don't bother explaining or attacking me yet—listen first!"
"I killed the 'Ruffian', and the 'Ruffian' had just killed the 'Thief' on the first floor—I found the body."
"That means currently, only you, me, the 'Otaku'... and this 'Game Master' remain alive," Xia Yue stated calmly. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel~fire~net
Yu Longguo instantly grasped the crucial implication in her words.
"Are you suggesting the 'Game Master' is actually a player, and the 'Lone Wolf' doesn't exist?"
He looked at Xia Yue with undisguised wariness—clearly more suspicious of her than Lin Yu at this moment.
Lin Yu also regarded Xia Yue with interest.
"Accusing the Game Master? This batch of newcomers is truly fascinating!"
Xia Yue coldly addressed Lin Yu: "Stop acting... You're clearly the 'Lone Wolf'. This game probably never had a 'Game Master' to begin with!"
As she spoke, Lin Yu crossed his arms with amusement.
"And how did you reach this conclusion?"
"Because the killing pace is unnaturally fast... rendering all those supposedly 'complicated' rules from the letter meaningless!"
"Team divisions, voting meetings... even the tasks have become pointless—everyone will be dead within a day at this rate."
"This feels extremely 'abnormal'... And the root cause is the 'hints' provided by this so-called Game Master. His prompts have turned this into a simple closed-space killing game."
"In other words, if we removed the 'hints' from this Game Master... wouldn't we be playing the game as intended?"
"Another point—since entering this 'game', the setup actively avoids acknowledging it's a 'game'. Even the rules were delivered via letter."
"Yet this guy barges in boldly proclaiming himself 'Game Master'. Isn't that suspicious?"
As Xia Yue laid out her reasoning, Yu Longguo nodded slightly.
"Logical, but... not entirely convincing."
"These points alone shouldn't make you so certain."
Xia Yue smiled at his response. "Good, 'Soldier'—you're sharp. These weren't my definitive proofs."
"As the 'Veterinarian', my ability is conversing with animals," Xia Yue pointed at crows outside the window. "After growing suspicious, I spoke briefly with these crows... I asked two questions."
"First, whether they'd seen an eighth person in this manor besides our six and the 'Game Master'... Answer: no."
"Second, I inquired about the 'Game Master's' actions after game start—he immediately went to a storage room on the first floor and opened a supply crate."
"If he's truly the administrator... why would he need to open supply crates?"
Yu Longguo nodded thoughtfully.
"This does cast reasonable doubt on you, 'Game Master'... Though I'm curious how you knew so much about us."
His gaze at Lin Yu now held open suspicion.
"He might not necessarily be the 'Lone Wolf'. Knowing our personal details could be his profession ability," Xia Yue raised a finger. "Or... perhaps he isn't a new player and has special methods."
Yu Longguo narrowed his eyes.
"So your suggestion is—"
"Let's team up to challenge the 'Game Master'. After all, his goal seems to be having us all dead by day one."
Xia Yue grinned as she made her proposal.
"What brilliant deduction, Xia Yue. You've exceeded my expectations."
Lin Yu regarded the 'Veterinarian' with newfound respect.
To deduce he was the 'seventh player' from such limited information was impressive.
Though not entirely accurate... her reasoning was remarkably sharp.
Recalling the previous round, she'd even maintained a completely believable fake ability!
Last time, Lin Yu never guessed her true power was 'animal communication'.
Her early death then was simply due to terrible acting and challenging the wrong person.
Or perhaps the real reason—she'd been unlucky enough to be paired with him.
"Xia Yue, I underestimated you."
The praised Xia Yue flashed her sweet, innocent smile again. "Thank you, Game Master... But honestly, I just really want to survive."
Lin Yu chuckled.
"Is that so? Then you haven't gone far enough."
"Because while your deduction was brilliant... this game's foundation is ultimately violence."
With that, Lin Yu raised his hand.
"Bang!"
A gunshot echoed as Yu Longguo collapsed behind him in shock.
Then Lin Yu aimed the pistol at Xia Yue.
"Checkmate."
Chapter 27: Werewolves Eliminated, Game Over!
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After killing Yu Longguo, Lin Yu felt a wave of relief wash over him.
The most troublesome 'Soldier'... had finally been dealt with.
And so easily at that!
But Lin Yu didn't let his guard down completely.
Because Xia Yue was also a problematic opponent.
Lin Yu didn't underestimate Xia Yue just because he had killed her before.
After all, last time he had been killed by Yu Longguo - this time the man hadn't even died by his hand.
Facing Xia Yue now without the terrain advantage and her natural underestimation of him...
Killing this seemingly fragile girl wouldn't be easy either.
Especially since she was holding a knife.
While Lin Yu's gun had no bullets left.
Still...
Lin Yu kept his gun trained on Xia Yue.
Just as 'Teacher' Xu Xiumei had said in the previous round - the muzzle of a gun could make people calm down.
Xia Yue, who had been about to charge at him with her knife, had already frozen when she saw Yu Longguo fall dead after the gunshot.
Now with Lin Yu's gun pointed at her, she didn't dare move at all.
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Lin Yu didn't fire.
Though Lin Yu knew perfectly well it was because he had no bullets left.
Xia Yue didn't know that.
As time stretched on under the pressure of impending "death", Xia Yue finally broke the silence.
"Why did you shoot the 'Soldier' first when I was the one who made the deductions and judgments?"
Xia Yue asked.
Lin Yu answered naturally: "Oh, that... Because I thought he might have been convinced by you."
"His 'Soldier' profession and real-life experience meant... if there was even a 'possibility' he might turn hostile against me, killing him would take absolute priority over dealing with you."
"Even if I knew you were 100% hostile, I'd still kill him first."
Lin Yu said calmly.
"So I was being looked down upon," Xia Yue frowned. "And that's an indirect admission... You're really not the 'Game Master'."
"I'm really not the 'Game Master'."
Lin Yu nodded in acknowledgement.
"Tch, to think I fell for it," Xia Yue sighed. "But why haven't you killed me yet?"
She narrowed her eyes. "Could it be... that gun only has one bullet?"
Hearing this, Lin Yu smiled.
She'd finally...
Steered the conversation here.
He was pleased.
While Xia Yue had never doubted the gun only having one bullet before, since Lin Yu hadn't actively 'deceived' her into reaching that conclusion through his 'Fraudster' abilities, it remained just her mistaken assumption - not something he could use to activate his class ability and make a second bullet appear.
"It's only natural a revolver has limited bullets," Lin Yu said with a laugh. "Want to bet... whether my gun has any bullets left?"
Xia Yue stared at Lin Yu, tightening her grip on the dagger.
"Honestly, you not shooting makes me suspect... you really might only have one bullet."
"There's absolutely no reason for you to keep me alive this long..."
"That clean headshot on Yu Longguo proved your marksmanship doesn't require careful aiming."
"Even if out of 'curiosity' about how I saw through your act, I've already explained everything..."
As she spoke, Xia Yue took a step forward.
"So... I think your gun only has one bullet."
Lin Yu watched Xia Yue approach, his smile confident and composed.
"Brilliant deduction as always... Xia Yue, you continue to surprise me!"
This seemingly delicate, fragile girl was truly the smartest player in this game!
But... what a shame.
Keeping his gun trained on her, Lin Yu said coolly: "Unfortunately, your deduction is only half right."
"This gun doesn't have many bullets, but... it's not one, it's two."
"I was just debating whether to use this last bullet on you or the 'Otaku'!"
Lin Yu's voice turned icy.
He didn't need to kill his fellow human faction member 'Otaku' to win.
But Xia Yue naturally couldn't realize this.
In her mind... Lin Yu going through all this trouble to make them kill each other meant the victory condition must be eliminating all other players.
This also aligned with her perception that Lin Yu had more "advantages" than any other participant.
The strong always had harder victory conditions, didn't they?
Yet even hearing this, Xia Yue took another step forward.
She met Lin Yu's gaze.
"I don't believe you - that pistol must be some sort of 'item'... Such items either come fully loaded or with just one bullet..."
"Two bullets is just too suspicious!"
Xia Yue declared.
But...
The young man's eyes held only mocking composure, as if already looking at a corpse.
And about him hung an eerie, chilling aura.
At this point, whether he had bullets or not...
She could only bet on none!
Xia Yue raised her dagger!
"Bang!"
The next instant, gunfire erupted, the revolver's muzzle blooming with firework-like flames.
Time seemed to slow for Xia Yue - she saw the metal bullet emerge from the flames, racing toward her.
"So there was a second one after all..."
Was her final thought.
Then...
The bullet tore diagonally through her upper abdomen, massive blood loss robbing her of consciousness within seconds.
She collapsed heavily, dagger clattering aside.
Lin Yu approached, lowering his gun to look down at Xia Yue's glazed eyes, sighing.
"Despite saying you didn't believe... you actually believed in that second bullet quite a lot."
"But I can't blame you."
"My acting was just... too perfect."
Lin Yu holstered the pistol, marveling at himself.
Every word, every expression down to the moment he pulled the trigger had been delivered in perfect "performance mode."
Anyone watching would have believed he fired with absolute lethal intent, not as a bluff.
So...
The moment Xia Yue voiced her suspicion about "bullet count"...
Her fate had been sealed.
Seconds later, Xia Yue on the ground stopped breathing entirely.
'Veterinarian' deceased.
This marked the second time Lin Yu had personally killed Xia Yue.
But this time...
[Werewolf faction completely eliminated!]
[Game "Who Is the Outsider" - concluded!]
Lin Yu gently closed his eyes.
Then he was swallowed by endless [void].
Chapter 28: Settlement Complete! Return to Reality! Lin Yu's Plans!
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In a pitch-black space, lines of bloody text appeared before Lin Yu once again.
[Congratulations on winning the "Who Is the Outsider" game!]
[Calculating your rewards for this game session!]
[You have received the basic reward: 7 days of survival time.]
[Based on your performance this game, you've earned the "Master of Control" evaluation and received an additional reward.]
[Additional reward: You may select one "non-exclusive item" from this game as your reward!]
As Lin Yu was receiving his settlement, a pained cry suddenly came from beside him.
"Damn it—why only 7 days?"
Lin Yu turned toward the source of the noise.
This [Settlement Space] resembled the pre-game space but with slight differences.
The main difference was...
Besides himself, Chen Zhuo was also present.
After his outburst, Chen Zhuo looked at Lin Yu with teary eyes.
"Game Master bro, you promised seven years..."
Seeing Chen Zhuo's pitiful state, Lin Yu shrugged. "Well, that was just a white lie to keep you from losing hope."
"Seven days is barely enough to watch one more episode," Chen Zhuo wailed. "Can't you... extend it a bit?"
"Sorry, Chen Zhuo," Lin Yu said helplessly. "Even though I'm the 'Game Master,' I'm just a player with special privileges. I don't have that level of authority."
"Rather than a god, think of me as a god's 'spokesperson'—otherwise I wouldn't be here in the settlement space with you."
Chen Zhuo looked dumbfounded. "Ah... Game Master, then... do you get more time than me?"
"Yes! I receive double your amount!"
Lin Yu declared confidently.
This was precisely why he had partially confessed to Chen Zhuo earlier.
Seeing that Chen Zhuo still believed him to be the "Game Master," Lin Yu had wondered...
Would his [Fraudster] ability work even in the game's settlement space?
After all, it was a Unique Class!
Unfortunately...
Although Chen Zhuo seemed to believe him and the [Fraudster] ability appeared effective...
The [Manifestation] didn't succeed.
Lin Yu vaguely understood: Chen Zhuo's [belief] alone was far from enough to make "receiving double survival time" [manifest].
"This is tougher than expected."
Lin Yu mused to himself.
But having confirmed his [Fraudster] ability still worked, Lin Yu grew more motivated. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel✦fire.net
"Of course, besides 'survival time'... I can also obtain ten 'non-exclusive' items from each game!"
"Ten?!"
Chen Zhuo exclaimed in shock.
"Right. Actually, if you perform exceptionally well and earn a 'special evaluation,' you can get item rewards too," Lin Yu patted Chen Zhuo's shoulder. "Not bad, huh?"
Chen Zhuo said in amazement, "I see..."
He naturally [believed] Lin Yu's words.
Lin Yu sensed Chen Zhuo's [belief], but unfortunately, it still didn't [manifest].
The degree of [belief] still wasn't enough... though this time, Lin Yu could tell it was very close.
After some thought, Lin Yu looked at the easily fooled Chen Zhuo and spoke again.
"Just kidding earlier—it's actually only six, not ten."
With anyone else, Lin Yu wouldn't dare change his story so casually, as it would raise suspicion.
But Chen Zhuo...
The chubby boy bought it again!
"Damn, that's still awesome, Game Master bro! You're really something!"
Yet...
Still no [Manifestation]!
But Lin Yu could feel they were almost there.
So he decided to keep messing with Chen Zhuo.
This time, however, he avoided mentioning specific numbers.
"Actually, it's not unconditional. As the Game Master, I just get to double any rewards I earn!"
"So I merely doubled the 'additional reward' from this game!"
As Lin Yu spoke, Chen Zhuo had an epiphany.
"I see... being a Game Master is really amazing!"
"But I think you were chosen because you're strong too... you handled this game really well!"
Chen Zhuo gave Lin Yu a thumbs-up.
Then he realized something was off.
"Wait... according to you, bro, all surviving players should be in this [Settlement Space], right?"
"Why don't I see anyone else?"
Lin Yu spread his hands. "Oh, they're all dead—because I added special rules that made them turn on each other. The last two killed each other simultaneously, so the game ended quickly with only one survivor."
"What?!"
Chen Zhuo looked stunned, then asked, "Even the Lone Wolf died?!"
Hearing this, Lin Yu paused, realizing Chen Zhuo still believed in the Lone Wolf's existence.
Lin Yu nodded solemnly.
"Right. The Lone Wolf was killed by the Veterinarian—one slash to the throat."
Chen Zhuo was horrified.
"Damn, I never thought the Veterinarian—a woman wearing glasses and looking all gentle—could be so ruthless!"
Lin Yu froze.
Xia Yue didn't wear glasses?
Then he understood.
"You're mistaken—that was the Teacher."
"Oh," Chen Zhuo scratched his head, then sighed. "Sorry... I'm just shocked by how brutal this game is."
"Yeah, it's brutal."
Lin Yu said softly.
Chen Zhuo's survival was mostly luck—aside from himself, the chubby boy was the only human role left, dutifully completing tasks until the end.
But luck was part of strength too.
"Good luck going forward—cherish this second chance at life."
"Only seven days though, bro..."
Chen Zhuo said mournfully.
Before he could finish, the [Settlement] concluded.
Lin Yu blinked and found himself lying at the center of a stage.
He checked his phone—it was just past midnight.
Almost overlapping with the 00:01 on his screen were the floating bloody words in the upper right of his vision.
[Time until next game starts at latest: 06 days 23 hours 59 minutes]
Lin Yu exhaled.
"Though the 'time' was wrong, it's true..."
This Death Game really had another round.
Compared to Chen Zhuo, Lin Yu didn't think seven days was short.
But...
"It's still urgent."
He got up, touching his chest where the "gunshot wound" no longer existed.
It all felt like a dream.
Yet proof it wasn't a dream existed beyond the bloody countdown...
There was also the storage space within his soul, now holding the [Guaranteed-Hit Revolver] and [One-Statement Lie Detector].
And—
His still-functional [Fraudster] ability.
With these as his foundation...
"It's time to figure out who that 'psycho' who killed me really is."
Sure, the other guy had a gun—but now so did he!
As Lin Yu muttered to himself, he took a step forward.
Then he suddenly felt something odd in his right pants pocket.
Like someone had slipped a card inside.
He reached in and pulled out a pure black card.
In its center were two lines of small silver printed text.
"Welcome 'back,' dear senior."
Seeing these words, Lin Yu's hair stood on end.
Chapter 29: Return to Reality! Investigation and Appointment!
Restore scroll position
Without a doubt, this card was left by that mysterious "junior girl."
And this card was "printed."
In reality, only a few minutes had passed since his "death."
In other words...
That junior who killed him had already predicted he would "revive."
She knew about the existence of the "Death Game" and was certain he would return from it alive.
Thinking back carefully, she casually pulled out a pistol in a country with such good public security just to shoot an ordinary college student like him, and said some strange things...
It was indeed rather "abnormal."
It wasn't surprising that it was connected to something equally "beyond reason" like the "Death Game."
But then...
His original profession and item "advantages" wouldn't be so significant anymore.
After all, the other party at least knew these things existed.
It was even highly possible...
That person had personally participated in the "Death Game" too.
Lin Yu took a deep breath and calmed down again.
"It seems I have no choice but to 'accept the invitation.'"
The second line of text on this card...
Was a "time" and "address."
"Friday 20:00, No. 940 Changming Street, Shangnan District, Jiangcheng"
This was undoubtedly an "invitation" left by his murderer.
As for what would happen after accepting this invitation...
Lin Yu still didn't know.
But other than "accepting the invitation," he seemed to have no other choice.
After all...
Although she was his murderer, she was also the only "connection" Lin Yu currently knew in reality that was related to this game.
However.
Today was Wednesday, and it had just passed "midnight" Wednesday.
In other words, there were still nearly three full days until the "time" on the card!
This time was enough for Lin Yu to do many things.
But the most important thing now was...
"Time to go back to sleep."
Lin Yu walked off the stage, went backstage to change out of his costume, put on his plain black hoodie and sweatpants, shouldered his backpack containing the script, and left the drama club.
There would be rehearsals tomorrow, and the performance was in the evening, so of course he needed proper rest tonight.
Even after experiencing something absurd like the "Death Game," Lin Yu didn't intend to let it disrupt tomorrow's "performance" schedule.
One very important reason he came back alive was to continue "performing"...
If he didn't perform well or live properly because of something like this...
Wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse?
After locking the drama club's main door, Lin Yu took out his keys and unlocked his bicycle parked outside.
Lin Yu's bicycle was also very plain—an ordinary black mountain bike.
He pushed the bike to the south gate of Jiangcheng Media University, where the security guard smiled and nodded at him, unlocking the small side gate.
"Xiao Lin, practicing alone so late again!" Check latest chapters at novel•fire.net
Lin Yu smiled: "Yeah, uncle, you should rest early too... Oh, by the way, did you see a girl dressed like a Japanese middle school student with two braids?"
He asked tentatively, and after getting a confused head shake from the guard, Lin Yu smiled and nodded slightly again.
"Just asking randomly, thanks uncle."
Lin Yu pushed his bike through the small gate and left the Jiangcheng Media campus.
He rode through Jiangcheng at night.
After two intersections, Lin Yu arrived home—he was a local of Jiangcheng, and since his home wasn't far from the media university, he didn't bother living in the dorms.
Gently pushing open the door, the simple old-style two-bedroom apartment was quite cramped, with the entire place visible from the doorway.
Though old and small, the apartment was warmly decorated with potted plants everywhere, and there was a fish tank on the small coffee table in the living room.
On the flower-patterned tablecloth-covered dining table were two plates of leftovers covered with mesh nets, with the rice cooker still on keep-warm mode.
The photo hanging on the wall was taken just last year—it was shot next to the stone engraved with the university's name at Jiangcheng Media University's entrance, featuring a round-faced young woman who bore 70-80% resemblance to Lin Yu making an exuberant "V" sign with one hand while her other arm wrapped around a shy, restrained-looking Lin Yu standing stiffly with his head slightly lowered.
Lin Yu carefully took off his shoes, unplugged the rice cooker, then carried his slippers back to his bedroom.
After that, he placed his backpack and clothes on the desk nearby and wearily collapsed onto the bed.
"Phew..."
Lying in bed, Lin Yu fell asleep within seconds.
He slept dreamlessly through the night, and at exactly 7 AM the next morning, Lin Yu opened his eyes.
After washing up and leaving his room, he came to the dining table.
Last night's leftovers had now become a new plate of fried rice with leftovers.
Beside the fried rice was a sticky note.
"You skipped dinner again last night—I'll deal with you when you get back tonight!"
The note also had a simple angry face doodled on it.
Lin Yu picked up the note, folded it gently, and tossed it into the wastebasket under the table.
Though he had little appetite, he could feel the intensity behind that doodle, so he obediently sat down and finished the fried rice made with stir-fried green beans with pork and shredded potatoes.
After that, Lin Yu rode his bike back to school.
Though a sophomore, Lin Yu happened to have no classes today.
Coming to school early, he naturally headed straight to the drama club.
And when Lin Yu arrived at the drama club's activity center, an expected person was already standing on the theater stage.
A petite girl in a white T-shirt and baseball cap was holding a script with one hand while resting the other on her hip, pacing back and forth across the stage with a black pen clenched between her teeth.
Hearing Lin Yu's footsteps, the petite girl didn't look up as she spoke in a light tone.
"Oh, my dear 'star performer,' you're early again today... Since the others aren't here yet, find somewhere to run your lines yourself."
This girl who looked no taller than 1.5 meters was named Shen Bingmiao, a third-year student and Lin Yu's senior.
She was also the drama club's president, playwright, and director.
Seeing Shen Bingmiao, Lin Yu thought for a moment before speaking.
"President, I need to ask you for a favor."
Hearing this, Shen Bingmiao looked up with a strange expression.
She flicked her cap's brim and said: "Now this is odd—you actually asking me for help... What is it, my dear 'ace'?"
"I need to find someone—she might be a freshman junior."
Lin Yu chose his words carefully.
Shen Bingmiao raised an eyebrow: "Shouldn't you post that on the confession wall?"
"No, first I need results quickly, and second, I suspect she might not even be from our school," Lin Yu said calmly. "So this isn't something just anyone can handle."
Hearing this, Shen Bingmiao laughed.
"I get what you mean—quite the troublesome request! But I'll help you, since you're my 'ace'!"
Shen Bingmiao spat out the pen she was biting, threw her script to the ground, and hopped down from the stage in two steps.
"Let's go!"
She patted Lin Yu's arm cheerfully.
"Now? What about their rehearsal?"
"They've rehearsed plenty—one last time won't make a difference... To me, the lead actor's condition matters most!"
"So, let's solve your problem first!"