I took only what I needed: the knife, smoke bomb, and rope.
After that, I contacted Ruyi through thoughts.
Ruyi, I killed the one outside. Coming in to help. Where are they?
Her reply came quick, tense but steady. They're inside, trying to find me. I've taken good cover and can see them through a crack. But if I fire, I'll be exposed. My aim isn't great up close. I decided to wait for you.
I killed the patrol outside. Hold onto your position. I'm entering now.
I reached near the entrance. The mirror maze swallowed light and sound—reflections multiplied everywhere, making every shadow look like a threat.
I stepped inside.
The air was cooler, heavy with the scent of glass and metal. Footsteps echoed strangely—sometimes close, sometimes far. Mirrors played tricks on direction.
I moved deeper. My senses—honed by cultivation—cut through the fake mirrors. I spotted subtle distortions where real walls met false ones.
A low whisper drifted from ahead.
"…she's gotta be in here somewhere. Check that part too."
Shotgun player. Voice rough, impatient.
I move forward. In a distant reflection, I glimpsed two figures: one tall, armored, shotgun ready; the other shorter, knife drawn, scanning nervously.
They hadn't seen me yet.
I tossed the smoke bomb lightly ahead, letting it roll into the corridor. It clinked softly against glass.
The knife player froze. "Hear that? Over there."
They moved toward the sound—cautious, weapons raised.
Ruyi, I thought. They're coming your way. When I say now, throw anything noisy to distract them. Then move towards opposite direction if you can.
Got it.
Ruyi did as she was told. She picked up a small brick from the corner and threw it hard.
The brick struck a mirror with a sharp crack.
The two players snapped their heads toward the sound, weapons raised.
But the moment the brick hit, a hidden trap triggered.
A low hiss filled the air.
Poisonous gas began spreading—thick, greenish mist pouring from vents in the walls and ceiling. The entire house filled quickly, swirling around corners and reflections.
All players' vitality bars started dropping—slow at first, then faster.
Ruyi's voice burst into my mind, panicked.
Roxa—if we don't get out of here, we'll definitely die!
I felt it too. The gas clawed at my skin, burning faintly, seeping in even when I held my breath. Most poisons in the game could be blocked by holding breath, but this one was different—aggressive, penetrating through pores, ignoring simple defenses.
This was one of the deadliest poisons in the newbie lobby. Higher lobbies had even worse ones.
I contacted Ruyi through thoughts.
Ruyi, follow my lead. We're getting out. Stay close and move when I move.
She replied, confused but trusting.
Is there really a way out? This place is a death trap!
Yes. Just follow my lead. Don't hesitate.
Okay… I'm ready.
I saw the two players moving frantically around the house—searching, cursing, weapons raised. They were lost in the maze, reflections multiplying their every move into chaos.
I thought to myself: I should finish them before we exit the house.
I moved forward slowly, with confident steps. I knew where the mirrors were fake and where the real paths lay. My mind mapped the maze perfectly—every twist, every trap.
In my thoughts, I guided Ruyi. Ruyi, follow my lead. Move toward the west. Stay low.
Her reply came quickly. Where are you? Why can't I see you?
Don't worry. I'm coming. Just keep moving west. You'll see the exit soon.
Ruyi didn't question again. She began following my directions.
I rounded a corner and saw the two players up close. They wore outfits of rogue cultivators—dark robes, jagged edges, accessories that flickered in the reflected light.
My attention locked on the shotgun in the leader's hands. An opportunity.
He was unaware his position had been found. He muttered under his breath, voice echoing strangely off the glass.
"Where the hell is the path to exit? I can't break these mirrors—I'll only activate more traps. If I find that girl again, I'll make sure she—"
Before he could finish, I acted.
I threw the rope—quick, precise—aiming to snag the shotgun from his grip.
But the rope missed the gun.
Instead, it wrapped around his neck.
The leader froze. His eyes widened in shock. Who had caught him?
He spun around and saw me.
His face turned serious. No words. He raised the shotgun and fired.
I reacted before the shot rang out. I gripped the rope tightly and pulled with all my strength.
Snap~~
The rope—ordinary, not enhanced by any boosting stones—snapped under the force.
But it did its job.
The sudden jerk threw off his aim. The shotgun blast went wide, shattering mirrors around us.
More than three traps triggered in an instant.
A blinding white light exploded—filling the entire house, searing vision.
Water surged from hidden vents, crackling with electricity, flooding the floor.
The ground beneath me opened—a maw of darkness.
I fell straight down.
But I reacted. I drew my flying sword mid-fall and placed it under my foot, halting my fall.
The blinding light lasted only four seconds.
I hadn't seen it—my face was facing downwards.
The I use the flying sword to move up.