Chapter Thirteen: The Killing Game (Part One)

"Wake up, wake up!" Luo Hanya stretched lazily, then bounced up from the bed. Facing east, he did several sets of abdominal breathing exercises, instantly feeling refreshed and alert.

After finishing his morning routine, Luo Hanya cheerfully hummed a few rather off-key tunes as he launched into a brisk, rhythmic round of washing up.

About ten minutes later, having finished, Luo Hanya drew back the curtains with ease, ready to greet the new sun. With a swish, the world fell silent. He looked with mild sorrow at the morning star outside, rolled up his sleeve to check the time, and found it was only just after four o'clock.

"Oh dear, how foolish! How could I wake up so early during a wonderful holiday? Is this really me?" Luo Hanya pressed his hands to his forehead and flopped back onto the bed, sprawling out in a star shape. Then began the familiar struggle with himself over whether to get up or not. "I'm already awake, I've washed up, if I don't get up now, I definitely won't fall back asleep!"

"But why not lie down a bit longer? There's nothing urgent to do, and it's still a long way off from the agreed time. Why put pressure on myself during the holidays?"

"That's right, it's still early. I'll just lie here a little longer, check the news, and browse some game updates."

"No! How could I, Luo the Great Genius, spend so much time in bed? Even if I want to do other things, I should sit up and do them, not lie here like an invalid."

After a fierce internal debate, Luo Hanya got up. He decided to start a game and tried to convince himself, "After all, I'm still lying down in the game pod. This way, I've both gotten up and gone back to sleep—killing two birds with one stone."

Of course, this was just Luo Hanya’s excuse to improve his skills. After being mocked by those guys yesterday, he was determined to redeem himself and work harder.

Without hesitation, Luo Hanya climbed into the gaming pod and logged in using sleep mode. Once inside the login space, he was surprised to find a rather finely wrapped gift pack in his room. Floating above it were the words “Cruel Black Crow Ending Reward.” Only then did he recall that there was such a reward after finishing the scenario yesterday, but he’d been so riled up by that big sword that he’d forgotten all about it.

Despite knowing how treacherous this game could be, Luo Hanya still hoped the gift pack might contain something good. Thus, he unwittingly fell into the trap. With a flourish, he untied the ribbon, putting on an air of witnessing a miracle—only for a giant fist to shoot out and land squarely on his face with a loud “bang!”

"I knew it! This game is out to get me!" Luo Hanya was punched so hard he was left dizzy and mumbling. He glared furiously at the fist bobbing atop the gift pack, pulled out his broadsword in a rage, and swung down with all his might.

The force of the blow was impressive, reminiscent of a legendary hero cutting down his adversary in fury. Yet, his aim was off—the sword struck beside the gift pack, which suddenly emitted a glow and transformed into a bright red ball.

"rprs!" came a familiar voice, the same mocking tone that had ridiculed Luo Hanya for being scared yesterday—the clown. "Hahaha, you fell for it after all. Remember, this game is full of dangers. Don’t be so careless next time, b." The derision was as sharp as ever, the very flavor of old times.

Dear player, congratulations on receiving the Clown’s Gift.

Just as Luo Hanya's face flushed with embarrassment, the system voice chimed in, relieving some of his awkwardness. He took a deep breath, picked up the little red ball from the floor, and checked its properties.

Name: The Clown’s Gift
Type: Special Item
Quality: Fine
Effect: When worn, allows you to observe certain information about other players
Note: The clown’s nose may look ridiculous, but while you’re reveling in the joy of its absurdity, your own information is being stolen.

"Is this thing meant to be worn on the nose?" Luo Hanya was baffled, but he realized it was actually quite useful, if a bit silly to use. He decided to put it away for now and only wear it when necessary. He certainly had no intention of wearing it under normal circumstances.

After putting his things in order, Luo Hanya confidently strode into the portal.

Cold Crow Luo, Level 6.
Please select your game mode.
You have chosen Solo Survival Mode – Normal. Please confirm.
Confirmed. Neural link established. Scenario generating.
Loading. Please wait.

After a swirl of dazzling lights, Luo Hanya found himself in a luxurious room. Almost immediately, a chilling, strange voice echoed in his ears—a cold, elderly man’s tone: "Welcome to the House of Horrors!"

A script introduction will now play. Once it concludes, the game will begin immediately.

This opening was clearly different from last time. It began in a picturesque mountain setting, where a terrifyingly grand black mansion stood. The scene advanced slowly in first person, the narrator explaining that it was a summer evening, and you were a renowned detective. At the invitation of an old man, you had come to a secluded mountain villa for a summer retreat. Due to traffic, you arrived a little late.

Just as you stepped into the villa, you suddenly heard sharp cries for help not far away. You identified the direction of the sound—it came from the nearby conference room. Without hesitation, you ran toward it, so urgently that you bumped into a butler standing at the door, instinctively pushing him aside as you entered.

In the center of the conference room, a projector was playing something. Looking closer, you saw a man assaulting a woman. The woman desperately begged for mercy, but the man, face twisted with rage, continued to rain blows upon her, even tearing at her clothes.

The scene shifted to an elderly man, impeccably dressed and smiling warmly. He looked at you kindly and said, "You’re late, Detective Cold Crow Luo. Because of your tardiness, you’ve missed quite a lot."

You felt deeply unsettled, and when you glanced to the side, you saw a man glaring at you darkly—the very perpetrator from the video. A cold sweat broke out on your brow. Before you could react, the old man switched off the projector and uncovered a black cloth on the conference table, revealing a mountain of cash. In a temptingly persuasive voice, he announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve invited you here to play a game—a game of murder that you all have played before."

The atmosphere grew suddenly tense. You wanted to ask a question, but the old man had no intention of letting you speak. He cast you a glance, then dropped a bombshell: "Whoever wins this game will take home one hundred million dollars." The room fell silent at once. Clearly, everyone was stunned. The old man, pleased with the effect, clapped his hands, and the butler brought over a metal box.

He opened it to reveal nine capsules. The old man continued, "These capsules aren’t poisonous; they’re simply tracking devices." Pausing, he went on, "If you’re willing to join the game, take one and swallow it."

Desperate for money to save your terminally ill mother, you were the first to take a capsule. Seeing you do so, the others followed suit.

At that moment, a man in a gray-and-white uniform timidly asked, "Can we quit the game?" The old man smiled easily, "Of course, as long as everyone agrees." The room’s occupants darkened, shaking their heads—some resigned, some deeply reluctant—as they each swallowed their capsule.

The old man smiled faintly. "We may begin. The rules are on the computer in each of your rooms; go and read them now."

With that, the scene abruptly ended. Luo Hanya opened his eyes to find himself in a luxurious bedroom. Right in front of him was a computer, and displayed on the screen were the rules of the game.