NOVPUBChapter 81: Chapter 80 Unveiling
Chapter 81 -80 Unveiling
When his senses returned, Zhang Zhiyuan found himself in a gray, hazy hall. The hall had something of a Greek Temple style to it, with thick arched columns visible around, but the carvings on the crossbeams were Chinese-style-chiwen and mythical creatures. Even more discordant was the fact that the furniture inside the hall, such as tables, chairs, and cabinets, was modern, overall creating a sense of a hodgepodge.
But he knew he was not in reality at the moment.
Because all the objects were in shades of gray and white, with not a single detail visible on their surfaces. If he had to describe it, everything appeared as though they were unfinished models; they had form, but no texture had been applied.
He took two steps forward and quickly noticed a figure in front of the hall.
More precisely, a humanoid shadow.
“You are the founder of Paradise,” Zhang Zhiyuan said slowly, “and also the host.”
This confirmed one of his previous guesses: The VR glasses were just a smokescreen. As long as the other party could “see” him through the network, they could summon him into Paradise.
The game played on the Heart of the Ocean was the most special round because it wasn’t transmitted over the network. The founder of Paradise had sent the four of them into the game world face to face.
However, the surveillance on the ship and the dock had been tampered with; no one would ever truly know what lay behind the host’s mask.
The shadow was half-reclining on a huge soft couch as if eyeing him askance, “You are merely an ordinary international detective; why do you think things will go as you wish over there?”
“The attention up there isn’t on me, but on Paradise itself.” Zhang Zhiyuan felt he was in an unprecedented state of clarity, “Because that world means new resources, discoveries that are completely different from those on Earth, and endless possibilities. No one can ignore a new world when faced with it.”
“That would require physical exchange between the two worlds.”
Zhang Zhiyuan held his breath and said, “Exchange is possible, right?”
“…” The other party just looked at him without responding.
He continued, “That novice… Ailuodi, she is an example of the exchange.”
For the first time, the shadow sat up straight—leaning slightly forward, with one hand propped on his knee, looking as if he was gazing down at him, “What are you implying?”
“My first suspicion was when I saw her. Her clothes looked very much like modern products, not hand-woven items from that era. Of course, you can create modern clothes out of thin air, no problem if it was specifically prepared for her.” Zhang Zhiyuan paused, “So, when I was in the Temple, I took the opportunity to cut off a small corner of her clothes.”
“From the patterns I’ve observed so far, the creations of Paradise are usually whole, and if this unity is damaged, the detached part’s retention time is significantly shortened. For example, during the gunfight in the theater, I noticed Anthony’s stab-proof vest was pierced, and some fragments fell in the corridor… but when we came back the second time, those fragments were gone.”
“I’m not sure what the internal factors at work here are, but the fact is that Paradise’s creations are not real objects, nor can they always exist. However, parts that fall off prematurely disappear even faster. The problem lies here—” Zhang Zhiyuan also looked directly at the other party, trying to discern any change in the shadow, “Ailuodi’s piece of cloth remained intact even after two days, and it was still in my pocket when I gamed over. This indicates that her clothes are real objects.”
Clap clap clap.
The shadow softly clapped its hands.
“I’ve felt you were quite astute from the first time we met, but I never expected you to be this meticulous. You noticed the debris caused by a punctured stab-resistant vest just with the dim light from a few oil lamps in the corridor? Impressive!”
“When I was at the military academy, instructors often commended me for being fast with my eyes and hands,” Zhang Zhiyuan said with self-deprecating humor, “but compared to the miracles created by Paradise, it’s hardly worth mentioning.”
“While that makes sense, you seem to have mistaken one thing—that is, as Paradise’s activities expand, more and more people will become aware of us. I am not short of manpower.”
“In a few months, half a year, or even a few years, that’s not a problem, but it doesn’t solve the current needs of Paradise,” Zhang Zhiyuan argued with reason, “I know you’re not afraid of our investigations, and to some extent, Paradise even needs a certain level of attention! Then why not take it a step further and directly utilize me to demonstrate that Paradise truly exists? Even as you suggested, let the news slowly ferment, but among the participants who flock in after half a year, how can you ensure there are no people with ulterior motives? Criminals like Joe James are the first, but certainly not the last. Just screening them will probably take a lot of Paradise’s energy!”
“But if I get the higher-ups on my side to take this seriously, the situation will be completely different. Whatever kind of talent you need, you’ll surely get, and however many you need, that’s how many will be arranged!”
“And then what follows is deep collaboration, mutually binding ties?” The shadow lay back onto the soft couch, “As I’ve said, you engage in the game, Paradise provides the reward; that’s the entirety of our relationship.”
“I have absolutely no intention of destroying that relationship!” Zhang Zhiyuan hurriedly said, “The only difference is: those who engage in the game are more professional, more pure, and can better achieve your predetermined desires! And the initiative is in your hands; if you think something is inappropriate, ending the game directly solves the problem, doesn’t it? Why not give it a try?”
“Why do you care so much about whether the mission is completed smoothly?” the shadow asked curiously, “Using more professional people only has that one benefit, and most of the time, it has nothing to do with you.”
“Because I hope to see more masterminds behind severe cases destroyed, allowing victims and their families to reunite one day; I also want to see the Yeni Temple turned into a real hospital, freeing the nuns from being tied down by the company. Paradise has that capability, but in the end, it must be the players of Paradise who carry it out. The more reliable these people are, the more ideal the outcome will be.”
Zhang Zhiyuan answered calmly.
After a long wait, the shadow spoke again, “Your idea is indeed interesting. Paradise accepts only a limited number of people, and the amount of material exchange is minuscule, so the next time I will give you at most two spots.”
“Having them is enough!” Zhang Zhiyuan didn’t expect to achieve his goal in one fell swoop, “But if relying solely on the international police department’s power, it’s difficult to find the most suitable candidates immediately…”
“If I agree to give it a try, naturally I won’t do it halfheartedly.” The shadow extended its hand, and a dark red pebble flew towards Zhang Zhiyuan.
He caught it and noticed the stone was withered, rough, and faintly warm to the touch.
Just as Zhang Zhiyuan was about to ask, the surroundings once again became distorted, as if everything was being drawn away from him.
No matter how he opened his mouth, not a sound could be squeezed from his throat; then he suddenly dropped to the ground, the intense sensation of weightlessness causing his hair to stand on end!
He then awoke from the dream!
All in the concealed room reappeared before his eyes, everything seeming just like a dream.
Zhang Zhiyuan slowly opened his hand, finding it empty.
