Chapter 2751: Gaze

"So they know well that we are not the players of this instance, yet they still try to gather information about us." The botanist frowned, "Could it be that this instance has clarified the players’ opponents?"

"Perhaps we were just included in the instance accidentally." The gourmet said, "Our side mission relates to Mr. Wen, and based on its literal meaning, we should be protecting Mr. Wen. If it’s merely about stealing something from the manor, it wouldn’t necessitate creating such an instance. The players’ task must also be connected to Mr. Wen, and someone might have come specifically for him."

Such an instance easily generates opposing sides, one attacking, one defending. In this case, Xu Huo and his allies might also be an unsettling factor threatening Mr. Wen.

"Of course, we can’t rule out the possibility that they are investigating our information to eliminate us."

"As of now, those players haven’t made any moves." The photographer said, "But their inquiries cover too broad a range, targeting every player attending the banquet. It seems anyone could be a target, and there’s no indication they’re forming alliances with others."

"That’s a bit unusual." The scholar said, "Even in competitive instances, wherever players gather, alliances inevitably form as a means of survival for the weaker ones. If alliances aren’t considered, it might be a single-survivor type of instance."

The implication being that only one player can clear the instance, significantly lowering the likelihood of players teaming up.

"Only one person clears the instance?" The botanist’s eyebrow twitched, "It’ll cause chaos."

"It’s just a possibility." Xu Huo chimed in, "We’ll find out tonight."

Once the party dispersed and the remaining guests were gradually led to their bedrooms by the servants, the manor finally quieted down. The deep night marked the beginning of player activities, yet Xu Huo’s group was slightly surprised when those instance players chose to start killing rather than familiarizing themselves with the manor on the first night.

In a mere ten minutes, three players died from attacks by others. Even their bodies and traces of the battle were meticulously cleaned up, as if all the players had reached an understanding that any lone player would become a target.

Throughout this period, these players didn’t utter a single word; everything took place in silence.

Xu Huo sat quietly inside for a while, and upon confirming there’s no movement outside, he opened the door to step out. The corridor appeared vastly different from the day; dimly lit areas merged into darkness, seeming endless, and visibility was limited.

"Don’t move." One foot had just stepped out the door when a warning voice came from not far away, simultaneously a thin line-like blade blocked in front of him. It seemed merely a warning, yet the next second, someone emerged from the other side, charging straight at him.

Xu Huo remained stationary, merely glancing at the approaching person, who abruptly halted and swiftly retreated. But behind him wasn’t an open path, the Spatial Ray Blade already blocked half the corridor. To pass, he had to use Interference Props or force his way through... at such close distance, he had no time to distract himself, leaving him standing frozen in the corridor.

Without any intention to engage further, Xu Huo simply raised his hand slightly, "Go back and sleep, don’t come out again tonight."

While this player hadn’t moved, another, who had been lurking all along, initiated a sneak attack.

Blocking the flying props, Xu Huo directly pulled the person into the corridor, looking at him, "Didn’t you understand what I just said?"

The individual evidently hadn’t grasped his predicament, releasing several props to create opportunities, even as the Ray Blade and Defense Prop shot towards Xu Huo, he continued trying to assassinate another player from the same instance.

Yet, within moments, Xu Huo, who should have been repelled by the props, effortlessly passed through the protective barrier, arriving directly behind him, somehow removing his glove, his right hand gripping the side of his neck.

In that instant, this player felt as though thousands of blades pressed against him, a boundless intent to kill froze his actions. Forget about using props for rescue; he felt that even breathing more heavily might risk his life...

"Don’t kill me..." His voice was tiny, "I’ll return to my room now..."

Xu Huo lifted his gaze towards the person opposite, who instantly assured, "I’m going back immediately, definitely won’t come out tonight!"

Satisfied, Xu Huo withdrew his hand, dismantling the surrounding Spatial Body, then proceeded past the two, heading downstairs.

The figures of the two instance players quickly vanished from the corridor, alongside several watching players, as faint clicking sounds signaled the opening and closing of different room doors, ultimately restoring tranquility.

Xu Huo stepped outside the manor, where night winds carried the floral fragrance, the air heavy with humidity, suggesting rain is imminent.

Mrs. Ti Hui happened to come from the direction of the greenhouse, unsurprised to see him, only reminding him that it’s about to rain and suggesting he returns to rest early.

Xu Huo nodded, intending to say something, but suddenly perceiving a spine-chilling sensation of being watched, he abruptly looked up. However, the feeling vanished, elusive, and he quickly glanced at Mrs. Ti Hui, noticing her gaze just returning.

Mrs. Ti Hui gave Xu Huo another look, but without saying anything, she walked away.

Xu Huo slightly frowned, choosing not to pursue the source of the unsettling gaze, swiftly heading upstairs back to his room.

Once the instance began, rooms became isolated from exploration. He could only sense the situation near his bedroom. After returning to his room, players passed by his door, but he lacked subsequent information as his interference caused instance players to avoid this floor.

But by next morning’s headcount, it became apparent that eight players died last night.

The photographer and their group’s rooms were scattered in different places, after checking the situation, they only knew the circumstances of four deaths, as the other four entered some room or left their floor and never reappeared.

"None of these players were particularly strong; discreetly hunting four players wouldn’t be easy." The scholar said, "Could it be someone from the instance doing the killings? The butler or Mrs. Ti Hui?"

"Mrs. Ti Hui went out to tend to the greenhouse and returned without going out again." The photographer confidently stated.

"The butler didn’t go out either." The botanist said. His target was in the garden, so to know the most active individuals in the manor, he has long been observing the butler.

"The small bosses within instances don’t appear out of thin air," the gourmet said, "Unless this manor can devour people, there’s only one possible explanation left."

It’s the owner of the manor, possibly the holder of the instance... the murderer is Mr. Wen.