Chapter 2781: Game Energy

Xin Qin was naturally very grateful to Xu Huo. This was an unexpected surprise she had never considered when contemplating various do-or-die measures. Both of them wanted to repay him, but Xu Huo asked for something else and only accepted a small sculpture with their joint signatures.

However, this matter involved the District Government, and although they didn’t seem to have mentioned much or intended to pursue it later, Gu Hui Peak and his companion didn’t dare to stay in Earth Star City anymore. They planned to travel abroad for a while, waiting for things to completely settle down before returning, or perhaps settling in another country altogether.

Nong Zheng also wanted to leave with them, as moving to the Outer Zone required not just money, but courage. As long as he could stay in Zone 022, living in another country would also be quite nice.

Nong Zheng helped Gu Hui Peak, and Gu Hui Peak was happy to take him along.

After bidding farewell to the three, Xu Huo didn’t hurry to the next city but instead found a place to use "My Heart is Dark" in detail.

Lei Jie Lian mentioned that the more people thrown into the black space, the larger the area covered by darkness, and accordingly, the weaker the holder’s body becomes.

Whether the black space is related to a black hole is yet to be discussed. Xu Huo still directly referred to the other space filled with darkness as "black space." This dark matter itself has the effect of limiting Space-Time Power and human senses. Staying inside for a long time might have other effects; however, after entering and exiting multiple times, he didn’t feel anything too obvious. It seemed that it was Lei Jie Lian’s poor health, coupled with using it without preparation of Defense Props, that led to her easy use.

As for the more people it engulfs, the larger the area, this description is not accurate. Although its coverage area is directly related to the holder’s building space, even in the absence of buildings, it can still cover an area with a radius of over a kilometer.

Of course, this coverage does not completely flood the two-thousand-meter space with another substance. Its height and depth are equally restricted. In other words, the simple shroud of dark matter cannot limit Players’ actions. Even if Props are disturbed, such a short distance can be quickly escaped with some effort.

Therefore, when not using black space, "My Heart is Dark" is more suitable for use as a Defense Prop.

What Lei Jie Lian said should not be completely ignored. In suitable situations, it is worth trying to see if the coverage of "My Heart is Dark" can really be expanded as she described.

However, the existence of "My Heart is Dark" served as a reminder for him. The game, as the rule-maker, has actually reserved some loopholes that can be exploited. For instance, similar items were first obtained by a regular person.

Bai Kou once said that her mother couldn’t be killed, which was probably due to acquiring such an item. It can easily resist the influence of Props and instruments, which truly demonstrates the game’s energy.

"Ding-dong!" After he posted a new log, people gradually contacted him privately. Some were simply venting emotions out of boredom, while others were inquiring about the authenticity of the "Bone Remains" and interested in purchasing "Bone Remains." However, the new message this time was from a new contact group.

Inside were not only Lei Xiaohe and his companions, but also Zhan Erliu, Levi, Zhou Juanjuan, along with Chai Sheng from Punishment City and that curly-haired woman Cong Wei, and the strong man Min Chi.

The initial messages came from Lei Xiaohe’s group to set the atmosphere, mainly boasting about Xu Huo, then they got to the main topic—suggesting resource exchange among everyone, also flattering Xu Huo by implying that any future transactions should be conducted in his presence for both parties to be at ease.

Xu Huo did not pick up on his hint, because Chai Sheng sent him a holographic video about the Wise Variant.

He stated he found it among a Player’s relic in Punishment City. The Wise Variant is indeed real, and the video recorded a transaction between a biotechnology company and the Outer Zone. The filming Player was psychically attacked after sneaking a peek at the "goods" during the transaction and required multiple treatments afterward.

"That Player was hired to do odd jobs, and the biotechnology company most likely wanted to use the Wise Variant to research neurological drugs. I checked—this company is known for some neurological treatment drugs, mostly used for Player treatment."

"You know, Players who stay in instances for a long time tend to have some problems. Some slowly develop mental issues—irritability and anger are minor problems. A very small number of them might lose control and kill in anger. The longer they stay in the game, the higher the chance of problems arising. Zone 022 is an old district, and many retired Players have serious conditions, so there’s a huge market for neurological treatment drugs."

"Aren’t you interested in the Wise Variant? I’ll give you the address I found. You can visit their lab."

After Xu Huo replied, he noted down the address and followed the route to the next city.

After taking Lei Jie Lian away, he did not change his disguise again. So when he left Earth Star City, from afar to nearby, several Players were always watching him. The other party also seemed to not want to offend him, keeping their distance and not interfering with his actions, merely observing.

With these few people around, there was no retrying of the previous framing attempts on the flying vehicle. He reached Lake City successfully.

Lake City is a city composed of five islands built in a giant artificial lake. Each city isn’t large, but the scenery is beautiful. However, the most striking feature isn’t the natural landscape, but its people. Both men and women are beautiful. Walking down the street is a view in itself, and many tourists visit specifically for the people—from the owner of a certain shop to a certain street’s worker or a particular performer.

In the spacious parts of the streets, small groups of three or five people perform regularly—some out of interest, some to earn some extra money. The performances vary, but overall they’re pleasing to the eye.

"Brother, would you like to take a photo?" A young beautiful girl approached with light dance steps, circled him, and gently lifted her skirt. "This is a designated photo spot. Many guests leave with a photo."

As she spoke, she pointed to the commemorative wall beside them.

Xu Huo, adapting to the local customs, paid a hundred White Notes for a photo.

The young girl cheerfully called out the entire staff of the shop. They surrounded him, displaying lively smiles, ensuring this worthwhile moment was captured by the devices.

After the photo, they invited him to drink, introduced local delicacies, helped him contact unique accommodations, and sold him on special projects like under-the-lake sightseeing.

"Beneath the lake are masterpieces of sculptures by old craftsmen from years ago. The master sculptor Gu Hui Peak is one of our locals. It’s worth every penny!"