Chapter 77: Death Class 7 (Part 1)

Warning: Disturbing content near the end.

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Among the five, Xiao Muyu and Shen Qingqiu were the first to exit the instance. Twenty-three days after their return, they received a system notification. Level A Instance No. 004 would begin in two days.

Since it was their first time entering a Level A instance, the team didn’t know what to expect. The difficulty level, whether it would be a team instance or an individual one. Everything was uncertain. Chen Kaijie, Zuo Tiantian, and Su Jin couldn’t help their nervousness. However, Xiao Muyu and Shen Qingqiu appeared unagitated.

“Just approach it with a normal mindset,” advised Xiao Muyu. “We’ll figure out the specifics once we’re inside the instance. Don’t pressure yourselves so early.”

Xiao Muyu was essentially the team’s soul. Su Jin and the others obediently nodded at her words.

D-day had arrived in the blink of an eye.

Over the past few days, Xiao Muyu sent everyone out to earn money through part-time jobs. They had not been idle. So, she decided to treat their team to a good meal before they set out for the new instance.

Shen Qingqiu and Xiao Muyu had been freeloading meals at the trio’s place. However, the two young women living with Chen Kaijie didn’t cook often. As the only married person on the team, Chen Kaijie handled most of the cooking.

To be fair, his cooking skills weren’t bad. But Shen Qingqiu had a picky palate. After a few days of his meals, she had started to find them lacking. When Xiao Muyu suggested eating out, she let out a plaintive sigh. “After being deprived of a proper meal, we’re finally going out to eat. Can we eat something fancy?”

Xiao Muyu closed the door behind them. She glanced at Shen Qingqiu’s pampered demeanor and replied in a deadpan tone, “Chen Kaijie would smash your bowl next time if he heard what you just said.”

Shen Qingqiu curved her lips into a smile. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, then returned breezily, “Lend him a hundred guts and he still wouldn’t dare.”

“……” Xiao Muyu remained silent. This woman was a maverick. Although the five had formed a team, Su Jin and the others were as timid as quails around Shen Qingqiu. Chen Kaijie really didn’t have the guts to smash her bowl.

After the team of five regrouped, the spoiled yet domineering Shen Qingqiu decided on their dining destination. It was a hot pot restaurant on the top floor of the Haitian (sea and sky) Tower in the Yellow Springs District. It was said to have a great ambiance, excellent food, and impeccable service. Of course, the price matched the experience. When they finished the meal and paid the bill, the total came to over 6,100 gold coins. That single meal was nearly equivalent to a month’s rent for Xiao Muyu and Shen Qingqiu.

Xiao Muyu calmly paid the bill. However, Chen Kaijie couldn’t help noticing she was giving Shen Qingqiu several sideglances.

Xiao Muyu watched Shen Qingqiu’s expression as they exited the restaurant. “If you hadn’t earned more than 3,000 gold coins,” she said in a low voice, “You’d be eating nothing but hot pot broth.”

Shen Qingqiu gave an amused huff. “I already restrained myself. I stopped splurging all out.”

Xiao Muyu wasn’t reluctant to spend money since they were using gold coins rather than points. What annoyed her was Shen Qingqiu’s cocky expression.

She glanced at Shen Qingqiu again. This woman had been unpleasant when they first met. During their interactions, she often got on Xiao Muyu’s nerves. Deep down, however, Xiao Muyu found it impossible to dislike her.

Shen Qingqiu must have led a willful and refined life before meeting Xiao Muyu. Now, she had reined herself in significantly. They’d have to think of ways to earn more once they got out of the instance.

The five ran into a group in Haitian Tower’s lobby upon stepping out of the elevator.

A man in a black tailcoat stood at the forefront like a crane among chickens. His handsome features immediately drew the attention of passersby, including Xiao Muyu’s team.

Xiao Muyu’s steps slowed. She looked toward the man, who happened to see her. Their eyes instantly met.

Xiao Muyu didn’t show any reaction except for her slowed pace. Even as their eyes connected, she only paused briefly. She was about to look away, but then the man spoke.

“What a coincidence. We meet again.”

Xiao Muyu had only met him once, but the man had left a profound impression on her. His name was Shen Shiyi, with the same surname as Shen Qingqiu. He didn’t seem like an ordinary player but rather someone with a high status in Skynet.

“Not much of a coincidence.” Xiao Muyu didn’t buy into his pick-up line. “Skynet isn’t that big. People coming and going are bound to run into each other.”

“When you say that, I feel I’ve been too forward.” Shen Shiyi smiled gently. “I wonder if you still remember. I asked for your name the first time we met. You said you’d tell me if we met again. Does that promise still hold?”

Off to the side, Shen Qingqiu’s expression cooled as she watched Xiao Muyu and Shen Shiyi converse. The satisfaction she had shown after their meal had vanished.

Xiao Muyu, ever perceptive, caught all the subtle changes in Shen Qingqiu’s expression. With a measured tone, she replied, “I recall saying, ‘If we do meet again, I can tell you then.’ I made no promise.”

The people around Shen Shiyi stared in disbelief. Some couldn’t hold back their opinion. “It is a blessing when Master Shiyi asks for your name, yet you refuse? That’s…”

Shen Shiyi raised his hand. He glanced at the person who spoke. Instantly, silence fell over the group. He nodded. “Your memory serves you well. So, is this another rejection?”

“No need to question it,” Shen Qingqiu interjected. She grabbed Xiao Muyu’s hand, her gaze towards the man dark and mocking. “I believe she’s made herself clear. We’re quite busy. So, kindly step aside, Mr. Dashing.”

Shen Shiyi’s eyes landed on Shen Qingqiu. The gentlemanly warmth in his expression lessened considerably.

He stared at Shen Qingqiu for a few seconds before gesturing for the people around him to move aside. “I apologize for my rudeness.” Shen Shiyi nodded at Xiao Muyu. “However, I believe we will meet again. I hope by then, I’ll have the honor of knowing your name. Godspeed.”

Xiao Muyu nodded in return. She didn’t free her hand from Shen Qingqiu’s. The woman led her out of the grand building.

Su Jin and Zuo Tiantian exchanged glances, sensing something in the air.

Shen Qingqiu released Xiao Muyu’s hand. Unable to hold back, she finally asked, “How does that man know you?”

Xiao Muyu studied her expression before speaking. “I met him on Wangliang Street after the first instance. He helped me pick out an amulet. The one I used to pull you out of the illusion.”

Shen Qingqiu scowled. She knew her reaction was a bit much but still couldn’t help saying, “Most people here wear masks. That man dressed so flamboyantly and used such clichéd pick-up lines. What era are we in, and he’s still playing the domineering CEO? He doesn’t seem like a good person. You better not get too close to him.”

Xiao Muyu gave her a look, then lowered her head briefly. Slowly, she asked, “And what about you?”

Shen Qingqiu froze but quickly realized Xiao Muyu was referring to her comment about people wearing masks. “I’m different,” she seriously said. “I’ve tied the red knot with you. We go in and out of instances together. We’re just short of sharing a bed.”

The three people behind them silently looked up at the sky, thinking to themselves, ‘This team has five members, not two.’

After a quiet moment, Xiao Muyu responded, “You call others flamboyant, yet you’re not much better. Also, while his pick-up lines are clichéd, yours, Shen Qingqiu, are certainly innovative—refreshing, even. Unforgettable.”

A sarcastic tone accompanied her expression, which was less cold than usual. However, she didn’t realize her eyes held a faint, helpless smile, which Shen Qingqiu caught.

Shen Qingqiu broke into a laugh. “Are you that petty? You still hold a grudge over me stealing your noob amulet?”

Xiao Muyu narrowed her eyes and said nothing more. Shen Qingqiu pressed her. “I was unkind then, and I apologize. But I can’t return your amulet. So I will stay by your side as your human amulet. I guarantee I’m much stronger than a one-time-use noob amulet.”

Xiao Muyu turned her head to look at Shen Qingqiu, her expression hard to read. After a long pause, she said softly, “I don’t need you to protect me. Just take care of yourself.”

Xiao Muyu continued walking with her head down, saying nothing else. Shen Qingqiu felt a bit confused. She patted Chen Kaijie. “Did I say something wrong?”

Chen Kaijie blinked. “Huh?”

Shen Qingqiu realized what she was doing. She glowered at Chen Kaijie and hurried to catch up with Xiao Muyu.

Chen Kaijie was left standing there, looking resigned.

When they returned to their apartment, Xiao Muyu still didn’t speak. Genuinely puzzled, Shen Qingqiu asked, “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” Xiao Muyu shook her head. “Don’t fret over it. We’re about to enter the instance.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” It wasn’t anything major—just that when Shen Qingqiu said she would always protect her, a wave of indescribable discomfort surged in Xiao Muyu’s heart. Hence, she had blurted out that response.

Protect her. Shen Qingqiu had always been protecting her. She said it often and proved it even more. Yet, Xiao Muyu didn’t want that. Like the time Shen Qingqiu shoved her out of harm’s way and almost got stabbed in the heart. That felt terrible.

She didn’t want to dwell on the subject any longer. Suddenly, something came to mind. “That ghost woman can’t leave this house,” said Xiao Muyu. “Can we bring her into the instance?”

Shen Qingqiu furrowed her brows. She took out the ghost’s card to inspect it. “That’s not the only question. She’s like a bug. Will she cause glitches if we bring her?”

Xiao Muyu thought about it and decided not to take the risk. She glanced around the apartment. She and Shen Qingqiu had combed through the place inside and out but found nothing suspicious. Still, she had a feeling this house wasn’t normal.

“Then let’s leave her here for now,” said Xiao Muyu. “Remember. Don’t use Little Two’s card.”

Shen Qingqiu knew Xiao Muyu was worried about her. “Don’t worry.” She nodded. “I got it.”

Right after she finished speaking, they both heard a soft beep. The two exchanged a glance. The next moment, they found themselves in the small in-between room.

Su Jin, Chen Kaijie, and Zuo Tiantian were there as well.

“Welcome, players Xiao Muyu, Shen Qingqiu, Chen Kaijie, Su Jin, and Zuo Tiantian, to the start of Level A Instance No. 004. I am your Arbiter for this instance, Arbiter No. 004.”

The familiar opening line was delivered, but this time by a different person.

No. 004 appeared to be in her twenties, older than No. 003. It seemed the arbiters were progressively getting older.

“Since this is your fourth instance, I won’t repeat the general rules. The instance this time still follows a supernatural theme. However, logical reasoning will remain relevant. According to system feedback, the five players are entering as a team. Do you confirm?” No. 004’s stern expression was devoid of youthful energy.

“I confirm,” Xiao Muyu replied.

“The instance will now begin. Good luck.” What should have been a blessing sounded more like a curse the way she said it. Chen Kaijie shuddered.

*Ding!*

“Loading file… load successful! Decompressing… Loading scene… Scene loaded!”

In the darkness, Xiao Muyu again heard the almost monotonous loading process. The sound effects were no different from a computer game’s startup sequence.

Was the system unconcerned about others discovering its secrets, or was everything just a clever smokescreen?

When Xiao Muyu opened her eyes, she found herself alone. The cold wind howled around her, whipping her long hair in all directions.

She pushed her hair out of her face and looked up. She was standing on a rooftop. In front of her, a person sat on the rooftop railing, loosely gripping it.

Xiao Muyu’s heart clenched. She instinctively started to approach. With a snarled expression, the person hissed, “Don’t come any closer!”

Xiao Muyu froze in her tracks. The person before her looked about sixteen or seventeen, wearing a blue-and-white school uniform. It was a boy.

His face was sickly pale, his eyes clouded, and his mental state seemed dire. Because of her sudden movement, the boy now resembled a hedgehog with its spines raised, on edge, and unstable.

Xiao Muyu didn’t understand what was happening, but one thing was clear. This boy was about to jump off the roof.

“Don’t be hasty.” Xiao Muyu softened her tone, careful not to provoke him. “It’s windy up here. Come down, and we can discuss whatever’s on your mind.”

“Windy, huh?” The boy’s expression grew dazed. “That day, the wind was much stronger, colder. No, not cold—hot, it was hot! Haha.” He looked at Xiao Muyu, curling his lips into a smile. It wasn’t a smile of joy but a twisted one, like a vengeful ghost. It sent chills down her spine.

“You want to save him? Dream on! Haha!” He leaned back.

Xiao Muyu’s heart seized. She lunged forward but didn’t even manage to brush his clothes.

The dull thud that followed wasn’t loud. Yet, it struck her heart like a heavy blow.

The boy was undoubtedly dead on impact after falling from five stories up. Xiao Muyu’s face darkened. She leaned over the rooftop’s edge and looked down. She saw his broken body on the ground below.

Suddenly, Xiao Muyu felt weightless. Sensing danger, she immediately stepped back and steadied herself.

The railing she had been leaning on snapped right before her eyes. It fell away, tumbling down with a heavy, dull crash.

Xiao Muyu quickly retreated from the rooftop’s edge. A mysterious chill swept over her. She couldn’t linger in this place.

It was then that she noticed she was wearing clothes identical to the boy’s—a school uniform. It seemed she had become a student.