Chapter 25:

Three hours had passed.

Eight hours had passed.

A day and a night had passed.

The whereabouts of the injured child remained unknown; he was still unaccounted for.

Netizens were in a panic, “Could something have happened?”

This was followed by an overwhelming condemnation and criticism of the game company, “Lousy company, look at what they’ve done to people, they should shut down now!!”

‘Courageous to the Extreme’ diligently collected scattered points and handed them all over to Yun Shan.

Yun Shan had a lot of cash on hand, so she indulged and hoarded points as much as she wanted, watching the drama unfold.

On the third day, as “Doomsday Camp” was being heavily criticized across the internet, the game company finally spoke up.

First came the ID card.

Name: Zhou Shiqiu

Date of Birth: (Redacted)

ID Number: (Redacted)

The owner’s photo was affixed to the right side of the ID card, unmistakably the child who appeared in the video.

Next was the diagnosis certificate.

Zhou Shiqiu was diagnosed with Highlander Syndrome (also known as Immortality Syndrome).

This condition leads to extremely slow growth and aging in patients. They may appear to be only twelve or thirteen years old, but in reality, they could be in their twenties or even thirties.

Finally, the game company’s statement, “The holographic online game is only open to citizens who are 18 years and above. Recently, certain individuals have maliciously spread false statements defaming the company, causing serious damage to our reputation. We will take corresponding legal measures to hold them accountable.”

As the diagnosis certificate was released, the entire internet erupted.

I earnestly pitied the child, only to find out that he’s older than me. What a joke!

Countless people were determined to verify the identity and diagnosis information, whether it was true or false.

Skillful netizens began to chime in, “All I can say is that there are no traces of editing on the images. Whether it’s a lookalike or the actual person, it’s hard to say.”

After all, when Luo Qiong was live streaming, the child appeared and quickly showed his face.

People only knew that the victim was a young child, what he actually looked like, most people didn’t really see.

“Why do I feel like something’s not right about this? It all seems very strange.”

“We must investigate! We must find out the truth! We won’t wrongly accuse an innocent person, nor will we let a guilty one go free.”

“If he truly has the body of a minor and the mind of an adult, then he knowingly failed to show up when we were looking for him… I’m sorry, I’m indulging in conspiracy theories.”

“It’s not a conspiracy theory, it’s intentional framing. The game company has released a new video; everyone should go watch it!”

The video wasn’t long, but it contained a wealth of information.

Luo Qiong was live streaming in an ancient alley, and Zhou Shiqiu was hiding in the shadows, accompanied by a dog that had been sedated and couldn’t move.

As the effects of the sedative gradually wore off, the mastiff stood up.

Zhou Shiqiu seized the opportunity, wanting to step into the frame. Unexpectedly, with a punch, the mastiff lay on the ground whimpering, showing no signs of aggression.

Zhou Shiqiu pursed his lips, unwillingly holding back.

The second time, Luo Qiong was live streaming in the ancient city.

Learning from the previous experience, Zhou Shiqiu used less sedative and was more restrained, finally succeeding in staging the scene.

This was the live video that the public saw.

Once everything went according to plan and concluded successfully, Zhou Shiqiu swiftly ran away and hid at home.

For several days, the online debate raged on. But even though the outside world was in an uproar, he didn’t show himself. He just wanted to create a scenario where there was no evidence, and he could pin the label of “misleading/harming minors” firmly on the game company.

After learning the truth, netizens were furious.

“What grudge did he hold? What did the game company do to deserve this?”

“An angelic appearance with a devilish heart.”

“Abusing others’ goodwill deserves severe retribution!”

“I’m starting to feel sorry for the dog.”

…

A good night’s sleep.

Zhou Shiqiu slept until mid-morning.

Watching netizens relentlessly berate the game company, he felt immensely satisfied.

Yes!

Who let them establish such twisted rules? Deciding that dying once would disqualify a player.

Zhou Shiqiu didn’t think he was too hasty when he first entered the game and went out to hunt beasts in the wild. Instead, he felt that the game’s difficulty was unreasonable, the game company was overly strict, completely lacking empathy, and particularly unsympathetic towards patients.

Given that, he saw no reason to show any mercy.

– If he couldn’t play, then he would make the game company shut down, and no one would be able to play.

Zhou Shiqiu was filled with malice, but at that moment, he saw a clarification video released by the game company.

Impossible!

A hint of disbelief appeared in Zhou Shiqiu’s eyes.

He had confirmed in advance that there were no cameras nearby, so how could he have been filmed?

In his stunned disbelief, he suddenly heard someone knocking on the door, “Open up! We’re checking the water meter!”

…

The three-day drama finally came to a close.

Following the investigation, it was confirmed that Zhou Shiqiu had acted on his own and intentionally framed the game company.

The reason was that he had sought to use holographic technology to treat Immortality Syndrome, but unexpectedly lost his game eligibility. Consequently, nursing a grudge, he unleashed his reckless retaliation against the game company.

Upon learning the investigation results, many were left speechless. It took some time before someone asked, “Was it really necessary?”

Simultaneously, this incident piqued the curiosity of many. “Love so intense leads to deep hatred. What kind of extraordinary game is ‘Doomsday Camp’?”

“Has technology advanced so much that individuals are not hired trolls but actual players speaking out?”

At this moment, a prominent figure in the wood carving community stepped forward to speak.

Throughout the entire article, there was no mention of Zhou Shiqiu. Instead, it provided a simple account of the experience with “Doomsday Camp” and the experiences upon entering the game. The individual mentioned apprenticing under an NPC and currently learning the lost art of wood carving.

Though uncertain why an NPC would possess such a skill, out of respect for the game company’s confidentiality, they chose not to delve further. Their sole aim was to master this craft and pass it down.

In the final passage, the prominent figure stated, “People won’t give up using a kitchen knife just because they’re worried about cutting a finger, nor will they stop eating out of fear of choking. Holographic technology is a good thing, and what we need to consider is how to use it correctly, rather than completely rejecting it.”

Given the earnestness of the statement, many people took it to heart and refrained from expressing extreme opinions.

However, another group of people lamented beneath the article.

“A kid who’s waited for four months and still hasn’t grabbed a registration code, please, stop talking.”

“Let’s be reasonable. I need to get into the game first before I can consider how to use it.”

“People who are already players don’t understand the agony of trying to grab a registration code! Please, stop talking and keep quiet.”

…

Unbeknownst, “Doomsday Camp” had gained significant bad name, and the fervor of “snatching registration codes and experiencing holographic online games” quietly spread.

**

“The public opinion battle ended too soon,” “Courageous to the Extreme” seemed somewhat unsatisfied.

Initially, he used his principal to acquire points, but later, he used earned money. In other words, his earnings were pure profit.

In addition to acquiring a substantial amount, he immediately transferred them to Yun Shan, with extremely low risk and substantial profits.

“You must have earned a lot in these three days,” Yun Shan asked with a smile.

“Only about thirty to forty thousand, far less than you,” “Courageous to the Extreme” modestly remarked, “Buying at 20 and selling at 70, a direct threefold increase.”

Yun Shan replied, “After all, you took on more risk.”

If the game were to shut down, the points would be worthless.

“Bold yet cautious, serves you right for making money!” After a brief exchange of mutual praise, ‘Courageous to the Extreme’ said, “I’m off to play the game, we’ll talk later if anything comes up.”

“Alright,” Yun Shan responded, while inwardly acknowledging the abundant talent within the pay-to-win gaming community.

It’s rare to encounter young people like “Courageous to the Extreme,” who are solely focused on making money regardless of the circumstances.

As Yun Shan was about to find someone to trade points with in the pay-to-win gaming group, several messages suddenly popped up.

“Boss: Can’t believe it. I was watching for two days, and the beast den I had my eye on was cleared out ahead of schedule! What a disaster!”

“Going crazy: I was worried about the game, so I canceled all the previously arranged transactions, intending to decide after the results were out. Now… the NPC has found someone else to trade with. What am I going to do?!”

“Enviously Crying: Someone privately messaged me, offering to buy points at a high price, 1:30. I couldn’t resist and sold most of my points… Ah, I’ve lost the will to live!”

“Worse off: You just transferred points, I transferred all my items, I’m done!”

The group was filled with wails.

“I! Never miss an opportunity to learn! I’ve finally defeated the competition and become the apprentice of a renowned master.” Someone announced.

“Clearly, the issue is still undecided, yet we’re scaring ourselves. Now we’re truly panicking.” Someone sighed. “Like me, I’m continuing to play the game as usual and patiently waiting for the outcome, everything’s fine.”

He knew that some of his group friends had sold off their assets at a lower price and were now poor, on the verge of quitting the game.

However, since the game wasn’t shut down, they would still have to continue playing, which was the most awkward part.

“Eating Melon Until Full: I haven’t been online for just three days, but the changes seem like I’ve been away for three months. How can people not pay attention to gossip and play the game with a calm heart?”

“Food, Drink, and Fun (Kang Zeyang): I heard the game might shut down, so I just want to farm overnight, enhance my mental strength, and remain indifferent to everything else.”

“Eating Melon Until Full: …You’re incredible.”

Seeing many of her group friends troubled, Yun Shan refrained from posting the transaction details in the group to avoid agitating them. She planned to privately ask known benefactors if they needed points.

Unexpectedly, before she could open the list, someone reached out to her.

“Take Me Flying: I saw you were buying points in the group. How many did you acquire in total?”

Yun Shan smiled. “3020 points.”

In addition to the group purchases, she had acquired a substantial amount from “Courageous to the Extreme.”

For the average person, it would likely take several months of intensive gameplay to amass such a sum.

“Take Me Flying: !!!”

“Take Me Flying: 1 point = 70 bucks, I’ll take them all.”

Yun Shan: “Deal.”

She spent 60,000 on acquiring points and sold them for 210,000, all within a span of just three days.

Feeling cheerful, Yun Shan was about to go online and complete the transactions when another chat box popped up.

Han Jiaqing urgently inquired, “Do you have any spare points to sell?”

Yun Shan: “Just sold out, you’re a bit late.”

Han Jiaqing was heartbroken. “Who? Which jerk is it?”

Yun Shan: “Take Me Flying.”

Han Jiaqing was exasperated. “It’s him again! How many times is this? He always beats me to it!”

“Is he frequently outbidding you?” Yun Shan asked with surprise.

“Indeed,” Han Jiaqing felt quite aggrieved, “I didn’t realize before when we played other games, but since starting ‘Doomsday Camp,’ he’s been competing with me to buy points, snatching the medicines you’ve made, and meddling in everything.”

Yun Shan appeared contemplative. “In the past, there was no contest because it wasn’t necessary. Now, the decision to compete is because it’s worth it.”

Han Jiaqing fell silent.

Upon reflection, it seemed to make sense.