Players, Please Board the Train

“Our Double Snake chairman has a trait ability that can predict major events in the future,” the gray-robed person explained. “He predicted that soon there will definitely be a catastrophic disaster in Zone 014. Many people will die in that calamity, and Zone 014 faces the risk of being destroyed. That is why the chairman founded Double Snake—to respond to that catastrophe.”

“If that’s the case, your chairman should report it to the Special Defense Department,” Xu Huo interjected, looking to stir trouble. “The Special Defense Department has so many players, your Double Snake might at best have a hundred people. Does your chairman want to be a savior?”

“Of course not!” the gray-robed person said firmly. “The chairman has considered cooperating with the Special Defense Department, but he predicted that the turning point will not be with the Special Defense Department. It will be in the hands of some players who have not yet shown up on the scene.”

“With that in mind, Double Snake has convened repeatedly to find these players. Among the eight of you present, one of you might be a candidate.”

The white-masked players glanced at one another. Although suspicious, they no longer maintained the guard they had earlier. At this moment the Buddhist Prayer Beads player standing in front of the gray-robed person raised a hand. “I have a question. How do you determine the candidates?”

“You can’t predict the future down to facial recognition,” he said. “Besides, we’re all wearing masks.”

The gray-robed person, however, pretended to be mysterious and said, “This is guidance from the future. The chairman only told us to issue invitations. The player who will someday be able to turn the tide and become the savior of Zone 014 will appear. We only need to wait.”

“Because of the masks?” Huang Junjie asked. “The person you’re looking for must pick the white mask?”

“But many people choose the white mask,” the Female Player said. “Far more than eight, right?”

“Of course we have other methods, which it’s inconvenient to disclose.” The gray-robed person took out a crystal ball the size of a human head and placed it on the table. “Although we’ve roughly narrowed it down to eight people, this is only an approximate range. The chairman’s predicted savior who will lead Zone 014 against disaster may not necessarily be among you. However, the savior will certainly have important followers nearby. The players here today—even if later it’s confirmed you are not the one—can still join Double Snake and become future leaders.”“You appearing here is absolutely not a coincidence. Fate must have guided you. I can guarantee that after you join Double Snake you will receive the best training. Not only will you have a steady supply of items and potions, but high-level players will take you through dungeons until you can stand on your own.”

Those words immediately sped up the breathing of the players present. Someone stepped forward and asked, “Then how do you determine who the future savior is?”

“With a Special Item.” The gray-robed person pointed at the crystal ball. “As I said, your presence here is not accidental. This is an advanced item that can vaguely predict a person’s future, then present it through certain special images.”

He walked up to the crystal ball. After standing quietly for thirty seconds, the crystal ball projected a faint light upward. Within the glow a dagger pattern could be dimly seen.

“Each person’s projection differs, generally related to their style of action and personality choices. But the dagger is unrelated to the chairman’s prediction.”

“Then what pattern represents the savior?” Xu Huo crossed his arms. “You have to give some reason first. Otherwise, whatever you point at will be treated as gospel. How do I know you’re not talking nonsense?”

“Good point.” Huang Junjie agreed.

“What business is that of yours!” A black-cloaked person nearby snapped impatiently.

The gray-robed person raised a hand to stop his subordinate, then said, “Three projections have already given enough hints. The savior, of course, is related to light. Please proceed, everyone.”

Of the eight white-masked players, half showed signs of being moved. After a brief hesitation someone stepped forward, and thirty seconds later the crystal ball projected a gun.

The gray-robed man sighed. “Not it.”

That player stepped back, somewhat unwilling. A second person went forward, and a fuzzy square shape was projected, too vague to identify.

“Is it like this?” that player asked.

The gray-robed person paused and said, “Do you want to join Double Snake?”

Everyone realized that this player likely wasn’t the one either. The player hesitated then said, “If it’s like you say, joining Double Snake isn’t impossible.”

The gray-robed person accepted him on the spot and gifted him an item.

The third was the Buddhist Prayer Beads player. His projection was more interesting—a small mirror.

The white-masked players tried one by one, and none seemed to be whom Double Snake sought. The gray-robed person visibly lost enthusiasm. When it was Sima Xiao Er’s turn, the crystal ball projected a glowing sphere.

“It’s you!” the gray-robed person exclaimed in surprise, immediately bowing his head. “From today you are Double Snake’s White Envoy!”

Sima Xiao Er was utterly baffled. After the gray-robed person removed the item’s effect, he asked, “What White Envoy?”

“The White Envoy is the player mentioned in the chairman’s prediction. Maybe you aren’t the most central figure, but you will definitely play a crucial role. The White Envoy’s authority in Double Snake is second only to the chairman. You may freely use Double Snake’s items and potions. Each dungeon run will have players accompanying you to ensure your safety!”

D-level players can buy train tickets, and getting tickets to the same dungeon isn’t too difficult.

Two black-cloaked people brought out a white robe, respectfully draped it over Sima Xiao Er, then bowed their heads low in deference. Their attitude before and after was worlds apart.

Guan Zuhong and Little Zhang, who had followed Brother Liang to investigate the player disappearances, suddenly felt that those “disappearances” might not be true vanishings at all, but rather the players being kept as important persons.

Xu Huo watched this absurd scene and grew more curious about Double Snake’s motives. The white-masked players they picked out were not very strong and were easily shaken. If the goal were killing and looting, there would be no need for such fuss. They would not sincerely invite the white-masked players to join Double Snake… so what special reason could there be? Or was this all just a ruse?

He shifted his gaze to the window. Some players must have already left the resort. Those still here were either gullible or Double Snake members. He had been separated from Guan Sheng and Qian Xuwen. Whether they had gotten out alive or not, the Special Defense Department would receive a report. They hadn’t come to check—could something have gone wrong?

At that moment, a loud explosion came from upstairs. The entire building shook. several floors’ windows shattered. The gray-robed person rushed forward to shield Sima Xiao Er and shouted, “Get to the hidden passage!”

A group of black-cloaked men crowded around Sima Xiao Er and pushed into the door that led to the restaurant’s back room. The remaining white-masked players hurriedly followed. Xu Huo stepped forward two paces and called out loudly, “Are you taking those three with you?”

Sima Xiao Er turned back and said to the gray-robed person, “They’re my friends—take them all, take them all!”