Forbidden Zone of Deception

Chapter 331 Chang Wuyong

The atmosphere inside the villa grew increasingly heavy as time went on.

“Wait until 5 p.m.,” Yu Tianlun broke the suffocating silence and outlined the next step of the plan. “If by then, there haven’t been any new unusual changes in the copy tapes carried by Lian De, we will continue to implement Rule Seven. Make more copies of the videotapes and give them priority to the other old devils on the list.”

He looked at the silent television set: "At the same time, we can't just sit idly by. The rules require us not to fast forward, slow down, or pause, but they don't forbid us from watching repeatedly. Perhaps through repeated viewings, we can discover details we previously overlooked and find new clues."

He paused, then added, "As for recording or taking photos with a phone... I'm not sure if that counts as a 'copying' behavior, or if it will trigger unknown rule contamination. Don't try it lightly until you figure it out."

So, in the oppressive atmosphere, they played the original videotape again. In the dim light, eight pairs of eyes were fixed on the screen, trying to extract more information from the familiar yet eerie images.

Dark clouds... a woman combing her hair reflected in a mirror... a white shadow in the mirror on the right... a woman turning her head in confusion in the mirror on the left... news text of a volcanic eruption moving around... a twisted, crawling crowd... a man pointing the way with a white cloth covering his face... an inverted "贞" (zhen, meaning chastity) in his pupil... an ancient well in the forest...

As the video played repeatedly, everyone silently recalled and analyzed the events.

“Based on the intelligence we have gathered in the past,” Li Shang began, trying to dispel fear with rational analysis, “the images in the videotape are not randomly pieced together; many of them are related to ‘her’ parents, Yamamura Shizuko and Ikuma Heihachiro.”

He pointed to the screen, which was now completely dark: "For example, the woman combing her hair in the mirror is Shizuko Yamamura. The text that moves like tadpoles is a news report about the eruption of the Mihara-zan volcano, which corresponds to the event where Shizuko successfully predicted the volcanic eruption."

Jiang Jin added, "The identity of the man whose head is covered by a white cloth and who is pointing to the side has always been controversial. But in the context of the plot, he is likely a symbol of Professor Ikuma Heihachiro. The veiled face means that he is covering up some truth and is pointing in a certain direction."

He didn't say it explicitly, but everyone understood that the direction was very likely the ancient well.

Yu Tianlun summarized: "The key is the origin of Shizuko's ability - the salvage operation of the Ogiri statue. This is a setting in the novel by the original author, Koji Suzuki. The movie version does not explicitly mention it, but the strategy information we have obtained in the past shows that this background is retained in the horror dungeon. It's just uncertain whether it still exists in our current highly polluted dungeon, or whether it has been distorted."

He emphasized in a heavy tone: "At least one thing is certain: there was absolutely no such strange existence as the 'Golden Eagle Badge Repair Technician' in the past dungeon intelligence."

Li Shang continued to delve deeper, mentioning the core tragedy of that year: "Past intelligence showed that Ikuma Heihachiro conducted numerous experiments on Shizuko's superpowers. Although Shizuko's abilities were real, she was still subject to widespread skepticism and public pressure, and ultimately she chose to commit suicide by jumping into the crater of Mount Mihara, which is clearly documented."

He paused, lowering his voice even further: "And the key lies with 'her'. Professor Yi Xiong later discovered that an abnormally evil personality had emerged within 'her,' and this evil, combined with powerful superpowers, ultimately led Professor Yi Xiong, in fear and despair, to push 'her' into that ancient well."

Jiang Jin put forward an even more chilling conjecture. He carefully chose his words to avoid mentioning the name directly: "Another view is that Professor Ikuma was just 'her' adoptive father. After Shizuko came into contact with the Ogiri statue, she may have been influenced by some non-human being and became pregnant, which led to the birth of 'her'... Therefore, 'her' father may not have been human at all."

This conjecture made the room temperature seem to drop a few degrees.

The fact that "her" origins may be more bizarre and inhuman than imagined undoubtedly deepens the shadow hanging over everyone's hearts.

As Yui Takamiya listened to these analyses based on "her" and her parents, although everyone deliberately avoided mentioning that taboo name, as a Japanese person, the psychological pressure generated by this information intertwined with her known cultural background far exceeded that of others.

He felt a tightness in his chest and some difficulty breathing; the chilling aura emanating from the videotape seemed to be seeping into his very bones.

"Sorry, I'm going out for some fresh air." Gao Gongwei stood up, her voice a little hoarse, and walked towards the villa's courtyard.

Outside, the sky was already overcast with thick, low-hanging clouds, as if a torrential downpour was imminent. This was completely different from the clear skies predicted by the weather forecast; a sense of impending storm hung over the Hakone villa area.

He leaned against a maple tree and lit another "Peak" brand cigarette, his face appearing even paler against the gray sky.

At this moment, Yu Tianlun walked to his side, but did not speak immediately. He simply stood quietly with him for a while.

He could see the immense psychological pressure Takamiya Yui was under at the moment, and decided to temporarily stop discussing those suffocating and terrifying topics.

“Gao Gongjun,” Yu Tianlun began slowly, his tone calm, “Back then, I formed a team called Dawn, and what I admired most was the Light Wheel team that Vice Commander Wang was in. Dawn is when the first light of the day appears. In my heart, Commander Zhuge Yu and his sister Zhuge Lian are true heroes, or even martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their country.”

Gao Gongwei took a deep drag of his cigarette and asked, "Can you tell me about the Light Wheel team and Wang Sang?"

Yu Tianlun nodded and said, "Deputy Commander Wang Qiusen, like the Zhuge siblings, is a person recognized in the industry as extremely upright and loyal. The fact that the Guanglun team has become a legend is inseparable from the character of these three core figures."

Gao Gongwei was silent for a moment, flicked his cigarette ash, and said in a low voice, "I can tell... Boss Wang is actually in a lot of pain inside. Although he is usually very peaceful in his dealings with people and runs a restaurant, I can feel the heaviness deep in his eyes. The pain of losing someone important..."

He paused, his voice lower: "My wife also died at the hands of the Old Core people... I can understand it very well."

Yu Tianlun sighed, a hint of reminiscence and sadness flashing in his eyes: "Back then, many people considered Deputy Commander Wang and Miss Zhuge Lian a match made in heaven, a perfect couple. However... as the memetic contamination in Muxu City worsened and the blockade continued, things began to change."

His tone carried a heavy and helpless tone: "At that time, some people outside began to hate Zhuge Yu, the leader of the group who continued to maintain a hardline blockade of Muxu City. They believed that the people of Muxu City were suffering the highest concentration of memetic pollution in the country and were the victims. This hatred was naturally projected onto the Zhuge siblings. At that time, the Reincarnator Forum was filled with posts cursing them, which could easily get tens of thousands of likes. There were even... quite a few Reincarnators who went crazy and tried to assassinate them."

Takamiya Yui looked incredulous: "How could this be? Weren't they trying to stop the pollution from spreading?"

Yu Tianlun smiled bitterly: "But that's human nature, Gao Gongjun. When the world is at peace and everyone is getting along well, anyone can stand on the moral high ground, move their lips and type on the keyboard, and play the role of a saint. But once it involves sacrificing their core interests, many people start to calculate and become unbalanced."

He gazed at the gloomy sky, as if recalling the storm of public opinion from years past: "What they were thinking was, why should a minority in Muxu City sacrifice themselves for a larger group? Everyone could see that meme contamination was ultimately uncontrollable and would inevitably spread throughout the country; it was only a matter of time. So why not let it spread sooner? Once it spreads, the lockdown will be lifted, and everyone won't have to worry day and night about whether their place of residence will become a red-code restricted area, or abide by a series of bizarre and inexplicable rules every month. Moreover, the contamination concentration per unit area will decrease, and everyone will bear the burden 'fairly,' wouldn't that be better? Why should they sacrifice for others, instead of others sacrificing for them?"

"Such an idea is too..." Takamiya Yui frowned, unable to find the right words for a moment, and finally let out a low curse.

This logic, based on fear and selfishness, is completely contrary to the Bushido spirit he believed in.

"But that was the true thought of some people, even a considerable number of people, at that time." Yu Tianlun's voice carried the vicissitudes of life. "At that time, another vice leader of the Light Wheel team, Chang Wuyong, put forward a shocking theory. He believed that the essence of memes was not 'pollution,' but a 'backroom' space phenomenon that was different from the materialistic level. He advocated completely abandoning the adherence to the materialistic level, promoting the 'national reincarnation,' and leading humanity as a whole to evolve towards the 'backroom.'"

"This radical view, amidst the panic and discontent of the time, attracted a large number of supporters. In the Reincarnator Forum, the voices supporting Chang Wuyong grew louder and louder, gradually forming an undeniable wave, with some even believing that he should be the leader of the Light Wheel Team." Then, Yu Tianlun's tone became extremely heavy: "In the end, it was precisely because of someone's betrayal and assistance that Chang Wuyong's rebellion was able to succeed."

He paused for a long time before slowly speaking: "Just one week before the wedding of Vice Leader Wang Qiusen and Miss Zhuge Lian, in the terrifying dungeon [Hill of Silence]... Chang Wuyong betrayed and assassinated Leader Zhuge Yu and Miss Zhuge Lian! The Light Wheel team was almost completely wiped out. Wang Qiusen... was the only one who managed to escape Chang Wuyong's clutches in that massacre."

A pale bolt of lightning silently streaked across the thick clouds, and a few cold raindrops began to fall.

A downpour... is coming.

Meanwhile, in the "Sea of ​​Death" within the polluted layer surrounding Tokyo Bay.

Here, the seawater exudes an aura of intense, nauseating resentment and death.

In the heart of this sea of ​​death stands a bizarre island.

The island's outline, distorted by the light, resembles a mirage, while numerous "abominations in bottles" drift on the surrounding sea. And in the island's annihilation layer, one can see the eternally sailing "Death Ferry" in the distant ocean.

This island has been secretly occupied by the old nuclear organization. No matter how thoroughly the JMSDF searches the material layer of the ocean, they cannot find any trace of its existence.

On the surface of the island, outposts and fortifications of the old nuclear organization have been built, while at its deepest point, it is directly anchored in the core area of ​​the interdimensional layer, where the true headquarters of the old nuclear organization is located.

At this moment, in a dark hall at the border between the island's Lost Layer and the Annihilation Layer, an encrypted video call is underway.

The person on the other end of the call was a repulsive figure—Madam Pussy, the leader of the Insect Nest team. Her obese, bloated body almost filled the entire screen, and between layers of fat and flesh were constantly cracking sores oozing disgusting pus. Her face was swollen and her features were distorted, with only her small eyes flashing with cruelty and savagery.

On the other side, appearing on Lady Pussy's screen was a completely different figure—Chang Wuyong, the leader of the Old Core Organization! He possessed an extremely handsome mixed-race face, with deep and harmonious features, dressed in a dark suit, and his demeanor was elegant and composed. However, there was no warmth to be seen in his deep eyes, only a coldness as deep as an abyss.

"The plan to crush the official team must be accelerated." Chang Wuyong's voice came through the encrypted line, calm and composed, yet carrying an unquestionable authority. "The Temple, Eternal Dream... these powerful groups that occupy the top of your country's old order are the ones who are hindering the progress of human evolution. We need a victory of sufficient magnitude to deter those hesitant fence-sitters and to make more people see that the evolution of the 'harem' is the future."

Lady Pustules let out a terrifying laugh: "Easy for you to say, Chief Chang. Those big groups are not pushovers, especially the Holy Temple. Long Mingzhang and Xiao Tianze are tough nuts to crack."

"We will be responsible for planning the strategy and timing. What the Insect Nest needs to do is demonstrate sufficient strength and determination," Chang Wuyong said calmly, then changed the subject, "In addition, regarding the Nirvana team, I suggest that you, Madam, take action personally. I will send people to assist you in completely eradicating them."

"Nirvana?" Lady Pustules' terrifying face revealed obvious disdain. "That small team with only a Level 3 leader? You want me to personally take charge? Chang Wuyong, are you overestimating them, or do you think I'm just bored?"

Chang Wuyong's expression remained unchanged, and his tone remained calm: "I have conducted several divinations. The results show that this team may become a significant variable in the future, and may even develop into a huge threat. It is your duty as an ally to nip this potential threat in the bud. I believe it is worthwhile for you to make the trip yourself to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Lady Pustules narrowed her eyes, her face covered in festering sores on the screen becoming even more terrifying: "Are you using me as a weapon?"

Her tone clearly showed displeasure.

“This is a suggestion based on shared interests,” Chang Wuyong responded calmly. “Of course, the decision is yours.”

Lady Pustules snorted coldly, not answering immediately. She was extremely displeased, but Chang Wuyong's words had struck a nerve. If she refused, it would seem she was afraid of a mere LV3 team, damaging her reputation. But if she agreed, she truly felt like she was being used as a pawn by Chang Wuyong.

After ending his encrypted call with Lady Pustules, Chang Wuyong deployed another important operation: "Notify the rear guard to prepare to enter the [Silent Hill F] horror instance with me. Our objective is to ambush the Duncan Club in America."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Currently, the Duncan Club is the most prominent club globally, considered the strongest official Reincarnator team. Some even believe they are comparable to the Nimbus Club of yesteryear. With this prestige, Secretary Douglas Duncan is highly likely to become the next President of the United States... It's time to wake them up."

【Miao Jiang Gu Shi】A terrifying dungeon, the Insect Cave team's base.

After the encrypted video call ended, Lady Pussy's enormous body trembled slightly with rage, and the pustules on her body burst open at an accelerated rate.

She roared furiously, "Chang Wuyong! Does he really think of me as one of his henchmen?!"

Her savage gaze swept over her silent subordinates behind her, finally settling on a middle-aged man whose face was deathly pale and whose body was trembling slightly. He was one of the heads of the logistics department, named Li Yan.

"Li Yan!" Madam Pussy's voice was shrill, like scraping glass. "Are all the people in your logistics department pigs?! This report didn't even get the current exchange rate between 'Abomination Bottle Caps' and 'Resentment Crystals' right! Don't you know that this is a critical moment for our cooperation with the Old Core?"

Li Yan was terrified and fell to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling with sobs: "Madam, please forgive me! The exchange rate fluctuations have been too frequent lately. Please, Madam, give us another chance..."

"You think you can just give me a chance like that? How did a piece of trash like you survive to this age? What's the difference between you and that Night Owl? What use are you to me!" Lady Pussy didn't listen to any explanations. A cruel glint flashed across her face as she suddenly opened her mouth.

The next moment, a dark red tongue, resembling a giant mosquito's beak, suddenly shot out at a speed imperceptible to the naked eye! The tip of the tongue, covered with fine barbs and sucker-like openings, precisely pierced Li Yan's forehead.

Li Yan's body stiffened abruptly, his eyes instantly losing their luster, and he couldn't even utter a scream. Then, a terrifying scene unfolded—his exposed skin began to sprout countless pustules at a visible speed. These pustules quickly swelled, burst, and oozed foul-smelling fluid.

In just a few seconds, a Level 3 Reincarnator, right before everyone's eyes, transformed into a corpse covered in pustules, its eyes wide open in death, and collapsed heavily to the ground.

"You saw everything? This is what happens when you fail to perform your duties!" she said coldly. "Summon Bai Yewei here!"

After much deliberation, she realized that Chang Wuyong's divination was no small matter, so she decided to personally "deal with" the Nirvana team!

The other reincarnators within the lair bowed their heads, their hearts filled with terror. This was the sixth reincarnator Lady Pustules had personally killed since emerging from her recent seclusion. Under her rule, life was as worthless as grass. The entire insectoid group was shrouded in an atmosphere of bloodshed and horror.

(End of this chapter)