Why is my journey to the world of anime a strange tale of rules?

I could feel that the thing behind me was spreading out slowly and steadily.

It shouldn't possess self-awareness, nor should it be considered a strange object, but rather something akin to a phenomenon. As for what it actually is, none of the three can know at this moment. They can only sense its coolness and confirm that if they get too close and are touched by it, something extremely bad will likely happen. Therefore, they must stay as far away from it as possible to ensure their safety.

Tread - Tread -

Xingge and Hongxia continued running forward.

The white corridor stretched almost infinitely, seemingly endless, with no end in sight, and the end of the corridor remained completely unchanging.

That thing was still slowly spreading in the back.

Even after successfully creating distance, even after moving far away from the other party, Hongxia could still sense the presence of that thing and be aware of its gradual expansion. Therefore, she dared not stop, and Xingge, who was moving forward with her, naturally wouldn't stop either.

"Tsk..."

Because of his broken leg, Yamada Ryo could only lie on Hoshika's back, and suddenly let out a low, disgruntled sound.

I still can't get in touch with them.

Despite Liang's best efforts to communicate with the medium Gao Hai had left inside her, she received not a single reply. The other end remained silent, and considering Gao Hai's personality since their first contact, if he had received her message, he clearly wouldn't have ignored her. Therefore, the only explanation now was that her communication with Gao Hai had been severed, and she was currently unable to contact him.

Is it because of this thing?

Liang glanced back at the invisible entity that was still slowly spreading.

What's the situation outside right now?

First, I saw Pochi-chan fighting with that blood-red monster, then this strange phenomenon happened, and my connection with Mr. Gao was also cut off...

Although unaware of what was happening outside, Liang had a vague premonition that something extraordinary might be taking place in the area they were currently in. Perhaps, the three of them had unwittingly been drawn into some extremely troublesome problem.

hum-

It seemed to sense some kind of tremor.

This time, Nijika felt nothing, but Yamada Ryo vaguely sensed something and looked again at the intangible thing that was gradually spreading behind him.

No, it was no longer something invisible. She could see shadows, blurry shadows spreading across the corridor. This time, Ryo clearly realized that this was the manifestation of a power higher than any strange creature, a power far more terrifying than anything she could comprehend at her level.

So what is it?

The girl, unable to comprehend the so-called divine power, was plunged into confusion and despair at this moment.

Unseen by her, the power of the [Hospital] was being poured relentlessly into this area. While the [Surgeon] was bogged down by the three girls and unable to escape, in order to preserve its last remaining fighting force and seek a final chance for a counterattack, the [Hospital] began a further self-destructive process. It tore its own existence apart, releasing increasing amounts of power into the area, strengthening the monsters within and attracting more and more of them, making the spatial structure increasingly chaotic, gradually showing a tendency to fall from the real world into a dungeon world.

Such reckless use of power would obviously bring unbearable costs to the hospital. However, this thing was now fighting with the attitude of dying together with Gao Hai, so in the face of such a desperate counterattack, all Gao Hai could do was to suppress it as much as possible and direct more and more of his own power towards it.

Under such intense confrontation, the energy flow of mental communication simply cannot be established and would be easily torn apart by the chaotic spatial flow. Therefore, Takami has now completely lost contact with Yamada Ryo and the others. Only the link of the black watch can remain strong in this terrible environment, ensuring that Takami does not lose the signal of his girlfriends.

[If this continues, I don't know how things will turn out. This kind of reckless madman is really worrying...]

On the throne, Gao Hai couldn't help but sigh softly, feeling a rare sense of headache and exhaustion.

It would be impossible for Gao Hai not to worry about those three unlucky little devils. He could clearly sense that the strange creatures active in that area had been strongly stimulated by the continuous release of the [Hospital]'s power, becoming stronger, more active, and more dangerous.

I guess the hospital has already found those three people, right? I just wonder if, given that thing's nature, it will target three ordinary people who aren't even Twilight-level players. Hmm, Yamada Ryo can't be judged that way. Her body has been enhanced by me, and it already has the basic qualities of a Dark Night-level player. Although, in front of something at the level of the hospital, there's not much difference between a Dark Night-level person and an ordinary person.

[The "Slacking Off Gang" reports again: We still haven't found the entrance to the last Red Moon-level dungeon. The [Hospital] has hidden this entrance very well; our team can't find a way to break through it, nor can we find an exit. I estimate we'll have to stay here for at least a few more hours.]

It was at this moment that news came from the Fishing Gang again. Xiong Mi's somewhat tired voice reached Gao Hai's ears, and at the same time, he could faintly hear Jian Bing talking to Shao Ye and the lawyer about something.

Not long ago, after Gao Hai detonated most of the Red Moon-level dungeons under the control of the [Hospital], the [Hospital]'s control over monsters and its influence in the real world declined drastically. To the point that they now have to rely on temporarily created flesh and blood monsters to fill the gaps and avoid running out of manpower. At this time, while most other player teams chose to return to the real world, Xiong Mi's "Slacking Off Gang" decided to remain in the dungeon space, determined to try and find the last Red Moon-level dungeon core area hidden by the [Hospital], and completely eliminate its minions and resource points in one fell swoop.

This was no easy task. Given the heavy losses already incurred, the [Hospital] was extremely vigilant in protecting the last Red Moon-level instance node. Even now, in a state where it was willing to self-destruct in exchange for Gao Hai, it still understood the importance of this thing to itself. Therefore, it had been very careful to protect this last remaining instance node containing the four core obsessions, carefully hiding it from everyone.

The "Slacking Off Gang" had been wandering around the incomplete dungeon space for quite some time, but still couldn't find a breakthrough. They were even trapped inside, unable to find a way out. Gao Hai, on the other hand, couldn't break through the spatial blockade to pull them out anytime soon, so he could only leave them to continue wandering around for the time being.

Speaking of which, Mr. Cat is still in that locked space. We haven't received any news for so long, and we don't know if he's awake yet. That space has undergone further changes, and apart from monitoring his vital signs, there's nothing else we can do. We can only hope that nothing bad has happened to him.

Well, since we can't get out for the time being, we can ask the "Slacking Off Gang" to confirm some relevant information.

Suddenly recalling the information that Liang had collected, Gao Hai thought for a moment and then asked Alice to organize the strange information and send it to the Moyu Gang to see if anyone there could figure it out.

What's going on with this information? Did some other player team discover it?

Within the thought link, Xiong Mi, who hadn't expected to suddenly receive something like this, paused for a moment before replying to Gao Hai. Judging from her tone and reaction, Gao Hai realized that the strange information Liang and the others had discovered might have a very unusual significance.

Did you know this information?

Gao Hai asked aloud in the thought link.

These records do indeed bear similarities to the [Kisaragi Station] we've been searching for, which somewhat reminds me of the [Infinite Loop Corridor] section in that dungeon area. Hmm, speaking of which, we saw something from that area once before we detonated the other dungeons, and I even left a mark on that corridor. But since we couldn't find any more clues at the time, we focused on other areas and never encountered it again. Thinking about it now, it's a bit of a shame; if we hadn't missed it, we might have been able to detonate it all at once.

Xiong Mi's voice carried a hint of regret, revealing that this woman genuinely wanted to destroy all the Red Moon-level dungeons controlled by the [Hospital] in one fell swoop.

Mr. Gao, are you sure that's all there is, and there's no further information?

The lawyer then connected to the communication and asked in his voice, which seemed to never falter.

That's all we have for now. They might have found more intelligence, but the spatial structure of that area is extremely chaotic right now, and I've lost contact with them. So, lawyer, what are your thoughts? Tell us about them.

Gao Hai replied to the lawyer with some regret, and only after confirming once again that the three little ones' life signals had not been interrupted did he continue to ask questions.

[This is just a guess. We've been searching back and forth in this instance space for so long without finding the entrance to Kisaragi Station. Could it be that the hospital has found a different way, throwing the entrance from the instance space into the real world? Otherwise, there's no reason why those three survivors would encounter such a similar scene, especially one related to a subway station. I suspect that if they continue deeper into that area, they'll find the entrance to the Kisaragi Station instance.]

The lawyer clearly had no intention of hiding anything; since Gao Hai had chosen to ask questions, he revealed all his thoughts in one go.

[The dungeon entrance...that's certainly a possibility, but the spatial structure there is so chaotic, even if the three of them successfully found the entrance, they probably wouldn't be able to get in, right? The spatial passage would likely be destroyed as soon as it's opened, wouldn't it?]

Listening to the lawyer's analysis, Gao Hai also began to think seriously and quickly concluded that it was impossible for Yamada Ryo and the others to enter the instance.

Whether or not anyone can get in is not important; I believe that blowing up the entrance to the space should be the hospital's primary objective.

The next moment, Gao Hai's expression changed upon hearing the lawyer's emotionless voice.

Whether someone opens a portal to enter the instance is not important; what matters is blowing up the portal.

What kind of strange logic is this? Destroying the dungeon entrance is completely pointless, isn't it? First of all, the entrance to a dungeon world can't be truly destroyed. As long as the dungeon exists, it will continuously generate external entrances; it can't be completely destroyed. The result of destroying the entrance is either releasing some monsters from within the dungeon to wreak havoc, or further disrupting the surrounding spatial structure, causing ordinary people and low-level players entering to be easily distorted and sent to some inappropriate place, resulting in instant death. That's all.

Wait, if this is the goal...

Gao Hai understood the hospital's sinister intentions. They wanted to use the blown-up dungeon entrance to release several Red Moon-level monsters at close range to disrupt the battle between the surgeon and the girls, adding further uncertainty to the already volatile situation. Compared to the immortal surgeon, the three girls, including Goto Ichiri, who still possessed flesh and blood, were clearly less able to withstand the dangers and uncertainties of battle. Therefore, the hospital's true purpose was to use external forces to further disrupt the diversionary operation, while simultaneously trying to free the surgeon to kill more of the evacuating survivors.

I really didn't expect this plan, but this kind of style is indeed something that hospitals like to do. I just didn't expect that unlucky guys like Yamada Ryo would accidentally wander in and get trapped in this battlefield of gods fighting.

Even Gao Hai doesn't know how to rescue them right now.

Hopefully they can hold on a little longer; we can only try our best to find a solution.

Gao Hai felt increasingly troubled, but he was the one in charge at the moment, and he had no choice but to try his best to find a solution.

Teacher, the problem isn't just here. Look around, there are so many enemies gathering here, and they all seem to want to join this ball!

Alice's voice suddenly rang out, reminding Gao Hai at that moment.

It was only after hearing Alice's reminder that Gao Hai turned his attention to his surroundings and discovered an astonishing number of strange creatures and flesh monsters. He saw that these things were organized into an army-like structure and were speeding towards the battlefield of the [Surgeon], so much so that the retreating convoys of survivors along the way were too lazy to attack them.

Judging from this posture, the hospital is going to bet everything it can.

After confirming the ever-increasing number of enemies, Gao Hai took a deep breath, his expression becoming increasingly solemn.

[It's said to be all the cards, but to be honest, right now, besides "Surgeon," the "Hospital" doesn't have any other high-level combat power that can threaten the teacher. It really only has one card left. If it can't hold onto this card, or can't play it before its chances of turning the tide run out, what's the point of all the other minor skirmishes? Teacher, you know it's not stupid, right?]

Alice was laughing.

Knowing perfectly well what Gao Hai would do next, she simply kept laughing, a laugh filled with malice, yet also seemingly tinged with a sense of helplessness. Just like Gao Hai's feelings at that moment, a mixture of helplessness and resolute determination.

[All player squads currently active within Tokyo City, and those willing to participate in the battle, please assemble at the following locations. To ensure victory in key areas, I require you to defend the following nodes at all costs, and absolutely not allow any enemy to escape.]

The communication was connected, and Gao Hai's voice reached the ears of many people.

[The market is accepting communication; we're already on our way.]

The first to reply was Xiaoheshu, who simply gave this answer and then took action.

[Red Knot Society received your message. The distance between us is quite far, so it is expected to take some time for us to arrive.]

Next, Akira Toyama replied. Judging from his voice, he seemed to be fine now. Hopefully, it won't affect the upcoming battle.

[The team received your message. We are very close and will arrive as soon as possible.]

[Samurai Society received your will, Mr. Gao]

[Lost Mask received...]

More players responded to Gao Hai's message, and more people began to mobilize, heading towards the direction where the increasingly terrifying number of strange creatures and flesh monsters were gathering.

Amidst the torrential rain, Yurikawa Hana, who had been working with the Sunflower Squad for some time, also received the message. She turned to look at the direction of the ever-expanding golden field, then told the rest of the Sunflower Squad that she was fine. The bus then started and headed towards the battlefield.

One thing is for sure: what happens next won't be a pleasant sight.

But now that the critical moment has arrived, Gao Hai will not hesitate. He understands what he and everyone else are shouldering, and he understands what it takes to undertake this heavy responsibility.

As things grew increasingly lively outside, the three unaware individuals in the white corridor stopped once again.

The stench of blood slowly spread around them.

The three had different expressions, but they all stopped in their tracks at that moment.

Before they knew it, a familiar figure had blocked their path.

The uniform was covered in blood and looked like that of a train conductor; the hair was disheveled; the face was covered in tears and cracks; and the eyes peered out from the face.

The strange creature that appeared in the underground station blocked the way for the three of them, as the invisible darkness behind them gradually spread out, thus standing in their path.

It seems it has no intention of giving way easily.

Chapter Ninety-One: The Pioneers in the Darkness and the Gradually Gathering People.

Now how to do?

Hongxia's heart was pounding, even faster than when she was trapped in the chaotic space of the Zhenyang Apartment, chased by strange creatures and unable to escape from the rule area.

She felt an intense chill, the undisguised killing intent emanating from the monstrous creature before her, and an icy aura that was far beyond what ordinary creatures could possess. This intense pressure made her feel as if her entire body was being locked down, as if her lungs were being squeezed, making it incredibly difficult to breathe, and her body was so stiff that she could barely move.

What should we do in this situation?

I felt that sense of powerlessness and vulnerability once again.

Even though the other party hadn't made any move yet, a sense of despair arose subconsciously. He felt that he couldn't possibly survive in front of such an enemy, so much so that his whole body was trembling uncontrollably, his mind went blank, and he knew nothing.

This shouldn't be happening; I shouldn't be behaving like this. Having already experienced those terrible things, knowing what to do in the face of danger, what good will this immature behavior do? I must act, I absolutely must act. I shouldn't be thinking about whether I can survive; I should be thinking about how to survive.

"call……"

A labored breath escaped from Hongxia's mouth, who was almost suffocating from the oppressive feeling of the strange creature.