Survival in an apartment, starting with a stroke of luck on a plane

The special envoy outside maintained a professional smile, seemingly understanding Lin Yu's caution.

"Is the verification complete, Mr. Lin? Now, can we talk about the deal?" His voice came through the door, still calm and polite.

Lin Yu did not answer immediately. His fingers gently caressed the cool black crystal in his pocket—the [World Power Core].

The system authentication was successful, but this did not lead Lin Yu to directly agree to the transaction.

He felt something was off.

"Before we discuss the deal," Lin Yu said slowly, his voice coming through the door, "I need to know why you want to take possession of this item? What's so special about it that it requires a 'special agency' like yours to come in person?"

This is his core question.

The description of the "World Power Core" is vague; all that is known is that it was once the energy core of the "Story Intruder".

But where exactly are the dangers? And where is the value? He needs information to make that judgment.

The special envoy's smile seemed to freeze for a fraction of a second, but he quickly recovered: "Mr. Lin, the specific research data is an institutional secret, and I am not authorized to disclose too much."

However, you can understand it this way: the core substance of this kind of "plot alienation" or the story invader you encountered is extremely unstable. If the "narrative distortion force" it contains spreads, it may interfere with the stability of the game world and even attract other similar anomalies.

It was contained to maintain the stability and security of the game world.

"Narrative distortion? Disrupting the stability of the game world?" Lin Yu frowned even more.

"Yes," the special envoy nodded, "you can think of it as a force that can alter, overwrite, or even tear apart the rules of the 'story'."

Leaving this unchecked could have unpredictable consequences. The compensation we offer is absolutely fair. Whether it's 100,000 game coins, a diamond-level equipment draw ticket, or even the [World Compass] that can guide you to a special resource world, its value far exceeds that of a special item that you currently cannot use and carries potential risks.

Unavailable at the moment? Lin Yu's heart stirred upon hearing this.

Could I possibly need this item someday?

"What if I refuse?" Lin Yu suddenly asked.

The envoy's smile faded slightly, and although his tone remained polite, it carried a hint of formulaic coldness: "Mr. Lin, we hope this will be a friendly transaction."

However, according to the Abnormal Item Containment Ordinance, if a player refuses to hand over a confirmed high-risk special item and there is a clear risk of misuse or proliferation, we have the right to take necessary coercive measures before an accident occurs.

I hope we don't come to that point.

Coercive measures? So this is a threat?

Lin Yu's eyes narrowed slightly.

He doesn't like being threatened.

The other party's words sounded high-sounding, claiming they were for the sake of "security" and "stability."

But Lin Yu instinctively felt that something was wrong.

If this core is really that dangerous, why didn't the system arrange for the community administrator to come and retrieve it the moment he obtained it?

Instead, they're sending a "special envoy" from some unknown organization to find him?

Is this really reasonable?

Unless, Lin Yu thought of a possibility, that this guy wasn't sent by the system at all, but was just using the system as a cover.

Of course, there's no doubt that their organization is under the system's control, but that doesn't mean that all of their actions are directed by the system.

It's two different things.

More importantly, he was particularly bothered by the other party's message, "You are currently unable to use this service."

Risks and opportunities coexist.

While handing over the items would certainly bring a decent amount of compensation and save trouble, Lin Yu didn't think it was the best option.

After all, as his strength grew, he became increasingly curious about the apartment game and needed more information.

This could very well be an opportunity.

Leaving it behind, while potentially leading to further trouble for this "incubator," could also uncover deeper secrets.

Lin Yu has never been afraid of adventure and risk.

Therefore, Lin Yu made a decision in just a few seconds.

He took a deep breath and said to the door, "Thank you for your explanation and offer, but..."

"I reject this deal."

The special envoy outside the door remained silent for a moment.

Even through the door, Lin Yu could feel the chilling pressure that came with the complete disappearance of that professional smile.

"Mr. Lin," the special envoy's voice turned completely cold, "I hope you will carefully consider this decision; it is not a wise choice."

They really cannot force recycling.

"I'm being very careful," Lin Yu replied calmly. "This is my spoils of war, and how I handle it is up to me. At least for now, I don't see any immediate danger in it."

If I find in the future that it is indeed as risky as you say, I will consider contacting you again. As for now... please leave.

"...Very good." The special envoy's voice was devoid of emotion: "Mr. Lin, your choice has been recorded. I hope you will not regret your decision today. Farewell."

Light footsteps sounded outside the door, gradually fading away.

Lin Yu did not leave the door immediately, but observed through the peephole for a few more minutes to confirm that the other party had really left before slowly walking back to the living room.

My mood didn't lighten; instead, it became even more somber.

He knew this matter was probably not over yet.

This so-called "shelter" is clearly not an institution that will be easily abandoned.

The so-called "coercive measures" could come at any time.

Lin Yu didn't believe they were really so obedient as to wait for him to run into trouble.

But he doesn't regret it.

He held the [World Power Core] in his hand.

"Narrative distortion power..." Lin Yu muttered to himself, his Sharingan unconsciously activating as he carefully observed the seemingly solidified darkness inside the crystal.

Over the next few days, Lin Yu remained vigilant, but his daily routine remained normal.

He tried various methods to activate that core of world power: interfering with magic, burning it with pure yang heart fire, soaking it with the peaceful aura of a divine statue, and even dripping it with pure spring water or his own blood...

But the black crystals showed no reaction.

Lin Yu was not discouraged.

He felt that this thing's effects should only be seen in the game world.

Perhaps he'll figure out its function the next time he enters the game.

In addition to studying the stones, he also used this time to organize his findings from the "Dark Fairy Tale" world.

The title "Fairy Tale Savior" is not needed for now.

He chose to use the Platinum-level equipment upgrade card on the [Nano Full-face Helmet].

In addition, because of his special experience in this game, Lin Yu specifically purchased a complete set of equipment ranging from Iron to Gold grade, as well as consumables of various levels, when he went to the market.

Just in case I encounter this kind of world again.

Next, he entered the Black Mist World again, hunting down a large number of monster projections and collecting a considerable amount of Source Crystals. Unfortunately, his luck wasn't as good this time, and he didn't find any other resources.

After collecting six days' worth of Origin Crystals, he entered the Time Chamber and devoted himself to cultivation, utilizing the 500% comprehension boost from the Daoist Study.

With the help of a large amount of source material crystals, his understanding of the two diamond-level cultivation techniques, as well as various other knowledge and skills, became increasingly profound.

At the same time, he also took the time to familiarize himself with his newly acquired talent, the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan.

It must be said that these eyes are indeed very powerful when fully activated.

The main advantage is that it can use all the eye techniques in the entire version, making it extremely versatile.

Especially Kamui, that's simply a divine skill.

Of course, the other eye techniques are also quite good, with Kotoamatsukami being particularly overpowered.

But this move has a really long "cooling-off" period; he has to rest for several years before he can use it a second time.

That's absolutely outrageous.

Jinling was still fast asleep beside the statue of the True Lord. Lin Yu would occasionally feed it dragon essence, which the little guy accepted without hesitation. Its feathers became more and more dazzling, and wind and thunder runes were faintly generated naturally.

On the fifth day of its rest, it successfully broke through and reached the Platinum level.

After reaching the Platinum level, Jinling learned two new skills. One of them is called "Wind Control," which, as the name suggests, allows her to manipulate the winds of heaven and earth. The effect and power are quite good.

One of them is called "Size-to-Size As You Like," which allows Lin Yu to change his body shape at will. Now Lin Yu also has a mount.

After that, he went to the player trading area and the inter-regional trading market to continue looking for items that could quickly restore mana, but such items were always scarce, expensive, and their effects mostly had limits or side effects, so he still couldn't find anything particularly suitable.

The [World Power Core] still lay quietly in the corner of the storage ring, and no matter how Lin Yu tried, it was like a dead object, without any reaction.

Lin Yu wasn't in a hurry and put it aside for the time being.

Day six of the rest period, evening.

Lin Yu was sitting cross-legged in the Taoist study, meditating and cultivating.

But suddenly, he seemed a little tired, and before he knew it, he had fallen asleep cross-legged.

Within Lin Yu's storage items, the [World Power Core] flickered slightly.

In a dream.

Lin Yu stood in a boundless void, seemingly woven from flowing ink and starlight.

"Where am I? How did I get here?"

Lin Yu was somewhat puzzled.

He tried to recall something, but just as he was trying to think, a voice rang out from the depths of his mind, with an indescribable, alluring magnetism.

"Can you...feel it? The boundaries of this cage..."

Alarm bells rang in Lin Yu's mind, and he shouted sharply, "Who?!"

In the void, a sliver of light flickered, and then a blurry, curvaceous female figure materialized from the darkness. Her face was stunningly beautiful, yet she carried an indifference that looked down upon all living beings and a hint of barely perceptible weariness.

"Who I am is not important. What is important is that you, and countless others like you, have been deceived and imprisoned," the goddess-like figure said slowly, her voice shaking the very soul.

"Imprisonment?" Lin Yu frowned. He immediately understood what the guy meant; he was probably referring to the apartment game.

As for why he thought that way, Lin Yu didn't know; it just came to mind subconsciously.

"Yes, imprisonment." Before Lin Yu could think any further, the woman continued, her voice filled with pity and a hint of anger: "You should have realized it too, right? The games you entered weren't fake; they were real worlds."

That so-called "Apartment Game System" is drawing upon the essence of each world, manipulating life at will, and treating all existence as sustenance to sustain its own operation and continuous expansion!

And you so-called "players" are merely "laborers" imprisoned in its apartment, endlessly working for it.

Lin Yu was shocked. He subconsciously rubbed his temples. For some reason, he kept agreeing with this guy in his mind.

Lin Yu sensed something was wrong, but couldn't pinpoint what it was. He forced himself to calm down: "Why should I believe you? What exactly are you?"

"I can show you the truth!" The woman said calmly. "Look at the world around you, don't you feel that everything is arranged?"

Missions, rewards, crises... they're like puppets on strings! They control everything, including your destiny!

You need help, and I need help too. We're on the same page; we need to break free of this cage!

She didn't answer Lin Yu's second question, but Lin Yu's mind was no longer on it.

Help? Break free from the cage?

Lin Yu's consciousness seemed to sink into a quagmire, and the woman's words were like magical seeds that quickly took root and sprouted in his heart.

Yes, the system is indeed high above, controlling everything... Those worlds seem real, yet there's always a sense of alienation... If all of this really is a huge conspiracy...

A strong sense of identification and an impulse to rebel and uncover the truth surged uncontrollably within him.

Looking at the beautiful goddess's figure, he felt that she was so trustworthy...

"Helping me... is helping yourself..." The goddess's voice became incredibly gentle, filled with seduction: "Gather more 'Cores,' awaken more 'Awakeners'... We need power, we need unity..."

核心?

Lin Yu's eyes gradually became somewhat unfocused. His consciousness sharpened slightly upon hearing those two words, but only slightly.

He instinctively reached for the nod.

He felt that what the other person said made a lot of sense; rebelling against the system and seeking true freedom was what he should do...

Just as his will was about to be completely swayed and he was about to nod in agreement—

"Hey——!"

A clear, resounding eagle cry, imbued with righteous spirit, suddenly exploded in the depths of his mind like a thunderclap!

The eagle's cry was like a splash of cold water, instantly dispelling the fog that had been lingering in my mind.

Lin Yu jolted awake from his dazed state, a cold sweat breaking out on his back.

Looking again at the beautiful goddess's figure, he felt that endless danger was hidden beneath her allure.

"Damn it! You bastard! How dare you mess with me!"

Lin Yu roared, instantly activating his Heavenly Eye and Sharingan, his three gazes fixed on the figure.

The goddess's figure seemed to have been caught off guard by the interruption, letting out a cold snort before her figure quickly faded and disappeared.

"You'll understand... when the lies crumble..."

The lingering sound faded away, and the dream completely collapsed.

Lin Yu suddenly sat up in bed, panting heavily, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

The sky outside the window was just beginning to lighten, and the apartment was completely silent.

That last cry of the eagle... was it Jinling?

Lin Yu looked towards the statue in the living room and saw that Jin Ling had woken up at some point and was tilting her head to look at him, her golden eyes filled with concern.

"Did you wake me up just now?" Lin Yu asked.

Jin Ling couldn't speak, but she seemed to understand, nodding slightly and making a low gurgling sound as if in response.

Lin Yu stepped forward and patted Jin Ling's head.

He subconsciously touched his storage ring and quickly took out the [World Power Core].

It remained lying there quietly, as if nothing had happened.

But Lin Yu was certain that the situation just now was 100% caused by this thing.

After all, she had just used the word "core".

Is this thing really that creepy?

Lin Yu felt a chill run down his spine.

This [World Power Core] is indeed extraordinary. Not only did it attract the special envoy from the "Containment Center," but it also seems to contain some kind of dangerous consciousness, capable of invading his dreams and bewitching him!

Although he didn't completely believe the goddess in his dream, the idea that "the apartment game is manipulating the world and manipulating life" was like a thorn that pierced his heart.

It seems that this pool of water is much deeper than he imagined.

Of course, what puzzled Lin Yu the most was that the True Lord statue did not stop that guy, but Jin Ling discovered the problem.

What's going on now?

Lin Yu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and subconsciously looked at the enshrined statue of the True Lord.

The statue remained seated there majestically, and Lin Yu felt much more at ease the moment he saw it.

The statue itself is fine; the problem lies with the core.

"Could it be that that guy isn't a demon or monster, and doesn't mean any harm?"

Based on the description of the statue, Lin Yu subconsciously guessed.

This doesn't seem right. That guy has been so persuasive; there must be something wrong with him.

"Fine, no matter what, I can't carry this thing with me."

Lin Yu thought for a moment, then quickly found a box, put the core inside, and placed it below the statue of the True Lord.

"My Lord, I'm begging you to keep an eye on this thing. I don't ask for anything else, just don't let it cause me any trouble..."

Lin Yu muttered to himself, head down.

On the offering platform, the divine eye on the forehead of the True Lord statue flickered slightly, as if agreeing to Lin Yu's request.

……

The peaceful rest period quickly passed, and the system notification sounded again.

[Player Lin Yu, your rest time has ended.]

[Filtering game worlds for you... Filtering complete. Please choose one of the following three worlds to enter:]

Wasteland Hope

Genre: Puzzle

Background: In a wasteland world where resources are scarce and dangers lurk everywhere, players must survive in a wasteland teeming with mutated creatures, raiders, and harsh environments, while solving numerous mysteries and searching for hope within the wasteland.

Warning: In the wasteland, even the air is extremely dangerous.

[Hellish Nightmare]

Genre: Puzzle

Background: A hellish world teeming with demons and devils, a place of death where anything alive is devoured. Players must venture into hell and rely on their wits to solve puzzles.

Warning: Danger! Danger! Danger!

[Knock on the door]

Type: Mysterious

Background: At night, when someone knocks on the door, please choose to open it or not.

Tip: Choose to open the door whenever possible.

"Two puzzle games and one weird game?" Lin Yu's face turned green as he looked at the three options.

This isn't giving him a choice; he only has one choice.

Having just experienced the world of puzzle-solving, Lin Yu didn't want to go through it again, after all, he didn't think his luck would always be that good.

Therefore, the only option left is to "knock on the door".

"It's alright, at least you can kill the weird ones."

Lin Yu is not the same as before; he is not as resistant to eerie games anymore.

After all, his skills are far more adept at dealing with demons, monsters, and evil spirits than at solving puzzles.

"Although the hint 'Choose to open doors whenever possible' seems like a trap..." Lin Yu pondered for a moment, "but it's better than having to outwit the riddle master again, so this is it!"

[Confirm selection, world loading...]

[Loading complete! Welcome to the game - Knock on the Door.]

The scene before my eyes shifted, and a feeling of weightlessness washed over me.

When Lin Yu regained his footing, he found himself standing in the living room of his own apartment.

It seems the game didn't cause any trouble this time; the apartment is still there.

You have entered the "Knock on the Door" game scene.

[This round of the game has 100 players participating. They have been added to the player group chat. This round of the game allows players to compete against each other.]

[This round of the game lasts 7 days; you can return after completing the main storyline.]

[Game Rules: Your door may be knocked on at night.]

When there is a knock on the door, you must make a choice: open the door or not.

Your choice will influence the development of subsequent events.

Surviving until the seventh night results in victory.

Players can choose to place bets at the start of the game, betting on the number of players who will survive at the end of the game. The options are as follows:

No deaths (Odds: 20)

Greater than 50 (Odds: 2)

Less than fifty (Odds: 3)

Less than 30 (Odds: 5)

Less than ten (Odds: 7)

Less than five (Odds: 9)

Less than two (Odds: 12)

(Only in-game currency bets are accepted. Players who do not choose to bet on the second day of the game will be automatically considered to have forfeited.)

Main Quest: Survival.

Side Quests: None

[Tip: Please consider each choice carefully.]

"One hundred players? Allowing competition? And betting?" Lin Yu stroked his chin. "This game really has a lot of tricks up its sleeve. With these odds, isn't it just forcing players to kill each other?"

He immediately noticed that the game allowed for both competitive play and betting options.

"No deaths, odds of 20..." A hint of amusement flashed in Lin Yu's eyes: "Not a single player dies, this is too fantastical. The system is clearly telling the players that it is impossible for everyone to survive."

With odds of "less than ten" and "less than five" so high, this game seems exceptionally dangerous. It's likely that towards the end, players will even fight each other for the game currency they're betting on.

Lin Yu hesitated about this bet. He was not a bloodthirsty person, but based on the rules and past experience, in this kind of bizarre game with a competitive element, the suspicion and fear between players, as well as the killing intent of the rules themselves, were enough to eliminate the vast majority of people.

It's a fairy tale if everyone survives; if fewer than ten survive, it would be a miracle.

He still remembers that previous game of combat, but he was the only one who survived.

Instead of choosing the odds, he opened the player group chat.

It's already in complete chaos inside.

"Is anyone there? What's going on? Is this a knock-on game?"

"Try to open the door? Is this prompt serious? It feels like sarcasm to me?"

"Any experienced players willing to mentor me? I'm so scared!"

"I've placed my bet! I'm betting more than fifty!"

"Only an idiot would open the door! Whoever does will die!"

"Isn't that possible? The prompt says to open the door as much as possible. What if not opening the door triggers the instant-death rule?"

Anyone want to team up? We can look out for each other!

Information flashed by rapidly, and a mix of emotions swirled around panic, suspicion, probing, and searching for companions.

Lin Yu watched silently for a while without saying anything.

Such temporary team formations are often extremely vulnerable in the face of bizarre rules, and may even lead to their demise even faster.

He closed the group chat and began to carefully inspect his apartment.