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

He then began to tally up the gains and plan the next steps.

They defeated the liquidator, obtained the Nightmare Core, and solved the problem of the source of Nightmare energy.

The harvest was plentiful.

The only downside might be that the Nightmare Core produces a little less Nightmare Power. It would be better if there were more. I wonder if there are any extra in this game world.

I should have asked Old Chen back then.

Now we don't know where he's gone.

Lin Yu shook his head.

"Never mind, I'll ask again when I have the chance. We can't let our guard down in the next few days."

After pondering for a moment, Lin Yu decided to focus on consolidating his progress for the time being.

Although Old Chen said the shelter was unable to send anyone else in, this was only his opinion, and he didn't really know how much power the shelter actually had.

If the other side has another trick up their sleeve, he'll have to think things through more carefully.

However, it was clear that Lin Yu had overestimated the shelter's capabilities.

Just as Lin Yu was cultivating in his apartment, a sudden chat window from a friend interrupted his daily routine.

【Shelter 005】: Player Lin Yu, we need to have a chat.

Lin Yu looked at the suddenly popped-up friend chat box and the highly distinctive ID [Containment Facility 005], and a mocking smile appeared on his lips.

It seems Old Chen was right; these guys have no other means of coercion.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have contacted me so inexplicably.

[The Witcher]: ?

The other party seemed surprised by Lin Yu's concise response, pausing for a few seconds before sending a message.

【Shelter 005】: Player Lin Yu, first of all, on behalf of the shelter, I express my regret for the unpleasant experience you had in this game.

The liquidator's unauthorized actions were a serious violation of our internal regulations, and he has paid the price for his actions.

Lin Yu chuckled and typed a reply.

[The Witcher]: Regret? Price? I killed him, so of course he paid the price. What, are you here to collect his corpse? Too bad, not even ashes were left.

On the other end of the communication line, a man in a white suit sitting in a pure white space had his brows furrowed deeply beneath his mask.

He suppressed his anger and continued to respond in an official tone.

[Containment Facility 005]: Mr. Witcher, please watch your words. We are not enemies. The Pursuer's actions were due to his personal loss of control and have nothing to do with the purpose of the Containment Facility.

We are committed to safeguarding the overall interests and security of all players and the game world.

[The Witcher]: Speak plainly, what do you want from me? I don't have time to listen to your nonsense.

[Containment Facility 005]: ...Alright, let's get straight to the point. Regarding everything that happened in this game, especially the details related to the Liquidators and their summons, we would like you to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

In compensation, the shelter is willing to provide the following resources:

① One [Radiant Stone-level Skill Selection Card].

② Three pieces of diamond-level equipment.

③ The friendships forged in the internment camp, and the intelligence support for certain future worlds.

④ 100,000 game coins.

At the same time, we assure you that all the unpleasantness you have experienced will be put behind you, and the containment center will not pursue the ownership of the [World Power Core] in any way.

The terms were quite generous; the value of a single Obsidian-level skill selection card was immeasurable, not to mention the diamond-level equipment and so-called "friendship" and intelligence support.

In addition, the promise not to pursue the core issues further is an offer that is almost impossible for the vast majority of players to refuse.

However, Lin Yu only glanced at it, his face showing even more mockery.

Is Lin Yu someone who lacks equipment and skills?

You must be joking.

[The Witcher]: Ha, what's the value of your "friendship" in the internment camp? I still prefer your unruly ways. Now that things have been exposed and a worker has died, you think you can just cover it up? There's no such thing as a free lunch.

The man in the white suit looked extremely grim beneath his mask.

He hadn't expected Lin Yu to be so difficult to deal with.

He's just a Platinum-level player, but his willpower is so strong. Even with such generous offers from the shelter, he's not tempted at all.

[Containment Facility 005]: Mr. Witcher, please note that this is not a deal, but a solution. I hope you understand the situation.

The internment camp's power far exceeds your imagination. It's unwise to be our enemy. Accept our terms, and we'll all live in peace; otherwise…

Upon seeing this reply, Lin Yu's expression of sarcasm intensified.

[The Witcher]: What else? Send another hired hand to die? Or are you planning to get involved yourselves?

Enough talk, let's fight! You want me to shut up? Fine, let's see who's stronger and who collapses first!

[Shelter 005]: ...You! Very well! I hope you won't regret it!

Soon, the communication was unilaterally and abruptly cut off by the other party.

Lin Yu stared coldly at the vanished chat box, a chilling glint in his eyes.

Regret? They're the ones who should regret it!

If you try to use threats or inducements, he won't fall for it. No matter what your strength is, he's not afraid.

……

On the other side, outside the game, inside the shelter, in a pure white space.

The man in the white suit—Special Agent No. 005 of the shelter—slammed his fist hard on the control panel, making a dull thud.

"You bastard! You ungrateful wretch!"

The virtual projection lit up, and the figures of three high-ranking officials in black appeared again.

"He refused?"

The middle female executive spoke in a low voice, revealing little surprise.

"It's more than just a refusal! He's utterly arrogant!"

Number 005 reported through gritted teeth, "We can't reach an agreement at all! He's completely unyielding!"

The hot-tempered executive on the left instantly flew into a rage: "Outrageous! A mere Platinum-level player dares to so blatantly disrespect the authority of the containment facility just because he had a lucky encounter. We must teach him a lesson!"

I suggest we activate the final contingency plan immediately; even at a great cost, we must eliminate him completely!

The high-ranking official on the right echoed in a chilling tone: "Agreed. This trend cannot be allowed to continue. We must make an example of one to warn a hundred, so that all players know the consequences of challenging containment order."

005, immediately prepare for forced intervention and request the use of the 'special game activation card,' even if it triggers system review, to start the next game the moment he leaves the game world!

The female executive frowned, her bad premonition growing stronger. She tried to dissuade him one last time: "Wait! Forced intervention is too risky! Besides, there's something strange about his apartment; even the Abyss Dragon and the Liquidator perished there."

If we fail, the consequences will be unimaginable! Should we consider other options? Or perhaps apply to higher authorities...?

"Enough!" The high-ranking officer on the left rudely interrupted her. "Applying to higher authorities? 001 wouldn't even bother with such a trivial matter! Hesitation will only lead to missed opportunities! We must resolve this with swift and decisive action now! Otherwise, once he exposes this, we'll be even more passive! 005, execute the order!"

A glint of ruthlessness and excitement flashed in Number 005's eyes: "Yes!"

Just as he was about to operate, a calm and emotionless voice rang out simultaneously throughout the pure white space and even in the consciousness of all the internment camp members.

"All personnel with Level 3 or higher authority in the shelters, assemble immediately in the main conference room."

The sound was very soft, yet it was as loud as a great bell, causing Number 005 to stagger and almost collapse to the ground.

The projections of the three high-ranking officials in black also fluctuated violently, as if they had been subjected to a great shock.

"It's...it's 001!" The female executive's voice trembled with disbelief.

"Why...why would he suddenly summon them?" The anger in the voice of the high-ranking official on the left disappeared, leaving only fear.

"At this point in time..." The voice of the high-ranking official on the right was also filled with unease.

"Assemble immediately!" The three dared not delay in the slightest, and the projection vanished instantly.

Number 005 slumped in his chair, his face deathly pale, cold sweat instantly soaking through his white suit.

001, the founder of the containment facility and the first inmate designated by the system, but he rarely interferes in the various affairs of the containment facility and spends most of his time cultivating.

It's been a long time since I've spoken out so directly.

This sudden summons, especially the explicit requirement for those with level three or higher authority, made him feel quite uneasy.

……

The main conference room of the shelter.

This is a space whose vastness and strangeness cannot be described in words.

It felt as if I was in the starry sky, with a flowing galaxy of data beneath my feet and runes constantly being created and destroyed all around me.

One figure after another appeared, all of them high-ranking members of the containment facility, dressed in black suits and wearing masks with different numbers.

They stood silently without exchanging a word, the atmosphere oppressively suffocating.

Finally, three figures appeared; they were the three top-level executives who had previously communicated with Number 005.

Their masks are numbered 002, 003, and 004.

At the highest point in front of all the figures, a blurry ball of light slowly condensed, gradually forming a seemingly ordinary human figure. He had no mask, and his face was shrouded in soft light, making it impossible to see clearly.

He is 001.

No one knows his true identity, or even whether he still fully belongs to the category of "players".

"001." The three people led by 002 (the fiery executive on the left), along with all the executives present, bowed slightly to show their respect.

001's gaze calmly swept across the entire room, finally landing on 002, 003, and 004.

"Report on the execution of the forced containment order regarding game world number 31, 'Nightmare Mansion'."

His voice resonated directly in everyone's consciousness, without questioning or emotion, simply demanding a report.

002 braced himself, stepped forward, and answered as calmly as possible: "001, an unexpected incident occurred during the execution of the instruction."

The target player, "The Witcher," was seriously misjudged. He possesses a highly unknown protective power, which led to the failure and fall of the Executor, the Purifier.

We are evaluating follow-up options and plan to initiate mandatory intervention...

"Forced intervention?" 001 interrupted him, her voice still calm. "Using a special game activation card and containment facility permissions to allow players to enter the next game immediately after leaving the game—is this your so-called follow-up plan?"

002 felt a chill run down his spine. 001 knew so much! He quickly explained, "Yes...yes, the target player is extremely dangerous, and their attitude is unyielding. They refuse to cooperate, seriously threatening the enforcement of containment regulations and..."

"According to Chapter 1, Section 1, Article 1 of the Core Regulations," 001 interrupted him again, his voice still completely flat.

"The primary principle of the shelter's existence is to absolutely adhere to the system rules. Under no circumstances should the system rules be actively distorted, damaged, or circumvented in any form."

Your proposal violates the primary principle.

003 couldn't help but speak up in defense: "001, the situation is special! That player possesses the 'World Power Core'! That's an extremely high-risk item! We must..."

"The risk assessment and handling procedures are clearly stipulated in Chapter 4 of the Custody Regulations." 001's voice was completely devoid of any fluctuation.

"Report, observe, negotiate, or guide the plot to resolve within the scope permitted by system rules."

Who authorized you to arrange for the liquidators? Who authorized you to use the Abyss Summoning? Or rather, who authorized you to interfere with the dangerous containment object in-game after containment negotiations failed, attempting to forcibly recover it?

Each of his questions struck like a heavy hammer blow to everyone's heart.

004 lowered his head, feeling utterly powerless.

002 was still struggling: "We...we're here for the containment facility! To maintain balance! The system allows our existence precisely to handle these 'dirty jobs' that the system can't directly deal with!!"

If we don't take a strong stance, imagine the chaos that will ensue if those high-risk items spill out! We are simply doing our duty!

"The system's tacit approval is not the same as authorization." 001 said slowly, "The initial duty of the containment facility is to assist the system in handling rule anomalies that 'overflow', to contain 'BUG items' that may affect the normal experience of players due to fluctuations in the system itself, and to store some items that are too dangerous or special within the framework of the system rules."

Rather than...actively hunting players to steal items, and certainly not acting above the rules.

He paused, then continued, his tone shifting for the first time with a subtle, almost sigh-like change, but that change vanished instantly, returning to absolute calm: "You've strayed too far."

The so-called balance is merely a mission you've imposed upon yourselves, not a requirement of the system. The system itself doesn't need this so-called balance. Moreover, items like the World Power Core aren't system bug items; you've already overstepped your authority.

These words struck like a bolt from the blue, sending shivers down the spines of all the top executives!

Their long-held beliefs and code of conduct, according to 001, are merely "self-imposed"? Or perhaps even... wrong?

"No...impossible!" 002 roared in disbelief.

"Without us! Those players who wield forbidden power would have been long gone..."

"No need to say more, the system is already aware of what happened in World Number 31." 001 interrupted him again, announcing the final verdict.

"Based on multiple serious violations by the containment facility, including but not limited to: exceeding authority in enforcing forced containment, abusing the authority of the liquidator, attempting to distort system rules, and persecuting players beyond the scope of the rules."

"System ruling: The shelter organization is to be disbanded immediately."

"All members' containment status has been revoked, and all related privileges, permissions, and all power, equipment, and resources obtained through illegal means will be reclaimed by the system."

"All former inmates will be reinstated as players and return to their respective apartments. Players who have been released from inmate status will face three more high-risk special games in the next three games."

"This ruling is effective immediately."

quiet!

Deathly silence!

Everyone stared wide-eyed at 001 in disbelief, as if they had heard the most absurd and terrifying thing in the world.

Disband? !

Reclaim everything?!

Returning to being a player?!

This is even worse than killing them. They've become so accustomed to the privileges, power, and superior status that containment brings. To turn them back into "ordinary" players? To lose everything? How could that be possible!

"No!!!" 002 was the first to scream frantically, "This can't be! 001! We've sacrificed so much for the system! We've maintained the stability of so many worlds! How could you do this to us?!"

003 completely lost his composure: "The system can't abandon us after we've served our purpose! Without us, who will keep those out-of-control, high-risk players in check?! Who will safeguard those dangerous items?! Chaos! It will definitely lead to massive chaos!"

004 raised her head, her eyes filled with despair and a hint of relief. She murmured, "As expected... as expected, it still came to this..."

001 calmly watched their frantic questioning and shouting, as if watching a farce that had nothing to do with him.

Only when their voices gradually faded into despair did he slowly speak, uttering the words that would ultimately plunge them into an icy abyss: "The system will never be out of balance."

"After the shelters are disbanded, new agent organizations will emerge."

They will adhere to the rules more strictly and handle real rule overflow issues.

Of course, they might encounter the same problems as us soon, but the system won't care; just create another organization.

"As for the high-risk players and items you're concerned about..."

001's light seemed to flicker slightly, and his gaze seemed to pierce through space, landing on a player who was taking stock of his loot in an apartment.

"The system has its own metrics."

"And you, take care of yourselves."

As soon as he finished speaking, 001's figure slowly disappeared, as if he had never been there.

Immediately afterwards, the entire conference room began to violently shake and disintegrate!

To everyone's horror, the high-ranking members of the containment facility discovered that their suits were dissipating like dust, their masks were shattering and falling off, and the power within them—far exceeding that of ordinary players and granted by the containment facility's authority—was receding like a tide.

The advanced equipment, massive resources, special skills... everything that was once possessed was forcibly stripped away and reclaimed under the system's immense power!

"No--!!!"

"My strength! My equipment!"

"How could this happen! How could this happen!"

Desperate wails and frantic screams echoed through the collapsing conference room.

As 002, 003, and 004 felt the reality of their internal power plummeting to the diamond level, their faces turned ashen, their eyes filled with endless regret, anger, and fear.

They lost everything they were proud of and became ordinary players again, the ones they once looked down upon and even manipulated at will.

What awaits them is not only the loss of power, but also... retaliation from players or forces they have offended in the past.

The shelters have been running rampant for so long that they've made quite a few enemies.

If those guys knew their current situation...

In addition, there are three special games after you become a player again, which are extremely dangerous.

Looking at her two companions who were on the verge of collapse, and feeling the long-lost sense of weakness within herself, 004 closed her eyes bitterly.

everything is over.

The so-called "maintaining balance" ultimately led to its own downfall.

This is perhaps the greatest irony.

……

On the other side, in another empty space.

Countless enormous spheres, emitting a soft white light, float in the void, connecting with each other through invisible data streams and exchanging massive amounts of information.

This is where system administrators gather.

At this moment, they are holding their 123rd discussion on the proposal to establish a new "third-party player management organization".

"...In summary, based on the historical data model 'Containment Facility-117's' operational logs and the analysis of the final cause of its collapse, it is recommended that the new organization 'Overseer-001' adopt a similar architecture, but add three layers of verification to the permission approval process and implant a more stringent core protocol for rule compliance."

A sphere of light with a steady, waveless sound proposed a solution.

"be opposed to."

Another voice immediately responded: "Adding unnecessary checks will significantly reduce response efficiency."

History has shown that when faced with highly unpredictable and high-risk rule spillover events, efficiency takes precedence over absolute safety.

It is recommended to adopt a "dynamic permission threshold" model, allowing frontline members to request temporary permission escalation in emergency situations.

"The risk is too high, and the abuse of temporary privilege escalation is one of the key factors that caused the loss of control at Asylum-117." Another voice joined the debate.

"Could we introduce a 'dual-track system'? Establish permanent order maintainers to be responsible for daily supervision, while simultaneously forming an elite crisis response team to handle high-intensity emergencies, granting them higher authority but subjecting them to stricter independent oversight..."

The discussion took place amidst cold data and logic. The light orbs kept throwing out solutions, analyzing pros and cons, and conducting simulations, trying to find a perfect solution that could effectively handle rule overflows and high-risk items while absolutely avoiding repeating the mistakes of the containment facility.

But the discussion seems to have gotten stuck in a loop.

No matter how the plan is adjusted, new loopholes will always emerge or potential risks will be proven.

Establishing an organization that possesses both coercive power and absolute self-discipline seems like a paradox in systemic logic.

Just as the discussion seemed destined to end in failure again, and preparations were underway to move on to the 124th round of simulation—

hum!

A ripple suddenly spread across the center of the meeting space without warning.

An indescribable will, yet one that made all the core management processes tremble, quietly descended upon this place.

This will is not directly manifested, but rather, like background radiation, silently permeates the entire space.

This is the will of the system itself.

Before the managers could react, a white beam of light appeared out of thin air and fell from the center of the meeting space.

Within the pillar of light, a vortex slowly took shape.

The next moment, a figure stepped out—work clothes, messy hair, thick glasses, and a smile that clashed with the serious atmosphere around him.

The visitor was none other than Old Chen.