Midnight arrived quietly, and Yu Yu lay in bed. On her fair wrist, she wore a gaming bracelet with two deep blue beams of light silently wrapping around it. The thick fog had spread imperceptibly, pressing against the windows as if watching for something.
There was a sound...
Yu Yu had been chatting with the shop owner in the scroll store when she suddenly got a headache that grew increasingly painful. She had to log off temporarily to see what was wrong with herself. As soon as she opened her eyes, Yu Yu heard movement outside her door. Truthfully, her hearing had been getting better lately.
"...Hiss...hiss."
Something was sliding, pressing against her door, and the doorknob even began to shake slightly.
Yu Yu: "..."
Fortunately, she had a habit of locking her door. Since the thick fog had risen at night, Yu Yu had never turned off her lights, so now the room was as bright as day. Yu Yu couldn't help but look toward the window. The fog outside was closer than ever before, as if pressed against the window, churning violently, trying to penetrate the barrier of light to envelop Yu Yu.
"Yu... Yu..."
A familiar voice sounded from outside the door. It was a voice Yu Yu had heard just today.
Her voice was extremely soft and gentle: "I know you're awake..."
"Let me in..."
"Let me in..."
Yu Yu took a deep breath. She shouldn't have been greedy for that overtime pay. She quickly got up and began moving the table to block the door. She didn't try to be quiet, as that would only frighten herself and serve no purpose. If the thing outside could come in, it would come in whether it heard her movements or not. If it couldn't come in, it wouldn't matter how much noise she made.
Of course, it might also need some time and effort to get in... this was what Yu Yu was considering.
Table, bed, chair.
She didn't forget about the fragile window, retrieving a toolbox from under the bed and hastily nailing up the leftover iron bars. This time, the thing outside also seemed to remember the window was more fragile than the wooden door, and it suddenly pounced.
It was a face both familiar and strange.
Half-rotted, half-grotesque, with wooden textures replacing human tissue, and eyes cloudy and white. Yu Yu was hammering nails when she found herself face-to-face with it through the window. She accidentally hit her finger, causing excruciating pain.
"Yu Yu..." it seemed delighted, "I knew you would save me..."
Yu Yu continued hammering nails at a steady pace. "Why didn't you go to work today?"
Wang Rui's body seemed to have changed structure, with a long, thin neck, while her torso remained below the window. Yu Yu could only see that her shoulders were bloody, unable to make out exactly what was happening. To be honest, her current appearance was truly disturbing to look at.
Yu Yu continued hammering nails steadily, still questioning her, "Old Li told me to find you today, said you weren't at work and would dock your pay..."
Wang Rui seemed dazed for a moment, "...Dock, dock, let her dock it then."
Her face pressed even closer, staring at Yu Yu's face as if fascinated, "Will you help me? Yu Yu?"
"Tell me what you need."
Yu Yu had already hammered in the fourth nail. She was working at the fastest speed of her life.
"Become... one with me..." she stared at Yu Yu's face obsessively, "Believe in my master... my great master..."
Yu Yu finally hammered in the last nail, looked at her finger, and found it was purple.
"I don't believe you. Get lost."
The window was somewhat secured, and Yu Yu could no longer stand at the window making empty talk with her. She continued finding things to block the door and window. Wang Rui didn't speak, but Yu Yu could feel her bizarre, sticky gaze from outside the window, like a wet earthworm gradually wrapping around her.
Yu Yu was a new employee and wasn't familiar with the older staff. Seeing that she made no movement for a while, Yu Yu called the police for what felt like the umpteenth time these days.
"Beep... Beep..."
Yu Yu stubbornly continued to dial. Busy signal, busy signal, still busy signal.
Yu Yu gave a bitter smile, "Seems like many people are calling the police?"
As she smiled, she gradually couldn't smile anymore. Could it really be like that?
Then...
She instinctively looked toward the window. That rotted and bizarre face was pressed directly against the window, its nose like a bloody hole staining the glass red, while murky liquid flowed down steadily.
"...You can't escape," she stared at Yu Yu, blue light flickering in her eyes, "Come, serve me..."
"Serve..."
Yu Yu stared at her eyes, her face expressionless as she turned away. It's all that damn boss's fault. At a time like this when she couldn't sleep, her boss still wanted to sleep?
Dream on.
Yu Yu couldn't get through to 110, so she changed to calling her boss's number. This time it connected easily.
She sounded hoarse, as if she had been asleep, "Yu Yu, you better have a good reason."
Yu Yu wore a cold expression, "Of course I do."
"What is it? Speak quickly."
"Wang Rui came to find me, what should I do?"
"What does she want with you? In the middle of the night..." the woman seemed to roll over, muttering.
Yu Yu suddenly felt refreshed, "I sent you a photo, take a look and you'll know. Remember to bite your tongue."
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"Aaaahhhh..."
Li Xuanyun tumbled out of bed, "What are you doing? Scaring me like this in the middle of the night..."
Yu Yu glanced at the thing outside her door, "Should I let her say something to you?"
"Wang Rui."
"Yu Yu..." her voice was soft, "Let me in..."
"You can't escape..."
"Let me in..."
Even though her home was on the 18th floor, Li Xuanyun suddenly felt her hair stand on end. This voice... this voice...
She seemed to have heard it before...
She had heard it...
Heard it...
"Did you hear that?" Yu Yu switched the phone to her other ear.
"I think I've heard it before..." the woman's voice on the phone also began to lower.
Yu Yu: "...?"
"Yu Yu..." Li Xuanyun's voice also grew gentle, "Where do you live..."
Yu Yu's hand trembled, and she immediately hung up. She looked outside again; the monster had disappeared at some point, leaving only murky reddish-brown liquid on the glass. Yu Yu saw that there was also a puddle of something under her door, a dark, inky color, like oil.
Her first thought at this moment was surprisingly, good thing this apartment is rented. Otherwise, her germophobia would have kicked in. After a distracted moment, Yu Yu didn't dare to go online again. Was she dreaming, or had she played too much of "Eternal Darkness" and was experiencing hallucinations?
Wang Rui... a very real young woman, although not very familiar to her, but in the past, she could see her hanging out with friends, full of vitality...
How did she become...
Hopefully, it was just a dream. She looked out the window. The distant lights seemed to be like her, resisting the thick fog outside, like a series of isolated islands.
Is it a dream?
Probably.
The day should have dawned. Yu Yu used "should have" because under the thick fog, even sunlight didn't appear bright. Yu Yu logged in briefly to have Wind Ran take her character back to Moon Bay Town.
For the time being, she really wasn't in the mood to play the game. She wasn't reckless enough to risk her life playing a game. At the very least...
She needed to move, right?
This haunted place couldn't be stayed in any longer, or else tomorrow she would come back, and who could bear that?
Yu Yu was hungry, but she had no appetite. She endured until daylight and called the police again. The female operator seemed exhausted too. After Yu Yu calmly recounted what happened, the operator listened calmly and replied, "We understand. Take care of yourself, and we'll contact you if there's any news."
Yu Yu thanked her. Putting down her phone, her heart continued to sink. As expected. They all knew, as she suspected. They all knew. How many times had this happened?
How many days had the fog been present?
Six days or seven?
How could this happen?
Yu Yu thought again of "Eternal Darkness" and that foolish classmate who had deleted their character. Was "Eternal Darkness" the instigator? Or one of the anomalies?
The earliest anomaly...
Could the game have come to life? No way, right?
Yu Yu laughed to herself, then couldn't laugh anymore.
So scared.
She had finally paid off her breach of contract penalty and was looking forward to living well and enjoying life. How could she encounter something like this?
Even though Yu Yu had become quite good at self-consolation over the years, at this moment she still felt an oppressive weight on her heart. She sat there numbly until daybreak. As her hunger grew, it eventually subsided. She just sat there blankly until morning. Until her phone rang, buzzing on the bed.
Yu Yu wiped her face, "Hello."
"Yu Yu, you've got some nerve! Wang Rui didn't come to work yesterday, and now you're not coming either?!"
"I quit." Yu Yu didn't know what expression she wore at that moment; she just said almost numbly, "Old Li, I've resigned."
The other side immediately panicked, "What? Why are you quitting? Haven't I treated you well?"
"I'm just giving you a few words of criticism, right?"
"Don't you need money? Why quit? How am I going to explain this to her?"
Yu Yu was silent for a moment, "Did you receive my call last night?"
"Call? What nonsense are you talking about? When did you call me?"
Yu Yu: "Check your phone records."
Li Xuanyun looked completely confused, "I don't care, you must come to work. You signed a contract. At most I'll..."
She bit her lip, painfully conceding, "Give you three days off. After three days, you must come back to work."
She sensed something was wrong with Yu Yu's tone. After saying this, she hung up immediately without waiting for Yu Yu to respond.
What call? She had slept soundly last night, she...
She casually checked her call history, intending to verify her thoughts, but suddenly froze. There really was a call?
Last night... had Yu Yu called her?
Why didn't she have any memory of it?
"Xuanyun..." a gentle voice sounded from behind her.
Li Xuanyun turned around puzzled, "What is it?"
"Let's go out for something delicious, are you coming?"
Li Xuanyun responded irritably, "No, no."
"Wait, aren't you here to work..."
She suddenly realized. Why did they suddenly call her Xuanyun? Everyone in the company called her Old Li, even newcomers like Yu Yu called her Old Li...
For some reason, she suddenly felt a chill down her spine. Meanwhile, Yu Yu had recovered her composure.
Work? Hell no. Running around at a time like this would be asking for death, especially having to travel through the fog. When Yu Yu knew nothing, she wasn't afraid, but now...
First priority: move out.
She was considering the safety of her previously rented apartment. So she searched online while downloading the "Essential Home Supplies Checklist" that was widely circulated online, though most people just laughed it off except for a few. Why was that neighborhood so deserted?
After checking the reason, Yu Yu was stunned. Modern people have strong adaptability, but...
Even dogs wouldn't stay in a place without WiFi. And that neighborhood was abandoned for exactly this reason. Despite being a riverside property, due to magnetic field issues, there was no WiFi or mobile signal no matter what they tried, so gradually people left...
But Yu Yu remembered that the last time she navigated there, everything seemed normal, with no indication of poor signal. Could the magnetic field have improved, but wealthy people just didn't know yet?
Yu Yu was thoroughly confused. Did she need a crowded place with many people, or a solid, secluded place?
Crowds had their advantages. If something happened, others might notice and possibly save her. Perhaps the monster might target someone else at a crucial moment? Right?
If she lived alone, she might end up trapped and die there. But Yu Yu couldn't make up her mind. She knew her financial situation and couldn't afford a good place. If she shared housing, with all kinds of different people, what if she ended up with a houseful of people who had contact with monsters?
If she lived on a high floor, she wouldn't be able to escape. The "Eternal Darkness" attributes were right; her physical constitution and strength were terrible, and she couldn't cast spells in reality.
~Edit and rewritten by Rikhi, Reiya_Alberich, ReiNyam~
Unless they were all weak monsters like Wang Rui, who couldn't even break a window, making the iron bars she nailed up unnecessary. As for the possibility of being rescued, Yu Yu immediately thought of the operator's tired voice. If even they didn't have the energy to save people, who could save her? Random fellow tenants?
Moreover, Yu Yu also wanted to know why Wang Rui had come looking for her specifically. Why ignore so many people above and below her apartment to travel so far to find her, likely wearing her legs out in the process?
Could it be because of her strong mental fortitude? Haha...
Yu Yu paused, "I still need to move."
Having convinced herself, Yu Yu accepted the fact that she needed to move. Now there were two final questions: one, had people died there? Yu Yu needed to test the situation, lest she send herself into the tiger's den; and two, would Wang Rui be able to find her new home?
So, Yu Yu decided to sleep at the new place tonight with her clothes, and everything would become clear. No one lived there, but the house was much more solid than her current one. The windows had iron security bars, and the door was a double-layered security door; the previous owner seemed quite cautious.
There was open space in front and behind, enclosed by a low iron fence, forming a small yard. In terms of security, it was certainly better than this place with its wooden door. Yu Yu finally processed her emotions completely, patted her face, and got up to work. For example, taking down the iron bars, putting the furniture back in place, and cleaning the windows and door.
That night, Yu Yu rode her electric scooter to the new house, using the key given by the agent to enter and look around. Outside, the neighborhood was gloomy, but inside it was spacious and tranquil. The floor was a gentle light wood color, and the furniture was mostly in soft hues, creating an overall quiet beige palette, spacious and clean.
Yu Yu had fallen in love with it at first sight.
It wasn't very large; downstairs was the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and dining room, while upstairs was the master bedroom and two guest rooms, with the master bedroom having its own bathroom...
Well, actually it was quite large, though not as large as the place Yu Yu had lived in during her more affluent days. However, the only common point was that neither belonged to Yu Yu.
She was just a passerby.
Yu Yu hoped that when she became wealthy, she could buy a house solid enough for herself. She would wrap it in steel plates to make it a fortress. With all lights on, Yu Yu turned on every lamp and then went upstairs at her leisure. Tonight she would sleep here.
She locked all the doors and windows downstairs but left the second-floor windows unlocked. She had brought a rope, which she tied around her waist while sleeping. If danger came from inside, she would immediately jump out the window. From a risk-avoidance perspective, Yu Yu shouldn't sleep in the master bedroom, but... she was here to test the risks.
Today she didn't log into the game and fell asleep peacefully. When she woke up, it was already daylight.
...It seemed nothing had happened?
Yu Yu was confused for a moment. Was Wang Rui so weak? She really hadn't found her?
She waited until noon before leaving. Looking at the low fence outside, she wanted to replace it with spiked walls, as there was no sense of security otherwise. The neighborhood was truly deserted, without even a dog. However, there were plenty of small animals. Yu Yu saw many birds along the way, as well as some stray cats hurrying about. In the quiet, uninhabited neighborhood, it seemed surprisingly full of life.
Yu Yu moving.jpg
The process needs no elaboration; anyway, Yu Yu had relocated her base. When she returned that day, she saw the black liquid at her door and on the window, suggesting Wang Rui had been peering through the window again. But she hadn't found Yu Yu.
Yu Yu had originally planned to test for a few more days, but standing at the door, she felt a chill and decisively rented a car to move by herself. She didn't have many possessions to begin with, and most came with the rental. Only bedding, books, computers, and similar items took up space, but that was about it.
She moved everything in one day and settled in that same day. She paid the agent and signed the contract. Naturally, Yu Yu had recordings, photos, and a black-and-white contract. Now, having escaped the annoying Wang Rui, Yu Yu was comfortably nestled on the downstairs sofa, surrounded by soft lighting and a cozy warmth.
The computer was temporarily on the coffee table as Yu Yu calculated her remaining money. Earlier, she had logged in briefly to sell all her in-game gold coins at a rate of 100 yuan per silver, earning three thousand yuan. The game was becoming increasingly popular, with many willing to spend money. Adding to the money left after paying rent, she now had a little over 3,500 yuan.
So poor.
Life is hard, Yu Yu sighed. She opened the supplies checklist and began shopping. At this point, instant noodles could no longer be her main food, but fortunately, this place had a refrigerator. For the rest, she'd have to see later.
Purified water, grains, oils, salt, seasonings, pickled vegetables, tissues, medicine for inflammation, colds, diarrhea, and so on...
Limited by money, she could only buy common items. While deliveries were still possible, she should buy more. If only she really knew magic, maybe she could grow crops in the yard. Yu Yu thought for a moment and downloaded a cooking app with offline recipes, which might be useful.
Checking the time, Yu Yu decided to go online. Since she couldn't work, she had to return to her old profession, or how else would she stockpile supplies?
She had once been a hall-of-fame player, part of a top-tier team. Young and proud, full of vigor, harmonious with teammates, appreciated by the boss...
Just some clichéd stories. Yu Yu closed her eyes and entered the game. After logging in, Yu Yu's brow was somewhat furrowed. She first rubbed her face.
"I heard you quit your job?"
Yu Yu's back tensed as she turned sharply.
It turned out to be Shu Tu.
She was almost scared to tears.
Damn that gentle voice, she thought Wang Rui had followed her into the game, scaring her to death. Shu Tu sat on the edge of the bed, slowly munching on a piece of black bread, "What are you afraid of?"
Yu Yu only then realized that she hadn't worn her hood when she logged off. All her efforts wasted. If it had been the previous day, Yu Yu would have exploded with anger, as she didn't want any connection with Shu Tu and the others.
But now...
"Are you still in Huyu City?"
These players, for various reasons, were mostly gathered in Huyu City.
Shu Tu glanced at her, "Rong City."
Seeing Yu Yu's expression, Shu Tu paused, "Just finding a place to retire, that's all."
Yu Yu steadied herself, "Moving?"
Shu Tu: "?"
Yu Yu spoke and immediately realized her mistake, thought for a moment, and then said, "Stock up on food, don't go out if you don't have to."
Shu Tu was slightly puzzled and was about to ask when Feng Ran casually walked in.
"You're finally awake?"
"When you suddenly logged off that day, we were startled," she continued, "By the way, someone from your academy came, asking you to return quickly to complete the task."
"I knew the academy valued you. It's just one task, yet they sent someone to urge you. It's definitely not my imagination."
Yu Yu stood up, "Got it, thanks."
Shu Tu slowly followed, "I have a task here and would like your help."
Yu Yu was tying her messy hair, "Tell me."
Shu Tu shared the task with her.
[Clear the Moon Bay Town Underground Passage]
(Damn rats from who knows where! They've blocked our underground passage to Silver Moon City! Damn it! Kill them! Kill them! I'll give you satisfactory compensation!)
That irritable tone was clearly from the Governor. Compared to the cold Sister Fei, this Senior Ka'an was truly hot-tempered...
Yu Yu: "My spiritual power is weak now, one second of engagement, twenty minutes of cooldown. Are you sure you want to team up with me?"
"Yes."
"Alright, are there any other members? We're both fragile."
"No, I only asked you."
"Then I'll find... hmm, preferably someone who doesn't want loot..."
"Feng Ran, aren't you on leave recently?"
Feng Ran was a perceptive rogue, and she hadn't gone far at all.
"I want a share of the loot," she stated firmly, "I'm very poor right now."
Yu Yu: "Fine, the three of us will split it equally."
Feng Ran was surprised, "Aren't we getting a warrior?"
"Can't you handle a few rats?"
Feng Ran immediately straightened up, with a cold and proud expression, "How could I not?"
Shu Tu was stunned for a moment, "We can... form a party?"
Yu Yu: "Why not?"
The NPCs even envy how quickly we learn skills, so why couldn't we form a party?
Shu Tu: "...That works."
Her pet Banban wouldn't have to take the hits now; let the NPC handle the rats.
Her gaze turned to the proud rogue, and she nodded in a gentle acknowledgment. Feng Ran raised her chin even higher.
Confident, composed, proud, hmph.