Survival Difficulty: Level 3[Unsafe] [Unstable] [Sparse Entities]
Yang Tao walked down the shadowed corridor, faint mechanical hums brushing against his ears. He ignored them at first, but as he ventured deeper, the clamor of machines grew ever clearer.
Suddenly, the sound reached a threshold, and he felt the surroundings shift. Glancing back, the path he had taken vanished, replaced by another tunnel, equally endless.
"That was abrupt…"
He reached out to brush a thick pipe at his side, a small smile playing across his face. Pipes, machinery, and other devices crammed the already narrow space, severely restricting movement. Above, fluorescent lights hung crookedly, casting weak, uneven illumination.
Prolonged exposure to such a stifling, chaotic environment could easily unsettle the mind.
"So many pipes… this must be the place."
Unlike the Main World, no monsters spawn here. Yang Tao regretted this, though he could always compensate by creating iron golems in abundance.
"It's almost dawn. Let's let Conan and Eric rest for now, and continue exploring tonight."
He summoned the teleporting wooden door again. Back in the safe zone, he heard Eric's concerned voice: "Did you encounter any danger?"
"No."
Yang Tao glanced back. Sure enough, a new wooden door had materialized on the misty wall. He affixed a signboard above it, labeling it as Level 2.
"Come on, Conan. I'll send you back first."
…
Outside Ekoda High School in Nakano, Tokyo.
Warm sunlight poured over the campus, illuminating young female students exuding youthful energy. Yang Tao restrained the urge to whistle, mentally reminding himself: These are all under eighteen… though why do they all look so mature? And those miniskirts… will I end up in some fanservice-laden anime world next?
School Apocalypse isn't bad…
Conan tugged at his sleeve, whispering, "High schools won't let us in so easily…"
"Who said we had to enter through the front gate?"
Though Japanese anime often portrays high schools as easily accessible, reality was far less accommodating. Yang Tao carried Conan along the outer walls until they found a suitable entry point and slipped inside.
"See? We're in. In this world, roads don't exist until people tread them."
Conan muttered, "…I don't think that's the intended meaning of the proverb."
As they approached the main building, Yang Tao chatted, "That's why you can't grasp the essence of classical Chinese texts. Have you heard of the Lunyu?"
"The Lunyu? Isn't that Confucius?"
"No, no. That's the Sage's teaching. I'm talking about the way of conduct in life—they're two different things."
At that moment, a purple-haired female student appeared before them, expressionless, blocking their path.
"Do not disturb Kaito's life, or misfortune will befall you…"
Her wine-red eyes radiated caution. She had foreseen Conan's arrival, but not Yang Tao's.
"Koizumi Akako?"
Yang Tao studied the beautiful student before him. "That's my guess—animations and reality differ."
"That's correct. Who are you?"
A sly smile curved Yang Tao's lips. He stepped forward, closing the distance to less than half a meter.
"Koizumi Akako, final heir of the Crimson Magic… who gave you the courage to stand before a warrior?"
As he spoke, a stone sword pressed against her abdomen, dislodging a button on her uniform.
Akako, proud and unaccustomed to threats, immediately erupted with power—crimson magic coiling around her. Her lips moved as if chanting incantations.
"Ah, combat inexperience… spells that aren't instant-cast are unreliable."
Bang.
Yang Tao swung a hand like a blade at her neck. Contrary to expectation, Akako did not lose consciousness—only her spell was interrupted.
"Huh? Not knocked out? Perhaps I used too little force?"
He struck again, this time with greater intensity.
Akako was slammed to the ground, emitting a painful wail.
"You…"
Conan, unable to remain silent, said, "Mr. Yang Tao, you're striking the wrong spot. Even if you broke her neck, it wouldn't knock her out. And now we've drawn attention."
Yang Tao looked up—several students were observing, some approaching.
"Teach me later!" he said, bending to help Akako up, feigning concern. "Akako, are you okay? Should I escort you to the infirmary?"
He added quietly, "I know you disregard ordinary students, but I doubt you'd want me causing a bloody scene here, right?"
Akako flushed, struggling, but as a magic user focused on intellect and spirit, not physical strength, she could not break his grip.
"What… what do you want?"
"Hehe, I imagine you wouldn't want Kaito confined either, right?"
Nearby students expressed concern: "Akako, are you alright?" "You're not from our school—release her!" "I'll take you to the infirmary."
Yang Tao merely tightened his hold slightly, letting her manage the situation.
Not wishing Kaito's identity to be exposed, Akako reluctantly said, "I'm fine. Just a bit of low blood sugar. Take a break and leave me to talk with my friend."
Her explanation was persuasive; the few infatuated students turned away. Yang Tao released her and teased, "Akako's charm truly is remarkable…"
"I suppose it's partly your magic that makes it so. Lead me to Kaito… or Aoko Nakamori, if you like."
The encounter granted a modest increase in world exploration points—less than a main character from Conan, but far more than minor episodic characters.
"If you dare harm Kaito, I, as a witch, will ensure you suffer."
Yang Tao shook his head at the young girl. "Remember: never threaten someone you don't understand. Now, because of your words, I've decided to double the hush money."
"Ah? You intend to demand money from Kaito?"
Akako, the sole heir of a witching lineage, scoffed—money barely covered materials for two potions.