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1.43% Gate of Revelation / Chapter 11: Identity Crisis

Chapter 11: Identity Crisis

The campsite within the valley was very lively.

The Wind Slasher Guild that Sara is part of was located at the left side of the mountain. Chen Xiaolian found that the location was a very good spot. The left side of the mountain has the highest amount of steepness, thereby eliminating the problem of defending the rear. In addition, the leeward winds here were better than the blowing winds in the mouth of the valley.

Most importantly, the terrain here is clearly somewhat higher compared to others.

Glancing around hastily, Chen Xiaolian determined that this place is definitely the best location within the entire valley – Putting it in a different manner, for the ‘Wind Slasher Guild’ to be able to secure this piece of terrain when faced against so many other teams, their strength must be very good.

On his way into the camp, Chen Xiaolian had been secretly making preparations. Even though he had not revealed any flaws before Sara and Damon… he was very clear that a person capable of becoming a leader would have top-notch abilities, especially in the area of thought process. He was very worried that when facing the one known as Team Leader Newton, he would end up being exposed.

When he laid eyes on Newton, Chen Xiaolian broke out in cold sweat.

Newton… is that pilot!

The “I wish you good luck” fellow!

Newton possesses a lean body shape and was wearing a combat soldier uniform reminiscent of an interstellar science fictional movie. Chen Xiaolian noted that upon his waist was an exaggerated looking metal belt; several card slots were affixed on it.

Sara took the initiative to move forward. Before Chen Xiaolian’s eyes, she passionately hugged Newton – that was definitely not a simple hug between comrades. Chen Xiaolian was incidentally able to see Sara gently pinching Newton’s waist in a secretive manner.

Sara conversed with Newton in a low voice while pointing at Chen Xiaolian.

Newton walked over.

Chen Xiaolian suddenly felt cold sweat flowing out from his back. He tried to maintain a façade of indifference and composure, carefully placing his uncontrollably trembling hands behind.

“You are the newbie that Sara picked up on their way?”

Newton’s face was expressionless; however, Chen Xiaolian could feel the traces of vigilance within his gaze.

“Yes.”

“We seemed to have met before? At the airport, the washroom’s entrance.”

After Newton said those words, Chen Xiaolian almost answered subconsciously. But, he instantly realized what was going on!

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Chen Xiaolian shook his head in a dull manner.

Too dangerous!

He nearly forgot. That Sara was obviously unable to recognize him… In other words, after she transformed from the chief flight attendant into Sara, she could no longer recognize him!

Thus, if he is a ‘normal player’, then he should not have any memory from before the plane crash!

But… something is not right… if everyone would lose their memory, then why could this Newton remember the incident that happened at the entrance of the washroom?

Sara who was at the side laughed. “Newton, have you really met this kid before?”

“En, in the airport washroom,” Newton lightly replied. “He lost his boarding pass and was nearly unable to board the plane.”

“Hahahaha… how absent-minded, Xiaolian, it appears the host body that you have been given is not too good…” Sara giggled softly, causing her huge breasts to quiver.

Sara moved forward and squeezed his face again. (Damn it, why does she like to keep doing that?) Sara laughed and said. “Our Team Leader is this time’s Navigation Staff. He had arrived even before the plane began flying off. That is how he could recall everything that happened in the Lower Plane. Back then, you have yet to arrive, it is only natural that you cannot remember.”

Navigation Staff… Arrive…

Chen Xiaolian quietly memorized those critical words deep within his mind.

Seemingly having lost interest in questioning Chen Xiaolian, Newton waved his hand. “All right, let him go mingle with the other newbies.”

Damon brought Chen Xiaolian over to the smallest tent, and then kicked him on his thigh. “Rest here and get to know your team mates. Remember, our Wind Slasher Guild have only two requirements: When orders are given, do not be lazy. When there are none, do not cause trouble.”

There are four people within the group of newbies, a stocky middle-aged Asian man. He sports a Mediterranean hairstyle. A young woman with a bland and skinny appearance, she gives off an indifferent expression and gaze. A strapping and sturdy white man, his body resembles a big brown bear… one glance is enough to determine that he is a Russian tribal warrior.

The last one is a youngster whose age is about the same as Chen Xiaolian. He seemed to be around eighteen-years-old with highly average looks. However, his eyebrows are very thick, just like a pair of brushes.

Mediterranean raised his head to glance at Chen Xiaolian before closing his eyes and continued resting. The skinny female was seated beside a fire pit, concentrating solely on cooking some unknown food.

The tribal warrior was in the midst of performing push-ups. He raised his head to look at Chen Xiaolian before continuing.

As for the youngster, he stared at Chen Xiaolian up and down for a few seconds, his eyes showing a somewhat strange expression. Nonetheless, the youngster shifted his seating position to allow Chen Xiaolian to sit beside him.

Chen Xiaolian took the hint and sat beside him.

“My name is Xiao Lian (face), you?”

“Han Bi.”

Han Bi’s voice was a little hoarse and he lowered his head. A few seconds later, he could not help but raise his head and look at Chen Xiaolian for a bit.

The four of them were wearing similar looking clothes, a black coloured army like protective suit. It seemed to made of certain composite materials.

“Xiaolian, your equipment have been issued.”

Not far away, Sara threw over a protective suit. Chen Xiaolian caught it hastily.

“Wear it quickly, we will be bringing you out in the night for a quest.”

After saying that, Sara left.

Chen Xiaolian looked at the protective suit in his hands… honestly, the shape is reminiscent of the protective suit worn by a certain special force in ‘Dragon Ball’. However…

How to wear it?

This item seems rigid, giving off the feeling of hard plastic. A cylindrical shaped body… could it be that it needs to be forcefully pulled down through the head?

Chen Xiaolian suddenly realized the danger that he was in! If he does not know how to wear this suit, would that expose his true identity?

He raised his head. Fortunately, none of the surrounding people were looking at him. As for the few newbies…

En?

The youngster called Han Bi was looking at him quietly.

Chen Xiaolian’s heart sank, he could feel that Han Bi had seen through him.

Suddenly, Han Bi made a minor movement, which caused Chen Xiaolian’s eyes to lit up.

Han Bi twisted his head. Then, putting an act of scratching himself, his left hand forcefully pushed down on a spot behind his right shoulder.

Chen Xiaolian quickly checked the back of the right shoulder on his protective suit and found a depressed notch.

Chi…

It was as though air was being vented out. The originally stiff protective suit suddenly turned soft. Chen Xiaolian quickly wore it. He turned to look at Han Bi who had at an unknown time turned back his head. Han Bi looked at Chen Xiaolian, his eyes carrying a trace of a meaningful… smile.

Chen Xiaolian became nervous.

In the evening, Damon walked over to the newbie group. Standing there, he pointed. “You, you and you, follow me. The rest of you are responsible for catching twenty Firefly Frogs. Return before dawn!”

The ones he pointed out were Mediterranean, Skinny Woman and Tribal Warrior.

As for Han Bi and Chen Xiaolian, they were assigned the quest of catching ‘Firefly Frogs’.

Observing Damon lead the three people away, Han Bi turned to Chen Xiaolian. “Let’s go. If we fail to complete the quest, we will be punished.”

Chen Xiaolian noticed that Han Bi was winking at him secretly, causing his mind to be shocked.

The two of them left the valley’s campsite. As they were passing by the members of other teams, they could clearly feel the disdain and faint hostility directed at them from within the other teams’ gazes.

Chen Xiaolian remained silent and followed Han Bi out of the valley. The two of them entered the forest, continuing onwards until they reached a small stream. There, they could faintly hear the sounds of insects…

Suddenly, Han Bi stopped. He then violently turned around; without giving Chen Xiaolian any time to react, he had thrown his hunched body to crash into Chen Xiaolian!

Chen Xiaolian was greatly surprised. He instinctively backed away, but Han Bi had already produced a shining dagger in his hand. The dagger stabbed towards Chen Xiaolian’s neck!

Chen Xiaolian was startled and immediately pulled out his own light sabre. He exerted himself to push Han Bi back, then he snapped in a low voice. “What are you doing!”

Han Bi held on to the dagger in his hand and faintly smiled at Chen Xiaolian. He suddenly extended his left hand. Upon it was something small and black, with the shape of a bottle cap.

Puchi…

It was as though something was leaking out and the protective suit that Chen Xiaolian was wearing suddenly became soft. The originally durable composite material turned into something akin to snot, sticking softly onto his body.

“This…” Chen Xiaolian turned pale.

Han Bi’s eyes lit up even more. “As I expected! You do not even know how to use the Beginner Protective Suit. After wearing it, you did not close off the safety device! This is the most basic knowledge, don’t you know?”

Han Bi walked forward, his eyes staring at Chen Xiaolian in an imposing manner. “You, are not a ‘Player’!”

Chen Xiaolian’s heart was shocked!

Instinctively, various thoughts flashed through his mind… I am exposed! What to do now? Run? Silence him?

It was at this moment in time that the sounds of footsteps came from a distance away. There were also sounds of conversation, signalling that there was more than one person!

Chen Xiaolian was able to recognize that the voices belong to Damon and the other three newbies.

This time, he had lost all hope!

Forget silencing Han Bi, he would not even be able to escape! As long as Han Bi shouts out…

It is all over!

His hand that was gripping onto the light sabre was already filled with sweat, dripping profusely.

It was at this time when Chen Xiaolian had already lost all hope…

Han Bi suddenly made a strange move. He quickly hid his dagger and vigorously waved at Chen Xiaolian – It seemed that Han Bi was indicating to Chen Xiaolian to not say anything. Han Bi also pointed at the light sabre in Chen Xiaolian’s hand.!

Chen Xiaolian was shocked. Han Bi stared at him with widened eyes, seemingly anxious.

Chen Xiaolian followed and turned off the light sabre.

“Why are you two here?”

Damon brought the other three person over, his face frowning. “Why aren’t you working? Are you lazing about?”

Han Bi slowly replied in a dull voice. “We could hear the frog sounds earlier. After you came, they were frightened away.”

“… Don’t make excuses. If you fail to complete the quest, I will personally punish you.”

Damon stared at the two of them with an overbearing attitude. Then, he led the three newbies towards another direction and left.

After they had left far away, Chen Xiaolian breathed a sigh of relief. But, his heart pounded again as he looked at Han Bi with a complicated expression. “You… just what is it that you want?”

Han Bi spread open his arms, and slowly walked over. His next words nearly caused Chen Xiaolian’s heart to jump out!

“What if I tell you, I am also the same as you? I am not a real ‘Player’.”


Chapter 12: My Fan Turned Against Me!

“You don’t believe? My real name is Han Bi, ID number 3301XXXXXXX… Residence, Hangzhou City West Lake District… I study in the XX twelfth high school. My trip this time was done to represent my school in an international aircraft model competition. Your seating position in the First Class cabin is one beside the window. The reason I am able to remember you is because of the beautiful little loli that was sitting beside you. Am I right? As you can see, I can remember everything clearly. If I am one of them, I should not be able to remember those things.”

Chen Xiaolian listened as his tightly clenched fists slowly lightened.

He asked. “Then, how did you…”

Han Bi did not reply immediately. He first moved to one side and checked his surroundings. After ensuring that there was no one around, he waved to Chen Xiaolian. “Come with me, this place is still too close to the camp. Let us find somewhere we can talk.”

After walking downstream for a few hundred metres, the two of them sat down face to face behind a huge rock in a rocky area beside the stream.

Han Bi began his narration.

“When the plane crashed, I fainted. However, there was a peculiar feeling, akin to having electricity flowing through my entire body, causing my heart to beat rapidly!” He pointed to his chest. “My heart seemed to have transformed into a large water pump, and I felt as though every blood vessel in my body were going to burst. After that… the airplane landed and I realized that those around me were all in the same condition as me. All of them had expressions of discomfort on them.”

“After the plane successfully landed, the pilot, Newton came out from the cockpit. It was then that I realized that something was wrong with the people around me.”

“En, how do I put it? It was as though they had turned into strangers. It was as if…”

“They were no longer who they were.”

“How did you come to that conclusion?” Chen Xiaolian asked.

Han Bi smiled bitterly. “You have seen the skinny woman in our group of newbies, right? She is the teacher in charge of our competition participation. But, after the airplane landed, she suddenly could not recognize me.”

A cold shiver ran down Chen Xiaolian’s spine… it was a somewhat terrifying feeling.

“In the beginning, I did not understand what had happened. But then I saw that everyone was very calm. It was as though… they did not just recently experience a plane crash, but had successfully completed a journey and had arrived at their desired destination.”

“Everyone was feeling excited. In addition… the one known as Newton quickly brought everyone away from the plane. En, there were some people who seemed to know one another. These people then came together to form a number of groups.”

“Back then, I was terrified. I realized that I was the only who was different. Thus… I dared not do anything that was different from them and could only remain in silence.”

“Due to that, they assumed that I am a ‘newbie’.”

Chen Xiaolian asked thirstily. “And then?”

“After that… I was invited by Newton into his team. He is a Navigational Staff and seemed to be willing to accept ‘newbies’. Let me tell you, the other teams were all unwilling to accept newbies. With the exception of our group, no other teams have newbies in them.”

“What then is a newbie?” Chen Xiaolian.

“The meaning of newbie… it probably meant that it is their first time joining this ‘game’,” Han Bi smiled bitterly. “I have been pretending to be a dull and reserved person. Sometimes, I also pretended to be a little stupid; I also did not engage in too much conversations. Thus, the information that I gained is unlikely to be detailed. Most of the time, I maintained silence and tried to eavesdrop on the conversation of others, making speculations bit by bit.”

Having said that, Han Bi laughed. “Take this protective suit , for example. In the beginning, I too do not know how to wear it. I deliberately acted sluggishly, lazing away as I observed the other newbies wearing it first. Then, I learnt how… that was how I did not get exposed.”

Chen Xiaolian asked in a heavy tone. “Then, what is this ‘game’? Where exactly are we, are we even still on Earth? Or, could we have transmigratedinto another world?”

Han Bi laughed. “That is also the one thing I wanted to know right at the beginning.”

He then produced a peculiar looking thread and placed a few thin hooks on it. Next, he took out something thick and sticky that seemed to be a medicine of sorts. Han Bi carefully applied it on the hooks before throwing the thread into the creek, his hand holding onto the thread.

Chen Xiaolian nodded. “En, why could the others recognize each other?”

“Exactly!” Han Bi replied. “Clearly, they have experienced this ‘game’ more than once. They have teams and their own organization. En, it is just like the guilds that we have in online games. If that is true, then comes another problem… who exactly was it that organized this game? In this world, what powerful organization could create such a magical game? You should have already obtained some super powers, right? And then there are those strange monsters. Have you ever encountered such an incident in our present reality?”

“No,” Chen Xiaolian firmly shook his head.

“That is why… I feel that not even the current US government could have the ability to create this game.”

“Then, perhaps we have really transmigratedto another world, thus explaining the strange monsters and these super powers?” Chen Xiaolian asked.

This matter is within his line of work after all. As an online web writer, the cross over setting was the first thing to cross his mind.

“Perhaps your speculation is correct. However, I have another opinion.”

“Do tell,” Chen Xiaolian squinted his eyes.

“Look around, there is only one sun in the skies and one moon in the night. There are also the seas, land, plants and temperature; day and night lasts for 24 hours… it seemed as though there are no differences between our Earth and here, right?”

“Could it be that the solar system in which this world is located in would ‘coincidentally’ have one sun as its star? This planet also just ‘happen’ to have one moon as its natural satellite? In addition, this planet’s speed of rotation is also similar to Earth. It also happen to have the same level of gravitational pull? Don’t you think that this is too coincidental?”

“Thus, in the beginning I felt that we should still be on Earth.”

“Or perhaps… this is a virtual reality modelled after Earth and we have been sucked into this world by some mysterious force; similar to … things like online games or a movie or even a novel.”

“You mean infinite element?” Chen Xiaolian spoke out the term from his ‘profession’.[1]

“That is right! That is what I meant! You read online novels?” Han Bi laughed.

Chen Xiaolian smiled but did not answer.

“I have only heard of some people being dragged into the infinite element… I have never heard of an entire Boeing plane being sucked into an infinite element virtual world…” Chen Xiaolian smiled bitterly. “This is still just a speculation on our part. After all, infinite element is something that the online novels created.”

“True that,” Han Bi thought about it and agreed with Chen Xiaolian. “We will need to slowly feel it out and find the answers. En… but we need to be careful not to expose ourselves. I feel that these people are not the good type. Since you have read novels on infinite elements, you should know just how brutal and bloody things can get…”

“I still do not understand, why is there such a difference between us and the other newbies.” Chen Xiaolian pondered upon it. “All of us are in this game for the first time, so why is it that the other newbies could seem to understand many knowledge as common sense while we…”

“That is also what is causing me so much distress,” Han Bi smiled bitterly. “I have come to realize something. All of them… newbies included, are all clear on why they are here. They are aware of what they need to do, aware of the ‘common knowledge’ such as the methods of wearing the equipment and those rules. However, the two of us had seemingly entered here by accident… as though…”

“You mean unauthorized entrant?” Chen Xiaolian’s eyes lit up before turning dismal. “If this truly is an infinite element type of world, then those who were together with us in the plane, are those who came from the present Earth, just like us. Do you realize what this means?”

Han Bi was momentarily stunned.

Chen Xiaolian sighed and smiled bitterly. “This means that within our present Earth, there exists an infinite element related organization! Think about it, how terrifying is this?”

Han Bi was dumbfounded and both their faces turned somewhat gloomy. Even the atmosphere had turned heavy.

At this moment, the thread in Han Bi’s hand suddenly shook and he reacted immediately. His hand pulled and the thread that was thrown into the water was brought out. Several frog like creatures with black bodies were hung upon the many hooks below the thread.

Each of them was of the size of a matchbox.

“This… is Firefly Frog?” Chen Xiaolian stared with widened eyes.

“En, they will automatically glow in extremely dark places – I heard others talk about it and had it memorized. I applied the bait that Damon gave me on the hooks. These things are easy to catch. As long as you apply the bait, it will get hooked by itself,” Saying that, Han Bi handed him a hook and a small piece of bait. “You try.”

“Would these things attack?”

“Be careful not to come in contact with the mucus within their mouth. Your skin will turn red and itch. That is all.”

Seeing Han Bi throwing the Firefly Frogs into a bag, Chen Xiaolian had a sudden thought. “I think… their next move would probably be to enter a very dark place that has no source of light!”

Han Bi nodded. “I thought about it as well yesterday. They have been sending people to capture this stuff for the past few days.”

The two of them got busy for a while and finally managed to catch 20.

As they were about to return, Han Bi suddenly asked. “That is right, you said you are called Xiao Lian (face), but what is your real name?”

“… Chen Xiao Lian, Chen (陈) with East (东) on its side, and Lian which means practice.”[2]

Han Bi suddenly frowned, he tilted his head and pondered on something. “Chen Xiaolian, Chen Xiaolian… why does this name sound so familiar?”

He gave Chen Xiaolian a puzzled look. “Eh? I remember there is a rather famous web writer, his pen name is Fatty Uncle Wu. His real name seems to be Chen Xiaolian, could it be…”

“…hehe,” Chen Xiaolian laughed dryly and hesitated for a moment before nodding his head and admitting it. “That is me.”

“What the hell! Aren’t you a thirty something year old fat uncle?” Han Bi jumped. “You are neither an uncle nor fat!”

“Eh, that is simply a joke. I purposely hid my true state.”

Han Bi exhaled, the stare he gave Chen Xiaolian turned more peculiar with every passing moment. “In other words… it really is you? The ‘Law of XX’, ‘Unparalleled XX’ were written by you? I have supported you up to Hegemon before!” [3]

“Really? You have supported me all the way to Hegemon before? Heavens, are you my hard-core fan?” Chen Xiaolian was surprised.

“Fan your sister! You keep leaving your chapters with no update, breaking your promises; this senior had long since turned against you! Back then, the one who got banned after cursing you in the review section is me!”

Chen Xiaolian. “ … ”


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