Chương 156: Being Tricked
In a house on the edge of a dark town, Bai Yi stared at the short girl beside him, surprised to discover her space ability. No wonder she was so hard to kill.
"Take me to see that resident," he urged, a sense of urgency in his voice. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had been tricked.
Lilia nodded and, without hesitation, their figures faded again. When they reappeared, they found themselves in a more central area of the town.
The residents here exuded a strange energy, each one moving with a clear purpose. Though it was a small, backward town, it felt bustling and alive.
"That's the blacksmith from the shop," Lilia pointed out as they hid in a nearby building, peering through the cracks in space. Few could see the scenery of another layer of reality.
Masked figures flitted in and out of the blacksmith shop, seemingly conducting an investigation.
Bai Yi scanned the area, noting the unsettling quiet. "What are the rules today?"
"Communication is prohibited. Everything else remains unchanged," Lilia replied quickly. Since Bai Yi and Moser had been captured the previous day, she had gathered vital information.
He understood the strictness of the town's rules. If "No Prison Escape" had been among the regulations in his cell, he would have faced severe consequences. However, as a member of the Dawn Team, he would attract the attention of powerful creatures if punished.
"Have you warned Ryan?" Bai Yi asked, concerned.
"Yes, he's infiltrating the mayor's house now. The mayor has been completely corrupted by the rules; it's very dangerous," Lilia responded.
Bai Yi's expression darkened. "Go ask Ryan about any recent changes among the Night Cultists. I have a bad feeling about this."
"Okay, but be careful," Lilia said before vanishing from his sight.
Bai Yi sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and relief. He was glad to have potions; otherwise, he might have been caught off guard again.
In the town's center, Bai Yi consumed an invisibility potion, suppressing his aura to blend in with the masked men. He moved swiftly across the rooftops, his instincts guiding him.
As he neared the town's outskirts, his suspicions were confirmed. The White Blight hunter had tracked Charles, and there was a 90% chance that the blacksmith was indeed Charles! If the White Blight found this place in ten days as he claimed, they would be in serious trouble.
Lilia had mentioned that Moser's execution was abruptly moved to tomorrow. Could it be that the final winner, Pu Sheng, had infiltrated the ranks of the Cult of Night? Bai Yi's intuition screamed at him, and it felt all too strong to ignore.
He glanced towards the underground of the town. If nothing unexpected had happened, an evil god was likely being bred beneath them, and Charles had just arrived. Pu Sheng must have found this place first, entering the world in a short time frame.
A month ago, Sid, the scavenger, had returned with the Heart of God's Evil. It seemed more than one confrontation was brewing in Night Town, and the scavenger had emerged victorious.
Bai Yi's thoughts spiraled. If Pu Sheng had been present during the last confrontation, there would be no hope for his mission. If he hadn't, it meant he had just entered, giving Bai Yi a chance to prepare. With time, he could take over the world.
These old players were irritating, especially those who had come before him. That kick in the prison might have exposed something, but it was too late now. Charles likely didn't know he was here.
Within ten days, Bai Yi needed the power to wipe out Night Town and be ready to strike within three days. Fortunately, he still had an advantage: his teammates.
As he exited the Dark Night Town, Bai Yi recalled his memories, channeling his power through a special wave.
Tsk—
An eagle's cry echoed through the sky, rapidly spreading across the area.
He waited—one second, two seconds, ten seconds. Bai Yi's expression shifted. Had his teammate failed to return?
He drank another potion, further masking his aura, and focused on sensing the earth, searching continuously.
Half an hour later, he found his teammates in a cave, but fell into silence at the sight before him.
A middle-aged man lay there, twisted and lifeless. Bai Yi rummaged through his belongings, finding nearly everything stripped away, leaving only emptiness.
Bai Yi's hand brushed against the cold, stiff body. He had been dead for over two hours.
Their team's collected information on various rule areas was gone, including the rules of this dark town.
Turning away, Bai Yi sought refuge against a tree, waiting quietly.
Tsk—
Time passed, and an eagle's cry, nearly identical to his own, pierced the air.
Moments later, Lilia appeared by his side. "Captain, I spoke to him, but he said he didn't know anything due to today's rules. However, he mentioned that the Night Cultists patrolling the mayor's house have disappeared for four days."
Bai Yi frowned, realizing the implications. "Where's Lark?"
Lilia looked confused and then downcast. "Dead."
She fell silent, guilt creeping in. This was her sixth team; her previous ones had met similar fates. She was beginning to suspect her own luck.
"No," Bai Yi said firmly. "But I need to check if you've been cursed or if it's merely bad luck."
Lilia nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Okay, Captain."
Bai Yi activated his scanning skill, analyzing her data. Everything seemed normal except for her luck attribute, an astonishing 25 points—higher than he had ever seen.
Then he noticed a troubling entry:
[Blessing of Bad Luck: Anyone harboring ill intentions towards you will experience misfortune. The stronger their malice, the greater their misfortune.]
Understanding dawned on Bai Yi, and he reassured her, "You're not cursed, and their deaths weren't your fault."
He stood and patted her shoulder. "Now isn't the time for sorrow. We need to focus. Ryan is still waiting inside."
Lilia lowered her gaze, sadness washing over her. "Captain, perhaps I should quit the team. I'm not fit to be part of the Dawn Squad."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, it's for the best," she replied, her voice heavy with defeat as she turned to leave. "Take care, Captain Gula."
Bai Yi paused, then called out, "Someone may try to recruit you soon. Be cautious when you enter."
Lilia turned back, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
"I suspect the person responsible for Lark's death will invite many Dawn Team members soon. As long as you stay in this area, you'll likely be approached. If he asks where you came from, just tell him the truth."
Bai Yi smiled, confidence radiating from him. "You'll be fine. I've seen your abilities. Anyone who wishes you harm will face their own downfall."
Lilia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really?"
"Absolutely. No one in our team harbors ill will towards you. Their deaths were the work of others. I will avenge them. Will you help me, Miss Lilia?" he asked, his tone warm.
In the capital of the Sabah Kingdom, Bai Yi observed the streets, noting behaviors reminiscent of those in the Dark Town. A flicker of joy sparked within him.
This world wasn't solely governed by rules in the designated areas; rules existed everywhere, albeit with less severe penalties outside those zones. Even gold could circumvent certain restrictions.
It appeared that the Lady of Night's power was heavily restricted by Xia, preventing her from fully influencing the world.
The Kingdom of Sabah was closest to Night Town, which, in truth, lay within its borders. Yet few in the kingdom paid attention to the peculiarities of this rule-laden area.
Not everyone could navigate the rules or explore their depths. Typically, members of the Dawn Team were at least silver-level, with many reaching gold. This world, born from dimensional turbulence, was steeped in a strong demonic aura.
Bai Yi made his way toward the palace, intent on acquiring soldiers, materials, workers, and lives.
Charles had killed Lark and likely realized that Pu Sheng was slowly gaining control over the Cult of Night. No one knew how he managed it, but it was clear he did.
Charles and Pu Sheng shared similar goals. While many Dawn Teams existed, only one Dark Town remained, and it wasn't an outsider. Few would suspect that this unassuming place was the core of the world.
Charles had killed Lark and taken away vital communication equipment and information from the Dawn Team. With enough Dawn Teams gathered, these beings who defied the rules could become formidable soldiers against the world's constraints.
With a stronger force, Pu Sheng's advantage would dissipate.
Bai Yi had sent Lilia to join Charles' team, anticipating that her presence would make him cautious in his actions against her.
However, Bai Yi didn't want to reveal himself just yet. His combat skills were considerable, but remaining unseen was crucial—an invisible sword was always the most lethal. By the time they noticed it, it would be too late.
As he approached the kingdom's gates, soldiers turned to look, and with a flash, Bai Yi vanished, appearing beyond the thick walls.
He closed his eyes, sensing the surroundings before heading toward the king's chamber. The silver-level guards he passed froze in confusion as he slipped by unnoticed.
"Ahh!" A startled cry echoed from inside the chamber. Bai Yi leaned against the door, waiting patiently. After a few moments, the noise subsided.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Who dares intrude upon the king's chamber? Call for help!" the king shouted, his anger palpable.
Bai Yi unleashed a wave of malicious intimidation.
[Your Charisma temporarily drops to -17 points.]
The king's furious expression faltered, his eyes widening as he regained composure. The woman hidden beneath the covers peeked out, trembling.
The king's thoughts shifted rapidly. "What does this little brother want from me?"
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