A thin figure emerged from the darkness.
Lucas finally saw his face clearly.
He shared the same racial features as the three NPCs, but he was taller than the red-haired youth—though also thinner, with a hunched back and watchful eyes devoid of fear.
What caught Lucas's attention most was the glowing mark on his forehead—like a blood-red number carved into his skin:
31.
[Risk assessment based on host strength...]
[Creature in restricted zone: No danger]
That number... it was too distinct.
"Could he be a player who became a creature in the restricted area?"
Lucas eyed the danger tag closely.
"No danger for now..."
No. 31 stepped inside.
The red-haired boy recoiled instinctively, backing away in fear.
No. 31 scanned the group.
"It was too dark," he began quickly. "My friend fell into a hole. I was looking for tools nearby when I saw your car outside... so I came hoping for help."
He looked genuinely anxious.
"He's still waiting down there. Please... can you help me?"
The two NPCs who had been arguing earlier exchanged glances, then nodded.
"We'll come with you!"
No. 31 looked relieved.
"Thank you! You guys are the best."
Lucas watched silently as things played out.
The red-haired boy didn't intervene—
Maybe he didn't dare.
The two NPCs left with No. 31.
As soon as they were gone, the red-haired boy kicked the door in frustration.
"I told them! Don't go out at night! If they die, it's on them. I'm done caring!"
He was clearly terrified of what night brought in the forbidden zone.
Lucas took the opportunity to ask:
"What happens when you leave the building at night?"
The red-haired boy rubbed his scalp, frowning.
"I don't really know...
But everyone says, 'Don't step outside after dark.'
Something always happens."
Lucas didn't press further. It was clear the NPC didn't have complete knowledge of the dungeon's rules.
Once he calmed down a bit, the red-haired boy looked around.
"Wait—where's that beautiful girl?"
Before Lucas could reply, he mumbled to himself:
"People disappear all the time in the restricted zone. When they come back, they're either dead... or not human anymore. Shame. She had a pretty face."
Lucas glanced out the window.
The forbidden zone was drenched in black, like ink spreading endlessly across the land.
No light. No sign of dawn.
Late into the night, Lucas noticed the red-haired boy wasn't sleeping.
He kept muttering quietly to himself:
"They're gonna die... they're all going to die..."
Time passed.
Da... da... da...
Footsteps echoed softly from somewhere beyond.
Then came voices—cheerful, laughing.
A group emerged from the darkness, walking toward the abandoned residential building.
The red-haired boy rushed to the window and peered out.
His eyes widened.
His voice trembled with disbelief:
"THEY... they're back?!!"
Lucas sat up immediately.
His hand reached quietly for his bloodstained kitchen knife.
The group included not only the two NPCs who had left, but also No. 31 and...
A man with him—presumably the friend who had fallen into the hole.
In the lobby, Lucas and the red-haired boy confronted the returning group.
The reunion was filled with awkward camaraderie.
[Risk assessment based on host's strength...]
[Player Ferry: Intermediate danger]
[Player Wei Ranran: Approaching high intermediate danger]
[Player Jason: High danger]
[Player Caleb: High danger]
[Creature in restricted zone: No danger]
It made sense now—No. 31 had been the bait.
He'd sought help specifically from NPCs.
"So, No. 31 is now a creature. But the others? They're still human... players."
Lucas remained behind the red-haired boy, trying to minimize his presence.
The other four players had clearly made modifications to hide their identities.
Bandages, sleeves, or improvised wraps covered the number markings on their bodies.
"So they don't trust each other... but they still formed a team."
No. 31 leaned close to his teammates.
"I checked everyone here. Just NPCs—no players. And it seems this place is part of the hidden plot."
Hearing that, the other players began to smile, more animated now.
: ??
: Why does everyone keep thinking Lucas is an NPC?!
: Probably because his number's on his wrist, and he hides it with his watch. It looks totally natural.
: Also, Lucas treats NPCs with actual respect. That makes him blend in better than the others.
: JUST IN—Live room No. 48 (Jason) just revealed his target is... LIN BEI!
: WHAT A TWIST!
: Lucas still hasn't realized it!
: It's bad news. He already killed the one exploitable zone monster. Jason might be cautious now. Lucas needs to RUN!
: Lucas, you're in danger!!
Lucas ,unaware of the viewers' panic, observed silently.
His focus fell on the only female player among the five.
Her face had turned pale.
And her system assessment was shifting:
[Player Natalie: Intermediate danger]
[Player Natalie: Low danger]
[Creature in restricted zone: No danger]
Ding dong!
[To Be Continued...]
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