Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1363: Cupid’s Arrow

The Knights of the Round Table’s strategy had faltered, resulting in even greater losses. Critically, all those who perished were transformed into Shadow Figures, causing their numbers within the Asylum to surge exponentially in an instant.

Lancelot’s anxiety mounted. After agonizing deliberation, he opted to relay the unfolding events to Yang Xinxin, recognizing their present reliance on the other team for solutions.

Upon receiving Lancelot’s transmission, Yang Xinxin’s conviction in her own insights solidified. Zhang Yi had instructed everyone to remain inactive but vigilant, constantly scanning all surroundings, including the ceiling and floor, as the threat from these directions remained unconfirmed.

Yang Xinxin cradled her chin, deep in contemplation. “Conventional assaults prove utterly ineffective against the Shadow Figures. However, Rule Three stipulates the game’s conclusion hinges on eradicating all mental patients. This implies a method of erasure exists, albeit a specialized one.”

Suddenly, Batu's voice resonated, “Esteemed participants, refrain from alarm. My sole directive is to detain you for twenty-four hours. Upon expiry, this confinement will vanish. Those assimilated are not deceased. To avert unforeseen consequences, adhere strictly to the rules and observe the mental patients for the duration.”

Despite outward scorn and condemnation of Batu's nefarious intentions, relief washed over everyone internally. The absence of immediate life-threatening danger made even the direst outcome manageable.

Zhang Yi scoffed, “A mere psychological ploy! Moreover, can the word of an adversary be trusted? Leniency could prove fatal.” He refused to jeopardize his safety based on the potential word of those actively plotting against them.

Presently, however, Zhang Yi lacked a viable alternative. This complex, mentally taxing predicament necessitated the sharpest intellect, Yang Xinxin, to engineer a breakthrough.

At that moment, Yang Xinxin abruptly raised her head, her obsidian eyes gleaming with intense focus. “The rule fragments are coalescing, yet certain aspects require verification.”

Zhang Yi regarded her with evident approval. “Do you have some ideas?”

Yang Xinxin advanced deliberately. Two formidable Shadow Figures obstructed their path at the corridor's center. “Let’s ascertain the truth through action!”

A subtle white luminescence emanated from her form, manifesting a colossal angelic projection behind her moments later. This towering angel, sporting six wings—the vanguard of Western mythology—possessed three pairs of wings in scarlet, azure, and sable, symbolizing lust, retribution, and rancor respectively. Yang Xinxin's ability, codified as [Desire Angel], operated on rule-based principles and possessed the formidable capacity to sway the human heart.

“Given these entities are manifestations of a rule-based ability, what outcome ensues when countered with an analogous power?” Yang Xinxin raised her refined right hand, extending a slender finger towards one of the Shadow Figures. “My power is similarly absolute; any struck by my arrows must yield to my command. Let us now determine the supremacy of our respective dominion!”

With her pronouncement, the Desire Angel manifested a longbow in its left hand. Plucking two crimson feathers from its wings, it transmuted them into arrows, drew the string taut, and loosed them towards the two stationary Shadow Figures. The Desire Arrows silently infiltrated their forms.

Yang Xinxin scrutinized them and issued her decree. “Approach.”

Yet, despite repeating the command thrice, the Shadow Figures remained utterly immobile.

A heavy sigh escaped Zhang Yi’s lips as he murmured, “It appears their dominance prevails.”

Yang Xinxin responded with measured calm, “Naturally, on their home ground, their influence would be paramount. Nevertheless, my objective was to gauge the extent of my ability’s sway upon their rules.” She turned, casting a glance at Zhang Yi. “Brother, deploy your Dimensional Gate before me.”

Zhang Yi grasped Yang Xinxin’s intention instantly. “You intend to lure them into my Dimensional Space?”

Zhang Yi’s Dimensional Space could passively contain inanimate objects, but it lacked the capacity to actively collect living beings or entities possessing anomalous energy. However, voluntary ingress presented a distinct possibility. “Are you proposing to feign vulnerability, entice an assault, and guide them into my domain?”

Yang Xinxin clarified, “That constitutes only a portion of the plan. A more critical verification is required: precisely how potent is my Desire Arrow’s influence upon them? Theoretically, any individual struck by my Desire Arrow should exhibit an absolute unwillingness to attack me.”

Understanding her strategy, Zhang Yi gave an affirmative nod. “Understood.” He instantly deployed Manifold Phenomena, constructing a cube-shaped barrier that completely encased Yang Xinxin. He then instructed the others to turn their gazes away gradually. With everything prepared, he announced, “Xinxin, it’s time.”

Yang Xinxin shut her eyes. When she reopened them moments later, the two Shadow Figures were positioned directly before her, just at the threshold of the Dimensional Gate, yet they seemed hesitant to enter its influence.

A frown creased Zhang Yi’s brow. “Are they able to detect the Dimensional Gate?” Such a capability would be truly frightening.

However, Yang Xinxin held a different view. A subtle smile graced her lips. “Brother, we are now one step closer to discerning its movement patterns. Nevertheless, I require another experiment.” She glanced behind her. “I need a subject for this test.”

Despite her gentle wording, what she truly required was a willing sacrifice for experimentation. Without a word, Chodak designated one of his most courageous soldiers to step forth.

The Desire Angel, positioned behind Yang Xinxin, extended its hand once more, plucking two additional feathers. This time, however, the feathers morphed into vibrant pink arrows, their tips intricately shaped like tiny hearts. “Cupid’s Arrow! This ability causes the two individuals struck by these arrows to fall irrevocably in love, compelling them to protect each other and imposing an absolute decree against harming one another.”

Upon concluding her explanation, the Desire Angel unleashed the rule-infused arrows, directing them towards the soldier and one of the Shadow Figures. Subsequently, Yang Xinxin instructed the soldier to advance. She then repeated the process, ensuring everyone else averted their sight from that particular Shadow Figure. She commanded the soldier to close his eyes and awaited the outcome of the unfolding events.