Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1231 - 597_2

Considering this, Chen Bingzhong shook his head, actively deciding to cease these potentially perilous speculations.

His attention shifted from the wall, refocusing on the Ancient Bell resting on the table, its surface marred by a layer of greenish-blue rust.

This derivative still possessed a faint residual pollution.

To uphold the safety of the candidates, these examiners are mandated to remain within the interrogation room at all times. They are prohibited from entering the monitoring center or gaining insight into the events unfolding within that alternate world.

Their sole recourse is to intently observe the brainwave patterns and emotional thresholds displayed on the computer screens.

Should a candidate's fear index spike dramatically, approaching the critical red line and indicating an imminent and irreversible mental breakdown, or if they become unresponsive and unable to wake, then...

Chen Bingzhong must swiftly strike the Soul Suppressing Bell. Through a specific frequency of sound waves, information will be transmitted into that world, forcibly guiding the individual's consciousness back to reality.

Naturally, if such a measure becomes necessary, it signifies the candidate's complete failure in the assessment.

"The passage of time within is not the same as in the real world."

Chen Bingzhong's gaze drifted towards the gradually leveling green line on the screen, as he murmured to himself:

"Only seven minutes have elapsed externally, meaning candidate number 263 has not even spent a full day in the Black Rain World."

"Let's observe how many days he can endure within this escalating and increasingly uncontrollable nightmare..."

.........

The hospital entrance in the early morning.

Fang Cheng emerged from the emergency building, his expression clouded with worry as he surveyed the surroundings.

The sky above was a somber, gloomy expanse, resembling a lead-gray curtain soaked through.

Fine threads of rain continued to drift down, and the turbulent events of the preceding night remained vividly etched in his memory.

The image of the paramedics loading his grandfather onto the stretcher, the dark-brown bloodstain oozing from his nostrils, was seared into Fang Cheng's retinas as if branded.

The accusatory voices of his parents echoed incessantly in his ears:

"How could you possibly lay hands on your own grandfather?!"

"Have you lost your mind?!"

Fang Cheng found himself utterly incapable of offering an explanation.

Could he possibly confess that he had glimpsed a monstrous entity wearing his grandfather's very skin?

Could he divulge that this creature had seized his throat with chillingly cold hands, intending to end his life?

Or perhaps reveal that the rain from the previous night had been black, carrying a foul odor reminiscent of decaying fish and rotten shrimp, strikingly similar to the scent emanating from his grandfather?

Who would ever believe such a tale?

Uttering these words would only serve to solidify his parents' conviction that he was indeed suffering from a mental affliction.

Fang Cheng drew a deep, unsteady breath, a bitter sensation rising in his throat.

He lowered his gaze to his own hands.

His knuckles throbbed with a dull ache, a consequence of applying excessive force during the struggle.

The unsightly lump on the back of his hand had not entirely subsided, displaying a faint blue-purple discoloration.

A perplexing mixture of relief and apprehension washed over him.

Relief stemmed from the fact that his strength had not been sufficient to accidentally cause his grandfather's death.

Yet, fear lingered, stemming from the chilling possibility that if faced with a similar situation again, he might still feel compelled to act impulsively and without hesitation.

At times, Fang Cheng genuinely questioned his own sanity, wondering if he harbored violent tendencies.

The grotesque, swollen visage from the night before, the overpowering stench that clung to the air, the unnervingly cold touch of those fingertips... all of it felt profoundly, undeniably real.

So real, in fact, that even now, amidst familiar surroundings, everything seemed to be veiled by a subtle, pervasive layer of gray haze.

The roadside breakfast vendors had just begun setting up their stalls, wisps of steam rising invitingly from their steamers.

Pedestrians hurried along their way, engaged in their daily commutes to work or school.

Everything in Pingjiang County appeared remarkably normal and tranquil.

Fang Cheng ambled along without a specific destination, his gaze absently fixed on the damp floor tiles beneath his feet.

Just as he was about to round a street corner, a momentary flicker of movement caught his peripheral vision.

The shadow was extraordinarily brief, vanishing almost as quickly as an illusion.

Nevertheless, that fleeting, distorted outline instantly dredged up the terrifying nightmare of the previous night in Fang Cheng's mind.

His heart plummeted, and an icy chill, seemingly originating from the depths of his bones, surged upwards towards his head.

Fang Cheng immediately spun around to look.

However, aside from the occasional passing vehicles, there was no one behind him.

He halted his steps, his heart hammering against his ribs.

"Perhaps I'm not truly crazy..."

Fang Cheng inhaled deeply and quickened his pace, breaking into an almost-jog.

Rather than spiraling into overthinking while alone, it would be far more beneficial to head to school and seek out Zhou Ming.

That particular individual possessed a penchant for exaggeration, yet he could often offer some surprisingly insightful perspectives on matters of the "supernatural."

.........

Ding-a-ling-a-ling—

The resonant chime of the class bell echoed throughout the campus, and the classroom erupted into a cacophony of noise almost instantly.

The students seemed to be jolted awake, propelling themselves from their seats one after another.

A dynamic blend of conversations and the scraping of chairs filled the entire space.

Fang Cheng expertly navigated through the throng, his eyes scanning for the distinctive, bowl-cut hairstyle of the boy with thick-framed black glasses.

He located him sprawled across his desk, utterly engrossed in a comic book adorned with the image of an unfamiliar, monstrous creature on its cover.

It appeared as though even the surrounding hubbub was rendered insignificant, completely shut out by the boy's intense focus.

"Zhou Ming."

Fang Cheng approached his desk and uttered his name softly.

Zhou Ming's head shot up abruptly:

"Fang Cheng? What's up? Something you need from me?"

He carefully placed the comic book down, a look of curiosity gracing his features.

Fang Cheng drew over a chair and positioned himself beside Zhou Ming, leaning in slightly with a hushed tone:

"I need to inquire about something. You're always delving into those peculiar matters, aren't you?"

Zhou Ming's eyes brightened instantly. He sat up straighter, adjusting his glasses with a push of his nose.

"Absolutely, as the esteemed president of the Super Research Society, my reputation is quite well-earned, you see."

"What is it you wish to ask? Extraterrestrials? Phantoms? Or perhaps a bizarre vanishing act?"

Fang Cheng's gaze settled on the polished lenses of Zhou Ming's spectacles, his voice laced with hesitation:

"Have you ever encountered instances where individuals inexplicably transform... well, not precisely into people, but into beings that bear a striking resemblance to humans?"

Zhou Ming's mouth parted slightly before he responded with a delighted smile:

"Of course, I'm familiar with such phenomena! Your inquiry strikes right at the heart of it; this is termed 'mimetic memory body,' and it manifests in numerous forms."

"Some are parasitic entities from other worlds, while others are malevolent spirits native to this realm who adopt disguises. Then there's a condition known as flesh and blood distortion, where the body undergoes changes due to unknown substances, gradually twisting its form."

"These monstrosities can initially maintain a human facade, even replicating the memories and habits of the deceased, blending seamlessly into human society. However, over time, their true nature emerges, leading to feral and brutal actions."

He became increasingly animated, his eyes sparkling with fervor:

"What you're likely describing is a 'mimetic evil entity.' This particular type is exceedingly difficult to contend with, as it can perfectly imitate your loved ones and friends, making the distinction between genuine and false nearly impossible."

"Once you become ensnared by such a being, without the aid of the 'Yin Yang Eye' to instantly pierce its facade, overcoming it proves to be a formidable challenge."

Zhou Ming paused deliberately, his gaze imbued with an air of mystery.

Fang Cheng's heart sank precipitously. He clenched his fists, inquiring:

"Then... is there any effective method to combat such creatures?"

Zhou Ming's playful demeanor shifted to one of solemnity:

"Conventional weaponry proves utterly ineffective; confronting these kinds of malevolent entities necessitates the use of 'Superpower' or 'Spiritual Energy'."

"Our Super Research Society is dedicated to the investigation of these very phenomena; each member is a proficient investigator equipped with diverse crime-solving techniques."

"Now, would you consider joining us? I observed your remarkable performance in the recent mathematics class; you possess a significant aptitude for learning, making you undoubtedly qualified to become an outstanding investigator."

Fang Cheng found himself intrigued.

Yet, his thoughts weren't on his mathematical prowess. Instead, they were occupied by the unexpected bravery and strength he had displayed the previous night, abilities that far surpassed his usual capabilities.

This newfound aspect left him pondering myriad questions.

He was about to decline the offer when Zhou Ming continued:

"Incidentally, following the conclusion of school today, we have an exploratory excursion planned. It's reported that peculiar shadows have been sighted recently at the derelict old water plant located on the city's outskirts, and a strange, putrid odor has been emanating from it—quite similar to the descriptions of those 'evil entities' circulating externally."

"We're intending to conduct an on-site investigation, perhaps uncovering some crucial leads."

Fang Cheng's pupils constricted suddenly.

Shadows? A foul stench?

He vividly recalled the fleeting shadow he had witnessed the night before and the lingering stench that had emanated from his grandfather.

With his family occupied at the hospital, he found himself alone at school. This presented the perfect opportunity to pursue the truth he desperately sought.

"Very well, I accept. I will join you."

Fang Cheng's agreement came almost instantaneously.

Zhou Ming, eyes alight with excitement, pushed his glasses up his nose:

"Excellent! You've finally seen the light! Let me explain to you..."

Fang Cheng, however, did not register Zhou Ming's enthusiastic follow-up.

His entire mind was consumed by two potent words: shadow and rotten smell.

Tonight, he held the distinct possibility of unearthing some crucial answers.