The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1393 1393: Just a Little Bit More

"Hmm..."

Liu Zheng pondered deeply, genuinely unsure how to respond.

If a departure were necessary, he would certainly be amenable. The Metropolis, after all, presented a perilously dangerous environment, with countless eyes fixed upon him.

However, a decision to remain was not entirely out of the question.

Being a solitary individual, his chosen location held little significance; everywhere felt the same.

Perhaps it was Niu Ma's presence, but Liu Zheng felt an unexpected sense of belonging.

"Why do you inquire about this?"

He countered.

"Wishing to linger in the Dungeon World is a rather common inclination. Most players find their original lives lacking, and the Hell Base is hardly an ideal destination either."

"However, prolonged stays within the Dungeon World can precipitate two distinct outcomes,"

Xia Kai explained.

"And what might those two be?"

"One involves assimilation by the Dungeon World, incurring dissatisfaction from Hell's Game. The other entails the Dungeon World succumbing to erosion by Hell's Game, leading to its rejection of the world."

"Neither scenario promises a favorable conclusion."

"Therefore, if your intent is to remain in this realm, it is prudent to avoid extending your stay indefinitely. Successfully clearing an instance and then seeking an opportunity to return later is the wisest course."

"Indeed, numerous methods exist for revisiting previous instances. With your capabilities, you can undoubtedly acquire them,"

Xia Kai assured him.

"The Dungeon World being eroded by Hell's Game..."

Liu Zheng retreated into contemplation.

All available intelligence pointed to the Metropolis occupying a terrifyingly elevated status.

Yet, Hell's Game possessed the capacity to deploy participants across various worlds, suggesting a position no less significant than the Metropolis.

Should these two formidable entities clash, his position as the focal point of their conflict meant his fate of being crushed was far more certain than any potential benefit he might glean from either side.

"Are there any discernible indicators for these two eventualities?"

Liu Zheng inquired.

"That is unknown. I have only heard hearsay,"

Xia Kai admitted, shaking his head.

Players who had navigated six instances within Hell's Game were far from novices, yet remained leagues away from being considered high-tier participants.

"Let's wait and see. Regardless, I have only been here thirteen days; that's hardly indicative of an extended stay,"

Liu Zheng dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"Thirteen days?!"

Xia Kai's jaw dropped upon hearing the duration.

"Yes, is there an issue?"

He expressed slight bewilderment.

"Esteemed one, you were not a Transcendent before entering Hell's Game, were you?"

Xia Kai asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

"No, I was merely an ordinary individual, additionally diagnosed with a terminal illness,"

Liu Zheng replied.

"Then how did you manage to evolve from an ordinary person to your current state in a mere thirteen days?"

Xia Kai's shock was palpable.

"The intensity of the instances is self-evident. Had I not progressed rapidly, I would have perished long ago, not be here engaging in pleasantries with you,"

He responded with a roll of his eyes.

"Luck certainly played a significant role. Naturally, personal aptitude contributed as well. Listening to you, I now suspect Hell's Game itself was instrumental."

Liu Zheng mused for a moment before speaking.

After all, when it came to the probability of item effects, the system undoubtedly possessed considerable latitude for manipulation.

"Do not trouble yourself with excessive contemplation, esteemed one. We have all faced death once already; it cannot get much worse. At most, we shall simply adhere to the established procedures. In truth, embodying diverse roles across various worlds holds a certain fascination,"

Xia Kai attempted to assuage his concerns, fearing Liu Zheng might overthink the situation.

"That is true. The rain will fall, and remarriages will happen. Let fate take its course,"

Liu Zheng concurred with a nod.

"Very well, I must return to the restaurant. Should you discover anything to your liking, simply inform Niu Daji, and they will facilitate communication. If anyone approaches you, disregard them; let Niu Daji and the others manage the interaction. However, if someone genuinely provokes you, do not hesitate. If you possess the means to retaliate, do so with all your might. I shall stand with you."

"Should I be unable to hold my ground, we shall face our demise together; it would not be a betrayal of our bond."

With these parting words, he departed.

His decision to permit Xia Kai to explore independently this time served a dual purpose: it was a personal request and a trial Liu Zheng set for him.

Should Xia Kai's performance prove satisfactory to Liu Zheng, he would be entrusted with more responsibilities.

Niu Daji and his associates, being natives, became increasingly entangled in karma with each task they undertook, causing his responsibilities to multiply like compound interest, without end.

Xia Kai, however, was a player. As long as his strength sufficed, he could pursue any course of action. Upon the instance's conclusion, he would be absolved of any lingering obligations.

Naturally, Liu Zheng would not treat him unfairly.

Provided Xia Kai managed to survive until the settlement, the rewards from this instance alone would surpass the combined total of his previous six instances, and significantly so.

Upon Liu Zheng's return to the lounge, Niu Ma had already reappeared.

"Huh?"

Liu Zheng watched for a spell, a flicker of bewilderment crossing his features.

"What are you gawking at? Keep staring and I'll pluck your eyes out, believe me," Niu Ma snapped, clearly irritated.

"My esteemed friend, didn't you head off to confront Napoleon? How is it that you're completely unharmed?"

Liu Zheng paid little heed to its threats.

Losing his eyeballs was a minor concern; they could always grow back. It was if Niu Ma threatened to remove other, more vital parts that he might actually feel a pang of fear.

"With my might, defeating a mere chicken is child's play. It's hardly surprising I emerged unscathed," Niu Ma declared with an air of arrogance.

"You weren't so boastful when you went to the kitchen to pilfer wine and ended up getting thoroughly thrashed," Liu Zheng pointed out, dredging up a past embarrassment.

"That was in the kitchen! The terrain favored them, and they had numbers on their side. Anywhere else, I could crush three of them with a single hoof, no sweat," Niu Ma retorted vehemently.

"Is that so?"

He studied Niu Ma's expression, sensing something amiss.

"Oh, right, my friend. A companion from my hometown gifted me some local delicacies. Do try some." Liu Zheng produced a packet of universal fodder and moved to offer it to Niu Ma.