There's definitely something wrong with this murder mystery game

Xu Shuo's expression was cold, his gaze calm.

Watching his silent response that spoke volumes, Hong Rao waved her hand with amusement, saying, "Actually, you don't have to be so tangled up about it since we still haven't figured out how this title is bestowed.

"Can you believe Yang Lei was just playing a minor role in the Script Space, and when he emerged, he found himself with a bizarre title that he couldn't get rid of? Since then, he's been chased around by monsters.

"Of course, it's not to say that only NPCs can get this title. After all, the players in Script Space are countless—there might be many others I don't know about.

"Well... in other words, you don't need to take it so seriously."

"..."

Xu Shuo still didn't speak but shifted his gaze slightly.

He knew very well—without mentioning that he was very clear he was a normal player who joined the Script Space, the well-read Hong Rao would certainly not forget an NPC without reason.

Moreover, when he entered the game, he had not heard of any Script collapsing on the forums, nor had he heard of an NPC named "Xu Shuo," and up to now, only five NPCs in the Script Space had "Awakened."

Various signs all pointed to the fact that—

He, Xu Shuo, was a normal player!

Thus, Xu Shuo nodded: "I know."

Seeing that her consolation was effective, Hong Rao breathed a sigh of relief. As she subconsciously attempted to pat her apprentice's head, she suddenly realized that he was taller than her... Thus, under the puzzled gaze of the young man, she pretended to lift her hand and brushed back the hair in front of her forehead.

She cleared her throat a few times and said, "I didn't expect you to receive this title. To be honest, having this title generally means you won't have much to do with Mutant Scripts anymore."

Actually, Hong Rao had thought that perhaps Xu Shuo carried something that attracted the monsters' attention, or he possessed some unique quality...

Even though that title was "special" in a sense.

The reason why Script Space creates such titles remains a mystery, but the title "Abyss Caretaker" lives up to its name. Players with this title are like beacons to the monsters on the Abyss Side in Mutant Scripts!

They would be inexplicably drawn, whether willingly or not, and gather around the bearer of the title.

As for what happens after that, it depends on the monsters' whims.

Brainless monsters might simply destroy or devour a person, somewhat intelligent ones might choose to cook them simply, and those with higher intelligence might engage in sustainable development...

Hong Rao went through the analysis one by one.

This is why she said there's "basically no chance with Mutant Scripts," because for a player, the danger increases exponentially, even to the point where you alone can pull all the aggro for players in the same Script!

The reason it's not an absolute statement is that Mutant Scripts aren't only about the Abyss Side.

Scripts involving time travel, Magic, Supernatural elements, and even Immortal Cultivation, which are beyond the purely material world and have supernatural elements, are all classified as Mutant Scripts.

Still, Mutant Scripts are more likely to encounter issues.

Xu Shuo listened carefully and nodded: "Oh."

Oh...

Hearing this sincere "Oh" and seeing his earnest expression, the experienced Hong Rao couldn't help but tug at the corner of her mouth.

She couldn't resist saying, "Don't think it's nothing to worry about. Avoiding dangers in the past could just be good luck. You've seen the scale of the attack on the Watchtower by that group of Abyss Creatures today!"

Xu Shuo looked at her calmly: "But I can't always avoid these monsters; avoiding them doesn't benefit me. I believe you understand that."

Hong Rao frowned slightly.

Yes, most of the scripts with generous rewards happen to be Abyss-Side Mutant Scripts...

Since the Script Space needs players to combat the Abyss Creatures, it will inevitably offer enough incentives to lure players into taking risks; this is unavoidable.

Moreover, in those High Rank scripts, monsters are present in more than ninety-nine percent of them.

With a headache, Hong Rao pressed her temples and said, "You're not yet strong enough to deal with those powerful Abyss Creatures. For now, don't engage with similar scripts. I'll find you an item that can suppress the effects of the title."

While saying this and as if afraid he would once again recklessly seek death, Hong Rao opened the system panel right there.

She pushed forward the script she had selected earlier, explaining, "The gap between second-tier and third-tier scripts is even bigger than between first and second, not as simple as you might think.
Continue reading stories on empire

"I think you've gotten a sense of it in that assessment script.

"So, you should first follow the training plan I've arranged for you, and once you've increased your strength, it's not too late to venture out on your own."

Even after you reach level four, by then, you can do as you please, and I won't stop you... grumbled Hong Rao internally.

Thus, she wasn't in a rush to leave in stealth.

Because of the title issue, the two of them stood on the city wall and discussed the appropriate progression for scripts after level two for half the day.

Following Xu Shuo's previous casual approach to flipping scripts definitely wouldn't work. If they encountered a Super High Rank Abyss Creature and got marked, there really would be no escape.

Just like this time with the siege of the Abyss, why not just stay behind and sacrifice to the defense line?

When it came to his own strength enhancement and how to correctly enjoy himself in the Script Space, Xu Shuo did not skimp on effort this time.

Although Hong Rao had never successfully taught a student and had inadvertently led quite a few to their deaths...

She still had several years of experience in teaching students, plus she was an old player whose qualifications were shrouded in mystery, and she had read countless scripts; she definitely knew and understood more than Xu Shuo, who frankly didn't care much about anything half the time.

So, this time he was actually listening quite intently.

Hong Rao immediately felt a deep sense of gratification!

It was rare to see the kid take something so seriously, so she promptly brought out a small table, brewed herself a cup of floral tea, and sat on the city wall facing the wind and sand, earnestly explaining to her apprentice.

One listened intently, and the other lectured earnestly.

Until the dim glow of the sunset had completely faded, the sun hanging in the sky turned into a dark red moon, and the light emanating from the stone walls grew even brighter.

...

When the other two from North Tower No.1 had fully recuperated and returned to their post to prepare for the night watch, they saw two people sitting below, drinking tea and chatting.

The woman in the black embroidered cheongsam was exquisitely beautiful and graceful, with a smile and a frown exuding an invisible bewitching charm, yet her demeanor was elegant and proud, instilling a noble and mysterious fear in those who looked upon her.

Furthermore, one glance was enough to sense the immense power of this figure, deterring any thoughts of transgression.

As for the young man opposite the woman, his features were sharp and gentle, his brows and eyes open and clear. At first glance, he seemed amiable and harmless but look again... Holy shit, it's him!

Solunya managed to stay calm, while Lin En's eyes went wide, and, speechless, he pointed over there, about to shout before Wei Li quickly cupped his mouth and pulled him by the finger back into the watchtower.

"Shh, don't make a scene," Wei Li said seriously.

Although the three of them had guessed that the horde of creatures during the day might have been brought by that guy, they didn't spread the word due to lack of concrete evidence and because the matter was too shocking and unbelievable.

Besides, it seemed there wasn't much to fuss about, and they might even be mocked by other players for making a big deal out of it.

Lin En recovered and pulled away the hand covering his mouth, asking in astonishment, "That guy actually survived? How did he come back? And does his return mean he plans to defend the city again? Besides, who is the person next to him? Wait, if he's defending the city, won't he attract the creatures again?"

Taken aback by the barrage of questions, Wei Li paused for a moment, then chose the ones he could answer, "I'm not clear about the rest, but it seems that woman brought him back, and... that woman is very powerful, extremely so. I couldn't detect her presence at all."

Solunya added, "She's a high-rank player."

"Hiss..."

Lin En suddenly realized, "When I was inside the city just now, I heard about a kid who caught the attention of a high-rank player who came to the rescue during the day. After leaving, the player was going to take him as a student. Could it be the same for this guy?!"

Wei Li, who had been silently observing the pair, hesitated upon hearing this.

Solunya continued, "They seem familiar with each other, not like they've just met. And a high-rank player who comes for an urgent task can't stay long in this world."

Lin En: "..."

Upon understanding, he choked up again.

...

At the base of the watchtower, by the city wall.

Satisfied with having fulfilled her teaching desire, Hong Rao took a sip of tea and let out a contented sigh.

She was naturally aware of the peeks from the small-time players around her but didn't take them to heart. Seeing that Xu Shuo was finally taking her words seriously for once, that was the real reward!

"Alright, there are two days left. For now, get familiar with fighting the creatures in this world," Hong Rao put down her teacup, saying leisurely: "I'm leaving first. As for the problems here, you'll handle them on your own."

"Okay," Xu Shuo blinked and nodded.

"..."

Hong Rao's hand, which was placing down the teacup, suddenly froze.

It seemed... she had just realized something...

Wait, what was it?

Hong Rao carefully thought back to her words just now—"You'll handle the problems here by yourself."

The problems here...

Dammit! This little brat had been using her all along to solve his teammate's problems!!

It was all fake! His apparent attentive listening was all fake!!!

...