April's figure quickly disappeared through the mist-shrouded door at the far end.
Only Unforgotten and Lin Yu remained on the field.
Lin Yu looked at Unforgotten with a strange expression.
While "April" had indeed harbored killing intent toward "Number Eight" for some time,
the final push that made April strike had largely come from this seemingly innocent girl before him.
Noticing Lin Yu's gaze, Unforgotten gave an embarrassed laugh.
"Brother Nine Waters, would you like to choose first?"
Lin Yu stared at her and said quietly, "You go first... You'll probably pick the 'number of dungeons cleared' option, right?"
"You don't seem like someone who's only cleared three dungeons."
Her face broke into a radiant smile.
"Your acting was excellent—I almost believed you," Lin Yu sighed. "But what's the point of hiding how many dungeons you've cleared?"
Unforgotten shrugged. "Just my 'modus operandi.' After all, my class is 『Thief』—playing weak actually helps me use my abilities more effectively!"
As she spoke, her smile widened.
"Don't believe me? Why not check your belongings?"
Lin Yu's face showed alarm as he summoned his two "items."
Fortunately, both the Lie Detector and pistol were still there.
He looked at Unforgotten in confusion, prompting another burst of laughter from her.
"Ahahaha! Fooled you again, 『Soldier』!" Unforgotten waved her hand, revealing a pitch-black hammer. "I stole this instead—when that guy revealed himself as 'Heavenly Artisan,' of course I targeted him!"
"This thing is way more valuable than your pistol," she said cheerfully.
Lin Yu picked up the Lie Detector and said coldly,
"Who are you really? How many dungeons have you cleared? What's your purpose in approaching me?"
Unforgotten pursed her lips.
"Your Lie Detector still works?"
"Of course. It can be used three times per dungeon," Lin Yu lied smoothly. "So don't try deceiving me."
"Otherwise, even if you're stronger, I'll fight you to the death here."
As he spoke, Lin Yu felt a surge of "belief" emanating from Unforgotten.
Instantly, his fabricated claim about the Lie Detector having three uses 『materialized』 as truth.
Just as he'd estimated—had he said four uses, this "belief" might not have been enough to actualize the lie.
"Relax... I'm just a girl looking for fun. I didn't specifically target you."
"I'm not from the 『Psychological Society』 or the 『Marauders』, so you can rest easy," Unforgotten said playfully.
Lin Yu removed his finger from the button.
"Then how many dungeons have you cleared?" he demanded coldly.
"Only twelve in three short months," Unforgotten stuck out her tongue. "And I'm not that strong—my direct combat abilities are weak."
The Lie Detector remained silent.
He put away the device and immediately addressed Crow-Man: "I choose the second statement, because she just admitted to clearing twelve dungeons—contradicting her initial claim of three."
Lin Yu spoke rapidly.
Crow-Man responded instantly:
"Caw caw! Congratulations for spotting the lie... You may leave now!"
Unforgotten looked stunned, then burst into laughter again.
"Ahahaha! So that's your game... You tricked me!"
"What a great trick... You never cared about my origins or motives—you just wanted to trap me !"
Lin Yu nodded calmly.
"Of course. While your acting was superb, I could still tell," he sighed. "You're more confident than you let on, but... you really are just here for fun."
He accepted the key from Crow-Man.
Unforgotten narrowed her eyes. "I see... So my only way out now is proving why the 'third statement' is false."
"My class truly is 『Thief』, meaning... you lied about yours, right?"
Lin Yu shook his head. "No, I really am a 『Soldier』... That's the crux of this final 'decision question.'"
"Among the five statements, one appears to correspond to each person—but actually, one doesn't match anyone. So I had to steal someone's 'key.'"
As Lin Yu spoke, Unforgotten studied him.
"I find that hard to believe. Wouldn't that put you at a huge disadvantage?"
Yet despite her words, Lin Yu could sense
his 『Soldier』 class remained intact—
meaning Unforgotten had actually believed him.
Just as he'd anticipated.
After all, he'd sounded completely convincing!
"So," Lin Yu smiled, "while this is only my second dungeon... Miss Veteran Player Unforgotten, after a dozen dungeons, do you still think this game is 'fair'?"
Unforgotten chuckled softly.
"Alright... You're right. This game isn't fair at all."
Lin Yu jingled the key. "Exactly. Besides... Now you're the one with problems."
Unforgotten sighed. "True. Good thing I always leave myself an out."
"You're impressive, 『Soldier』 Nine Waters. You're fascinating," she said with a wave. "Hope we meet again—whether outside or in another dungeon."
Lin Yu narrowed his eyes at her words. "You can leave too?"
"Of course... You must have realized—there only seems to be one key, but that's not actually the case."
Lin Yu looked toward the corpse still lying before the distant door.
"So that's why you instigated his murder."
"Right. If someone had to stay behind... better it be that boring guy."
She turned toward the door.
"See you later, Brother Nine Waters."
With light steps, she approached the corpse and retrieved another key, holding it up for Lin Yu to see.
Then she opened the door and disappeared through it.
After Unforgotten vanished, Crow-Man addressed Lin Yu:
"Caw caw, you may leave now too."
Lin Yu turned to face Crow-Man and exhaled.
He casually tossed aside the key, his expression curious.
"When did I say I wanted to leave?"
Crow-Man fell silent.
"Caw... This is the final question..."
"Wrong. This is the first 'reward/punishment' question of the third room. The reward is leaving the dungeon," Lin Yu interrupted with a grin. "But I refuse it."
"Honestly, everyone's been lying to me—the kind-looking uncle was actually vicious, that cheerful guy had ulterior motives... Even you, 'Examiner,' are full of deceit."
Lin Yu stepped forward, looking up at Crow-Man.
"Stop wasting time. I've seen through all your tricks and lies."
"Frankly—your acting isn't as good as that 『Thief』's just now."