Lu Ce's voice was calm, laced with a sarcastic undertone. He didn’t take the Game Host’s mockery to heart at all—in fact, he even mocked them back.
He had no idea why he was suddenly being targeted, as if this game had something against him. It felt like he had been placed at the center of the storm.
They even announced that he was a Perfect Completion Player.
But he didn’t see any issue with that—the more he was targeted, the more profit there was to be made! Being singled out was an opportunity.
Risk always comes with opportunity. As a certain philosopher named Gao once said, "The bigger the waves, the more expensive the fish!"
Gao... Gao who again? Ah, let’s just say it was Gorky who said that.
【All rewards in the game, all the benefits of completion, are not given to you—they are earned, or rather, taken.】
【What you can get depends on how far you’re willing to go.】
【Greed... seems like you're adapting well to this mask.】
【But who knows—maybe your soft heart for letting them live will be the death of you.】
"Hah, now you’re calling me soft-hearted? The way you put it, I’m actually kind of touched. How about giving me an award for it, maybe an Achievement?"
Lu Ce didn’t let the words fall to the ground, responding effortlessly.
As Lu Ce exchanged sharp words with that unknown voice, the other four people around him felt like complete outsiders.
All they could do was watch in awe as the big shot sparred with the mysterious entity, too afraid to say a word.
Only now did they realize that there really was a difference between Perfect Completion and just Completion.
From the beginning, this guy had been among the very best.
Their gazes toward him started to change—at first, it was just fear and distance, but now, there was a hint of gratitude.
After all, even though he was greedy, even though he was ruthless, even though he threatened them like a vampire... in the end, he had saved their lives.
If Lu Ce had truly been a bloodthirsty maniac, he could have let them all die in the lava. There was no need for him to help them cut off their legs.
Yes, in this hellish game, straightforward leg amputation was practically an act of mercy.
But now that things had come to this, no one was planning to thank this “great benefactor.”
【Alright, time for the final bonus round!】
【Loot Division Game! Everyone, cheer up—it’s time to claim your rewards.】
【Ordinary players, don’t feel discouraged. In the next phase, you will be on the same playing field as that guy.】
【This is a game of gods, a gambler’s trial. Here, anything can happen. Don’t think you can’t do it—you could change your entire life overnight.】
【Welcome to Chosen’s Paradise!】
The bewitching voice rang out once more, as if enticing the greed in their hearts. But it was clear—the voice was still not on Lu Ce’s side.
It was obviously trying to create division between him and the others.
In the next game, the players would definitely be in competition with one another.
Then, amidst the squirming and screeching of insects, two pillars rose before each person, within arm’s reach.
Each pillar had a red button and a green button on top.
And above the insect pillar, a scarlet number appeared:
—100!
【The Loot Division Game is about to begin.】
【All of you have passed the Hell Trial and were originally supposed to receive your rewards outright. However, the number of players who survived the trial... is far higher than usual.】
【So now, you will negotiate among yourselves to determine how to distribute this ‘100’—the total reward value.】
【Special reminder: The rewards are quite generous.】
As the others stood there, utterly confused, a screen appeared before each of them.
Each screen displayed different images, tailored to each person individually.
【Take a look—these are the desires buried deep in your hearts.】
The images showed immense power, capable of moving mountains and shattering planets with a flick of a finger.
They showed wealth and indulgence, standing above millions, gazing down upon the world.
One scene was set in Tokyo, on a neon-lit train full of beautiful women—where suddenly, time froze...
Another showed a stepsister doing laundry, getting stuck in the washing machine...
Wait, what the hell was this weird stuff?!
【Tsk, what kind of garbage are you people thinking about?!】
【Anyway, Chosen’s Paradise is the place where your dreams come true.】
【Believe me, for your current shallow understanding, this ‘100’ represents an opportunity that could change your entire life.】
Seeing that the bait had been set, the Game Host decided it was time to move things along.
Desires had been stirred. Now, it was time for the grand performance—the battle over loot.
【Alright! The Loot Division Game is about to begin. Here are the rules.】
【This ‘100’ represents the total reward pool. The method of distribution will be decided by a vote among the five of you~~ No one has special privileges.】
The moment these words were spoken, the four other players visibly relaxed.
If that was the case, then the gap between them and the Perfect Completion Player really had been eliminated.
But then... what was up with that creepy jar of bugs?
【And this jar... is the punishment for ‘non-cooperative’ players.】
【The rules are as follows: Each person, in turn, will propose a distribution plan for the reward points.】
【If at least half of the players press the green button to approve the proposal, then it passes, and everyone receives their designated rewards.】
【However, if more than half disapprove, then the person who proposed the plan will be transported into this jar. The little creatures inside are very fond of you all.】
【Then, the next person in line will propose their plan.】
As it spoke, the jar full of insects glowed faintly.
At that moment, whatever hope the players had left completely died.
So this thing... was actually for executions.
There were no deaths more terrifying than this.
【Alright, enough chatter. It’s time for the order selection!】
As soon as the voice fell, a series of numbers flashed rapidly above everyone’s heads—cycling from 1 to 5.
All five players instantly tensed up, some even closing their eyes to pray that they’d get a later position.
In this game, the first person to propose a plan was completely at the mercy of the others!
Forget claiming any rewards—if you were up first, even surviving would be a challenge!
At this point, dying in the previous game would have been preferable!
This was purely a game of luck!
Ding!
At the sound, everyone flinched.
The numbers had stopped, finalizing the order.
—Number 1: Lu Ce!