Watching the constantly flashing subtitles and hearing the game's voice prompts, Lu Ce finally realized that this problematic mask he'd been wearing from the start was indeed extremely problematic!
It turned out to be upgradeable, and had even displayed the requirements for its second upgrade.
He wasn't entirely sure what level it would reach after unlocking all its modes.
Moreover, it seemed all masks could bind to an exclusive weapon - they wouldn't even consider lower-tier weapons.
At least when he obtained other weapons before, the game never proactively displayed any binding notifications.
But the moment the Extreme Path Battle-Axe appeared, it immediately signaled compatibility with Arrogance and asked for binding confirmation.
The Broken Divine Weapon tier...
Judging by the binding requirements, this mask of his was no ordinary item.
*Ahem*... The Pleasure Apostle he killed during the initial game - turns out that was absolutely the right move.
After taking stock of his gains, Lu Ce knew he'd soon fall into deep sleep, so he quickly stored his frequently used weapons and support equipment in his Dimensional Backpack.
Little did he know what kind of world awaited him when he woke from this slumber.
......
[Game Mode Updated - Initiating Global Broadcast!]
[To All Players! The gods have witnessed your outstanding performances.]
In a dim cubicle, Lu Ce lay alone on his bed, falling into deep sleep.
Simultaneously, as this game session concluded, the announcement suddenly echoed in the minds of all Chosen.
Even numerous ordinary people - not originally Chosen - inexplicably heard this voice in their heads!
This meant they too had become Chosen, and their numbers weren't insignificant.
[Our players have demonstrated remarkable excellence, with many obtaining long-coveted rewards and fantastic gaming experiences.]
[However, we've detected someone whose power has broken the game's difficulty ceiling.]
[Therefore, to enhance everyone's experience, CHOSEN'S PARADISE! will undergo comprehensive updates. The game is temporarily suspended with unknown restart time.]
[Upon relaunch, expect more thrilling gameplay!]
[More power progression opportunities!]
[More game modes!]
[More participation slots!]
[To global players - see you in Version 2.0!!!]
The announcement sounded utterly corporate, like some benevolent game company notifying players about updates.
But all text appeared in blood-crimson hues, carrying unnerving implications.
Most oblivious players grew excited, seeing this as their chance to pursue superpowers.
But every informed organization and family fell into terrified silence, their atmospheres thick with barely-contained dread.
In an underground bunker - the Elder Council.
The Grand Elder's long-suspended heart finally sank completely upon hearing the news.
"Tch... we're screwed."
Facepalming hard, he felt his brain might short-circuit.
This... this was too fast.
How could the limit be broken already? So few game sessions in?
And he'd already achieved: Killing an Apostle? Bursting a god's blood vessel? Foiling a divine avatar's scheme? Plundering divine energy?
"Haha! He actually broke the limit!" A boisterous laugh from the crowd attempted to lighten the mood.
"What an incredible guy. Hey, since we've got superpowers now, maybe 'Sin' is some reincarnated emperor?"
"Reading modern Earth novels lately, it seems plausible - 'Reborn: This Time I'll Take Everything Back'?"
"What do you think?"
His words left the room funeral-parlor silent. Nobody responded.
"Heh... uh, no laughs? Not funny?"
"Get serious!" The Grand Elder ground out through clenched teeth.
"Can't help it - the limit's broken," said the unserious elder helplessly.
"Honestly, not entirely bad. People need pressure to stop treating this as a game."
After several silent seconds, the Grand Elder responded:
"Some pressure?"
"You'd dismiss countless lives so casually with 'some pressure'?"
The jovial elder sighed. He'd only wanted to ease tension - they all understood the severity.
Game limit-breaking was like shifting from level-100 content to level-1000 while most players remained under level-100.
First would come mass casualties from ignorance, then possibly complete game abandonment.
Having everyone play was unsustainable - but having nobody play... equally disastrous!
That... would mean defeat.
"Is Dragon Group's influence sufficient now?"
"Nationwide announcements during suspension. Emphasize the dangers of limit-breaking. Heighten vigilance - save whoever we can."
The Grand Elder spoke resignedly. With such population numbers, this was their only recourse.
"Tch!" Another elder groaned miserably. "I said we should've devoted maximum resources to uncover Sin's true identity."
"If someone could guide him a little and help him tone down his sharp edges, things wouldn't have turned out like this."
The Grand Elder nodded silently, then suddenly added:
"But from his perspective... hiding was correct."
"He'd instantly become the prime target. Self-preservation was necessary."
"Though at his current power level... perhaps he needn't fear as much..."
Mid-sentence, the Grand Elder turned abruptly to the large screen displaying Lu Ce's quartet at their wedding finale.
"That girl Blank - her real identity's confirmed? What's her relation to Little Xie?"
"Oh," came a voice from the crowd. "Should be Old Xie's great-granddaughter."