Xie Antong was currently in full "won't let go when right" mode, relentlessly grilling the game system without giving any face. The crowd remained silent, unsure of what to say, including the eagerly awaiting Council of Elders who were all somewhat stunned. It was like witnessing someone normally rational and mild suddenly baring fangs.
Yet Xie Antong herself felt nothing unusual about it. Simple reason - practice makes perfect. She'd seen too much of this. Breaking rules, insulting the game, opposing CHOSEN'S PARADISE - these were basically daily routines for "Sin". After so many previous games, she'd gone from shocked to numb, completely accustomed to it. In fact, seeing Perfect Life's earlier polite, reasonable arguments with the game had felt more unfamiliar to her.
She was currently the conservative faction - considering Perfect Life's approach overly conservative. Since it was obvious this game voice had certain limitations, why hold back? Just start cursing first. What if it got angry? Compared to "Sin's" previous antics, she was being extremely mild.
Behind her, Chiyo Eine was both terrified and secretly glowing with admiration. She worried that if the game rules escalated again, she might not be able to protect "Blank". But on the other hand - this was so cool! Watching Xie vent felt incredibly satisfying, making Chiyo want to join in, though she couldn't think of good comebacks on the spot.
[......]
[His actions weren't punished, meaning they didn't violate rules.]
[And currently, this individual hasn't been rude like you, so I've no reason to target him.]
[Everyone's equal! No one can break the game's rules.]
"What a deliberately phrased statement......"
[The game isn't over! Whether you want to or not, you'll continue!]
[If you want to drag it out, drag it out! Even for millennia! You......]
"Let me interrupt again, terribly sorry."
Xie Antong showed no mercy, cutting off the increasingly furious voice at its angriest moment. This time, her expression turned playful. Raising her right hand, she lightly tapped the helmet near her temple with a slender finger.
"When wearing this helmet, I have a minor condition. Hope you'll understand."
"That is, I tend to... remember trivial details vividly. This might upset you."
"I vaguely recall something rather interesting you said a few minutes ago, before arguing with Mr. Perfect Life here."
"You said, you 'think' this hide-and-seek game needs another round, correct?"
"Why use 'think'? That suggests no enforcement power, like you're negotiating. Seems you lack the authority to guarantee your ideas will be implemented."
Xie Antong looked up with a teasing smile: "Right?"
Beneath the helmet, her eyes gleamed with meaning - no longer her usual self. Anyone familiar might recognize traces of [Mirth] and [Greed] in that gaze.
Nearby, Perfect Life scratched his head thoughtfully, recalling the statement. His memory was sharp too, though he hadn't considered such minor wording could be exploited. This required treating the game's voice as completely non-authoritative from the start...
"So," Perfect Life murmured, "this requires our consent too?"
"Hmm... what if we just refuse? What then?"
[.....]
The game rules voice fell silent yet again. When it spoke next, its earlier arrogance had diminished somewhat.
[You all? You can't represent others......]
"I oppose repeating!" Chiyo Eine immediately pledged allegiance.
"Haha, fun. I'll just oppose whatever the game wants," Creator said with Buddha-like calm, his gaming stance clear.
"I support the leader... agree with the above players' views," Jiu Tian declared firmly.
That made five already.
Among the rest, "Sin"... that went without saying - even the game knew.
As for the final three players, while afraid to defy the game, they dared not speak up either. Supporting a rematch meant opposing the others, guaranteeing retaliation during any rematch. Suddenly, no one acknowledged the game's established rules!
[Fine...]
[Very well!]
The system voice roared angrily before, seconds later, all nine players heard:
[Game loophole patched: No three-way ties allowed! First place cannot be shared!]
[Player competition must continue until clear victory is determined!]
[Hotfix compensation: All qualifying players' reward tiers upgraded!]
Everyone's interface displayed these notifications, shocking many. Was this... the game compromising?
Even Perfect Life was surprised. He hadn't expected this half-hearted resistance to actually work. Would CHOSEN'S PARADISE really compromise?
[Don't get cocky! You...]
[The game must continue, by any means necessary!]
[This is... player competition!]
The furious roar shook the entire city, snow tumbling from rooftops as oppressive energy enveloped everyone.
"What's all this noise......"
Suddenly, a yawning voice drew all attention as the emerald-masked figure slowly sat up from the ground.
[......]
"Finally awake?" Xie Antong's icy (acting) voice broke the silence.
Lu Ce turned to see the somewhat familiar figure, feeling slightly awkward. Not because he'd recently "killed" her, but because of her earlier "It's okay, Lu Ce" remark. Tch... wearing the mask now felt like not wearing one at all.
"Aren't you going to say anything to me? My dearest strongest player?"