Chapter 11: Congratulations on Leveling Up! Are You Happy Now?

Xi Yan was unfamiliar with the name, but Qu Ya knew it, though she had never met the person herself. About a hundred years ago, there had been an exceptional survivor named "The Hunter Ayn"—a man whose abilities and everything else about him were first-rate. He was so outstanding that he was even once pushed to the position of City Lord. However, he had a single flaw: a complete lack of humanity. He was addicted to killing, and then, a century ago, he suddenly vanished from the public eye for reasons unknown. No one knew where he went. Who would have thought he would end up as a character within this very copy?

Seeing Qu Ya’s look of astonishment, the warden seemed quite pleased. With a wave of his hand, two green core crystals and two cards appeared on the floor. Then he said to the pair, “These cards have different effects. Pick for yourselves. Each of you gets a core crystal—that’s your reward for clearing the first stage.”

Xi Yan and Qu Ya exchanged a glance and each picked up a core crystal. As for the cards, they simply took the one closest to them, using no other method. Xi Yan picked up his card and, after pocketing it, examined its abilities. Though the card couldn’t be used here, there was no problem in checking it.

“Little Mushroom Picker:
Fairy tales are often beautiful, but sometimes, those who seem cute can be deadly~
Effect: 1. Upon unlocking, a tiny mushroom will appear. It is highly poisonous. While it’s difficult to kill high-level survivors outright, it can paralyze any enemy briefly (regardless of level; duration depends on level).
2. The mushroom obeys its master’s commands, can act independently, and can transform into the appearance of any woman it has slain—a perfect companion for surprise attacks.
Duration: Permanent (no wear, no usage limit)
Card Level: SS
Owner: Xi Yan”

The power of the card truly shocked Xi Yan. It was almost game-breaking—its paralysis was effective regardless of level! And it could even transform into the likeness of a woman.

Noticing Xi Yan’s stunned expression, Qu Ya waved her hand in front of his face, snapping him back to reality.

Xi Yan returned to his senses, looked at Qu Ya with excitement, and exclaimed, “Qu Ya! This card’s ability is extraordinary! It—”

“Hush,” Qu Ya interrupted, “Your card is your weapon. You don’t need to tell me about it.”

Xi Yan scratched his head awkwardly and smiled. He knew Qu Ya meant well; in these apocalyptic times, having an extra card up one’s sleeve was a matter of survival.

“Qu Ya, it’s fine if you know.”

“I understand, but remember: never trust anyone—not even me. In this world’s end, you are the only one you can trust.” Suddenly, Qu Ya’s expression grew solemn.

Xi Yan said nothing more. He would not take Qu Ya’s well-intentioned advice lightly, and quietly put away his card.

“You two seem to get along quite well,” the warden suddenly remarked, startling Qu Ya, who had been so caught up in the joy of their rewards that he’d forgotten the warden’s menacing presence.

“There’s no need to be nervous. As long as you’re in this room, you won’t die. Relax,” the warden explained, his patience almost surprising.

Yet neither Qu Ya nor Xi Yan let their guard down. They surveyed the room, then went to sit in a corner, backs against the wall.

Of the allotted hour, over forty minutes had already passed.

The warden ignored them and turned his attention again to the crystal screen. Xi Yan caught a glimpse of its display out of the corner of his eye: another batch of survivors had entered the copy.

“Qu Ya, let’s absorb the power of the core crystals now. If we can level up a bit, it’ll help.” Xi Yan suggested.

Qu Ya had no objection, but asked, “Can we absorb their power now?” She looked at Xi Yan, puzzled.

After all, neither their abilities nor their cards could be used. It seemed unlikely they could absorb core crystals either…

Before Qu Ya could finish her thought, she saw Xi Yan grasping his crystal, already beginning the absorption process.

A faint glow flickered around Xi Yan, and then he gaped in surprise at his own stats:

“Role: Human Esper Xi Yan
Level: lv6 (Store unlocks at level 66)
Card slots available: 10
Currently in use: 6
Ability: ‘Almost There’ (See details)”

Level 6?

Xi Yan was utterly dumbfounded. He’d just absorbed two green core crystals! And only gained one level?

He had believed that, as the master of the Ninth Survival Zone, he would level up quickly, clear copies with ease, and earn points readily. Where was all that now? It was all a lie!

Xi Yan’s mood collapsed. He patted Qu Ya on the shoulder and said, “If I die, make sure to inherit my legacy.”

“Huh?” Qu Ya looked at him, bewildered.

Xi Yan suddenly tilted to one side, slumping to the ground, and whispered weakly, “I absorbed two core crystals, and now I’m only… level six… I’m about to die of frustration…”

Qu Ya was at a loss. Even she knew: two green core crystals should have raised anyone’s level by more than one.

“Don’t lose heart…” she began to comfort him, but then trailed off, unsure what else to say. The result truly was maddening.

“Don’t mind it, I’m fine. Gains and losses—this must be the surprise my ability has in store for me.” Xi Yan had already guessed: it was likely due to his own ability!

Absorbing core crystals never guaranteed how many levels one would gain. There was always an element of luck. Low-level crystals certainly wouldn’t give much, but even high-level ones didn’t always deliver.

Qu Ya didn’t know what more to say.

At that moment, the warden, who had been watching the crystal screen, suddenly stood up and hurried over to Xi Yan, crouching down to ask urgently, “Are you the master of the Ninth Survival Zone?”

His face had turned extremely grim.

Xi Yan hesitated, then shook his head, replying, “I… I’m not… why?”

Only after hearing Xi Yan’s answer did the warden’s expression ease slightly. He said nothing, merely took a few steps back and opened the notebook he always carried.

Whatever he saw in it made his gaze turn ferocious as he looked back at Xi Yan.

Xi Yan and Qu Ya exchanged a puzzled glance, unsettled by the warden’s odd behavior.

Suddenly, the warden strode back to Xi Yan, seized him by the collar, and stared at him with hatred.

“Well, what a stroke of luck. Didn’t you say you weren’t the master of the Ninth Survival Zone? Liar.”

Though the words were spoken in a calm tone, it was precisely this calmness that sent a chill through Xi Yan.

In the next moment, Xi Yan found himself hoisted effortlessly into the air by his collar, powerless to resist. Yet, absurdly, his first thought was how sturdy the clothes Qu Ya had given him were.