After hearing this, Dr. Zhao froze for a moment, then stood up with a troubled expression, seemingly confused. “Wh-what do you mean… ‘join’? Are you some kind of organization?”
He had originally planned to visit each room to strengthen the interpersonal relationships within this group, but he hadn’t expected another organization to infiltrate and even attempt to recruit him on the spot.
“There’s no need to take the concept of an ‘organization’ so seriously anymore,” Yan Zhichun said. “Doctor… do you want to get out?”
“Get out…?” Dr. Zhao was taken aback. “O-of course I do…”
Hearing such a decisive answer from Dr. Zhao, Yan Zhichun knew there were only two paths before her.
At present, the total number of “Extremists” was unknown, as were most of their abilities. Trying to destroy the display screens and the giant clock with so many uncertainties was no easy task. But if Dr. Zhao, with his ability to disintegrate objects, joined, this desperate plan might gain a slightly higher—albeit still slim—chance of success.
This was the first path. The difficulty lay in convincing Dr. Zhao, the deputy leader of “Paradise,” to join the “Extremists.”
However, this also came with a fatal flaw. Since the “Extremists” hadn’t recruited new members in a long time, all current members were veterans—not only skilled but also trustworthy. Apart from Xiaoxiao, who had only joined a few cycles ago, the vast majority were seasoned “Extremists.” Working with them provided a strong sense of security.
If such a critical task were entrusted to Dr. Zhao, and he fled at the last moment, the mission might not fail outright, but morale would take a severe hit.
Thus, maintaining the status quo was the second path.
“Miss, why are you suddenly asking this…?” Dr. Zhao spoke up. “I imagine most people here want to escape.”
Yan Zhichun glanced at Jiang Ruoxue before asking softly, “Ruoxue, if we activate ‘Causality,’ can we force someone to act exactly as I say?”
Jiang Ruoxue gave a bitter smile. “Zhichun… forcing someone to obey you doesn’t sound like ‘Causality’—it sounds more like ‘Mind Control.'”
Yan Zhichun knew Jiang Ruoxue was right. Even with “Causality,” the most she could ensure was that Dr. Zhao joined the “Extremists.” Every decision he made afterward would still be his own; she couldn’t directly control him.
Even if she succeeded in recruiting Dr. Zhao, there was still a chance he might flee when the time came.
“In that case… it’s up to you to choose,” Yan Zhichun said, turning back to Dr. Zhao. “I have a way to free everyone from the cycle of suffering. Do you want to try?”
“What…?” Dr. Zhao was visibly stunned. “Free everyone from the cycle…?”
“Yes. If you agree to help me with one thing, the chances of liberating everyone will rise significantly,” Yan Zhichun said. “The opportunity is right in front of you. Now, it’s your choice.”
“This…” Dr. Zhao hesitated. “Me… choosing? What do you need me to do?”
“I need you to help me destroy a large device,” Yan Zhichun replied. “I can’t reveal the specifics now, but tomorrow morning, you’ll need to follow Jiang Ruoxue to the mission site. Once we’re there, I’ll tell you what to do. Can you do that?”
Dr. Zhao narrowed his eyes cautiously, sensing something odd. “Destroy something, but you can’t say what… Is it something important?”
Yan Zhichun sighed deeply. “More or less.”
“Is it some kind of ‘Zodiac’ game equipment?” Dr. Zhao pressed.
“Also… more or less,” Yan Zhichun answered. “So this path is dangerous, but your ability happens to align with the mission. That’s why I’m asking if you’re willing to be the savior. Of course, if you refuse…”
Dr. Zhao’s expression shifted noticeably. He knew his own limits—surviving in this place was already hard enough. Now, someone was calling him a “savior”?
Wait… why did “savior” sound so familiar?
As they were speaking, another figure appeared at the door, peering in timidly before calling out softly, “Dr. Zhao…?”
Everyone turned to look. The newcomer was short, with messy hair.
“Han Yimo? Perfect timing…” Dr. Zhao said. “There’s something you might want to be part of…”
Han Yimo smiled. Of course he wanted to participate. As he passed by the door, he’d overheard the word “savior.”
He knew his protagonist moment had arrived.
But Yan Zhichun’s expression instantly cooled. Suspiciously, she asked, “Were you the one eavesdropping just now?”
“What? Eavesdropping…?” Han Yimo shook his head vigorously. “No way! I just saw Dr. Zhao bringing food here and staying for a while, so I came to check if he was okay.”
“It wasn’t him…” Zheng Yingxiong chimed in. “That person’s presence was much stronger. Not this weak.”
“Weak?!” Han Yimo bristled. A protagonist in a story could never be called weak. “Kid, don’t talk nonsense if you don’t know anything! Who are you calling weak? I’ve got countless lives on my hands!”
Zheng Yingxiong gave him a flat look, as if he were staring at a child even younger than himself.
“Enough, enough,” Dr. Zhao quickly intervened. “We’re all on the same side here. Miss…”
He turned to Yan Zhichun with a smile. “Han Yimo and I have been through life and death together for a long time. Why not bring him along? That way, I’ll have someone I trust. If he goes, I’ll go.”
Yan Zhichun had seen Han Yimo once before—during her first visit to “Paradise.” The man had summoned a massive black sword and wreaked havoc in the room, like some immortal cultivator from a fantasy tale. Perhaps he had some rare “sword control” ability. If such a formidable power could be added to their ranks, the odds of success might improve.
That day, a gold ingot had inexplicably appeared on her person.
Just as Yan Zhichun was about to speak, she hesitated and glanced at Zheng Yingxiong for confirmation.
Zheng Yingxiong understood immediately. He took a light sniff and, after a few seconds, said, “‘Calamity Summoner.'”
“Calamity Summoner…?”
Yan Zhichun was momentarily puzzled. She couldn’t see how “Calamity Summoner” connected to “sword control.”
But her long experience in the “Land of Finality” told her that an ability called “Calamity Summoner” sounded ominous. Better to take no risks than to gamble. She shook her head. “If it’s ‘Calamity Summoner,’ forget it. Dr. Zhao, if he’s coming with you, then you shouldn’t go either.”
“Huh?!” Han Yimo immediately stepped forward. “What kind of nonsense is that?! My ability is incredibly powerful—didn’t you hear me?! I’ve taken countless lives!”
“Pass,” Yan Zhichun said flatly. “I can’t stake so many lives on a ‘Calamity Summoner.’ If Dr. Zhao is willing to go alone, he’s welcome. But if you’re both coming, forget it.”
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