Chapter 2790: Testing the Waters

The next day when they returned to the Whale Garden, Miss Ruo had already recovered. Her face wore more smiles, and she interacted with them more affectionately, no longer shutting down conversations as she did the first time they met.

During the conversation, she mentioned interactions between personalities. The reason she lived alone in the Whale Garden was that sometimes her siblings would suddenly come out and kill people. Of course, the people they killed were not good people, but dealing with the corpses troubled her.

She had long left the game and become a Grey Player. Although free from Zone 022’s control, if she killed too many people, the government departments could intervene if they wanted, and she felt a recent undercurrent, sensing that some people’s patience with her was wearing thin.

She wasn’t necessarily determined to stay in Zone 022, but if she could, she preferred not to move in the short term; she had grown accustomed to life here.

"This isn’t really about dealing with corpses," Gong Ying said, "It’s more likely someone wants to force you to comply. Forget corpses—stepping on an ant could invite criticism."

Miss Ruo chuckled lightly, "Not exactly. I suspect it’s my old enemy."

Gong Ying was a bit surprised, "You have enemies?"

"Plenty of enemies," Miss Ruo replied. "I joined the Game Government Base early, completing instances while working for the Game Government. The reason I could retire so early was because I made significant contributions, most of which cost lives."

"The extra staff at the Game Government Base usually only handle station and track maintenance. Do they arrange for ordinary players to do cleaning work?" Xu Huo was slightly surprised.

Miss Ruo nodded, "The situation in the district I was born in is somewhat different from ordinary game districts. Many of us have lifetime goals of joining the Game Government Base, becoming Grey Players, and then retiring safely."

"Of course, the Game Government isn’t as neutral as it appears. Dispersed across different Wormhole Points, it’s easy for them to be influenced by local environments. Many people are selfish, needing manpower to exploit resources and remove obstacles. Some Game Government personnel can’t or won’t do certain things and outsource them to Grey Players."

Miss Ruo had her own "work" habits, and she was used to having other personalities handle things after she was done. Most of her siblings didn’t know or care about how the personality responsible for cleanup handled it, but perhaps because of this, she got exposed.

The changing attitude of Zone 022 District Government indicated she had lost this layer of protection.

"The young man who came yesterday was just a light probe," Miss Ruo took a sip of tea. "I could smell the scent on him, unique to my enemy."

Gong Ying was a bit skeptical. Even if what Miss Ruo said was true, the person from yesterday was obviously not an important connection to her enemy.

"What do you plan to do?" Xu Huo asked.

"I’m not sure," Miss Ruo looked towards the underwater star river. "Maybe die here."

"Don’t be so pessimistic," Gong Ying quickly comforted, "There are plenty of places like Zone 022 in the game; if worst comes to worst, just move!"

Miss Ruo turned back and smiled at the two.

Xu Huo knew what she meant. She did dirty work for the Game Government Base and stayed in Lake City for over a decade without issues. Suddenly being found meant one of two things: either the Game Government Base could no longer keep her information confidential, or while her other personalities handled matters, they left clues that led the enemies here.

No matter which scenario, once she was targeted it would be hard to shake them off. Her only option would be using Zone 022’s teleportation device at the Wormhole Points, and even then, it couldn’t guarantee complete safety because certain traits and props in the game have cross-Wormhole Point tracking effects.

Her enemies didn’t immediately come to kill but coordinated with Zone 022, indicating her foes were no rabble.

"Just for revenge?" Xu Huo queried, "Is it revenge, or for something else?"

Miss Ruo lowered her head, chuckling softly, "Perhaps they think I know the Game Government Base’s secrets. Because those who suffered under the Game Government are united together, their biggest desire would be to exact revenge on the culprits. I’m just a tool, not that important."

"Without the Game Government Base trusting me, I hold nothing that can be used for redemption."

"What you say, others may not believe either," Gong Ying said, "It’s better to run; maybe you can escape?"

Miss Ruo shook her head, "Bearing the weight of guilt, my heart has long been tortured. If someone could kill me, it might end my suffering."

"I’m just waiting now."

She leaned beautifully yet sadly against the window, gazing helplessly at the garden of flowers and plants.

Gong Ying’s pity nearly overflowed from her eyes, but Xu Huo, witnessing the same scene, showed little emotion and only spoke after a while, "Do you need me to help with anything?"

Miss Ruo turned around, "You’re just here for the instance; why get involved?"

Gong Ying’s chivalrous spirit burst forth, "Just say the word, and we’ll do what we can!"

Miss Ruo seemed to hesitate for a while before extending her hand, revealing a natural green gemstone in her palm. She gazed at Xu Huo, "I can’t return home anymore. There’s a grave back home; if possible, I hope you can bury this gemstone in it. It represents me."

The gemstone floated from her hand towards Xu Huo. Just as he reached out to grab it, Gong Ying was quicker, grasping the gemstone and promising to handle this minor task properly, while still suggesting Miss Ruo prioritize relocation, noting that redemption could come in many forms, even after so many years.

Xu Huo glanced at Gong Ying, then mentioned Zone 022 Government, "The district government has no need to cooperate with outsiders just to trouble you; perhaps something could shift internally."

The attitude towards Outer Zone players in Zone 022 indicated that if they were truly righteous, Punishment City wouldn’t exist.

"Thanks for your kindness; I’ll consider it," said Miss Ruo.

Today’s conversation ended here, and Xu Huo called on Gong Ying to leave, but she was uneasy, suggesting staying to accompany Miss Ruo at Whale Garden to prevent any accidents.

Xu Huo gave her a half-smile, "Do you think you can protect her?"

Defiant, Gong Ying replied, "Even those with power need protection!"

"Alright," Xu Huo raised his chin, "Give the gemstone to me."

Already holding the item, Gong Ying couldn’t possibly give it up. She quickly plastered on a smile, "Let’s discuss this; everything can be negotiated. Miss Ruo, I’ll come see you again tomorrow morning!"

Miss Ruo watched them leave, smiling.

"Brother Xu, what was your instance reward? If it’s not the gemstone, can you give it to me?"

Xu Huo turned back slowly, saying, "I don’t think it would be of any use to you."