Chapter 307

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Chapter 307: Overwhelming

Bai Yan sat calmly in the study chair, the red tea in his hand gradually cooling down. On his phone screen, the game interface for a new event was displayed.

It was a gloomy, pixelated mansion situated near the cemetery of Annottales. The vegetation around it was lush, but the population in the vicinity was sparse. To many, it was nothing more than an abandoned mansion, uninhabited for decades and avoided by all.

In reality, this mansion was Mercury Ball’s hidden secret base.

The first level of the event took place on the outskirts of the mansion, where numerous minions lurked near the entrance.

With just a glance, Bai Yan could tell that the art style and level design of this new event bore some resemblance to the annual action blockbuster Black Deity.

“Is there a roguelike element to this game? Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like it…”

He shook his head, genuinely feeling a twinge of regret. Roguelike games were, after all, incredibly fun.

For this event, Bai Yan had several options regarding character control. He could allow both “Nightsaber” and “Sword of Demons” to act autonomously in an AI-driven mode. Alternatively, he could directly control one Core Operator while letting the other act autonomously, with the option to freely switch between them during battle.

After a moment of thought, he chose the latter—controlling one Core Operator while the other acted independently.

Initially, Bai Yan opted to control Nightsaber. By now, Nightsaber had grown powerful, boasting numerous skills to choose from. However, the UI design was cluttered, making it less user-friendly. To enhance convenience, Bai Yan immediately connected a gamepad to his phone—something he had purchased during his trip to Tatsumi City, as it wasn’t available locally.

Upon entering the level, Bai Yan first familiarized himself with the controls.

Pressing the “Dodge” button caused Nightsaber to slip into the dark dimension, granting a temporary state of invincibility. The “O” button activated the Deep Blue World ability, which froze time for five seconds before entering a cooldown period.

The triangle button unleashed Sacred Rune: Frigga, which provided healing or a healing buff to targets.

The square button allowed Nightsaber to don a black eye mask, switching her attack mode to utilize Yin energy.

The R1 button performed a normal attack, while R2 activated a grappling hook. L1 was for blocking, and L2 enabled dashing. When the attack and grappling hook buttons were pressed simultaneously, a cinematic sequence would play, culminating in the execution of Nightfall—a devastating skill imbued with new understanding.

“All right, everything’s ready,” Bai Yan muttered, nodding with a faint smile of excitement.

“Your turn, Nightsaber.”

Under Bai Yan’s control, Nightsaber moved forward like a dancer on the battlefield, effortlessly dispatching enemies with graceful precision. She resembled a goddess of vengeance.

Having reached the Potential Apocalypse stage, Nightsaber possessed overwhelming attack power, allowing her to eliminate enemies with a single strike. Meanwhile, Sword of Demons, in autonomous mode, followed closely behind, occasionally descending from above to assassinate foes.

Overall, this level posed no challenge.

Pausing briefly, Bai Yan murmured to himself, “It suddenly feels like my characters have become so much stronger.”

This exhilarating feeling had been absent since Bai Yan began his second playthrough of Babel Tower a few months ago.

In earlier events, the bosses were often significantly stronger than the characters under Bai Yan’s control. The members of Babel Tower had lacked sufficient stats to face even the weakest enemies head-on.

During the Doomsday Crisis event, the disparity had been even more absurd. Without tactical cards and external assistance, the combined might of all Babel Tower characters couldn’t have defeated a single phase of one of Glofield’s bosses.

Now, for the first time, Bai Yan felt the sheer joy of mowing down enemies effortlessly.

The passionate battle BGM of the new event resonated deeply, and Bai Yan was nearly moved to tears.

All the effort he had poured into cultivation and grinding had finally paid off. Unbeknownst to him, Babel Tower had become incredibly powerful.

“Fortunately, the real world isn’t a game. There’s no dynamic difficulty balancing here… Otherwise, the developers would have a tough time keeping up. Not that I even know who the developers are.”

After annihilating all the enemies without taking any damage, Bai Yan cleared the first level.

With fourteen more levels ahead, Bai Yan wasn’t concerned. Controlling Nightsaber in her Potential Apocalypse state, he cleared the first level in less than ten minutes. He was already looking forward to the moment when Nightsaber officially entered the Apocalypse stage.

At that point, as the strongest character in the late game, Nightsaber would widen the gap between herself and other Core Operators, making her superiority undeniable.

The first level took place on the mansion’s outskirts, while the second level began at the front gate, guarded by even more enemies.

Before launching any attacks, Bai Yan decided to test Nightsaber’s resilience. He allowed her to stand still as waves of enemies swarmed her.

For half a minute, the trash mobs hacked at Nightsaber, managing to deplete only half of her HP. The disparity in strength between the two sides was striking.

These assassins should also be awakened, but they probably haven’t even reached the level of “awakening.”

Bai Yan picked up the gamepad and instantly pressed R1 and R2 together.

“NightFall.”

The pixelated character, Nightsaber, on the phone screen began emitting a dazzling black light!

In the next moment, an animation showcasing her unique skill appeared on the screen. First, an exquisite 2D portrait of Nightsaber flashed on-screen. Then, in the animation, she tightly grasped her sword as an endless darkness surged behind her, swallowing the entire world.

After the animation, the game returned to its pixelated format. The phone screen visibly darkened in tone, and Bai Yan noticed that even the background music (BGM) had changed.

“If I remember correctly, this is the only skill in the second playthrough that changes the BGM. From my impression, every Potential Apocalypse or higher-level character has a skill that alters the BGM.”

The once-passionate BGM had transformed into something deep and dark, as if a girl born of death was singing a lament. Yet, amidst the endless despair, there remained a glimmer of hope.

In reality, Bai Yan had let Nightsaber stand still and take hits to test the actual effects of her newly awakened ability, NightFall.

NightFall.

Its effect description stated: “Greatly enhances perception and recovery abilities.”

Bai Yan quickly realized that this ability’s in-game performance was quite apparent. The perception effect of NightFall allowed Bai Yan to observe the entire game map without any “map fog.”

The powerful recovery effect was even more astonishing. Nightsaber, who had already lost half her health, began regenerating. In just three or four seconds, her health was fully restored!

“In other words, in reality, it would take just three or four seconds to recover from a serious injury completely. If it’s only a broken hand or leg, it might take just one second to heal.”

Bai Yan recalled many anime and novels he had read, many of which featured characters with similar, nearly indestructible vitality.

“Super-regeneration-like abilities… In battles of the same level, where you’re not completely outmatched, this could be a frustrating power to deal with—and a significant advantage against weaker opponents.”

This terrifying vitality was already comparable to the nearly immortal monsters found in stories. The description of NightFall’s ability even mentioned that decapitation wouldn’t kill her.

Yet, after Nightsaber fully recovered, Bai Yan chose to retreat instead of launching an all-out attack. He restarted the second level.

The reason was simple—he didn’t plan to save here. Bai Yan couldn’t allow Mu Ling, in reality, to be hurt for no reason.

Even if she wouldn’t die, even if she had a monster-like body and might not even flinch…

Mu Ling was still a girl who could feel pain.

Bai Yan understood this deeply.

Restarting the level, Bai Yan quickly perfected the newly activated second level and progressed through the third and fourth levels without difficulty.

Finally, he reached the fifth level, marked with a red skull.

In the game, Nightsaber and Sword of Demons had already reached the center of the first floor of a mansion. Opening the rooms ahead would reveal the first boss of the new activity.

But after entering the level, Bai Yan paused, remaining silent for a moment. Instead of advancing, he endured the pain of analyzing data from the bottom floor of “Babel Tower.”

“As expected, there are differences…”

The information in front of him was incredibly useful, causing Bai Yan to smile.

“If you hit the wall outside the door ten times in a row, you can uncover a hidden secret passage…”

Excited, Bai Yan marveled at the ability of the “Real Digital World.” It was almost like having a built-in strategy guide.

“The second playthrough gives a chance to unlock hidden secrets missed in the first playthrough… Not bad.”

He directed Nightsaber into the secret passage.

What appeared next stunned Bai Yan immensely.

It was a hidden, dark room. Around a table that shimmered like mercury sat four individuals, each with a name floating above their heads. The Orange Light Phantom, Isoyellow Pearl Jade, Green Emerald Fog Rain, and the Host.

Bai Yan couldn’t help but ponder. He had skipped the core location of Mercury Ball and uncovered it himself.

“What’s going to happen in the real Mercury Ball a few hours later?”

***

Meanwhile, Mu Ling hadn’t relaxed since Maryse died once.

The experience deeply impressed upon her the insufficiency of her own strength.

Even during the loading of the “casual skin,” Mu Ling had taken a brief rest, but subsequent challenges only made her more acutely aware of her insignificance and weakness.

She no longer dared to rest.

Even though her own cultivation level had grown stronger, it was negligible compared to the blessings of the Savior. If the newly acquired blessed operators were not mastered proficiently, they could only exert twenty to thirty percent—or even less—of their full power.

Therefore, before Bai Yan could directly allocate skill points, daily training simulations and the operators’ self-training in private remained necessary.

Indeed, this was necessary now more than ever. Allocating skill points required effort and resources, but the operators’ self-discipline to master their power didn’t consume anything.

Mu Ling had always excelled in this.

She was about to head to the bathhouse in the clan when she saw the old butler, Huo Xin, waiting for her in front of it. The old man stood there with a serious expression, one that suggested it had been a long time since he had worn such a demeanor.

“Miss, I need to speak with you,” Huo Xin said earnestly.

Mu Ling nodded gently, signaling for him to proceed. “Hmm, go ahead, Huo Xin.”

Huo Xin sighed deeply, his voice filled with concern. “Miss, you’ve been burdened lately, and you’re not in the best state. I know your only time for rest is when you bathe, and even then, you don’t sleep well.”

“You might think I’m being too intrusive, but as head of the family, your personal matters are of great importance to me and to the clan.” A hint of pity and indulgence for the younger generation appeared in his eyes.

“I suggest that you take some time to rest. It’s been a long time since you visited the café.”

Mu Ling fell silent.

In fact, she hadn’t rested in the past month. It was even more intense than Huo Xin realized. Every moment of the twenty-four hours had been maximized, and she hadn’t wasted a single minute. Even during her baths, the young girl was deep in thought, trying to master her power with ever greater precision.

Mu Ling nodded gently and replied, “Thank you for your concern, Huo Xin, but I’m different now. I no longer need sleep or food… So, there’s no need to worry about me.”

“But is your heart unbreakable as well?” Huo Xin asked helplessly.

Mu Ling remained silent for a moment. Then, her voice suddenly became unusually firm. “Yes. Because someone is supporting me… and I want to repay them.”

A certain light flashed in her eyes.

This light made Huo Xin realize that he had underestimated the head of the family—the young girl he had watched grow up. She was no longer the weak, ordinary person she once was.

She had become a formidable being that he could never hope to reach in this lifetime.

The pressure she bore now was something she could endure and must endure.

Huo Xin suddenly felt an emotional wave and said, “For you now, Babel Tower and the Savior are more important than the family, right?”

Mu Ling smiled softly, looking at the old steward with a cheerful expression. She shook her head lightly. “Why can’t they be equally important?”

Huo Xin stared at the girl in slight astonishment, before a bitter smile crept onto his face. “It seems I’ve been too concerned… You have a spiritual strength I can’t even imagine, combined with extraordinary power, enough to support your will.”

【Nightsaber, you have been chosen】

The voice of the Savior suddenly rang in her mind. But Mu Ling wasn’t surprised at all. She put down the clothes she had planned to change into—she was used to this.

She was one of the highest-attending members in Babel Tower, and this had become a familiar occurrence.

“I’ll be back soon, Huo Xin.”

“Okay,” the old steward sighed, watching the young lady he could no longer control. He smiled, trying to mask his feelings. “I’ll make you a good omelet rice while you’re gone.”

Mu Ling was momentarily stunned, and a childish smile appeared on her face.

“Well… I’ve always been grateful to you.”

In the next moment, the surroundings around her completely changed.

Everything could change, but the girl’s will remained unshakeable.

Ticking.

The rain began to fall on her clothes and hair, dulling the color of the sky.

Mu Ling was prepared in an instant. Whether she acted personally or felt “controlled” by the Savior, she was already well-acquainted with it.

“Who?”

This was the outskirts of the Assassins’ Manor. Mu Ling slowly opened her eyes, and in front of her stood a group of black-clad figures who appeared lost and panicked.

Anyone who entered without notification would naturally be killed.

The assassins immediately drew their weapons and attacked Mu Ling without hesitation. They were all well-trained, their strength comparable to that of the formal Night Watchers.

The girl had no idea who these people were, nor did she know why the Savior wanted them dead.

The rain hit her face, quickly soaking her black clothes.

Mu Ling didn’t hesitate. Her body and will moved in perfect harmony. She bent down slowly and drew her sword.

“Count your sins,” she said softly.

“Kill her!”

The Mercury Ball assassins remained calm, their voices low but resolute.

Deep Blue World.

Just as numerous attacks were about to strike, Mu Ling’s body and sword transformed into a streak of black light, like dark lightning. In an instant, she leapt over the assassins blocking her path.

She sheathed her sword.

“Where is she?”

“She’s gone!”

The assassins, now in a panic, were unable to comprehend what had just occurred. How had that girl disappeared so suddenly?

Mu Ling, who had already sheathed her blade, didn’t bother to look back. She had already dashed through several streets and reached the gates of the hidden assassin mansion, hundreds of miles away.

In the next moment, the weapons in the hands of the outermost assassins, along with their bodies, and those of the others farther away…

In that instant, everything was cleaved in two by an invisible force!

Blood splattered, and brilliant crimson flowers bloomed in the rain.

The corpses piled up.

“So weak…” The young girl remained expressionless.

At the dilapidated mansion gate stood a new group of enemies, but Mu Ling simply shook her head, ignoring the terrified assassins who dared not approach.

Instead, she raised her head and gazed at the sword in the sky.

That sword should be her comrade, too.

“Hello… Mr. Mushroom?”

After a brief moment of contemplation, Mu Ling greeted it politely, unbothered by the enemies hesitating before her, unsure whether to attack.

But then, the magic sword made an unexpected sound.

“I’m very good… incredibly good.”

Mu Ling froze slightly.

It was the voice of a young woman—roughly the same age as herself, but with a natural indifference and coldness.

“I enjoy killing. I enjoy bloodshed… you did well, Nightsaber.”

Mu Ling shook her head and replied, “The recent action was actually manipulated by the Respected Savior… although I’m capable of doing it too. Killing these people is not difficult.”

The magic sword curiously responded, “I can see people’s desires… most people’s desires are quite dirty and ordinary, but you people from Babel Tower are different. Very strange.”

Seeing through desires?

Mu Ling didn’t answer, unsure if her face had reddened.

Had her desire to go back, take a bath, and eat been seen through?