Otherworldly Paradise

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 2 – “Pirates”

Ten minutes later, the light gray coast coastline emerged on the horizon.

“There seems to be a village by the beach,” Zhou Zhi observed for a while from afar. “We aren’t actually going… to kill people, right?”

“What nonsense are you talking about? We’re pirates!” The Russian man excitedly continued rowing. “Oh my God… this game is completely realistic and allows me to do whatever I want without breaking any laws! You weren’t wrong on one point, friend; this is definitely the most thrilling game in the world.”

“As long as you enjoy it,” the host nodded slightly.

“Of course, of course I’m enjoying it!” Chekhov grinned widely. “These million dollar tickets are absolutely worth every cent!”

Zhou Zhi swallowed hard, his rowing movements stiffening slightly.

The host patted him on the shoulder. “Relax, it’s just a game.”

“I know…but…”

“But when something becomes real enough, the line between fantasy and reality blurs. Is that what you’re saying?” The host nodded. “I understand; this is indeed a new question brought forth by technological advancement. However, I also recall that the guidelines for Paradise clearly state the game’s main selling point is its unparalleled sensory experience, suitable for those seeking unknown thrills. By pressing the payment button, you’ve proven your acceptance of these terms, just like every other participant, agreeing to partake in the pursuit of excitement. So why do you seem so indecisive now?”

“I…” Zhou Zhi’s expression shifted. “That’s none of your business!”

“Indeed. You have already gained access to the game, so it is your choice as to how you wish to proceed.”

“I said it before: there should be an age threshold,” James shouted, smoking a cigarette. He was much better now. “If you’re scared, then feel free to stay back and observe! Anyway, someone has to take care of logistics!”

Zhou Zhi gripped his oar tightly without another word.

As they drew closer to the coast, the village up ahead came more clearly into view. It was indeed small, with only dozens of thatched huts scattered messily along the beach. Fishing racks and nets stood by the houses, and rows of drying fish hung from each rack—the livelihoods of the villagers depended on these.

Not only did Zhou Zhi see the village, but it seemed the villagers had noticed this rapidly approaching ship as well. Panic spread visibly among the crowd; women who were cleaning and preparing their catch near the shore rushed back toward the village, screaming in fear. The cries of confusion rose and fell one after another.

“Ah, you’ve even considered the possibility of us not understanding their language?”

“This is good too, saves us from listening to them beg for mercy.”

“I would like to ask one last question.” James turned to the host.

“Please go ahead.”

“What if… I mean, what if we sustain severe injuries? Will it have any effect on reality?” He chose his words carefully. “Like how it happens in some movies…”

“Does psychological trauma manifest physically? No, no… there’s absolutely no chance of that happening,” the host shook his head repeatedly. “Please rest assured, this game is entirely safe. Whatever occurs here has nothing to do with you; the stimulation will only remain briefly in your shallow memory for reminiscing purposes afterward. To avoid unnecessary risks, the pain threshold of the nervous system has already been significantly reduced, so feel free to enjoy this trip.”

“I’m relieved now.” James tossed aside the wooden oars and picked up a long sword with a smooth patina, then jumped into the water as soon as the ship reached the shallows.

“We’ll follow!” Chekhov was right behind him.

Even Asahara Naruko jumped off the wooden ship without hesitation, holding her long spear, and ran toward the shore through the waves.

Zhou Zhi hesitated slightly before looking at the host, who gave him a soft laugh in response. “Have fun.”

“F**k! Isn’t it just a game?” He stomped his foot and stepped onto the beach.

The group quickly rushed into the village, which had already descended into chaos. Many people were fleeing in panic, mostly elderly individuals and women; few adult men could be seen among them.

“Shit, this is way too realistic,” Chekhov licked his lips.

“What should we do?” Zhou Zhi couldn’t help but ask.

“Haven’t you heard what the host said? Do whatever you want.” Joe James stared with bloodshot eyes at a nearby thatched hut; seconds ago, he had watched a beautiful woman with a child run inside through the entrance. “We’ll meet again later.”

“The Americans sure don’t know how to have fun. They’re already given such a rare opportunity, yet they still think of women as playthings,” Chekhov scoffed.

“You don’t understand a damn thing about it, but it’s not like normal times,” the other man replied without even turning around.

“As you wish.” Chekhov picked up his machete and locked eyes on a fleeing villager. “I bet whoever gets the most points wins in the end, so let me try first.”

Before he could make a move, the sound of galloping hooves suddenly came from one side of the dirt road.

“What’s going on?” The Russian was slightly taken aback.

The words had barely left his mouth when two fine horses burst out from behind the thatched cottage, directly meeting Joe James, who was searching for the woman.

“F**king—”

James didn’t even have time to curse before he was knocked head-on by the racing horses.

The force of impact sent him flying, blood spewed from his mouth as he hit the ground. Though he wasn’t immediately dead, it was clear from the deep dent in his chest that he would not survive.

These newcomers were cavalrymen.

Unlike the ragged villagers, these soldiers wore uniforms and carried badges. Based on their impressive demeanor and formidable strength, they were clearly on another level from the rabble.

Zhou Zhi began to scream.

“Stop standing around like idiots! Grab your weapons!” Naruko shouted at him.

“Is this what you call a real challenge?” Chekhov spat. “Indeed, it’s far too boring to kill some primitive savages who can only run away. These opponents are worth fighting.”

“Haa!”

On the other side, Asahara Naruko charged forward with all her might. She moved so quickly she seemed like a panther.

Her new body was barely 1.5 meters tall, but the burst of power she unleashed was no different from that of a wild beast! The long spear made up for any deficiencies in stature; when she thrust it out, the distance between them shrank by over ten meters in an instant.

It seemed the enemy hadn’t anticipated such a resolute counterattack, and one of them fell off the horse instantly.

“Beautiful technique,” Chekhov praised her. “I’ll take the other one!”

However, before he could make his move, Naruko’s expression changed.

The man who had fallen from his horse swiftly rolled back up and sprang to his feet as if unharmed. He drew his sword and threw it at Naruko, compelling her to withdraw her spear and shift from offense to defense, parrying his blade.

“They are wearing armor under their clothes!” Naruko shouted urgently.

“What?!” At this moment, Chekhov was already embroiled in combat with another cavalryman, whose fighting style was clearly much clumsier than Naruko’s thunderous movements; he relied more on instinctive swings of his weapon. After only four or five exchanges, he was already at a clear disadvantage.

“Kid, hurry over here and help me!”

Before Zhou Zhi could react, two more riders charged in from the flanks, tipping the balance of power decisively against the “pirates.”

To make matters worse, the surrounding cavalrymen now raised their guns.

That’s right…they brought firearms!

Chapter Correction (Paid)