Chapter 63
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 63: New Exchange
After parting ways with the journalist, Chaoyang’s true form on Emerald Street stirred to life, his eyes snapping open.
“So, you really can’t multitask,” Luo Di remarked, her head tilted slightly as she observed him. “Here, it’s like you’re alive but unconscious—just breathing and nothing more.”
“What’s so strange about that?” Chaoyang shot back, rolling his eyes. “Try boxing yourself from both sides at the same time.” In the past, he wouldn’t have dared to control his clone over such a great distance. It rendered him completely oblivious to his surroundings. Even if someone stabbed him in the chest, he wouldn’t immediately notice.
Currently, only angels had the power to forcibly nullify his ability and pull him out of remote control mode. Whether Luo Di acknowledged it or not, she was the ideal choice for a bodyguard.
“You were able to observe everything that happened during this trip, right?” Chaoyang asked.
“Um… I had a general sense of the events, but not through sight.” Luo Di pursed her lips, deep in thought. “It’s hard to describe, almost as if part of my consciousness was following your actions.”
“It seems the connection established by the contract can be utilized in reverse as well.” Chaoyang mused, gaining further insight into his abilities. By accessing the five senses of contractors, he could obtain information. Naturally, this led him to consider if contractors could also receive additional data through him. The test confirmed that with his intention, information indeed could flow back to the contractors, although there was still a significant disparity in richness of the data exchanged between the two directions.
He reasonably deduced that the contractual relationship resembled an invisible “data cable,” allowing thoughts and memories to travel back and forth. However, his true form served as the central hub for all these connections, granting superior processing and transformation capabilities.
Regardless of whether this analogy was entirely accurate, it atleast provided a framework for understanding how it worked.
“, I’ll go wake them up now,” Chaoyang said, heading into the inner room where four Players sat immobile around a table. They were frozen in the exact positions they had been in during their discussion the previous night, as if time itself had paused.
With a snap of his fingers, Chaoyang reconnected their consciousnesses to their bodies.
Luo Di found a seat as well, adopting the appearance of having just woken up.
“Wait… Did time jump?” Zhang Zhiyuan blinked, noticing the light in the room had abruptly changed from late night to daytime.
“Now updating the main quest,” Chaoyang announced, offering no further explanation. “Everyone can view the quest details in the new interface. Additional exchange items have also been added to the list.”
The group collectively looked towards the upper left corner of their screens.
“Addressing the Cathedral’s hidden concerns has entered its second phase,” Zhou Zhi read aloud as he scanned the information. “Obtain sufficient currency from Gaotian Mining’s train and then depart from the western beach.
Requirements: At least one person must survive and return to the beach; otherwise, the task will be considered a failure.
Important Reminder: This quest involves the Foggy Region, so ensure adequate preparations before entering.”
Zhou Zhi paused, then frowned. “Wait, what is this… an impenetrable fog?”
Examining the accompanying photo of the fog wall in the quest description, marveling at its eerie presence. “Has even a specialized weather system been implemented now? It looks almost like a natural wonder…”
The “photos” were, of course, images Chaoyang had taken during his recent excursion, providing the Players with fresh intelligence straight from the source.
“Hey, isn’t this fog just too abnormal? It can even interfere with compasses…” Meanwhile, Zhang Zhiyuan muttered to himself, reminding himself that this was a real world. “Host, do you know how it originated?”
“Your question does not pertain to the quest content,” Chaoyang replied flatly.
“Then, how are we supposed to hijack a train moving through such dense fog?” Zhang Zhiyuan asked, frustration creeping into his voice.
“Brother Zhang, look at the exchange section; there’s a specialized fog lamp listed,” Asahara Naruko pointed out, her tone calm as always.
Zhang Zhiyuan quickly switched to the points exchange page and noticed a conspicuous lantern under the “NEW” section on the homepage. Below the image, a small row of explanatory text read: 「A magical lantern using a special coral wick, capable of dispersing mist within a certain range. It does not emit light otherwise and is the only means for people to navigate through foggy areas. Price: 100 points.」
“Hmm…” Asahara Naruko pondered aloud, hed brow furrowed. “Why do I feel like this item seems hastily created?”
“We even have money and a vehicle!” Zhou Zhi exclaimed, as if discovering uncharted lands. “Quick, check the ‘Special’ category!”
Everyone swiftly navigated to the “Special” tab, where an antique car and a pouch of coins prominently caught their eyes.
The description for the car read: 「A perfect combination of diesel engine and wheels, its emergence holds epoch-making significance. Main quest item, usable only within the Foggy Region. Price: None.」
The coin pouch had a simpler description: 「Common currency of the Glorious Fortress, made from a blend of silver and other metals, known as seryl. One pouch contains 10 pieces. Price: 100 points (limited purchase of one pouch).」
“This car must be older than my grandma, right?” Anthony scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. “Since it can only be used during the quest, why not give us a luxury Mercedes-Benz instead?”
“Have you considered what era we’re in? Wouldn’t modern cars draw too much attention? The Foggy Region isn’t exactly deserted,” Zhang Zhiyuan retorted, not missing a beat. “Personally, i think it’s best to use horse-drawn carriages…”
“Horse-drawn carriages might struggle on the countryside roads,” Asahara Naruko interjected, shaking her head. “I noticed earlier that the photos showed hilly terrain on the northern outskirts, with loose stones scattered across the paths. It would be difficult for horse-drawn carriages to gain speed unless we all ride horses instead.”
“Since the Host has provided transportation options, let’s not waste time debating this,” Anthony said, turning towards Chaoyang. “Is the next phase about gathering intelligence?”
Chaoyang nodded. “Following this, there will be free movement time. Once information is confirmed, I will contact everyone via sound.”
The group’s expressions brightened at the prospect of freedom.
“Can we truly move freely?” Asahara Naruko asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
“Until the assembly command is issued, Paradise will not interfere. However, the previous rule still applies: if any actions jeopardize the main quest, Paradise will take necessary measures to eliminate the threat.”
“I’ll exchange for one bag of coins!” Naruko declared without hesitation.
“Give me a bag as well!”
“Me too.”
All four individuals chose to exchange for money.
Chaoyang tossed pre-divided money bags to them and watched as they eagerly dashed out the door.
“Did you create these coins using Wish Power?” Luo Di asked, staring at him intently.
“No, they’re all genuine currency.” Chaoyang took out the last bag and waved it in front of her. “I prepared one for you too. Take it; this one is free of charge.”
“You’re certain there won’t be any issues letting them wander around the city unchecked?” Luo Di queried while accepting the money bag. “Don’t underestimate their impact—even though they’re only four individuals, someone will remember their appearance and voices, noting that they’ve been here. The traces they leave behind will ultimately affect this city.”
“That’s precisely what I want to see,” Chaoyang shrugged nonchalantly. “This world will inevitably discover us sooner or later, so letting the locals get some early exposure isn’t necessarily harmful. Besides, we’ve already left our mark on this city long ago.”
With those words, he waved her away, “You shouldn’t linger here either. Go find some fun outside tonight; my safety doesn’t require your protection.”
“Who said I’m staying just to protect you?” Luo Di seemed slightly tempted but hesitated before declining his suggestion, “I need to supervise every move you make.”
“Oh really?” Chaoyang studied her briefly, then grinned widely, “In that case, why don’t you come along with me for a stroll!”
“I don’t need your protection tonight,” he concluded with a playful wave of his hand towards her.
Recruitment of Editors: https://gravitytales.com/recruitment-of-editors/