“……While the difficulty coefficient is certainly high, the Scorpion King horror film world is teeming with all manner of side plots, many of which offer exceptionally rich rewards, along with numerous plot items—much like the stones you possess. These items might be powerful weapons, extremely useful knowledge, or crucial props. For instance, within the first Scorpion King film, one could obtain a Book of Attack and a Book of Resurrection; the importance of these two books to any team is self-evident.”

Zheng Zha meticulously detailed the various scenarios within the Scorpion King world. This left the pair of lovers visibly excited, as they ceaselessly inquired about the situations they might face in this terrifying film setting. Zheng Zha held practically nothing back; everything he could and should say, he did.

When Zheng Zha finally concluded his explanation, Manini sighed deeply. “It seems we won’t be able to complete this mission. Although my enhancement specialization is in close combat, my actual strength pales in comparison to yours. Furthermore, her special skills are designed specifically for one-on-one engagements. In a world of great terror like Scorpion King, completing the side quests with our current capabilities is virtually impossible…” Zheng Zha sighed in return. “There’s nothing I can do to help you there; many things must be resolved by yourselves… Actually, your strength isn’t bad. Earlier in the corridor, I ran into a tall middle-aged man whose capabilities were quite impressive, weren’t they?” Manini chuckled wryly. “Indeed, his strength is formidable; he is the strongest member of our team, and the only one who has developed his own unique skill…” Rose abruptly tugged Manini’s arm, bringing him back to attention. He offered Zheng Zha an apologetic smile. “Apologies. These words shouldn’t have left our mouths. We don’t involve ourselves in team combat because the Central Continent Team is recognized by the ‘Main God’ as the strongest of the three teams. Our initial proposition was peaceful coexistence with you. But the team is unstable right now. There’s friction between Neos and Hofiel…” The girl fiercely yanked on Manini’s sleeve again. The man offered another sheepish smile, and Rose stepped in herself. “Zheng Zha, there’s really nothing to hide. We have two factions in our team: one led by a captain newly acknowledged by the ‘Main God,’ who has unlocked the first stage of the Genetic Lock, and whose combat power is second only to Richard, who developed his own skill. The other faction is led by Neos. He’s a criminal genius… That’s roughly the situation. Since both sides want control of the team, whoever takes down the Central Continent Team—the strongest of the three—will gain command. However, Manini and I are self-aware: as long as the Central Continent Team doesn't attack us, we won't deploy our strength in the fight… You agreed to this condition, didn’t you?” Zheng Zha nodded. “That’s right, I accepted that condition… But the current situation may no longer be mine to decide, Rose. Your title, if I recall correctly, is Doctor of Alien Zerg Biology? Your published theories on parasites… Do you understand what I mean? We also have a master strategist on our team. He is absolutely superior to that criminal genius Neos. In truth, we are all somewhat beyond our own control now. The battle between our factions already began; we just don't know what the next phase will bring.”

Rose replied, “That title was the identity the ‘Main God’ assigned me in this world. When we were still on Earth, Neos had me publish those theories under that designation. His logic was to place us on the strongest ‘momentum’ to guarantee the safety of the entire South Flame Continent Team… After thinking it over for several days, I finally understood Neos’s intent. He seemed to be using this theory to eliminate you. But don’t worry, since both of us have decided not to intervene in the team conflict, and this horror mission is only about survival, we just need to keep far away from the battlefield. In three to five days, the high-ranking military officials will arrive here. At that time, Manini and I will find a pretext to accompany the escort vessel of those high-ranking officials back to Earth, thereby missing the window for your fight…” Zheng Zha stood up and smiled. “Then it is settled. I just hope the decisive battle doesn't erupt within these few days. But I truly envy you for possessing such a detached mindset, being able to calmly choose the path to mere survival… Good luck. I hope we can meet again in the future, and the next time we meet, we can help each other complete the same horror mission…” With that, Zheng Zha turned and walked toward the door.

Rose and Manini exchanged a glance. Manini suddenly spoke up. “Zheng Zha, here’s a piece of information, free of charge: Last time we encountered another team in Lord of the Rings, we exchanged intelligence. Apparently, there are certain horror film worlds where team combat is highly likely. These worlds usually feature large maps and require a certain established background, and they mostly conceal large amounts of side plots and plot items. Examples include the Scorpion King world you mentioned, and the Lord of the Rings series we experienced. Oh, the team we met last time also mentioned that the Transformers horror film world is another likely setting for team confrontation… This information is a complimentary bonus…” Zheng Zha listened intently to their words, waved a hand toward the two behind him, then pushed open the door and stepped outside.

Concurrently, Richard, the middle-aged strongman from the South Flame Continent Team, returned to the starship he occupied. He did not go directly to see Neos and the others, but instead retreated to his own quarters. Since their location had been exposed—the Central Continent Team already knew they were on this vessel—Neos had instead instructed the South Flame Continent Team’s mental controller, the young girl Xue Ling’er, to use her psychic abilities to completely shield the battleship. Thus, Richard had no need to risk being tracked by meeting Neos and the others in person; he could communicate with them mentally.

“…Yes, I haven’t exaggerated in the least. His strength is immense, terrifyingly strong. Let me put it this way: my combat power is five; using my self-created skill makes it fifty; our team operating in concert reaches one hundred… I estimate his strength conservatively to be at least seventy to eighty, and that’s just his individual combat power alone… Do you understand now, Neos? I’m starting to hesitate. If possible, do not engage him in combat.”

Richard sat on his bunk in his room, smoking a cigarette, murmuring to himself.

Neos’s voice took a long moment to arrive. He stated coldly, “Richard, even you are losing faith in me? Why can’t you trust me completely, as you did when we tested your self-created skill? Even if we fail, we die together, right? I won’t survive alone to seize everyone’s benefits, will I?” Richard took a slow drag from his cigarette before replying, “Neos, yes, I believe in you deeply. I believe that with your intellect, nothing in this world can stop you. But… I have a truly ominous premonition this time. I feel the Central Continent Team is not as simple as they appear. Don’t you think you discovered that individual too easily? Moreover, that person looks no different from an ordinary person; he seems more like a raw recruit than an established member of the Central Continent Team, Neos…” Neos exhaled heavily. “There’s nothing more to discuss. The plan has been set in motion; it is flawless. As long as we can gather all the members of the Central Continent Team, we will absolutely secure this strongest of the three teams! Trust me. Our South Flame Team is too weak. If we don't seize this excellent opportunity to become stronger, we might meet misfortune and be wiped out someday… Trust me, Richard, can’t you trust me one last time?” Richard blew out a stream of smoke, hesitating for a long time before saying quietly, “If it were only my life on the line, I wouldn’t mind giving it to you. I survived the last time thanks to your strategy, but… besides my life, their lives are also in your hands. Furthermore, we all have Rune Stones; even if we accrue negative points…” Neos interrupted fiercely, “How can we settle for negative points! What about all our efforts? What about our reason for wanting to grow stronger and survive? If we shrink back now facing a strong team, what happens the next time we meet one? Richard, there’s no more need for talk. Continue to follow my lead as you have before! I’ve already dispatched Aya to retrieve that exposed new recruit from the Central Continent Team. Compared to the other four, he should be the weakest, and Aya’s skill is best suited for sneak attacks, so rest assured. Every step is within my calculation. Trust me! We will achieve the final victory!” Richard sighed, “Then… I will fight alongside you until the end, Neos. Don't disappoint us…” “No problem, trust me! Every step is within my calculation. I refuse to believe the enemy has anyone capable of anticipating all my plans and strategies! Capturing this new recruit is just the opening gambit. When they come aboard this starship to search and investigate, that will be our moment to uncover evidence and deploy ‘momentum’! Trust me! We will absolutely secure the final victory!” Meanwhile, on a distant, separate starship, Chu Xuan quietly observed the computer before him. On the monitoring screen was the feed of Luo Gandao rounding a corridor corner, followed closely by a young girl. In his room, besides himself, stood over a dozen squad-leader-level soldiers, all standing at attention with their hands behind their backs, their eyes shining with the adoration reserved for idols. “……Very well, proceed exactly as I have instructed you. Dismissed!” Jump to