pdf-ebookys Chapter 20: Failed to retrieve original text
Chapter 20: Failed to retrieve original text
The pure white pillar of light dissipated, and the eternal light of the main god's space once again enveloped everyone. Unlike the tension and oppression when they left, upon returning, all that remained was the exhaustion of surviving a catastrophe and a deep-seated fatigue. Eleven people (the blond newcomer died from self-harm triggered by the third wave of hallucinations) lay haphazardly on the cold floor of the hall, almost indistinguishable from corpses, except for the rise and fall of their chests proving they were still alive.
[Ju-on world quest completion in progress...]
[Survive for seven days, mission complete. Basic reward: 2000 reward points per survivor.]
Surviving seven waves of attacks from Kayako grants an additional C-rank side quest and 3000 reward points.
[Defeat the vengeful spirits derived from the Curse of the Nether (the fake West Sea team), severely damage their core nodes, alter the local resentment field, and receive the following bonus rewards: one B-rank side quest and 5000 reward points.]
Teamwork Rating: Excellent. Bonus: The entire team receives 1000 reward points.
[Wang Lin, the reincarnated one, provided crucial information (seven-wave attack pattern), acquired key items (Buddhist scriptures), spearheaded tactical planning, and guided the team's will to resonate and resist the final resentment at critical moments in this mission. Contribution rating: Extremely high.]
You have received: 2000 (basic) + 4500 (additional tasks and contribution allocation) + 1000 (teamwork) = 7500 reward points. One B-level side quest and one C-level side quest.
[The fragment of the contract absorbed some of the power of belief and fragments of rules during the final resonance of wills, resulting in unknown changes that need to be investigated upon returning.]
[The reincarnator Wang Lin has been found to be severely mentally exhausted, with multiple hidden injuries on his body. Should he be repaired?]
"Repair..." Wang Lin responded in his mind with difficulty.
Warm beams of light descended, healing physical wounds and soothing mental exhaustion. Other survivors also received the healing process in succession.
As the light faded, although everyone was still exhausted, they had at least regained their ability to move. Wang Lin immediately looked at the contract paper in his hand—the originally ivory-yellow paper now had a faint, almost imperceptible golden pattern along its edges, and felt warmer and heavier to the touch, as if it contained some faint but resilient power. The Buddhist scripture lay quietly in his other hand, its pages yellowed and torn, its spiritual light completely gone, seemingly just an ordinary ancient book. But Wang Lin could sense that a faint "root" still remained within it, and perhaps, in an environment filled with positive energy, after a long period of time, it could regain a trace of its spirituality.
"A B-level side quest... one B-level, one C-level, and 7500 points..." Zheng Zha looked at his harvest, his voice filled with excitement and disbelief. Zhan Lan, Lingdian, Bawang, and others also received generous rewards, although not as much as Wang Lin and Zheng Zha, who was the main force, but still far exceeding previous rewards.
Chu Xuan adjusted his glasses. He had obtained an A-level side quest (? Wang Lin noticed that Chu Xuan's eyes flickered slightly, as if he was hiding something) and a large number of reward points, but he was more concerned about the data: "The attack pattern of Ju-on, the data on the confrontation between Buddhist scriptures and resentment, the threshold of will resonance... valuable research materials."
Zhang Jie remained as lazy as ever, smoking and seemingly lost in thought.
"We... survived!" Li Shuaixi collapsed to the ground, crying and laughing at the same time. The other two surviving newlyweds (a man and a woman) also embraced and wept. After experiencing seven days of hell, they finally truly felt what it meant to be "alive".
"Go back and rest first. We'll meet here in 24 hours to discuss the enhancements and the next mission," Wang Lin said, forcing himself to stay alert. He urgently needed to organize his findings, and more importantly—try to recall them!
Back in his personal space, Wang Lin immediately rushed to his computer (the basic version he had previously redeemed) and attempted to connect to the Main God to search for information related to "Infinite Terror." However, as with countless previous attempts, the search results were either blank or contained vague and irrelevant entries. The Main God seemed to have blocked all direct information about the "plot," "original work," and "script."
"As expected... it didn't work." Wang Lin leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples. He could remember the general framework, main characters, some key plot points and settings of "Infinite Terror," but the details were already blurry. For example, he knew that Zheng Zha would unlock the gene lock, knew about Chu Xuan's intelligence and Zhang Jie's secret identity, and knew that he would probably experience "Final Destination," "The Mummy," "Resident Evil 2," and so on, but the specific details of the missions in each world, the key turning points, the hidden traps... had long been buried in the dust of ten years of memories.
The precognitive advantage of the Ju-on world largely relies on a deep understanding of the core concept of "seven waves of attack" (because it's so classic) and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. What will the next world be? He can only guess, or wait for the Supreme God to inform him.
"I can't rely on the plot foresight anymore..." Wang Lin muttered to himself. "At least, I can't rely on it as my main method. I must strengthen myself and forge a path that doesn't depend on the plot."
He opened his attribute panel and exchange list.
奖励点：9180点（之前剩余1680+本次7500）。支线剧情：B级x1，C级x1，D级x1。
Unprecedented wealth! But it also means more choices and greater responsibilities.
His upgrade path was already clear: control, reconnaissance, and rule-based support. Now that he has a B-level side quest, he can consider exchanging for higher-tier items.
First, mental strength and perception are fundamental and need to be further improved to support more powerful skills and the use of the Contract Paper.
[Advanced Mental Enhancement (Rank B): Significantly increases mental strength, mental energy recovery speed, mental resistance, and the ability to precisely control mental energy. Allows for the initial external projection of mental energy to create simple force fields or impacts. Exchange: 2000 reward points, one Rank B side quest.]
This is it! The B-rank side quest has been used, costing 2000 reward points. My mental attributes will experience a qualitative leap, which is crucial for using the Lie Detector, Rule Perception, and potentially more powerful mental skills in the future.
Secondly, the potential of the Contract Paper must be explored further. In the world of Ju-on, the Contract Paper played a crucial role in guiding the resonance of wills and also produced unknown changes. It requires exchanging for higher-level rule-related knowledge or skills to complement it.
[Introduction to Contract Studies (Knowledge Category, Rank C): Systematically learn basic contract laws, rune construction, validity determination, and the payment and collection of costs. Can independently craft low-level contract scrolls (materials required), and can attempt to decipher, repair, or enhance existing contract items. Exchange: 1500 reward points, one Rank C side quest.]
This is perfect! Using a C-level side quest will cost 1500 reward points. Systematically learning about contracts will not only allow you to better utilize the Contract Paper, but you might also be able to craft contract-related items or skills in the future.
Secondly, he needs stronger control and survival skills. The world of Ju-on exposed his inability to directly confront high-intensity supernatural beings. He needs equipment or skills that can effectively deal with supernatural phenomena and provide him with some degree of initiative.
[Piercing Eyes (Rank B Skill): Active skill, consumes a large amount of mental energy. Temporarily grants the eyes the ability to see through illusions, perceive spirits, and exploit weaknesses. Possesses extremely strong insight into spirits, illusions, disguises, and energy weaknesses, and can inflict some mental shock on lower-level spirits. Short duration, long cooldown. Exchange: 2500 reward points, one Rank B side quest.]
Grade B? Wait, I've already used up my Grade B side quests... Looks like I can only choose Grade C or D.
Wang Lin carefully selected a substitute:
[Spiritual Vision Enhancement (Rank C Skill): Passively enhances visual perception, allowing the user to see spirits, energy flows, and traces of rules (weakly) under normal conditions. When actively activated, it significantly increases insight for a short period, allowing the user to see through invisibility and illusions, and slightly increases damage against supernatural entities. Exchange: 1200 reward points, one Rank C side quest.]
This is also good; the normal state of Spirit Vision is very useful, and the active burst also has some effect. But it was also used in the C-level side quest...
It seems he'll have to use the D-level side quest for now. He looked at the D-level options:
[Soul-Suppressing Bell (D-Rank Item): When shaken, it emits sonic attacks targeting spirits. It has a dispelling and intimidating effect on low-level spirits, and a slight interference effect on powerful spirits. Its effect can be enhanced by mental energy infusion. Exchange: 800 reward points, one D-rank side quest.]
Items are consumables (with a limited number of uses or durability), but their advantage lies in their immediate availability and their area-of-effect interference.
Wang Lin thought for a moment and decided to exchange for the [Soul-Suppressing Bell]. He used it in the D-rank side quest, consuming 800 reward points.
目前消耗：2000(B级强化)+1500(C级知识)+800(D级道具)=4300点。剩余奖励点：9180-4300=4880点。支线剧情全部用完。
With 4880 points remaining, you can consider some practical skill or attribute boosts.
[Comprehensive Enhancement of Basic Attributes (Minor)]: To enhance again, a D-rank side quest is required, which he does not have, but a single attribute can be exchanged using pure reward points.
[Agility Enhancement (Grade C)]: Improves neural reaction speed, movement speed, and body coordination. Exchangeable for: 1800 reward points.
This is worth considering; high agility helps with both survival and battlefield control.
[Endurance Enhancement (Grade C)]: Increases stamina, recovery, and resistance to damage. Exchange: 1700 reward points.
The fundamental necessity for survival.
[Mental Strength Restoration Potion (Medium) *5]: Quickly restores a moderate amount of mental strength. Exchange: 500 reward points.
Battery life guarantee.
【Highly Effective Healing Injection *3】: Quickly heals non-fatal wounds and stabilizes injuries. Redeemable for: 600 reward points.
Life-saving supplies.
[Spirit Protection Suit (Rank D Item): Provides basic energy resistance to spirit attacks and slightly reduces the effects of curses and mental corruption. Exchange: 600 reward points.]
Essential for dealing with the supernatural world.
算一下：1800(敏捷)+1700(耐力)+500(药剂)+600(治疗针)+600(防护服)=5200点。超了320点。
Remove Endurance Enhancement (Grade C) and replace it with Constitution Enhancement (Grade D): 1000 reward points. There are no Grade D side quests, so should I use pure points? Oh, you need a Grade D side quest, no way. Then remove Endurance and keep Agility.
Final solution:
1.
[Advanced Mental Enhancement (Grade B)]: 2000 points, Grade B side quest x1.
2.
[Introduction to Contract Studies (Level C Knowledge)]: 1500 points, Level C side quest x1.
3.
【Soul-Suppressing Bell (D-Rank Item)】: 800 points, D-Rank Side Quest x1.
4.
[Agility Enhancement (Grade C)]: 1800 points.
5.
[Mental Strength Restoration Potion (Medium) *5]: 500 points.
6.
【High-Efficiency Healing Injection *3】: 600 points.
7.
[Spirit-type Protective Suit (D-level Item)]: 600 points.
总计：2000+1500+800+1800+500+600+600 = 7800点。剩余1380点。
Agility enhancement uses pure reward points and doesn't require side quests, which is good.
"God, redeem the above items."
Several beams of light descended in succession. A surge of immense spiritual power flooded his mind, cleansing and broadening his soul. His thinking speed, perception range, total spiritual power, and control precision all experienced a leap forward. Vast knowledge about contracts poured in like a tide; countless runes, rules, and case studies flowed through his mind, giving him a revolutionary understanding of the structure and potential of the contract paper in his possession. His body became light and coordinated, and his reaction speed increased significantly. The Soul-Suppressing Bell (an ancient bronze bell), potions, injections, and a thin yet sturdy black protective suit also appeared beside him.
Personal attribute update:
[Reincarnator: Wang Lin]
[Number: 7341]
[Permission Level: 2]
Overall Rating: C- (A seasoned professional with emerging unique skills)
【Strength: 13】
Agility: 19 (+5)
[Physical Fitness: 17]
[Spirit: 35 (+13)]
Perception: 22 (+4) (Increased by Mental Enhancement)
[Willpower: 23 (+4) (Refined through the Ju-on arc)]
[Energy: Weak Spiritual Energy]
[Skills: Omitted (New additions: Introduction to Contract Studies, Enhanced Psychic Vision (Passive))]
[Items: Omitted (New additions: Soul-Suppressing Bell, 5 Medium Mental Energy Restoration Potions, 3 High-Efficiency Healing Injections, Spirit-Type Protective Suit)]
[Reward Points: 1380]
Side quests: None
His mental strength surged to 35 points! Wang Lin felt his mind had never been so clear. He could more keenly perceive the details of his surroundings, the faint traces of energy flow, and even the subtle fluctuations in the emotions of others. The contract paper was no longer just a piece of paper in his "eyes." The dim runes on it, the invisible contractual connection between him and his teammates, and the newly appeared pale golden patterns all seemed to have come alive, containing a unique rhythm of rules.
He tried channeling a wisp of his spiritual energy into the contract paper. The pale golden patterns on the paper glowed slightly, and a clearer, more solid sense of connection emerged in his mind. He could even vaguely "sense" the general state of the other contracted team members at this moment (such as calm, tired, excited), as well as the "firmness" of the contract terms.
"The basics of contract theory are indeed useful!" Wang Lin thought with delight. His current mental strength was sufficient to support more complex contract operations, such as attempting to "repair" the defects in the contract paper, or designing clauses with more complex triggering conditions and penalty mechanisms. Of course, this would require time and practice.
He kept the remaining 1380 points for now, in case of emergency, or to exchange for specific items as needed before the next mission.
After the enhancement was complete, Wang Lin rested (or rather, adapted to the new power) for a few more hours. The 24-hour rest period passed quickly.
When they regrouped, everyone looked completely different. Zheng Zha's aura was deeper and more restrained, clearly indicating he had enhanced his bloodline and internal energy to a higher level. Zhan Lan's mental energy projection was more fluid, as if she had acquired a mental skill. Ling Dian was like a sharp blade sheathed, even more dangerous. Ba Wang's muscles bulged, his aura terrifying. Li Shuaixi had also become much more wiry. Chu Xuan remained calm, but Wang Lin could sense a new, obscure, and immense sense of "calculation" within him. Zhang Jie... was still the same as before.
The two newcomers (one male and one female, named Zhao Yingkong and Ming Yanwei respectively? Wang Lin vaguely remembered that these two names seemed to be important characters later on, but he couldn't recall the specific plot) also underwent basic enhancements, at least gaining some ability to protect themselves.
"What's the next horror movie? Has the Supreme God given any hints?" Zheng Zha asked.
"No, we'll know right before we enter the pillar of light," Chu Xuan replied. "But according to the pattern, the difficulty will increase. We need a more complete team configuration and tactics."
Wang Lin nodded and took out the brand-new contract: "Everyone, after experiencing the Curse, I think you all understand the importance of teamwork. I propose that we update our team contract, adding more detailed terms, including reward point lending rules (low or no interest), loot distribution details (based on contribution), intelligence sharing obligations, and... priority allocation of team resources in extreme circumstances."
He presented the new terms he had drafted. The terms were more detailed and rigorous, protecting basic individual rights while prioritizing the interests of the team.
This time, no one objected. The shared fate in the world of Ju-on had elevated the team's cohesion to a new level. Even Chu Xuan carefully read the terms and nodded in agreement.
Everyone signed in turn. As the last name was signed, the contract paper flashed with light, and a faint gold glow appeared at all the signatures. The paper itself also seemed to thicken slightly, establishing a more solid and closer connection between everyone.
"Next, we might need to deal with all sorts of horror movies: science fiction, fantasy, supernatural, disaster, and so on." Wang Lin put away the contract. "I suggest that everyone, based on their own enhancement direction, think about their role and function in different types of worlds. Chu Xuan, could you help us develop a few basic team formations and contingency plans for different crises?"
"Okay." Chu Xuan adjusted his glasses. "I need detailed enhancement data, skill effects, and areas of expertise for each person. In addition, I suggest using the remaining time for targeted training and coordinated drills, especially for scenarios such as sudden paranormal events, high-tech blockades, and large-scale wars."
Zheng Zha said, "The training ground can simulate various environments. Although it consumes reward points, it's worth it."
Zhan Lan nodded in agreement: "Mental connection can make our communication smoother in battle, but it requires practice."
Thus, under Chu Xuan's coordination, everyone began intensive training and tactical practice. Wang Lin, on the other hand, seized the time to familiarize himself with his surging mental power and newly acquired knowledge of contracts, attempting to use his own mental power to nurture and repair the contract paper, and initially designed several temporary contract templates for different situations (such as internal disagreements, encountering powerful enemies, or the need for sacrifice).
Time flies by in the midst of busyness.
When the ten-day rest period ended and the divine message sounded again, everyone was prepared, at least mentally.
[Enter the beam of light within thirty seconds, target locked, teleportation initiation...]
A new world of horror is about to unfold. Wang Lin, with his hazy memories of the original work, new enhancements, and a nascent team, steps into the pillar of light.
Whether it's the eerie fate of "Final Destination," the ancient curse of "The Mummy," or other unknown terrors ahead, he will rely on his wisdom, strength, and this team that shares his destiny to move forward.
In the final moment before the white light engulfed his vision, Wang Lin silently recited:
"Come on, let me see what world is next."