Chapter 43

Chapter 43

[Ahhh, Lan is so cool, my wifey, sob sob sob sob]

[Whoa, just one look and the orderlies backed off. They say he's powerless now, but I don't buy it.]

[Even if sealed, he might not be strong, but his presence alone is enough. The weirdness and the orderlies around him seem to fear him.]

[A two-meter cockroach (faints)]

[Quick, kill the cockroach, kill it!]

[Damn, what's up with these rooms on the third floor?]

[So scary, damn, it's like poking a nest of anomalies.]

[Feels like these 'patients' on the third floor are really strong, probably the most formidable creatures in the hospital, right?]

[Not necessarily, look, they are confined here, but the doctors and nurses can move around outside. It implies these creatures might not be stronger than the medical staff, or they can't overpower them.]

[Lan is kept in the innermost room, and when he got angry just now, it seemed like the monsters in the rooms were responding to him. Could these monsters be Lan’s minions?]

[Possible, but doesn't seem very likely.]

The chat continued discussing the recent events.

Seeing the orderlies leave, Druid heaved a sigh of relief. He then exchanged a knowing look with Black Cat, and the two, like brothers in adversity, decided to proceed with the story.

Lan still appeared as bound and restrained as he was initially, but after witnessing the recent events, both Druid and Black Cat no longer believed he was truly weak and helpless.

Feigning panic, Druid asked, “Dr. Lan, I've finally found you. Do you know where this is?! Why have all the medical staff turned into monsters? Why am I here?!”

[Classic three questions.]

[Is this the start of the storyline, haha]

Lan cooperated well, lowering his eyelids as he spoke, “Now that you've come here, it's time to tell you the truth about what happened initially.”

“Indeed, your brother did die here, more precisely, at the hands of the monsters here,” Lan paused.

“You must have seen the anomalies in this hospital. The hospital by day and by night are completely different. Your brother got involved in the hospital's nocturnal horrors and was killed by a patient turned monster. In a sense, he indeed died trying to save me.”

Druid knew this information better than Lan, but he still listened intently, occasionally making expressions of grief, significantly improving his immersive acting compared to before.

Then, Druid went for the jugular, “What exactly is going on with this hospital? Is someone intentionally making it this way?”

“Yes,” Lan nodded, “This hospital has become like this due to the activities of a cult. They are trying to use this place as a test site for a massive conspiracy.”

“A massive conspiracy?”

“They aim to open the gates to the world of dreams, submerging Arkham in the dream realm,” Lan said casually, dropping a significant bombshell.

[Ding~]

A system notification popped up, [You have obtained a major storyline clue, upload it?]

Druid and Black Cat hurriedly confirmed, instantly gaining 200 contribution points.

[Main quest, Act One: The Secret of Arkham Hospital, Completed]

[Act Two: The Stranger]

[Mission Brief: A mysterious religious organization has been operating in Arkham for years. Now, their veil of secrecy has been lifted, and their conspiracy threatens to drag Arkham into the abyss. Stop them.]

[Number of participants: Unlimited.]

The chat was flooded with messages, and Druid, too busy to pay attention to the sarcastic remarks in the live stream, continued his act. His eyes widened in bewilderment, “Sink Arkham into the dream realm? Is it what I think it means?”

“It’s not the dream realm in the literal sense,” Lan explained, “The dream realm I speak of is the dwelling place of gods, a perilously hidden world. Many also call it the world of dreams, formed from the subconscious of all beings.”

[The world of dreams? A fantasy dreamscape?]

[Maybe different, but the game developers must have drawn some inspiration, haha]

[Whoa, sinking Arkham into the world of dreams? Can such a thing be done?]

[So, it’s not just a trial, right? This hospital must be the product of their experiments.]

[I bet Lan is from the dream world.]

[Very likely, he seems quite familiar with the dream world. Hmm, do you think Lan was summoned by this 'Stranger' cult? Since they're experimenting with merging reality into the dream realm, they must have researched how to communicate between the two worlds. Maybe Lan arrived in our world during one of these experiments.]

[It’s highly probable.]

Druid racked his brain, “But why would they do this? I mean, sinking an entire city into a dream realm, it’s madness.”

“What do you think their reason is?” Lan asked, a half-smile playing on his lips.

The name 'The Stranger' organization suddenly surged into Druid's mind, screaming for attention. He blurted out, “To return to what they believe is their homeland? But is the dream world really their homeland?”

“At least, they believe so.”

“Just for that, they’re willing to drag the entire city down with them…”

Well, in role-playing games, such fanaticism isn't uncommon. Sometimes, it's not just about worshipping a malevolent deity, but rather a distorted obsession in their hearts.

Still, Druid was puzzled. If they wanted to return to their homeland, why drag the entire city down with them?

Lan: “Arkham is a necessary sacrifice for their plan to succeed, and so, possibly, am I.”

[Whoa, using a malevolent deity as a sacrifice?]

[That’s a bold move... Hope they don’t bite off more than they can chew.]

[Lol, now just waiting for their plan to backfire.]

Druid looked up, his tone resolute: “This city is my hometown, and I will stop their conspiracy at all costs!”

Black Cat: “Me too, we'll definitely stop their scheme!”

The righteous fervor in their voices and expressions bordered on being comically over-the-top, leaving Alchi frequently turning his head with a puzzled look.

Are you followers of the malevolent deity, or champions of justice?

Is this religious organization always this bizarre?

Druid: “Please tell us, what should we do?”

Lan’s eyes twinkled: “Good, I knew I wasn't wrong about you.”

[Lan's approval +5]

Druid and Black Cat were thrilled, while the chat was sarcastic.

The chat, previously filled with messages like [The anthem of humanity is the anthem of courage] and [Brave investigators, go create miracles], suddenly shifted to [I could do that too], [Isn't it just saving the world? Which investigator hasn’t done that?], [Sob, my love, look at me, look at me! I can save Arkham too].

“Saving Arkham is actually quite straightforward,” Lan said with a smile, excited to finally reveal this information and lead the players onto the fast track to completing the storyline.

But unbeknownst to him, in the dim light, his smiling face, with a crooked smile, took on a sinister aspect, like a demon from hell tempting the souls of the living.

“The simplest solution is to kill the leader of the Strangers. That would bring an end to all their plots.”

[...I thought Lan was one of the good guys, but now this? I'm not so sure anymore.]

[Lol, who thinks a malevolent deity is kind and orderly? He's only acting because the Strangers provoked him first.]

[There's an irreconcilable conflict between them. The Strangers use Lan as a sacrifice, and Lan certainly has his own agenda, perhaps to break a seal or something similar.]

[I don’t care, I’d rather have my beloved win than the Strangers!]

Druid, reading the chat, felt that it made a lot of sense.

Anyway, he never really believed Lan was trying to save the world. A malevolent deity saving the world? That would be too out of character and would draw massive criticism from the gaming community.

The current scenario, driven by personal vendetta to thwart the Strangers' plans, sounded much more plausible.

Druid believed it but felt much better at the same time. As an immersive gamer who prides himself on playing the role of an investigator, suddenly joining the ranks of a malevolent deity and working for him was a bit hard to swallow.

Although most gamers' moral compasses in the game are questionable – running red lights and bumping into police cars are routine – some Cthulhu-inspired mini-games go as far as having players nurture malevolent deities or become cult leaders, plotting world destruction.

But such games are usually not available on full-dive platforms, due to the Network Psychological Management Law. Most full-dive games tend to be more normalized, with less inhumane content and rather rigid NPCs, leaving players with little immersion.

But this game is different.

Different in every way.

The NPCs here seem to have their own souls, almost unimaginable as AI-controlled entities. They're like ordinary people from another world. During their time playing the game, Druid and Black Cat encountered many interesting local inhabitants.

Perhaps deep down, they had begun to see this place as a second world.

At the same time, he really liked the character of Lan, at least until he does something terribly wrong, he's always been a favorite.

That's why he was initially conflicted.

But now, things are much better. At least for now, being an investigator saving the world and working for a malevolent deity don't seem too contradictory. (Shifts gaze)

“Is killing the leader of the Strangers the only way? We’d like to do that too, but it seems the leader of the Strangers is currently in the police station,” Druid pondered, recounting the players' experiences in Arkham Hospital.

Although he already knew from the forum, hearing it again from Druid almost made Lan break character and laugh. This was just too funny; it was the most tragic boss he had ever seen, and the first ever to be sent to a police station by players.

"No worries, the immediate priority is to remove him from the position of the hospital director," Lan said, glancing at Alchi. Alchi, taken aback for a moment, then quickly realized and hurried forward to release Lan from the straitjacket tied to the hospital bed.

Lan was speechless. These people had been here for so long, yet no one had thought of freeing him first.

Well, he couldn't blame the players entirely; they hadn't expected Lan to actually be able to get down. In past games, such boss-level NPCs usually remained confined until the very end, emerging only in the climax. Seeing Alchi's actions, they hurriedly helped to untie Lan's restraints.

Halfway through untying him, Alchi paused, contemplating how to deal with the golden chains on Lan's body. But as soon as the straitjacket was undone, the golden chains tightened and then melted into his skin, forming intricate tattoos.

Lan closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the change. He still couldn't access the Dream Rift and opened his eyes with a cold laugh: "It seems he was well-prepared."

[Is this the boss's contingency plan?]

[Seems like it. They probably anticipated someone coming to Lan's rescue.]

[So, is Lan’s power still sealed?]

[Makes sense. It would be too easy for players to exploit a bug and get a boost from a malevolent deity. What would be the point of playing then?]

[Sigh, I thought unbinding Lan would mean riding the coattails of a big shot. Turns out it’s not that easy, damn qwq]

[Lol, is this what they call hitting the ceiling only to be banned?]

[It’s great as it is, okay? Lan being unbound means he’ll join forces with the players, right? Sob, sob, I also want to team up with my beloved in a run.]

【+1】

The chat was exploding with comments, and Druid continued, “I received your note, but why is it necessary to remove the leader of the Strangers from the position of hospital director?”

Black Cat also asked, “Is it because the ‘director’ position represents something significant in the nocturnal hospital?”

Although the players had speculated quite a bit, they still needed to verify their theories.

“Exactly,” Lan recalled the game’s storyline, “Even in a nonsensical dream world, there are certain rules to follow. The current nocturnal hospital is based on the daytime hospital's regulations.”

“As long as the doctors and nurses of the day are alive, the dream world can continuously generate. The doctors and nurses are the pillars of Arkham Hospital; thus, they are immortal. The same applies to the director. Apart from the immortality privilege, the director also has other powers, like commanding the medical staff. In a sense, whoever is the director is the ruler of the nocturnal hospital.”

“Leaving aside the other privileges of the director, just their ability to command the doctors and nurses here is troublesome enough,” Lan glanced at Black Cat’s limp, “You must have experienced it yourselves.”

Black Cat involuntarily swallowed, unable to shake off the memory of the crazed nurse chasing them. If not for Alchi being there, they would have probably been doomed.

“What should we do next?” Druid asked tentatively.

Lan curled his lips into a smirk, “Don’t you already have a plan to go to the archives for information? Of course, I’ll accompany you.”

He had seen it all on the forum.

Although their methods sometimes amused him, they were indeed trying to save the city in their own ways.

[! As expected, Lan knows everything.]

[Hisss—Wasn’t Lan supposed to be confined here? It feels like he has eyes and ears everywhere in this place.]

[Yeah, what exactly is he planning?]

[I have a theory...]

[Think about it, what has Lan been emphasizing all along?]

[The hospital instance being special as it connects reality and the dream world. If the Strangers want it, doesn’t Lan want it too?]

[I have a bold guess, maybe if Lan takes over as the director of this hospital, he could use it to completely break free from his seal! Or at least a significant part of it!]

Black Cat, seeing the comments, had an epiphany: “Right! How did I not think of that...”

“What are you mumbling about?” Alchi looked at him curiously.

“Nothing, nothing.” Black Cat didn’t dare reveal his realization about Lan’s scheme, but his look towards Lan was filled with fear.

A fully unsealed Lan... a completely liberated malevolent deity, what kind of spectacle would that be?

Black Cat couldn’t help but breathe rapidly at the thought, his eyes brimming with excitement.

[Look at Black Cat’s reaction, if you say he's not a follower of the malevolent deity, I won’t believe it.]

[Damn, Black Cat, have you betrayed the human faction!?]

[But I get his excitement, hahaha, sorry, I guess I just love chaos hahaha]

The group waited there until the latter part of the night, not daring to leave until the footsteps outside had completely vanished and silence enveloped the area.

“Let’s move quickly, the archives are in the administration building. Once we leave this building, we have to cross most of the hospital,” Black Cat whispered. As an experienced investigator, he had prepared for every possibility after Druid entered this hospital instance, memorizing the layout of the hospital thoroughly.

The four of them left the ward with Druid leading the way, followed by Alchi and Lan, while Black Cat, hindered by his injured leg, brought up the rear.

Druid moved cautiously, rolling for listening and scouting checks, fearing that something bizarre might suddenly appear.

Fortunately, along the way, they didn’t even encounter any orderlies or nurses. It seemed like they had been dispatched elsewhere for a search.

Just when Druid was feeling relieved, upon reaching the first floor, the sight in front of him made his face fall.

Near the main entrance on the first floor, two orderlies were guarding the exit firmly.

Damn it, no wonder they had encountered so few patrols along the way; it turned out that all were assigned to guard the entrances and exits.

They tried to find a way to the back door, but every exit of the building – the back door, front door, and even under each window – was patrolled by orderlies or nurses.

“What do we do now?”

The group hid in an unoccupied corner, Druid’s face etched with worry: “They've obviously gotten smarter this time. The patrols aren't far apart. A single shout, and nearby orderlies can quickly come to assist. We'll definitely get caught that way.”

He looked at Black Cat and Alchi, holding onto a sliver of hope: “Unless we can instantly take down an orderly.”

Black Cat shook his head, pale: “Forget it, these monsters in human skin are much stronger than you think. The one we encountered earlier was only subdued thanks to Alchi's intervention; otherwise, you wouldn’t be seeing me now.”

Druid then turned to Alchi, who shook his head and showed the gun and baton attached to his waist: “I’ve only got these two weapons, and there are just three bullets left in the revolver.”

He paused, glancing at Lan, explaining, “My abilities aren’t really suited for combat, just slightly better than an average police officer.”

Lan knew he was referring to the abilities acquired through the Dream Rift. Some people’s origin abilities aren’t related to combat, and at least in the first layer of the Dream Rift, their combat capabilities wouldn't be drastically enhanced.

“Then there’s only one way,” Druid said, not even considering asking Lan, as an NPC of his caliber wouldn't normally intervene. He recalled the earlier incident of stealing the keys and the ‘director's’ involvement, sharing the idea with the others, “If we can get a patient to cooperate, we might distract the nurses.”

Black Cat responded, “Makes sense. Seems worth a try.”

Everyone felt hopeful, so Druid led the way as they made their way back to the large ward on the second floor.

Just as Druid quietly led Lan and the others in, the ‘director’ spotted them, anxiously asking, “The evidence? Did you find the evidence!?”

Druid shook his head, “I just got the keys, haven’t been able to reach the administration building yet. The ground floor is swarming with orderlies and nurses on patrol. We need help.”

The ‘director’, looking displeased, waved his hand, “Look at me now. Do you think I can still help you?”

The ‘director’ certainly wasn’t in good shape. He had been tied to the bed after a recent fight with Old Luke and was now bound again, this time more securely, with limbs tightly tied to the bed frame. He couldn't make a noise to attract the nurses, let alone move.

“That’s troublesome,” Druid said, frowning, “What if we untie you, and you help us out one more time?”

“Don’t you dare!” the ‘director’ shook his head vigorously, “Another incident and I might end up on the third floor! In the eyes of others, wouldn’t that confirm I’m insane? No way! Absolutely not!”

“Is the third floor where the severely mentally ill patients are kept?” Black Cat, recalling the eerie state of the third-floor ward, couldn’t help but ask.

The ‘director’ avoided eye contact, remaining silent, only reiterating his refusal to help.

Lan noticed his odd expression and narrowed his eyes.

Druid, recalling the past attitude of the doctors and nurses, couldn’t help but comment, “Aren’t you considered insane now?”

“Of course not!” the ‘director’ snapped, struggling to turn his head towards the next bed, “Hey, Old Luke, can’t you help? If it works, I can get you discharged. How about that?”

Old Luke on the adjacent bed remained silent. From the moment Druid and his party had stealthily entered the ward, his gaze had been fixed on Alchi, who was at the rear.

With the focus shifting to Old Luke, everyone naturally noticed his staring.

Alchi looked over indifferently, “Do you need something?”

But Old Luke didn’t say anything, pulled the blanket over his head, curled up in bed, ready to sleep.

Everyone was a bit baffled by this, except Lan, who had a sudden insight.

Black Cat and Druid continued to persuade the ‘director’, but he was resolute in his refusal, visibly unwilling to stake everything on them.

Or maybe... their player skills just weren't up to par.

In desperation, Druid even revealed the current director’s conspiracy at Arkham, which only led to the ‘director’ looking at them as if they were insane. It was almost as if he thought not he, but Druid and his companions, should be the ones tied up here.

The standoff wasn’t getting them anywhere. Lan thought for a moment, then whispered something into Alchi’s ear. Alchi looked surprised, then nodded in agreement. Lan, reassured, stepped forward, “Dear Mr. Director, are you sure you won’t reconsider?”

Lan had been standing towards the back earlier, mostly obscured by Black Cat and the others. Now stepping forward, the ‘director’ noticed Lan, his eyes flickering with recognition before he clenched his teeth and closed his eyes, “Forget it, I really can’t do it.”

“Oh, really?” Alchi's lips curled into a cold smirk, “Then we'll have no choice but to report what’s happening on the third floor.”

The ‘director’s’ face changed dramatically, staring intensely at Alchi, “You...”

“You don’t think your actions are flawless, do you?” Alchi said, “The police department has already noticed. They just haven't formally initiated an investigation, but that could change.”