Chapter 46: The Forty-Sixth Cup

Chapter 46: The Forty-Sixth Cup

World Voice's silent protest had no effect on He Wuning, who seemed quite satisfied with the name and had no intention of changing it.

World Voice paused for a moment before finally conceding, "Confirming name—BUG (meaning defect, loophole, or bug; suggested change)."

He Wuning couldn't help but curve his lips at the string of explanations in parentheses, raising an eyebrow provocatively, "No change, I like it."

World Voice: "...Initiating administrator database."

A streak of light drew the shape of a door out of thin air in the room, World Voice gesturing for him to enter.

Just as He Wuning was about to step forward, Yi Luo pressed his shoulder, "He Wuning."

He Wuning glanced at him slightly, Yi Luo's face tense, his brows tightly furrowed, looking uneasy.

He Wuning asked, "What is it?"

Yi Luo sighed, "What do you think?"

He pulled He Wuning behind him, looking up at World Voice, "Can I go in with him?"

World Voice replied coldly, "No permission granted."

Yi Luo scoffed, "Did you hear that? They're planning to trick you in there alone to kill you."

World Voice: "Attacks are not possible within the administrator area."

Yi Luo narrowed his eyes, clearly not entirely trusting it.

He Wuning patted him, "Let's go."

If they were worried about danger, they shouldn't even enter the instance or leave the safe zone.

He felt Yi Luo's alertness was somewhat unusual, giving him an extra glance but still holding Tang Hengdao in hand as a precaution.

Yi Luo watched silently as he and Qjiang, now under World Voice's control, entered the illusory door, silently loading his sniper rifle and placing it across his lap.

He lowered his gaze and waited.

...

Administrator Database.

He Wuning looked around, the place resembling a spiral library tower densely packed with books of various colors. From below, he could see about five levels, only the first one illuminated.

World Voice introduced, "This is the game database, consisting of five levels. The first level contains information on currently open map areas, the second level introduces common monsters and field bosses, the third level details instances, and the fourth level provides the complete game background. The truth you seek is there."

He Wuning asked, "What about the fifth level?"

The circular system slowly tilted its head, "Only true administrators have access to the fifth level, representing all the rights of the game."

"All knowledge and resources obtainable within the game are controlled by the administrator. I look forward to your reign."

He Wuning withdrew his gaze. This sounded like being told upon joining a company that becoming the general manager would make everything yours—a mere carrot on a stick. He Wuning wasn't buying it.

He flipped through the first level's regional introductions.

"0-10 Level Wilderness Plain: A plain transitioning from grassland to wasteland, with numerous harmless small monsters near the safe zone, but beware of hidden dangers beneath the calm grasslands."

"Monsters released in version 1.1: Slime, Mudman, Wild Bull; Field Bosses: King Slime, Stone Giant, Minotaur; Instances: Mine, Slaughterhouse."

He Wuning tried clicking on the names of the monsters and instances, all showing "No Permission," meaning he could only read these dry background descriptions.

"11-20 Level Dense Rainforest: An ideal habitat for snake and insect swarms, numerous toxins form a unique ecosystem here. Enter prepared with antidotes."

"Monsters released in version 1.1: Red Ant, Poison Spider, Green Snake, Living Vine; Field Bosses: Green Snake Woman, Red Ant Queen, Hunting Spider Woman, Tree Demon; Instances: Botanical Garden, Poison Museum."

It seemed the internal game data provided some safety tips, but considering most players couldn't see these warnings, He Wuning found them pointless.

He informed them, "I'll share what I've seen with those outside."

World Voice sounded unbothered, "You have the right to share, esteemed administrator candidate."

He Wuning raised an eyebrow, "Then why can't I bring others in?"

World Voice responded matter-of-factly, "Because he has no permission."

He Wuning frowned. Compared to the overly lively Qjiang, this rule-bound World Voice seemed more like the rumored artificial intelligence.

He scanned through the rest, memorizing the information to send to Xue Xun later—he didn't plan to leave the rainforest soon, so the future maps weren't relevant yet, but Xue Xun might find them useful.

If future updates refreshed the data here, it could be handy.

He had already confirmed with World Voice that he could return anytime.

When the administrator fragments reached 40%, he could unlock the second level. He Wuning was curious about the detailed records of common monsters and field bosses, which should be more comprehensive than their own collected data.

There was nothing else, so He Wuning turned to leave through the illusory door.

World Voice stopped behind him, "Wish you a pleasant gaming experience."

It released control over Qjiang.

He Wuning sheathed Tang Hengdao and stepped out the door, facing the black muzzle of a gun.

Yi Luo held the gun, the muzzle almost touching his chest. He Wuning raised an eyebrow.

"Before letting you in, I need to ask you a few questions." Yi Luo smiled, the gun gently tapping his chest, "First, what do you usually call me?"

He Wuning was momentarily stunned, not understanding what Yi Luo was up to. He never called Yi Luo by his name; if he had to address him, it would be with — "Hey."

"Good, correct answer." The smile on Yi Luo's face continued to widen. "So the second question..."

He Wuning grabbed the gun barrel in one hand, looking impatient. "Are you done yet?"

Yi Luo let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, looks like it's still you."

He Wuning was about to say something nonsensical when Qjiang, who had just returned to normal, rushed out from behind him. "Wow, honey, you went into the admin data room!"

"Huh?"

He stared blankly at the two people seemingly in a standoff, tilting his head in confusion. "What are you guys doing?"

He Wuning looked at the gun in his hand and then at Yi Luo, raising his chin arrogantly. "Ask him."

Qjiang turned to Yi Luo and immediately put his hands on his hips, shouting loudly. "What are you doing pointing a gun at my honey! Put it down now!"

He was so angry he was flying around, looking ready to charge at Yi Luo.

"He was holding me," Yi Luo said innocently, shrugging his shoulders. His gaze fell on his gun, and he smiled as he slowly raised the muzzle toward He Wuning's chest. He Wuning didn't resist much, seemingly curious about what trick Yi Luo was playing.

The black muzzle stopped at his throat, and Yi Luo teasingly lifted his chin with the gun barrel. "Your system doesn't understand; this is a kind of... flirtation."

He slowly withdrew the gun, smiling. "But I don't recommend using such dangerous weapons for this sort of thing; after all, it's easy for accidents to happen..."

Before he finished speaking, He Wuning stepped forward, grabbed the gun barrel forcefully, and lifted it up. With his other hand, he grabbed Yi Luo's collar.

"Accidents?" He Wuning held Yi Luo's collar, pressing his gun-hand onto the sofa, and laughed. "Be careful not to break the gun."

Yi Luo couldn't help but laugh.

He Wuning's expression darkened. "What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing, just that your grumpy face looks very familiar now." He actually had the leisure to grab a cushion from the sofa with his free hand and place it behind his back, settling into a more comfortable position while being held. "Okay, continue."

He Wuning narrowed his eyes. "What exactly are you up to?"

Yi Luo was silent for a moment before honestly saying, "Nothing, just some random worries."

He glanced at Qjiang. "Since the game can replicate player personalities, if the game developers were unhappy with this troublesome bug in front of me, they might have replaced you with a well-behaved version..."

He Wuning snorted.

Yi Luo laughed. "But thinking about it, I really can't imagine you being well-behaved and cute."

He smiled, his eyes crinkling. "No worries, keep being mean to me; the meaner you are, the more familiar it feels."

"I promise, even if you punch me right now, I won't complain."

He Wuning stared at him for a moment, then slowly straightened up and released his grip.

Yi Luo adjusted his collar, his smile unchanged. "Not going to hit me?"

He Wuning looked away. "I told you I don't like guns pointed at me."

He paused. "Even for... flirtation."

Yi Luo was taken aback for a moment, but He Wuning had already walked towards the bed. "Tonight, I'm sleeping on the bed."

Yi Luo smiled and asked, "Sure, but will you feel like you're sleeping in my arms?"

Before he could finish, He Wuning threw a blanket over his head.

"Change the sheets."

"You do it."

Yi Luo resignedly stood up. "Alright, alright."

Qjiang laughed maliciously. "Look at you, if you hadn't said anything, we wouldn't have to change them!"

Yi Luo obediently changed the sheets and blankets, and amidst his busy movements, he felt a rare sense of daily tranquility. Without looking directly at He Wuning, he softly said, "He Wuning."

"What?"

He Wuning sat beside him, watching.

"Don't die before me."

He Wuning didn't respond, but Qjiang jumped in. "Really, what are you saying? That's bad luck, spit spit!"

Qjiang's overly cheerful voice echoed in the room. "Everyone should live long and healthy lives!"

Yi Luo glanced at him and chuckled softly. "Sure."

"Thanks for the blessing from our alien friend."

Qjiang tilted his head. "What nonsense are you talking about again? I've already said I'm not an alien!"

---

Xue Xun: What did you two do yesterday? Why are you washing the sheets early in the morning?

Yi Luo: It's a secret—

Xue Xun: ...

Do I know too much?

Thank you to the little angels who cast overlord votes or watered nutrient fluid for me from 23:57:32 on August 28, 2021, to 21:00:08 on August 29, 2021.

Thank you to the little angel who cast a grenade: Chu Ge (1).

Thank you to the little angel who planted a landmine: Chacha Zi (1).

Thank you to the little angels who watered nutrient fluid: Shi Zhi Zhong Er, Qing Xin (20 bottles); Ming Chang Yao Ming Xian, Cheng Xin Cheng Yi, Mantou zella (10 bottles); Jing Zhong Hua Shui Zhong Yue (5 bottles); Suli (4 bottles); 28868091, Tang Zhuzhu Meng Meng Chong, tianertf (1 bottle);

I am incredibly grateful for everyone's support and will continue to work hard!