Chapter 29: Dislike for Newcomers

Chapter 29: No Love for Newbies

Room 204 was Ning Yan's private sanctuary, which gave her the confidence to designate it as a safe house for human players.

Whether it was Feng Ling or Fang Xiujie, even Su Bai, who stood nearby, had been assigned an "identity" and even so-called "family members" upon entering the nightmare world. Thus, Feng Ling wasn't the only one reluctant to return to that "home" and face those "relatives"—this was precisely why they had all converged on Room 204.

The nightmare world knew only a Red Moon and perpetual darkness, yet Room 204 was adorned in a distinctly feminine and cozy style. A "ding" from the kitchen oven heralded the aroma of freshly baked bread, while the living room stereo played soothing, ambient music.

Though Ning Yan's demeanor toward newcomers was peculiar—her eyes practically rolled skyward every time she encountered novices like Su Bai and Feng Ling—after inviting the trio to settle onto the cushion-laden sofa, she retrieved three exquisite cups from the kitchen and poured each a rich, fragrant coffee.

Even if Ning Yan hadn't personally chosen Room 204's decor, her words and actions clearly conveyed her refined taste and unwavering pursuit of quality living, a standard she maintained even within the nightmare world.

"I'd hoped that sticky note would draw in a few useful veteran players, but instead, it brought two newcomers—and not just any newcomers, but absolute rookies who've only cleared the beginner-level game." Ning Yan sighed heavily after pouring her own coffee and settling onto a nearby single-seater sofa. "What good are rookies? They can't help with anything, and we'll probably end up having to help them instead."

Ning Yan's words were likely intended for Fang Xiujie, yet she spoke without any regard for Feng Ling and Su Bai, who were also seated on the sofa—or perhaps this was entirely deliberate. Shortly after her pronouncement, she observed the newcomers' expressions over her coffee cup, as if trying to decipher something from their faces.

What was she looking for?

Embarrassment, awkwardness, or shame?

"Don't misunderstand," Fang Xiujie interjected, a gentle, kindly smile gracing his refined features. "She simply has a blunt way of speaking; she means no actual harm. Ning Yan has played five games, and I've played four, so we both understand the critical importance of experience and strength in this game. Newcomers who have just acquired their traits but haven't begun to develop them can do very little beyond simply striving to survive."

"In short, Ning Yan and I don't dislike newcomers, but we hope that every new team member, beyond working hard to survive, refrains from any unnecessary actions. Don't wander off recklessly, and don't become a liability when unexpected events occur. We don't dislike newcomers—we just dislike those who only cause trouble. Such rookie players were all too common in previous games."

"However, I personally believe in first impressions. I'm confident that both of you possess immense potential for growth—you're only lacking some experience compared to trustworthy veterans. So, I hope you can understand the current challenges our team faces, and together, we'll give our utmost to clear this game. Let's all push forward!"

Had Feng Ling not been clutching her coffee cup, she might have almost applauded Fang Xiujie's speech.

Truly, he lived up to his reputation as a top student from Chenghai University. The admission standards for that prestigious institution in the neighboring city were far beyond what Honghuai Normal could ever hope to match.

"Exactly what I meant," Ning Yan affirmed, nodding repeatedly beside him.

"Speaking of which, while it's still relatively safe, could you two tell me about your traits?" Fang Xiujie produced a simple notebook and a pencil from somewhere. "I personally enjoy statistical and contextual analysis, and with a bit more experience than newcomers, I've previously helped some analyze their traits and advised them on future development paths."

"Although Ning Yan and I have already begun researching our own traits and have seen noticeable results, it's only when a trait is fully mastered and becomes a special ability that we truly qualify as veteran players. Of course, this standard is ultimately just an unspoken rule among players—it's not really all that useful," Fang Xiujie added.

Fang Xiujie and Ning Yan didn't disclose their own traits, but as Fang Xiujie's words resonated, Feng Ling pondered for a moment before speaking: "My trait sounds rather peculiar—it's called 'applying band-aids without them going crooked.'"

Fang Xiujie jotted it down, remarking, "Everyone's traits initially sound unreliable, but I believe that with exploration and research, these abstract traits can transform into incredibly vital abilities for players."

"Actually, your ability is relatively straightforward to interpret. After all, 'band-aids' typically evoke thoughts of healing and recovery. I should be able to quickly outline research methods and directions for you." The wooden pencil in Fang Xiujie's hand moved swiftly as he wrote, and he muttered softly, "It's truly hard to like this wretched place where you can't even bring a pen."

"What about your ability?" Ning Yan prompted the dark-skinned young man who introduced himself as "Su Bai."

All eyes turned to "Su Bai," even Feng Ling's, who looked on with a touch of curiosity. For some inexplicable reason, despite Feng Ling being certain she had never seen this inconspicuous, bespectacled boy with dark skin before, his slightly hoarse voice struck her as oddly familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before.

Su Bai accepted everyone's gaze with a shy smile, diligently playing the role of a timid, unremarkable boy.

The boy in black clothes who had wielded a long sword, vanquished a female ghost, and rescued Feng Ling was Su Bai. The boy standing here now, with deliberately darkened skin and feigning shyness, was also Su Bai.

In his previous life, after a decade of struggle in the nightmare world and hundreds of games, Su Bai had witnessed countless temporary player teams like Ning Yan's and Fang Xiujie's. The outcomes of parting ways or even backstabbing were innumerable.

So, even though Su Bai had chosen to join the team, he was determined to remain thoroughly hidden. Rather than revealing anything unusual and drawing attention, it was far better to be an overlooked, even despised, useless newcomer. Such a rookie could disappear midway without anyone caring.

After deciding to swiftly enter the second game, Su Bai had eagerly used the ward's bathroom to shower, changed into ordinary clothes, and returned directly to the Mist Shop. From there, he re-entered the nightmare world through the shop's door.

Finding the game scenario was simple. Beyond his past life's experience and a player's innate perception, Su Bai knew that the weaker anomalies wandering the streets were also drawn to games and human players. They would gravitate toward nearby game scenarios just before a game began.

After all, in the nightmare world, humans were like the legendary Tang Monk's flesh—even a faint whiff of the fear and despair they exuded was immensely beneficial to these weaker anomalies.

By tracking these anomalies, one could quickly locate the next game.

This was how Su Bai arrived at "Blissful Community."

Perhaps due to Su Bai's unique identity, neither Feng Ling, who sat bewildered, nor Fang Xiujie and Ning Yan could possibly imagine what "Blissful Community" looked like through Su Bai's eyes.

In Su Bai's eyes, this so-called "Blissful Community"...

Was hell.