Chapter 608 Consulting Dream Builder Again

Chapter 608: Questioning the Dream Builder Again

“The Candlelight Association I belong to may not be as renowned as the Nameless Society, but unlike the Nameless Society—which remains hidden within the nightmare world and never emerges—the Candlelight Association has always maintained its headquarters in the real world, cultivating strong ties with the special task forces established by the relevant authorities.”

Pei Zhan kept his sword pointed steadily at Bai Qi and continued, “Half a month ago, the special task forces of Qingliu City and Honghuai City jointly researched and finalized a report on players’ ‘talents’ and ‘abilities.’ The Candlelight Association was fortunate enough to obtain this report ahead of other players.”

“Per the relevant authorities’ arrangements, this report should already have been published on the Player Forum while we were inside the game—so it’s perfectly acceptable for me to discuss it now.”

“This report was compiled from the hard-won experience—and even the sacrifices—of numerous veteran players. It not only confirms the existence of an inner power derived from the Red Moon, with all abilities evolving under its influence, but also introduces a ‘Meditation’ technique designed to strengthen that power.”

Pei Zhan continued, “I obtained this ‘Meditation’ technique in advance from President Chen. It’s simple to begin practicing, and players can soon sense the flow of power within themselves.”

“I don’t see how any of this relates to your rejection of me, Brother Pei,” Bai Qi said, her expression shifting to one of pitiful hurt. “I truly only wish to treat you well. Even if I’ve considered asking for your help in times of danger, my feelings for you are sincere. Can’t you feel that at all?”

“Sorry, but I haven’t sensed any such feelings,” Pei Zhan replied bluntly, shaking his head—a response that twisted Bai Qi’s face, still under the sword’s aim, into something ugly. “Yet from the very first moment you approached me, I felt your power constantly probing me.”

“Power?” The other players looked puzzled.

“This is one of the benefits conferred by mastering ‘Meditation.’ Merely taking a single step forward transforms our entire perception of reality. We can not only sense the flow of power within ourselves but also detect when power is being directed toward us.” Pei Zhan took another step back. “I owe Miss Bai my gratitude for helping me realize this.”

“What’s going on? I’ve heard of ‘Meditation,’ but isn’t Miss Bai a newcomer? She hasn’t even manifested an ability yet—how could she exert power over you?” Shen Guanlan glanced back and forth between Pei Zhan and Bai Qi, bewildered.

“You’ll have to ask her that,” Pei Zhan sneered. “I don’t know how she falsified the numbers on her arm at the start of the game, but she’s certainly no novice. Every time she drew near me, I felt power coiling around me—growing stronger… stronger…”

“To be honest, I don’t believe that power poses a lethal threat to me. And in a game demanding survival for two months, it would be unwise to antagonize a player who conceals both identity and intent by revealing everything outright.”

“But today, your abilities have practically enveloped my entire body—and it makes me deeply uncomfortable.” Pei Zhan swung his sword. “My instincts tell me I cannot allow Miss Bai to continue like this.”

“Though I’m uncertain of Miss Bai’s ultimate objective, the extreme caution you’ve displayed—even while disguised—makes it clear that, in your eyes, this swordsman is no weakling. If we were to fight seriously, at the very least, we’d reach a stalemate.”

“I hope Miss Bai will halt here and prioritize surviving this game above all else,” Pei Zhan’s tone remained icy, yet he was doing his utmost to dissuade the enigmatic Bai Qi.

“It seems no amount of explanation will change anything,” Bai Qi’s smile faded. She glanced around—Xiong Yi, who had always been friendly toward her, had even taken several steps backward.

Su Bai, seated on the couch beside Wu Hang and observing everything silently, had also gleaned surprising information from Pei Zhan’s words.

In truth, this moment held special significance for Su Bai—because in his previous life, he had entered the nightmare world precisely at this time, becoming a player dragged into the Red Moon’s domain.

Now, not only had he entered the game a full year earlier, but the report on ‘power’ and the ‘Meditation’ technique had surfaced years ahead of schedule.

Recently, Su Bai had encountered numerous formidable players—and the entire world’s trajectory now felt strangely unfamiliar to him.

Yet, this unfamiliarity also stirred within him a peculiar sense of anticipation.

Perhaps, under the influence of these changes, the conflict between players and the nightmare world might undergo a profound, unforeseen transformation—one that would prove unequivocally advantageous to the players.

“Mr. Su Bai, may we speak privately?”

The Headless Receptionist’s soft yet sudden voice pierced the silence, breaking the standoff and snapping everyone out of their thoughts. Only then did they recall she had remained standing at the entrance of the General Affairs Department the entire time—never having left.

After issuing the invitation, the Headless Receptionist glided gracefully toward Manager Jiao’s former office. Pausing at the door, she turned once more and gestured toward Su Bai.

Just as Su Bai rose to his feet, Wu Hang raised a hand and gently pressed down on his wrist—the touch light, yet unmistakably restraining, as if uneasy about what lay ahead.

Su Bai, however, simply lifted his free hand, covered Wu Hang’s, and squeezed firmly—reassuring the Ghost Witch Lord, who had lately been sticking close to him even outside working hours.

Then Su Bai stood and walked into the office.

The door closed behind him.

“I’ll keep this brief.” The Headless Receptionist stood with her back to Su Bai, dispensing with pleasantries and cutting straight to the point. “Manager Jiao is firmly convinced that Mr. Su is connected to the Dream Builder—and even believes Mr. Su may possess news of the Dream Builder’s whereabouts.”

This was the second time Su Bai had heard the title “Dream Builder” uttered by a headless figure.

If they had truly detected the Dream Builder’s aura emanating from the key Su Xuan had left him, then Su Bai could only admit his understanding of his brother remained woefully shallow—he hadn’t even known Su Xuan bore such a title.

Still, Su Bai recalled Su Xuan saying he and Wu Hang were “friends”—and it was highly unlikely that a friend of the Ghost Witch Lord would be some ordinary Eerie Entity found wandering the streets.

“So I’ll ask again, Mr. Su: Did you acquire this key linked to the Dream Builder purely by chance—or have you truly met the Dream Builder and know where that lord currently resides?” The Headless Receptionist turned her head slightly to “look” at Su Bai.

Even without a head, Su Bai felt a piercing, needle-like gaze.

“Please, Mr. Su—be truthful. The situation has reached a point where… we must seek that lord’s aid.”