"Kid, take care of yourself. As long as you don't violate the three points I mentioned earlier, I can guarantee you passage through the S-class area without any trouble."
After uttering these unsettling words, Leviya quietly departed.
Ren Yuanhao, alone, curled up in a corner of the bed, unsure how to approach his current predicament.
Just then, the system's voice, like a divine melody, enveloped him.
"It seems that old man has uncovered your secret and even knows your purpose for being here."
"That's right. Every step of the way, it's as if someone was holding my collar, guiding me here."
"Each of your choices pushes you closer to the abyss. Countless choices form destiny."
"What should I do next?"
Ren Yuanhao suddenly felt deflated, the old man's warnings still echoing in his ears.
"Do what you need to do. Fortunately, that old man has a weakness. In the end, the reins are still in your hands, aren't they?"
"Indeed. However, is tonight suitable for reconnaissance?"
Ren Yuanhao knew very well that the deeper he went into the core area, the more cautious he needed to be. But could Mu Ziyue, Mu Yunyan, Zhao Yishu, Xiao Yue, and the others wait? No one knew what would happen in the next second!
He suddenly recalled Dr. Leviya's words: mercy, loyalty – these pointless things would eventually be his undoing.
But what was the difference between a life without attachments and that of an animal or an ant? It was like Leviya, knowing full well that his granddaughter would be his sole attachment and ultimately his downfall, even going so far as to let the storm engulf the core area, turning him into an uncontrollable pawn.
Thinking too much was futile. Ren Yuanhao had to get his mind and body moving.
"Ren Yuanhao, the only threat to you here might be the leader of the Eight Kings, whom you haven't seen yet. As for the Second King, Vitus, I've analyzed his data. His strength should be comparable to yours. Of course, this is based on panel attributes. You both possess hidden strengths that I cannot calculate. However, if these two were to join forces, I believe even if you used all your skills, you could only escape from their hands. To destroy the terminal, one would need to devise a completely different plan, and Xiao Yue and the others would surely perish."
"Are you suggesting I reconsider?"
"No. As an artificial intelligence, my only recommendation is to sever these ties and focus on the bigger picture. After all, destroying the terminal data is the only correct course of action and the only way to delay this disaster."
Ren Yuanhao couldn't help but chuckle. "Indeed, this aligns perfectly with your AI pronouncements. But aren't humans called humans precisely because of these attachments?"
"You are correct. That is why I have given you my advice this time. As for how you proceed, I can only offer my unconditional support."
"I understand. Can you analyze if the Stealth Pill is still viable in this area, or if I can forcibly access the map?"
The system responded and took a full five to six minutes before continuing:
"The Stealth Pill is no longer usable, and the map cannot be accessed. After all, the strength of those individuals is immeasurable. Once they detect my presence, Ren Yuanhao, you should be aware of the terrifying consequences."
Ren Yuanhao knew very well that although he had clashed with the Second and Third Kings today, it was nowhere near their true strength. The Third King possessed a rare animal-type ability, while Vitus, with a single move, suppressed the abilities of both, his strength equally unfathomable, not to mention the leader of the Eight Kings who had yet to reveal himself.
"Are there any more advanced invisibility pills?"
"Why must you use pills? Are there no better methods?"
Sensing a glimmer of hope, Ren Yuanhao immediately asked, "What method?"
"We also have clone pills."
"Clone pills?"
Ren Yuanhao suddenly realized the system's idea. "You want me to transform into one of them?"
"Exactly. I suspect that the Third King, Jero, who suffered a setback at your hands today, must be in a foul mood and might be drowning his sorrows. As for the Second King, I presume he is with Yafel right now. What do you think?"
Ren Yuanhao, with the system's reminder, felt as if a veil had been lifted. "So, should I transform into Jero or Vitus?"
"Jero. This guy clearly isn't as cunning as the Second King, and his speech is a bit blunt. Even if he encounters the First King or others, and says something he shouldn't, it won't immediately arouse suspicion. But Vitus is different; that shrewd and deep demeanor is something you can't imitate."
—Holy crap, I have a weird feeling my wallet is about to take a hit.
Just as Ren Yuanhao was about to inquire, the system's voice cheerfully announced, "Quick, quick, use your points to get the pill!"
"How much?"
"Not expensive, not expensive. 1,000 points per hour."
—Go to hell! That's a million per hour, and you say it's not expensive?
"Hey, hey, hey, Ren Yuanhao, this pill is a rare commodity right now. I only have two."
"Alright, deal."
"Glad to hear it. Take it."
Ren Yuanhao watched his already limited points dwindle to 800 and felt a pang of pain. He checked the time; it was only 7 PM, not an ideal time, so he decided to set off at 8 PM.
One hour later.
Transformed into Jero, Ren Yuanhao ambled about with an air of defiance.
Strangely, although the number of people in the S-class area was small, he noticed that every time he felt unobserved, he would see a red night-vision light pointing at him. The dense surveillance made Ren Yuanhao even more cautious.
He pretended to wander aimlessly, and after about 20 minutes, he had a general sense of direction and understanding of the S-class area.
Apart from the massive high walls, there was one place in the S-class area that seemed extremely peculiar.
It was a door, with "No Entry for Unauthorized Personnel" written on it. However, upon pushing it open, there was another door, also marked "No Entry for Unauthorized Personnel." In the space between them were piles of disordered clothing and shoes. As he wondered, preparing to push open the second door, he suddenly heard faint footsteps!
—Holy crap, I'm screwed!
But as the person pushed the door open and stepped in, they patted his shoulder and said in a very familiar voice, "Hey? Jero, a rare visitor. I've never seen you here before. What's wrong? Did the surge of power within you become uncontrollable after your clash with the Fourth King this morning?"
—That power? Ren Yuanhao didn't quite understand, but he had at least found someone to lead him inside.
Furthermore, the speaker was Dr. Rossi, who had served as a referee with him that day.