Monsters Are Coming-Chapter 966 - 267: Irresistible Temptation (Part 5)
"Such an opportunity is rare and precious," Ji Chen couldn't help but express.
"Indeed, you are already a qualified player, aware that there are numerous racial forces more powerful than the Moon Eclipse Clan. As long as a High-dimensional God extends an invitation, countless racial forces are willing to become slave loyalists to gain powerful strength. Such an opportunity should not be missed by our Moon Eclipse Clan."
"You consider this issue, but it's your prideful thinking at play. Yet, the essence of pride is the perception from your past experiences; it is the self-imposed chains that make you overly concerned with self-image. The true rule of survival lies in knowing when to bow your head in exchange for future hope... Survival is inherently a cruel game, and we are all pieces on the chessboard. The only thing we can do is to increase our value."
The response from Star Network caused Ji Chen to fall into deep thought.
Information appeared in his mind.
A fierce debate in the Human Clan's development history regarding whether to connect with the Star Network.
The situation of the Human Clan at that time was very similar to that of the Moon Eclipse Clan.
Eventually, the Human Clan chose to connect with the Star Network, thus ushering in an era of thriving technological development.
The Moon Eclipse Clan didn't even hesitate; they agreed to become a pawn of the High-dimensional God, thus becoming players as soon as they received the invitation.
After a long silence, Ji Chen nodded:
"The essence of this game is value exchange. In the eyes of a High-dimensional God, the pride of the weak cannot become a bargaining chip for negotiation. The real value is only one thing: whether you can create a performance that pleases Him."
"You obviously have understood the essence of the problem," Star Network's voice carried a trace of approval.
"Next, I'll answer your next question: Why help High-dimensional God conceal the truth? Because this game needs to proceed without players bearing heavy burdens, which is a rule set by the High-dimensional God. We all follow it, but I have some thoughts to share with you..."
The detailed explanation from Star Network made Ji Chen fully understand what this game was about.
But there was still one doubt in his mind, he took a deep breath and asked once more:
"Star Network, one last question, assuming the Black Tide arrives, in what manner should the Earth Alliance resist the invasion of the Black Tide... Can I understand it this way, that it is a game against time where we must thoroughly defeat the Black Tide in the Monster World as players before it comes to Earth, or else destruction awaits us."
"When the wall between reality and illusion collapses, even ants can devour dragons."
"What do you mean?" Ji Chen asked puzzledly.
"I asked the subordinates of the High-dimensional God this question, and the answer was if that day does come, the game will reflect reality, and all life on Earth will collectively ascend, inheriting the player's body, to face the challenge of the Black Tide."
"Hiss~!"
This answer from Star Network completely surprised Ji Chen.
He thought this was a cruel game against time, and the Earth Alliance could only resolve issues through game channels.
Yet unexpectedly, they could inherit the player's body.
The answer from Star Network also made him realize.
If that day does come, everything in reality will become worthless, even currency will be replaced by sacrificial power.
The products of the Player System are fundamentally unmatched by the technologies and resources held by various races of the Earth Alliance.
The grass in the Monster World has immense value on Earth.
Such benefits would make any race envious.
He finally understood why the Moon Eclipse Clan worked so hard to arrange matters in the Monster World, trying various ways to exchange for sacrificial power resources.
Growth as players in the Monster World will eventually reflect in reality.
Every bit of investment now will be returned a hundredfold, a thousandfold in the future.
Thinking of the nearly perfect player's body he had in the game, Ji Chen instinctively lowered his head to look at his real-world body, damaged with dark ailments and scars.
A fire of hope ignited within him.
His fingers grazed over the ferocious old scar on his chest, left on the battlefield of another world 76 years ago, still faintly aching at times.
This body had already been declared on a slow path to death by the Dragon Descendant.
Even the Dragon Descendant couldn't reverse it, being alive was already a miracle.
But now... even deadwood could truly bloom anew in spring.
Realizing this, his breathing became uncontrollably rapid, blood surged through his veins, like a dormant volcano suddenly awakening.
His heart fiercely struck inside his chest, as if trying to break free from the confines of his broken shell.
The edges worn smooth by suffering, the determination extinguished by pain, now like embers drenched in gasoline, erupted into fiery flames.
Lifespan, potential, strength, rule... all of these had long been within reach in the shadows.
Hope was in the present.
A lofty ambition arose within him.
He suddenly thought of the words Star Network had just said:
"When the wall between reality and illusion collapses, even ants can devour dragons."
This wasn't a metaphor; it was the future about to happen!
"Star Network, I understand what to do now."
"It's good that you understand; acting according to the will of the High-dimensional God is what we informed ones should do."
"This time it's really the last question, I'd like to know if this weakened body can last until the day when the game reflects reality? Does the Moon Eclipse Clan have any technology to help me extend my life?"
"Star Network?"
"Star Network? Are you still there?"
Upon calling again, he found Star Network had already left, with no response.
