Chapter 13: The Intermediate-level Area: St. Mary's Hospital
[Location: Intermediate Area - St. Mary's Hospital]
[Objective: Investigate and Resolve the Reasons Behind the Hospital's Abandonment]
As Gu Shanhai clutched Yun Lingcao, a sense of foreboding washed over him. This game was shaping up to be troublesome. Puzzles were not his forte, and he anticipated a challenging ordeal ahead.
In horror scenarios, puzzles often served as the linchpin. Without them, the terror waned, reducing the experience to mere monster-slaying.
"I hope we stumble upon some useful plants," he muttered to himself, contemplating the efficacy of alternative solutions. If all else failed, burning down the hospital seemed a swift resolution.
Ignoring the notion of "exploration" plastered across the task description, Gu Shanhai focused on the pragmatic.
"What are your thoughts?" queried Qingcheng Baihu, flanked by teammates Qingcheng Ziying and Qingcheng Chiju.
Evidently part of a cohesive unit, likely hailing from a gaming studio or professional club, they approached the challenge as a unified force.
Rounding out the group were Gu Shanhai and Rashomon, a lone female player.
With five members in tow, comprising a trio and a duo, Gu Shanhai couldn't help but wonder why the team wasn't fully assembled. Perhaps the invitation letter stipulated a maximum of three participants, leaving the remaining two as surplus.
"Indeed, my suggestion is to set fire to the hospital directly. Any tinder available?" Gu Shanhai proposed with earnestness.
Confusion rippled through the group as his words hung in the air. Was there a misunderstanding?
"Brother's idea has merit, but it's not feasible," tactfully interjected Qingcheng White Fox.
"Fair enough. Consider this: delving into the hospital would likely entail both puzzle-solving and monster encounters. You wouldn't fancy a lengthy dash for a fuse, would you?" Gu Shanhai reasoned. "Eliminating the hospital would resolve all such complications."
Gu Shanhai emphasized the importance of safety and risk assessment before venturing into the unknown. He reasoned that if a problem could be solved outside, there was no need to risk entering.
"That's right. We're here to play a game, not to engage in lunacy," Rashomon chimed in, voicing her frustration with Gu Shanhai's unconventional approach.
"Why won't you listen to reason?" Gu Shanhai sighed, lamenting the cautious nature of his companions.
"Alright, let's proceed inside and assess the situation. We can always consider your plan to burn down the hospital later. Perhaps we can start the fire from within," suggested Qingcheng Ziying, attempting to find a compromise. However, he acknowledged that Gu Shanhai's approach might compromise their task rewards and settlement evaluation.
Indeed, resorting to such drastic measures would likely result in a subpar evaluation, perhaps even falling short of an A-level rating.
"Are you part of a professional gaming team?" Gu Shanhai inquired as they entered the hospital, striking up a conversation with Qingcheng Ziying.
"We're on the third tier," Qingcheng Ziying replied with a hint of bitterness.
While modest in his response, he clarified that he served as a substitute for the third-tier team. Essentially, he spent most of his time on the bench, albeit with better treatment than standard gaming studio fare.
"So, just a small team then. I've never heard of you," Gu Shanhai remarked, indicating his unfamiliarity with their organization.
"Why didn't you bring your boss along? It's a prime opportunity," Gu Shanhai inquired.
"Our boss typically handles invitation letters. Since we received this one independently, we're required to manage it internally," Qingcheng Ziying explained, unperturbed by the inquiry.
As they ventured deeper into the hospital, Gu Shanhai couldn't help but question the facility's location in the wilderness. The logical incongruity baffled him.
"Why construct a hospital in such an isolated area? Could it be due to an overwhelming patient load?" Gu Shanhai pondered aloud, highlighting the apparent oversight.
His question left his companions momentarily speechless, grappling with the implications of the hospital's peculiar placement.
"Is it possible?" Rashomon began to voice her thoughts when a sound emanated from the depths of the hospital—a subtle yet distinct sound of footsteps.
The group tensed, alert to the potential danger lurking within. Without a palpable sense of horror, they deliberated on their next course of action.
Furrowing his brow, Gu Shanhai examined the newspaper he had picked up earlier. A hidden report caught his attention:
[A particle storm originating from the sun's activity is forecasted for the upcoming week, resulting in global magnetic field disturbances. This phenomenon is attributed to the Pleiades star cluster.]
Despite its dubious scientific basis, Gu Shanhai couldn't dismiss the possibility outright. After all, the inexplicable circumstances of his reincarnation already defied scientific explanation.
"Charge!" Qingcheng White Fox suddenly exclaimed, brandishing a fire axe and charging ahead.
His companions swiftly followed suit, each producing their own weapon—be it a pistol or a firecracker.
Caught off guard, Rashomon drew her longsword and hurried after them.
Gu Shanhai watched in disbelief. What were they chasing after?
Left behind with the newspaper, he hadn't paid much attention to their impromptu decision.
"Wait for me!" Gu Shanhai hurried to catch up, unwilling to be left alone. With teammates present, his inclination to incite chaos waned, but without them, he might succumb to the temptation to set fire to the hospital.
Still, he was eager to test out his new gadget, having barely used it thus far.
As they ventured forth, Gu Shanhai couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to encounter a monster. After all, why else would everyone be armed to the teeth?
(End of this chapter )