The Devil's Game

The castle loomed large, towering over fifty meters—equivalent to more than ten stories.

To the left, a pool of bubbling blood emitted a pungent stench, resembling magma more than anything else. On the right, a dark forest concealed pairs of scarlet eyes, like malevolent spirits from hell, watching the human world with palpable malice. This place felt less like a mere image and more like a gateway to the demonic realm.

Hiss—

The hellhound stopped abruptly at the castle's entrance, lowering its body and trembling with fear. As the white plague dissipated the effects of the malicious intimidation, Bai Yi's charm value returned to -6, and the hellhound's shivering gradually subsided, though it remained too frightened to move.

Bai Yi dismounted the hellhound, his senses drawn to the sweet scent of blood wafting from the pool. It appeared to be a lesser form of blood essence, akin to a diluted version of something far more potent.

Approaching the blood essence, he produced a scalpel and tentatively dipped it into the crimson liquid.

Buzz—

The scalpel vibrated violently, veins seeming to pulse along the silver blade as it began to absorb the blood, forming a small vortex. The absorption rate increased rapidly, showing a growth rate that climbed from 0%. This weapon thrived on blood, malice, and souls, much like the dark thoughts that fueled it; both the weapon and its wielder grew stronger through acts of violence.

Bai Yi had amassed over 2,900 liters of blood essence, far superior to what lay before him. He sensed that within one or two years, this essence could become a gold-grade material, capable of substantial transformation. For now, he couldn't afford to waste the opportunity.

From the top floor of the castle, a thin young man with black wings, dressed in a suit adorned with gold jewelry, watched Bai Yi's actions with disbelief. As a devil, he had never encountered anyone so brazen. While many participants had ignored levels in the New God era, no one had ever used a devil's possessions so carelessly upon arrival.

Eugene's figure flickered, and he suddenly materialized behind Bai Yi, his initial shock giving way to a forced smile. "My dear guest, it's quite rude to use the devil's belongings without permission."

Bai Yi paid him no mind, continuing to submerge the scalpel deeper into the blood pool. The growth of the Evil Blade surged to 68%.

"Dear guest," Eugene persisted, his tone dripping with feigned politeness. "Hell summons you; surely you understand the rules. If you desire this blood, we can make a wager."

Bai Yi remained focused on the pool, now registering a growth rate of 80% for the Evil Blade.

Eugene's composure faltered as he noticed the blood pool diminishing by a tenth. His voice rose in anger. "Enough! This is not the realm of sheep; this is hell! You greedy, shameless creature!"

Bai Yi continued to probe the pool, now registering a growth rate of 90%.

Eugene's patience evaporated. With a fierce roar, he unleashed a torrent of power, causing the pool of blood to vanish instantly. "Enough! Do you wish to provoke a hellish game? Continue this, and I will declare you in violation!"

Bai Yi ignored him, understanding the rules: as long as he passed the challenges, the game would officially commence, and neither party could harm the other until its conclusion. Eugene feared attracting more powerful legends—without hell's protection, even a first-level legend could be swiftly dispatched.

Bai Yi felt regret; the Evil Blade was tantalizingly close to reaching 95% growth. He cast a glance toward the forest filled with malevolent spirits. If he could eliminate those souls, perhaps the blade could transform fully.

Eugene, catching onto his gaze, roared again, "Despicable, greedy creature! Are you ready? I wager my life against yours!"

With that declaration, the forest vanished under his power, disappointment evident in Bai Yi's eyes. He turned his attention to the rear of the castle when suddenly a legendary devil materialized before him, fuming. "No! I have nothing here. Do you wish to start the game or not?"

Bai Yi's regret deepened as he looked up at the legendary devil, aware that devils often wielded an allure that could deceive even the most vigilant.

"Tell me the rules of this game, devil," Bai Yi replied casually, feigning nonchalance. "You're quite stingy."

Eugene composed himself, gesturing for Bai Yi to follow him into the castle. "Mr. Evil, please."

As they entered, the immense hall transformed, becoming increasingly surreal. The white plague withdrew, returning to the light side, and remarked with disdain, "Mr. Devil, you should clean this place; it reeks of decay."

Eugene paused, sensing Bai Yi's presence. He quickly masked his surprise, reverting to the demeanor of an aristocratic noble. "My apologies, dear guest. Our games are simple: if you lose, you forfeit your soul. But if you win, generous rewards await."

Bai Yi's interest piqued. "My soul? What can I receive in return?"

A flicker of delight crossed Eugene's features; Bai Yi's inquiry implied a willingness to place a bet. "What would you like in exchange?"

"I'd like to know—how many rounds can I play? Can I increase the stakes?"

"You may wager up to three consecutive rounds. To raise the stakes, you must win the first round," Eugene explained with a smile.

"Let's play three games," Bai Yi replied, grinning. "For the first game, I want that blood pool we just discussed."

"Of course, that pool is made entirely from the blood of extraordinary beings. It's certainly worth your wager," Eugene said, his confidence unwavering. He was certain of his victory; after all, who would risk their soul for mere bronze-level resources?

"Let's start the first round, shall we?" he continued, the murderous intent in his eyes masked by a veneer of elegance.

"Whenever you're ready," Bai Yi nodded, unfazed.

Eugene's smile widened, but his eyes glinted with malice. "In this first round, you will play the role of an ordinary person. In this illusion, you cannot use your extraordinary powers. Make the right choice, and you will pass."

Bai Yi considered this, a smile creeping onto his face. Maintaining certain core points would make this game straightforward.

"Very well," he said casually.

As he spoke, the stench of decay receded, replaced by the sounds of joy. Bai Yi looked around and saw ordinary people surrounding him, yet his power remained intact.

Woo—

He suddenly heard a train whistle in the distance and turned toward the woods, remaining still as chaos erupted around him.

"Why are those children playing on the tracks?" someone shouted.

"Get that kid out of there; the train is coming!"

"Switch the tracks; we can't let that child die!"

The urgency escalated as Bai Yi found himself at a critical juncture. Seventeen unruly children had wandered onto the tracks, and with a train approaching, the crowd turned to him, the closest to the control lever.

[In this moment of crisis, you must choose: pull the lever to save sixteen children at the cost of one, or do nothing and let sixteen perish while one survives. Make your choice wisely.]

Bai Yi glanced at the lever, acutely aware of the weight of his decision. The rules prohibited the use of his extraordinary abilities—he could not rely on superior strength or mental acuity to intervene without losing.

As he stood there, the train grew closer, and the crowd's panic intensified. He turned his back on the lever and began walking away.

"What are you doing? Pull the lever!"

"Don't just stand there! You could save them!"

"Why aren't you helping?!"

Ignoring their pleas, Bai Yi moved slowly, the train's whistle blaring ominously. The children remained frozen, fear overtaking them.

As he walked past the frantic crowd, a young man surged forward, determination in his eyes as he reached for the lever.

With a swift motion, he switched the tracks just in time.

Clank, clank, clank.

The train barreled past, narrowly missing the group of children, who were left trembling and alive. But the lonely child on the other track was not so fortunate.

Blood and gore splattered as the train struck him, ending a vibrant life in an instant.

"Phew, we made it!" the young man exclaimed, relief washing over him as he turned to see the others gazing in horror at the carnage left behind.

"What did that child do wrong?" someone asked, incredulous.

The young man's face fell as he processed the question. "But… they were playing on the tracks. Why should sixteen lives matter more than one? This child did nothing wrong!"

"You're the murderer!" Bai Yi interjected, a smile playing on his lips.

This game was a trap, a reflection of human nature's complexities. The devil's game did not demand heroism; it thrived on the darker aspects of choice. Those who stood behind the crowd would never lose—by shifting the blame, they could escape the consequences of their actions.

As the echo of the train faded, Bai Yi understood the true nature of the devil's game: the only way to survive was to let others bear the weight of the choices made.