The Hill in the Mirror

The ethereal, lilting sound of a child's voice echoed through the quiet park, carrying a strange charm that no human could replicate. It held a mysterious quality that made the listeners relax and settle into an unusual calmness. Even the four most terrified new players, who had been on edge just moments ago, found themselves completely absorbed in the haunting lullaby of the ghost child.

Minutes later, the captivating melody began to fade away.

Clap!

Clap!

Clap!

Yi Bai took the initiative to clap for the ghost child, impressed by the beauty of the song. It was certainly deserving of such praise.

"Big brother, did I sing well?" The childish voice piped up, and the innocent question made the players feel inexplicably emotional.

The ghost child, with a shy smile, turned to Yi Bai.

They had all noticed the difference in how the ghost children treated Yi Bai. It was clear that their relationship was unlike that of the others. However, they weren't sure whether it was genuine affection or merely the ghost child's whimsical nature. Who could say if these eerie beings were simply putting on a facade?

"Your singing was wonderful. If it were in the human world, I'm sure it would be adored by many," Yi Bai answered honestly, giving a thumbs-up.

The ghost child's voice seemed to carry an inherent magical quality. Though faint, the melody had a calming effect that could ease even the most tense of souls. For players who had been constantly on edge, it felt like a cleansing of the mind. Even in an era where entertainment had long faded into the past due to the rise of horrific games, such a voice would surely captivate the hearts of many.

"Thank you, big brother! I'll keep practicing!" The ghost child beamed with joy at the compliment, sitting back down with a giggle.

Clearly, no matter the reaction, the ghost children's performances were never met with punishment. They were free to sing and play as they pleased.

"Game, continue!" The plump ghost child's voice boomed again, shattering the momentary calm like a spell. The new players, who had relaxed for just a brief moment, were jolted back to the harsh reality of the game.

The game wasn't over. Though Yi Bai's presence had helped calm them with the ethereal song, the brutal game they were trapped in was far from over. They still had to fight for survival in a world of blood and terror, with no guarantees of safety.

The funfair mirrored hall stretched on endlessly, a labyrinth of mirrors. In every reflection, a ghost child played and laughed, though no sound reached the players. In the heart of the maze stood a grand, flawless mirror, polished to perfection, its surface gleaming with an almost magical aura.

In this mirror stood a figure: a girl with twin tails, her porcelain-like face framed by a dark princess dress, her demeanor elegant and regal. If Yi Bai were present, he would have praised her as the "perfect Gothic lolita." In her hands, she held a smaller mirror, which reflected the ongoing game in the park. Her amber eyes were filled with curiosity as she watched Yi Bai through the small glass.

"How interesting, big brother! He doesn't look human..."

Her eyes sparkled with wonder as she continued to observe. "He's not afraid of the ghost children at all! He's so gentle, even helping one of them with their arm. He's such a kind big brother!"

The child's flawless porcelain face was filled with delight. But soon, her expression darkened.

"Ah~" She tugged at her twin tails in frustration, her small legs stomping on the ground.

"Mom said I'm not allowed to leave the magic mirror... but I really want to play with big brother!"

Her mood shifted between excitement and melancholy. "What should I do? I really want big brother to praise me, too! I'm a good child. I always listen to my mom!"

The little Gothic girl sighed, jealousy creeping into her amber eyes. The other ghost children, who were far less obedient, could play with Yi Bai, yet she, who always followed the rules, was stuck in the mirror.

Her mood soured further, and her face darkened with envy.

Inside the mirror maze, the mirrors began to tremble. The ghost children, sensing the change in the atmosphere, ceased their playful antics. They huddled nervously in the corners of the mirrors, afraid that the older child would notice and punish them. They knew all too well that their leader's temper was not to be trifled with.

"Achoo!"

Yi Bai, who had been humming along with the child's song, rubbed his nose in confusion. It was odd—despite his formidable strength and vampire heritage, he had just sneezed for no reason.

"Could it be... Lina is thinking about me?" Yi Bai mused, slightly suspicious. After all, Lina was a red spirit, and if she were missing him, sneezing might be a sign of it.

Unbeknownst to Yi Bai, it wasn't his beloved Lina thinking of him. Instead, it was the Gothic girl, trapped in the mirror, who had been obsessively watching him.

As the game entered its third round, the players began to understand the nature of the ghost children's actions. But knowing the rules didn't make the game any easier.

The ghost children could easily detach their own arms and reattach them at will. The human players, on the other hand, could not. Who would willingly sacrifice their own limb for someone else?

But this time, there was one player who stood out—a man with a very different mindset.

Huan Weng.

"Young brother, I know you're strong. Could you help me break my arm, the way the ghost children do? Completely detached, just like them?" The old voice came with sincerity, carrying an undertone of desperation.

Yi Bai looked at the man with a mix of respect and pity. He could easily see through the old man's intentions.

Through the Eye of Insight, Yi Bai understood that this man's only desire wasn't for survival, but for the chance to speak to the ghost children. He hoped to learn something about his lost child, who had presumably been taken by the ghosts.

Huan Weng didn't care about his own survival. His only wish was to find his child, even if it meant making a painful sacrifice.