Chapter One: Forced Login at Midnight

sequined suit who bowed as if finishing a show. “Pei Jin,” the showman said. “I make locksmiths unemployed.” The girl aimed at him. “Who kidnapped me?” Red numbers appeared overhead: 09:59. 【Map: Falling Star City. Mode: Core Capture. Victory grants a Reality Echo. Defeat erases the lowest contributor from reality. Biological existence, records, and all nonparticipant memories will be deleted.】 The girl fired. Gu Chen forced her wrist down, and the bolt missed Pei Jin. “Killing teammates won't improve contribution,” he said. “How do you know?” “This thing wants a match, not a lottery. Kill me in nine minutes if I'm wrong. For now, give me your role and ability.” His old command voice cut order from panic.