Chapter Two: The Error Enters Reality

Outside, a bus struck a lamppost. Its front crumpled, glass bursting across the road, yet it did not stop. The damaged metal flickered, restored itself like a training prop, and accelerated toward the intersection again. “Ascension is offline,” Gu said, diving toward the console. “Simulated objects can't instantiate.” Every billboard became a blackboard. 【Temporary Trial: Crossing Safely】 【Rule 1: Pedestrians are absolutely safe while the light is green.】 【Rule 2: Vehicles will not stop while the light is red.】 The pedestrian signal turned green. People who had fled onto the sidewalk stiffened and stepped onto the crossing under invisible command. The bus charged toward them.