Chapter 66: Internal Test (Part 1)
[Internal Test has begun. Data collection in progress...]
[Data collection complete. Internal Test duration: 365 days]
[Time since Internal Test initiation: 3 days]
"Internal Test."
"Finally, it's coming."
Ku Zhiye stared at the information displayed across his interface, the faint glow of a MouthRazor Wind pulsing softly in the corner of his vision. He had expected some kind of internal test activity—though the exact timing remained unclear, as he himself wasn't one of those NPCs who had received prior notice of the test's activation.
The Benevolent Origin—as this version of the Internal Test was now officially known—was, at its core, a nameless, faceless event. The other faction had made no attempt at propaganda or grand announcements. Instead, they'd merely uploaded a series of game links onto the public network, then vanished—presumably because the game's popularity had already soared to the point where it could sustain itself, and the players themselves had taken over the momentum. Eventually, it all became a full-scale phenomenon.
This time, however, the test was also referred to as The Tears of Abyss, a name that resonated with those who had emerged from the Tearful Abyss region. They had no official mission or primary objective—only freedom to choose their path. They could freely explore, assist the Tearful Abyss, or aid Zhuo He Yu, or even support the rebels in the northern lands. Or, they could simply go their own way.
Ultimately, the outcome was determined by the alliance with Shi Lian Wei, the nobleman of the Lakanman Family. The Tearful Abyss survivors returned safely to the Northern Forest Shield under Brother Mo's guidance.
And that, too, was exactly why Ku Zhiye had been so eager to take part in the Tearful Abyss event.
Brother Mo—this man—had always struck Ku Zhiye as a real-life idealist, someone whose actions were genuine and meaningful. He fit perfectly with Ku Zhiye’s own philosophy. When the other faction first appeared, Ku Zhiye had swiftly recognized the strength of this new power, quickly understanding how it could be leveraged—how it could be used to strengthen his own influence, to stand against the faceless forces of Zhuo He Yu.
But Ku Zhiye was clear-minded. This time, the test was over, and the data was now fully compiled. The Benevolent Origin had officially opened its public trial. The timeline wasn’t tied to the one recorded in the Non-Player Character interface.
"Time in the Benevolent Origin doesn’t match reality."
"Only when the other faction enters will both sides move in sync—and the speed of time within the Benevolent Origin is four times faster than real-world time."
"The first major update occurred long ago, and the other faction has already been active for decades."
Ku Zhiye mentally noted.
But still, it was good. The other faction had already begun to rise—already spreading influence, building networks, and gathering followers. If that was the case, then how could he possibly be restricted?
[Data collection in progress... Complete.]
[Decrypting Other Faction Interface.]
[Decoding Other Faction Communication.]
"Does this mean I can finally open it up?"
Ku Zhiye felt a flicker of hesitation. The Other Faction interface was a new kind of bridge—one that allowed real-time communication and exchange. Even now, the other faction hadn’t fully connected, their functionality still limited. But Ku Zhiye could already begin issuing quests, distributing items, transmitting skills, or even transferring status and influence—anything that could enhance the other faction’s trust and cooperation.
This was something Ku Zhiye had long anticipated.
When dealing with those NPCs who were unusual or extraordinary, one moment you’d be chatting with them, the next you’d hear a sudden, jarring voice cutting through your thoughts—something like:
"You're not even trying!"
"Why don’t you just give up?"
"I’m not a puppet. I won’t be controlled!"
Those were normal reactions.
[Decoding Combat Power Interface.]
[Decoding Other Faction Dialogue System.]
"Does this really mean I can finally open it up?"
Ku Zhiye paused. The Other Faction dialogue system was a living, breathing thing—designed for interaction, exchange, and mutual understanding. When the other faction waited for updates, they’d choose from a range of responses:
"I’m still not convinced, but I’ll give it a try."
"Why would I follow you? I’m not your servant."
"I just want to live my own life."
Or, more honestly:
"I don’t want to fight. I just want to survive."
Within the system, you could even observe the avatars—create your own, or choose to let them appear as a simple, unassuming symbol. There might even be small, humorous animations—tiny, playful expressions that appeared during gameplay, triggering a fleeting sense of warmth, like a smile in the dark.
Ku Zhiye activated the dialogue interface. The screen went blank. Nothing appeared.
"Wait... if it’s waiting for the other faction to enter..."
"Then I’ll just have to wait for them to come."
At that moment, the red Lifeform emerged from the Veil Chamber, preparing to leave. Ku Zhiye quickly gathered his equipment—his personal belongings—and began transferring a few essential items to the other faction.
The key phrase was simple:
"Use it for good, not for harm."
"Control it with reason, not with emotion."
He didn’t need to think about it. This was the truth.
The first time the other faction entered, it would be chaotic—full of confusion, fear, and doubt. Ku Zhiye understood that. He’d felt it himself when he first arrived. Even back then, he’d been just like them—hesitant, uncertain, confused. He’d been lost in the dark, left with no direction—until someone gave him a single, clear path.
Afterward, he even made a joke in the dialogue system:
"I didn’t do anything. Why are all the Non-Player Characters treating me like a god?"
It was a joke. But it was also true—deeply true.
[Connection established. Signal received.]
[Receiving data from your Spirit Form.]
[Initializing your new appearance.]
[Appearance customization complete.]
I’ve come to meet you, XianFace.
(Note: Standard human attributes set to 10)
Strength — 10
Stamina — 10
Agility — 11
Willpower — 12
Intelligence — 10
Perception — 9
"Still, you’re not too bad at judging me, are you?"
"But why is my Perception only 9?"
In the game world, XianFace—once again—had to endure the awkwardness of being misjudged. The system had already labeled him as an anomaly, and he was now being scrutinized by the other faction, who had already begun their own internal testing. But despite the confusion, XianFace remained calm.
"Still, it’s not that bad."
XianFace exhaled, then let out a small chuckle.
"Even if I’m not a god... I’m not nothing either."
[Connecting to your spirit core...]
[Verifying your origin point...]
[Initializing location data. Coordinates: 17834.4524.455, Altitude: 572m.]
[Preparing for emergence...]
"Welcome, you've arrived at the Benevolent Origin."
The other faction finally entered the scene, their arrival marked by a sudden shift in the atmosphere. The figure paused, taking in the surroundings—then looked around, slightly disoriented.
"Finally... we’re here."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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