Why is my journey to the world of anime a strange tale of rules?

Because he was in such a hurry at the time, Gao Hai didn't notice the presence of those people, but now, after thinking back a little, he realized what had happened.

The research base itself was established after the strange outbreak of the Red Nut Gray Hole and the cave was sealed off.

But soldiers and researchers had been frequently entering the cave for operations long before that, back when the Red Nut Grotto was still operational.

The gentle slope has always been a dangerous area, a high-risk zone that should never be visited in any timeline, and not entirely because of the eerie presence of the white-dressed figure. Even if that thing didn't appear and launch an attack, players would still face a significant threat there. This is because the soldiers and researchers—the very beings they embody—are active in the gentle slope area, and they are likely to annihilate anyone who comes their way.

"So, what exactly is on the [gentle slope]? Even though paranormal events have started happening behind the giant slide, why are these people's activities still confined to the [gentle slope] area? And what's that thing under the crack... Does the giant crack itself have any special significance?"

Gao Hai successfully obtained the answer to one question, but then he was forced to confront doubts about what followed.

He still couldn't figure out what the problem was with the "gentle slope" and the "large crack".

Gao Hai was certain that the blood-stained, white-dressed, feminine, bloodthirsty monster had been formed during the research base period, specifically during the final phase of the Red Nut Gray Hole. Before it, there shouldn't have been any monsters of this level—Core Obsession—within that rift.

However, the military and researchers have been focusing on the Great Rift for a long time. If there are no strange things inside the rift, what are they studying?

The memories of the lost fuel an inextinguishable rage.

Gao Hai suddenly remembered this reminder again.

The hints in this instance, apart from the last one which is obvious—that you must not reveal your identity as a "human" to avoid the white-dressed figure's eerie pursuit—are actually uncertain.

The usurper was a mystery, the agreement was a mystery, and the so-called lost ones... Gao Hai had originally wondered if those tourists were the lost ones, but their behavior was completely unrelated to [Rage]. Could it be that he hadn't actually found where the so-called [Lost Ones] were?

And... the proof of the agreement, I'm not entirely clueless about this, although I can't be completely sure yet, but this should be it.

Gao Hai lowered his head and looked at the silver ring lying in his palm.

Andres and Hidal's wedding ring is Andres's most cherished possession, carrying the weight of his deepest longing and emotions. Just as Li Zhaodi's only toy is her most cherished possession, the object of one's affections can sometimes be the answer, revealing a great deal about something.

In his final moments, before Andres's consciousness completely faded into darkness, his wish wasn't to leave the cave; he no longer believed he could leave that place alive. Therefore, his true wish, his strongest desire upon realizing his inevitable death, was to return to his wife. And this ring, as the object bearing Andres's obsession, could only be resolved if Gao Hai could give it to Andres's wife, allowing Andres to finally find peace.

Speaking of which, the image of Andres' wife in my memory is of her wearing a white dress... Wait, really?

Previously, Gao Hai hadn't noticed this and hadn't thought of it, but now that he started to connect the dots, he couldn't help but realize the similarities between the strange white-dressed woman who killed him and Andres's wife, Hedar, in the echoes of his memories.

To be honest, the face and body were no longer recognizable as the same person; the female ghost in the large rift was completely distorted and no longer resembled a human. However, the clothes were identical. Although one was pristine white and brand new, and the other was dirty, tattered, and stained with blood, the two white dresses were indeed the same set of clothes.

"Does this mean a family has to be all together...? Has the research base become so inhumane?"

Having figured out many of the issues, Gao Hai gasped for breath, then put away the notebook he had almost finished reading, preparing to leave this place to investigate other places of lingering regret.

As soon as he opened the door, Gao Hai felt the eerie aura emanating from all directions. Looking up, he saw a group of bulky firefighters, dripping with water, standing around the fire truck, all staring at him expressionlessly, completely blocking his view in every direction.

This is the second time, isn't it? Do all supernatural things like to trick people?

Gao Hai mentally grumbled to himself. Then, one by one, the eerie creatures took a step forward. Gao Hai then opened his black umbrella. The eerie creatures, having lost their target, turned around in confusion to look for Gao Hai, and gradually retreated because they could not find him.

Not far away, Gao Hai, who had already slipped away from these things, walked to a wooden door that looked rather high-end, opened the door, and slipped inside in a flash.

And inside that door was...

Chapter 61: The girls on the other side are also working hard.

[Guidelines for Security Personnel at the Cave Base]

This code of conduct is the code of conduct for security personnel at this base. Please strictly abide by its contents.

[1. As a security personnel, you will be assigned to different areas each week for guard duty or patrol. During your work hours, you must not whisper to each other, communicate with the explorers outside of your assigned tasks, disturb the researchers' work, or assist them unless they request it.]

2. All security work must be carried out by at least two people. There will be no work assignments for one person to act alone. If any work assignment is found to be incorrect, do not carry it out. Please report to your superiors and only proceed with the work after confirming that it is correct.

3. If your companion exhibits signs of confusion, muttering to themselves, disorientation, or a strong desire for you to go to a certain place, immediately move away from them and seek help from other companions who are not exhibiting these symptoms. Subdue the companion exhibiting these symptoms and wait for researchers to transfer them for treatment. In exceptional circumstances where it is difficult to subdue the individual, you may request the lifting of firing restrictions to kill them.

4. Security soldiers assigned to the isolation area must rest for one hour in the personnel preparation room after completing their work. Only those who can correctly repeat their identity, duties, name, and identification code after resting can end their mission. Those who cannot completely repeat their identity must return to the isolation area for further inspection.

5. Each security personnel's work schedule for the week will be finalized at least one week in advance and will generally remain unchanged afterward. Any request to change the content of the task requires General Xie Geila's permission before it can be approved; otherwise, it will not be carried out.

6. Security personnel are not permitted to enter the analysis room and research area without the permission of Professor Furn and General Segella.

7. All cries, calls for help, knocking, or other noises coming from the direction of the quarantine area are hallucinations. An unidentified biological toxin exists in the air here, which can induce hallucinations to a certain degree. Do not pay excessive attention to these hallucinations. If you believe these hallucinations are affecting your work, please report them to your superiors.

8. Each soldier is required to take a specific psychotropic medication to protect them from the hallucinogenic microbes present. Please ensure you take the medication at the prescribed time and in the prescribed dosage daily. Each soldier's medication supply is rationed and must not be transferred to others.

9. Any explorers who do not follow instructions or regulations may be immediately killed without prior application.

[10. Researchers who do not possess the corresponding access card or who appear at inappropriate times should be immediately taken into custody. If necessary, an application may be made to lift the firing restriction, but every effort should be made to ensure their survival.]

[11. Security personnel will not enter the area behind the quarantine inspection room. You will not receive such an order, and this area is unrelated to your work.]

[12. General Segella is the supreme commander of the security personnel, and Professor Fernand holds second-level command authority. In the event of a conflict between their orders, please follow General Segella's orders.]

[13. The recreation area is a place specifically for security personnel and researchers to relax. You may change your clothes here. Outside of these areas, except in the toilets, bathrooms, and dormitories, formal attire is required. Personal clothing is not permitted outside the recreation area.]

[14. When you are assigned as a security personnel for the quarantine zone, please go to General Xiegela's office to confirm your appointment. Security personnel for this area can only be appointed through General Xiegela himself.]

The interpretation of these guidelines rests with Professor Folnäs and Lieutenant General Seghela.

After carefully reading through the rule sheet folded up in the pocket of her black soldier's protective suit, Kaguya Shinomiya looked up and walked forward.

Pushing open the door, you'll find yourself in a fairly large bar, where many soldiers and researchers are drinking.

They took off their coats and helmets, revealing their crushed and mangled appearances. Each one looked so ferocious and terrifying, yet they seemed to be drinking like ordinary people, or idly shouting at each other, or simply drinking alone, humming a tune, and putting on a carefree air.

No one cared about Kaguya Shinomiya's appearance.

This is the third floor of the research base, a dedicated area for relaxation and rest. It must be said that although the research base looks small, it has all sorts of functions. Kaguya was a little puzzled as to why she couldn't find an armory or anything like that; otherwise, planting explosives there would have been far more effective than blowing up the surveillance area earlier.

In any case, it's time to find the security personnel for the power area.

Kaguya Shinomiya's gaze swept over the "people" present, and she silently strode forward.

The camera on one side of the room was flickering faintly. Although the monitoring room had been destroyed, these things were still working, and the base personnel played by these weirdos were indifferent to it, except for Professor Folneng, who was momentarily slowed down when the explosion occurred, but quickly returned to his normal state, slowly returning to his office, without any intention of doing anything.

These things are incredibly slow to react to changes happening within the base. Is it because they're just playing the roles of the supernatural beings? But I heard from Fujiwara that she and Taka-kun encountered some supernatural beings in the cave who were playing their roles very "vividly." Is there any difference between these two situations?

While pondering, Kaguya Shinomiya walked through the bar, opened the door, and arrived at a smoky, fiery place.

This is a large cafeteria that serves regular three meals a day. Outside of those times, it offers things like barbecue. Right now, Kaguya Shinomiya can see all sorts of big fish and meat on the grill. It has to be said that it's quite greasy, which is something Kaguya, who is used to fine and high-end food, finds very unsettling.

This place also attracts a considerable number of researchers and security personnel.

Next, there is an entertainment area with many game consoles, and a sports area with sports and entertainment equipment such as basketball shooting machines.

Each area has different "people" present, as if they are really alive and need various forms of entertainment to relax and reward themselves, enjoying themselves in different places on this floor.

squeak-

After opening the door to the sports area, Kaguya arrived at a corridor. At this moment, there was a toilet on the side of the corridor, from which she could hear some suppressed moans, as if two people were entangled in something.

Kaguya got her soldier's uniform here. I have to say, the sight of those two lumps of mangled flesh embracing each other was quite disgusting, so disgusting that Kaguya felt she needed to wash her eyes properly.

However, she didn't have time to worry about such issues now, because she had already found a security guard who had a bunch of keys on his body and secretly took the keys off him.

Stealing things from a creepy creature is quite exciting!

With that thought in mind, Kaguya Shinomiya returned to the bar and quickly approached the stairs.

At the same time, Maki and Chika had already slipped into the archives area on the second floor. They pretended to retrieve a document, but in reality, they just randomly picked out documents that looked potentially useful, intending to take them back to the dormitory area to study them at their leisure.

"Remember not to take Exploration Record No. 01. Ah... Gao-kun said he had already seen it last week. He knows the contents and has already told me. I can tell you and Kaguya directly when we get back."

Fujiwara Chika whispered a reminder to Maki.

Of course, this is actually a lie. In the second playthrough, Maki didn't have time to tell Takami about the exploration record, but she did talk about the record with Chika during the month in the real world, which is why she dares to say such things here.

However, it is truly a terrifying ability, to rewind a month in the real world and fifteen days in the instance. Just how many secrets does Ah Hai still hold?

This powerful man with secrets... well, I'm starting to get a little excited.

"Hai Jun really did tell you a lot."

The old-fashioned Maki, having put down the record, turned to look at Chika, her gaze carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible scrutiny.

"Of course! I'm really good at it. I can easily beat even horror games."

With a smug expression, Chika easily brushed off the question. Although Maki still felt that something was wrong, she could only nod slightly without concrete evidence. Then, she and Chika each took a document and left the archives area, leaving behind the invisible doll.

I wonder what Haijun's current situation is.

The thought of Gao Hai fighting alone made Maki feel uneasy, and she longed to change into an explorer's clothes and go help him.

However, doing so would mean one less investigator for the research base that has not completed an in-depth investigation since the beginning of the three cycles, which would greatly increase the difficulty and time cost of the operation. In comparison, Gao Hai has already investigated most of the situation on that side, and there is no point in him going there now except to cause trouble.

But she just couldn't put her mind at ease. That idiot was always showing off, and she really wanted to know what was going on with him, but she was afraid of interfering with him at a crucial moment, so she didn't dare to ask him through the mental link.

After opening the dormitory door and entering, and confirming that no one was there, Maki placed the documents she had obtained on the table.

Fujiwara Chika walked behind Maki, carrying another document. After closing the door with her foot, she walked to Maki's side and placed the document in her arms on the table. Then she let out a soft sigh and reached out to wipe her sweat, as if she had just been carrying something very heavy, not a stack of paper documents.

"Fourth Brother, can I ask you a question?"

Then, the pink-haired girl turned her head and suddenly spoke softly.

"Well, what's the problem?"

Maki Shijou, who planned to look at these documents together with Kaguya when she returned, casually replied.

Are you Gao Jun's girlfriend?

Then, in the next moment, her body froze at the sound of Chika's voice.

Chapter 62: The Arrogant Girl's Inability to Be Honest and the Record of Experiments

"I...I'm not his girlfriend!"

Almost instinctively, Shijo Maki immediately denied it, a blush quickly rising on her cheeks.

Even though they've known each other for about a month now, their relationship has long since transformed from strangers who initially cooperated to survive to an extremely close one. However, Shijo Maki's reserved nature makes it difficult for her to open up, so Fujiwara Chika's overly direct questions had a significant impact on her. Under these circumstances, Shijo Maki simply couldn't express her true feelings.

"Huh? You're not? Gao Jun hugged you in public at school, and he told me a lot of things before I came here. It's obvious he cares about you a lot. You're not boyfriend and girlfriend? Are you already husband and wife?"

Covering her mouth with her hand, Fujiwara Chika looked very surprised and continued to ask questions.

"Does he care about me? Oh no, no, cough cough, we're just good business partners, comrades-in-arms... that's right, at most comrades-in-arms. Don't talk nonsense about being husband and wife, okay? I'm only 17 years old. Getting married is something I can't do until I'm 18..."

Upon hearing that "Takami cares about her," Shijo Maki almost immediately couldn't hide her slightly happy expression. However, upon hearing the word "husband and wife" at the end, a blush spread across her face, and her voice became more flustered as she hurriedly denied it.

She even gave Chika Fujiwara a presentation on the amendments to Japanese law, stating that the legal marriage age for women in Japan has been raised from 16 to 18, making marriage and becoming husband and wife completely impossible.

"So, you mean Shijou-kun plans to marry Taka-kun next year after he turns 18? That's incredibly bold!"

Fujiwara Chika looked even more surprised and asked in a very astonished tone.