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

Currently, aside from knowing that the impending horrific disaster is likely related to the power of the unseen entity, he knows virtually nothing else. Even knowing it might be related to the unseen entity, he doesn't know its specific form—whether it's a curse, mental pollution, or an attack by a physical unseen entity—Gao Hai is completely ignorant of the details. Furthermore, even if he knew in advance what was coming, it would be difficult to devise a reasonable plan to ensure the survival and evacuation of as many people as possible.

Ultimately, the only knowledge Gao Hai currently possesses related to this area is the rescue team skills given to him by Xu Sheng. However, that knowledge is merely a set of rescue skills possessed by an individual rescuer and cannot be extended to the safety and security of the entire city or even the entire country.

Fortunately, Gao Hai wasn't on his own.

"If that situation really occurs... our families can cooperate. With only one month left, it's definitely too late to build shelters or anything like that. But Haijun, do you remember the place we visited near the [Market]? That underground area has some kind of isolation ability. If we combine the power of the [Market] and several families, we can definitely set up several temporary shelters. Not only that, Haijun, your newly acquired power of rules can also guarantee the safety of ordinary people who stay at home and wait for rescue. So if we can use radio, television, and various social forums to spread the word, we can also maximize the safety of most people."

Maki was the first to offer her suggestion, and quickly turned her gaze to Kaguya and Chika beside her. After receiving a nod from them, she then looked at Ichiri and Kita. Ichiri didn't quite understand Maki's meaning, while Kita nodded, indicating that she could take charge of communicating with the [Market].

"A month of mobilization time to set up a shelter in Tokyo that can temporarily accommodate the entire population of Tokyo, well... that is, a shelter for about 1400 million people. To be honest, it's very difficult, after all, what we need to prevent is not a natural disaster, but an unpredictable and mysterious one. But with the cooperation and help of [Market], it should still be possible. Oh, and there are the people from [Red Society]. Since Gao-kun saved their people and helped them, it shouldn't be a problem for them to repay him. With the cooperation of this player team, which has a lot of prestige in the Japanese region, the resistance we need to face should be much smaller."

Kaguya also offered her idea and subconsciously took out her phone to contact her family.

"We can't just count the city we live in now. Since it's a global disaster, other places could also be affected. We need to contact the player organizations [The Slacker Gang] and [The Historian]. Although we've been trying to keep a low profile, we have to take action now. For one thing, if a place is wiped out by the spread of strange forces, we might be facing an army of tens of thousands of strange creatures. Hmm... I'm not too sure about other player organizations, but the [Slacker Gang] should trust us. If we can persuade that player team to take action, I believe many other player teams can be mobilized."

Chika nodded slightly, then added, broadening the perspective on the issue further.

"My family has been serving the Shinomiya family for many years, and has had in-depth contact with various forces, large and small, in many countries. Unlike the main Shinomiya family, the Hayasaka family, because they have to perform the duties of servants, has been more deeply involved in various small organizations and has a deeper cooperation with the middle and lower management in various places. With the help of the [Inducement Necklace], I can persuade my family to participate fully, whether it is cooperating with player organizations in other places or doing things like field investigation and resource allocation. I believe they can do it well."

Hayasaka added her final contribution, and the four girls seemed to have communicated beforehand, displaying remarkable teamwork. They quickly developed a general outline of the evacuation plan that had left Takami completely clueless.

This is probably one way for anime girls to express themselves; at least Gao Hai himself knew he could never have come up with a solution so quickly.

Of course, these are just ideas and directions, far from a real solution. There's only one point that even Gao Hai himself could think of: getting as many people as possible involved. Going it alone would never accomplish this.

"Now that we've confirmed we likely only have a month left, we can't afford to delay. We've just returned to the real world, and the other players should be back around the same time. Once we've finalized our story, let's go to the [Market] first, then contact the [Slacking Off Gang]. We need to mobilize these two players at least during the day. Then tonight, we'll go back and explain the situation to our families. If we can persuade them, great; if not, we'll use the inducement necklace. In short, we need to get everything moving before tomorrow. Gao Jun, let's go. Contacting the players won't be possible without you; only with you can we possibly persuade them to organize."

At the end of the exchange, the decisive Kaguya finalized the action plan and stood up resolutely, signaling Takami to follow.

"Ahem, Grandma, don't be in such a hurry. Let Kita find some clothes to wear first. She and Goto have both worked with [Market] before, so it will definitely be better if they come with us. We also need to change our clothes, especially Kai-kun. It's not good for him to go out covered in blood."

However, after Maki coughed lightly and explained, Kaguya noticed that Kita was still only wrapped in a blanket, and that all of them looked somewhat disheveled. Takahashi, in particular, looked like he had just been pulled out of a pool of blood because of the execution of the Li family village. He was the kind of person who could play the Texas Chainsaw Massacre in a darker setting.

"There's really no need to worry too much about this; it's quite easy to handle."

Gao Hai, who finally found an opportunity to interject, grinned crookedly, snapped his fingers lightly, and released invisible spiritual power according to his will.

In just one second, all the stains on the girls' clothes disappeared without a trace, and the dust they had picked up during the final destruction phase of the dungeon was also removed.

The next second, all the bloodstains on Gao Hai's body disappeared, and the tears on everyone's clothes were gone, restoring them to their original state.

"what?!"

In the third second, Kita Ikuyo let out a gasp. She turned her head sharply and glared at Takami, her face flushed red and her teeth clenched, looking as if she had been molested.

Then, the blanket on her body fell off automatically, as if an invisible hand had pulled it away. But what was revealed after the blanket was pulled away was not a glimpse of spring, but a sailor uniform that was the same style as the school uniform that Goto Ichiri attended, and that fit Kita Ikuyo's figure perfectly.

"Wow, is this the kind of mental power that Ah Hai was talking about that can distort reality? Has it reached the point where it can create things out of thin air? It feels so amazing!"

Chika was a little excited; in her eyes, Gao Hai's actions were as magical as magic.

"No need to thank me, consider it a small gift for your newfound life."

Gao Hai smiled and waved to Kita, looking as carefree as someone who had kept his achievements hidden.

"..."

Kita remained silent.

She simply stared at Gao Hai silently, and after staring at him for a while, she pursed her lips.

Kita was certain that his senses were correct regarding the sensation he had just experienced.

As Gao Hai used his mental power to condense clothes for her, it was as if two hands were running over her body, meticulously measuring and examining her figure. And it was an extremely thorough examination, so thorough that it felt like polishing every inch of her skin dozens of times.

It's unbelievable that this guy actually made a move.

What Kita finds most tragic is that she discovers she isn't actually particularly averse to the other person's behavior; in fact, she even feels that "this is normal."

Has my girlish heart been completely warped by this man?

After spending a month together, being exposed to his presence at close range for so long, and going through life and death together in the dungeon, have I now reached the point where I wouldn't feel ashamed even if he molested me, but instead would feel that he should do it?

At this moment, Kita fell into a silent, withdrawn state.

However, it must be said that Takami was actually innocent this time. He genuinely had no intention of molesting Kita; he was merely using his mental energy to try and create a set of clothes for Kita using his reality-distorting ability. As for why Kita felt uncomfortable, it's because Takami instinctively perceived his mental energy as an extension of his body—a "hand." This caused Kita to experience the sensation of being touched by Takami's hand, leading to his reaction. However, in reality, because Takami didn't attach his senses to the mental energy he used, he didn't actually feel anything.

"Um...you...never mind, thank you..."

Ultimately, because everyone else was there, Kita didn't really explode; he just reluctantly said thank you.

Her subtle emotional changes didn't escape Gao Hai's notice. Just as she could discern Gao Hai's subtle reactions after a month of living together, Gao Hai could now also perceive some of Kita's subtle emotional responses. However, with important matters pressing at hand, Gao Hai didn't have the energy to deal with this at the moment and had to postpone it.

"..."

Goto Ichiri didn't say a word from beginning to end.

In fact, the girl was practically in a state of mental paralysis; she was completely lost. Having finally returned alive from the dungeon, Ichiri had essentially adjusted her mindset to that of a student on the first day of summer vacation. But then, Takahime suddenly mentioned that the world might end in a month, instantly turning her mindset into one of being forced to attend extra classes right before summer vacation began. Then, Takahime said they should all work together to solve the problem, and Ichiri's mental world shifted to the first day of summer vacation classes, immediately hit with an incredibly difficult mock exam. After Maki and the others shared their plans and ideas, Ichiri realized she had once again scored zero on her mock exam.

What is going on here?

Staggering and dizzy, she wanted to speak but couldn't come up with any ideas. For a moment, she even began to doubt whether she had left the instance yet and started to gradually lean towards a state of self-isolation.

"..."

At the same time, Yotsuya Miko, who was sitting not far from Takami, also remained silent.

Unlike Goto Ichiri, this girl with extraordinary inspiration that was constantly evolving had her mind almost completely blank.

Where am I now?

What should I do now?

Where do I need to go now?

Completely clueless about how to resolve the so-called "doomsday crisis," Miko could only watch blankly as Maki and the others spoke and offered their opinions. As everyone enthusiastically spoke, she gradually lost her ability to think, eventually becoming unable to even understand what they were saying, and could only become a silent background on the stage.

"Well then, let's rest a little longer and then get ready to set off. I've asked Xiaoheshu about some things, and most players are in a state of extreme relaxation or even decadence in the first few days after leaving a dungeon. It's quite troublesome to mobilize them in this state, so we really need to contact capable and reputable player teams to assist us as quickly as possible."

Gao Hai maintained a serious expression, as if he were still in a game, and sat upright on the sofa as he spoke.

Then, as Kaguya, who was closest to him, nodded slightly and sat down, Takahashi reached out and pulled her into his arms, naturally lowering his head to kiss her.

"Hey, hey, hey?!"

Caught off guard, Kaguya's cheeks quickly flushed red.

"The important business isn't finished yet, and it's not time to rest. I'll collect some interest first, please don't mind."

Takahashi, whose expression remained serious as if he hadn't done anything, simply continued to speak righteously while holding Kaguya. However, the way Maki looked at him had become subtle.

Interlude 4-06: Those Who Take Action and Those Who Don't

From discussing the general plan to actually taking action, it didn't take too long.

Gao Hai didn't play a significant role in this matter. While neither the [Market] nor the [Slacker Gang] would have believed Zhenfei and the others' claims and taken action without his intervention, he couldn't participate when it came to discussing specific action plans. After all, he wasn't good at developing plans, especially when it involved a refugee program on the scale of millions.

Well, in fact, he did participate in the initial discussion, but after a short while, he was completely unable to join in.

"It's unbelievable that this has happened. But since Mr. Gao has said so, we will take action. The [Market] can provide enough shelter for one million people... no, enough for five million people to temporarily take refuge for about three months. However, to build such shelter, I need the Shinomiya family and the Shijo family to operate at full capacity to provide food, medicine and all kinds of living supplies."

The first to be persuaded were the [Market] side. Gao Hai only made an initial statement, and Xiao He Shu and a group of high-level executives immediately chose to believe him. Then, when the topic fast-forwarded to how to proceed, it became a matter between the [Market] side's management organization and the family affairs operators brought in by Kaguya Maki and others.

"The end of the world... To hear something like that from you, kid. Sigh, looks like the [Slacking Off Gang] is done slacking off now. Well then, we'll contact the player organizations in China to get things moving. Luckily, we have some pre-prepared supplies we can use, although that only covers some major cities. Tsk, if it really is a global-scale, bizarre disaster, even if we all go all out, there will probably still be very heavy casualties..."

"[Historians] can provide some small shelters, but only within the Huaxia region. This requires the use of some conceptual power, and it can only be effective in areas with at least several hundred years of cultural heritage and identity. Of course, even so, there will definitely be considerable problems. But we trust Mr. Gao's judgment, and we will do our best in the next month."

Next, the "Slacking Off Gang" and the "Historian" were successfully mobilized. The mobilization speed was also very fast. Gao Hai didn't have to explain much, and everyone readily chose to believe him. Then, they entered the specific action planning stage, where Gao Hai himself didn't have much room to maneuver.

Of course, despite saying that, Gao Hai still came up with some plans in the end, some of which sounded somewhat far-fetched and unclear.

"An emergency publicity plan? Could we broadcast it through official channels to reach as many ordinary people as possible and build their trust?"

"Does this make people more inclined to stay with family and friends they care about, and remain in what they consider their own 'home' while waiting for rescue?"

"If absolutely necessary, we could try a small-scale brainwashing to temporarily make ordinary people 'believe in and follow you, Mr. Gao'? That's quite a strange idea. Rather than an action plan, it's more like some strange supernatural rule, just like how you, Mr. Gao, have become the core of the supernatural tale. Haha, of course, that's just a joke."

Gao Hai had no idea how much of his plan would be adopted. After all, he didn't really know the exact strength of the four rules he had acquired; he was just trying it out hoping it might be useful.

In a sense, these four forces of law have indeed turned him into the core of the supernatural tale. He wonders if, if he continues to grow stronger, he might one day become truly contaminated by ordinary people, making it impossible to interact with them without protection. After all, Gao Hai can already sense that his mental strength has reached a level unattainable by ordinary humans; once it touches upon the minds of ordinary people, it could potentially cause them to collapse, go mad, or even suffer brain death.

Moreover, the concept of faith rules somewhat reminded Gao Hai of things like "becoming a god through faith." If it weren't for the hope of helping more people, he wouldn't really want to get involved with faith. Although he didn't have any concrete confidence, Gao Hai's intuition told him that if he didn't control it properly, he might actually end up cosplaying as some god-emperor sitting on the toilet.

"My brothers will all be mobilized. After enjoying themselves for so long, it's time for my family members to put on some work. With the help of Hayasaka, Fujiwara, and Shijou, we should be able to take care of all the basic living supplies. Let's aim for three months' worth of basic emergency supplies first."

"Leave the liaison work with the various player organizations in the Neon region to me and Ichiri. Hmm, I know that Pochi-chan may not be very good at interacting with people, but her very existence can convince many players. For the player community, a strong person with real strength is always more convincing than someone who only talks the talk, and my resurrection is also a powerful way to persuade others, not to mention the cooperation of the Red Society."

"Well, my family will be mobilized soon too. Whether it's the allocation of domestic resources or contact with foreign countries, they can all be done through my family's name. Even without the power of brainwashing or hypnosis, the Fujiwara family's name is enough to make many people take it seriously..."

However, Gao Hai's role in these matters is pretty much limited. Once things get down to more concrete action, there's not much he can do besides listening to everyone and adding a pointless "Me too" from the sidelines.

At this moment, it is already the second day after the [Infant Cry Village] instance quest ended.

After Gao Hai tried several times to help his girls, but found that he couldn't offer much useful advice on matters that didn't involve confronting the supernatural, he was granted a temporary vacation.

Of course, Gao Hai understood that Zhen Fei and the others also wanted him to get some rest. After all, everyone was more or less aware of how terrifying this so-called "Dark Night" level dungeon really was, so everyone tacitly hoped that Gao Hai would get a good rest, which is why they excluded him from something he wasn't good at.

But if everyone is so enthusiastic, I feel a little embarrassed if I'm the only one doing nothing.

As Gao Hai silently reflected on this, he soon noticed another person who hadn't done anything besides himself.

Four grains see the child.

While Maki and the others were busy with various tasks and working hard for what Takami called "the prelude to the end," Miko herself did nothing and continued to live a life no different from usual, enjoying the same holiday as Takami.

Unlike Takami, who was deliberately excluded by the girls, Miko was excluded for only one reason: she really couldn't be of any help.

While her powerful perception and gradually awakening short-term precognitive abilities were indeed very strong during dungeon investigations, they were not very useful in this preparatory stage. So after a few attempts to help on the first day, Miko quickly realized that she had no room to intervene and had to sit on the bench with Takami.

In response, Gao Hai acted decisively. The following afternoon, during Miko's school dismissal time, he sneaked into her house and hid in Miko's bedroom beforehand without being discovered by her mother. During this time, he also made a psychic call to Miko through a mental link, pretending that nothing was wrong and chatting casually with her.

So, everyone else is busy, and I'm the only one who can't help much. I feel like a failure.

In the private mental link, Miko Yotsuya's voice, tinged with emotion, entered Takami's consciousness.

{Don't say that. I don't have much to do either, do I? Everyone has different talents and abilities. Maki and the others can use their families and influence to accomplish this, but Miko, you also have your own extraordinary powers. Your perception and newly awakened precognitive abilities may not be useful for long-term operations, but when something really big happens, everyone still needs your abilities to gather intelligence, don't they?}

Pretending to be still resting at home, Takahashi, who had actually already explored Miko's bedroom, said very seriously in the mental link, and also lay on Miko's bed for a while, feeling the girlish atmosphere on the bed and the contrast with certain special dreams.

Even so, I wasn't really of much use back in [Infant Cry Village]. In my second playthrough, I inexplicably saw something and lost consciousness, and by the time I finally recovered, it was already the end. I wasn't able to participate in any of the hardships you went through, did I? Um… sorry, I didn't mean to complain, I'm just a little frustrated. I still hope I can help you more.

Jianzi's voice carried a hint of a sigh. She did not recover from Gao Hai's few words of comfort, but instead fell into deeper distress.

{That's not your fault. Ultimately, the dungeon itself was just wrong. Don't take it personally. Besides, if you want to help me, you don't necessarily have to focus on this; there are other ways. Anyway, let's talk more when you get home from school.}