Why is my anime art style so weird?

For example, the charging time is too long; or, for example, it cannot harm the 'weird' that is wrapped in a physical object.

The latter, in particular, makes Xu Ming especially passive when facing the 'weirdness' of the possessed entity.

Faced with increasingly unpredictable and cunning opponents, Xu Ming cannot allow himself to have any weaknesses.

The former defect can be improved by upgrading the energy storage speed and the number of energy storage cycles.

The latter option is either to try to crack open the opponent's shell or to spend a huge amount of money to upgrade this special ability.

Xu Ming had barely had time to warm up the 3000 Strange Points he had just received when he spent most of them without hesitation.

This renovation and upgrade was much less disruptive.

A large amount of colorful light is concentrated mainly near the lens.

After the light faded, Xu Ming examined it carefully and found that there seemed to be some faint marks on the transparent lens, which seemed to be some kind of mysterious runes.

Just as Xu Ming was carefully examining the phone.

Bah!

Doo!

Suddenly, something crashed into their window and shattered, embedding itself heavily in the coffee table in front of Xu Ming.

Xu Ming jumped up from the sofa in a flash.

What was stuck in the coffee table and swaying was actually an arrow!

The little piglet, who was wreaking havoc in Summoner's Rift, was so startled that his hand trembled, and he accidentally unleashed his ultimate skill, securing a pentakill.

"W-What's wrong, Xu Ming?"

The little piglet turned around, trembling.

Xu Ming remained silent, first taking out his phone and snapping a picture of the arrow. Then, he activated his 'spiritual vision' and carefully examined the arrow, finding no curses or other evil spirits attached to it. Only then did he pull the arrow off the coffee table and examine it closely.

A silk scarf attached to the arrow immediately caught Xu Ming's eye.

Xu Ming hesitated for a moment before taking off the silk scarf and unfolding it.

It turned out to be a strange invitation.

I have long heard of your exceptional talent… (The following is a long string of meaningless platitudes)

Therefore, we sincerely invite you to visit Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture to participate in the White Snake Festival.

——Yours sincerely, Suwa Taisha Shrine.

At first glance, it seems to be just an ordinary temple fair invitation, if you don't look at the signature at the end.

Xu Ming immediately pushed open the window and looked outside.

His home was on the fourth floor, opposite a row of low bungalows, almost completely visible, leaving him nowhere to hide.

Looking ahead past that row of bungalows, there was a clearing a few hundred meters away suitable for archery.

The task of shooting an arrow with a letter attached to it up to the fourth floor, which is more than ten meters high, with perfect accuracy and hitting a specific window is almost impossible under normal circumstances, unless it's a fantasy drama.

The only possibility then is some kind of extraordinary means.

Xu Ming's expression was extremely solemn, and Kato Megumi's reminder came to mind again.

Clearly, Akimiya Shrine has made its move.

Judging from their amazing methods, I guess I can't escape this time.

Thinking of this, the good mood I had just had after such a great harvest was immediately ruined.

Xu Ming pondered for a moment, then took a picture of the arrow and the letter together and sent it to Kato Megumi.

-What's this????

-！！

Kato Megumi's reaction was unexpectedly quick and unexpectedly strong.

Xu Ming was waiting for her reply when his phone suddenly rang. It was Kato Megumi calling.

Things seem to be getting serious.

Xu Ming thought to himself.

He quickly answered the phone.

As soon as the call connected, Kato Megumi immediately spoke:

"Ming, where did you get this arrow-shaped letter?"

Xu Ming blinked in surprise. Kato Megumi seemed very anxious; it was the first time he had ever seen her like this.

Chapter 211 The White Snake Festival

"This thing suddenly shot into my house through the window... What? Is there a problem?"

He answered cautiously.

Kato Megumi paused for a moment on the other end of the phone, then suddenly sighed.

"The White Serpent Festival is held once every five years. It is nominally a festival to worship the two gods enshrined at Suwa Taisha Shrine, but the most important part of the festival is the White Serpent Trial."

This trial typically invites talented young people under the age of 25 from all over Japan to participate. The winner who ultimately passes the trial receives a reward from two deities.

Xu Ming understood a little; this was similar to an exhibition match held by an unofficial organization.

Unexpectedly, Kato Megumi changed the subject.

"Leaving aside the dangers of the trial itself, the generous rewards in previous years have usually attracted geniuses from various forces to participate."

The trial took place in a closed, alternate dimension, so it wouldn't be surprising if anything happened inside.

Members of large forces are not only exceptionally talented, but they also usually possess formidable skills, a huge advantage that small and medium-sized forces cannot match.

The White Snake Trial has been held for a hundred years, and the top prize in each trial is almost always monopolized by elite members of the four major divine palaces and the Yin-Yang path.

Meanwhile, other small and medium-sized forces suffered heavy losses in each trial.

Over time, aside from the major powers, only some smaller powers that were struggling and desperately seeking a chance to rise in the ranks participated.

Xu Ming understood after Kato Megumi said that.

Simply put, this so-called White Snake Trial is equivalent to the real-world game "PUBG".

However, the equipment was already provided at the beginning.

Pay-to-win players start with a level 3 helmet and armor plus an AWP, while free-to-play players might only be able to start with a frying pan.

This game is clearly extremely unfriendly to players who spend a lot of money.

Xu Ming certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to pursue fairness.

In this world, people are unfair from the moment they are born.

Instead of complaining, try to become the one who makes the unfair rules.

It is said that those who slay dragons often become dragons themselves.

When the opportunity to truly become a dragon is presented to us, who wouldn't be tempted?

To enjoy power and wealth, and to be ridden by a beautiful princess or to ride a princess—wouldn't that be wonderful?

Should I decline the invitation?

Xu Ming asked cautiously.

He possesses a system, making him a higher-level "technology player" than those who spend money on in-game purchases. He can become stronger simply by following the steps, without needing to take any risks.

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

Just as Xu Ming thought Kato Megumi hadn't heard him clearly and was about to ask again, Kato Megumi slowly spoke.

"From the association's perspective, we naturally don't want exorcists to take risks. But personally, I still hope you can participate in this trial."

I participated once 5 years ago and was lucky enough to win first place.

The award I received that time has benefited me for life.

Kato Megumi's words made Xu Ming fall into deep thought.

That's true, the major powers aren't fools either.

Sending one's own elites to participate in such a high-risk trial must be tempting because there must be some reason why they can't refuse.

For example, there are special rewards that only the two deities behind Suwa Taisha can provide.

"I understand, I will participate in this trial."

Xu Ming ultimately decided to participate.

"Ming, please make sure you prepare in advance. Those who are selected to participate in the White Serpent Trial are the elite of the elite from the major divine palaces and the Yin-Yang path."

As she spoke, Kato Megumi sighed softly.

“If those two gods hadn’t forbidden us from participating again, we could have gone together this year, and then we could have looked out for each other.”

"It's okay, you've already helped me a lot."

Xu Ming quickly offered words of comfort.

He wasn't ungrateful; Kato Megumi had already helped him a lot. But if he relied on others for everything, wouldn't he be no different from a parasite?

Ultimately, people have to rely on themselves.

"By the way, are there any rules or precautions for the White Snake Trial?"

Xu Ming asked curiously.

Kato Megumi, however, said:

"I'm afraid I can't help you with this. The two deities of Suwa Taisha are not benevolent beings; how could they possibly leave such an obvious loophole for someone to exploit?"

Xu Ming could even sense a hint of helplessness in her tone.

Indeed, although the trials are dangerous and result in many casualties, there are also quite a few survivors. If the survivors are always the ones to pass on the information, what kind of trial is that? It might as well be called a dungeon crawling.

"Each trial will take you into a different alienated space."

The objectives of the trials vary: some collect items, some hunt 'monsters,' and others search for treasure. Besides the threats within the alienated space, you must also be wary of other trial participants who share your goals.