A Psychiatrist's Bizarre Game Journey / Dream of the Mist

"Hey! Don't talk nonsense, I didn't do that. He didn't explain anything clearly from the start, just said that I violated a lot of rules and that I would be punished, and even wanted to force me to wear some kind of bracelet. Strictly speaking, he didn't mention any compensation measures at all."

"Qiangxi" is pronounced "xi". Zhou Ke'er immediately crossed her arms and retorted righteously, "So it's normal for me to hit him, right? Put yourself in his shoes. After you lost your memory, you inexplicably appeared in this godforsaken place, and then some inhuman guy suddenly appeared with a sinister look on his face and said he wanted to punish you and even lay hands on you... Would you give him a good face or let him do whatever he wanted? So it's obviously his fault! What does it have to do with me?"

Minpel stroked her chin, pondered for a moment, and then actually nodded: "Indeed, after thinking about it, what you said makes a lot of sense. Thinking about it this way, it really can't be said that you refused the compensation on your own. But the original compensation has already been taken back, so what should we do now?"

"Based on common sense, you should prepare two more compensations. The first is for the initial compensation, and the second is for the compensation that wasn't delivered and caused me trouble. Isn't this request perfectly reasonable?"

Zhou Ke'er shrugged and said matter-of-factly, "However, I'm not the kind of person who would push my luck, so I don't need you to prepare so much compensation. It's simple, just give me the 'token' and send me out. After all, I didn't know why I came to participate in this game in the first place, so isn't it only right to send me out now?"

"Hmm... Sending you away from here is easy, I can make that decision. However, I can't give you the 'token' directly, that's a rule restriction, there's really no way around it. Please understand."

"This is Zhang Si," Wen Peier shook her head.

Damon, who was being held captive, was annoyed and immediately shouted, "I just said I could send you out directly, and you didn't agree. If I agree to this guy's suggestion now, wouldn't I lose face? I don't agree! I want the token! I want the token! I'm not leaving until I get the token!"

Minpel's forehead veins throbbed, hardening, and her fist hardened. She immediately clenched her fist and delivered two powerful punches to Damon's head. "Shut up! You're shameless to begin with, where do you get your nerve to talk nonsense here? Get back to your broadcasting booth now! Or I'll beat you up again!"

"No! I won't! Go ahead and kill me if you dare!"

Damon retorted defiantly, his neck stiff.

Just then, Zhou Ke'er spoke up: "Sending me out of the stage directly is not impossible—but wouldn't I be at a huge loss? The original two compensations were waived because they were given the token directly. Now that they can't give me the token and can only let me leave, then let's stick to the original terms and give the two compensations."

Although Wenpei had never agreed to Zhou Ke'er's request for two compensations, he was annoyed by Damon's interruption earlier, and seeing that Zhou Ke'er was so easy to talk to, he didn't bother to bring up any other things to avoid causing any trouble. He immediately waved his hand and said, "Okay, it's settled then. Although applying for compensation from above will definitely not be approved, this time I... and this guy will pay out of our own pockets to compensate you."

Damon, caught in the crossfire, widened his eyes: "Why am I included?! I'm the biggest victim here! No, no, this can't happen!"

Controlling the powerful and the ruthless. Zhou Ke'er and Wen Pei'er naturally ignored this guy completely. Zhou Ke'er nodded: "As long as there is compensation, it doesn't matter who gives it. I don't care, but what kind of compensation can you offer?"

Damon immediately interjected, "I just saw in the comments section of the broadcast that Sadako-chan seems to know you—and now that you've lost your memory, as compensation, how about I give you her contact information..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhou Ke'er punched him twice on the head, saying with a forced smile, "This kind of thing is completely unnecessary. I just forgot why I participated in this ridiculous game, not that I've forgotten everything!"

------------

790. Ghost City (Part 1)

Player "Zhou Ke'er" has left the module's area and entered the subworld where the module is located.

[Hidden world setting discovered, reward being generated...]

[Rewards have been generated and can be claimed in your in-game mailbox.]

[Once you enter this sub-world, you can choose to continue playing or exit at any time.]

Have a pleasant trip!

After leaving the castle and arriving in the outside world under Wen Pei'er's guidance, Zhou Ke'er immediately received a series of system notifications.

As for the rewards for this mod... this mod didn't issue any missions at all from beginning to end, so of course there won't be any mission rewards.

"Qiangxi" is pronounced as "xi". At this moment, Zhou Ke'er had changed out of the clothes she wore at the beginning of the module and put on a well-fitting tuxedo, holding a cane inlaid with large gemstones in her hand - these were considered the first compensation.

Zhou Ke'er didn't intend to ask for an exorbitant amount, after all, the value of these compensations couldn't exceed the value of the final reward in this "game".

"Then, the second form of compensation is also very simple—"

Zhou Ke'er looked up at the dim sky and said, "Just send me to the ghost city. The ghost city where Sadako-chan is."

At this moment, Zhang Si. Damon immediately jumped out and shouted, "Hey! You still say you don't have feelings for Sadako-chan......"

Minpel grabbed his collar and pulled him to the ground, punching him twice on the forehead with her fists. Then she turned to Zhou Ke'er, nodded, and said, "Of course, it's not a difficult matter. To be honest, I initially thought you would make some... unreasonable requests, and I was a little troubled for a while, since that would be troublesome. But now it seems that you are indeed a reasonable person."

"I'm not the kind of person who would push my luck, so why would I make things too difficult for you?"

Zhou Ke'er smiled and said nonsense that even he himself didn't believe.

Anyway, this ending is a happy one for both sides, so it's unlikely that Wen Pei'er would think too much about it just because Zhou Ke'er didn't push her luck.

Soon, Wenpei led Zhou Ke'er to the only place outside that was faintly lit—a teleportation magic circle that looked like an altar.

"The one you're talking about... uh, you call it Ghost City, right? Let's call it that then. The area where Ghost City is located is separate from our area, well... or rather, our area is separate from all other areas, otherwise it wouldn't have such a peculiar environment."

Minpel explained, "So the only way to get in and out is through this teleportation array. Don't worry, I'll go with you, help you with the entry procedures, and then come back. We never leave a mess for others to clean up."

And Wen Pei'er kept her word; everything went smoothly. Soon, Zhou Ke'er put away her entry permit, stood within the boundaries of the Ghost City, and waved goodbye to Wen Pei'er.

After watching Wen Peier leave, Zhou Ke'er turned and walked towards the city center.

Compared to his last visit, this place seems to have undergone many changes—of course, it's also possible that he hasn't paid much attention to the environment here, which is why he feels a bit fresh and unfamiliar now.

If I remember correctly, this area should be where Chen Tian was at the end of that event module. Zhou Ke'er had asked her what she did at the end of the module before, but she was always evaded with different answers.

Seeing that she didn't want to say more, Zhou Ke'er naturally didn't ask any further questions. But now it seemed that she must have caused quite a stir—after all, with such a high ranking on the final points leaderboard, she must have made a scene here.

The surrounding area was bustling with activity, suggesting that reconstruction efforts were nearing completion.

Did Chen Tian destroy an entire area? That would be truly outrageous.

"Hello, please wait a moment, stranger."

Just then, a voice rang out beside Zhou Ke'er, clearly directed at him.

A young woman in uniform appeared beside Zhou Ke'er. The style of the uniform looked like that of a patrol team or a police officer. If not, her profession was not hard to guess.

However, it was a little unexpected that this guy just looked like an ordinary human. What if he encountered a powerful ghost? How would he maintain order? But that was normal. Zhou Ke'er remembered that this place seemed to discriminate against ghosts because of the rules, so it was reasonable for humans to be in charge of security.

Zhou Ke'er obediently stopped—if you're playing a role, you have to do what that role is supposed to do. At least for now, Zhou Ke'er's performance was befitting of her formal attire—although wearing a tuxedo through modern streets was indeed a very eye-catching and strange thing.

"I am Nagi Sato, an inspector from the C area inspection team."

The woman introduced herself very seriously and nodded solemnly to Zhou Ke'er: "I'm in charge of patrolling the entire C area. You look unfamiliar; you're probably not a resident of this area, right?"

While it is indeed very troublesome to disturb you, and the city does not prohibit travel between areas, it is regrettable that a major disaster occurred in this area some time ago, endangering the lives and property of many residents.

The reconstruction efforts following that disaster are nearing completion, and during this time we must pay even closer attention to safety in the area. Therefore, I apologize, but could you please fill out my personal information and submit an entry report?

"My name is Cold-Eat Rabbit, and as for my identity—it's actually a bit difficult to reveal. Of course, I won't cause you any trouble because of it."

Zhou Ke'er gently stroked her cane, revealing a gentle smile, and said in a soft tone: "I am not some kind of malicious criminal, although saying this alone is probably just empty talk. However, I am not a stranger either. I have a friend who lives here—perhaps a famous friend. She can verify my identity—proving that I at least will not endanger the safety of this place."

A smile is a very useful weapon, at least, especially for serious and earnest people like this. A well-timed and genuine smile is the best way to express sincerity.

"I am willing to believe everything you say, but you also know that I cannot possibly follow you to find your 'friend' just to prove this point... After all, I still have my duties."

Sato Nagi sighed helplessly. "I'm sorry, perhaps you could contact your friend? I respect your wish not to reveal your identity, but that depends on whether it will cause you any harm—although I'm sure you won't do that, procedures must be followed. I'm sorry, perhaps I'm being too rigid."

"No, please don't say that. It is because of patrol officers like you who are conscientious and responsible that residents can live a safe and secure life."

Zhou Ke'er chuckled and shook her head: "As for me... I naturally won't cause too much trouble for a responsible inspector like you—look, my friend has arrived now."

------------

791. Ghost City (Part 2)

Although Zhou Ke'er said such flattering words, don't actually believe that she thought that way.

From any perspective, Sato Nagi, who suddenly appeared, was far too abrupt and strange.

The first thing that comes to mind is her reason for stopping Zhou Ke'er—it's safe to say she didn't even put much effort into making up a reason, using such a completely unbelievable excuse. Because she needed to protect the reconstruction project, she wanted to register all outsiders entering the area? And she was in charge of the entire area all by herself? Anyone who believes such a reason is probably only as stupid as a cold-cooked rabbit.

Does she think that all it takes to stop Zhou Ke'er is a "reason"?

However, there's no need to clash with her here, because she can't take Zhou Ke'er away—Zhenzi has already arrived.

After all, the fact that Zhou Ke'er was leaving the "game" and heading to the ghost city had already been broadcast live on the show, so Sadako naturally knew about it immediately. With her current abilities, it would be easy for her to find someone by asking around at various entrances to the city—not to mention that Zhou Ke'er had specially dressed in such a distinctive outfit, which saved her even more trouble.

This was precisely Zhou Ke'er's purpose in wearing the tuxedo.

I definitely didn't mean to be awkward.

Sato Nagi frowned almost imperceptibly, turned her head, and followed Zhou Ke'er's gaze. Unexpectedly, it was the streamer Sadako-chan who had suddenly become popular recently. Since no other ghost or monster had the same channel to do this, it meant that Sadako could be said to be the only ghost or monster streamer. It was only natural that she would become popular without any competitors.

And naturally, the current Sadako is completely different from the one we first met. Not only has she almost completely concealed her gloomy, ghostly aura, but she also sports elaborate makeup, and her clothes and accessories don't look cheap. At this time, zHUIY Zhang Si

Zhou Ke'er's lips curled up slightly.

Although it's unclear how much of Sadako's apparent joy is genuine, and whether her hasty search for him is to repay a debt of gratitude or to prevent her past scandals from being exposed, thus silencing him—but since she's currently behaving relatively friendly, it gives Zhou Ke'er the opportunity to exploit her.

"So it's Miss Sadako. I didn't expect you to be her friend..."

Sato Nagi's eyes held a certain inexplicable meaning, but she didn't pursue it too much. Instead, she readily chose to let go: "I understand. Since such a celebrity is vouching for you, we will naturally give you the corresponding trust."

"That would be great."

Zhou Ke'er still wore a smile, but narrowed his eyes slightly—Sadako, huh? He remembered Kayako saying that Sadako was actually a male ghost. It seemed Sadako was hiding this—good, another handle he could use.

Thinking this, Zhou Ke'er's expression did not reveal the slightest bit of gloom. Instead, she waved to Sadako, who had already approached, with a slightly joyful and gentle expression, as if she were reuniting with a long-lost friend: "We meet again, Sadako—oh, now she should be called 'National Idol Sadako-chan,' right?"

Sadako's cheeks flushed slightly, as if she were a little shy. She quickly lowered her head and said softly, "Please don't make fun of me. Being called that in public is just too... too embarrassing."

Before Zhou Ke'er could say anything more, Sadako changed the subject, turning to Sato Nagi and asking with a mixture of curiosity and politeness, "May I ask who this gentleman is...?"

Zhou Ke'er immediately introduced in a serious tone: "Sato Nagi, Inspector Sato. She was just helping me register to enter the area. It's a good thing you came, Sadako, otherwise it might have been quite troublesome."

Sadako greeted Sato Nagi first, but then looked puzzled: "Registration for entering a district? Do we need to register to enter different districts now? I didn't have this when I came here."

Zhou Ke'er thought to himself, "Just as I suspected." Even Sadako didn't know about this, which showed that Sato Nagi had been taking advantage of Zhou Ke'er being a newcomer to the area to mislead him.

As for their true purpose, they actually wanted to abduct Zhou Ke'er, such a weak and innocent poor boy...

Ugh, I wouldn't even dare to dream of it!

Sato Nagi gave a slightly forced smile and waved her hand, saying, "Miss Sadako is a big celebrity, so naturally she wouldn't do anything to endanger the safety of the city. Why would we need to stop you from registering to enter the area? Since this gentleman is your friend, then there's no need for registration. I still have patrol duties to attend to, so I'll be leaving now and won't disturb you any longer."

After greeting Zhou Ke'er and Sadako, Sato Nagi turned and left without looking back.

Sadako tilted her head in confusion, muttering to herself with a hint of oddity, "Is there really such a thing? It feels a bit suspicious."

Just then, a woman wearing a mask, a baseball cap, and a brown coat hurried up to Sadako's side and urged in a low voice, "Ms. Sadako, some of your fans found out you were here and are on their way. If you've found the person you're looking for, I suggest we leave first, otherwise it might be a bit... troublesome!"

As she finished speaking, the woman glanced at Zhou Ke'er instinctively, and what she saw terrified her. Her voice rose sharply, her eyes widened, and she stammered, "How...how could it be you?! Weren't you dead? Oh right, you're a ghost too, you didn't die so easily..."

Looking at this guy who was so shocked he was babbling incoherently, Zhou Ke'er took a closer look—wait, isn't this the Slit-Mouthed Woman? The one whose scissors he stole and who was later killed by the "Clown".

How did it come back to life?

Oh! Zhou Ke'er quickly realized that physical damage could not kill ghosts. As long as ghosts remained in the memories of the people in this city, they would not easily disappear.

So the Slit-Mouthed Woman was resurrected just like that.

"Eh? Assistant, you know Mr. Joker too?"

Sadako looked at the Slit-Mouthed Woman with a hint of surprise. The Slit-Mouthed Woman was an assistant who had recently applied for the job. Sadako had helped her out because she was also a ghost. Actually, the two ghosts weren't very familiar with each other. She didn't expect that the Slit-Mouthed Woman would also know Zhou Ke'er.