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

Zhou Ke'er looked at the Slit-Mouthed Woman with a smile on her face, but her eyes were full of threat, the meaning of which was obvious: "You should know very well what you should say and what you shouldn't say, right? Hmm?"

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792. Ghost City (Part 3)

"I guess we met once, haha..."

The psychological trauma Zhou Ke'er left on the Slit-Mouthed Woman was undeniably severe. The Slit-Mouthed Woman was immediately intimidated by Zhou Ke'er's gaze, and almost collapsed to the ground. Fortunately, she managed to steady herself and forced an awkward smile.

Zhou Ke'er said with a smile, "Miss Slit-Mouthed Woman, it hurts me to say that. We've been through thick and thin together, and I thought we could at least be considered friends."

It was indeed a life-or-death situation. Zhou Ke'er watched the Slit-Mouthed Woman die; how could that not be a life-or-death situation?

The corners of the woman's mouth, stretched from her mask to her ears, twitched slightly. Seeing Zhou Ke'er's smiling but not at all gentle expression, she quickly waved her hand and changed the subject, saying, "I was just afraid that trying to establish a connection would annoy you! Okay...okay, okay, Miss Sadako is still here. Let's leave here first and catch up later."

This is Zhang Si. However, at this moment, Sadako's eyes became strange. Although she was smiling, she revealed a cold aura—what do you mean she's still here, so it's inconvenient to reminisce? Hmm? What kind of reminiscing do you want to do?

I only gave her this job to make a living because I felt sorry for her, but I never expected her to dare to do such a thing.

Sadako's eyes became empty and numb. She tilted her head slightly and muttered in a cold, low voice, "You actually did this behind my back? Is that so? I see, so that's how it is. What a disgusting creature, Slit-Mouthed Woman. You're always like this, taking everything I want away. How insatiable you are! It's these greedy demons who destroy this world. The cancer of the world, how disgusting!"

Zhou Ke'er, who was standing to the side, looked at Sadako who had suddenly fallen into a daze and chuckled to herself. This was exactly what he wanted to show Sadako.

"What's wrong? You suddenly spaced out. Are you feeling unwell?"

Zhou Ke'er smiled gently, waved her hand in front of Sadako's eyes, and asked with a slightly puzzled look.

Sadako immediately realized what was happening, a blush rising to her cheeks. She quickly waved her hand and said, "No, no! I just suddenly thought of something else, it's nothing important. It's alright, let's go!"

"I...I'll lead the way! Please follow me!"

The Slit-Mouthed Woman had no intention of getting involved; she had just had a terrifying feeling that she was about to be killed. She quickly ran ahead of the two and began to lead the way.

Zhou Ke'er's lips curled up into a barely perceptible smile.

He didn't come to Ghost City just to stroll around, catch up with old friends, and have some fun. There would have been no need for him to make a special trip there.

His goal is to... seize the faith of the ghosts, develop followers, enhance his own divinity, and further acquire and master the power of being a "god".

With a die-hard fan of Zhou Ke'er like Sadako here, it's perfectly understandable and logical for her to have this kind of thought.

In Zhou Ke'er's plan, Sadako will be a very important pawn in his hands.

How to gain the faith of ghosts and monsters? From Zhou Ke'er's current perspective, Sadako is the only one, and also the best starting point.

Isn't that easy to deduce? — At the end of that event module, the ban on ghosts harming humans was lifted, and large numbers of ghosts were already openly hunting humans. But now, the humans in this city are living openly and peacefully, even maintaining order.

So it's clear that either the ban was automatically reinstated after the event ended, or something happened later that led to the reinstatement of the ban or the creation of new rules.

But regardless of the reason, it proves that the status of ghosts and monsters is now more awkward and unstable than before. Sadako, as an idol who "debuted" before the "Great Hunt," and because she followed Zhou Ke'er during that time, did not suffer much repercussions. Although she was somewhat affected, she could still be considered to be living a relatively comfortable life.

As for the other ghosts and monsters... they're probably on the verge of collapse by now, right?

Isn't this the perfect situation for Zhou Ke'er to take action?

Well, I have to say, the difficulty level is a bit too easy.

"Oh, right! Speaking of which, Mr. Joker, what brings you back to Ghost City this time? I hope my sudden visit hasn't bothered you?"

Sadako followed Zhou Ke'er, trying to make conversation.

Zhou Ke'er turned her head to look at Sadako, a gentle smile on her face: "Of course it's for the ghosts and monsters of this city. Your current situation is actually quite bad, isn't it? I had a feeling that way, and I was really worried about you, so I came over."

Of course, it's for the sake of the city's ghosts (and their beliefs). (laughs)

"I see, as expected of Mr. Joker!"

Sadako's cheeks flushed slightly as she cautiously lowered her head, thinking to herself: Mr. Joker is worried about the ghosts of this city, and I am one of the ghosts of this city, which means Mr. Joker is worried about me! He's concerned about me! He cares about me! Ah, I'm dead!

"but……"

Zhou Ke'er suddenly continued, with a puzzled and apologetic expression: "Speaking of which, Sadako-chan always addresses me as 'Mr.' I thought our relationship didn't need to be so formal. Could it be that I've been too presumptuous?"

"Qiangxi" is pronounced "xi". Upon hearing this, Sadako immediately became anxious and hurriedly waved her hands and shook her head in denial, saying, "No! That's not it. I just felt that Mr. JOKER was so respectable, like someone I admired... cough cough! Like a respected senior! So I subconsciously used the honorific!"

"Is that right?"

Zhou Ke'er narrowed her eyes. "But I still feel that this form of address is a bit too formal. Is our relationship only based on 'respect'? It feels a little sad."

"No, that's not how it is!"

Sadako's face flushed even more, and she murmured softly, "Then...then I'll be more careful in the future, and I won't call you 'sir' anymore."

Zhou Ke'er showed a delighted expression.

It was all an act.

However, after Sadako caught a glimpse of it, steam practically rose from her head, and she was lost in thought.

Zhou Ke'er stroked Sadako's hair with satisfaction, as if she were carefully taking care of a delicate doll.

I'm so sorry, I took advantage of your feelings.

However, if you eventually come to your senses, the ending will bring you pain—

Controlling the powerful and controlling the tyrants. Zhou Ke'er didn't care at all.

After all, even Luo Ye'er was killed by Zhou Ke'er herself.

Of course, the most likely scenario is that Sadako will never realize that she was just a convenient tool being used by Zhou Ke'er until the very end.

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793. Ghost City (Part 4)

"boom"

Zhou Ke'er and the others were now inside Sadako's car, with the Slit-Mouthed Woman naturally sitting in the driver's seat and driving.

For some reason, the Slit-Mouthed Woman felt uneasy, as if she were sitting on pins and needles, and all she wanted was to reach her destination as quickly as possible and then make her escape. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating, and the roads were not clear at this time of day.

Sadako withdrew her gaze from the slit-mouthed woman. After seemingly making a deep comparison between herself and the woman in her mind, she was certain that she could not possibly lose to her. Only then did she regain her genuine smile and cautiously begin to steal glances at Zhou Ke'er.

"Speaking of which... what state have you reached now after the ban was reinstated? Although I have some premonition, my guess may not be accurate."

It was Zhou Ke'er who started the conversation first, asking a question.

Upon hearing this, Sadako's blush faded slightly. Knowing that Zhou Ke'er was starting to ask serious questions, she replied earnestly, "To be honest, most ghosts are in a very bad situation right now, having hit rock bottom. They can't find part-time jobs, have no place to live, no food, and they don't even dare to try to gain fright points by scaring humans. If a ghost does that, not only will it fail to achieve its goal, but it will also be surrounded and beaten by an angry mob."

If an ordinary human were faced with this situation, they could vent their frustration in despair, but ghosts cannot harm humans and can only swallow their anger. Not long ago, a ghost, unable to bear it any longer, disguised itself as a human to rob a bank, but because it couldn't harm humans, its true nature was quickly discovered. It was then ganged up on and beaten to death, only to be resurrected in a very weak state after a long time.

Zhou Ke'er nodded thoughtfully; it seemed the situation was almost exactly as he had guessed. If the humans in this city weren't incapable of killing ghosts, they probably would have planned to exterminate them all.

It wasn't so extreme before, perhaps because they were worried that the ghosts would seek revenge after the ban was lifted. But since that lifting of the ban, humans no longer care about "revenge" at all. They've already been retaliated against once, and now the two races are sworn enemies, completely breaking off relations. Using the ban on ghosts harming people, they've essentially carried out inhumane suppression.

Zhou Ke'er just noticed that there were almost no ghosts or monsters on the street; they were all human—or at least looked human. Even the Slit-Mouthed Woman dared to come out only after wearing a mask and a hat.

Only a very few ghosts, like Sadako, who have a slightly higher level of goodwill among humans, can escape their fate. But it's not necessarily true that humans really believe in her. If she does anything unusual or makes any inappropriate remarks, she will probably immediately suffer the same fate as other ghosts.

"I think I understand now. The current situation is pretty much as I imagined."

Zhou Ke'er expressed a sigh of pity, "I returned here this time to resolve this situation. But according to the original plan, we shouldn't have taken action so soon, since our plan wasn't fully finalized yet. But the situation has already reached this point, and there's no time for us to prepare any further."

Hearing this, even the most hardened ghosts understood what Zhou Ke'er meant. Even the slit-mouthed woman driving the car couldn't help but exclaim, "Wait...wait! You...you mean you already have a solution to the current situation—or at least a way to break the ban?!"

Sadako, annoyed that her lines had been stolen, glared at the Slit-Mouthed Woman, but didn't scold her. She looked at Zhou Ke'er with the same hopeful expression: "You said last time that you would bring the glory of the ghosts back to this world. I have always believed in you!"

"Our organization has indeed found a way to help you break free from the 'rules' of this city, but due to the urgency, it hasn't been tested yet, and we can't guarantee success." (Qiang Xi reads Xi)

Zhou Ke'er said unhurriedly, "I originally came here first to tell you about this. But I didn't expect some accidents to happen on the way, and I was sent to the castle. It was probably the guy who set the rules for this ghost city who did it. Fortunately, it didn't take up too much time."

"Then what's the method?! What is the method? I've had enough of this life! I'll do anything you ask if you can help me escape this misery!" Hou Zhangsi said.

Before Sadako could say anything, the Slit-Mouthed Woman had already turned around and stared straight at Zhou Ke'er, looking extremely agitated.

Sadako was truly annoyed and immediately said, "Slit-mouthed Woman! Can't you drive properly? If something goes wrong, can you take responsibility? Besides, if such a method really existed, would Mr. Joker have left you unattended? What's the rush!"

After saying that, Sadako turned to Zhou Ke'er and hurriedly said, "Please let me try the method you mentioned! It doesn't matter whether it succeeds or not! Even if it doesn't succeed this time, with your will and strength, you will eventually succeed. I have always believed in you!"

Zhou Ke'er's lips curled up slightly as he reached out and grabbed Sadako's right hand, pressing it tightly against his heart.

An eerie divinity began to flow, spreading from his body.

Sadako was startled for a moment by Zhou Ke'er's sudden action, but she did not resist. Instead, a blush rose on her cheeks, and she lowered her head slightly, looking as if she was at Zhou Ke'er's mercy.

Zhou Ke'er's voice echoed in her ears, and seemed to resonate deep within her heart: "Then, from today onward—transform your 'belief' in me into 'faith,' and believe in me as you believe in me."

Before she could finish speaking, Sadako blurted out without hesitation, "I do!"

In an instant, a surge of pure energy arose from nowhere, flowing not only into Sadako's body along Zhou Ke'er's malevolent energy, but also drawing upon more of the divinity transformed from faith, nourishing Zhou Ke'er herself. (This last phrase, "制大制枭," is a Chinese idiom meaning "to control the great and the ruthless," and doesn't directly relate to the preceding sentence.)

"This feeling...!"

Sadako stared in shock as she felt countless invisible shackles on her body being forcibly broken by some force, and her life form seemed to have been elevated to a higher level as a result.

Unbeknownst to her, and without her even realizing it, her admiration and affection for Zhou Ke'er were quietly transforming into a fanatical and blind faith.

Indeed, Zhou Ke'er successfully transformed Sadako into her own familiar—unlike the unique familiar obtained through the "Seven Chapters of the Mysterious Lord's Secret Scripture," this familiar was transformed by Zhou Ke'er herself due to her own divinity, and theoretically there is no limit to the number.

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794. Ghost City (Part 5) and Intermission

At the same time, Zhou Ke'er also sensed a fleeting pry, as if some being had suddenly cast its gaze upon her from somewhere unknown.

This is natural; he has already stolen the other party's family members, or rather... "creation." Such blatant poaching is bound to attract the other party's attention.

It would be strange if there was no reaction at all.

Besides, Zhou Ke'er wasn't afraid of this at all. If she really angered the other party and they intervened, Zhou Ke'er would simply log off and start running, since she had already secured the faith.

However, it seems that the being didn't really care about the origins of these ghosts and monsters. It just glanced at them casually and then didn't react further.

What an irresponsible god.

So isn't it only natural to let Zhou Ke'er take over?

"What have you done? Did you succeed? Did you break free from those rules?!"

The Slit-Mouthed Woman, who was driving, couldn't see Zhou Ke'er and Sadako's movements and was extremely anxious. However, since the car had already started, she couldn't just turn around to look directly. So she couldn't help but ask anxiously.

Sadako snapped out of her blissful reverie; the heavenly sensation was utterly addictive. Naturally, she snorted in annoyance at the Slit-Mouthed Woman for interrupting her enjoyment, saying with slight annoyance, "What's the rush!"