Tokyo: The Player Behind the Scenes

After the other side of the river was bombed, another round of missiles—no, incendiary bombs—fell towards the forest where he was.

Nobita couldn't guarantee he'd survive such a barrage of attacks, so he quickly used a save point and fled the scene.

On the mountaintop, more than ten kilometers away.

Nobi looked into the distance and breathed a sigh of relief as the bombardment continued, seemingly an outpouring of emotion or a display of fists.

He knew this would definitely affect many people, but if he didn't resolve it decisively, it would only cause more people to be hurt.

He believed the best solution was to completely eradicate that otherworldly forest.

The commander who carried out the bombing order probably thought the same thing.

This should be the best course of action, rather than the approach of "in Phase One, we declared that nothing had happened."

In the end, it will only end up like a nuclear accident, where it can no longer be concealed and can no longer be salvaged, and then it will end with a deep bow and apology.

Nobi decided to stay here for a while longer. Since he was involved in this incident, he would have to take some responsibility.

[Zhi: Yue-sang, could you please keep an eye out for news from Dazang Village?]

[Moon: OK]

Chapter 140: Many Questions

The bombardment lasted for more than half an hour.

The booming echoes reverberated through the mountains and forests, startling countless birds into flight.

The once vast red forest has now turned into scorched, dark brown earth. Eerie spider lilies are being pulled from the cedar trees and converging in a certain direction, while the cedar trees have returned to their original form and collapsed in large numbers during the explosion.

The fire was fluctuating in intensity due to the explosion, and the fire line spread outwards with considerable difficulty, while billowing smoke rose upwards.

Without the nourishment of the spider lilies, the crimson river water gradually faded back to its original color, and large numbers of dead fish floated to the surface, either being washed ashore or carried downstream.

Multiple firefighting helicopters arrived at the scene and used the nearby Mogami River to carry out firefighting operations. Further away, the Xinzhuang City Old Man Fire Brigade had been urgently assembled, and fireboats were setting off in formation in the port.

This wasn't because they were passionate about protecting the environment; it was simply to facilitate the main force's cordon and investigation after the fire was extinguished.

However, it is clear that the authorities cannot wait until the fire is extinguished before deploying personnel; they need to know the results of the bombing in order to avoid any accidents.

"Your mission is simple: go down and confirm the safety of the forest. If you find any suspicious creatures, use non-lethal weapons to paralyze them first. If they threaten your life, you are allowed to fight back."

"Be sure to salvage any potentially valuable items, and be wary of possible attacks from underground. Proceed, Talos-T Squad."

The experimental, fully enclosed exoskeleton armored special forces units that the U.S. military had secretly deployed to Japan just a few days earlier have now come in handy.

At an altitude of about ten meters, squad members in full blue-black armor jumped directly from the helicopter. Just before landing, the system automatically triggered their jetpacks, and with the help of attitude adjustments, they completed a zipline descent.

bang bang.

Several more metal spheres, about knee-high, were thrown down. After landing, they sprang up with limbs and followed the squad to assist in reconnaissance.

Not far away, Japanese authorities also deployed firefighting robots to conduct on-site inspections, but the scope of their operations was limited.

Stepping onto the still-warm scorched earth, the Talos team quickly split into three groups and began searching from all sides toward the heart of the incident site.

"We are close to the core area, but have not yet found anything."

"Stay alert."

Soon, they found the rock wall that Nobi had entered earlier, but the scan results showed that the space inside had completely collapsed. Even if they wanted to find something, they could only wait for heavy machinery to come in and excavate.

"Captain, we've made a discovery."

Hearing his teammate's call, he located the other person's position and rushed over.

Amidst the completely charred ashes and earth, a vibrant red spider lily bloomed, seemingly unaffected by the previous bombing.

Even though the flowers and trees around it had been burned, the bright and vibrant flowers and ashes created a strong contrast.

"It's so beautiful."

One of the team members murmured.

The captain looked at him: "T012, don't stare at him for too long."

"I think I see a child? What are you doing here?" The team member involuntarily moved forward and reached out his hand.

"Stop him!"

The captain quickly issued the order.

"Everyone, do not look directly at this flower! Remain in place and await further orders!"

Several hours later, after assessment and confirmation, the soil within a few meters of the flower was dug up and escorted back to Tokyo by multiple armed helicopters and the Talos squad.

The underground laboratory at Yokota Base.

The remnants collected from Dazang Village and the last remaining spider lily were secretly sent inside.

"It is indeed very beautiful, a perfect shape."

Vice President Collins looked at the heavily guarded spider lilies through the laboratory glass and said this.

Due to some extraordinary circumstances, he hasn't left yet, even after almost half a month of this visit.

But I can't stay here for long; I'll have to go back in a couple of days.

U.S. Army Commander McCullough stood beside him, also gazing at the flower, seemingly lost in thought.

“Don’t stare at it for too long. You know what happened to the Talos team. If it were just an illusion, that would be fine. But from a mystical perspective, these things often have the ability to bewitch people’s minds.” Collins chuckled and patted McCullough on the shoulder.

McCullough snapped out of his daze and nodded to Collins: "I'll be more careful from now on."

“That is something to be careful about. I will apply to the President to upgrade the level of this experimental base. I hope it won’t turn into something like in a Hollywood movie, where the entire base is infiltrated and controlled without anyone knowing. Nobody knows if this thing is another form of ‘brain worm’.”

Collins didn't want to become one of those foolish superiors in movies and TV shows.

McCullough was about to say something when, through the door beside him, an expert in a full hazmat suit, who had just emerged from the laboratory after sterilization, removed his helmet, his face radiating excitement and exhilaration.

"Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable, listen to me!"

"Dr. Millai, let's go to the conference room and discuss this in more detail," Collins said with a smile, pointing to the conference room not far away.

The doctor took a few deep breaths to calm himself down, nodded, and followed them into the conference room.

"We've conducted the most rudimentary experiments on this spider lily so far. It's hard to call it a plant. It can't be cut, it has no cells, it doesn't even need photosynthesis, and it doesn't need any elements. We've tried feeding it many things, but so far none of them have been absorbed."

"And the most amazing thing is that if we approach it without any protection—no, even with protection—there's a high chance we'll see our deceased relatives appear beside us, exactly as we remember them. I know you might say it's an illusion, that it has no real meaning, but..."

"The important thing is that this means that this flower really possesses some of the legendary attributes of the other shore. Does that also mean that it may develop into a real other shore, sending the dead into reincarnation? Or even reviving them?! Just like what happened today in Mogami River."

"What it needs is nutrients to grow! However, we still need to further confirm what these so-called nutrients are, which may be quite controversial."

Collins and McCullough exchanged a glance as they faced Dr. Millais's piercing gaze.

“A very good idea, truly admirable, Dr. Millais. Please continue your research, expand your team and experimental materials. I believe Commander McCullough will do his utmost to satisfy you,” Collins said with a smile, offering encouragement and affirmation.

McCullough, standing nearby, nodded: “That’s right. If you need, many deserving criminals would be willing to sacrifice themselves for the new science.”

And some homeless people who disappeared and no one cared. McCullough didn't say the second half of that sentence.

Hearing the assurance, Dr. Millais was relieved and excitedly ran back to continue organizing the data and carrying out the next round of experiments.

“There’s no need to worry too much. Japan has plenty of experimental materials. I think the Japanese government will be very willing to cooperate.” Collins looked relaxed. “After all, we are ‘allies.’ In order to obtain some of the results data, they probably won’t mind paying a small price that doesn’t concern their own interests.”

McCullough did not deny this: "There has been new progress regarding weapons to counter the Demonic Mist."

“Very good. Take me to see it. If it’s suitable, don’t worry about the cost. Quickly popularize it to the Talos Squad. The Grand Commander plans to mobilize the S, E, and V squads. One of your important tasks will be to accumulate experience for the Talos Squad and build it into a combat force with rich experience in anti-supernatural warfare.”

The Talos team was originally positioned as a special operations force where everyone was like Iron Man, capable of powerfully and efficiently intervening in small-scale conflicts and achieving overwhelming results.

The world's measuring stick has now shifted towards the mysterious side, and this force, which combines various cutting-edge technologies, may be able to counter it.

outside world.

All people knew was that a supernatural event had occurred in Yamagata Prefecture, and that the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military had launched a joint operation against it, sealing off the entire mountainous area.

"Regarding the unusual events that occurred in Yamagata Prefecture today, the authorities, in close cooperation with the U.S. military, implemented swift and decisive response measures."

"Through joint operations utilizing cutting-edge technologies, we have successfully ensured the safety of local residents and eliminated unidentified biological groups. This is an important step not only for our country but also for the safety of all mankind."

"While continuing the comprehensive regional lockdown and scientific investigation, we will maintain close and in-depth cooperation with America to strengthen the containment of paranormal phenomena."

This was reported by an official Japanese spokesperson.

The only pity is that those bone fragments slowly turned into ashes shortly after they broke apart, so they couldn't be displayed as spoils of their great victory.

This can be considered a shot in the arm for the citizens who have been suffering from the constant disturbances caused by the evil fog.

The theory of firepower coverage has once again gained the upper hand.

As expected, no living thing can withstand fierce firepower; if it can, then the firepower is not fierce enough.

"This is the official statement right now, and some videos from the scene have been released. It seems that the situation is at least under control and there are no abnormalities. So there's no need to blame yourself. The main cause is not you, but that Onmyoji from who knows how many years ago."

"I clearly saw that the serpent could still communicate with it, and it even let that Onmyoji go back then. I didn't expect him to go back and kill it again, and even deceive it."

Player Lobby.

Uesugi Hitomi was talking to Nobi about the official announcement regarding the handling of the situation.

Nobita sat there, silent for a while, before saying, "No, Orochi definitely did evil, I can confirm that."

If it were a benevolent snake, even if it showed hostility towards Nobita in the burrow, its health bar wouldn't appear.

For a health bar to appear, two conditions must be met.

First, based on the basic human concept of good and evil, if someone has indeed committed an evil deed, it must be an evil deed that at least warrants death. Otherwise, even if Nobita's sword can harm the opponent, the opponent would not have a health bar.

Second, he developed hostility towards Nobita.

Therefore, the claim that the giant snake was a good snake to humans is unfounded. It must have eaten people. Considering the former giant snake village, he guessed that it might have even extorted offerings from the village.

What he is pondering now is everything the serpent said before it died.

What was its agreement with Onmyoji?

Was the Onmyoji's failure to fulfill their promise for the past five hundred years intentional or due to unavoidable circumstances?

If Zhu Hai is its child, then why does it grow up to look like a baguette?

Did it really put an effective curse on that Onmyoji's bloodline?

Has the problem of escaping to the other side really been solved just like that?

Chapter 141: The True Form of the Demonic Mist

They have already accepted that the experience of playing games is a repetition of possible historical events.

In the previous game, even if they didn't figure out the real ending, they were pretty close to it and figured out the general idea.

Most importantly, the prediction was correct: Zhu Hai broke through the subway space and entered reality.

That's why they believed so much about what happened in the game.

In the game "Escape from the Other Shore," reaching the end is considered clearing the game. Nobita believes that negotiating with Orochi is not the only way to clear the game, so the part of the story he experienced can only be used as a reference.

The only confirmed historical fact is that the Onmyoji entered the other side, clashed with Orochi, and eventually escaped.

Later, before the game even touches on that, he returns to the other side and forces the serpent to agree to do something for him within five hundred years, taking the serpent's egg as leverage, promising to return it after five hundred years.

Judging from the snake's condition, this matter must have been very unfavorable for it, otherwise it wouldn't have needed to be bound with chains.

As for why the Onmyoji broke his promise, he tends to think it was out of helplessness or some unexpected event that prevented him from fulfilling the agreement.

Since a five-hundred-year agreement was made, it means that what the serpent was asked to do was quite important to him. Even if he himself did not live to see that time, he should have made arrangements for future generations to remember it.

Otherwise, he could have tied the snake up there, and even if he wanted to steal it, he could have taken the snake eggs. There was no need for him to go through all that trouble to trick it.

Okay, even if this Onmyoji is really so shameless, wanting not only snake eggs but also tricking the giant snake into doing things for him in order to maximize his profits, he should still come over to collect the rewards and kill the giant snake in the process.

The thing Nobita pulled out of the snake's heart must have some value, right?

"Didn't Orochi mention that the spiritual energy in the human world has greatly diminished? It's said that during these five hundred years of inheritance, the decline in spiritual energy caused the Onmyoji family to lose its lineage and be unable to fulfill its promise?"

Uesugi deduced this based on Nobi's information.

For now, this is the only guess we can make.

"There's another way: the Great Serpent curses the bloodline of Onmyoji to suffer the pain of being devoured by ten thousand serpents. The effects should be quite noticeable. And after a thousand years, it must have spread to quite a few people by now, right?"

"If we can find even one of them, we might be able to deduce the identity of that Onmyoji and perhaps find some new clues."