Chapter 43-Game Descent: I Am the Sole Player
Chapter 43
[Constant Moment
From a tree deeply rooted in the passage of time. Its state is frozen at the moment of its greatest flourishing. Time is an illusory measure, and this tree has become eternal.
When applied to a human player, this Talent locks your state at the peak of your power. No external force can harm you. Duration: 3 minutes. Cooldown: 24 hours.]
Bai Shan's foot slipped. Momentum carried her bounding down several stone steps before she managed to steady herself, then she continued down the mountain path as if nothing had happened under Lin Huijun's puzzled gaze.
The reason external damage had no effect on the ginkgo was not that it could absorb harm, nor that it possessed some mighty defence. Its state was permanently fixed at a single moment in time — no external force could alter its condition.
This ability appeared to be related to time, but more precisely, it was causality at work.
The game had never explicitly categorised Talent abilities. Bai Shan, as a veteran [Tomorrow's Dominator] player, sorted them by function. By application, skills could be classified as offensive, defensive, or support, and further subdivided into Power Type, Speed Type, Nature Type, Domain Type, Causality Type, and so on.
Through nine playthroughs, Bai Shan had confirmed that Causality Type Talents and items had zero duds — they were the rarest and most formidable category.
Take her own [Inextinguishable Sun Flame], for example: it could burn any target, reducing even an equally SS-tier defensive item to ash.
Because in the presence of [Inextinguishable Sun Flame], there was no paradox of the sharpest spear versus the sturdiest shield. There was only the sturdiest shield meeting a spear that could pierce any shield.
Unless it encountered a shield whose very concept was "capable of withstanding any spear" — only a fellow Causality Type ability stood a chance of contending.
And [Constant Moment] was precisely an ability that could arm-wrestle with [Inextinguishable Sun Flame].
— Locked at peak state, immune to external damage. In simple terms, Bai Shan now possessed three minutes of invincibility!
Three minutes with no openings, no concerns, absolute supremacy!
On a tree, [Constant Moment] was a harmless defensive mechanism. But in the hands of Bai Shan — who already wielded devastating offensive power — it not only shored up her lack of defence, it elevated her attack potential to an entirely new plane.
Talent abilities were not disposable goods where more was better. Wielding them consumed mental and physical energy.
At Level 50, Bai Shan's mental and physical reserves had been pushed to staggering heights, yet consumption still existed. The stronger the ability deployed, the greater the drain — a deficit that could not be replenished mid-combat.
But [Constant Moment] could, at the critical juncture, snap her state back to its peak in an instant!
Three minutes sounded short, yet the higher the calibre of a fight, the more every second became a decisive moment.
Bai Shan thought of those times in games when she had painstakingly whittled a boss's HP down to a sliver, victory in sight — only for the boss to transform and return to full health. That kind of despair would now befall her future opponents. How could she not be thrilled?
This was, without question, the most powerful support skill Bai Shan could imagine. In [Tomorrow's Dominator] version 1.0, obtaining it would have required slaying at least a Level-90 Great Ruler-class Mutated Creature.
Now, she had obtained it with virtually no effort.
Having expended none at all, Bai Shan's steps felt light and floaty, as though she were walking on cotton.
As a bonus, she had gained a new subject from the plant kingdom — Phylum Gymnospermae, Class Ginkgoopsida, Order Ginkgoales, Family Ginkgoaceae, Genus Ginkgo, species Ginkgo biloba. And it was alive!
Granted, Bai Shan currently had only two living "subjects" — a somewhat modest count — but in terms of biological diversity, she already stood unrivalled among sovereigns.
The winding flagstone path twisted on and on. Bai Shan's stride grew lighter with every step. They were nearly at the base of the mountain. From up high, she could see indistinct figures on the road below, going about the business of survival.
Breathing in the unusually rich oxygen, Bai Shan's soaring mood gradually settled. Her pace slowed without her realising it.
The current difference between a living subject and a dead one was sustainability. A living subject could sync new skills to Bai Shan and provide long-term returns. But she felt there was still more to uncover. If psychological submission qualified as "bowing," what happened the day a subject's mind changed?
The heart was the most uncontrollable thing. The most ruthless tyrants in history would tear out hearts — grip them directly in their hands.
If a subject harboured thoughts of rebellion, would it affect [Admonition]'s ability to invoke their Talent?
Her thoughts wound to that point, and Bai Shan even felt a flicker of impulse to turn back and permanently claim [Constant Moment] as her own.
But it was only a passing thought.
Setting aside the question of which Causality Type ability was superior — [Inextinguishable Sun Flame], which could destroy any target, or [Constant Moment], which was immune to all external force... Perhaps it was the pride of the world's number-one player speaking, but breaking her word over a hypothetical risk sounded far too un-"Tyrant."
They reached the foot of the mountain. Lin Huijun had no idea Bai Shan's mind had taken a journey more tortuous than the mountain trail itself. When she looked over, Bai Shan had already settled back into a relaxed demeanour, eyes half-lidded in their usual indifferent droop.
That expression on anyone else would have made Lin Huijun think they were in a bad mood. But for Bai Shan, this face was her comfort zone — her factory setting. It was actually reassuring.
Lin Huijun spotted their car and began thinking about the next destination as they walked. "I've seen mentions on the Nanzhou City channel that the Wetlands have powerful Mutated Creatures too. I'm not sure if they qualify as Special-Class... We should ask Huang Yuci for more details."
It was not that they had forgotten to ask Huang Yuci earlier — she had simply slipped away with impressive smoothness. Lin Huijun could understand; she did not want their decisions to put Huang Yuci in danger either.
"Let's go. Our goal today is to do whatever we feel like."
Bai Shan hopped into the car, her tone casual. "Lin Huijun, wherever you drive, that's where we fight."
Lin Huijun settled into the driver's seat. She had a feeling today was going to be a wild ride.
"Then let's go! Bai Shan, buckle up."
She hit the accelerator. The black car roared to life.
Bai Shan was no longer dwelling on "betrayal" or "thoughts of rebellion."
The logic was simple. She was the master of the Talent [Tyrant's Grip], not its servant. If the day came when a subject refused to bow, she would simply take their head.
The Tyrant had the confidence to have no regrets.
Looking back at the hill shrinking behind the car — and that splash of brilliant gold amid the green — she sincerely wished the Thousand-Longevity Ginkgo a long, long life.
Perhaps one day she would return. Maybe to see the scenery, maybe to kill the tree. But those matters belonged to the Bai Shan of the future. The Bai Shan of right now had only one thing to do — enjoy!
From the passenger seat, Bai Shan turned to watch the scenery. A child on the roadside tugged at an adult's hand, peering curiously at the car. She was in such a good mood that she even lifted the corner of her mouth — a smile there and gone in a flash as the car sped past.
*
Thud, thud, thud — urgent footsteps echoed down a corridor.
Somewhere underground, Xu Da shoved aside someone who stepped forward to ask her a question and barged through the conference room doors. Everyone inside looked up in shock.
Unlike the peaceful era before, when elites at the top could shape the landscape from behind a desk, the game era forced everyone to hunt and gather like primitive humans. Experience rewards and items could not be obtained through proxies. The conference room, therefore, was never fully staffed.
Xu Da swept a glance around and noted that her grandfather and Cheng Yue were absent — probably out "hunting."
One could not gain experience through others, but one could certainly leverage their power. Cheng Yue's Talent was a tremendous boon for teammates: the moment she activated her domain, prey lost all footing, and the rest could swarm in.
Yet when Xu Da thought of Bai Shan — she had only seen her twice, but both encounters left a deep impression. The effortless techniques, the unshakable composure. Then she recalled Cheng Yue's hesitant expression, and for the first time, doubt about Cheng Yue's ability crept in.
"Where's Cheng Yue?" she asked.
"Xu Da, you're being far too rude. Knocking is basic courtesy. Don't throw all your manners out just because the world has changed."
Her uncle spoke up from the round table, lecturing her. Xu Da treated his words as hot air.
Everyone in this room was related by blood or marriage; after the game's descent they had clung together even tighter. How each of them had climbed to a high level, what means they had employed, whose lives they had ruined — Xu Da, as one of them, knew every detail. She considered herself thick-skinned, but she was nowhere near the level of mastery her uncle had achieved while preaching manners and etiquette.
She pulled out a fake smile. "It's urgent — Bai Shan—"
"Huo Yi was nearly beaten to death!" A middle-aged man shot to his feet in outrage. "Xu Da — not to criticise you, but how could you let your cousin get beaten up like that?!"
Xu Da rolled her eyes. The man's fury surged to his chest, turning his face crimson. Xu Da raised a hand to rub her eyes in an exaggerated show of discomfort. "My eyes are bothering me a bit — you said Huo Yi? For his own safety, I just won't include him in any more dangerous activities."
Seeing Huo Yi's father rise as if to strike her, Xu Da sidled up with a grin still plastered on. "What's the point of losing your temper at me? Do you have the guts to go kill that girl? I don't. But surely you, as a father, do? Oh wait — you're Level 16, right? Only one level below that Bai Shan."
"Xu Da!"
The rest of the room put on furious expressions. Xu Da had always been wilful, but even if Old Man Xu doted on this grandchild, he would never tolerate her being this brazen — trampling her elders' dignity underfoot.
"Fine, fine, I'll stop. Hurry up and send someone to bring Cheng Yue back. Have her bring more people and deal with those two. The longer you wait, the messier it gets."
"And here's a little tip: the Level-17 Bai Shan has telekinetic manipulation. Her accomplice is only Level 10 but has a powerful fire-type ability."
Xu Da waved at the room and headed for the door, then suddenly doubled back, poking her head around the frame:
"Oh — and make sure you tell Grandpa this intel came from me. Don't steal my credit."
A cup hurtled toward her, smashing against the rebounding door.
Once clear of the conference room, Xu Da dropped the smirk. Her brows knotted for a moment, then smoothed out.
That Bai Shan was strong — possibly with an SS-tier Talent like Cheng Yue. But enough ants could bring down an elephant, and the Xu family commanded the resources of an entire major city. They were at least a lion.
From Phase One to Phase Two, every disobedient powerhouse had become nourishment for the Xu family. The rest, like Cheng Yue, were kept on a leash.
...Even if Cheng Yue fell short, the Nanzhou City government would not stand by and let two outsiders humiliate the Xu family. Her grandfather's Talent was their trump card — and Nanzhou City could not afford to lose it.
Xu Da relaxed. She planned to rest a while. Once Cheng Yue returned and a team was assembled to eliminate the dangerous elements, she would tag along at a safe distance and enjoy the show.
A pale-blue game panel popped up. Xu Da scrolled through the Nanzhou City channel. Sure enough, the flashy black car had sparked plenty of discussion.
[They even beat up Huo Yi, and they're still strutting around? Where are the Player Association people?]
[Those two again, from yesterday?]
[Looks like they're heading toward the Wetlands. Pretty slick ride.]
[It's the apocalypse — someone got hit. Is that really such a big deal?]
[Can't help it. Some people are just more precious than others in this world.]
[These two dangerous elements just hit a Special-Class Mission site to cause trouble, and now they're going to the Wetlands. Those are Nanzhou City's resources!]
[Special-Class Missions have nothing to do with most of us, do they...]
[What? They're heading to the Wetlands? Okay, I have to hand it to them for that!]
Xu Da's brows knotted again. The public sentiment was veering off course. In her mind, people should be frightened and hostile toward rule-breakers who symbolised destruction and danger, giving the organisation a perfectly justified reason to act.
Still, no big deal. Once they were eliminated, the narrative would snap back into the Xu family's hands.
Xu Da hummed a tune as she left the underground level. She walked to another building in the compound, intending to return to her private suite for a rest — but at the entrance she ran into someone unexpected.
"...Qin Zhen — that's your name, right?" Xu Da asked.
Qin Zhen smiled. "It is. I'm honoured that you remember me, Ms. Xu."
Xu Da recalled having extended an olive branch to this woman, but she was in no mood to entertain anyone right now. She returned a perfunctory smile, ready to brush her off.
"I need to rest. Tomorrow—"
"I know Bai Shan and Lin Huijun."
Qin Zhen dropped the line with perfect composure, watching for Xu Da's reaction. But Xu Da only blinked once before smiling. "Oh, what a coincidence. If you hurry over to them now, you might just catch their last words."
Xu Da said it with utter nonchalance. She despised people who put on airs in front of her, acting as though they held some earth-shattering intel, expecting her to roll out the red carpet.
Yet the sharp, cutting words failed to disturb Qin Zhen's expression. She showed none of the embarrassment or anger Xu Da had hoped for. Her lips maintained their gentle curve. "You're going to need me. Don't underestimate them."
Xu Da scoffed and moved to shut the door in her face. But her hand had barely touched the handle when an unexpected sound rang in her ears.
[Player Camila Caro has used a Position Swap Order!]
The global announcement echoed once more. Xu Da reacted instantly — the second Position Swap challenge had arrived.
A flicker of surprise, and then she shrugged it off, giving the door handle a casual twist. The latch clicked. Idly, she thought: that name sounds familiar...
[Player Camila Caro challenges player Cheng Yue!]
— Camila Caro. Rank 80. Someone who had absolutely nothing to do with rank 61 Cheng Yue — how could she possibly—!
Xu Da whipped around in disbelief. Qin Zhen was leaning against the doorframe, and though surprise showed in her eyes, she appeared far more composed.
She was puzzled, in fact, by why Xu Da looked so alarmed. Cheng Yue had been challenged by a lower-ranked player — the odds were in her favour. If she could accumulate the opponent's experience and items and return, it would be a boon for the Xu family.
Becoming the second victor after the Tyrant would send both her ranking and her fame skyrocketing. From Qin Zhen's perspective, this was a windfall for Cheng Yue and the Xu family.
If anything, it was bad news for Qin Zhen herself.
Xu Da could not keep her composure. She followed Cheng Yue closely, sat in on every strategy meeting held on Cheng Yue's behalf — she knew exactly how perilous this Position Swap Battle was for Cheng Yue.
Camila Caro was one of the very few on the leaderboard who had revealed virtually nothing about herself. Cheng Yue's abilities, on the other hand, were an open book to anyone who cared to look.
And Cheng Yue had never fought alone!
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!"
Xu Da stamped her feet in agitation. The only thing she could do was pray for Cheng Yue's victory — and a swift return to deal with those two arrogant troublemakers.
Qin Zhen lowered her gaze, concealing a subtle shift of emotion. It seemed the Xu family was even more hollow than she had imagined.
*
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