Roter Satin

Kapitel 12

"What good is existence? Trapped here, what can we do besides sleep?"

"Ha! Sleep! I forgot! Right, let's sleep! Maybe when we wake up, we'll already be out."

"

“Good idea. When we wake up, we might still be wandering around in the graveyard, and who knows, there might be a few hands reaching out from the graves and grabbing our legs.”

"Then let the ghost take your legs, it's better than dying here, right?"

"—That's true. Maybe we'll wake up and find ourselves in bed, having just had a dream..." The voice faded away. The members of the Self-Reliance Alliance suddenly began to breathe rapidly—everyone realized the meaning behind the two people's words: a map!

They have maps!

But they need to sleep!

No! I can't sleep! I absolutely mustn't sleep!

A voice suddenly rang out: "You mustn't sleep! You absolutely mustn't sleep!"

The voice was cold, and carried a hidden murderous intent.

—It's the boss! It's the boss speaking!

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [41]: After unfolding the map, there is an unusually bright white dot that is flashing around the stream. Looking down, there is a blurry figure walking.

Under the blue-green landscape, more and more sparkles appeared in the stream. After opening my eyes, I could see a faint light, and there were also faint "stars" overhead.

And so the conversation between Wang Mu and Wang Jia began. The two talked as they strolled around the top of the "platform".

The flat summit is an irregular circle, its edges steep and impassable. Looking down more than twenty meters, one can see the conical base, from which the stream begins. The overall structure resembles the interior of a walnut, with the inner peak resembling the heart of a flame. Being there feels like being at the top of a "凸"-shaped structure, like the tip of a flame, or the mouth of an upright gourd. The broad summit has a radius of about twenty meters, but the widest point is the "凸"-shaped platform about twenty meters down, with a radius of approximately fifty meters. If one measures the widest point of the entire environment—the parallel inner arc-shaped wall—from the circular path on the platform, the radius is at least seventy meters. The stream at the bottom, however, has a radius of less than fifty meters. But because the stream meanders with the mountain's contours, its circumference should be around 1,500 meters.

The stream winds around, its source unknown, its direction of flow unclear, and its speed impossible to determine.

The rocks at the summit are dark blue marble. The cracks appear to be naturally formed, but the textured structure, resembling tree rings or a spider web, makes one believe that this is also a man-made structure.

—But why is this type of construction necessary?

The answer came quickly.

After they reached an agreement, they prepared to lie down and go back to sleep. But just then, a voice, seemingly right next to their ears, suddenly rang out: "You can't sleep! You absolutely can't sleep!"

The voice was cold and filled with murderous intent, sending chills down their spines. There was no one beside them. The two looked around in horror. Wang Mu composed himself and asked, "Who? Who are you? Where are you? Are you a person or a ghost?"

"It's a person." This time, the voice changed to a soft, pleasant female voice. "Please don't leave this place, okay? This is a 'resonance transmission' phenomenon. We can't see each other, but we can hear each other's conversations." The voice continued, "—Hello, my name is An Yingying. There are eight of us here. We've heard your conversation. We are also trapped, trapped for a long time. But we have digging tools and digging experts. The reason we can't get out is because we lack a map and a clear destination. From what you've said, you can determine our location. Could you please point us in the right direction so we can reunite?"

The sound disappeared, and Wang Jia and Wang Mu hurriedly unfolded the map and examined it together.

But in the picture, apart from one small white dot moving, everything else is still. However, no matter how hard I look, I can't find the eight small white dots.

"That can't be right," Wang Jia said in a low voice. "Amu, there aren't eight little white dots, only nine or ten. Could it be a scam?"

"Maybe those eight little white dots later turned into ten little white dots, and there are two more hidden in the dark?" Wang Mu guessed.

The two men spoke in low voices, but the cold voice rang out again, "You're right, there are ten of us. But two of the ladies are pregnant, so you could say there are eight."

(What? They...are pregnant?—The two men asked in unison.) (I...I'm pregnant...pregnant?)

—A strange female voice rang out. The first gentle female voice sighed, “Yes…time has been compressed, but people’s growth rate remains unchanged.” After the chaotic sounds subsided, the first gentle female voice said, “—From what you’re saying, it seems there are still eleven people alive, right? Those people are our companions and friends. Your judgment is correct. Can you help us?”

Hearing this soft and beautiful voice, Wang Mu couldn't help but feel proud.

"Did you hear that? Those little white dots really are people, right?" he said smugly. "Now that we have the evidence, do you still dare to say I made a mistake? If one is right, the others can't be wrong either. And if there's an exit, that can't be wrong either. Our chances of survival naturally reach 100%."

Wang Jia pondered, then asked Wang Mu in a low voice with doubt, "That doesn't make sense. Initially, there were eighteen people plus six, then two were subtracted, then two more, and then one more. Could it be that five of them died in succession? Even if that's the case, what about the little white dots I saw by the stream? Could there be thousands or even tens of thousands of people?"

Wang Mu scoffed, "That's nonsense. Even if you could see it, it would only represent life. There are fish and shrimp in the groundwater. Did you see the swimming light? That must be a bioluminescent fish—life that never sees the sun is usually blind, but it will definitely emit its own light."

An Yingying, caught between a flustered child and a slow-witted doctor, could only smile wryly and wait for them to finish. Moreover, the more they spoke, the more truth was revealed, further solidifying everyone's resolve.

Initially, there were eighteen people on the outing; six were tomb raiders. Later, One-Eyed committed suicide, and Little Fatty was killed; then, Li Jun died, and Tong Rong died; A Ding fell, and of course, he also died.

Finally, when their conversation came to an end, An Yingying hurriedly said, "Your judgment is absolutely correct. There were originally twenty-four of us, and five of us have since passed away. Now, could you please point out our location so that we can all reunite and overcome this difficult time together?"

"Meet up?" Wang Mu studied the map. "It's difficult—you can't get up the steep cliffs that are tens of meters high. However, we can meet up. So, you go straight along the road, and after going down, you'll encounter a fork in the road. Go left, then right, and after going left, right, left, right, and so on, and you'll see a stream. Once you get there, you can see us as soon as you look up."

"Thank you," An Yingying said. The leader replied, "Don't worry. A height of several tens of meters is no problem for us—we'll definitely meet up safely. The journey through the martial world is long, but the mountains and rivers remain. Thank you again later—may I ask your name?"

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [42]: “Wang Jia, Wang Mu.” Wang Jia said: “—And you?”

"Everyone usually calls me 'Boss.' You can call me that too."

"I wish you all the best," Wang Jia said weakly.

"Goodbye," the eight people said in unison.

The sound stopped. Wang Jia and Wang Mu were filled with joy.

—Since the map is real, getting out shouldn't be a problem, right?

They laughed joyfully. But their laughter had barely faded when they heard another voice.

"You've been tricked." It was a gentle and kind voice.

Another female voice.

"Who?" Wang Mu was startled.

“Zhu Qian. Zhu as in vermilion. Qian as in beautiful shadow.” The voice became more intimate. “There are nine of us. Those people just now were a group of ruthless gangsters, utterly devoid of humanity. The deaths of several people were all connected to them. Their only interest is killing. — Your situation is extremely dangerous.”

"They killed people?" Wang Mu was taken aback.

"Of course, it's also possible they only stole your map. Because—they stole our only food and water, and raped four women. One of them was raped and then murdered. Of course, the three of you now are forced to submit to them to survive." The gentle and kind voice transformed into a swift, decisive, calm, and pleasant tone. "Please believe me. Cooperating with them will only harm you. I believe you are not the same kind of people as them. You certainly wouldn't approve of their actions."

Wang Mubo was furious: "How could such a thing happen!"

Wang Jia pulled Wang Mu aside and interrupted, "So, what you mean is...?"

“We hope to receive your help,” another voice spoke. The voice was soft and sweet, with a captivating allure that evoked sympathy. “Compared to them, we are weak. We also find it difficult to find anything to repay you both. But we hold justice in our hearts, and to resist violence and evil, we, seven women and two men, have formed the ‘Self-Reliance Alliance.’ At present, we can only ask for your help.”

A chorus of chirping and whimpering voices drifted over, all pleading for help, yet none uttering a word of flattery. Finally, a slightly seductive voice spoke in a pitiful tone: "Judging from your voices, you two don't seem very old. I suppose you have sisters or girlfriends of similar age to us. I think you wouldn't stand idly by while vulnerable girls are in trouble, would you? — We really hope to receive your help."

The sound stopped.

Wang Jia stared at Wang Mu, expressionless (in fact, it was really hard to see any expression on his skeletal face). Wang Mu also stared at Wang Jia, but his chivalrous heart was moved.

"I'd rather believe in them and help them! I'm so grateful to them, so determined to help them. ...

"

Wang Jia frowned and lowered his voice, "Does it make any difference whether you believe it or not? When a flood hits, even if many small animals escape to a deserted island, they won't have time to kill each other. Self-interest is the dominant factor in friendship and hatred. Faced with a common danger, would humans still kill each other?"

Wang Mu sneered. "That's right. But if there are people on the island, they will kill those wild animals for food. If there are many people, they will fight each other for a higher place. Unlike animals, which can be content with temporary safety, humans are always thinking about how to deal with the danger of the next moment."

Even if there is no danger in the next moment, under the dominant human mindset, danger can still be created.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [43]: Wang Jia's brows were furrowed. He nodded and tried to persuade his brother: "That makes sense. But how can you help them? Don't forget, they are the weak. The weak are certainly worthy of sympathy and help. But the one who rules this world is always the strong. Only when the strong want to practice hypocrisy will they help or rescue the weak. And we are, in fact, also the weak. When we can comply, we should never make unnecessary sacrifices. Even if they are terrible, they still need us. And when people need someone, that is, when they need that benefit, they will never easily harm them. Or you could say they will never easily give up their own interests."

"You're too selfish!" Wang Mu said, somewhat annoyed. "We can't just think of ourselves and our own interests. Upholding justice is our primary task."

"Justice? What can justice buy?" Wang Jia shook his head as he listened.

“At the very least, we should help them! And guard against those people!” Wang Mu said resolutely.

Wang Jia shook his head. "Isn't there any other reason?"

"Yes! Did you hear that? They are a self-reliant alliance! And once people unite as one, solidarity is strength. They will definitely become powerful!" Wang Mu suddenly raised his voice: "Keep walking, and you'll reach the stream!"

"Thank you. Thank you so much..." After the pale words of thanks, the soft voice finally spoke: "—Thank you, we will express our gratitude again when we meet."

It was still a pale expression of gratitude. But somehow, the voice was so captivating. Long after the voice faded, Wang Mu finally grinned, "Did you hear that? Ha..." "Never believe a girl's sweet words—they'll only drag you into an abyss of no return!" Wang Mu was genuinely happy. Wang Jia snorted coldly, a hint of worry and unease finally creeping into his younger brother, Wang Mu.

※ ...

For Wang Mu, he was moved by the word "weak." He believed that those pale expressions of gratitude were genuine—and of course, they eventually became genuine. For Wang Jia, he hesitated because of the word "profit." He did not believe those pale words, and of course, those words eventually became pale as well.

But what about the members of the "Self-Reliance Alliance"?

—Perhaps, it's simply for the sake of "self-improvement".

V. From the highest heavens to the deepest hells

"Will they help us?" the alliance members asked their leader, Wu Xiaohui.

“Yes. Definitely,” Wu Xiaohui said. “At least, they can ease those people’s hostility towards us. You know, they are all wicked people. But with these two people, they can’t help but be more cautious.”

Head instructor Zhou Lingli hesitated for a moment, "We... don't seem to need to worry about them too much, right? — Judging from Wang Jia and Wang Mu's tone, there are streams, water, and food below. And our appearance and physique have undergone a qualitative change."

"No!" Vice Alliance Leader Zhu Qian interrupted, "These kinds of people only like bloodshed, killing, and violence. After all, we are still women—Left and Right Protectors, tell me the truth: if you have no worries about food and drink, and your strength has recovered, but you are facing despair, would you ignore us just because we have become thinner?"

Yan Kaixin said, "I don't think so. Because when humans face despair, they usually exhibit one of six behaviors: irritability, depression, a penchant for violence, mental instability, impulsiveness, and disregard for all ethics and morality..." "This is related to 'time and circumstances'," Zhang Dawei said. "People often say 'out of sight, out of mind.' When you can't see everything, everything becomes indistinguishable because you can't see it. That's especially true for those people. When they have no food, no drink, and nothing to see, they still commit robbery, rape, and murder. When they have food, drink, and everything to see, they'll be even more reckless. But we won't. Because we are all people with a sense of justice—and in such an environment, people with a sense of justice like us are simply too few."

"Yes." Zhu Qian nodded. "That's why we absolutely cannot let our guard down!"

“There’s one more thing,” Wu Xiaohui said. “Without Wang Jia and Wang Mu, and without a map, it would be very difficult to get out. Life is precious, and struggle is eternal. For the sake of self-reliance and self-improvement, we must win them over at all costs.”

He paused, then said in a deep voice:

"At all costs!"

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [44]: After crossing the spider web-like intersection, continue straight ahead. It is a road that goes downhill and downhill all the way down. The road is very steep and the environment is still pitch black, but the self-reliant person sees the dawn and is filled with joy and happiness.

But the joy was fleeting. From afar, a series of piercing cries rang out: "Rong...Rong...where...are...you..."—Ding Dada? (He's not dead?) In that instant, everyone felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave, experiencing waves of cold. "Remember! Sister Rong is dead! She was our leader!" Zhu Qian's command rang out.

This was her second time, the second time she had given the same order.

But the piercing cries were so terrifying that what good could such repeated commands do?

All nine people slowed down. The shouts, however, ceased simultaneously.

—Has he left?

Time seemed to stand still. People waited silently, when suddenly a blurry figure appeared.

"Rong! [Is this a euphemism for a doorkeeper?]"

That voice was full of joy.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ Facing them was a short sword held high, gleaming faintly. Behind it were nine skeletal figures, their clothes tattered and their genders indistinguishable.

A Ding stopped. "Rong! [Unintelligible characters]?"