Player 2 stared at Ren Yi, his eyes flickering incessantly.
His gaze was incredibly complex—a mix of helplessness, anger, and the frustration of a mentor whose protégé had failed him.
"Player 3," he said, almost through gritted teeth, his voice thick with suppressed emotion. "My original plan was to sacrifice you and stay hidden for one more night."
He turned his head and looked at everyone present.
"That's why I didn't stand up to explain for him this morning."
Every eye in the room was now fixed on him—some filled with doubt, others with caution or unease.
He paused before continuing, his tone growing heavier. "As for why I finally chose to step forward... it's because the current situation is so dire that I can no longer afford to stay hidden."
"Last night, we failed to find the key. This means the Anomalies can freely enter and leave any of our rooms."
"This game definitely won't end within three days. Therefore, by stepping forward now, I've essentially sealed my own fate."
"The Anomalies will definitely prioritize killing me, the Peeper. I can only hope that the eventual winners will revive me."
At this point, he deliberately paused, his tone becoming somewhat melodramatic as he tried to stir a sense of guilt in the others.
"I hope you don't forget that your eventual victory will be built upon my sacrifice. I am trading my life for everyone's chance to survive."
After his emotional appeal, Player 2 reined in his feelings and continued.
"The reason I said three nights is because we still have a Locksmith. So, Locksmith, you must lock my door tonight. I'll try to survive one more day to gather more information about the Anomalies and help everyone narrow down the suspects."
He scanned the room, his sharp gaze serving as a warning to those who might still be skeptical.
"I know some of you think I'm being foolish by coming out now, but I have my reasons."
"Yesterday, I observed the rooms of Player 3 and Player 4. As for why, I obviously chose the more suspicious one among the double rooms..."
He glanced at Player 4's empty chair, a flash of fear crossing his eyes.
"However, what I saw confirms exactly what Player 3 said. That Anomaly appeared out of thin air and vanished immediately after the kill."
"As for its size... well, no one here can stand against it except for the Poison Apprentice."
Player 2 paused, his tone becoming increasingly grim.
"This means that unless the Locksmith happens to lock the Anomaly's target, our rooms themselves no longer offer any protection. We have no other way to gain a tempo advantage."
"With every person who dies, we move one step closer to failure."
"Therefore, in my judgment, voting out someone who was clearly framed by an Anomaly today would be more detrimental to the good faction than exposing my identity."
His voice carried a hint of tragic heroism, as if he had already prepared himself for death.
"That is why I stepped forward. Tempo is more important than who dies first or last."
"I cannot allow someone who is definitely a good person on the first day to be pushed out. We must do our best to eliminate an Anomaly instead of wasting precious opportunities on internal friction."
He looked at Ren Yi. "Player 3, I'm dying to save you. If you make it to the end, remember this."
After setting the stage for his own potential demise once more, Player 2 concluded that topic.
"I've shared enough of my mental process. I don't want to hear anyone questioning whether this decision was stupid. Anyone who does will immediately enter my 'Suspected Anomaly' pool."
"As the Peeper, I have the most authority on the field right now. To all the good people: you'd better not jump out and interfere with my vision. You'd be gambling with your own lives!"
After adding a few more cautionary words, Player 2 began to recount every detail of Lu Zihan's appearance and disappearance the previous night at a rapid pace.
But he stopped there.
He didn't mention what Ren Yi had done, the role Ren Yi had played, or that small bottle.
Ren Yi looked up and met his gaze, understanding the meaning hidden within.
Poison Apprentice, I know it's you.
But there was no doubt that if he revealed Ren Yi's identity, he would just be giving the Anomalies a target. Thus, he could only hope this seemingly abnormal fellow Special would catch his drift through eye contact.
Ren Yi wiped the smile off his face and gave Player 2 a firm blink.
Peeper, you can go in peace. I won't forget your sacrifice.
Player 2 received the signal, and his expression relaxed slightly. As one of the candles before him extinguished, he began his summary.
"That's all I have to say."
"I am the Peeper. Player 3 did not kill Player 4 yesterday. The one who did it was an Anomaly with teleportation abilities. Dammit, that ability leaves absolutely no trace of where it went."
"Locksmith, protect me tonight. I'll report my information first thing tomorrow."
"As for who to vote for today..." Player 2 scanned the room hesitantly.
"Since I haven't identified any Anomalies yet, my suggestion is to pick one of the two remaining Lost Souls if we have no better options."
"That way, even if we're wrong, it won't be a total loss. We'll eventually find at least one Anomaly, even if we fall behind in the turn count."
Player 2's gaze fell upon Zhang Qiuqiu and Player 9.
"Currently, Player 7 holds the Leader position. She speaks last. Everyone, remember: if her final summary doesn't involve voting between the two Lost Souls, it means there's something wrong with her."
Player 2's intent could almost be described as malicious; he was forcing Zhang Qiuqiu to personally place her own life on the scales.
Across the table, Zhang Qiuqiu pursed her lips, her face pale. She seemed a bit rattled by Player 2's words.
However, she wasn't particularly worried.
Based on yesterday's voting patterns, the majority still supported her. Plus, there was that old man, Player 10, who hadn't voted for her simply out of pride.
It had only been one day. That dynamic shouldn't have changed much. She still held the advantage.
Thus, she even found the mood to send a message in the group chat to praise Ren Yi.
【Not bad, Ren Yi. Now you're a solid good guy in this Peeper's heart... at least for now.】
【Of course. I can't just watch you carry the team all by yourself,】 Ren Yi replied, showing no modesty at all.
【And me!】 Lu Zihan chimed in immediately. 【I'm the biggest contributor here, okay? My evolved ability is amazing, isn't it?】
【Not bad, not bad. Lu Zihan, with Ren Yi's brain, you're invincible,】 Zhang Qiuqiu praised them generously.
【Hey, hey, I feel like I can't really join this conversation,】 Lord Cha sent a message, sounding a bit aggrieved.
【Uh... then why don't you praise us too?】
With that single sentence from Lu Zihan, the group chat fell silent.
Rate on N.U.
