Fang Hanxin looked at Bai Wan with satisfaction. “Not bad, not bad. A young man should have some flames of ambition.”

After all, what youth hasn’t blown up a school or two? That’s what youth is all about.

“Oh, right. Take this too.” Fang Hanxin handed Bai Wan a gray straw doll and explained,

“Versus-type games are a little different from regular paranormal dungeons. To make things more ‘fun,’ the system includes a ‘Highlight Moments’ feature. Certain moments deemed impressive by the system will be recorded as short clips and uploaded to the forum.”

Bai Wan nodded, immediately picturing his own ‘Highlight Moments’ where he nukes the dungeon being posted for all to see...

Fang continued, “So… you know how ridiculous your power is. Even without awakening, your abilities are bizarre. That’s why this Concealing Straw Doll is perfect for you. Use it, and it’ll blur the last week of people’s memory about you. It’s not flawless, but it’s enough.”

Bai Wan curiously took the creepy little doll.

Paranormal items sure were wild—there are even things like this?

“Remember to use it before entering the dungeon. When time’s up, people’s memories of you will blur, and those ‘Highlight Moments’ won’t be replayable. You’ll be much safer that way.”

“Also, when you activate your awakened skill, try to gather your teammates nearby and consciously focus on not harming them. Awakened skills are partially influenced by intent. That way, they’ll have a better chance of surviving.”

Bai Wan nodded earnestly. He’d try his best to keep a few teammates alive, at least.

But then Fang Hanxin’s expression turned serious. “There’s one more thing. Something much more important.”

Bai Wan froze. More important than nuking a dungeon with his Error Code??

Fang pulled out a video file. “Take a look.”

Bai Wan accepted it, hit play… and was completely stunned by what he saw.

The footage was from a mountain somewhere. It looked like a tourist video. But then—a familiar silhouette flashed across the frame.

Bai Wan’s eyes widened. “Wh-where did this come from?!”

Fang’s voice was grim. “We found it online. The source is untraceable—it’ll take more time to dig. But one thing’s certain: the figure you saw…”

He paused. 

“He’s dead. No doubt about it. He’s a paranormal entity now.”

A chill crept up Bai Wan’s spine.

Because that silhouette—was himself.

Dead? Then what am I now?

Bai Wan suddenly thought of his bugged body.

Shit... Am I already dead? Was that my corpse? Am I just a glitched echo of myself?

His imagination spiraled out of control, but Fang interrupted, “Don’t overthink it. That figure—while he looks identical to you, seems more mature. Based on our analysis, that should be you several years from now.”

Bai Wan looked closer at the video.

Sure enough, the figure seemed older. Future Bai Wan’s skin was pale white, his eyes pitch black, his expression dull and vacant. He walked in an unsteady shuffle, murmuring to himself. He honestly didn’t look too bright…or right.

So this is his future self—dead, turned paranormal? And somehow… he traveled back in time?

Bai Wan wouldn’t believe it for most people. But when it came to himself… he wasn’t so sure.

Maybe I really do die in the future and glitch back into the present? If that were true, what was the goal? To send a message?

More importantly, he couldn’t believe he would actually die someday.

And when I die… will the bugs keep happening around me?

He imagined the scene and suddenly found it hilarious.

Would the other paranormals reject me? Wandering around alone because no one wants to be my friend…Until one day, some hairy weirdo agrees to hang out?

Fang Hanxin continued, “Our headquarters will keep investigating the source of that video. But you need to be prepared. Whatever the reason, it seems that your future self dies. And post-death…”

He hesitated, “I won’t sugarcoat it—it might be scarier than a Paranormal God. You know how broken you already are. Once you turn paranormal? I can’t even imagine...”

Fang shivered just thinking about it. 

A paranormal, bugged Bai Wan… that’s horrifying.

Just the idea of that kind of monster roaming the world was enough to make your blood run cold.

Bai Wan, meanwhile, looked a bit embarrassed.

Why does he make me sound like a walking disaster?

“Well, I’ll head back now,” said Fang. “I’ve got more experiments to run. Good luck, Mr. Bai. If you ever need anything, just ask. And be careful, no one knows what will happen when you use your awakened skill inside a dungeon.”

“Oh, and one more thing—about your future death, I’ll keep a close eye on it. If there’s any update, I’ll let you know immediately. But for now, keep it quiet. No need to tell the others until we know more.”

“Got it, coach!” Bai Wan said goodbye and returned to the Lan City squad.

Everyone looked at him curiously, so he casually shared the story of how he almost blew up Longbei by accident.

For some reason, Zhou Lu felt… strangely proud. He patted Bai Wan on the shoulder with an odd expression.

So he actually held back in his hometown…only blew up some tombstones. This kid… still remembers where he came from. In the end, this young man still had Lan City in heart.

Bai Wan looked dumbfounded.

Why does the captain look like he’s about to cry tears of pride over his son growing up… just because I almost blew up Longbei?

He got something against Longbei City?

“Alright, if there’s nothing else, let’s get back to the barbecue. I still have a bunch of chicken wings to grill. Come on, taste your captain’s handiwork!” Zhou Lu rolled up his sleeves, full of energy.

The group relaxed inside the tent, casually chatting and lazing around.

But then Liu Tong received a message from an old classmate, [Old buddy, I can’t believe it—you made it big! You’re Family, aren’t you?]

Liu Tong stared at the message, a question mark practically floating over his head.

Me? Family??? What is this guy even talking about?

Baffled, Liu Tong replied, [Bro, I think you’ve got the wrong guy. I’m not Family.]

There was a short pause. Then another reply came through. 

[Alright, alright, playing dumb now, huh? Saw it all on the forums. You’re a big deal now, no need to pretend anymore.]

Forum...?

Liu Tong frowned and quickly opened the Paranormal Game forums—only for his expression to freeze. Every single trending post was singing his praises.

“Liu Tong is amazing! He’s my new idol!!”

“Cleared an unsolvable dungeon on his second run—who else can do that?!”

“Sure, he got matched against a terrifying villain lineup, but I believe in him. Why? Because he’s Liu Tong.”

Even more absurdly, Liu Tong discovered he now had a dedicated fan section on the forums titled: Protecting Childhood Innocence – Protecting the Best Liu Tong

???

Liu Tong was genuinely starting to wonder if he’d fallen into a paranormal illusion. With a confused and uneasy heart, he clicked on the subforum.

Right at the top was a pinned post from the moderator.

“Brothers, I’m Boss Sun. I witnessed everything during the ‘Letter’ dungeon. You don’t understand—Liu Tong isn’t just strong. His character is top tier.”

“He swore on his own name several times—‘If I’m lying, I’ll give birth to a kid without a butthole!’ And he repeatedly roasted himself, calling Liu Tong a trash human being. Think about it—if a man isn’t confident in his character, would he dare say that kind of stuff?”

“You might not know this, but the name ‘Liu Tong’ comes from his parents’ hope that he’d retain childlike innocence forever. ‘Liu Tong’ means ‘preserve childhood,’ and his selfless actions in the dungeon prove he’s worthy of that name…”

“Let us protect the best Liu Tong, and preserve innocence in this cruel world!”

Liu Tong: “……”

And below the post, endless replies from his “fans” chanted variations of: Liu Tong, Liu Tong! Preserve childhood! Bring innocence to the world! It was like reading a cult recruitment pamphlet.

Finally, Liu Tong snapped and roared: “BAI WAN!!! YOU ABSOLUTE BASTARD!!!”

His outraged scream echoed through the entire forest.

Meanwhile, Bai Wan, who had been watching Liu Tong’s expression darken while checking his phone—knew something was wrong and immediately fled.

Su Yuening, quick on the uptake, whispered,“Quick, hide in my tent!”

Grateful, Bai Wan nodded and slipped inside.

Only to hear her whisper a second later, “Liu Tong! Bai Wan took the bait, he’s in my tent!”

“????”

Bai Wan’s eyes went wide, “white-haired gremlin! You traitor!”

Su Yuening gave him a sweet smile. “Bai Wan, it’s for your own good. Think of it as a life lesson. Otherwise, you might get tricked by some pretty female ghost in a dungeon someday.”

“Lies! Paranormals are pure and innocent! Unlike you—conniving white-haired weirdo!” Bai Wan shot back indignantly.

Liu Tong and Su Yuening grinned with malicious intent… and charged.

“Bankai—Scattered Chicken Feathers!!”

“Ultimate Move—Childlike Wonder Never Dies!!”

“AAAHH!! Don’t kick my butt! I’m sorry! I really am!!”

Outside the tent, Zhou Lu watched the three of them wrestle and bicker. He chuckled fondly and called out,“Alright, alright, enough, the skewers are ready.”

The aroma of sizzling meat wafted through the camp, finally pacifying Liu Tong and Su Yuening. Bai Wan, exhausted, sighed in relief. The trio sat down and happily devoured the delicious grilled skewers. 

…

After eating his fill and growing drowsy, Bai Wan headed to his tent to rest.

The night air was perfect—cool and gentle, bringing with it a serene breeze.

Stuffed and satisfied, Bai Wan lay back in his tent with a contented sigh.

“You sleep all day—are you a pig?” Su Yuening was sitting beside him, taking photos of the moon and the distant scenery with her phone. She looked at him lazily sprawled out and frowned.

“Just a nap. I’ll be diving into another dungeon again soon.”

“…Fine, go ahead and rest. I’ll enjoy the view myself.”

Bai Wan nodded.

Zhou Lu, Liu Tong, and Li Yintian were off playing cards, loud and rowdy, while Wang Meng was still training outside the camp even at this hour. The cheerful voices, the soft shutter clicks from Su Yuening’s phone, the rustle of the wind… 

All of it slowly lulled Bai Wan toward sleep. His heart felt unusually calm and peaceful. Everything about this night… felt perfect.

And in that moment, Bai Wan finally understood the question Su Yuening had asked him.

What’s your dream?

He hadn’t known how to answer before.

But now… he thought maybe his dream was for this night to never end. For every day in the future to be like tonight—tranquil, cozy, peaceful.

Before long, he drifted off to sleep with a smile.

…

Two days later, Bai Wan’s home.

[Dungeon “Nightmare Haunted Campus” now beginning.]

A flash of white light.

And Bai Wan found himself standing not at home, but inside a massive library.

A youthful school campus.

A loudspeaker playing announcements.

He was back at school.

The dungeon—Nightmare Haunted Campus… had begun.

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