"Finally, it's over. Truly worthy of being someone recognized by the God of Change." 

Gazing at the Fear Oil burning fiercely across the ruins, Vale Valetti felt genuine relief. 

The entire "monster" had been set aflame, having transformed into a highly flammable creature that caused the entire cave to overheat the moment it ignited, making the fire unstoppable. 

All the Fear Oil was burning - Vale Valetti included. 

Finally...

The Fear Oil erupted in a violent explosion that collapsed the entire Extreme Winter Mountain. 

Most of the Fear Oil had been consumed by flames, with the remaining portions insufficient to reform the "monster." 

Most importantly, the entire base and all equipment had been destroyed in the explosion, eliminating the Fear Oil's means of "self-replication." 

The remaining remnants would eventually disappear completely. 

Now, even Vale Valetti's own soul was being gradually consumed by the pale flames. 

By using the "Ancient Notes" left by his mentor to preserve his independent consciousness and soul integrity, Vale hadn't mindlessly become part of the monster's collective consciousness, thus largely retaining his ability to perceive. 

Now, feeling the flames scorching his soul...

"Still quite painful..." 

Vale Valetti sighed. 

But at least it was over. 

Since joining "Truth Corporation," this could be considered a rare good outcome. 

Though perhaps it wasn't exactly good either. 

Having his research stolen, being ordered by superiors to ignore the dangers of immature technology, getting "exiled" to field operations... 

And finally meeting his end in this frozen wasteland, perishing together with a nameless monster. 

Vale Valetti smiled self-deprecatingly. 

"My teacher was right - I'm truly a hopeless fool." 

"Even that god-favored individual could see my weakness and cowardice." 

"But... I was quite brave just now, wasn't I?" 

Sitting amidst the snowstorm, Vale Valetti pondered and asked himself aloud. 

But no one answered him - the world around was now completely pale. 

"Just as well. Though I don't know what methods they used, escaping was the right choice." 

Besides, he no longer needed anyone's approval. 

The person he'd been moments ago was undoubtedly brave and cool. 

......

[Congratulations on clearing the game "Frostpeak Mountains"!] 

[Calculating your rewards for this game session!] 

[You have received the basic reward: 7 days of Survival Time.] 

Opening his eyes to the familiar [Settlement Space], Lin Yu exhaled in relief. 

"I actually survived!" 

As an excellent actor, Lin Yu could fully immerse himself in a "role" in about ten hours. 

So why stay for forty...? 

Partly because more time meant more safety. 

But mainly because Lin Yu had calculated that forty hours would be just about when they'd exit the dungeon. 

As researcher "Vale Valetti" had said, 

Surviving the monster's physical destruction was nearly impossible. 

So Lin Yu had timed it perfectly - 

Ensuring he'd leave the dungeon right as the true explosion occurred! 

And now... 

He'd succeeded! 

In the [Settlement Space], besides Lin Yu, five other figures had survived. 

The dream world must have been truly perilous - three more had died in that final stretch. 

Everyone stood frozen in shock, not speaking to each other. 

Even the usually optimistic Furbollo sat there covered in dust. 

But this was exactly what Lin Yu wanted to see. 

He turned his attention to the game's settlement - with his performance, he was certain to receive extra rewards. 

[Based on your performance, you have earned the evaluation "Master of Control," granting one additional reward.] 

[Additional Reward: Randomly obtain one "non-exclusive item."] 

[Based on your performance, you have earned the evaluation "Threading the Needle," granting one additional reward.] 

[Additional Reward: Randomly obtain one "non-exclusive item."] 

[For completing an NPC's hidden task and achieving hidden clearance conditions, you receive one additional reward.] 

[Additional Reward: Obtain one NPC "item reward."] 

Seeing three extra rewards pop up, Lin Yu was pleasantly surprised. 

"Ha, not bad at all!" 

He'd gotten [Master of Control] in his first dungeon too - this time Lin Yu had again become the player who absolutely dominated the situation. 

As for [Threading the Needle]... Furbollo had mentioned it, so getting it made sense. 

But the third one genuinely surprised him. 

"Though guides mentioned hidden tasks that grant extra rewards, I never expected this was one!" 

This was truly an unexpected windfall. 

Helping Vale Valetti had clearly been the right choice. 

"Virtue has its rewards!" 

Lin Yu mused. 

Especially for him... 

All these rewards could be doubled again! 

After deceiving the "God of Change" last time, even though the deity had seen through his lies... 

Perhaps to encourage such behavior, Lin Yu's "privilege" of double rewards had been retained! 

And this "doubling" mechanism... Naturally worked better with larger bases! 

This single dungeon would net him three extra rewards! 

No wonder he felt so satisfied. 

"I wonder what items I'll get!" 

Thinking this, Lin Yu began claiming his rewards! 

[Congratulations! You have obtained the non-exclusive item reward: Fear Torch.] 

Seeing the first reward, Lin Yu recognized an old friend. 

The Black Oil Torch that had accompanied him throughout the dungeon had now returned to his inventory under its [True Name]. 

"Excellent!" 

Lin Yu said happily. 

This item provided constant warmth and illumination - extremely handy tools. 

Also good for starting fires. 

Its metal construction and moderate length made it effective for hitting people at range too. 

It perfectly compensated for Lin Yu's lack of melee combat options and sustained damage capabilities. 

After all, the [Guaranteed-Hit Revolver] only had one bullet. 

Next, Lin Yu examined the second item reward. 

[Congratulations! You have obtained the non-exclusive item reward: Chate's Supplies.] 

Lin Yu saw it was a small wooden box containing a packet of biscuits and a bottle of water. 

But surprisingly... 

This wasn't a consumable item. 

[Chate's Supplies: Generates biscuits and water meeting an adult's minimum daily requirements. Requires "Fear" as material.]