Chapter 46 Part 2

The Masked Man glanced at him, then continued his final strokes, unperturbed by Zhong Nian’s curious inspection.

After finishing, as he stored the knives back into the knife pouch, he paused and drew out a Bird-Beak-Shaped Dagger, handing it to Zhong Nian.

Zhong Nian: “?”

Zhong Nian did not quite understand his intent but obediently reached out to take it. He examined it closely in his hand and praised, “This is really nice.”

Then he tried to return the knife to the man.

The other did not take it. “It’s for you.”

“Huh?” Stunned, Zhong Nian had thought the man just wanted to show off the sharpening. “No need, this must be a prop you drew from clearing an Instance, right? It’s valuable.”

Every Instance required paying a price in blood. Zhong Nian had also learned from the Forum that Guilds often organized teams to enter low-level dungeons systematically to collect props and Instance experience, ensuring nothing went wrong in the final S Instance.

Not to mention whether they could clear every time unscathed—props obtained via lottery draws depended on luck.

—Of course, depending on the Instance’s game background, the Game System would impose certain restrictions on props to prevent Players from massacring ordinary NPCs and derailing the plot.

Some props looked ordinary and seemed obtainable in the Dungeon World, but their offensive power was completely different. For example, the gun the Masked Man had wielded last night had a significant effect on non-human NPCs like the Devil.

Whether in the previous Instance or this one, Zhong Nian had deliberately carried self-defense tools like scissors or a folding knife. Only now, observing one up close for the first time, did he appreciate the difference in props.

It flowed with sharp light and emanated a different “aura,” as if endowed with life—like it was alive.

The Masked Man showed no intention of taking it back and casually rolled up the knife pouch to store it away.

Suddenly foisted with such an extraordinary gift, Zhong Nian felt at a loss. He hurriedly pulled out the candies he had received from the Children to give back in return.

Only upon digging did he realize many had fallen out during his run on the road; not much remained in his pocket.

Zhong Nian offered most of what was left to the Masked Man. Though he was very grateful, the Children’s sentiments were important too—he needed to keep a little.

“These are from the Small Town Children. I’ve eaten some; they should be fine, and they’re pretty tasty.” Zhong Nian sincerely recommended. “Especially this hazelnut chocolate—super smooth and fragrant.”

There was not much food in this Cabin, and one should not underestimate the high-calorie value of these candies or chocolates; they could play a big role at critical moments.

The Masked Man accepted the return gift and pocketed it. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Thank you too.” Zhong Nian cherished the Bird-Beak-Shaped Dagger in his hands and smiled at him.

–

With the fog blanketing outside, no one could go out, so everyone stayed in the Cabin.

Zhong Nian, who had not slept well the previous night, had a persistent headache with his temples throbbing. Without wasting time, he went upstairs for a nap.

Whether he could sleep well that night was still uncertain.

After dinner, the most crucial voting round arrived again.

The Bald Man, as if he had been waiting for this moment, said directly, “Same as yesterday. I vote for him.”

He meant the Masked Man.

Zhong Nian awaited the same outcome as the night before.

This situation was unsolvable. Even if he and the Masked Man coordinated in advance to vote for someone else, it would only be two votes, tying their own.

Worst case, they would go to the Church and beg that Priest—maybe eke out a slim chance of survival.

Zhong Nian had steeled his mindset, but what followed exceeded his expectations.

He heard the Skinny Man and the Couples all vote for the Masked Man, leaving him utterly shocked. He quickly turned to look at the man standing alone in the corner.

The other remained calm throughout, his deep black eyes showing no ripples, as if the events had nothing to do with him.

“Already four votes. The result is set; no need for the rest to vote.” Jie Jialiang sighed lightly. “Sorry about this, but at midnight, you’ll have to go to the Confessional.”

Zhong Nian furrowed his brows at Jie Jialiang.

Jie Jialiang noticed his gaze and chuckled. “What’s wrong?”

Zhong Nian pursed his lips but said nothing.

No need to think—this was a premeditated outcome, but he was powerless against it.

It was still early before midnight. During the wait, no one could go upstairs; they all kept watch together. At midnight, they would escort the person to Church Confessional—this was the Bald Man’s proposal, to prevent the eliminated one from escaping.

Zhong Nian thought it was unnecessary.

Though the Masked Man was uncooperative and often acted alone, he had cooperated properly in the votes these two nights. Moreover, Zhong Nian did not believe the Masked Man would fear anything enough to run.

After all, he had seen it—the Masked Man was exceptionally capable and fearless even walking into the fog.

When it came time to bind him, the Masked Man grabbed the Bald Man’s reaching arm. The others immediately went on high alert.

The Bald Man could not break free, his face twisting grotesquely. “What are you doing? Regretting it?”

The Masked Man’s gaze lightly fell on Zhong Nian. “I want him to tie me.”