Outskirts.
Far from the edge of the city stood an ancient castle. Well-trimmed gardens surrounded the three-story Western-style building.
Inside the grand hall, a group of people sat in a circle, their gazes unconsciously falling upon the black-haired man seated at the head.
"Welcome, everyone, to this round of the Game Arena."
The man glanced around at the crowd, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his lips.
His name was Su Ze — a transmigrator — and he had obtained the Game Arena System.
At this moment, they were inside a space constructed by the system itself.
"Although you're already familiar with each other through the livestream, this is the first time meeting inside the Game Arena. Allow me to introduce everyone."
He raised his hand and pointed to the man on his left.
"This is Mr. Jing Yuan from the Xianzhou Luofu."
Then, starting from Jing Yuan, he introduced them one by one.
"This is Ms. Jade from the Interastral Peace Corporation."
"This is Ms. Herta from the Genius Society."
Those called stood up slightly in acknowledgment.
Su Ze then gestured toward the other side.
"This lady here… is the Hydro Archon of Fontaine from Teyvat — Furina."
"From Liyue, the Conqueror of Demons — Xiao."
"And from Inazuma, the Electro Archon — Raiden Ei."
"Alright, Su Ze. Skip the opening speech and just start already."
Furina raised her hand to interrupt him. It wasn't their first time participating in the Game Arena — what was the point of all this formal fluff?
And honestly… she wanted to cry.
Why were all the participants this time such big names? Was this even something she could handle?
Quite a few people from Fontaine were watching the livestream. If she got eliminated first, it would be utterly humiliating.
"Ms. Furina, the opening remarks are still necessary. Besides… the rules this time are a little different. It's important to explain them clearly."
Hearing that the rules were different, everyone's expressions turned serious.
After all, Su Ze had hosted many games before, and the rules were always strange and varied. One wrong move and you'd be eliminated.
"First of all, the biggest difference this time…" Su Ze paused, scanning everyone's reactions before continuing slowly, "This time, there will be rewards for the winner."
"Rewards?!"
Even Jing Yuan looked surprised.
Su Ze had previously mentioned that future games would have rewards, but no one expected it to happen so soon.
And from what Su Ze had hinted, the rewards were extremely powerful — even items capable of curing mara-struck afflictions.
How could Jing Yuan not be moved?
If he could bring back a cure to the Xianzhou, it would be monumental.
"Mr. Su Ze, what is the game this time?" someone asked.
That was crucial information. If cooperation was possible, they had to unite.
"Survival game."
"—Hiss—!"
Excitement rippled through the room.
Raiden Ei was the first to raise her hand.
"Alliance. We should form an alliance."
"Agreed," Furina followed.
"I concur."
Not just the Teyvat side — even Jade raised her hand in favor of cooperation.
Even the livestream chat exploded.
[Fuxuan: Shame I wasn't selected this time.]
[Silver Wolf: I just lost a hundred million. My heart hurts so much I can't breathe.]
[Yae Miko: Wuwuwu, I refuse! Why did they pick Ei this time instead of me?!]
[Charlotte: Wow… With Lady Furina participating, the reward is secured. This is huge news. Must record it.]
[March 7th: That sounds suspiciously predetermined…]
[Ningguang: As the winner of the previous game, I demand compensation.]
[Stelle: Go to sleep. You'll get everything in your dreams.]
[Jean: Everyone this time is powerful. Who do you think will win?]
[Kujou Sara: Naturally, Her Excellency the Shogun.]
[Keqing: The Conqueror of Demons' strength speaks for itself.]
[Chevreuse: Of course Lady Furina.]
[Sampo: Keep dreaming.]
[Albedo: @Bennett, who do you think will win?]
[Bennett: Me? Uh… let me think… I think Mr. Jing Yuan might win.]
This game had been hosted many times already. From Jing Yuan's past performances in the livestream, Bennett felt he was exceptionally sharp and always hit the key points.
If he had to choose, he truly thought Jing Yuan would win.
[Qingque: Oh no…]
[Bailu: General, danger!]
[Fuxuan: Who told you to jinx him?]
[Feixiao: It's over. Completely over.]
[Sparkle: 666, Bennett! You're amazing!]
By now, Bennett's bad luck was famous across two worlds.
Since he chose Jing Yuan, everyone already assumed Jing Yuan was doomed.
[Bennett: Uh… s-sorry…]
Inside the arena space.
"Heh. Su Ze, better prepare the reward."
With rewards on the line — and a survival game that allowed alliances — Herta felt this round had real potential.
Since Su Ze started hosting the Game Arena, she had watched plenty of games. But none had rewards before. Perhaps today she would be the first to obtain one.
Su Ze glanced sideways at her, suppressing a laugh.
"Alliance?"
"In your dreams."
If everyone truly united, they would indeed be formidable.
But…
"This game is called 'Lights Out, Please Close Your Eyes.' Inside this house, there is one killer."
"Find the killer, and the rest win."
"If only two people remain, the killer wins."
Spreading his hands, Su Ze leaned back lazily in his chair.
Go ahead.
Try forming an alliance.