Global Fog Survival

“We can’t go this way,” Colin said in a grave tone, halting his subordinates’ urge to explore further.

So far, the hints have been accurate, except for the minor surprise with the ghostly little girl. Thus, Colin chose not to attempt entering the underground passage, deciding to think of another solution first.

His two servants had no doubts about Colin’s command. Experience had shown that their lord’s decisions were always wise and powerful.

Turning back, Colin noted that the monster was still outside. It seemed to be just sitting there quietly, waiting for them to break down, rather than taking any immediate action.

The only good news was that they had recently completed a triggered quest, and their lantern’s blood supply was sufficient, giving them a bit more time. However, this break wouldn’t last forever.

“Lord, the creature seems inactive. Should we try to sneak out through the window?” Servant Two whispered.

“Idiot!” Before Colin could respond, Servant One scolded, “If that monster were as stupid as you, it would be easy to deal with. Do you think the Lord would be in this dilemma if it were that simple? You’d be killed before you even hit the ground.”

“Sorry,” Servant Two apologized, realizing his mistake.

Just as Colin was about to speak, his expression changed drastically.

【You suddenly realize that you have been exploring for three hours and twenty-six minutes. You feel that if you cannot return to the cabin within the next one hour and seven minutes, your chances of surviving the night are extremely slim.】

“Three hours? It felt like just over an hour. And didn’t you say time wouldn’t be an issue for this mission?” Colin’s face turned grim.

One hour and seven minutes. In reality, he only had thirty minutes to find a solution.

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If he couldn’t figure something out within thirty minutes…

Things would become very dire.

Although Colin didn’t know exactly what would happen at nightfall, he understood it would be terrifying.

“What’s wrong, Lord?” The two servants noticed Colin’s sudden change in demeanor and became cautious, unsure if their earlier argument had angered him.

“Nothing. It doesn’t concern you,” Colin shook his head, not intending to share the information. It would only add to their stress without helping.

A minute of silence passed.

Suddenly, Colin had an idea. He took out a parchment and opened the 【World Chat】.

“Please, someone help me. I’m dying of thirst. I don’t even have urine to drink anymore…”

“Begging for the lantern lighting method. I swear my life will be yours…”

“Hasn’t someone already said that the first person to give such a hint will face an unbearable terror? No one wants to be the first. Don’t be naive. Join me in waiting for death…”

“If you still want to see the sun tomorrow, use your reserve food. I’m guessing the game gives us the same stamina. If we can’t figure out the lantern lighting method on the first day and be ruthless, we’ll starve to death.”

“Sigh, I want to help, but I don’t want to face that thing. Facing it will drain my energy and threaten my life… This game is too cruel…”

The chat was filled with pessimism and despair.

Colin realized that revealing the lantern lighting method would bring unknown terrifying consequences, which he had already suspected. However, he didn’t know it targeted only the first person.

This fear kept billions from speaking up or helping each other.

Colin opened the chat because he had a bold idea—

He planned to reveal the lantern lighting method.

Based on the hints, the lord-level mutant outside was hunting people in the forest. If someone else entered, the monster would likely leave.

Colin believed that the lord-level mutant could sense others in the forest. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be at his door.

Once he revealed the method, everyone would quickly learn how to light the lanterns, including those in Colin’s area.

If anyone entered the forest within thirty minutes, Colin would have a chance to escape!

【In your desperation, you came up with this plan. You believe it, though uncertain, has some feasibility. It’s a better option than any other you have.】

【However, you realize this will subject you to an unavoidable punishment in a few days.】

【Surviving the punishment will be extremely difficult, and you’ll need to pass a willpower test before then, which is why no one dares to be the first.】

“A punishment in a few days,” Colin squinted. Right now, his immediate survival is more important.

To hell with a few days later; he needed to live now!

Quickly, Colin edited a message. Just as he was about to send it, he froze, his eyes unfocused, and his pupils dilated.

In an instant, he was plunged into darkness. It felt like his vision, hearing, smell, and all senses were stripped away. He could only feel extreme darkness.

If not for his remaining consciousness, Colin would have thought he was dead.

Suddenly, the darkness twisted, becoming impure and filled with inexplicable things.

These things defied logic, with immense, celestial bodies and unimaginable speed, operating by unknown laws.

Colin felt insignificant. He tried using his hint ability for information but was chilled by the instinct not to do so.

A strange coldness rose from within as Colin sensed some mysterious entities observing him, making his skin crawl.

Before he could react, he saw a bloodshot, giant eyeball appear ahead.

“What the hell is this?!”

Colin’s scalp tingled. Under the eyeball’s gaze, his perception twisted.

The eyeball radiated pure malice, making the crazy little girl seem gentle in comparison.

Colin felt intense unease and a desire to retreat. But he knew retreat meant death.

Gradually, everything vanished. He returned to reality.

It was as if nothing had happened.

He had passed the willpower test.