My Cell Prison我的细胞监狱

Chapter 282: Paradise

The fusion was complete, and the once familiar fate event, "Strange Talk," underwent a metamorphosis into an even more twisted version.

The very framework of the narrative underwent a significant refactoring. The meticulous planning of events, alterations in the participants' initial identities, and the imposition of new constraints marked a paradigm shift in the unfolding saga.

In the contemporary global landscape, mankind, through cutting-edge neurotechnology, had finally glimpsed the existence of spirits, validating the terrifying urban legends that had lingered across diverse regions.

The Joint Management Bureau introduced the "Strange Talk Incident Admission Scheme," while the Special Operations Bureau of the East Erhai Lake District ingeniously concentrated all bizarre occurrences in the nation to a designated zone—a "Strange Talk Paradise" dedicated to investigating supernatural phenomena.

"Even the most callous death row inmates will rediscover their long-forgotten fears within this paradisiacal realm."

This was categorized as an Evil Event with a seed-stage difficulty of five stars, denoting its formidable nature.

The twisted mainline directive was clear: Escape from the eerie confines of the Strange Talk Paradise. The absence of a specific time limit added an extra layer of complexity to the challenge. Four distinct rewards awaited those who successfully accumulated "strange talk points."

Reaching 200 points offered the chance to be a "Vegetable Chicken Prisoner," with rewards including three Destiny Points, a "Destiny Card (Seed Level)," and a high-level souvenir from the realm of "Strange Talks."

However, the intricacies of this fate event extended further. A "Strange Talk Store" within the park allowed the purchase of useful items. Yet, caution prevailed, as all acquisitions from this store were rendered unable to traverse the confines of destiny's space.

Grotesque points left unconsumed would be converted into destiny points at a ratio of 10:1 during customs clearance. With the difficulty reaching its peak at the seed stage, participants were advised to approach with vigilance.

Excitement and trepidation echoed within the squad as they delved into the newly defined narrative. Blacksmith Wen Li, her countenance pale, involuntarily exclaimed at the revelation of the five-star difficulty.

In the transition from consciousness to corporeal existence, she grappled with fear, earning her a less-than-friendly gaze from fellow travelers. The prospect of facing the unknown in the Strange Talk Paradise fueled a palpable eagerness in Wen Li, visible to all.

The group officially entered the realm of fate but found themselves not in the anticipated Strange Talk Paradise. Instead, they occupied an open, pristine train compartment hurtling along an ocean railway. The azure sea beyond the window unfolded as an ethereal panorama.

For denizens of the holy city, the ocean had remained an elusive mystery, its beauty confined to literary descriptions. Abel and Mia, positioned by the window, were captivated by the breathtaking view.

As per the event's description, the destination of this moving carriage was the East Japanese "Paradise," designed to confine the strange talks.

The quartet, clad in black and white striped prisoner attire with super alloy-reinforced electronic restraints, stared at their costumes. Han Dong, breaking the silence, muttered about the unexpected role of prisoners in this card-enhanced, distorted world.

The allure of a five-star difficulty lay in the promise of three destiny points upon perfect completion—a tantalizing prospect, especially given the taxing nature of previous fate events.

Recollections of the daunting clown incident, with its four-star difficulty, still lingered in Han Dong's memory. However, the two events differed fundamentally. The absence of a designated ultimate boss in Strange Talk Paradise offered a departure from the singular confrontations of past narratives.

It was a multi-layered, multi-monster, and multi-destiny event with the singular objective of accumulating "strange talk points" for a successful escape.

The prospect resonated with Han Dong, who preferred the absence of a direct confrontation akin to the previous clown encounter.

As the squad absorbed the concise event brief, Han Dong maintained his composed demeanor. In contrast, his teammates displayed varied expressions, reflecting their inexperience with such fate-altering events. The inherent danger was palpable—an incorrect step, a delayed move, or a momentary lapse could lead to an irreversible dead end.

Surveying the fellow prisoners in their compartment, Han Dong remarked, "These prisoners...are not ordinary."

Each occupant exuded a sense of hopelessness or near madness, characteristic of death row inmates. Under this altered reality, these prisoners seemed to possess an otherworldly quality.

At that moment, folding LCD screens descended above each group of seats, and an announcer appeared on the display—a woman poised to elucidate the regulations of this peculiar "death prisoner trip."

"Dear death row inmates, greetings. Our train will reach the Park station in half an hour. Pay close attention as I outline the requirements and regulations of this 'death prisoner trip.'"

The woman continued to articulate the purpose behind their existence, emphasizing the opportunity for these individuals to contribute to humanity by exploring the supernatural within Paradise.

However, meeting certain requirements was imperative. Each prisoner examined their wrists, where the number [5] denoted their initial "strange talking points," a vital metric for survival.

Within Paradise, a "strange talk supermarket" offered a plethora of items purchasable with these points—consumables, props, and clues to aid in survival.

The woman elucidated the redemption scale: 1 point for inconspicuous clues, 5 points for mildly eerie hints, 10 points for commonplace conversational clues, and 30 points for redemption. Upon accumulating 100 points, prisoners could obtain a pass for departure from the nearest park exit, granting them a new lease on life.

As the woman's voice faded, the weight of their circumstances settled upon the prisoners, promising an arduous journey through Strange Talk Paradise.