Chapter 72: The Simulator Speaks |
Meng Ting never imagined in his lifetime that he would face such a colossal setback.
When the Bear Trap suddenly clamped onto him, he realized that he had fallen into a trap. This seemingly powerless Esper was far from the helpless, panicked individual he had expected. On the contrary, he seemed prepared for this encounter.
"This is impossible!"
Meng Ting felt as though he had truly encountered a ghost. He couldn't fathom it: "How could he remain so calm and composed if he could be captured by 'Soul Capture' so easily?!"
Mental abilities are inherently subjective, meaning the willpower of both the Esper and the target matter. Abilities like "Invisible Presence" and "Soul Capture" are naturally resisted by those with strong wills, such as Espers, who possess inherently stronger wills than ordinary people.
Guan Shan's reaction, akin to that of a common person, suggested that he lacked any significant willpower, making him an anomaly among Espers.
"Such a person should be blustering but empty inside, brave but foolish, right???" Meng Ting thought, based on his experience and Guan Shan's various achievements. However, Guan Shan's actions contradicted this belief.
Thus, Meng Ting, amidst excruciating pain, entertained a bizarre thought: "No energy level, and totally susceptible to special-type abilities... Could he really be a normal person?!"
But such an idea was preposterous. Guan Shan had just demonstrated space-related abilities before him. How could he be a normal person?
Meng Ting tried to stay conscious through the pain, dodging Guan Shan's bullets with maximum effort. Despite not having physical enhancement abilities, his body had been modified by the organization, granting him reflexes and strength at a low D-level, enough to dodge most vital shots.
The incendiary rounds, however, complicated matters by causing secondary burns, leading to severe pain and rapid blood loss, slowing him down. He barely avoided getting shot in the head multiple times.
"Shhh..."
Realizing the dire situation, Meng Ting gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and pulled out a small ten-centimeter-long syringe from his pocket, injecting himself with its contents.
This item was given by the organization, a concentrated version of "Ascension Candy," called "Concentrated Ascension Serum" for Espers. Unlike the regular "Ascension Candy," which could awaken abilities in ordinary people, this serum enhanced an Esper's abilities comprehensively, even allowing Meng Ting to use his power twice.
It was a potent blend of healing and enhancement but extremely precious, with each Drone Bee receiving only one dose.
"To think I'd be forced into using this in one encounter. If I don't kill you today, my reputation as the 'Grim Reaper's Scythe' is done for."
Meng Ting, filled with determination, prepared for a fatal strike.
Strength surged through him, and as he braced to pry open the Bear Trap, it suddenly vanished.
Meng Ting hesitated, and his arm was shot, breaking it.
He looked at the ground, seeing the bell and his arm.
He was furious.
"Great, you're dead!"
Meng Ting wasted no time, instantly appearing beside Guan Shan's "body" in the chair. Guan Shan seemed unresponsive, reaching out before charging.
The "Grim Reaper's Scythe" didn't allow any chance to retaliate, quickly pointing a finger at Guan Shan's nape.
The touch of skin felt real, almost making Meng Ting smile. He had killed countless times effortlessly, but Guan Shan's body showed no signs of the usual decay and disintegration.
"?"
Meng Ting was stunned.
Despite touching Guan Shan's body, nothing happened!
"It's useless! How... is this possible?!"
Meng Ting's disbelief turned to a grimace as his worldview shattered, doubting his power.
Refusing to believe his power had failed, Meng Ting reached out again, but Guan Shan's ghost form kicked him over with tremendous force.
"Zzz—"
The chainsaw roared, and the masked man raised it high before driving it down.
Blood splattered, covering the man's body and mask, merging with the blood streaks on the mask.
---
-3124
A massive blood-red number appeared before Guan Shan.
It was a critical hit!
"The blessing markings really do increase luck!"
Guan Shan was overjoyed. His body, covered in glowing white runes, had split the baby skeleton at the "Grim Reaper's" center with the chainsaw, which remained lodged in the creature.
The poison ointment took effect, dealing increasing damage.
Victory was near!
However, the next moment, the "Grim Reaper" swiftly regenerated, and its wounds healed rapidly.
Guan Shan watched in disbelief as the nearly depleted health bar refilled, his heart sinking: "Damn, a second health bar?! What is this?!"
"Heh... Did you think this was over?"
Meng Ting, eyes flashing coldly, sneered. The "Concentrated Ascension Serum" was only now taking effect!
His wounds healed instantly, and he summoned the bell to his hand with telekinesis, granted by the serum.
Meng Ting stood, shaking the Soul Capture bell.
"Ding-a-ling—"
Guan Shan felt the crushing sensation again, turning pale, dizzy, and on the verge of collapse.
This is the end... His spirit wavered, nauseous, seeing the "Grim Reaper" raise its scythe.
But the white runes on Guan Shan's flickering body grew clearer...
[You have attracted the gaze of a void entity]
The simulator thus spoke.