"I can't believe that I, a distinguished host of a special instance, could fall this low…"

The Fortune-teller's scalp tingled. What was she saying! What did she mean by 'I, a distinguished host of a special instance'? Teacher Sweet was indeed the host of a special instance, but those words absolutely shouldn't have come from her own mouth.

The Fortune-teller had always believed that all instances would reset. Once a group of players completed an instance, it would revert to its original state before accepting the next group. The NPCs within these instances were merely tools generated by the game, their memories wiped clean with each reset. But now, it seemed that wasn't the case at all! She had always been cautious when entering instances, never mentioning words like "instance" or "game" in front of NPCs. Yet, these NPCs in the instance actually knew their own identities? A character in a game knew they were an NPC? That was utterly ludicrous!

The Fortune-teller swayed, feeling a little faint. A chill crept up from the soles of her feet to her heart. These instances weren't just data… they were alive…

At this moment, Gu Mian, who was in the room, had already turned to look at Teacher Sweet. He knew the Fortune-teller hadn't gone far. For Teacher Sweet to say such a thing at this juncture, she was clearly making sure the Fortune-teller outside could hear her. Moreover, her tone carried a distinct hint of threat, as if she might expose his identity to the other players at any moment.

Being exposed wouldn't be a huge deal, but Gu Mian was rather concerned that people who knew his identity might have loose lips. They might tell everyone they met things like, "That Gu Mian is easy to recognize, handsome, dashing, and suave," making his appearance common knowledge. This was especially true for players with occupations. Players with occupations usually had many friends—except for himself, of course.

Seeing that Gu Mian didn't speak up, Teacher Sweet raised an eyebrow and continued, "I can make an exception and tell you which of the remaining No. 2 and No. 3 is a player. You can then immediately fill in your crush and leave this instance…"

Heavens! The Fortune-teller, standing at the top of the stairs, instinctively took a step back, trying to hear more clearly, her heart pounding in her chest. What was going on with this instance? How could an NPC proactively offer players such information?

Teacher Sweet's voice continued to drift from the room, and this time, even the Fortune-teller could detect the threat in it. "Besides you, there are four other players left in this instance. None of them are easy to deal with."

Although the Fortune-teller outside didn't immediately grasp what Teacher Sweet was threatening, Gu Mian understood perfectly. If he remained in this instance, the other four players could discover his identity at any moment, perhaps even learning that his nickname was concealed. Coincidentally, none of those four were to be trifled with. They would not only covet what he had but were also highly likely to share his information with others. Without the protection of his hidden identity, Gu Mian would have to constantly watch his back for attacks, both in the real world and in the game.

This was a blatant threat. If a precedent was set here today, then any NPC he met in the future could use the same tactic against him. Teacher Sweet could truly be called a pioneering, new-era NPC.

At this moment, Gu Mian found himself missing the Evil Ghosts from other instances. As ferocious as they were, they had never threatened him so openly. Teacher Sweet, despite her human appearance, posed a far greater danger than those Evil Ghosts.

Gu Mian resolved that if he ever encountered the ghosts he had previously beaten, he would offer them a sincere apology.

Teacher Sweet smiled at Gu Mian. "Of course, don't even think about trying anything on me. I can, at any moment…"

But before she could finish, Gu Mian cut her off, "What was that you just said?"

Teacher Sweet frowned slightly, unsure of Gu Mian's move. After a moment's hesitation, she repeated, "I said, don't think about trying anything on me…"

"No, the line before that."

"I can tell you…"

"Not that one. Further back. The one where you were sighing about your ill fortune and difficult fate."

Teacher Sweet thought for a moment, then frowned and said, "To think that I, a distinguished host of a special instance, could be reduced to such a state?"

Gu Mian chuckled. "Don't say you've been reduced to such a state. There were several before you who were far worse off. Your current situation isn't so bad, really. The worst is always yet to come."

Teacher Sweet's mind raced. Her smile instantly froze on her lips. "What do you mean by that?"

Outside, the Fortune-teller didn't dare move a muscle, silently listening to the conversation between the two in the room. She knew they were both tacitly allowing her to eavesdrop, but even with their permission, she didn't dare make the slightest sound.

Just after Teacher Sweet spoke, the Doctor's voice followed, "What I mean is—this isn't your worst predicament yet."

Teacher Sweet started to say, "What—"

But before she could finish, a piercing scream cut her off.

Hearing the scream, the Fortune-teller instinctively turned her head and took a step in that direction, only to freeze again. She didn't dare go any closer.

Then, a sound like a motorcycle engine revving roared from the room. After a long moment, Teacher Sweet's incredulous voice followed, "Are you insane?"

Before the Fortune-teller could process where the motorcycle sound had come from, she heard the Doctor's voice again. "If I back down to you today, every NPC I meet from now on will be able to threaten me like this. Choosing the lesser of two evils, I'd say being threatened by players is slightly more tolerable than by NPCs… Besides, I find you particularly grating today."

How could the Fortune-teller not understand after hearing that? That Doctor must have kidnapped Teacher Sweet! But weren't players unable to harm NPCs? And how did he manage to kidnap her? With a motorcycle?

Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, the Fortune-teller quickly tiptoed towards the source of the sounds. After just a few steps, the scene inside the room came into view.

That guitar case didn't hold life-saving medical supplies for critical moments; it clearly contained a gleaming, menacing, and deadly weapon!

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