Welcome to Rule City

Mu Ai returned with a package, not the tourist tickets she had expected, but another parcel from Ms. A.

Incidentally, Meng Hao also received the same package; they got the message together and went to pick up the parcels together.

“Is this the reward you got from the Testing Ground last time?” Anton leaned over to inspect the two identical packages, except for the different recipients. “Open it up for the kids to see?”

Meng Hao glanced at him, “I’m not interested in being a dad.”

Mu Ai raised her hand, “Seconded.”

Anton rolled his eyes, looking as if he was about to be driven mad by them, “Alright, alright, I know you two have great teamwork. Talking to you is like fighting two against one.”

Sano lifted her cup and blew on it, speaking coolly, “Haven’t you noticed? Teasing you is a kind of fun, and also a good way to relieve stress.”

Ivan was beside her, cracking walnuts with a small hammer. He didn’t eat them himself but placed them all on a small plate, then obediently pushed it towards Sano. They had a match in the training room earlier, and he accepted his defeat; this was the penalty the loser had to bear.

Fu Xi subtly raised the book in her hand, covering most of her face, clearly showing an attitude of “I’m curious about what’s in the package, but I won’t join your verbal sparring, don’t drag me into it.”

As they spoke, Mu Ai had already opened the not-so-large package. Inside was a flat box about half an arm’s length, and as wide as a palm, not looking like it could hold much.

Mu Ai didn’t leave any suspense, directly lifting the lid of the box. Inside the shallow red groove were 3 Item Cards and a twice-folded piece of paper, namely [Traffic Light – Modified], [Simulated Door – Modified], [Hide-and-Seek Child – Modified].

Meng Hao’s box was also opened, containing the same 3 Item Cards and a piece of paper, identical to Mu Ai’s.

[Revenge fulfilled, this is both gratitude and my last connection with the past-I can’t forget my daughter, but I will strive to find new happiness.]

After reading the letter’s contents, Mu Ai looked up at Meng Hao, who nodded, indicating his was the same.

“It’s quite admirable; those who can persevere through such terrifying ordeals and continue living are always worthy of respect.” Mu Ai placed the letter on the table, allowing others to pass it around, while she picked up the Item Cards to check their descriptions one by one.

[Traffic Light – Modified

Description: A mini version of a traffic light, can be placed on any flat surface of 1x1m. After placement, there’s a 10-second opportunity to adjust its position, after which it will no longer move and will automatically destroy itself 10 minutes after being fixed.

Notes: It will enforce traffic rules on all creatures within a 5-meter radius around the traffic light, during which virtual zebra crossings will appear on the ground. Except for the placer, everyone must follow traffic rules to leave; violators will be deemed in violation by the traffic light and attacked.

During the attack, the traffic light will continuously flash yellow, during which traffic rules are invalid, and anyone can quickly leave the affected area. The traffic light cannot pursue and cannot leave the previously defined area.

Notes: Red light stop, green light go, yellow light wait a moment.]

[Simulated Door – Modified

Description: An ordinary-looking door that can mimic any door.

Notes: The Simulated Door can only be placed on a door that fits the definition of “door.” After placement, it enters a static period for 10 minutes. During this period, the Simulated Door cannot be removed, moved, or violently destroyed.

Anyone approaching the Simulated Door will have the urge to open it. Once they do, they will be transported to any alternate space for 30 seconds, after which they will randomly return to any location within a 500-meter radius of the original spot.

Once the Simulated Door is opened, it exits the static period. When more than three people (including three) open the door, it will automatically destroy itself in one minute, with a small explosion occurring upon destruction. Please avoid it in time.

Notes: To fit the definition of “door,” there must first be a door (material is not limited), and there must be a “left top right” door frame, and the door must be able to be opened, revealing a passage.

Whether there is a doorknob, doorbell, door mirror, etc., is not important.]

[Hide-and-Seek Child – Modified

Description: A small white statue, but since it has legs, it will run.

Notes: Releases a mechanically modified small statue, which will start chasing people after counting to 100 seconds. Initially, the speed is only 100m/20 seconds, then gradually accelerates until reaching 100m/3 seconds.

Like the original Hide-and-Seek Child, it will pause for 10 seconds when encountering a door, then penetrate and continue the chase. Due to insufficient mechanical control, it also pauses for 3 seconds when turning, making it unsuitable for release in areas with many turns and doors.

The Hide-and-Seek Child lasts for 5 minutes after release, after which it gains freedom, running to unknown places and no longer continuing the hide-and-seek game.

Why this happens is still unknown; programmers attribute it to the child’s inexplicable nature, as they always dislike playing the same game for long periods.

Notes: “Da-da-da-da!!” It’s coming, run!]

All are one-time-use items and not directly offensive, yet Mu Ai doesn’t mind at all. She had just thrown out a homework assignment earlier and was wondering what to use to replenish her ammo. Moreover, since they were sent as cards, it means they can be stored in the Rulebook, allowing her to use them anytime even if she encounters a Dungeon with sealed packages.

After discussing the thank-you gifts, the group chatted a bit more about the Testing Ground dungeon. Seeing that it was getting late, they each returned to their rooms to rest.

In the following days, Mu Ai appeared to be in a state of idleness, wandering east and west, and under Zhou Yao’s guidance, she secretly observed the new Building Manager at the apartment in Building 2.

This Building Manager seemed more amiable than Jin-Ge, always smiling at everyone, appearing easy to talk to. He neither put on airs nor bullied others with his position, which made many people favor him in comparison.

Zhou Yao was indifferent to this: “I’m moving to the Villa area tomorrow, similar to your Under the Bronze group. We girls have our own gathering place too. Although our recruitment requirements aren’t as high as yours, at least we can look out for each other, which is better than being with those annoying men.”

Mentioning men, Zhou Yao couldn’t help but wrinkle her nose, evidently reminded of Jin-Ge’s shocking villainous remarks. She then complained to Mu Ai about her previous experience in the Random Instance, where the men she encountered were either ordinary, greasy, or downright disgusting, marking her luck as particularly bad.

“I’ve realized now that talent probably does affect one’s opportunities in the dungeon. I’ve given up on finding a boyfriend here and am content being a single aristocrat; it’s quite nice.”

Zhou Yao glossed over her talent, which Mu Ai guessed was likely related to gender, but since Zhou Yao didn’t mention it, Mu Ai didn’t ask. With so many topics to discuss, there was no need to pry into someone’s privacy.

Not only did Zhou Yao move out of the apartment in Building 2, but Cui Lue and Chu Tiankuo also found their respective organizations.

Cui Lue joined a nine-to-five company, part of the guild’s logistics division, handling mundane tasks similar to those in reality.

He had only entered a Random Instance once initially out of spite against Jin-Ge and, having luckily cleared it, was unwilling to try again. Since he had already clashed with Jin-Ge, he assumed Jin-Ge wouldn’t sell him any tickets, so he seized the opportunity to connect with another large guild, willing to be at the bottom of the pyramid.

Joining the company meant more tasks and being looked down upon by those actively entering dungeons to gather resources, but at least he was surrounded by many like-minded individuals.

The company provided employee housing, sparing Cui Lue from the monthly 300 rent and strict regulations, and he received a modest but sufficient salary to support his family. On Instance Days, the company organized dungeon runs, allowing him to lead a relatively stable life.

Cui Lue had once looked down on this kind of life, but now he cherished the routine of working diligently during the day, returning home smoothly at night, occasionally meeting colleagues for drinks, and secretly cursing the heavens to relieve stress.

He didn’t have to worry about what to do on Instance Days, nor fear the various dangers and hardships in Random Instances. As long as he worked earnestly, Cui Lue felt he could stay in Guize City until the end of time.

The dream of becoming a hero had long faded; now, he only wished to steadily fulfill his role as a corporate drone.

Chu Tiankuo also joined a guild, a larger one, but not in the logistics department like Cui Lue. Instead, he was in the Reserve of the assault team, temporarily guided by seniors to clear all their fixed dungeons. After receiving a series of first-kill rewards to strengthen his body, he would take on tasks to clear Random Instances, significantly reducing the mortality rate.

The guild didn’t offer free guidance. To prevent anyone from freeloading on the “internal training” fixed dungeons, everyone had to sign a contract and have it notarized, agreeing not to leave until they contributed a certain amount of resources to the guild.

The guild provided a monthly living package and free employee housing. Chu Tiankuo’s task was to clear at least two Random Instances each month and submit items listed on the company’s inventory to earn points to qualify for staying.

Cui Lue found this demanding, Chu Tiankuo thought it manageable, Zhou Yao felt it was too restrictive and unstable, and Mu Ai found it too cold, akin to working solo, with less benefit and interpersonal interaction than going solo.

In short, they each made their own choices and didn’t interfere with each other’s decisions, only offering support and blessings after understanding them. Such matters were like drinking water; only the drinker knew its temperature. Regardless of how it appeared to others, finding what suited oneself was most comfortable.

Of course, privately, Mu Ai still believed Under the Bronze was the best, accepting no dissent or rebuttal. However, to maintain friendship among her companions, she kept these thoughts to herself, at most secretly complaining to Sano, receiving warm hugs from the beautiful sister, and no one else knew.

After two more idle days, Mu Ai finally received the belated compensation package from the Exciting Travel app-a limited edition Attraction Ticket for the “Ancient Mansion Adventure” and a Small Badge that was almost worn out.

Now the question arose: this limited edition Attraction Ticket was a double ticket, so who should Mu Ai invite to join her?