Chapter 4 – Rose Manor (Part 3): New rule

Guess?

Lin Chen truly hadn’t expected Qi Si to joke around at a time like this.

Before he could say anything, Shen Ming jumped in to smooth things over: “Don’t take it out on Little Lin—he’s new and doesn’t know better; he spoke out of turn. We’re one team here, so let’s give and take and keep the peace.”

Qi Si gave Shen Ming a smile, plucked another apple from the table, and began polishing it as though none of this concerned him.

He’d delivered the remark in a joking tone, leaving it open to many interpretations.

If anyone mocked, he’d naturally back off and share the obvious conclusion.

But right now the veterans seemed used to his withholding—treating shared clues as a favor, not a duty—so he couldn’t help wondering:

Does a team instance really demand unity? Is cooperation truly the best way to clear it?

Interesting—no wonder Ye Zi phrased it as “getting screwed to death inside an instance…” In the deathly hush, the Butler appeared like a ghost and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s late; let me show you to your rooms.”

A sickly false smile crossed his face: “Forgive our poor hospitality, but night is no time to be abroad. When dawn breaks tomorrow, you may stroll and admire the long-awaited roses.”

Qi Si lowered his eyes, his mind automatically extracting the Key points.

First: “Night is no time to be abroad”—matching the rule that forbade leaving the castle after dark.

Second: once the sun rose, players could freely explore the rose-filled garden.

On the system interface, the words “Beware the Roses” looked eerily ominous.

Danger almost certainly lurked in the roses—he just didn’t know how it triggered or what the consequences would be.

Too little intel; someone would have to die scouting the way before the rest could feel safe… “This way, please,” the Butler intoned, maintaining the same measured pace as he led them up the stone stairs.

The flagstones were uneven, thin roots growing between gaps—or perhaps solid rock once, now split by creeping tendrils.

Treading softly on the cracked steps, the players reached the second floor in tense silence.

Some two-hundred square metres of space came into view: grey walls mottled by foul water stains, moss and ferns crawling along every corner.

Three brown doorways gaped in the walls, their battered planks patched with mismatched wood of differing ages—an untidy mosaic.

As on the ground floor, a huge, cumbersome clock stood in the corner, constantly reminding players of the approximate hour.

Time, clearly, mattered in this instance.

The Butler unhooked three Keys from his belt and handed them to Shen Ming, who stood at the front: “Try not to leave your rooms at night. Each room holds two. Guard your Key—it may save your life when it counts.”

He dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, making the moment feel suddenly uncanny.

As one, the players glanced about—and sure enough found no second staircase.

If their sole stair were blocked, they’d be trapped inside like dogs in a sealed kennel.

Qi Si looked at the Butler and asked politely: “Sir, may I ask where the beautiful Miss Anna resides?”

At the word “beautiful” the Butler’s eyes crinkled in evident pleasure.

He replied cheerfully: “Miss Anna lives on the Third Floor… Oh, and I’d nearly forgotten—she dislikes guests prying into her life. Should she discover you up there, she’ll be most displeased.”

So as long as we’re not discovered, we’re safe?

Sounds like the Third Floor is a must-visit.

Qi Si rubbed his chin, lost in thought.

At that instant every player heard the system prompt.

【rule Decryption Progress Updated】

【New rule Generated】

【9. Try not to go to the Third Floor; if you must, do not let Miss Anna find you.】

Being able to ask the exact question that triggers a new rule is a skill—whether by luck or design.

The veterans reappraised their teammate; eyes toward Qi Si now carried clear approval.

Calmly probing Miss Anna and then teasing out the Key clue—this guy clearly knew his stuff.

Under everyone’s gaze Qi Si kept his composure and continued: “Then, Mr. Butler, where do you reside? Where can we find you if we need something?”

The Butler twisted his head, joints cracking like a rusted machine.

Smiling, he lowered a finger toward the floor, his dark eyes nearly popping from their sockets: “I live… underground. Just beside the main gate—come there if you need me…”

Underground? The castle clearly had no basement… The veterans stayed calm, but Lin Chen’s face turned pale, on the verge of fainting.

He kept glancing at Shen Ming, hoping their backbone would say something, but no response came.

The Butler turned stiffly and clomped straight-legged down the stairs until he vanished into the gloom where stair met wall.

Only after he disappeared did Shen Ming speak hoarsely: “What do we make of this new rule—and the Third Floor? Let’s get our thoughts and plans straight.”

“Luckily Qi Si asked about it in advance; otherwise this rule would’ve stayed hidden until someone broke it.”

Zou Yan flashed Qi Si—standing apart from the group—a smile. “If we want to crack the worldview, we’ll have to go to the Third Floor for more clues. If we only aim to clear the instance, we can ignore the Third Floor and simply obey every rule.”

“I’m fine with either. More points would be great, but basic rewards are acceptable too. Any thoughts?”

“Mm-hmm!” Lin Chen nodded, then shook his head. “Then let’s focus on staying alive first; we’ll worry about the worldview if we have time.”

No one objected. It was only the first day of the instance; too much was unknown, and further talk would be pointless.

The mechanical clock struck seven; it was getting late.

Ye Zi simply took Zou Yan’s arm and said with a grin, “I’ll room with Sister Zou—take care of me, okay?”

Pairing the two women was natural; how the four men would split up remained to be discussed.

Shen Ming looked at Lin Chen, troubled. “Xiao Lin, you’re the rookie—who would you like to room with?”

Hesitation flickered in his eyes. “To be honest, I’m not even a full player yet; like you, I’m still a reservist in the Novice Pool. My strength may not be much higher.”

“My ability leans toward puzzle-solving; I need a combat-type partner to maximize it. If something happens, whether I can protect you is uncertain…”

“Ah? R-really?” Caught off guard, Lin Chen was stunned.

He couldn’t fathom why Shen Ming suddenly humbled himself and singled him out.

Ye Zi, arm linked with Zou Yan’s, blinked and laughed. “I get it—Brother Shen wants to avoid suspicion, right? Lots of vets use rookies as mine detectors. Brother Shen’s afraid he can’t protect Xiao Lin and create friction, so he lets him choose.”

She looked at Lin Chen. “Hey, who do you pick? I don’t recommend Brother Shen; he’s our backbone and can’t fall.”

“Okay… but I don’t know who to pick…” Lin Chen lowered his head, staring at the floor.

He caught Ye Zi’s implication that he’d be the first to die, suddenly realizing how unwanted a rookie was.

No experience, little help, and suspicion if he died—an obvious liability in a lethal game.

Who would want this hot potato?

Lin Chen began to regret ever walking into that alley, ever playing hero against two thugs harassing a girl… Then he wouldn’t have been beaten to death, wouldn’t have entered the Eerie Game for another chance at life… Qi Si watched Lin Chen’s face darken and sighed in feigned helplessness, voice gentle. “Lin Chen, if you trust me, room with me.”

“My experience isn’t as deep as Brother Shen’s, but if you follow my lead, I’ll try to keep you from dying to the Ghosts.”

People often think only the weak form groups; the strong go solo.

Yet Qi Si knew one’s power is limited and never hesitated to build his own team—provided he held control.

In short: use others.

He lifted his gaze, smiling at Lin Chen. “I’ll trade the experience of one extra cleared instance for your assistance. How about it?”

The youth’s dark eyes sparkled with sincerity; his slight embarrassment melted into a gentle smile, showing no calculation.

Lin Chen knew someone of Qi Si’s caliber didn’t need a partner; the offer was a face-saving courtesy to protect his pride.

He opened his mouth timidly. “Q-Qi Ge, can I really?”

“Why not?” Shen Ming was happy to have it settled. “Xiao Lin, if Qi Si says so, go with him. I think he’s every bit as capable as I am.”

As if waking from a dream, Lin Chen bobbed his head like a pecking chick. “Th-thank you, Qi Ge! I won’t hold you back!”

Shen Ming naturally paired with the remaining Chang Xu.

A visibly tough teammate is invaluable in a perilous instance; Chang Xu’s near-two-meter height inspired confidence.

Ye Zi quipped, “A puzzle-type plus a combat-type—golden combo. Clearing the instance depends on you two.”

Seeing the grouping nearly done, Zou Yan stepped up to Shen Ming, chose a Key, wished him a cheerful “Good night,” and headed to Room 1 on the right of the stairs.

Qi Si noted everyone’s reactions, took a Key marked “2” from Shen Ming, and led Lin Chen to the corridor’s far end.

Room assignment effectively split the six into three temporary factions.

He never expected much from teammates—just obedience and convenience.

Only Lin Chen barely met those criteria.

In a game of mutual distrust, controlling more pieces early grants greater advantage.

Next, he would use every card to turn Lin Chen into a complete “ally.”