Eastern Twist Continent, villa area.

Here, far from high-rise buildings, there are Atlantic coastal plains and numerous lakes, with beautiful scenery.

The land here is expensive, and the prices of the high-end villas are more than ten million. The villas are separated by kilometers, with railings and lawns in between.

Occasionally, hundred-year-old trees stand in the green field, but because it is already November, the grass and trees are half withered, lacking the romantic atmosphere in movies.

Despite this, Mayoucai was still amazed.

Sitting in the car, Mayoucai couldn't keep still, frequently turning his head to express his feelings to the people around him, but no one paid attention to him.

The car stopped in front of a retro-style villa gate. Verley took out a remote control and pressed a button. A few seconds later, the gate slowly opened, and Verley drove the car into the yard.

This is the temporary base of the Hope Association. According to Kanna, the Hope Association does not have a fixed base and changes its address periodically to ensure secrecy.

The villa has three floors and is composed of three tones: milky white, light red, and gray. On the outside, there is a stone column corridor, and in the middle of the yard, there is a circular water pool with an animal statue in the middle, the kind that sprays water.

"Wow--!!"

After getting off the car, Mayoucai's expression became even more exaggerated. It was unclear whether he did it on purpose or he really had no knowledge.

Others were also somewhat surprised, but they restrained themselves. They all understood one thing — the Hope Association is indeed well-funded.

Some speculated secretly about Verley's identity. Could he be the heir of a tycoon? Or perhaps this is the capital Verley earned from Horror Novel Web?

Kim Taecheol, Banya, and others looked at Verley with a touch of awe in their eyes, while Heize Lianyue, who was walking behind, seemed to be lost in thought.

...

In the meeting room on the third floor, several people sat around a long table. The president sat in the middle, with Kanna beside him. The other newcomers found seats in scattered places.

In order to prevent Horror Novel Web from finding out, all electronic products such as cell phones and computers were placed outside the meeting room, and even watches were not allowed to be worn.

"The members of this meeting are only the president, me, and you new members. As for the other members, you will meet them later. I believe you must have many questions, and we will answer them for you in this meeting. Before that, take a look at this data." Kanna acted as the host and gave a speech in multiple languages to ensure that everyone could understand.

Kanna handed out a piece of paper to each newcomer, on which there were tables with numbers recorded.

This is a statistical data about the authors on Horror Novel Web.

[October 2017 ■■ Novel Web Data Statistics

Number of new authors: 840

Number of authors who died: 838 (of which 765 are new authors)

As of the end of October, total number of authors: 140

Average daily increase of authors: 28

Classification of work types: 15 realistic works, 125 non-realistic works

...]

Looking at this table, Zhang Xinyuan was shocked. Although he knew that the mortality rate among newcomers was high, he didn't expect it to be this high. Among the 828 authors who died, more than 700 were new authors.

What shocked Zhang Xinyuan even more was that the overall mortality rate of authors was also very high. With 30 authors added every day, there would be over 10,000 people in a year, but the number of authors was still only a little over 100.

"I have a question." Nagi, a thin Malaysian man, raised his hand and asked, "What is your criterion for judging newcomers? Is it the authors who sign a contract?"

Kanna glanced at Verley and then explained, "Since becoming an author, those who can live for 30 days are not considered newcomers."

"Sister Kanna, what does it mean when you mentioned high-level authors earlier? Does it refer to signed authors?" Mayoucai asked loudly.

"No, signed authors are considered F-level authors. Above the F level, there are E, D, C, B, and A-level authors. Only those who reach F or higher are considered high-level authors. Currently, Horror Novel Web has these few grading systems."

"Is that all?" Mayoucai laughed, "I thought those SSS-level authors would be considered high-level authors... Wait, did you just mention the... that website? Isn't that a violation of the rules?"

"It's okay, authors can freely discuss Horror Novel Web without electronic devices," Verly smiled and replied. "But it's best for authors and regular people not to do so, especially when there are electronic devices nearby."

"What if they do?"

Strange phenomena would occur. These phenomena include, but are not limited to, inexplicable strangeness, paranormal activities, unsolved mysteries, and more. However, through our research, we have found that if a submission fails three times, there is almost a 100% chance of encountering strange phenomena. And if the existence of Horror Novel Web is revealed, the probability of encountering strange phenomena will be significantly lower."

"So...what exactly are these strange phenomena? Where is the danger?" Zhang Xinyuan asked with confusion, as it was a question that concerned him.

"Have you ever played single-player horror games?" Verly asked in return.

"Uh...I've only played CS," said Zhang Xinyuan, an 80s-born who had limited knowledge and interest in games.

"I have! I have!" Jin Taiche exclaimed. "Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and the recently released Visage last month, all of them are what I find particularly scary."

"The strange phenomena are similar to the horror games you've played, except that they happen in real life. In these phenomena, various monsters and a series of inexplicable things may occur. You can only escape them by finding the correct solution. Many authors, even high-level ones, have died in these strange phenomena."

"So how can we avoid them?" Ma Youcai asked anxiously.

Newbie authors have a high probability of encountering strange phenomena. For the next month, I hope you all can stay at HWA for observation and follow the association's arrangements. I will guide you on how to overcome the most dangerous initial period. Does anyone oppose?" Verly said slowly.

"No, none."

"I will definitely cooperate!"

"Count on me!"

At a critical moment like this, who would dare to voice objections? Anyone willing to help is enough to be deeply grateful for, as what the newbies lack are resources and experience. The association has given them a way out, and even if it comes at a cost, no one wants to leave. After all, humans fear death.

"President, I have a question. What exactly is Horror Novel Web? Is it material or consciousness? How do we explain its existence?" At this moment, Kurozawa Rengetsu raised her hand.

"You're different from the others. Well, before I answer this question, can I hear your thoughts?" Verly looked at the young girl.

"I think Horror Novel Web is an 'illusion.' Only authors can see it, while others cannot. Screenshots and recording devices cannot capture this website, let alone crack its technology. So, I have reason to suspect that this website actually does not exist. In our eyes, it is just an illusion... Of course, I don't deny its ability to affect reality. I'm just suspecting that our minds, or even our thoughts, are already under the control of Horror Novel Web. Do you understand what that means?"

"What does it mean?" Lena couldn't quite follow Kurozawa Rengetsu's line of thought.

"It means we might not actually be authors, but a group of mentally unstable individuals influenced by a mysterious power. All the information we receive could be false, and even our memories could be fabricated..."

Kurozawa Rengetsu calmly presented this terrifying hypothesis in slow and steady English. Despite being a newcomer, she showed no fear.

"Interesting idea! But if the illusion becomes real to a certain extent, we can consider it as actually existing."

Verly squinted his eyes, looking at Kurozawa Rengetsu with amusement. "Horror Novel Web has existed even before the internet. At that time, it might not have been called Horror Novel Web, but something else. However, that's not important. What's important is that it has always been there, not something that suddenly emerged from human society. The author community has been exploring it for a long time, and we have determined that Horror Novel Web may have a considerably long history, even older than human civilization."

"I understand. So, is Horror Novel Web a living being or a machine?"

"I'm not sure. It's beyond the author's scope to explore. Personally, I lean towards the latter."

"Have you verified it?"

"Yes, but there were interferences."

"I'd like to join you. If Mr. Verley, you have the intention, I can help you," Lia Lien Yue said seriously, standing up.

The air fell silent for two seconds. Verley stared at Yue, and Yue also stared at him. They seemed to want to read each other's thoughts while also engaging in another level of communication. After a while, Verley chuckled, "Aren't you already a member of the association?"

"We..." Yue murmured softly, and then she smiled too, "You're right, thank you, President."

"...Knar looked at Yue and then at the President, a hint of complexity flickering in her eyes.

The other newbies were completely confused and couldn't understand what these two were talking about, only knowing that it was profound.

"Cough..."

At this moment, Zhang Xinyuan suddenly covered his chest and coughed, catching Knar's attention.

"Mr. Zhang Xinyuan seems to have a serious illness. I think he should see a doctor," Knar said to Verley.

"Okay, have Josiah allocate 500,000 to Zhang Xinyuan. If it's not enough, add more. If other newbies have similar issues, they should also speak up. We must ensure their physical and mental health," Verley said.

"Yes." Knar translated Verley's meaning into Chinese for Zhang Xinyuan, who was pleasantly surprised to hear it.

"It's an old condition. You don't need to spend money on it!"

"We are not lacking money, we lack people. Human life is more important than anything else."

"...Thank you."

Zhang Xinyuan was deeply moved. The association didn't treat him as an outsider, and the President's image in his heart soared even higher. At this moment, he truly recognized the association and felt fortunate to become a member.

After a while of conversation, Verley called for the other members of the association and greeted the newbies.

There were not many old members, only about four or five.

They were Xia Emili, Josiah, Terry Jerut, Anli, and Mowan.

Knar told the newbies that the association hopes to have members all over the world. These are just a part of the members, and you will get to know more people in the future.

It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and Verley began to prepare his final speech for the meeting.

"For the next few days, you don't need to update unless Horror Novel Web prompts you. To ensure your safety, I will personally guide you on how to write novels."

"That's all for the meeting. For the next few days, you can stay here. I will arrange free rooms and meals for you. Of course, if you want to stay elsewhere, it's also allowed. The association won't restrict your freedom."

"Finally, please seriously abide by the rules of the association, especially not to disclose any information about the association to outsiders, not even to your closest ones. Understand?"

"Understood, understood!"

"President, we will strictly abide by the rules!"

"...Then the meeting is adjourned."