Nora's heart stirred. The sinister man's game was indeed a chance to survive, but the odds were slim.

She glanced at Ferrero beside her, barely breathing. "Even if I die," she thought, "I'll get Uncle Ferrero out."

Nora had a miserable childhood. No one had ever been this kind to her. Everyone she met wanted to use her. Lucy and the others betraying her was just one instance.

Yet she remained naive, always trusting others. She didn't know why she was so foolish—perhaps it was innate. Sometimes she wondered.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice Lucy and Angelo staying silent. The sinister man's voice turned icy: "Decided yet?"

Nora hurriedly replied, "I agree. But remember your words: your level must match ours."

The sinister man laughed. "I keep my word. Trust that. Otherwise, I'd have devoured all of you by now."

"And you two?" he asked Lucy and Angelo. "Once the game starts, no changes allowed."

Lucy and Angelo agreed instantly. Terrified of him, they dared not object. If he grew angry, they might not even play.

Lucy quickly said, "We accept your terms."

The sinister man nodded. "Thirty minutes to prepare."

Nora used the time to tend to Ferrero. He could barely speak loudly now. Blood choked his chest, making breathing difficult.

Still, he managed to say, "Nora, put me down. I'll slow you. You heard him—this is about your life."

Hearing this, tears welled in Nora's eyes. They streamed down her face. "Uncle Ferrero, I won't abandon you. As long as I live, I'll save you."

Ferrero sighed. "Why so stubborn, girl?"

Warmth filled his heart. Nora felt like his own daughter, a comfort he'd missed for years. He hadn't seen his real daughter in so long. Would he ever again?

Nora didn't know his thoughts. She pulled a thick rope from her storage space. Hoisting Ferrero onto her back, she tied them together, vowing to live or die as one.

Ten minutes passed. Twenty remained. Lucy and Angelo had already fled separately—a smart move. More targets meant better survival odds.

Nora was now most at risk. She hadn't started yet, burdened by Ferrero's weight. As a warrior, carrying someone slowed her greatly. Her strength wasn't fully developed. At level 80, warriors gained Herculean Strength, boosting power based on aptitude.

The sinister man watched Nora curiously. Why not abandon the burden? Her survival chances would soar. He'd rarely seen such humans. Most sold out friends to save themselves. In past games, selfishness was common.

But Nora? He'd never met her like. He decided to kill this intriguing girl last.

He silently watched her leave, counting seconds in his mind. He suppressed his level to 50. A man of his word—he'd promised, and he delivered.

Something else puzzled him today. He felt watched. Normally, all beings within miles fell under his perception. Nothing escaped him.

He rubbed his head. "Haven't been out long. Gone paranoid. Need to play with more humans."

If Qin Jun knew this, he'd praise the man tirelessly. His intuition was right. Someone watched—a level 999 powerhouse observing his game.

No, not quite. This was Qin Jun's game. The sinister man was just a pawn in Qin Jun's hero-saves-beauty scheme.

After Nora left carrying Ferrero, Qin Jun followed. He had to watch her every move. If the girl he fancied got hurt under his nose, he'd be too ashamed to live.

Watching her serious face, Qin Jun's lips curled into a small, inexplicable smile.

Nora carried Ferrero, afraid he'd sleep. In her mind, sleep meant death. She kept talking to him.

"Uncle Ferrero, where's your home?" she asked.

Ferrero cleared his throat, gasping. "A tiny town called White Sheep Town. Beautiful mountains and water. Famous for wool. During shearing season, flocks stand together. From afar, it warms your whole being."

Nora smiled. "That must be adorable."

Ferrero chuckled. "It is. I remember my daughter riding sheep as a child. Truly adorable."

Hearing "daughter" again, Nora's heart ached. She forced a smile. "Uncle Ferrero, I'm sure I'm cuter than her."

"You?" Ferrero smiled faintly. "Though you're like my daughter, she's still cuter."

Nora pretended indignation. "Impossible! Take me to White Sheep Town. I'll compete with her properly."

"Alright," Ferrero whispered. "My wife will cook for you. She's amazing. I wish I could taste her food again."

Nora felt his voice weaken behind her. She called loudly, "If it's not delicious, I'll throw a tantrum!"

Ferrero murmured, "As you wish. As you wish."

Nora's eyes grew moist, her voice choked. "Then I'll turn your house upside down! Will you stop me?"

Ferrero barely whispered, "As you wish..."

Nora stopped and burst into tears. She knew a kind soul had left this world. Their time together was short, but his kindness ran deep.

She gently lowered Ferrero. He slept peacefully, a faint smile on his lips—a good dream. Sadly, he'd never wake.

Death snuffed the lamp, leaving only emptiness for the living.

Nora froze. Ferrero wouldn't want her to die for him, but she couldn't leave his body to Monstrous Beasts. She chose to bury him.

Qin Jun watched silently. He regretted not saving Ferrero earlier. He felt selfish—a good man's life lost. He could save the dying, not the dead. He was just a level 999 powerhouse, not a god. Was he also in a game? Guided by some elusive hand?

No one knew. No one cared.

Qin Jun snapped back. He didn't dwell on mistakes. Next time, he'd correct it. He'd add White Sheep Town to his travels—mountains, water, endless white sheep. During shearing season, the sight warmed your soul.

As Nora buried Ferrero, the sinister man moved. His first target: Lucy. He disliked her. In an instant, he shot out like a cannonball. Flight and speed were innate, unrelated to his level 50 state. Level only granted more spells. This racial trait—Bloodthirsty Demon Eagle, king of skies—was his survival edge. He loved watching fear on land creatures before devouring them clean.

Lucy neared the Monster Forest exit. She thought she'd survive. A dark shadow blotted the sun. Her face paled. She sprinted desperately. But a rabbit, however fast, couldn't outrun an eagle's talons. In a flash, the giant eagle devoured her whole. Nothing remained.

The sinister man chuckled lightly. "Not bad. What about the next one?"