Vol. 1 Chapter 1 – Fresh Flowers Scorched Earth Campus (1)

The room was not even ten square meters big. There was only one wooden chair, along with a writing desk and another chair near the windows. There was also a flowerpot in the corner.

On the white wall were the big words, ‘Anyang High School Security Office’ written in what looked like crooked handwriting.

Everyone looked at the handsome young man when he walked into the security office.

The man with the scar on his face occupied the old chair. He saw the young man and asked coldly, “Newcomer?”

He nodded. “Sorry, I’m late.”

The man sneered, turning his head to look at the window. “Everyone is here. Can we go in?”

The young man followed the man’s gaze; he saw an old security guard sitting near the wooden table by the window, reading the newspaper.

The security guard looked up, put on his reading glasses, and took out the register form from the drawer. After a long while, he asked, “Yin Liuming?”

“It’s me.”

The security guard unlocked the rusty metal gate with the key and said, “Go in.”

After everyone walked in, the security guard closed the gate once again.

Yin Liuming looked back.

The moment the metal gate closed, fog enveloped the clearly visible outside scenery. Suddenly, the school surroundings turned dark, as if time had accelerated to the evening; the scene appeared strange and gloomy.

The others also noticed the change in the environment. The people who were standing here were all willing to enter the Nightmare Game, and they were mentally prepared to overcome the difficulties. Therefore, they weren’t very surprised.

Some people glanced around curiously, while others felt afraid but still pretended to remain calm.

One of them said with a trembling voice, “Will we be able to leave this place?”

The only woman on the team responded casually, “If you can clear the game, you will be able to leave this place.”

“What if I won’t be able to clear the game?”

The woman let out a meaningful laugh.

Everyone recognized the subtlety of her laugh and couldn’t help but shiver.

The icily arrogant young man who seemed to be the leader looked around and said indifferently, “I will introduce myself again. My name is Ding Pei’an. I am one of the guides who provides explanations and introductions to newcomers. I’ve cleared a three-star dream, so you better be obedient if you want to live in this dream.”

The woman in a black windbreaker, who had just spoken earlier, said, “My name is Ning Yuanyuan. I’ve already cleared a two-star dream, and I’m also your guide.”

Yin Liuming suddenly raised his brows.

When he entered the Nightmare Game, he had never heard of guides.

“In order to improve the players’ survival rate. There will be one or two veteran players guiding the newcomers in the first dream.” Ning Yuanyuan explained nonchalantly, “Of course, you can also choose not to listen to us, and at that time, don’t blame us if something happens to you.”

Yin Liuming rubbed his chin lightly.

Nobody had anticipated that the Nightmare Game would adapt to human needs and provide a tutorial for newcomers.

Several people gradually understood. Thus, they hurriedly flattered Ding Pei’an and Ning Yuanyuan.

“Brother Ding, Sister Ning. We will listen to you!”

“I will depend on you in this dream!”

Players who entered the Nightmare Game were the people driven by a strong desire. No matter what their desire was, they must clear the game to survive and achieve their goal.

Yin Liuming turned his eyes toward the other newcomers; he found that some were flattering Ding Pei’an and Ning Yuanyuan as much as they could.

This was understandable.

The Nightmare Game was a world that was entirely different from reality. Of course, when you rush into this type of new area, you need to find a golden thigh to hug.

Ding Pei’an was a little impatient. “Introduce yourself first.”

After Yin Liuming introduced himself, he didn’t partake in flattering the old players like some newcomers and only observed the surrounding environment.

The school looked very old. The concrete floor had many fractures, and the flowerbed bricks were also cracked. In contrast, roses, lilacs, winter jasmines, chrysanthemums, and other flowers were blooming nicely in the flowerbed.

The flowering season was clearly different, but at this school, the flowers bloomed at the same period.

These flowers were planted so thickly that they could make people dislike them. The multicolored flowers and leaves have almost covered the ground entirely, and the pungent fragrance has also spread all over the area.

Compared to those blooming flowers, there wasn’t a single figure on the campus. The murky sky and deserted atmosphere gave the school an unusual appearance.

A gust of wind passed by, but no one knew where it had come from. The flowers in the flowerbed made a sighing sound, which was extremely uncomfortable to hear.

This atmosphere affected a few newcomers, who subconsciously gathered around the two veteran players.

Someone asked carefully, “Brother Ding, what are we going to do now?”

Din Pei’an’s attitude was not very good. “Wait, there will be NPCs to lead the way.”

A female student in a ponytail and a blue and white school uniform waved at them from the school building after he spoke. “Hello, teachers!”

It must be the NPC in Ding Pei’an’s mouth.

The girl ran forward and stopped in front of them. With a cheerful smile on her face, she said, “Director Jiang asked me to pick everyone up; please follow me.”

The six people followed the girl around the flowerbed and arrived at the second floor of the office building. They met Director Jiang, whom the girl had just mentioned.

The office building’s walls exhibited mottled colors. Director Jiang used a painted writing desk that looked shabby and old.

Director Jiang was indeed like the model of the director of Academic Affairs in the senior high school. A cologne scent lingered on his body, and it was detectable even from across the writing desk. There wasn’t any anger or passion on his face. When Director Jiang stretched out his hand to greet everyone, his expression was a little solemn. “Welcome all the teachers here.”

Before they could speak, Director Jiang said it on his own.

“The grades of the students from third senior year, Class 3, are getting worse and worse. Teacher Zhang is on maternity leave. Managing students is hard, and some groups bully the weak. There will be an important exam in a few days. I would like to invite some teachers to help the students prepare.”

The six people’s expressions changed slightly.

At this moment, the loudspeaker that hung on the doorway made a rustling noise twice. Soon afterward, the mechanism suddenly sounded:

[Six players have opened the dream.]

[Dream Name: Fresh Flowers Scorched Earth Campus.]

[Main mission: Help the Class 3, third-year senior students pass the exam. Mission difficulty: ★.]

[Players can choose to leave the dream after completing the main mission, and the reward will be settled after leaving.]

[The first step of the main mission: Select the subject.]

[There is no reward after completing the mission.]

Yin Liuming had already read the ‘system introduction’ when he entered the game, so he wasn’t surprised by the broadcast sound.

Looking at other people’s expressions, it was obvious that they were no exception.

Director Jiang didn’t seem to hear the broadcast noise at all. He pulled out a few folders from the drawer. “This is several lesson plans from each teacher.”

The light yellow cover of the lesson plan only had the subjects ‘Chinese’ and ‘Mathematics’ printed in a regular bold font.

Some people glanced at each other; they immediately understood the meaning of the broadcast words just now.

It asked them to select one subject and also let them be a teacher.

However… Is the mission really asking them to be a teacher?

Why is the mission so strange?

Ding Pei’an took the lead; his eyes swept around various lesson plans, then he finally reached out and picked the chemistry subject.

Ning Yuanyuan followed and picked Chinese.

Yin Liuming watched the others’ choice of subjects leisurely. When it was his turn, he picked the last one, which was physics.

After receiving the lesson plan, Yin Liuming noticed that there was somewhat of an old teacher photo on the cover. Along with his movement, the photo gradually became himself, and two words slowly appeared on the blank space below the photo: Yin Liuming.

Director Jiang continued, “The students will begin their self-study at 7 o’clock every night; we will leave them to the teacher until 8 o’clock.”

As Director Jiang’s words fell, the mechanism sounded from the loudspeaker once again:

[Main mission update: There will be a random selection of each subject everyday to have makeup lessons for the third senior year, Class 3 students.]

[1 point will be rewarded for completing the mission.]

Did they really need to do the makeup lessons?

The players looked at each other. “This…have any of you remembered what you learned in senior high school?”

“Actually, I never went to high school.”

“I graduated long ago, so I forgot.”

There was a boy, wearing glasses, who appeared to be like a student. He said timidly, “I remember quite a bit…”

The eyes of the middle-aged man who was talking in front suddenly lit up. “It’s all up to you now.”

Ding Pei’an stood on one side with his arms crossed. He said coldly, “Do you think the mission really asked us to do the makeup lesson?”

The middle-aged man froze for a moment.

“You thought the Nightmare Game created this dream just to make you become a teacher? If you do that, it is the same as throwing away your life.”

The middle-aged man got stuck for a while and smiled reluctantly. “Then, what does Brother Ding think?”

Ding Pei’an said, “First, find the dreamer.”

“The dreams of the Nightmare Game are actually born from the real dream. The danger in the dreams comes from the fear of the dream owner; we generally call them the dreamer.” Ning Yuanyuan explained, “There are two ways to clear the dream. The first way is to honestly follow the main mission and complete it step by step, which will allow you to leave in the end. This method clears the game and reduces the reward you will receive.”

“The second way is to find the dreamer. Next, analyze the dream’s source and break the bond within the dreamer’s heart. After completing the mission, the entire dream will disappear. Additionally, many rewards will be given for solving the difficulties.”

“As for the main mission, it is usually related to the dreamer’s wishes. To complete the mission, it is best to locate the dreamer to confirm that the dream accurately reflects their wishes, which will make completing the mission easier.”

Yin Liuming asked curiously, “Why does the game set up this kind of dream?”

The school and the exam sounded like they were the dream of a student who had failed the exam.

Ding Pei’an responded impetuously, “Who knows? Furthermore, breaking the entire dream is a skill that only veteran players have.”

He stared at Yin Liuming unceremoniously. “You newcomers should follow the mission obediently. You will not die, and you might be able to win as well.”

The middle-aged man asked carefully, “Then, at this moment, we…?”

Ding Pei’an frowned. “Go to Class 3; follow us.”

Since it was crucial for them to do the makeup lesson for third senior year, Class 3, then they would naturally visit the students first; the dreamer was most likely in Class 3.

Earlier, this old player’s command also included the four newcomers.

The bespectacled young man, who had spoken before, seemingly wanted to say something. But eventually, he endured it and followed the others cooperatively.

Yin Liuming also followed from behind without any problem.

Roses, chrysanthemums, and hyacinths bloomed on the road and classroom windowsills. When walking along the way, one would be able to smell the fragrance of flowers.

The middle-aged man was a bit bemused. “Why are there so many flowers in this school?”

Ning Yuanyuan warned randomly. “It’s best not to touch them.”

“Is there a problem with these flowers?”

“Don’t forget the name of the dream.”

—Fresh Flowers Scorched Earth Campus.

The name didn’t match at all. It was especially hard for people to clearly understand the meaning behind the words ‘scorched earth.’

The old player’s words were crucial. The newcomers immediately walked in the middle; none of them dared to look at those flowers again.

When Yin Liuming stepped past the flowerbed, he paused slightly.

A thorny yellow rose suddenly appeared in his hand.

Yin Liuming was very confident that he had not extended his hand to pick the flower. What’s more, the distance between the flowerbed and him was also far enough.

In other words, the flower snapped itself off and leaped onto his hand.

Ding Pei’an’s gaze shifted over, and his voice sank. “You picked up the flower? Didn’t I tell you not to act rashly?”

Yin Liuming glanced at him. When he wanted to explain, Ding Pei’an interrupted him.

“You willful people always consider yourselves to be the right ones. But you are now in the Nightmare Game, so you had better change your character.” Ding Pei’an became more rude. “Even the cautious player may die at any time. And if you want to die, don’t drag others with you!”

The middle-aged man, who had previously flattered Ding Pei’an, also followed. “Xiao Yin, we are newcomers, so we should listen to Brother Ding, or else what should we do if we get into an accident?”

No matter how sluggish the people were, Ding Pei’an’s hostility toward Yin Liuming was obvious, and Yin Liuming himself was also aware of this.

The other newcomers glanced back and forth between the two, and no one dared to speak up.

Ning Yuanyuan stood on the side idly and watched.

Yin Liuming wasn’t at all angry. After Ding Pei’an finished speaking, he raised the yellow rose in his hand and countered indifferently, “The flower moved by itself and fell into my hand.”

“How can the flower…”

Halfway through his speech, the middle-aged man stopped.

This was not a real world but a dream that was filled with strange things.

As if to confirm Yin Liuming’s words, the bespectacled young man exclaimed. “Me too! This flower jumped onto my hand by itself.”

When he lifted his hand, he was already holding a red poppy.

Ding Pei’an’s face changed; his expression turned cold. “Be more careful!”

Others quickly moved to the middle of the road, evading the ‘trick’ the flowers had created.

The bespectacled young man felt a little uneasy. “What about this flower?”

Ning Yuanyuan said, “Throw it away, and be cautious.”

The bespectacled young man hastily threw the poppy into the flower bed.

No one cared about Yin Liuming.

Yin Liuming lightly sniffed the yellow rose. He pondered for a while and did not throw it away. Instead, he attached the flower to the side of his backpack.

Ding Pei’an sneered without saying anything.

He had already found Yin Liuming to be very unpleasant to look at.

Yin Liuming was the last of the four newcomers to arrive, making them stay in the small, stuffy security room for a long time. Upon entering the dream, the newcomer’s attitude was neutral, showing no warmth or coldness, as if he didn’t regard the senior, who had completed a three-star dreamland, at all.

Most importantly…

Ding Pei’an touched the scar on his face, then his gaze landed on Yin Liuming’s delicate and attractive face.

Yin Liuming looked to be in his twenties and wore a tight black outfit. He had fair skin, exquisite eyebrows, and slightly pressed lips that showed a small smile, making him very eye-catching, like a celebrity.

A trace of jealousy flashed in Ding Pei’an’s eyes.

He hated people who relied on their appearance to act confidently.

However, this type of inexperienced young master would likely be the first one to die in the Nightmare Game without any burial place.

Ding Pei’an licked his lips; a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth as if he had seen Yin Liuming screaming and struggling before dying.

…

While walking to the school building, the bespectacled young man, who was also touched by the flowers just now, was walking beside Yin Liuming and whispered, “You have a good temper.”

Yin Luming raised his eyebrows slightly. “How can you be so sure?”

He remembered that the young man’s name was ‘Chi Xi’.

“Just now…” Chi Xi used his chin to point at Ding Pei’an, who was walking in the front.

Yin Liuming was amused. “You didn’t say anything back either, did you?”

Chi Xi was apparently afraid of the people around him, so his voice was very soft. “I am not really good at arguing with others…but it shouldn’t be your fault.”

Yin Liuming was a little surprised.

“You have remained calm from the start. When the flower showed up on your hand, you didn’t react. Your tone is very relaxed when you speak.” Chi Xi was a bit embarrassed. “I thought you were an old player.”

Yin Liuming said with a smile, “You really have a careful observation.”

Chi Xi coughed awkwardly. “I like to study micro-expressions, so I usually observe people.”

Yin Liuming smiled and unexpectedly said, “I have severe irritability in the morning.”

Chi Xi was at a loss.

“Perhaps you might consider it again; my temperament is only good in a normal time.”

He patted Chi Xi’s shoulder lightly, and the conversation turned. “But in the Nightmare Game, I’m just a newcomer, and it’s probably useless for you to hug my thigh.”

Chi Xi’s face reddened, and he whispered. “You can see through…”

He noticed that Yin Liuming was also a newcomer, yet the other party looked very reliable, so he decided to depend on Yin Liuming, and they could also take care of each other.

“Why don’t you go look for them?”

The other two newcomers were circling Ding Pei’an and Ning Yuanyuan; they almost knelt and called out the two veteran players as their Dad and Mom.

Chi Xi hesitated for a moment and still said, “I feel that…the two old players don’t care about us at all.”

Yin Liuming raised his eyebrows again.

This Chi Xi was quite keen.

“They are facing danger in the Nightmare Game without getting a huge benefit. So, how can people do their best for other people?” Yin Liuming lifted the backpack on his shoulder and said nonchalantly, “If they suddenly treat you kindly, then be careful.”

…

When they walked into the school building, Yin Liuming could hear Chi Xi mumble something beside his ear. “That one with the surname Ding has an evil intention toward you.”

Yin Liuming lifted his brows. As if he hadn’t heard him, he continued forward with his usual expression.

The arrangement of the school building’s entrance was peculiar. The flowerpots happened to block the entrance, and they had no choice but to make a detour.

With the last lesson related to flowers, everyone was very vigilant when they walked past the flowerpots, fearing that the flowers would touch them.

The Class 3 sign hung above the door at the corner of the stair on the third floor.

The middle-aged man was walking in the front; he looked in from the door, then his face turned abruptly pale. He staggered two steps back in terror and almost fell onto the ground.

Yin Liuming took two steps forward and looked into Class 3.

A foul smell leaked out.

There were about forty or fifty students in the classroom. They were all sitting upright at their desks.

All of the students appeared to be sixteen or seventeen years old, but everyone had pale complexions, dilated pupils, rotten faces, and additional livor mortis on their skin. Yellow marks dotted the blue and white uniform, and flies continued to buzz around the classroom.

It turned out to be a room full of corpses.

No wonder the middle-aged man was so frightened.

These are the ‘students’ that they are going to teach?

Yin Liuming frowned and took a step back, avoiding the smell in the classroom.

At this moment, there was a sudden bell sound rang sharply above the corridor—

Riiiiing—

When the bell rang, a ‘click’ was heard coming from Class 3. All the lifeless All the lifeless students in the classroom turned their heads in unison, and their eyes, which had already become cloudy, stared directly at the door.