C17 The Exhibition Began

The girl in white descended from the heavens, gently alighting in the darkness. As the lights brightened, she stood at the center of the stage, her eyes closed.

All eyes were fixed on her, the most enigmatic NPC in the game, now clearly visible for the first time.

In that moment, everyone saw clearly that the NPC known as Whale, who lived for only one second at midnight each day, the game's most mysterious figure, was in fact a young girl.

For reasons unknown, her presence seemed to calm the crowd, casting a hush over the entire hall.

"So this is 'Whale', the NPC who faces daily demise, merely a girl," Soong Mu mused, a hint of reluctance flickering in his eyes.

Xie Yu gave him a few puzzled glances. His own emotions remained untouched, and he found Soong Mu's reaction peculiar.

His friend, who had been so eager to slay Whale at the first opportunity in the game, now appeared hesitant.

The Carnival game was a component of the world system, and it was apparent that this NPC, codenamed "Whale," was no ordinary character—not someone insignificant.

He had always been curious about the system's intent with this setup. Now, it seemed to be tied to emotional response.

Given the chance, he would like to delve deeper into the mystery of "Whale."

But that would have to wait. For now, he questioned whether the game's organizers had gone too far by bringing such a character from the virtual world into reality for a mere event.

They could have chosen any named NPC, or perhaps none at all, yet they showcased this particular one. It felt off.

He felt a slight urge to leave the venue, but Soong Mu's demeanor suggested he wouldn't be keen on leaving just yet. With no other option, Xie Yu resigned himself to staying.

With the crowd swelling and the event being a routine affair, there was no reason to expect the game's organizers to stir up any mischief.

As the lighting softened, "Whale" slowly opened her eyes, revealing a gaze devoid of emotion, making her seem even more like a virtual entity.

Devoid of emotion, personality, or any hint of change, she stood as a flawless work of art at the center, motionless and serene, her eyes devoid of even the slightest glimmer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this marks the Whale's debut in such a manner before our players. As there are many aspects of her we're yet to be acquainted with, we've seated her as a guest to kick off today's event!"

The host resumed his duties, microphone in hand, orchestrating the upcoming segments.

Xie Yu bid Soong Mu farewell and was the first to leave.

"I'm heading to the restroom. Hang out here for a bit; I'll be right back."

With that, Xie Yu wove through the throng and vanished.

Soong Mu sighed, unable to catch him, and was left with no choice but to remain and keep his gaze fixed on the "whale," now seated among the guests.

She was strikingly noticeable, compelling him to steal glance after glance.

Why did the game insist on her demise each day? Soong Mu couldn't help but think the game's creator was rather merciless.

Xie Yu distanced himself from the event's bustle, sensing something amiss. Given his unique status, it was wise to limit his involvement.

The crowd at the venue surged toward the event, drawn to the "whale's" unexpected presence—a magnetic attraction for the players there.

Except for him.

"Why have you returned?"

A voice emerged, and without realizing it, he found himself back at the novice gift box station.

The staff girl stood behind the counter, eyeing him with curiosity.

It was then that Xie Yu noticed his unintended return.

"No worries. There's an event happening, but crowds aren't my thing, so I'm sitting this one out."

With a brief explanation and the area now deserted, Xie Yu casually snagged a stool from behind the counter and took a seat with ease.

Soong Mu was right—she was indeed beautiful. Xie Yu scrutinized the woman before him. Yes, unquestionably beautiful.

"What's the event over there?" Lin Chuan inquired, having stayed away from the crowded scene that obscured her view.

"They've brought the 'whale' from the game to life as a special guest for the event, hence the crowd's fascination," Xie Yu elucidated.

Lin Chuan's expression shifted imperceptibly. The 'whale' had actually appeared?

"So the 'whale' has surfaced. That explains a lot." Lin Chuan's mouth twitched into a faint smile.

Xie Yu, intrigued by the 'whale,' pressed on, "How much do you know about 'whales'?"

After a brief pause, Lin Chuan shook his head. "Not much, I'm just a regular player."

Xie Yu didn't probe further and simply nodded.

He remained seated, observing the bustling event from a distance. The crowd was a chaotic mass of humanity, confirming that this spot was indeed more serene.

Clearly, this was the main event. The venue's lighting shifted in response, and glimpses of shadows could be seen through the crowd. The 'whale' was perched motionless in the guest seat. Xie Yu recalled that when he had left, she was in the same state, unchanged.

"I've always felt that the 'whale' is a pitiable figure."

As he gazed towards the 'whale,' Lin Chuan beside him suddenly spoke up.

"Hmm? Why do you think that?" Xie Yu inquired instinctively.

"Have you ever considered that, just maybe, the 'whale' might not want to exist in this game under such an identity?" Lin Chuan propped his chin with one hand and looked quizzically at Xie Yu.

"Perhaps the 'whale' has feelings too. Being killed by players every day must cause her immense pain."

"The 'whale' has feelings?"

Xie Yu's brow furrowed at the thought. If what Lin Chuan suggested was true, that the 'whale' had developed feelings, it could be a sign that the world system was on the brink of malfunction...

"That's impossible. Game creators wouldn't allow an NPC to possess emotions. If you're right, it would spell disaster for this world."

Lin Chuan nodded slowly, affirming, "You're right."

The lights at the venue gradually faded to a soft glow, with a single beam spotlighting the grandstand.

Yet, due to the ambient lighting, the venue was never plunged into total darkness.

"The event is starting. Are you sure you don't want to check it out?" Lin Chuan glanced over at the scene and suggested.

Xie Yu remained resolute, shaking his head. Once he said he wouldn't attend, that was final.

"Besides, there's no game gift package involved. I'm simply not interested."