I Am Extraordinary Alone

Lin Yan and Mike walked a bit further, the cool breeze gently blowing. She looked back, and beside the alley they came from stood a commercial building with tea-colored glass.

On the building's outer glass panels, a reflection of a full moon could be seen. Some windows on the side were open, revealing the bright light from white bulbs inside.

At the top of the building, the dull purple letter sign stood solitary against the night sky.

"Higgin Building," Lin Yan couldn't help but say aloud.

"It looks like an office complex. Given the speed at which this city's various industries are declining, this building won't last long before going bankrupt," Mike said, also looking back.

As they spoke, a homeless man walked past them, as if he couldn't see them.

"The impact of spiritual enterprises on other industries wasn't one of the conditions you intentionally set, was it?" Lin Yan asked.

"Of course not. We can only set an initial condition for each world. As for how they develop, it's beyond our control," Mike replied.

"This initial condition is a bit abstract," Lin Yan remarked.

"Simply put, we can set what exists or doesn't exist in this world. Have you ever participated in wargame simulations? Perhaps that's not a perfect example, but it's somewhat similar," Mike explained.

Lin Yan's gaze fell on the beggar who was already far away.

"He can't see us. Because we're in guide mode, we can't interact with this world, nor can we be harmed in this mode. We can also move long distances. Given we only have about 10 minutes each time we come in, and considering the loss of more than a dozen people before, we developed this mode," Mike said.

"In this mode, aren't we like ghosts? If we could exist in this world in such a state forever...we would be some sort of observers," Lin Yan mused.

"It's actually impossible. In this mode, our physiological needs still exist. We need to eat, drink, and perform bodily functions to maintain vital signs. But because we're locked out from interacting with this world, it's like we're trapped in an invisible cage," Mike replied.

Lin Yan was a bit disappointed. She had initially thought she could use this mode to enter fictional worlds and guide them in researching ways to defeat the Pseudo-God.

"I can see disappointment on your face. This is the very reason for our cooperation. Without the White King's brain and enough power, this is all we can do. Come, let me show you another place," Mike said.

After speaking, Mike made a gesture of invitation, and a red portal appeared in front of them. The scene at the other end of the portal starkly contrasted the dull streetscape of Opportunity City, bustling with traffic and full of prosperity.

Lin Yan and Mike stepped through the portal and came to this vibrant street.

She looked up at the surroundings, thinking she had returned to the past Sethiyan Federation, only it was still over a hundred years ago. The streets were filled with oil-powered cars, with engine noises much louder than now.

"This is the capital of this fictional world," Mike explained.

"Fictional world...how big is this world?" Lin Yan asked.

"Approximately equivalent to 72% of the Federation. You see, this country is called the United Federation. Opportunity City and the Newton City we're now in show completely different scenes because many Spiritual Power Company headquarters are located here," Mike said.

"Only an incomplete country, can this world still be simulated?" Lin Yan asked.

"The other parts don't cease to exist; they're just in the form of data streams to save power. The United Federation trades with them and also bears external pressure," Mike explained.

"So, this fictional world ultimately developed into something we hate once again," Lin Yan remarked sarcastically.

"Perhaps human worlds tend to converge. We are humans, so the worlds we create can't escape human limitations," Mike said.

"I have a question. Since we can set various conditions, why do you insist on adding a superpower? Do you enjoy living with such uncertainties?" Lin Yan asked.

Her question wasn't because she planned to remove elements like superpowers in her future world-building. After all, Lin Yan's purpose was to use fictional worlds to research ways to defeat Divine Power Tianyang. But Mike? Weren't they committed to creating an idyllic utopia? Wouldn't it be better to create a world completely devoid of superpowers?

"Because this is our area of expertise. After entering this world, we can't become superheroes; we must rely on our wisdom and abilities to make a living," Mike explained.

Lin Yan nearly laughed. The world they created couldn't even ensure their survival? They had to start a business?

Mike seemed to guess what Lin Yan was thinking and also smiled, "We could construct a world with no people, but such a world is meaningless, without development. Humans are social animals who need interaction and self-fulfillment. Considering we can adjust our lifespan to be literally infinite, I think it's an acceptable condition for maintaining mental health during eternal existence."

Lin Yan understood. They genuinely wanted to create a world they could completely control and exist in eternally. But thinking about it, it was quite terrifying because, from the perspective of residents in that fictional world, their world would suddenly have eternal monsters, mastering technology a hundred years ahead and ruling their world in the shadows.

However, given the current situation, what Mike and his group wanted wasn't unreasonable. It was like creating an infinitely realistic game and then personally stepping in to play.

"This place looks nice. It's a pity it can only last for a few minutes. Moreover, there's a major flaw, so we won't base our future world here," Mike sighed.

Lin Yan was puzzled. She glanced around, initially thinking the flaw Mike mentioned was simulation inaccuracy.

But upon looking carefully, everything seemed orderly. The pedestrians on the street were lively, diverse in appearance, very lifelike, even better than the fictional world created in the White King's dream.

"I don't see any flaw. Could it be that spiritual enterprises here are too strong, making it difficult for you as newcomers to compete?" Lin Yan asked.

"No, it's not that. Here...this fictional world has a BUG. It can connect with the fictional world's foundational code. I worry that some superpowered individuals could glimpse the world's true nature, leading to the entire world's collapse," Mike said.