World’s End: My Keyword is One More Than Others

"There's also 'I Am the Sea God,' 'Bell of Chaos,' 'Five Horses Disembowelment,' and a few other IDs that have suddenly risen in the Battle Network. All of them have a similar style: newly registered IDs using entry-level mechas to sweep through the renowned experts in the Battle Network..."

Nalan Li glanced at Xu Wan and activated the projection function of the mini-computer, displaying several images on the carriage wall.

The mechas they used were either Petrel, heavy tanks, or Snow Wolves—mechas that, apart from beginners, almost no one used, yet they had turned them into something extraordinary.

Extreme dodging, bullet overlap armor-piercing, close combat shows...

Those high-level mechas seemed as clumsy as snails in front of them.

That guy called "Bell of Chaos" was especially arrogant. Every time he defeated an opponent, he would flip off the corpse, then slowly point his middle finger at the audience, and finally point it to the ground, saying, "It's not that I look down on you; everyone here is trash..."

The taunting was maxed out, and the video comments were almost all cursing him.

Watching this video made Luo Yan frown deeply.

The Lin Hong and Xu Wan he had encountered were both shrewd in their own ways, but their behavior was still within the realm of normalcy.

Even the maniacal man who wrecked opponents in the Battle Network, though a bit crazy, was still considered normal. After all, the Battle Network was simulated, and it was understandable for mecha pilots to occasionally unleash their nature in there.

But the behavior of this "Bell of Chaos" was completely beyond his understanding. At this moment, he finally had a concept of what Lin Hong meant by players being unscrupulous...

"These names all have a strong Du Ge flavor! Director Luo, now you see the uncontrollability of the players!" Xu Wan said gleefully, looking at Luo Yan's frown. "Just think, this is only in the Battle Network. Imagine what crazy things these guys would do in the real world to gain experience points?"

"..." Luo Yan glanced at him without speaking.

"Director Luo, if players keep popping up so recklessly at this speed, the situation will soon get out of control," Nalan Li said. "Many people have already realized something's wrong. Rumors are spreading among the populace, saying the Battle Network has gained consciousness, or that people from the Hill Civilization have infiltrated our world..."

"Don't blame me for not warning you in advance; maybe someone is manipulating the rumors too!" Xu Wan reminded with a smile. "Du Ge is best at manipulating public opinion."

"Ignore them." Luo Yan took a deep breath and quickly made the right judgment. "We can't let these things disrupt our rhythm. We just need to do our job. The president will handle the rest. It's good that they're coming out now; it's easier to deal with than those hiding in the shadows."

Xu Wan gave him a surprised look and, instead of being sarcastic, extended a hand: "Let me see the information on the others, and I'll help you analyze their keywords..."

...

Tonglin City.

A rundown urban village.

"Director Luo, I acted in the Battle Network to find an opportunity. That Mo Shengmin is most likely trying to save himself, to regain mobility in the shortest time."

Outside the urban village, Xu Wan looked at the dilapidated street. "So, his behavior in the Battle Network must align with his keywords. Therefore, his keywords are likely related to rage, abuse, and arrogance, which are not favored by the authorities. You need to be prepared for a fight."

"Yeah." Luo Yan nodded. "Let's go!"

"Just like that?" Xu Wan was taken aback, laughing dryly. "Director Luo, my real suggestion is to cover him with firepower, cripple him first, and then talk."

"Negotiate first; we need talent from all sides." Luo Yan glanced back at Xu Wan. "Isn't your keyword imitation? With you here, why worry about taking down a paraplegic?"

"Causing such a commotion, any injury would have healed by now, and I seriously suspect his abilities are stronger than mine." Xu Wan's mouth twitched as she looked back at the truck following them. "Why don't you let the buddy in the truck out and give me the mecha suit? The odds would be better."

"If I'm not afraid of dying, why should you be?" Luo Yan glared at him and turned to Du Ge and the others. "You two stay outside on guard to prevent Mo Shengmin from escaping. If you find he indeed has violent tendencies, you may shoot to kill."

The last sentence wasn't directed at Du Ge but at Wang Zheng in the truck.

"Director, maybe I should go instead!" Nalan Li suggested.

"No, I must meet these players personally to gather firsthand information." Luo Yan shook his head and called Xu Wan. "Let's go, Xiao Xu. You're the top general of our Strategic Defense Bureau. My safety as the director is in your hands. If you can help recruit Mo Shengmin, I'll give you a first-class merit."

"Don't count on me. If there's danger, I'll run faster than you. I won't risk my life for you guys!" Xu Wan waved her hand. "Also, within 500 meters of the target, it's best not to say any unnecessary words. After causing such a stir in the Battle Network, his perception can at least cover a 500-meter radius."

"Yes, I know."

Luo Yan nodded.

He was increasingly grateful for Lin Hong's voluntary surrender. Without firsthand information on the players, confronting such a guy rashly could have resulted in significant losses!

...

Du Ge stood still, but his consciousness had already covered the entire urban village.

Every move Mo Shengmin made was under his surveillance. His body had indeed healed, and at this moment, he was sitting cross-legged in a room filled with clutter, seemingly cultivating some technique!

Beside him was a pile of broken and tattered items, likely things he had deliberately destroyed.

From this, it could be inferred that his keywords were likely related to destruction.

But this guy cultivating techniques from the Alien Star Battlefield surprised Du Ge a bit, because due to world rules and physique, most Alien Star Battlefield techniques were not interchangeable.

Therefore, every Alien Star warrior would choose local techniques to cultivate, to adapt to the body they possessed.

Mecha pilots needed to hone their mental power to pilot mechas. Bi Xing had its own cultivation techniques, but this guy's cultivation method was evidently different from Bi Xing's.

Cultivating soul techniques?

Even if cultivating soul techniques and using keywords to enhance attributes, the effects were minimal.

This guy's behavior was a bit strange...

...

While Nalan Li and Du Ge were communicating.

Luo Yan and Xu Wan also arrived at Mo Shengmin's door.

Luo Yan raised his hand, just about to knock on the door.

Xu Wan suddenly grabbed his shoulder and pulled him aside with force.

Immediately after.

A kitchen knife broke through the door, narrowly missing Luo Yan's ear, and embedded itself in the wall behind him with a whoosh.