Welcome to Rewind World Game-Chapter 1682: Final - · Across the Shore [25] · "All Living Beings Fall Within the Apple.
Certainly, here’s the translation of the text:
[World Forum]
[Pinned (Hot) The official forum has opened a special emergency discussion section for the "Source Point Trial", the United Group is urgently negotiating.]
[Featured (Hot) World Café News Flash! Global announcement interpretation of the "Source Point Trial"! Will this be the final exam for civilization, the player’s staircase to becoming a god, or humanity’s last dance of destiny?]
[Featured Hubert, the data deity, analyzes the system announcement word by word on live stream! This may be the most defying and last public event since the opening of the World Game!]
[Featured Preliminary announcement and urgent proposal regarding the "Source Point Trial", full text inside.]
[Hot Non-combat sequence players, players with a psychological evaluation level below B, players whose skill system is incomplete, high points players, casual players are not advised to participate.]
[Hot "Affecting the potential and future of all human players", "Touching the boundary of Dimensional Ascension or becoming a god", "A very small probability of understanding Ascension"... Press or not? What will you choose?]
[Hot Prayer post. Praying for all brave players who chose to participate in the trial. Whether win or lose, honor tomorrow, honor courage.]
[Featured Secret realm? The final stage? This post will analyze the possible game formats of the trial! Combat type, cooperation type, voting type...]
[Hot "Source Points" store prediction & demand collection post! Can redeem deity and high-dimensional items, what does everyone want? Make a wish!]
...
"... This is a Samoyed, it’s dirty, but a bath will fix it. You’re really kind-hearted, this is the thirteenth dog you’ve rescued."
In the pet shop of the Main God World, the young, vibrant store owner, Liangzi, was handling a large white fluffy dog.
The customer opposite was a young girl, who said helplessly: "Yeah, it’s the Main God World, no worries about food and drink, yet lots of people are abandoning cats and dogs on the street. There’s no choice, I just rescue every one I see."
"Mm, I’ve received your fostering fee, I’ll take responsibility for finding it a new owner." Store owner Liangzi said.
"It must be a good person!"
"Don’t worry, we have strict selection standards." Liangzi said.
Suddenly, Liangzi noticed that this girl was always sneaking glances side to side, seemingly searching for something.
Liangzi was aware: "Stop looking, Lü Shu is in Luowasha, he won’t appear here."
The customer, whose secret was exposed, exclaimed "Ah" in disappointment: "Store owner Liangzi, you are the only person I can reach who has contacted Lü Shu, the deity! Has he come recently? Did he leave anything behind?"
"No." Liangzi petted the dog, "We aren’t very familiar."
"If you weren’t familiar, why would he have contacted you!" The customer said eagerly, "I heard he came here! He even brought a Samoyed in a black plastic bag!"
"That was many years ago..."
"The World Game only started half a year ago!"
"Uh, anyway it was several months ago..." Liangzi was annoyed; ever since the end of the Sixth World, Lü Shu came once, it was like a lucky charm arrived, business boomed, countless boys and girls came to wait, hoping to catch a glimpse of the top player. It became a hotspot for online influencers.
After the World Game started, the fervor young people had for idol chasing faded, instead, they pursued the top players, the feverish excitement was shocking. Liangzi didn’t doubt, if Lü Shu came again, this crowd would strip him bare.
"Tsk tsk tsk..." The old man slowly smoked behind, puffing and exhaling: "It’s been months, every day so many people come to the door... That Lv Family kid used to look fierce walking on the street, children were scared and avoided him, now everyone clings on, times have changed, times have changed..."
"You’re not thinking about this for the first time! My ears have become calloused!" Liangzi said bluntly.
"Store owner sister, does Lü Shu really glare fiercely at people?"
"Why did Lü Shu bring a Samoyed here, was it to give it to a teammate?"
"Store owner sister, did you watch recent live streams? Lü Shu turned into a big bat with huge black wings."
"Lü Shu became a god, will he come back..."
Beside her, there was noise and chatter, amidst the clamor, Liangzi’s words expressed impatience, while her heart suddenly felt a difficult-to-express loneliness.
...Yes, Lü Shu became a god.
She personally witnessed that live stream, Lü Shu, bearing black wings, protected the Divine Son on the high platform. She understood across the screen, perhaps that person may never come back.
They were indeed considered friends, but differently, Lü Shu and Lin Yin decisively gripped the Blade Edge. While Liangzi remained in the Main God World, becoming a pet store owner enjoying life, sharing difficulties with family.
So, the result was clear, standing on the world stage are Lü Shu and Lin Yin. While Liangzi watched from the screen afar.
Liangzi knew she was not someone fond of adventure, she feared at the sight of blood, but deep down there was a bit of regret, not because of Lü Shu, but regret for not choosing a different path.
—Occasionally she would think, if I had chosen another path, would things be better now?
People are always like this, hesitating and overthinking, clearly having made a decision, yet always feeling guilty.
Lü Shu became a god, and Lin Yin accepted the blessing of an angel. They will have long lives and unlimited potential, while I will probably remain an ordinary person for my entire life. This is the difference between Casual Players and Adventurer Players; this is the cost of being swept away by the tide of the era... Originally, my family’s situation was far above Lü Shu’s, but now the status is reversed. When the wind blows, there are countless others like me, mere grains of sand.
... But, after all, they are just friends, right?
I should thank Lü Shu and Lin Yin for becoming the spear and shield of the Savior, and thank them for giving it their all to bring the world to this point today.
There was a time when people worried about not being able to meet the Points requirements, even leading some to lose their minds on the streets, initiating some suicide attacks to express their inner despair. Nowadays, this problem is no longer a problem.
It’s really nice.
She washed her furry Samoyed, watching as the dog gradually became clean and beautiful, the dust washed away, shedding the mud, its white fur gleaming and pristine like frost and snow. The wary and timid eyes from its stray days slowly transformed into confidence, as if reborn, gaining a new life.
"You’ve become a child with a home and friends now, Xiaoxue." Liangzi dried the Samoyed’s fur, and it snuggled in her arms as she closed her eyes, hiding the tears in them. "Good, so good... Alright, go and run towards the sunlight now."
"Woof woof!" The white bundle of fur dashed towards the door, the golden gate reflecting the glaring sunset.
Liangzi quietly watched the Samoyed go away, her gaze shifting to the floating red button in the air.
Perhaps, this was her last chance to catch up.
Perhaps, this was her last chance to change her destiny.
Even if she is just an ordinary human, as long as she wins the Trial, perhaps she could ascend and access the deep mysteries of the universe. Maybe, she could also stand like a warrior under dazzling spotlights, holding high a sword that gleams with divine light.
Then, Liangzi reached out her hand—
"Click."
She closed the interface of the red button.
The button disappeared before her eyes; she gave up entering.
She looked at the empty air and smiled slightly.
It was as if she had let go of something in her heart, or perhaps crushed something.
"...This is good too."
She turned around and walked towards the smoky back room.
After taking a few steps, a sharp explosion sound burst out from the back room:
"Dad! You’re smoking again!!!"
"Haha, hahaha... Anyway, smoking now doesn’t cause lung disease, let this old man enjoy it..."
"The place is filled with smoke, it’s filthy in here!"
"The door’s closed, I made sure, it won’t drift to the animals, rest assured."
"My eyes are sore, aren’t you worried about affecting the guests? Get out, go outside to smoke...!!!"
...
At the amusement park, under the Ferris wheel.
At the end of a long queue, a pair of young parents were comforting their fussy five-year-old son. The dad laughed and lifted his son onto his shoulder, while the mom held a newly bought fox balloon.
"Look, baby, you’ll soon be on the biggest Ferris wheel! From the top, you can see the lights of the whole city..." the mom said with a smile.
"It’s Noel’s favorite Ferris wheel! Noel’s favorite!" the son exclaimed excitedly, riding on his dad’s shoulder.
The parents gave a wry smile. They once used the youngest-looking top Player, Noel, as a role model to inspire their son to study hard. Little did they know that Noel would later betray humanity. Their son was too young to understand what it meant, and continued to admire the handsome and clever Noel.
"Shh... don’t mention that name anymore." The dad put a finger to his lips, thankful no one heard, worried that some extreme individuals would hit anyone mentioning that name.
"But why?" the son pouted.
"He became a villain; he’s no longer a hero," the mom said, hugging her son.
"Noel isn’t bad! Ah Zhen said he had reasons!" the son shouted.
Ah Zhen was the girl from the neighbor’s house, and the parents didn’t expect their son to say such a thing.
"Shh..." The mom seriously educated, "Noel did bad things; he almost killed many people. Noel turned into a monster; he’s no longer an Ultraman, dear, be good, don’t like monsters."
The son couldn’t understand, nor could he distinguish, and with a grievance he pouted his mouth and softly said:
"But the Ultraman who became a monster... isn’t he still an Ultraman?"
"There must be some reason why Ultraman would turn into a monster..."
His voice was too small, and his parents didn’t pay any attention.
Until the system notification arrived without warning, the surrounding crowd erupted in suppressed exclamations and gasps.
The son looked at the light screen that suddenly appeared in front of his parents, curious to touch the red button: "Mom, what is this? A new game?"
"Don’t touch!" The woman abruptly grabbed the child’s hand.
The man hurriedly picked up the son, exchanging a terrified glance with his wife.
"...Su Ming’an." The man uttered this name with a complex tone, "He’s always at the forefront... This time, is he dragging everyone into the final level?"
"This matter has nothing to do with us, quickly, close it!" Mommy shook her head repeatedly.
Similar to them, many people closed the interface.
Such a frightening thing certainly has nothing to do with them. There will always be a hero standing in front, while they have old and young, things they must worry about.
...
Park bench.
The sunset dyes the sky orange-pink, flowing with tranquil music.
On the bench, the girl snuggles against the boy’s shoulder, sharing an earphone, listening to gentle music. The boy is about to say sweet words, when suddenly his body stiffens.
"What’s wrong?" The girl lifts her head and immediately sees the light screen in front of her.
The warm atmosphere instantly freezes.
"...’Source Point Trial’?" The girl read, subconsciously griping her boyfriend’s arm, "Ah Zhe, we... we are just casual players, why do we also have to choose?"
The boy reverses his grip on her hand, his palm a bit sweaty, forcing himself to be calm: "Don’t be afraid, the main thing is Su Ming’an passing the level. If he succeeds, we’re fine. This button is for those who want to take a gamble."
"The death rate is extremely high, and there might be no resurrection!" The girl’s tears are about to overflow in her eyes, "We agreed to save points together for a safe ending... You mustn’t go!"
The two look at the red button in front of them, their eyes flickering with a hint of longing and struggle. Which young person hasn’t had extraordinary fantasies? Especially in such a game world. "Deity", "Dimensional Ascension"... these words are too impactful.
But in the end, they still sigh, leaning into each other, holding each other tighter: "Let’s just watch. Believe in those people... Hasn’t he always been performing miracles?"
Inner unease and discontent are quietly buried.
They can’t abandon everything to take the risk, sorry.
...
Park stone table.
"General! Haha! Taking the chariot!" Uncle Li, wearing a white tank top, triumphantly slaps his thigh, "Old Zhang, you’re gonna lose to me this round!"
Opposite, Uncle Zhang stares at the chessboard, furrowing his brow, pondering a way to break free, when suddenly his eyes blur, a line of glowing text abruptly appears on the chessboard.
The two elderly men, who seemed young in appearance, freeze, squinting their eyes to examine closely.
"This... What is this thing? Su Ming’an provoked another big commotion?" Uncle Li mutters, "Whoa! All players? Instant death if no one passes? Terrifying enough."
Uncle Zhang adjusts his reading glasses, his expression much more serious: "The final level doesn’t sound auspicious, this red button is asking us to risk our lives too?"
"Risk what life." Uncle Li picks up the purple clay teapot and takes a sip of tea, "We’re all of age, can’t handle trouble. I think, just let those capable go challenge. As for us, staying calm without causing trouble is helping."
Uncle Zhang points to the light screen, "It sounds like that, but this instant death judgment, if no one helps him, if everyone fails, do we also have to follow suit?"
Uncle Li ponders for a moment, the chessboard is forgotten: "Then it’s up to fate. Lived for seventy or eighty years, I’ve got my worth. Besides, look at the reward, is it something we ordinary people should consider? We should understand our own limitations, don’t cause chaos, and wait for the result. They’ve already worked very hard, whatever the outcome, I accept it."
The two old men exchange a look, seeing exhaustion in each other’s eyes.
Uncle Li taps on the chessboard: "Continue, it’s your turn, Old Zhang, show me how you break this move."
...
Internet cafe private room.
Even with fully immersive VR games, many people are still obsessed with familiar computer games.
The room is filled with smoke, deeply tired eyes of two male college students are intently staring at their screens, keyboards clattering, frequently uttering gaming slang:
"Go go go! I’ve got them controlled!"
"This enchantress is really jumping around, had enough of her!"
"Coming! This team fight, must finish him off... What the heck?!"
The system notification covers their gaming interface, a team fight instantly wiped out. But this time, no teammates curse, only teammates and opponents repeatedly send out text:
[What the heck, have you also received the system notification?]
[Stop! Everyone stop fighting!]
[Damn it, this idiot swordmaster is still slashing me, look at the system task! Haven’t won?]
[Really? I was ready to cruise until the end, now giving me a chance to change destiny? If I fortunately clear it...]
[Don’t be impulsive buddy, pressing it, you may never be online again!]
[If I become stronger and my reflexes get faster, does that mean I can reach higher ranks?]
[Your eyes are only on the game!]
[Wait for it, I’ve already remembered all those untrustworthy teammates who’ve messed me up, when I become a god, I’ll come back offline and deal with those brats!]
The two male college students temporarily forgot about the game, carefully reading.
"Full participation... Does this count as a hidden server-wide event? If we sneak in with some assist, even a tiny bit of ’Source Points’, can it be exchanged for incredible things?" One tall guy says.
"Half a year muddling through... If the game ends and my parents can’t be shielded, what do we do? Should we take a gamble?" The shorter one pushes up his glasses.
An unprecedented impulse surges in their hearts, they glance at the heavy night outside the window, the fatigue of all-night gaming, confusion about the future, restless discontent with being ordinary... itching to stir.
One of them seems to have made up his mind, immediately switches pages, furiously refreshing the world forum, looking up related information, hastily preparing. The game character stands lonely at the center of the screen battlefield, already forgotten.
Tonight, none will sleep.
...
Office building.
The light was bleak, most of the workstations were empty, only a corner seat remained lit. Wang Yu, with dark circles under his eyes, mechanically tapping at the keyboard.
Even though people say one can enjoy life in the world game, without needing to study or work, there are always those who can’t lie flat. They can’t bring themselves to adventure, so they stay in various forces, doing copywriting related work, earning meager points, even having a workstation and clocking-in system.
Wang Yu’s mind constantly replayed the points he needed to earn. To buy a wedding house, a wedding car, gold and silver jewelry, future children’s tuition, parents’ medical fees... Once the world changes drastically, currency will inevitably depreciate, he should save more...
The more he tries, the more despair he feels. He’s already discovered that if he’s not an Adventurer Player, even if he works his hardest to earn meager Leisure Points, the future might not allow the life he desires...
Suddenly, the system notification covers his document interface.
Wang Yu’s fingers stop, staring dazedly at several lines of text. Long hours of overtime render him somewhat slow to react, he blinks dry eyes, rereading.
"Source Point Trial?" He lowly repeats, his mouth pulling out a weary and absurd arc, "Heh... I can’t even afford social security, and they’re asking me to consider the universe and civilization?"
He leans back in his chair, rubbing his swollen temples. The reward sounds tempting, capable of solving all his real-world troubles — mortgage, parents’ medical bills, endless overtime... even touching the extraordinary.
He thinks of his parents in his hometown, recalling his diligent studies and work, just aiming to let his family live better in this crazy world game.
"Su Ming’an..." He murmurs this name, his mood complex. This young player bears burdens far beyond ordinary, walking a path he can’t imagine. As for himself? Just a common person pressed by life and work.
The red button quietly awaits on screen. Wang Yu doesn’t immediately make a choice, silently shutting down the system notification window, continuing to type overtime. Perhaps, before the last moment of the deadline, he will decide. Maybe, like countless overtime nights, he chooses to bury himself in the mundane and peace before him.
He stares at the glowing screen for a long while, suddenly covering his face, his nose sore.
He dials a number, a familiar voice on the other end, tears fall with a smile:
"Hey, Dad, Mom."
"Nothing much, work isn’t tiring."
"I... I just miss you guys."
...
