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Chapter 1681 Final Chapter: Crossing the Shore [25] "All living things fall into the apple.&quo

Chapter 1681 Final Chapter - Crossing the Shore [25] - "All living things fall into the apple."

World Forum

[(Pinned) (Hot) The official forum has opened an emergency discussion section for the "Source Point Trial," and the Allied Forces are currently in urgent consultation.]

[World Teahouse News Flash! "Trial of Origin" Global Announcement Explained! Will this be the final test of civilization, the ladder to godhood for players, or the final dance of humanity's destiny?]

[Announcement from Hubert's live-streamed, word-by-word analysis system! This may be the most incredible and final public event in the history of the game!]

[(Detailed) Preliminary announcement and emergency proposal regarding the "Source Point Trial," full text included.]

[Players who are not in the combat sequence, players with a psychological assessment level below B, players with an incomplete skill system, high-scoring players, and casual players are not advised to participate.]

[Hot Topic] "Affects the potential and future of all human players," "Touches the boundary of dimensional ascension or godhood," "Extremely low probability of achieving godhood"... To press or not to press? What would you choose?

[A (Hot) Prayer Post. Praying for all the brave who have chosen to participate in the trials. Success or failure, to tomorrow, to courage.]

[A Secret Realm? The Final Stage? This post will analyze the possible game formats of the trial! Combat, cooperative, voting...]

[Hot Topic: "Source Points" Shop Prediction & Demand Collection Post! You can exchange for items from gods and higher dimensions. What do you all want? Make a wish!]

……

"...This is a Samoyed, it's all dirty, a bath will do the trick. You're so kind, this is the thirteenth dog you've rescued."

Inside the pet shop in the world of the gods, the youthful and beautiful shop owner, Ryoko, is handling a large, fluffy white dog.

The customer opposite me was a young woman. She said helplessly, "Yes, even in the world of gods, there's no shortage of food and drink, yet there are still a lot of people abandoning cats and dogs on the streets. I have no choice but to rescue them one by one."

"Yes, I've received your foster care fee. I'll take care of finding it a new owner," said the shop owner, Ryoko.

"They must be good people!"

"Don't worry, we have strict screening criteria," Ryoko said.

Suddenly, Ryoko noticed that the girl was always looking around furtively, as if searching for something.

Ryoko knew what was going on: "Don't bother looking, Lu Shu is in Rovasa, he won't be here."

The customer, whose secret had been exposed, exclaimed "Ah!" and said regretfully, "Manager Ryoko, you're the only person I can contact who has ever met the great Lu Shu! Hasn't he been here recently? Did he leave anything behind?"

"No." Ryoko stroked the dog. "We're not very familiar with each other."

"Why would he have contacted you if we weren't familiar?" the customer exclaimed. "I heard! He came here! He even brought a Samoyed in a black plastic bag!"

"That happened so many years ago..."

"The World Game has only been going on for a little over half a year!"

"Uh, anyway, it was several months ago..." Ryoko was annoyed. Ever since Lu Shu came once after the end of the Sixth World, it was like a lucky cat had arrived. The shop's business suddenly boomed, and countless young ladies and gentlemen came to wait, trying to catch a glimpse of the top players' "beauties". It seemed to have become a popular spot for internet celebrities to take photos.

After the world game began, the enthusiasm of many young people for idol worship faded, and they instead turned their attention to the top players on the leaderboard, their fervor astonishing. Ryoko had no doubt that if Lu Shu were to return, this group would strip him naked.

"Tsk tsk tsk..." The old man continued to smoke slowly in the back, puffing and exhaling as he went: "It's been months, and so many people come to the door every day... That kid from the Lü family used to walk down the street with a fierce look on his face, and even the kids were afraid to go around him. Now they all flock to him. Times have changed, times have changed..."

“You’re not new to talking about this! I’m sick of hearing it!” Ryoko said bluntly.

"Shopkeeper, does Lu Shu really look at people fiercely?"

"Why did Lu Shu bring the Samoyed along? Is it to give to his teammates?"

"Shopkeeper, have you watched the recent live stream? Lu Shu turned into a giant bat with huge black wings."

"Lu Shu has become a god, will he ever come back...?"

Amidst the cacophony and noise, Ryoko, though outwardly impatient, suddenly felt an indescribable loneliness.

...Yes, Lü Shu has become a god.

She witnessed the live stream firsthand; Lu Shu, with his black wings, protected the divine child on the high platform. Through the screen, she understood that perhaps that person would never return.

They were indeed friends, but the difference was that Lu Shu and Lin Yin decisively took up the blade. Liangzi, on the other hand, remained in the God's World, becoming a pet shop owner enjoying a peaceful life, weathering hardships with her family.

Therefore, the result was obvious: Lü Shu and Lin Yin stepped onto the world stage. Liangzi watched from afar behind the screen.

Ryoko knew she wasn't good at taking risks and was afraid of blood, but she also felt a little regretful, not because of Lu Shu, but because she regretted the path she hadn't chosen.

—Sometimes I wonder, if I had chosen a different path, would things be better now?

People are always like this, looking back and forth, thinking it over and over again, and even after making a decision, they always feel guilty.

Lu Shu became a god, and Lin Yin also received the blessing of the angels. They will have long lifespans and unlimited potential, while she will probably remain an ordinary person for the rest of her life. This is the difference between casual players and adventure players, this is the price of being torn apart by the sweeping tide of the times... Originally, her family background was far superior to Lu Shu's, but now their status has been reversed. With a gust of wind, there are thousands upon thousands of grains of sand like her.

...But anyway, they're just friends, aren't they?

She should thank Lü Shu and Lin Yin for being the savior's spear and shield, and also thank them for doing their best to bring the world to where it is today.

There was a time when people worried about not being able to reach the required points, and some even went berserk in the streets, launching self-destructive attacks to express their despair. Now, that problem is no longer a problem.

very nice.

She washed the fluffy Samoyed, watching the dog gradually become cleaner and more beautiful. The dust was gone, the mud was removed, and its white fur was as smooth and shiny as frost and snow. The timid and wary look in its eyes, which had been from being a stray, gradually became confident and full, as if it had been reborn.

“You’ve become a child with a home and friends, Yuki.” Ryoko dried the Samoyed’s fur, and it snuggled in her arms. She closed her eyes to hide the tears welling up in them. “Good boy, good boy… Okay, go run into the sunshine now.”

"Woof woof!" The pure white ball of yarn rushed towards the door, the golden door frame reflecting the dazzling sunset.

Ryoko watched the Samoyed fly away, her gaze shifting to the red button floating in the air.

Perhaps this is her last chance to catch up.

Perhaps this is her last chance to change her fate.

Even if she were just an ordinary human, as long as she won the trial, she might be able to ascend to godhood and access the profound mysteries of the universe. Perhaps, she too could stand like a warrior under the dazzling spotlight, raising her divinely gleaming sword high.

Then, Ryoko reached out her hand—

"Click".

She closed the interface with the red button.

The button disappeared from her sight, and she gave up on entering.

She gazed at the empty air and smiled slightly.

It felt as if something had been let go, or as if something had been crushed.

"...That's fine too."

She turned and walked toward the smoke-filled back room.

After walking a few steps, a sharp, explosive sound erupted from the back room:

"Dad! You're smoking again!!!"

"Haha, hahaha... Anyway, smoking won't give you lung disease now, so let this old man have some fun..."

"It's smoky and the shop is filthy!"

"The door is closed. I made sure it wouldn't drift over to the small animals, so you can rest assured."

"My eyes are killing me! Aren't you worried about disturbing the guests? Get out! Go outside and smoke...!!!"

……

At the amusement park, under the Ferris wheel.

At the end of the long queue, a young couple was calming their restless five-year-old son. The father laughed as he hoisted his son onto his shoulders, while the mother held a fox balloon she had just bought.

"Look, baby, we're about to ride the biggest Ferris wheel! At the top, we can see all the city lights..." Mom said with a smile.

"It's the Ferris wheel that Noel loves to ride! It's the Ferris wheel that Noel loves to ride!" the son shouted excitedly as he rode on his father's shoulders.

The parents gave a wry smile. They had once used Noel, the seemingly youngest top-ranked player, as a role model to motivate their son to study hard. They never imagined that Noel would later betray humanity. Their son, too young to understand what this meant, simply continued to idolize the handsome and intelligent Noel.

"Shh...don't mention that name." Dad raised his index finger. Luckily, no one heard him. He was worried that some radicals would come and beat people up if they heard that name.

"Why?" the son asked, pouting.

“He’s become a villain, he’s no longer a hero.” The mother hugged her son.

“Noel isn’t a bad guy! Ah-Zhen has her reasons for saying so!” the son shouted.

Ah Zhen is the girl next door, and her parents never expected their son to say such a thing.

"Shh..." Mom said seriously, "Noel did something bad. He almost killed a lot of people. Noel has become a monster. He's no longer Ultraman. Be a good boy and don't like monsters anymore."

The son couldn't understand, nor could he tell the difference. He pouted sadly and whispered:

"But Ultraman who turns into a monster... isn't he still Ultraman...?"

"There must be a reason why Ultraman turned into a monster..."

His voice was so soft that his parents didn't notice.

When the system notification arrived without warning, a suppressed gasp and gasp rose from the surrounding crowd.

The son looked at the screen that suddenly appeared in front of his parents and curiously reached for the red button: "Mom, what's this? Is it a new game?"

"Don't touch it!" The woman suddenly grabbed the child's hand.

The man quickly picked up his son and exchanged a horrified look with his wife.

“…Su Ming'an.” The man uttered the name, his tone complex, “He’s always at the forefront… Is he going to drag everyone into the final hurdle this time?”

"This has nothing to do with us, quickly, close it!" Mom shook her head repeatedly.

Like them, many people closed the interface.

Such terrible things must have nothing to do with them. There will always be heroes standing at the forefront, while they have elderly parents and young children, and things they must consider.

……

Park bench.

The setting sun painted the sky orange-pink, and a tranquil melody flowed through it.

On the bench, the girl nestled against the boy's shoulder, sharing an earphone and listening to soft music. The boy was about to whisper something sweet when suddenly his body stiffened.

"What's wrong?" The girl looked up and saw the light screen in front of her.

The warm atmosphere froze instantly.

"...'Trial of Origin'?" After reading it, the girl subconsciously grabbed her boyfriend's arm. "Zhe, we...we're just casual players, why do we have to choose it too?"

The boy grasped her hand in return, his palms slightly sweaty, and tried to remain calm: "Don't be afraid, the main thing is Su Ming'an's success. If he succeeds, we'll be fine. This button is for those who want to take a gamble."

"The mortality rate is extremely high, and there's a possibility they won't be able to be resurrected!" Tears welled up in the girl's eyes. "We promised to save up points together to exchange for a peaceful ending... Don't go!"

The two stared at the red button before them, a flicker of longing and struggle in their eyes. What young person hasn't dreamt of transcending the mundane? Especially in a game world like this. "Gods," "dimensional ascension"... these words were incredibly powerful.

But they finally sighed, leaned closer together, and hugged each other tighter: "We'll just watch. Trust those people... Haven't they been creating miracles all along?"

The unease and resentment in my heart were quietly buried.

They can't abandon everything and risk everything, I'm sorry.

……

Stone table in the park.

"Checkmate! Haha! Draw the chariot!" Old Li, wearing a white t-shirt, slapped his thigh triumphantly. "Old Zhang, you're going to lose to me this time!"

Grandpa Zhang, sitting opposite, stared at the chessboard, frowning as he pondered how to break free. Suddenly, a row of glowing characters appeared on the chessboard.

The two young-looking old men were stunned and squinted to look closely.

"What... what is this thing? Has Su Ming'an stirred up a big commotion again?" Grandpa Li muttered. "Wow! All players? Instant death if no one succeeds in clearing the level? That's terrifying."

Grandpa Zhang adjusted his reading glasses, his expression becoming much more serious: "The final challenge sounds ominous. Does this red button mean we have to risk our lives too?"

"Why risk your life?" Grandpa Li picked up his purple clay teapot and took a sip of tea. "We're all too old for this. I think we should let those who are capable go for it. As for us, we should stay put and not cause any trouble; that's what we're doing."

Grandpa Zhang pointed at the screen and said, "That's true, but this is an instant death judgment. If no one helps him, and everyone fails, won't we all be doomed too?"

Grandpa Li pondered for a moment, then forgot all about the chessboard: "Then let's leave it to fate. I've lived for sixty or seventy years, that's enough. Besides, look at this reward, is it something we ordinary people should be thinking about? We should know our own limitations, not go and cause trouble, and just wait for the result. They've already tried their best, I'll accept whatever the outcome."

The two elderly people looked at each other and saw weariness in each other's eyes.

Grandpa Li tapped the chessboard: "Continue, continue, it's your turn, Old Zhang, let's see how you solve this move."

……

Private room in an internet cafe.

Even with VR games that people are fully immersed in, many are still obsessed with familiar computer games.

Amidst swirling smoke, two male college students with deep eye bags were intently focused on their respective screens, their keyboards clattering loudly, and gaming terms occasionally tumbling out from their mouths:

"Go! Go! Go! I've got it under control!"

"That vixen is really cunning, let's get her under control!"

"They're here! We have to take them down this time... Holy crap?!"

The system notification overlaid on their game interface, and a team fight resulted in an instant wipeout. However, this time, no teammates cursed; only text messages between teammates and opponents kept popping up:

【Holy crap, you guys received a system notification too?】

Stop! All of you, stop fighting!

[This idiot Sword Saint is still attacking me! Look at the system quests! Never won before?]

[Really? I was prepared to just coast through until the very end, and now they've given me a chance to change my fate? What if I manage to beat the game...?]

Don't be impulsive, bro! If you press that button, you might never see them online again!

If I become stronger and my reaction time becomes faster, will I be able to reach a higher rank?

【You really only care about games!】

[Wait, I've already written down all the rude teammates who screwed me over. Once I become a god, I'll come back and confront those bastards offline!]

The two male college students temporarily forgot about the game and began to read carefully.

“Everyone’s involved… Could this be considered a hidden server-wide event? If we participate and get some assists, or even just a little bit of ‘Source Points,’ could we exchange them for something amazing?” one of the tall guys said.

"We've been living in a daze for the past six months... What if the game ends and we can't protect our parents? How about we give it our all?" The short man pushed up his glasses.

An unprecedented impulse surged within them. The two glanced at the deep night outside the window, their exhaustion from staying up all night, their confusion about the future, and their restlessness at not wanting to be ordinary... all stirred within them, making them eager to act.

One of them seemed to have made up his mind, immediately switching to a different page and frantically refreshing the world forum to check for relevant information, making some last-minute preparations. The game character stood alone in the center of the battlefield on the screen, already forgotten.

Tonight, no one can sleep.

……

Office building.

The lights were harsh, and most of the workstations were empty, with only one light still on in the corner. Wang Yu, with dark circles under his eyes, mechanically typed on the keyboard.

Even though people say that you can enjoy life in the world of games without having to study or work, there are always those who can't stand it. They can't go on adventures, so they stay in various factions, doing copywriting-related work, earning meager points, and even having workstations and clocking-in systems.

Wang Yu's mind was constantly replaying the points he needed to earn. He needed them to buy a wedding house, a wedding car, gold and silver jewelry, his child's future tuition fees, his parents' medical expenses… The world would change drastically in the future, and currency would inevitably depreciate; he needed to save as many as possible…

The harder he tried, the more desperate he became. He had long realized that if he didn't become an adventurer, even if he worked his hardest to earn meager leisure points, he might not be able to live the life he wanted in the future...

Suddenly, the document interface in front of him was covered by a system prompt.

Wang Yu's fingers stopped, staring blankly at the few lines of text. The long hours of overtime had made him a little sluggish; he blinked his dry eyes and read it again.

“The Origin Point Trial?” he repeated in a low voice, a tired and absurd smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Ha… I can’t even afford to pay for social security, and you expect me to think about the universe and civilization?”

He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his throbbing temples. The reward was tempting; it sounded like it could solve all his real-world problems—the mortgage, his parents' medical bills, the endless overtime… and even grant him access to the extraordinary.

He thought of his parents back home, and how he had worked hard to study and work, just to make his family's life a little better in this crazy world of games.

“Su Ming’an…” He murmured the name, his feelings a complex mix. This young player carried a burden far beyond what ordinary people could bear, walking a path he could never have imagined. And himself? Just an ordinary person, suffocating under the weight of life and work.

The red button waited silently on the screen. Wang Yu didn't make a choice immediately. He quietly closed the system notification window and continued typing. Perhaps, at the last moment before the deadline, he would make a decision. Perhaps, like countless other nights of working overtime, he would choose to bury himself in the trivialities and tranquility before him.

He stared at the glowing screen for a long time, then suddenly covered his face, his nose stinging with tears.

He dialed a number, and a familiar voice came from the other end. He smiled, but tears streamed down his face.

"Hey, Dad, Mom."

"It's nothing, and the work isn't tiring."

"I...I just missed you guys."

……