The main system was already in Li Xi’s hands, and the world had been utterly destroyed. Clemens, despite his lingering resentment, knew the tide had turned against him. After a brief, dark glare at Duan Zhen, he finally dissipated into the darkness.
The twins also chose to retreat, and in the blink of an eye, only Li Xi and his group remained.
“Did we win?” Xia Qirong asked in disbelief.
He had expected another fierce battle, but the demon lords had all left.
“It wasn’t worth risking everything,” Hewlett yawned. “A mutual defeat isn’t a good thing.”
He then looked at Li Xi. “Since the task is done, you should keep your promise.”
“Once Dan Zuo finishes his research, I’ll give it to you,” Li Xi said. “Or do you want to watch him modify the program?”
“No need.” Hewlett waved his hand. “An old man like me doesn’t understand such newfangled things.”
He yawned again, repeatedly. “I’m too tired. Call me when it’s done.”
With that, he left, and Li Xi immediately took everyone back to their resting place.
The resting place wasn’t as peaceful as before. Walking to their room, they saw several groups of people huddled together, speaking in hushed tones.
“After the main system was stripped from the world, the shops stopped working, and the smart bracelets can’t receive new tasks,” Dan Zuo quickly gathered intelligence. “We anticipated these outcomes, but we don’t know what will happen to the people still in the game.”
Li Xi thought for a moment. “The previous tasks were fabricated by the main system, and some game dungeons were also created by it using energy. The already created dungeons won’t disappear, but people inside might be trapped.”
“I need to restart the main system to end those worlds,” Dan Zuo said immediately.
“Do as you see fit,” Li Xi said indifferently. “Don’t forget to modify it according to Hewlett’s requirements afterward. Once everything is over, I can disband this place.”
Although the game was constructed by the four demon lords, with the main system’s help, it was possible to return everyone.
After giving instructions, Li Xi tugged Duan Zhen’s hand. “Let’s go back to our room.”
“Wait a moment.” Duan Zhen gently pressed his shoulder and turned to Xia Qirong. “Spread the word that the world is about to disband. We need to reassure the people to avoid panic.”
“Let me add some defensive spells first,” Li Xi interjected. “If they start fighting and realize there are no protections left, it will be chaos.”
Duan Zhen nodded, his arm around Li Xi’s shoulder tightening. “You’re always so thoughtful.”
Li Xi found the comment a bit odd but took it as a compliment.
“Gather everyone we’ve encountered and tell them the truth,” Duan Zhen continued, speaking to Dan Zuo. “We need them to help maintain order.”
Dan Zuo’s expression turned serious, and he nodded immediately.
Those referred to were their former military comrades, scattered throughout the game. They had crossed paths with some and kept in touch.
It’s said that through six degrees of separation, one can connect with anyone in the world. Though they had only met a few, issuing a summons might yield surprising results.
They hadn’t gathered before but stayed in contact. Now was the time for them to act.
“So you had a plan all along,” Li Xi realized, blinking but feeling it was perfectly normal. Duan Zhen’s character was always meticulous and well-prepared.
“All done.” Li Xi, seeing everything settled, tugged Duan Zhen’s hand, urging him towards their room. “You must be exhausted today. I’ve healed your wounds, but the aftereffects of blood loss are still there.”
If an ordinary person had lost that much blood, they’d have collapsed long ago. Duan Zhen, however, remained composed, issuing commands.
“I’m fine,” Duan Zhen reassured him. “Don’t worry, these wounds are nothing to me.”
“Are you trying to make me feel sorry for you?” Li Xi raised an eyebrow. “Even if you’ve endured harsher battles before, you need to rest now.”
Duan Zhen, helpless, allowed himself to be pushed into the room, a smile sneaking onto his lips.
Dan Zuo felt like he had consumed a ton of dog food but calmly adjusted his glasses and walked out.
He was used to it, not shocked at all.
Inside, Li Xi seemed intent on making Duan Zhen sleep immediately.
“I’ll take a bath first,” Duan Zhen said, looking at Li Xi, then hesitated. “Will you sleep with me tonight?”
“Of course,” Li Xi replied as if it was the most natural thing. “Go take your bath quickly, then I’ll take mine.”
Though cleaning spells were quick and convenient, after a battle, Li Xi felt the need to wash off the unpleasant odors with water and Duan Zhen’s usual soap and shampoo.
Duan Zhen’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice tight. “Alright.”
Li Xi didn’t notice the change in his tone. He used a cleaning spell on himself and then rested on the not-so-soft sofa.
He initially cleared his mind but perked up when he heard the sound of running water from the bathroom.
Anticipating the moment he could cuddle a freshly clean Duan Zhen, Li Xi grew impatient.
However, the water ran for a long time, and Li Xi nearly dozed off on the sofa before Duan Zhen finally emerged, towel-drying his hair.
Seeing Li Xi’s puzzled look, Duan Zhen explained calmly, “During the battle, I got covered in dust and other people’s scents. I thought you wouldn’t like it, so I washed thoroughly. Also, it saves your magic.”
Li Xi didn’t catch the underlying meaning and nodded earnestly. “You’re right, I should wash thoroughly too.”
Duan Zhen sighed, seeing Li Xi’s cluelessness.
Who knows how long it would take for them to…
He stopped himself from thinking further. Despite Li Xi’s transformation into a mature rose, ready to be plucked, their relationship progress was slow. Every time he saw Li Xi, he wanted to kiss the corners of his eyes until they turned red.
Unfortunately, Li Xi was still only comfortable with kisses, always prepared with spells to quell any further desires.
Duan Zhen watched as Li Xi nonchalantly stripped halfway, revealing long, white legs, and walked to the bathroom, closing the door with a flick of his foot.
Tonight would likely be another sweet but torturous night. Sitting on the bed, Duan Zhen sighed again, low and soft.
Ahahah poor Duan Duan!
Thank you for reading