508: 8.108 Nothing Matters More*

8.108 Nothing Matters More*

Cyrus watched the couple's interaction in front of him with an amused smile. Before it could escalate into domestic violence, he interjected timely. "It seems like both of you are still unclear about this game. In that case, let me explain it a bit."  2

He waited until Lu Yizhou and Ellen gave their approval before starting, "The instances are generally divided into two. First, player versus environment or PVE. This kind of game usually only involves a group of players which will then become teammates. There will be a final boss and players are required to team up to clear the instance. Second, it's player versus player or PVP. This usually happens in a large-scale, secluded area and players are asked to attack each other. The instance we are in now is included in the second type."

Lu Yizhou nodded in understanding. In his first quest, he had teamed up with other players in order to defeat Master Knox and the black witch Maureen so it could be considered as a PVE type. "So, what's the difference between the two?"

Cyrus smiled. "In PVE, the instance will automatically generate teammates for you. But in PVP, you can either enter as a team or search for powerful teammates along the way. The reward for clearing the instance is also bigger and more tempting, but at the same time, the risk is very high. Take this instance for example. There are approximately 800 people on this ship and around 90% of them are NPCs. Of course, they are all in the guest camp. The remaining 10% are players who are divided into werewolves, guests, seers and doctors."

"So you're saying that there are 80 players on this ship," Lu Yizhou said tentatively. "Forty of them are in the werewolves camp and the other forty are in the guests camp?"

"This is just a speculation but at the moment, I am almost 90% sure." Cyrus replied with certainty. "That's how the game will remain fair. Werewolves can hide in the dark, whereas guest players can hide among the NPCs. Generally, the first few days will be quite peaceful because the ones who will die first are NPCs. When it comes to the sixth or seventh day, the NPCs will be entirely wiped out and the remaining people on the ship will be players." Cyrus' face turned solemn. "By then, it will be an open war."

Lu Yizhou recalled how he had completed the previous quest in two days and could not help wondering, "Is there any way to clear it faster?"

"I'm afraid no." Cyrus put on a helpless smile and spread his hands. "In PVP, players are betting their own lives to get better rewards. They will not give up so easily. There's a very big possibility that this instance will drag out until the very last minute."

Lu Yizhou's expression sank. An open war between players with bizarre skill cards… He could not imagine how chaotic it would be. In a few seconds, Lu Yizhou already thought of a few ways to wipe everyone out so he could bring Ellen out safely and failed to realize that beside him, Ellen was lowering his head as though planning something, his golden eyes flickering in crimson. Lu Yizhou showed nothing on his face as he offered his gratitude. "I understand now. Thank you."

"No, it's me who should thank you," Cyrus gave him a smile. He had said everything there needed to be said and was ready to leave for now. All they could do was to play everything by ear. 

As for the bugs… Cyrus secretly whispered to him on the way out. "I have a few candidates in mind. But nothing is certain yet. I need a little more time to find out. This is an enclosed space so it's easier to lock in on the bugs by elimination."

"What a coincidence," Lu Yizhou said. "I also have a few candidates in mind."

Both of them exchanged notes and Lu Yizhou smiled when 90% of the people they suspected coincided with each other. Once again, he relished in how great it felt to have powerful teammates. Both of their goals were the same so they did not even need to talk much before they came to an agreement. Lu Yizhou would keep staying by Ellen's side to prevent the bugs from getting close to him whereas Cyrus and Luan would be the spears hiding in the dark. 

This way, Lu Yizhou believed that they would definitely win.

After sending Cyrus and Luan off, he returned to find the living room empty. Lu Yizhou glanced at the half-opened bedroom door and did not hesitate to enter. There was the sound of shower running, so Lu Yizhou merely sat down on the couch to wait. It did not take long for Ellen to emerge in a fluffy white robe, still with wet hair and water droplets cascading down his skin. 

Lu Yizhou beckoned him to sit on the couch while he grabbed the hair dryer. The buzz of the machine filled the silence between them. Lu Yizhou looked down at Ellen's head as he carded his fingers gently along the man's silken hair. "What are you thinking about right now?"

Ellen's lashes fluttered shut as he hummed. "I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"I don't know what I should be thinking." Ellen tilted his head to give him a sideways glance. "What about you?"

Lu Yizhou directly exposed his thoughts. "I am wondering… what else have you been hiding from me?"

Ellen merely stared at him silently and that's how Lu Yizhou got his answer. He put on a helpless smile and turned off the hair dryer. Then he stroked Ellen's head affectionately. "I won't force you to tell me so there's no need for you to show this kind of face. Remember, Ellen… At the end of the day, nothing matters to me more than your safety and happiness."

"My safety and happiness…" An indecipherable light flashed through Ellen's eyes and it was as though the cloud that had been shrouding him suddenly dispersed, once again turning his eyes bright and determined. "I will tell you… later." He pursed his lips lightly. "Not now."

Lu Yizhou had already expected that answer so he did not push for answers. He would wait until Ellen was ready to tell him. "Okay." He bent down to press a kiss on his lover's forehead. "I will be waiting."

After that, they decided to call for room service for lunch. Ellen recovered swiftly from his previous state and once again turned into a spoiled leopard as he demanded to be fed. Of course, Lu Yizhou indulged him fully.

Ellen's photoshoot ended up being delayed until tomorrow because Photographer Song was a little injured due to the explosion earlier. Hence, the couple turned in early to prepare for the night to come. They had said that they would talk later, but looking at Ellen who often stayed silent and thinking about God-knows-what, Lu Yizhou did not have the heart to disturb him. 

Either way, he would not let Ellen come with him tonight.

They cuddled on the bed, simply relishing in each other's warmth and talking about whatever topic that came to mind. Doing nothing and spending quality time with his lover as they waited for the sun to set was a glimpse of peace that Lu Yizhou had always been striving to obtain. His heart felt very warm and peaceful.

At first, Lu Yizhou thought that he would not be able to fall asleep in his alert state and the fact that they were surrounded by enemies who could harm Ellen anytime, but he was soon proven wrong. It was unknown what kind of magic Ellen had in him, when Lu Yizhou hugged him close and inhaled his citrusy scent, he unknowingly closed his eyes and fell into a peaceful slumber.

[[Night two. Werewolves, wake up and begin to hunt.]]

Lu Yizhou snapped his eyes open to pitch black darkness and the sound of waves crashing against the ship. He sensed Ellen squirming in his embrace and immediately looked down to find his golden eyes sparkling as soon as they landed on him. Ah no— it was not Ellen. "Big brother!" Ella exclaimed excitedly. "You're awake! This time, I don't have any nightmares!"

An affectionate smile spread across Lu Yizhou's face as he tucked Ella's hair behind her ear. "Is that so?"

"En!"

"Then… can I ask you something?"

Ella tilted her head in confusion. "What do you want to ask, big brother?"

Amidst the darkness, Lu Yizhou's lips curved upward. "Ella, are you a werewolf?"

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