Dice In The Darkness: Cthulhu Calls

Chapter 85: Plot Twists, an Integral Part of the Module

"Is it really that easy to break free?"

Of course not. As the ultimate BOSS of this module, the Earth-boring Demon Worm had something to say, urging all players to listen attentively.

Thus, Liu Xing, who was about to leave, suddenly heard an indescribable, incomprehensible sound. It was the voice of the Earth-boring Demon Worm, and Liu Xing realized he had lost control over his body again.

Clearly, the Earth-boring Demon Worm had employed its mind control on the players, with exceptional effectiveness! Likewise, Tang Tai and others stood frozen, just like Liu Xing.

"Damn plot twists!"

Liu Xing cursed inwardly. Just when he was about to successfully escape, a plot twist forced him to enter the Earth Dragon Village.

"Hehe, you players lack a spirit of adventure," remarked the long-silent game master, Snail. "Fleeing at the sight of a minor monster? How dull. And to think you planned a group escape, this would deeply sadden the scenario's author, not to mention how it affects my performance as a game master."

Liu Xing raised an eyebrow, intrigued that in this Cthulhu Role-Playing Game Hall, there existed roles like the module author. He pondered whether the game master's monthly task was to tear up a certain number of cards and achieve a specific party wipe rate...

"Are you playing with us on purpose, game master?" Mo Jin asked Snail. "We were about to escape smoothly, and you sic the Earth-boring Demon Worm on us for mind control. Might as well have it take us as sacrifices directly, ending it all with a plot twist."

"Hehe, Mo Jin, as a veteran player, you know we game masters don't plot against players. We provide information and direction based on the scenario's plot points and trajectory. Plot twists are an integral part of the scenario, beyond our control. Now, let me be clear: the scenario has two phases, and before the second phase starts, players can't leave the Earth Dragon Village. Attempting to do so will trigger the Earth-boring Demon Worm's mind control. So, stop thinking about escaping and just play the game," Snail explained candidly, sharing plenty of information with Liu Xing and his companions.

Liu Xing sighed in resignation. "Alright, game master, continue the story. I'm all laid back now; it's your move."

"Okay, let's proceed," Snail chuckled. "As you were about to leave the Earth Dragon Village, a strange voice echoed, planting a thought in your minds: you must help the villagers of the Earth Dragon Village."

Liu Xing now suspected Snail's earlier words. They might have been half-truths, meant to lower their guard before unleashing a plot twist to ensure their demise.

Indeed, they hadn't yet entered the Earth Dragon Village. Their performance and reasoning were flawless, convincing. If Snail really was lenient, it was highly likely he would have allowed them to escape.

"Game master Snail is relentless in his pursuit!" Liu Xing grew wary.

With the plot reset, Liu Xing decided to embrace the situation. Watching his character interact with others was like watching himself in a movie, a different kind of experience.

Thereupon, "Liu Xing" and his companions turned back to face the village chief of Earth Dragon Village.

"Liu Xing" took the lead, saying, "Chief, I've thought it over. Whether we return a day earlier or later doesn't matter. Tell us, what does Earth Dragon Village need help with? We volunteers are duty-bound to assist."

"Tang Tai" and others nodded in agreement, echoing Liu Xing's sentiment.

The village chief chuckled knowingly and explained, "You all are good people, willing to help our Earth Dragon Village. Our need is simple. We have a thousand-year-old sacrificial ritual. We had to halt it due to an earthquake recently, planning to resume tomorrow. We hope you volunteers can participate, offering your valuable suggestions to transform this ritual into a unique tourist attraction, drawing visitors nationwide."

Liu Xing understood the scenario's plot. The Earth Dragon Village sought to become a tourist destination, leveraging the Earth-boring Demon Worm sealing ritual gone wrong. The ritual's incompletion had led to the Demon Worm's release, causing the earthquake and controlling the villagers.

The promotion game's main quest was undoubtedly tied to this ritual. Liu Xing pondered whether to complete, disrupt, or escape during the ritual.

As Liu Xing contemplated, "Liu Xing" and his companions readily agreed to participate in the next day's ritual.

Thus, "Liu Xing" and his group formally entered the Earth Dragon Village under the chief's guidance.