Their fingernails grew longer and sharper at a visible rate, and their facial skin became sunken, barely forming the shape of their facial features.

Fang He gripped the iron rod in his hand, his expression solemn as he shielded Xiao Cheng behind him.

"Fang He," Xiao Cheng tugged at his sleeve, "I've got an idea."

"What?" Fang He turned his head to look at her, meeting her bright and sparkling eyes.

"Kill me, now." Xiao Cheng said with absolute certainty. She shoved half of her iron bars into Fang He's hand, pointing the sharper end at herself.

"There's no need to resort to this method to die together." Fang He's gaze turned cold, and he seemed genuinely angry.

The digital man curled his fingers into claws and roared as he lunged at them. Fang He blocked him with his staff, sparks flying as his fingernails rubbed against the iron rod. He used the force to push the digital man half a meter away, making him even more agitated.

"Fang He! Trust me!" Xiao Cheng urged again, "Do you really think you can last until the end of the game like this?!"

Fang He gritted his teeth, turned to look at Xiao Cheng, his eyes bloodshot: "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure!" Xiao Cheng nodded vigorously. She wanted to say something more, such as about the diary or her own guesses.

But Fang He had already raised his hand, and the iron railing pierced through Xiao Cheng's chest without any obstruction. Blood gushed out, mixing with the already dried blood on Fang He's body.

"I'll trust you this once." He caught Xiao Cheng's body, which had stopped breathing, in an almost embracing gesture. "At worst... we'll really die together."

Xiao Cheng felt no pain. It was as if the surroundings had been paused; the shouts of the digital beings abruptly ceased, and everything fell silent. A faint white light suddenly appeared before her eyes, then gradually expanded until it completely engulfed her.

A fog enveloped the area.