Zhu Xiaoxiao continued, "In the public's perception, a happy ending is often regarded as the ideal ending of a story, which means that everything goes smoothly for the protagonist, all wishes are fulfilled, and everyone is happy. But when we step out of this preconceived notion and re-examine it, we will find that this so-called 'perfection' may just be a superficial illusion."
"In the real world, I once longed for health. At that time, I only thought that God could favor me just once. As long as I could be like a normal person, it would be a happy ending... However, when I was really like a normal person and did not have to suffer from illness, I did not gain the happiness and joy I had imagined."
Is this really a happy ending?
Zhu Xiaoxiao's gaze fell on her hands, which in reality had been pale and thin, covered with needle marks due to leukemia, but now appeared healthy and strong in the game world.
A self-deprecating smile appeared on her lips as she chuckled softly.
After a moment, she looked up at Yu Xiangnan, her eyes filled with seriousness and inquiry, and asked, "In your opinion, what would constitute a good ending for this instance? Is it really possible to save everyone if we just follow those clues step by step? Is this ending truly one that satisfies everyone?"
As Yu Xiangnan listened to Zhu Xiaoxiao's words, she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
However, after thinking about it, she quickly came to an answer.
Yu Xiangnan replied, "No, there is no such thing as an ending that satisfies everyone in the world."
"For example, when a hero defeats a dragon and saves the world, some people cheer for the triumph of justice; but others hide in a corner and sigh, lamenting the broken eggs in the dragon's lair and grieving for the innocent lives affected by the war; some may even be the dragon's children, harboring only resentment towards the hero."
Therefore, there will never be an ending that satisfies everyone; differing opinions will eventually become part of the ending.
Yu Xiangnan looked at Zhu Xiaoxiao, who had a bewildered expression, and smiled, "Isn't this what makes it interesting?"
"Perhaps we should follow our hearts. Sometimes it's okay to ignore the voices of the outside world and focus on our true inner thoughts. Like you asked, there may not be a standard answer to the ending of this instance."
Zhu Xiaoxiao was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Yu Xiangnan to give such an answer.
After a brief silence, she suddenly raised her hand to cover her mouth and laughed, "Haha, Yu Xiangnan, you really are a strange person."
Following the instructions in the old book, the two continued searching for stones bearing the marks of the Five Elements. Suddenly, a melodious yet somewhat eerie bell rang from afar, breaking the tranquility.
? !
The two instantly became alert, exchanged a glance, and quickly went to the cave entrance to check the situation.
Standing at the entrance of the cave, the view suddenly opens up, and most of the town's scenery can be seen.
It was not yet nightfall, and the sun had not yet completely disappeared below the horizon. The town was dyed a dazzling red by the afterglow of the setting sun.
The mutated NPCs, who usually gathered in the square at night, did not stay there as usual. Instead, they surged towards the cave where they were like a surging tide.
Eerie sounds and footsteps could be faintly heard.
Upon seeing this, the two men's expressions changed drastically, and they dared not delay for the slightest.
Following the principle of earth overcoming water, the earth-colored stone was pushed into a nearby groove from which water droplets were constantly seeping, and the water flow gradually stopped; then, according to the principle of water overcoming fire, the warm, moist stone was moved towards a hot, reddish stone...
No, it's too late!
The mutated NPC bared its teeth and claws as it charged into the cave, instantly filling the once tranquil space with its ferocious face and piercing roars.
Yu Xiangnan and Zhu Xiaoxiao were greatly alarmed. They dared not delay for a moment and quickened their pace, rushing towards the cave exit.
If we get stuck in the cave, that would be terrible!
Those mutated NPCs were incredibly fast, and countless tentacles lashed out at them.
In the critical moment, Yu Xiangnan's eyes sharpened, and he suddenly raised his hand, sending the two mutants charging at the front flying, crashing heavily into the cave wall. Zhu Xiaoxiao, meanwhile, gripped her greatsword tightly with both hands, swiftly taking down the two mutants with almost single strikes.
The two moved step by step toward the cave entrance, fighting their way through the encirclement.
They're out!
Those mutated NPCs are really hard to deal with. Don't be fooled by their low health; their strength and agility are beyond imagination. They move as fast as lightning and attack with extreme speed.
Moreover, their sheer numbers and dense swarms created a powerful oppressive force, making the already difficult confrontation even more challenging.
After a fierce battle, Zhu Xiaoxiao was wounded and had lost a significant amount of health. She quickly searched for healing cards to use in order to recover her health as soon as possible. At this moment, she subconsciously glanced at Yu Xiangnan and was surprised to find that Yu Xiangnan hadn't used any healing items at all.
That's strange. Didn't she lose any blood? Or did I miss something?
The two were on edge, and had just stopped to consider their next move when suddenly, the familiar bell rang again.
Amazingly, the mutated NPCs that were originally baring their teeth and claws seemed to have heard some irresistible command, instantly stopped attacking, returned to their original positions, and quickly disappeared without a trace.
The two exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with doubt and wariness, but both understood that this might be a rare opportunity.
They waited briefly in place, carefully observing their surroundings for any unusual circumstances. Once they confirmed that it was temporarily safe, they quickly ran back into the depths of the cave.
Only one last step remains.
Finally, following the hint that fire overcomes metal, push a stone with flame patterns close to a metal stone.
"Buzz, buzz—"
The moment the two parts were completely joined together, the entire altar trembled violently, and a dazzling light shot into the sky, heading straight for the sky outside the cave.
The eerie light of the stars in the sky gradually faded, and the mutated NPCs collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
drop--
[Achieve the happy ending "HE - Return to Peace"]
[Notice]: The "Survival Period" has ended. Congratulations to all surviving players! You will be teleported to the "Public Rest Area".
[Note]: In addition, players Yu Xiangnan (ID: H00) and Zhu Xiaoxiao (ID: H0) were detected as having performed the best in this instance, and extra rewards will be awarded to them.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
