WTNL Chapter 404

(3/7)

Yuying University
Chapter 404: A bad stomach

Orange Candy held a cold bun in her hand, gazing at Wen Jianyan with great anticipation.

Wen Jianyan: “…”

Figures.

He knew it.

With a long sigh, Wen Jianyan finally took the bun from Orange Candy’s hand.

After all, fifty percent remaining HP was indeed too low.

Besides the hypothermia and mental fog caused by blood loss, there was also a deep-seated pain beneath the skin that affected every move he made.

Not to mention—today wasn’t just the day for registering for a second elective course, but also the day of a compulsory physical education class in the afternoon…

Rather than waiting until he had no choice, it was better to use this opportunity—while the situation was still somewhat under control—to figure out how the healing mechanism in this instance worked.

Wen Jianyan unwrapped the bun, took a deep breath to steel himself, and then lowered his head to take a bite of the pale white bun.

…It was a meat bun.

The oils and filling had become slightly greasy after cooling, clinging to the mouth and throat in an unpleasant way, and the taste of the meat filling inevitably reminded him of some rather disturbing images.

Objectively speaking, though, it didn’t taste that bad.

Shutting his eyes and gritting his teeth, he quickly devoured the whole bun in a few big bites.

The people nearby watched him nervously and expectantly.

Orange Candy asked, “How is it?”

“…Cough, it’s alright,” Wen Jianyan replied honestly.

As soon as he swallowed the bun, a wave of warmth spread through his body. In just a few seconds, his blood-chilled hands and feet began to warm up, and the pain from the wound on his chest and abdomen gradually eased. The wound, previously only hastily treated for bleeding, began to itch—as though it was starting to heal.

His HP, which had dropped to 50, began to rise rapidly, going straight to 70—recovering a full 20 points.

However…

“My blue bar also dropped,” Wen Jianyan said. “Dropped by 20.”

After the terrifying events of last night, his SAN value had already dropped to 58. With time, it had slowly recovered by two points.

Now, after just one bun…

Well, it was down to 40.

Wen Jianyan: “…”

Just when you think you couldn’t get any poorer.

The group exchanged glances, their expressions grave.

This confirmed their suspicions from yesterday: the healing mechanics for the bun and the steamed bread were exactly the same—significant HP recovery at the cost of a major SAN value drop.

Though expected, the outcome wasn’t good.

Even if SAN value loss didn’t cause instant death, it still had severe negative effects on a anchor’s mental state and left them vulnerable to psychic attacks later in the instance.

Tian Ye said, “In that case, the noodles must be the item that restores SAN value, right?”

It was a highly logical guess.

After all, the cafeteria sold only three food items: steamed buns, meat buns, and noodles, priced at 1 credit, 2 credits, and 5 credits respectively. Since the cheaper items that could be taken away healed HP, it made sense that the most expensive, dine-in-only noodles would restore SAN.

“Maybe,” Orange Candy shrugged. “When the cafeteria opens at noon, we’ll buy some more buns and steamed bread. Everyone should have some in reserve.”

Even with their SAN value side effects, they were still the most effective healing items in this instance—just in case someone like Wen Jianyan got pulled into a side quest alone, having healing items would increase survival chances.

The others nodded in agreement.

“Alright, we should go,” Orange Candy glanced around the increasingly empty dorm area. “If we wait too long, the good elective slots will be gone.”

The group hurried toward the teaching building.

Just like Monday, there were three elective options for Tuesday:

Foreign Languages, Outdoor Practice, and Dance Class.

“I think the language course sounds safest…” Tian Ye whispered.

After yesterday’s elective, they had some idea of how dangers manifested in this instance. Both Outdoor Practice and Dance Class sounded risky. In comparison, the Foreign Languages class seemed harmless.

“Not necessarily,” Yun Bilan replied coldly. “What if the rule is inverted?”

Wei Cheng added, “Yeah. With the other two classes, we might at least anticipate what kind of danger we’re facing. But with a language class, it’s hard to guess where the threat might come from.”

Tian Ye was taken aback.

…That was true.

From a risk-management perspective, the other two options might be easier to control.

Their steps were quick. After just a few exchanges, they were already close to the teaching building.

Tian Ye hesitated, then looked to Orange Candy. “Captain, which of the three classes do you think we should pick?”

Orange Candy stopped walking and tilted her head. “Does it matter?”

“?”

Tian Ye froze. “But the danger level…”

“Coward”, Orange Candy rolled her eyes dramatically, then pointed to Wen Jianyan. “He cleared in one night what others take a whole semester to finish, and you’re still here hemming and hawing about which class is easier? Shame on you.”

Tian Ye lit up: “Captain, you’re right!”

Wen Jianyan, the prodigal overachiever: “…”

“Instead of focusing on which class to take,” Orange Candy said, “focus on the time. Split up and check the designated classrooms for the schedule. We’ll regroup here afterward.”

She made the final call.

The group quickly dispersed, each heading to the classrooms where the elective courses were being registered.

Wen Jianyan and Su Cheng paired up and made their way to the dance class. As they walked through the hallway, they chatted.

“How much SAN do you have left now?” Su Cheng asked.

“Forty,” Wen Jianyan replied.

“Not much at all.” Su Cheng frowned.

“…What do you expect?” Wen Jianyan gave him a speechless look.

“What does it feel like?” Su Cheng asked.

Wen Jianyan paused to reflect for a moment, then replied thoughtfully, “Not too bad… I don’t really feel any drastic changes.”

Though his SAN value had now dropped lower than even his lowest HP had been, unlike the overwhelming sensations that came with physical health deterioration, this didn’t seem to come with any strong effects.

“But I do feel a little colder than before,” he added.

It was as if his skin had been exposed to chilly air for a long time—an ongoing, subtle discomfort, even when he was doing nothing.

“If you haven’t started hallucinating or experiencing anything worse yet, that probably means your SAN hasn’t hit the critical point. But that doesn’t mean you’re safe,” Su Cheng warned seriously. “From here on, don’t let your guard down. Avoid danger as much as you can.”

As they talked, they continued walking forward, and soon, the dance classroom appeared ahead.

Unlike the other classrooms, the dance room was much larger. The desks and chairs had been removed, leaving the space completely empty. At the far end of the room was a giant mirror covering the entire wall, reflecting the figures of the two who had just entered.

There were no students inside—only one male teacher.

The moment Wen Jianyan stepped in, he felt a chilling air sweep across his skin, causing goosebumps to rise on his arms. He instinctively shrank his neck.

“Here to register?” the teacher asked.

Given Wen Jianyan’s… unique condition and his innate tendency to attract trouble, Su Cheng had taken on the role of speaking with others during this visit.

Su Cheng nodded. “Yes. Is there a schedule for this class?”

Unlike the film appreciation teacher from the previous class, this one didn’t waste time. He simply pointed toward the mirror at the far end of the room. In the corner near the door, there appeared to be an old, faded schedule stuck to the glass.

“Check it yourself.”

“Thank you, sir,” Su Cheng replied politely.

He glanced at Wen Jianyan and gave a firm warning, “Stay here. Don’t touch anything.”

Wen Jianyan: “…”

He sighed, exasperated. “What, you think I’m a kid?”

In the “Integrity First” live room barrage:

[No, no, what kind of kid comes with a monster-attracting passive skill? You’re overestimating children!]

[LOL, if I were Su Cheng, I’d be worried too! Wen Jianyan always gives off ‘I’m-about-to-get-in-trouble’ vibes…]

Once Wen Jianyan gave his word, Su Cheng turned and walked deeper into the classroom.

Left behind, Wen Jianyan stood idly near the entrance, waiting for Su Cheng to return.

Suddenly—without warning—a chill shot up his spine.

Wen Jianyan sensed a gaze fall upon him. He shivered and instinctively turned toward the direction it was coming from.

It was the dance teacher.

He was staring directly at Wen Jianyan, his pitch-black, lifeless eyes unblinking.

“…”

Wen Jianyan felt his scalp prickle, but quickly steadied himself.

After all, not only had class not started yet, they hadn’t even decided whether they’d register. In the Yuying Comprehensive University instance, the rules didn’t just bind the anchors—they applied equally to the monsters and NPCs.

So let him look. It wasn’t like he was going to lose a piece of flesh over it.

Still, driven by instinct, Wen Jianyan subconsciously took half a step back.

But unexpectedly, as soon as he moved, the dance teacher also took a step forward.

Wen Jianyan: “!”

The teacher continued to stare intensely. Under the overly bright fluorescent lights, his pale, corpse-like face took on a strange and unsettling appearance.

“Student, come sign up for dance class,” he said.

In the “Integrity First” live room barrage:

[?]

[???]

[Damn, is this the first time a teacher’s recruiting students this hard?]

[LOL, are the NPCs now treating the anchor like hot property or what?]

“Uh…” Wen Jianyan muttered.

Before he could respond, the dance teacher stepped closer again. The distance between them shrank to an uncomfortably close range.

Wen Jianyan could almost smell the faint scent of decay wafting from the man’s body.

The teacher’s gaze swept across Wen Jianyan’s entire form with a sticky, unnerving intensity. “Ah, what a perfect dance prodigy. It’d be such a shame if you didn’t come dance with me.”

He reached out, seemingly trying to touch Wen Jianyan.

Startled, Wen Jianyan quickly dodged.

But the teacher didn’t seem to mind. His gaze lingered on Wen Jianyan’s arm, chest, and thighs, leering as he said, “Such long arms and legs… such flexibility and grace. You’re made for dancing…”

In the “Integrity First” live room barrage:

[Ugh, that look in his eyes is nasty. I’m getting creeped out.]

[Disturbing… but also… he’s not wrong. Gotta give him credit for good taste!]

Wen Jianyan was creeped out by the man’s gaze, and just as he was about to say something to brush him off, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Wen Jianyan paused and looked toward the sound.

Su Cheng had returned.

He silently stepped forward and inserted himself between the two.

Su Cheng smiled and said politely, “Thank you, teacher. We’ll be leaving now.”

“Leaving?” The dance teacher frowned. “You’re not signing up for the class?”

“We’ll think about it,” Su Cheng replied smoothly, while subtly moving Wen Jianyan behind him.

“…Alright then.”

The dance teacher’s eyes lingered over Su Cheng’s shoulder, sticking to Wen Jianyan’s pale face like glue.

He smiled, a chilling, disturbing expression on his face. “I always welcome promising dance students… I’ll save a spot for you. You’re welcome to join anytime.”

“Thank you, teacher.”

Su Cheng nodded, backing away slowly and cautiously.

Once he was sure the teacher wasn’t following, he suddenly pulled Wen Jianyan into the hallway with a swift tug.

The classroom door closed between them and the dance teacher’s reptilian gaze. The oppressive weight on their chests instantly lifted.

Su Cheng let out a breath and released Wen Jianyan’s arm.

He frowned and looked at him.
“And you still say you’re not a child?”

Wen Jianyan: “…”

Unfair!
He really hadn’t done anything! Hadn’t even touched anything!

“But judging from that guy, it’s best we don’t choose the dance class,” Su Cheng sighed. “What a pity. The schedule was actually great.”

Wen Jianyan: “Oh?”

“It’s every Thursday morning. Only one session per week,” Su Cheng said.

That was a good time slot — it didn’t conflict with any of their other classes and had the least number of sessions. High reward, low workload.

Wen Jianyan: “Then maybe it’s not totally—”

Su Cheng, deadpan: “Don’t even think about it.”

After getting the class schedule, the two of them returned to the designated meeting spot.

The rest of the group was already there.

Once Wen Jianyan and Su Cheng arrived, they began exchanging the information they had gathered.

Apparently, all Tuesday electives only had one class per week and didn’t overlap with the required subjects they had already registered for.

“So… which one should we choose?” Tian Ye looked a bit hesitant.

Su Cheng said, “I don’t recommend dance.”

He didn’t give a reason, but as the group’s seer, his words naturally carried weight.

Orange Candy shrugged. “Whatever!”

She raised her hand and started pointing randomly at the list. “Let fate decide!”

The winner was quickly chosen: Outdoor Survival.

“Alright, this one it is!” Orange Candy declared nonchalantly. “Let’s go sign up!”

The group headed off again and soon arrived at the registration classroom.

Not many people were signing up for Outdoor Survival — or rather, not many people were signing up for any Tuesday elective at all. Nothing like the mad rush they’d been expecting.

Wen Jianyan thought for a moment and quickly figured out why.

Clearly, the Monday electives and required classes all took place on Monday. So by now, most anchors had figured out the relative danger levels within the instance.

The electives with the fewest classes and the most credits were clearly the most dangerous, while the required classes — although offering fewer credits and more sessions — could be safely passed by just sleeping through them.

The risk was far lower.

Naturally, most anchors would choose the safer path.

If staying in the instance longer meant a safer pass, then why risk it?

That might also explain why this instance — despite not being low in difficulty — had such disappointing viewer engagement.

They walked into the classroom and, under the teacher’s unblinking gaze, registered one by one.

This Outdoor Survival instructor looked young, but his skin was wrinkled and loose. Like the other teachers in this school, he gave off a cold and eerie vibe.

“Saturday morning. Meet at the school gate at 8:00 sharp,” he said, his eyes lingering on Wen Jianyan for several seconds longer than the others. “Don’t be late.”

“Okay. Thank you, teacher.” Wen Jianyan forced a smile, already resigned to being a walking aggro magnet.

After registering, another 30 credits were added to their student cards.

However, until they passed the trial, they could only use the credits to buy items — not the so-called “withdrawal certificate” needed to leave the instance.

The group exited the classroom building and stepped outside.

Although it was daytime, the outdoor lighting was pale and thin. The light offered no warmth, only a cold, bone-deep chill.

Wen Jianyan shivered again.

He hugged his arms to his chest and glanced at the blue bar in the upper right of his vision.

After an entire morning, his SAN value had only recovered by 1 point.

Still, better than nothing.

“Oh, right,” Wen Jianyan suddenly remembered something. He swung his backpack around to the front and unzipped it. “I almost forgot. I got this in the movie last night.”

As he spoke, he pulled out the journal he had found on Richard’s bed.

“!”

Orange Candy’s eyes widened in shock. “Is that—?”

Wen Jianyan: “Yup.”

It was the same journal Orange Candy had tried and failed to bring out of the movie world earlier.

He had obtained the diary last night after entering the movie, and even used the rules to get the password. However, due to his HP dropping and the resulting mental fog, he had forgotten to take it out at the time.

“Wow!!”

Orange Candy’s eyes sparkled as she took the diary and spun around in place. “You’re the best!!!”

Wen Jianyan let out a helpless sigh. “Alright, alright, hurry up and see what’s inside.”

Orange Candy asked, “You didn’t open it?”

Wen Jianyan shook his head. “Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance.”

After he got the diary, he was hit by Richard’s deadly curse, and the rest of the time he had to catch up on homework. He never had a moment to check what was inside.

“Come on, let’s read it together.”

Orange Candy was all smiles as she opened the diary, ready to enjoy the fruits of victory. The others gathered around as well, curious to see what Richard had written in his diary.

But the moment the diary was opened, everyone fell silent.

The pages were full of garbled characters.

The text was twisted and eerie, bearing no resemblance to any known language. It was completely unreadable.

Orange Candy’s expression instantly fell, her face full of disappointment.

“Uh…”

Tian Ye scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “Are all the books in this instance like this…”

Just like the professional textbooks they received earlier, they were all pitch-black and full of indecipherable symbols.

“Wait a second.”

Suddenly, Yun Bilan spoke up.

Everyone turned to look at her.

Yun Bilan said, “Is it possible… that this is the so-called ‘minor language’?”

“!” The others were stunned, but immediately caught on.

Right!!

Could it be that the elective course for minor languages in this instance was meant to help them understand these unreadable characters?

“Ahhhh I’m so mad!” Orange Candy scrunched her face and gritted her teeth. “If I had known, I would’ve signed up for minor languages!”

Livestream chat:

[HAHAHAHAHA!!]

[I’m dying! 50/50 chance and you picked the wrong one — what kind of cursed luck is that? Did she catch it from Pinocchio next door?]

[Meanwhile, Wen Jianyan: ? Why is this my fault now?]

Orange Candy turned to the group, eyes sparkling with hope. “How about… we sign up for one more elective?”

“……”

Tian Ye looked just as miserable. “Captain, please consider us ordinary folks…”

Wei Cheng also shook his head, clearly not on board.

“If we sign up for another class, we’ll be spending too much time in this instance. Don’t forget our real goal for entering this instance.”

Orange Candy glared at the diary in her hands.

So frustrating!!

“It’s okay, we might get another chance later.” At that moment, Wen Jianyan spoke up, just in time. “Besides, even if we didn’t take the minor languages elective, it doesn’t mean we’re stuck.”

“?” The others froze and looked over.

Wen Jianyan said, “We just need to find a few anchors who did take the class and… capture them—no, ask them to help us translate.”

“Oh! That’s a great idea!”

The team suddenly understood.

In the “Integrity First” live room barrage:

[……]

[Did he just say ‘capture them’? He totally said ‘capture them,’ right?!]

[If you ever wondered what it means to be full of evil schemes — this is it!!!]

[I’m begging you, please act like a human being!]

Orange Candy’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Good! I love that plan!”

The group hit it off instantly, and under the sunlight, they all flashed a sinister grin in unison — a bunch of schemers clearly cut from the same cloth.

After leaving the academic building, they followed the plan and went to the cafeteria. Each person bought some steamed buns and stuffed them into their backpacks — just in case.

Tuesday afternoon, they had P.E. class.

Half an hour before class started, they followed the map from the freshman handbook and arrived at the sports field early.

Even though Yuying University’s campus was old, the basic facilities were still there.

Just… not in great condition.

The faded track circled around a small soccer field.

The fake grass was an ugly gray-brown, and the goalposts on either end had peeling paint. The nets hung loosely, barely intact.

On the left was a basketball court surrounded by wire fencing. On the right stood a short, oval-shaped building.

The sign on the building read:

[Gymnasium]

The front door of the gym was tightly shut. The tall windows were dusty, making it impossible to see inside.

A thick iron chain locked the doors tight — clearly, there were no plans to open it.

Wen Jianyan’s gaze paused on the words [Gymnasium] for a moment.

He remembered from Brave Richard that, according to a supporting character’s account, Richard’s fear of water had started about a week ago.

And in Richard’s wallet, he had found a ticket stub…

From exactly a week ago — a visit to the gymnasium.

Could this be the true source of the curse?

Just as Wen Jianyan was deep in thought, a familiar deep voice suddenly called out from a distance:

“Hey.”

Everyone turned toward the sound.

A tall, handsome man stepped out from the side of the gym, a half-burnt cigarette held between his fingers. His expression was the same as ever — cold and lethargic.

It was Hugo, the one who had been missing since the first day of the instance, roaming freely and unseen.

“Over here,” he said, beckoning.

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