WTNL Chapter 88

by Aria

Fantasy Amusement Park
Chapter 88: Disappearing Height

On the side.

“Ugh—”

Wen Jianyan lay over the corner of the wall, his loosely fitting shirt covering his narrow waist. His back trembled slightly as he retched continuously.

His face was pale, and his eye rims were a bit red. He completely lacked the rational decisiveness and astute madness he had shown on the roller coaster just now. His long eyelashes blocked his moist amber eyes, making him look exceptionally fragile and pitiful instead.

In the “Integrity First” live broadcast room:

[? Are you there? May I ask if the person who just carried the entire team was really you?]

[Hahahahahahahaha. As the only male left on the team now, the streamer is also the only one who went to throw up after getting off the roller coaster. I’m dying of laughter; you are way too delicate!]

[Laughing to death, he looks like a slacker who barely managed to clear a high-difficulty attraction by relying on a big shot.]

[Hahahahahaha, bet you didn’t expect it; the harder he is scared, the more accurate his puzzle-solving… As expected of you!]

Not far away.

“…What did you say?”

Yun Bilan was taken aback at first, then seeming to realize something, she abruptly turned her head and stared fixedly at Lilith:

“Thirsty?”

Her suddenly tense attitude gave Wen Ya a scare.

“What’s wrong? Is there something not right?”

Wen Ya’s expression also couldn’t help but turn solemn.

Scrape, scrape.

Lilith’s movements of scratching her skin grew larger. A thin scarlet liquid seeped from the places she had scratched raw. Her eyes stared wide, her pupils also dilating in tandem, making her originally beautiful and glamorous face look somewhat bizarre.

Her lips moved, murmuring: “So itchy, so itchy, so itchy, so itchy…”

Right at this moment, Wen Jianyan finally recovered. With a pale face and unsteady steps, he returned.

His gaze fell on Lilith, and upon seeing her familiar behavior, he couldn’t help but freeze slightly:

“Could this be…”

Yun Bilan looked at Wen Jianyan with a solemn expression:

“…Exactly, exactly the same.”

Wen Jianyan frowned tightly, stepped forward quickly, grabbed Lilith’s uncontrollably scratching wrist with one hand, and asked strictly: “When we were on the roller coaster just now, did you look back? Did you silently count the loops when we went through them?”

“No, no…”

Lilith raised her eyes, her somewhat unfocused gaze falling on Wen Jianyan, her words somewhat jumbled: “Maybe, I don’t know, I can’t remember clearly, probably not, but, maybe…”

Wen Jianyan lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the scratch marks on Lilith’s face.

The skin was broken and bleeding, a pale red tissue fluid seeping out. Something seemed to be wriggling beneath the skin, but it was mixed in the liquid and couldn’t be seen clearly.

It was different from Brother Pang.

More accurately, her symptoms were much lighter.

Wen Jianyan had no doubt that, having already left the roller coaster once, if she had truly done something the instance judged as “looking back” or “silently counting,” she would absolutely be dead for sure.

That is to say, Lilith probably didn’t violate the absolutely unbreakable taboos like Brother Pang or the others did. Instead, just as he had initially guessed, although she didn’t commit an action that could be judged as a violation, due to the uncertainty of her actions, she underwent a certain degree of pollution by the instance.

If that was the case, then perhaps…

“Right, you said you were thirsty just now.”

Wen Jianyan’s eyes lit up. He took a step forward, sped up his speech, and asked urgently:

“Right?”

Hearing Wen Jianyan’s question, Lilith abruptly raised her head. Translucent red tissue fluid was still flowing down the wounds on her face, and something dense seemed to be crawling within the broken wounds. She moved her dry, peeling lips: “Thirsty… so thirsty!”

After getting a definitive answer, Wen Jianyan turned his head, looked at the others behind him, and said concisely:

“I think Lilith can probably still be saved.”

What?

The others were all stunned.

“Still be saved?”

Wen Ya took a large step forward, staring fixedly at Wen Jianyan, and said anxiously: “What do you mean?”

Wen Jianyan pursed his lips and repeated:

“Fantasy Amusement Park Rules, Rule Three:There are no drinking water facilities within this park zone. If someone tries to peddle drinking water to you, please ignore them and leave. If you feel thirsty, please go to the food area in the North Square and look for a staff member wearing a clown costume.“

After a brief moment of shock, the others immediately realized.

So that’s it!

Obviously, this instance had anticipated the appearance of tourists who were polluted but hadn’t completely violated the taboos, and was prepared for it, which was why this rule existed.

From Rule Six of the Employee Rules, it could be seen that this amusement park was trying its best to ensure the safety of the tourists.

Therefore, they would tell those who “feel thirsty” but didn’t die immediately how to save themselves next.

Wen Ya tightly grabbed Lilith’s hand, which was still constantly scratching, her lips pressed tightly together in worry:

“North Square food area… Understood, we’ll go right now.”

“Let’s go together.”

Wen Jianyan stepped forward to help support Lilith’s arm, then pointed to Yun Bilan and Elise behind him, gave a light smile, and said:

“After all, we also need to go there to consume something next.”

Thrill Zone Rules, Rule Nine:For the sake of your personal safety, please do not play more than two attractions consecutively in the Thrill Zone. After you finish playing, please leave the zone quickly and head to the food area to make a purchase.

“…”

Wen Ya was taken aback, then raised her head and stared fixedly at the young man in front of her.

He kept his eyes lowered, his face still somewhat pale, the rims of his eyes and lips flushed red. His long eyelashes were soft and thick, and a pair of amber eyes looked over gently, appearing exceptionally handsome against the backdrop of the amusement park.

She pursed her lips and said in a low voice:

“Thank you.”

Although Wen Ya knew he wasn’t making a special trip just to accompany her to the North Square food area, after being left as the only member in her squad without a negative status, she had to admit that his suggestion precisely solved her urgent need, and considerately spared her any emotional burden.

Wen Ya gritted her teeth and turned her head to look at the young man helping her support Lilith’s other arm.

“…”

Her eyes flickered, complex emotions churning within them. She opened her mouth, but all the words caught in her throat. Finally, she gritted her teeth, silently looked away.

In the “Integrity First” live broadcast room:

[Is it my illusion? Why do I feel like the way that streamer from Eternal Day looks at the dog scammer has changed?]

[Indeed…]

[But to be honest, the dog scammer is really good to his teammates, being taken care of like this all the way… Who wouldn’t fall for him! Who wouldn’t change their mind!]

[Wuwuwuwuwu exactly! Gentle, strong, smart, and reliable. Although he has a few too many scamming tricks, my wifey is the best wifey in the world!]

Leaving the Thrill Zone, passing through a dense jungle and a fountain plaza, walking forward for a short distance was the North Square.

The tourist NPCs who were previously wandering around the zone had completely disappeared at some unknown point, leaving only employees in various mascot costumes pushing small carts and roaming the square.

The gift shop was already overcrowded. Many streamers vied with each other to squeeze through the narrow door, almost bursting the storefront.

Obviously, the function of the dolls was no longer a secret.

Starting from the first streamer who tasted the sweetness returning to buy a doll again, it naturally wasn’t impossible for other veteran streamers to see the benefits this item could bring to their subsequent explorations.

A staff member in a cat mascot costume waddled out and hung a large sign on the glass door: [Price increased by 50%]

The moment the sign was seen, the entire vicinity of the gift shop fell silent.

“…”

The players covertly sized each other up, and the atmosphere in the air changed accordingly. A hidden, unsettling mood was fermenting.

Sure enough.

Wen Jianyan narrowed his eyes.

“Let’s go, the food area is over here.” Wen Ya looked up and checked the map marker in the North Square, lifting her chin towards one direction.

Wen Jianyan withdrew his gaze and nodded.

Soon, after passing through a neat, winding path, a spacious food area appeared before them. The sweet scent of candy and popcorn floated in the air. Various colorful small stalls were distributed everywhere, and staff members in different mascot costumes stood behind the stalls, awaiting the arrival of customers.

At the entrance of the food area stood a brightly colored sign with several lines of text written on it:

[Fantasy Amusement Park Food Area Rules]

This area sells various snacks, desserts, and fried foods. Tourists are welcome to purchase.
The food hygiene and quarantine in this area are qualified. All products are made fresh daily and pose no health risks.

Tourists coming from the Thrill Zone, please head to the ice cream stall to purchase today’s special ice cream.

Tourists coming from the Leisure Zone, please head to the popcorn stall to purchase today’s special popcorn.

Tourists coming from the Children’s Zone, please head to the hot dog stall to purchase today’s special hot dog.

This area does not sell any beverages. If you feel thirsty, please head to the west side of this area to find a staff member wearing a clown costume, and explain your request and purpose.

Tourists, please absolutely do not take any items purchased here out of the food area.

Tourists are forbidden from entering the east side of this area.

Wen Jianyan raised his eyes and swept a glance across the entire food area.

Sure enough, on the west side, there was an unmarked stall, behind which stood a green-haired clown wearing a huge smile on his face.

Wen Ya also saw the person’s existence.

The group exchanged glances and, supporting Lilith—whose condition was deteriorating and who was muttering nervously—walked towards the clown’s stall.

“Hello, distinguished tourists, what do you need?”

The green-haired clown smiled and pointed to the chibi-style map nearby: “If there’s a specific stall you’re looking for, you can check the map—”

Wen Ya interrupted him:

“My friend, she’s thirsty.”

As she spoke, she stared fixedly at the green-haired clown in front of her, not missing the slightest change in his expression: “Park Rules, Rule Three: If you feel thirsty, please go to the food area in the North Square and look for a staff member wearing a clown costume. Am I right?”

“Of course, you did the right thing.”

The smile on the green-haired clown’s face didn’t change in the slightest. He stepped forward, taking Lilith—whose body had gone limp and whose expression was unfocused and manic—from Wen Ya and Wen Jianyan’s hands, and said: “Please wait here.”

“I also…”

Wen Ya’s gaze was fixed tightly on Lilith, and she subconsciously took a step forward.

“Are you also thirsty?”

The green-haired clown looked at her with a smile. Whether it was an illusion or not, that deathly pale, smiling face inexplicably sent a chill down one’s spine: “If you don’t feel thirsty, you cannot follow.”

Wen Jianyan grabbed Wen Ya’s arm and shook his head slightly at her.

Besides obeying, they had no other choice now.

Wen Ya also understood this logic.

She took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and let go of Lilith’s slender arm.

The green-haired clown supported Lilith and walked behind the stall, their figures quickly swallowed up and disappearing from sight.

Wen Ya took a deep breath and turned to look at Wen Jianyan, Yun Bilan, and the others: “Aren’t you guys going to buy ice cream next? Go ahead, I’ll just keep watch here.”

Yun Bilan glanced in the direction the clown disappeared: “Will you be okay alone?”

“No problem.”

Wen Ya nodded: “You guys go ahead.”

After a brief farewell, the trio turned around and walked towards the ice cream stall located in another corner of the square.

Behind the ice cream stall was a staff member in a furry bear costume. Its muffled voice came from within the suit: “Welcome to the Little Bear Ice Cream Stall! Today’s special desserts are all on the sign; welcome to taste them!”

Wen Jianyan raised his head and looked at the stall’s sign.

Written crookedly on it in chalk were the words: Today’s Special Desserts

There were three types in total: Watermelon flavor, Bayberry flavor, and Strawberry flavor.

The price of each dessert was 10 Fantasy Prize Tickets.

They were all red-themed fruit-flavored ice creams, easily reminding people of dense, bizarre things. Thinking of the scenes they had experienced in the Thrill Zone earlier, the complexions of the three weren’t very good.

But rules are rules.

The three exchanged glances, discussed briefly, and finally decided to buy one flavor each.

Yun Bilan bought watermelon flavor, Elise bought bayberry flavor, and Wen Jianyan bought strawberry flavor.

“Your strawberry ice cream, please hold it carefully.”

Wen Jianyan took out two prize tickets, handed them over, and took the translucent glass cup from the furry bear’s hands. The pink slushie glittered, scattered with bits of strawberry pulp, and a pink bear spoon was stuck in the side.

Unlike the bizarre disgustingness he had imagined, the ice cream in front of him looked very appetizing, emitting a faint strawberry aroma.

The translucent glass cup felt icy cold in his palm.

Wen Jianyan picked up the bear spoon.

Along with his movement, the mid-length cuff slipped loosely off the back of his hand, revealing a fair, slender wrist.

“…”

Wen Jianyan froze slightly.

He couldn’t shake the feeling… something wasn’t quite right.

Were his sleeves always this long?

Wen Jianyan frowned, his gaze falling on the back of his hand. The originally sharp and defined bone structure seemed to have disappeared. The lines from his wrist bone to his palm had become very soft, almost like…

He paused, lowered his head, and his gaze fell on his feet.

The pants that originally fit perfectly somehow looked baggy, and the overly long pant legs draped over his shoes, looking somewhat comical.

“Hey… you…”

Yun Bilan and Elise’s somewhat hesitant voices came from the side.

Wen Jianyan raised his head and looked at them.

He suddenly realized that he used to be able to look down at them from his height, but now… he actually had to look at them horizontally?

Wen Jianyan widened his eyes slightly.

Wait…

“…”

With a complicated expression, Yun Bilan pointed to the glass door not far away: “You, see for yourself.”

The glass door was bright and spotless, wiped clean of any dust, and could perfectly be used as a mirror.

The ominous premonition in Wen Jianyan’s heart grew stronger.

He turned his head and looked at his reflection in the glass door.

The amusement park was sunny, with colorful balloons floating among the blue sky and white clouds, and the ground painted with fluffy animal signs was multi-colored.

A teenager holding a strawberry ice cream stood against the fantasy backdrop. The clothes on his body were baggy, subtly one size larger than his frame, with the sleeves and pant legs drooping down.

Soft, mid-length hair hung beside his fair neck. His originally sturdy and broad chest and shoulders had become thin and slender, like a sprouting willow branch. The facial lines of a grown man, originally handsome and clear-cut, had now abruptly become soft. The gentle, mature aura had disappeared, making him look exceptionally childish and youthful, even carrying a bit of the soft, rich beauty unique to adolescents.

He widened his amber eyes, staring at himself in the mirror in disbelief.

???

Sh-shrunk?

Author’s Note:

Wen Jianyan (in grief: No!!! My muscles, my height!!!