Sure enough, when the strange black and silver hues of the river appeared under the night sky, everyone was stunned by its width and turbulence. The river, emitting a peculiar odor, surged violently downstream, occasionally creating huge splashes. The constant roar of the water filled the air, and the river’s width appeared to be nearly a hundred meters.
The group stopped at the riverbank, staring in shock at the river before them.
However, reality didn’t allow them much time for astonishment.
Song Gui, slightly worried, said, “Swimming a hundred meters isn’t the problem; the problem is this fast current. The risk of being swept away is enormous. Is there no other route?”
Lu Chu shook his head, “Behind us is an army of multi-armed monsters, their numbers unknown. Even if we run to the sides, as long as we don’t cross this river, there’s a chance they’ll catch up. Under the difficulty of double skeletons, to survive, we have no choice but to swim across this river.”
If the pursuing multi-armed skeleton army consisted of only a few, they might have a chance in a fight. But facing thousands, even tens of thousands of these creatures, a melee was nearly impossible. Swimming across was their only option.
Ro Qi opened her backpack, tied a few packs of compressed biscuits and small tools around her waist, and looked at Song Gui, “We’ve faced all sorts of dangers and life-threatening situations to survive. Why do you seem so scared this time?”
With that, she was the first to jump into the river, swimming vigorously towards the other side. The turbulent water submerged her several times.
Lu Chu watched anxiously, realizing that Ro Qi’s strength and composure often made him forget she was just a small girl of thirteen or fourteen.
The price of surviving in the “rounds” couldn’t be summarized by mere words.
Yuan Kejie, without any fear, tied a few packs of biscuits around her waist like Ro Qi and jumped into the water, followed closely by Qian Zhen.
Song Gui hesitated this time because of Lu Chu. He usually wasn’t indecisive, but this time he wanted to ensure Lu Chu’s safety, linked to his belief that “Lu Chu” was their hope of breaking free from the “rules.”
He looked deeply at Lu Chu, who, along with 7, was already tying items around his waist, then put his own thoughts aside and followed suit.
Lu Chu knew Song Gui was hiding something from him, but since Song Gui didn’t say anything, he chose to wait and see. As part of an official team, Song Gui would eventually tell him what he needed to know.
Before jumping into the river, Song Gui reminded 7 again, “Qi Li, Lu Chu, be careful.”
Qi Li nodded.
By now, Ro Qi, who had jumped in first, had already reached the other side. She, small in stature, waved towards them, her face showing impatience even in the clear moonlight.
7 held Lu Chu close, saying, “Hold on tight to me.”
Lu Chu realized their hands were still linked. He let go of 7’s hand and wrapped his arms around 7’s strong waist, softly responding, “Okay.”
The noise from the approaching monsters grew louder. Although they made no sounds themselves, the commotion they caused was deafening and distressing.
Meanwhile, Song Gui had already reached the middle of the river, and the other three had made it to the other side.
7 whispered into Lu Chu’s ear, “Trust me.”
Lu Chu nodded, holding his breath. 7 then jumped into the water with him.
Lu Chu, unfamiliar with swimming, found it difficult to hold his breath properly. As soon as he entered the water, the rushing current overwhelmed him. He could only cling to 7, as the water covered his nose and mouth, causing a burning sensation.
Swimming with someone in such a fast current was extremely challenging. But for 7, who had experienced countless “rounds,” it was simple—except he was carrying Lu Chu.
Worry made him cautious.
Following 7’s movements, Lu Chu adjusted his breathing. The river was icy, the cold seeping into his bones. Just then, a sudden warmth touched his forehead lightly, like a dragonfly skimming the water.
With water splashing on his face, Lu Chu squinted, barely seeing 7’s chin in the moonlight.
They reached the other side smoothly. 7 held Lu Chu, patting his back gently.
Song Gui and the others gathered around, asking, “Are you okay?”
Lu Chu wiped the water from his face and smiled, “I’m fine.”
“Good,” Yuan Kejie sighed in relief, patting her chest, “This water is so fast, I thought I’d be swept away. You wouldn’t believe how scared I was watching Qi Li bring you over, thinking a wave would just take you both.”
Qian Zhen, who rarely spoke, looked at 7 and said, “You’re very strong.” In many ways.
This strong sense of an elite had been present since their first meeting. Qian Zhen even suspected that Qi Li could handle dozens of flesh-covered skeletons alone.
7 nodded politely, neither confirming nor denying.
Just then, the multi-armed monsters chasing them became visible. Leading them was the centipede-like creature with arms growing from its sides, grotesque and nauseating.
Seeing this, Lu Chu stood up.
Song Gui asked, “Lu Xiao Chu, are we running again?”
“Wait!” Yuan Kejie suddenly called out, “Look at the other side!”
Everyone turned to look.
The first centipede-like multi-armed monster, seemingly sensing danger, did not jump into the river. But the ones behind it did, plunging into the rushing water like dumplings, never resurfacing.
This strange sight prompted Yuan Kejie to ask Lu Chu, “Lu Chu, do you think… they dissolve in water?”
