“Reincarnation” is a literal meaning.
When a trespasser triggers or fulfills a certain condition within a domain, everything within that domain will reset.
This is like a game where all data is deleted and restarted.
But it's important to note that only everything within the domain is reset.
Players, or outsiders, are not considered part of the domain.
Therefore, a player's memories, item wear and tear, and physical condition will not reset.
Generally speaking, players on their second playthrough are always stronger than those on their first.
However, in this situation, the longer it takes to clear the level, the more dangerous it becomes.
Your items might run out, your mental pressure will accumulate, and if your wounds aren't treated promptly…
Li Andy looked at Sophia's wound and dared not think further.
Throughout the entire lost grim realm, he hated this type of level the most. Clearing such levels often consumed a large amount of resources. Even in later stages, it could still take a significant toll on you.
If he got stuck…
He would definitely die here!
“Andy, what is a Reincarnation Domain?”
“Your face… looks terrible…”
Sophia opened her mouth, reading from his expression that something was wrong.
After Youxi finished bandaging Sophia’s wound, she also looked over with concern.
“Phew…”
Li Andy took a deep breath and explained to them what a Reincarnation Domain was.
After listening, Sophia bit her lip, used her uninjured hand to grasp Andy’s hand which was on his face, and in turn comforted him:
“Things… shouldn’t be as bad as you think, right?
“Look, aren’t we all still alive and well? We can definitely get out, just like at the orphanage!”
“You’re right, Youxi?”
Youxi nodded and also placed her hand over, their three palms pressing together.
Li Andy was stunned, then couldn’t help but smile:
“I’m not scared, I’m not as fragile as you imagine. I just… really dislike this type of Reincarnation Domain.”
“Why?” The two girls blinked.
“Because I hate repetitive labor.”
“Huh?” Their mouths slightly agape.
Li Andy stood up, patted his clothes, and said:
“Since it’s a Reincarnation Domain, there’s still time. Let’s rest for a while, get our condition ready, and then trigger the event. Standing guard probably won’t be necessary.”
After speaking, he hung the lantern on the wall, sat down by the wall, carved a mark beside him, and closed his eyes.
The two girls exchanged glances, said nothing more, leaned on each other’s shoulders, and imitated him by closing their eyes in meditation.
However, Li Andy did not empty his mind to rest; instead, he let his soul drift out.
He waited in the tunnel for about ten minutes, and sure enough, he saw Meilin again!
At this moment, Meilin was carrying a swaying old-fashioned gas lamp, cautiously moving forward in the dim environment. When she reached a fork in the road, she slightly raised the lantern and surveyed the two paths.
If Li Andy hadn't guessed wrong, it was here that she was discovered and called out by Sophia, which altered her route and led to the subsequent developments.
Sure enough, without external interference, Meilin hesitated for a moment and then walked towards the other path.
Li Andy watched her from a distance, and not long after, the light suddenly extinguished.
Then, a shrill scream rang out.
In a daze, Li Andy found himself transported back to the “Initial Place.”
The mark he had previously carved beside him had disappeared.
The lantern was also hanging back at his waist, but it was still lit.
‘So, the reset only resets our coordinates?’
He looked at the lantern's pressure gauge, estimated how long it could still burn, and then closed his eyes.
He constantly recalled the experience of this “reincarnation” in his mind, pondering the details.
What exactly was the ‘anomaly’ on this level?
…
After resting for an hour, Li Andy woke up the two girls.
“Sophia, does your wound still hurt? Do you feel it getting worse?” Li Andy asked.
Sophia shook her head:
“It’s just skin damage, it doesn’t affect movement.”
Li Andy nodded:
“That’s good. Don’t worry, the monastery has healing potions, so there won’t be any scars.”
“Potions? Will they be expensive?” Sophia frowned, “This small scar isn’t worth it, is it? I don’t really care about leaving a scar…”
“I care, and it won’t cost you anything.” Li Andy interrupted.
Sophia was stunned for a moment, then belatedly turned her head away, her earlobes slightly red, and she mumbled a muffled “Oh.”
Youxi’s gaze shifted between the two, wondering what mischief she was up to.
The three of them organized their equipment and arrived at the crossroads where they had met.
Not long after, Meilin appeared at the end of the tunnel.
Seeing the light, she froze in place, then excitedly ran over.
“Are you from the rescue team! Wuwu… that’s great!”
“Slow down! Don’t let the lamp go out!” Li Andy shouted from afar.
Meilin paused, and although she didn't understand why, she still complied, slowing her pace slightly.
“We’re not from the rescue team. We were sent by the Church to investigate monsters. Like you, we accidentally got trapped here.” Li Andy fabricated an identity for himself based on his previous experience.
Meilin’s eyes visibly dimmed, but under Li Andy’s persuasion, hope reignited:
“I… I’ll take you to the other survivors.”
They arrived at the survivor camp.
Li Andy quickly went through the previous questioning, then, under the pretext of bestowing blessings and warding off evil, gathered all the “people” together.
The faint lamplight barely enveloped everyone.
“Only with piety and repentance can one receive the Lord’s grace.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, please tell me your sufferings…”
Under the firelight, pickaxes and mine carts took turns recounting their misfortunes.
In the darkness, eerie shadows writhed, secretly devouring the light.
By the time the last person finished recounting his memories, the gas lamp was swaying violently, and its halo had almost shrunk to their backs.
An ominous premonition crept into everyone’s hearts.
“Hmm, your sufferings, I already know.”
After questioning everything, to everyone’s horrified gazes, Li Andy suddenly raised his right hand and aimed the dark muzzle of his gun at Meilin.
“Bang!”
The world reset again.
Back at the starting point, Sophia was drenched in cold sweat from fright:
“Andy, you! You… why did you suddenly kill someone?”
Li Andy lightly blew on the muzzle, and the revolver obligingly puffed out a wisp of smoke:
“She won’t die. Although it’s ruthless, it’s the most efficient way. By taking control of the reset, we’ll be safer.”
“Then… you should have said something beforehand…” Sophia grumbled.
Li Andy shook his head and sat down where he was:
“Let’s analyze the information. Did you both remember the identities and experiences of those pickaxe-wielding people?”
Yuquan Youxi nodded and began to recall:
“Alu, the rusty pickaxe. He’s thirty-five years old, the captain of that surviving mining team, and knew Meilin’s father.
“He was unconscious when the mine collapsed. When he woke up, he found himself trapped underground.
“He said he missed his two sons very much, and he liked to eat… cursed black bread…”