[QT] The Villains Are All My Reserve Food - Chapter 61

Chapter 61: Ghost King 1

Darkness enveloped Su Tang again as he was pulled into the vortex.

He found himself in a new world. Leaving the previous one had filled him with reluctance, but the thought of reuniting with Bo Shang soon eased his lingering melancholy.

With a clear goal, motivation surged through him. Eager to see his lover in this world again, he urged, “Tongtong, hurry and give me the plot summary! I need to know where to find the villain.”

The System replied, “There’s no plot summary for this world.”

Su Tang was stunned. “Huh? Then how am I supposed to find him?!”

In an entire world teeming with people, and with Bo Shang assuming different names and identities in each world, finding him would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

The System reassured him, “Don’t worry, Host. This world is an infinite flow setting, specifically one of the dungeon worlds from the protagonist’s survival game. They’ll guide the newcomers chosen to participate in the game. Just follow along, and the villain will find you soon enough.”

“Infinite flow? Survival game?” Su Tang suddenly felt a chilling premonition, a suspicion he desperately didn’t want to acknowledge.

Sensing his unease, the System nodded vigorously like a pecking chick. “That’s right, Host. You guessed it—this is a Supernatural World, full of ghosts~”

Su Tang nearly dropped to his knees, begging for mercy.

Tears welled up in his eyes. “Tongtong, let’s make a deal. Can we switch worlds? I really can’t handle ghosts…”

The System replied, “We can switch, but the villain of this world will be left alone until he fades away, utterly isolated and never meeting you.”

Remembering that he was constantly transmigrating and that the villains were always the same person, Su Tang wondered if the villain was also transmigrating between worlds like him. He asked, “Can’t he just jump to the next world with me?”

The System explained, “He has no memories. He believes he truly belongs to this world, and deep down, he feels like he’s been waiting for you.”

Su Tang fell silent. After a moment, his eyes brightened, and he clenched his fist with newfound determination. Gritting his teeth, he declared, “So what if they’re ghosts? I’m not scared at all!”

If his calves hadn’t been trembling slightly, his words might have carried a shred of conviction.

The System wanted to laugh but also felt a pang of sympathy for its Host. “If you’re truly terrified, Host, I can activate Mosaic Mode for you. But it’s indiscriminate—both humans and ghosts will turn into pixelated blobs, and it’s only temporary.”

Su Tang was tempted, but the thought of the mosaic being so intense he couldn’t even tell if he was looking at a person or a ghost was too terrifying. He decided against it, sighing, “I really wish I had the Mosaic Ability from the last world.”

As if suddenly remembering something, the System said, “That was likely Bo Shang unconsciously granting you that ability, worried you’d be scared.”

Su Tang froze, then smiled, his lips curving into a warm, endearing smile.

That makes sense, he thought. How else could such a peculiar ability exist?

Bursting with energy, Su Tang grinned and declared, “I’m ready, Tongtong! Let’s start the next world!”

The System responded instantly.

Su Tang found himself in an unfamiliar train station.

Unlike the crowded, bustling stations he’d seen in the real world, this one was deserted and eerily silent in the dead of night. Dim, flickering lights cast long shadows, their unstable voltage causing them to flicker intermittently with faint buzzing sounds, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

Ahead lay a pitch-black void, like a black hole threatening to swallow him whole.

A sudden gust of cold wind sent shivers down his spine.

The hairs on Su Tang’s neck stood on end, and a chill ran through his lower body.

Wait… his lower body?

Su Tang glanced down in confusion, belatedly realizing he was wearing a dress!

What the hell is going on?!

Next to Su Tang, a billboard with a slightly reflective surface acted like a mirror, revealing his current appearance.

Naturally wavy, shoulder-length hair; a loose-fitting, V-neck cream-yellow sweater; a crimson bow tie; a navy plaid skirt; black knee-high socks; uniform shoes…

Su Tang froze for a moment, then mentally screamed at the System, demanding an explanation.

The System replied in its soft, cutesy voice, “This is an image extracted from the Host’s past! There’s nothing wrong~”

Su Tang didn’t believe it, convinced the System was lying. But just then, a memory flashed through his mind.

Fuck.

He had actually worn this outfit before. Back in high school, his senior from the anime club had tricked him into participating in a cosplay event. After he dressed up, she had cupped her face and squealed, “You look perfect! You should join us more often!”

Su Tang wasn’t fooled. He firmly refused, declaring it would be a one-time thing.

But his senior was genuinely kind and had helped him a lot. When she later begged him again, Su Tang’s heart softened, and he agreed! After changing into the outfit, Su Tang wore a look of deep regret, seriously questioning if he’d lost his mind.

After those two times, Su Tang never wore a skirt again. The System had specifically chosen this outfit from his vast wardrobe of ordinary clothes—he refused to believe it wasn’t deliberate!

Su Tang vehemently demanded to change back, but the System feigned innocent confusion. “Host, why can’t you accept it? You use female characters in games all the time, don’t you?”

Su Tang tugged at the short skirt, which barely covered half his thighs, and retorted, “That’s completely different!”

“It’s the same!” the System insisted. “You’re playing a survival game now too. If I told you this outfit would reduce the ghosts’ attention, would you still want to change it? Think of it as defensive gear!”

Su Tang… was shamefully tempted and hesitated.

“Are you… serious?”

The System nodded vigorously. “Absolutely! Have I ever lied to you before?”

Su Tang recalled the System’s favoritism and assistance across these past worlds. He couldn’t find any reason to doubt it. After some deliberation, he reluctantly agreed.

If wearing women’s clothes could keep the ghosts away, what did it matter? Maid outfits, bunny girl costumes, black stockings—he could even…

No, no, no. Those were definitely out of the question…

After mentally comparing the options, Su Tang suddenly found the JK uniform wasn’t so bad after all.

The skirt was just a bit too short.

He adjusted the zipper to its maximum length, pulling the skirt down as far as possible, before finally taking a step forward.

As a newcomer to the game, Su Tang possessed a special ticket instructing him to gather with the others at Platform Seven.

Weaving through a maze of numbers, he finally spotted Platform Seven, where over a dozen people were already assembled.

At the center stood two strikingly handsome young men. One wore glasses, radiating a gentle warmth, while the other had rugged features, a scar at the corner of his brow, and an untamed, unapproachable air.

As Su Tang approached, they seemed to be explaining something to the other newcomers. Before he could get close, the rugged man’s sharp senses detected his presence, and he glared fiercely in Su Tang’s direction.

Su Tang froze in his tracks.

The man with glasses looked surprised. “Another newcomer?”

Su Tang walked over, becoming the thirteenth person in the group.

The man with glasses frowned slightly, looking troubled. He had assumed there would only be ten newcomers in this Otherworld, but now with Su Tang, the total was thirteen—an ominous number. More importantly, it suggested this world was more complex than they’d thought, likely ruled by a formidable Ghost King.

This was getting tricky.

Even so, none of them were afraid of a challenge.

The gentle-looking man with glasses glanced up and noticed the newly arrived girl across from him seemed frightened, hesitant to approach. He tugged on the sleeve of the man beside him and offered a warm smile, saying kindly, “You’re still in high school, right? We’re all here because we were chosen to participate in the game. I’m explaining the rules now—come join us.”

Normally, as the guide, he would give newcomers basic instructions and warnings, but he avoided excessive coddling. First, he wasn’t a saint, and second, overprotecting them would ultimately do more harm than good. Newcomers needed to grow and learn to save themselves; otherwise, they’d quickly perish in the infinite worlds.

However, this newcomer was slender and delicate, wearing a loose-fitting sweater with sleeves so long that only the tips of her pale, tender fingers peeked out. Her delicate, doll-like face featured exquisitely defined features and slightly downturned eyes, lending her an air of natural innocence—utterly docile and adorable.

She reminded him of his younger sister back in the real world, and he couldn’t help but feel protective.

Su Tang blinked, feeling a bit awkward, but still walked over.

The newcomers were a mix of men and women, ranging in age and status from teenagers to middle-aged corporate professionals.

The person standing in the middle, guiding the newcomers, was likely the protagonist, who had transmigrated through several horror worlds.

The gentle-looking man with glasses said, “I’m Yang Dong, and this is Shen Wenbin. You all know you’ve been chosen to participate in this game, and you have no right to refuse. If you clear it, you’ll receive substantial rewards, but only if you survive. I’ve experienced five worlds and gained some experience. Please take my advice seriously. Don’t underestimate this, or you’ll die before you know it, and even the greatest deities won’t be able to save you.”

As he spoke, the roar of a speeding train, accompanied by a freezing wind, suddenly swept over them.

The sound grew louder and louder.

Yang Dong’s expression turned serious. “Get on the train first. I’ll continue explaining inside.”

The red-skinned train came into view, gradually slowing down until it stopped before them. Its weathered, dark-red exterior, bathed in the eerie darkness, looked as if it had been stained with blood. The carriages were empty, not a single person in sight. Even the locomotive appeared to be driverless.

In the dead of night, the scene grew even more eerie and sinister.

Some of the newcomers were already cracking under the pressure. A man in a vest rubbed his arms and snarled, “Who the hell cares about this stupid game? I just want to go back to sleep! You think I’m going to do whatever you say? Do I look like an idiot? You guys can play if you want, I’m out of here!”

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed toward the platform stairs.

Yang Dong tried to stop him, but the man ignored him, even hurling a rude insult before vanishing down the stairwell.

The other newcomers began to stir restlessly, some attempting to follow him.

Yang Dong seemed to have anticipated this. It wasn’t the first time. He watched coldly, knowing that words were futile. He was merely a guide, not responsible for anyone’s life. If someone wanted to die, no one could stop them.

Less than a minute later, a bloodcurdling scream echoed from below the stairs, a voice hoarse with terror: “Help! Save me! Save…”

The scream cut off abruptly, vanishing into silence.

The sudden silence was even more terrifying.

Those who had been heading for the stairs froze, their faces drained of color, and scrambled back in panic.

Yang Dong said calmly, “The train’s stop is timed. If you don’t board now, it will leave without you.”

Having witnessed the vest-clad man’s fate, all the newcomers scrambled onto the train, terrified that some monstrous creature might emerge from the stairwell.

Su Tang had been trembling since hearing that bloodcurdling scream. Images from horror movies flashed through his mind, and he struggled to keep his legs from buckling beneath him.

He squeezed into the crowd and hurried onto the train, desperate not to be the last one, lest a ghostly hand suddenly grab him. Horror films were full of such scenes!

He’d boarded the train thinking he’d be safe from the ghosts, but as the train began to move, Su Tang realized how naive he’d been.

The moment the train lurched forward, the once-empty car filled with “people.”

More accurately, they were shadows.

Each one was pitch-black, dressed in clothes like ordinary humans. They stowed luggage, moved about, sat down to read newspapers or play on their phones—indistinguishable from the passengers—except for one crucial detail: they were featureless shadows.

Su Tang’s heart nearly stopped.

A hooded shadow even brushed past him! He instinctively held his breath.

When the protagonist, Yang Dong, asked him to sit down, two dark figures were blocking his path. Su Tang didn’t dare touch them, but he also lacked the courage to ask ghosts to move aside. Gritting his teeth, he squeezed sideways with all his might, nearly flattening himself into a paper-thin sheet, before finally reaching Yang Dong’s side and sitting down.

This single movement left Su Tang feeling utterly exhausted, longing to collapse into the chair. But surrounded by shadowy ghosts, he could only sit stiffly upright.

Yang Dong explained, “These are Shadow Ghosts, a relatively gentle and harmless type. As long as we don’t provoke them, they won’t bother us. Inside your backpacks, you’ll find a newcomer’s kit: a dagger, a life-saving talisman, and some rations and water. When attacked by ghosts, you must learn to fight back. While you can’t defeat them yet, this special dagger can inflict some damage, buying you time to wait for rescue. Remember, the life-saving talisman only protects you once, so use it wisely.”

As the newcomers listened, they retrieved their kits. One man gripped his dagger tightly. When the Shadow Ghost beside him rose to retrieve luggage from overhead, the man overreacted, assuming the ghost was attacking him. Instinctively, he stabbed the ghost in the abdomen. With a hiss, black smoke billowed out, carrying a faint burnt smell.

The Shadow Ghost grinned malevolently, its body suddenly opening into a gaping maw that enveloped the man, intent on devouring him whole.

At that moment, a golden light erupted from the man’s backpack.

The life-saving talisman activated, repelling the ghost.

The Shadow Ghost let out a frustrated hiss and lunged again, but Shen Wenbin intervened, forcing it into a corner with just two swift strikes. The creature emitted an eerie howl, its eyeless face seeming to fix a sinister gaze on the rookie who had stabbed it. After a moment, it reluctantly turned and slunk away.

Yang Dong turned to the rookie. “You’re Huang Rui, right? I told you not to provoke the Shadow Ghosts. Once they’re enraged, they’re hard to deal with. You’ve already used your life-saving talisman. If you get attacked again, you’ll die for real. Be careful.”

Huang Rui’s face darkened, his sinister gaze sweeping over the others. “Do the other life-saving talismans work?”

His implication was clear: he intended to steal someone else’s chance at survival. The other rookies immediately tensed, their eyes narrowing warily at Huang Rui.

Huang Rui’s gaze swept across the group before settling on Su Tang, a malicious grin spreading across his face. He seemed to think Su Tang would be the easiest target, offering no resistance to being robbed.

Su Tang clenched his fists, itching to throw an uppercut that would send Huang Rui flying, leaving him dangling from the train’s ceiling, unable to get down.

Yang Dong subtly shifted his body, deliberately positioning himself between Su Tang and Huang Rui. He said coldly, “The life-saving charms are bound to the newcomers. Even if you take one, it won’t work for you.”

Huang Rui’s face darkened. Shen Wenbin rose from his seat, glaring at him with a warning.

Realizing he was outmatched, Huang Rui spat and slumped back into his seat, seething with resentment.

The death of the first person and Huang Rui’s reckless behavior had frozen the other newcomers in place, afraid to move.

Yang Dong continued, “In a few moments, the train will enter a tunnel, plunging the carriage into complete darkness. Before that happens, take a deep breath. The instant the train enters the tunnel, hold your breath. No matter what you see, don’t make a sound.”

The newcomers nodded vigorously, memorizing his instructions.

Following Yang Dong’s guidance, they took deep breaths and held them.

Almost simultaneously, all the lights in the train car went out, plunging them into complete darkness.

Immediately afterward, terrifying ghosts with gruesome death appearances materialized out of thin air. Some passengers panicked and exhaled, drawing the ghosts’ attention and becoming surrounded…

Thanks to Yang Dong’s warning, Su Tang had decisively closed his eyes the moment they entered the tunnel.

Deprived of sight, his other senses sharpened. He held his breath, sitting perfectly still, when suddenly an icy chill approached. He involuntarily shuddered, imagining a ferocious ghost materializing beside him. Gripping the dagger in his hand, he prepared to strike at any moment.

Then, the cowardly, trembling Su Tang felt… his hand being touched?

Su Tang: “……???”

He froze, his mind a jumble of question marks.

This development was so utterly unexpected that he didn’t even notice he had unconsciously started breathing again.

Su Tang remained rigid for two seconds before feeling his hand being touched again.

A touch, then another touch.

Su Tang finally snapped, like a cat whose tail had been pulled one too many times. He lashed out with a furious slap.

The crack was loud and sharp, sounding like it must have hurt.

Su Tang froze, cold as an ice cube, before belatedly realizing he had just slapped a ghost?!

He immediately cowered, trying to scoot away, but a freezing hand clamped down on his arm, pinning him in place.

Holy shit!

Su Tang nearly pissed himself in terror.

Just then, the train emerged from the tunnel, and the lights flickered back on.

One of the newcomers was gone, leaving behind only a bloodstained backpack.

The remaining passengers were pale, trembling, and screaming, on the verge of collapse.

“No! I don’t want to die! I want to get out of here! I don’t want to play this stupid game…”

Among the newcomers, only Su Tang sat quietly, his expression eerily calm.

Yang Dong and Shen Wenbin, hardened by experience, weren’t afraid, but they were surprised by Su Tang’s composure. Shen Wenbin couldn’t help but glance at Su Tang, thinking this newcomer might be worth keeping an eye on.

In reality, Su Tang was so terrified his legs had gone numb, and he had lost all control over his facial muscles, leaving him frozen in a blank stare.

Su Tang’s wrist was still icy cold, marked with a faint red line.

Yang Dong patted his shoulder approvingly and asked, “What’s your name?”

Su Tang turned, his eyes glistening with tears, as if he were about to burst into sobs at any moment. In a hoarse voice, he replied, “Su Tang.”

Yang Dong could tell he was forcing himself to stay composed. He couldn’t resist reaching out to ruffle Su Tang’s hair, offering comfort. “It’s okay.”

Instantly, every Shadow Ghost in the carriage turned to stare at them. Though they lacked eyes, their gaze was even more chilling, fixed intently on the pair.

Su Tang saw this and shuddered, instinctively moving closer to Yang Dong, seeking the protection of the veteran player.

But the moment he moved, the Shadow Ghosts’ gazes intensified, becoming even more terrifying.

Yang Dong clearly sensed the malice and hostility emanating from the assembled ghosts.

Shen Wenbin tensed, entering a state of high alert, ready to fend off any attack.

Logically, these Shadow Ghosts shouldn’t randomly attack players, nor should they suddenly display such uniform hostility, as if their wives had been stolen, burning with murderous rage.

This was utterly abnormal.

Shen Wenbin stood guard, his body shielding Yang Dong.

But after waiting for over ten seconds, the Shadow Ghost remained motionless, merely staring at them as if issuing a warning. Though it didn’t attack, its presence alone sent chills down their spines.

Before long, the train approached another tunnel.

Yang Dong instructed everyone to hold their breath.

Darkness enveloped them.

Once again, Su Tang found himself plunged into complete darkness.

This time, the ghost not only gripped his hand but also pulled him into its embrace. Icy arms circled his waist like unyielding iron chains, binding him tightly, leaving no escape.

Su Tang shivered from the cold, struggling to break free. But his resistance seemed to enrage the ghost, which tightened its grip until Su Tang felt he could barely breathe.

Terrified by the repeated scares, Su Tang, much to his own shame, began to cry silently. Tears streamed down his face, his eyes and nose reddening, making him look utterly pitiful.

Though shrouded in darkness, the ghost could see Su Tang clearly.

Seeing Su Tang crying so bitterly, the ghost felt a rare surge of excitement.

Holding the man close, the ghost lowered his head, following the yearning in his heart. He gently kissed the tears on Su Tang’s cheek, licking each drop into his mouth. Slowly, he moved to the corner of Su Tang’s eye, devouring the tears as soon as they welled up.

Su Tang’s hands were pinned, leaving him unable to move or even dare to. Paralyzed by fear, he couldn’t even scream, only curse inwardly with bitter desperation: Waaah, I want to go home! The ghost wants to eat me! I’m so miserable… Fuck, he’s biting me too! If you’re so tough, let go and fight me fair and square!

Still coming at me?! You think I won’t call my husband to beat you to death?! He’s a ghost too!