Spirit Realm Walker

Chapter 12: Detailed Information on the Sheling Tunnel

After his cousin left for work, Zhang Yuanqing returned to his room for a nap.

When he woke up, dynamic sound effects echoed in his ears, and the room was illuminated by the flickering light of the TV screen. The ceiling light was still off.

He sat up and looked towards the window. His aunt was sitting cross-legged in front of the television, playing on his PS5. Her sleeves were rolled up, revealing two delicate, pale arms, her slender body swaying in rhythm with the game controller.

Yawning, Zhang Yuanqing got up, turned on the light, and walked behind his aunt to watch her play.

She was playing a horror game, its visuals eerie, and the music unsettling. The protagonist, a grotesque little figure wielding a bloodstained axe, hacked through enemies, leaving blood and flesh splattered across the screen.

The ghostly glow from the TV reflected in her bright, clear eyes, her oval face radiating excitement tinged with a trace of thrill.

"This game is pretty good, perfect for playing at night. Quite therapeutic," his aunt commented without turning her head.

His aunt had three main hobbies: shopping, watching horror movies, and playing horror games.

Therapeutic? More like disturbing, you twisted woman, Zhang Yuanqing thought, but he humored her, "Yeah, it's pretty interesting."

She turned her head and shot him a look, "Why are you being so fake with me?"

Turning back to her game, she continued, "Actually, this is a healing game. The monsters on the screen are all the product of a little boy's imagination. He's mentally ill, struggling to fend off his inner demons. He fights his way through bloodshed and darkness, finally reaching the light. The ending is quite touching."

As she spoke, Zhang Yuanqing poured himself a glass of water, drinking while responding, "The concept is solid."

His aunt hummed in agreement, then added, "Each boss has a unique pattern. As long as you're observant, even a little boy can defeat the terrifying demons. But the gruesome visuals and eerie music often instill fear, causing players to lose their composure and judgment."

"You should give it a try."

Zhang Yuanqing wasn't in the mood to play games with her. He had been away from the spirit realm for almost 20 hours, and in less than a dozen more, it would reopen. What awaited him might be death.

He'd rather think about what to do in his final hours, to avoid leaving any regrets.

Should he call and scold his mom? Hug his aunt and have a good cry? Or maybe rap and dance with his uncle one last time?

Suddenly, he realized there was nothing he particularly regretted. He had no unfulfilled wishes. As a university student from a fairly well-off family, his life had been largely free of troubles.

Only those who've weathered the storms of life are burdened with heavy regrets.

"Oh, come on, play with me!" His aunt wriggled her waist, pouting playfully.

Gazing at her graceful figure, Zhang Yuanqing's expression softened. He sat down beside her and took the controller from her hands.

If he only had a few hours left to live, spending them playing one more round with her didn't seem like such a bad idea.

Under his aunt's cheerful guidance and while she crunched on potato chips, Zhang Yuanqing managed to finish the game. Glancing at the time, he saw it was already 11 p.m.