From Demon Slayer to the Multiverse: The Ultimate Exploiter

Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Soul



Liu Zhao gained considerable attention on Blitzstation due to his frequent uploads of videos related to the enigmatic "Exploiter" Tong Gu. His popularity surged even further when one of his videos received a like from the Exploiter himself, momentarily placing it on the site's trending homepage.

Seizing the opportunity, Liu Zhao accepted Blitzstation's invitation to become a white-tier player streamer. He frequently live-streamed his training sessions, sharing tips and insights, while spending most of his time chatting casually with fans of the Exploiter who flocked to his streams. This provided these fans with a channel for updates during the Exploiter's offline periods.

Sunshine Xiao Guo has sent a highlighted message (CNY 500): Streamer, check it out! The Sealer has posted a new guide!

Liu Zhao read the paid comment. From his contributions, it was evident that Sunshine Xiao Guo was a wealthy patron, topping not only the Exploiter Tong Gu's leaderboard but also Liu Zhao's.

Without hesitation, Liu Zhao opened the Destiny Forum and found the Exploiter's newest post already pinned to the homepage.

[Gantz: Black Ball World Survival Guide – Being a Sneaky Player Isn't Shameful]

"Wow, this is a free post! Holy crap!"

"Is the Exploiter giving out freebies?"

"Good man Tong Gu, may you live a long and peaceful life..."

Discovering the post was free to read, Liu Zhao was momentarily surprised. Then, he speculated that with Tong Gu's current fame and traffic, he probably no longer needed to sell guides for income. He posted them simply to help others.

The atmosphere in Liu Zhao's live chat shifted as messages like "Good man Tong Gu" flooded the screen. Yet, the sheer positivity felt oddly unsettling to Liu Zhao.

Since it was free, Liu Zhao began reading the guide with his viewers.

The post began with a systematic introduction to the enemy types in the Gantz World, ranging from Scallion Aliens and Tanaka Aliens to the still-unseen Statue Aliens and Horse-Faced Aliens. It also included the Buddha Alien that killed the "White-Browed Hero" and the Hundred Ghosts Parade encountered by Tong Gu himself.

The sheer variety of enemies left viewers in awe.

"There are this many types of enemies?"

"Looks like Gantz World isn't entirely hopeless. Based on the Exploiter's descriptions, Scallion Aliens are manageable as long as you wear the combat suit and wield proper weapons!"

"Right, this guide puts me at ease!"

Of course, some were still terrified by the stronger enemies described.

"Don't joke around. Gantz World is still a high-risk place. Facing something like the Buddha Alien or Ghost Aliens, how many of us could possibly have Tong Gu's skills?"

"True. Better to pray we never get dragged into that world..."

Liu Zhao noted the chat messages while continuing to read the guide. He reassured his audience:

"Of course, we hope to avoid dangerous combat worlds. But if we do end up in Gantz World, this guide ensures we're not completely doomed."

"Look here, the Exploiter says that the weapons provided by the Black Ball can kill almost any enemy. And if we manage to leave the world with the enhanced suit intact, it becomes a beginner's artifact!"

Meanwhile, Li Mei hugged her pillow as she watched the guide on her screen, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

She thought this guide was perfect for her. After all, why engage in dangerous close combat with terrifying enemies? She just wanted to snipe from afar!

Tong Fan Xiao May sent a highlighted message (CNY 200): Sneaky playstyle is justice!

The comment seemed to resonate with most viewers, as the chat was soon flooded with similar messages:

"Sneaky playstyle is justice!"

Liu Zhao's face stiffened. He suspected Tong Gu's intention was to alleviate fear of Gantz World, but it seemed viewers were embracing the sneaky tactics instead. The thought of future players hiding in the shadows to snipe filled him with unease.

Still, seeing the lively and lighthearted atmosphere in the chat, Liu Zhao concluded that this wasn't necessarily a bad outcome.

Just as he finished reading the guide and was about to close the forum, a new pinned post appeared. Its title, written in special green font, immediately caught his attention.

It was an official announcement, so he opened it in his stream.

[100th Dongxia Player Association Newcomer Conference to Be Held in Mountain City on June 1st]

Liu Zhao read the announcement aloud, prompting an explosion of comments in his chat. Messages flooded the screen, obscuring the video feed.

"I knew the Player Guild would announce the Newcomer Conference soon. Didn't expect it to be held in Mountain City this year!"

"Makes sense. After Ju Dongliu's rise last year, the guild moved the venue from Yanjing to Nanyue. This year, Mountain City is the obvious choice!"

"Right, with Tong Gu's massive influence, the Player Guild can't ignore him."

While most viewers were delighted, Guo Dengyuan, who had been enjoying the lively chat, wore a peculiar expression. Coming from a family with moderate influence in Dongxia's publishing industry, he had access to insider information.

Seeing everyone assume this year's conference would be Tong Gu's showcase, he quickly sent a message to temper their expectations:

Sunshine Xiao Guo sent a highlighted message (CNY 500): The choice of Mountain City has other motives. Tong Gu might not even attend this time.

His message was like water on hot oil, sparking more confusion and questions. Some criticized the Player Guild, while others accused Guo Dengyuan of stirring drama.

Meanwhile, Liu Zhao focused on the special reward mentioned in the post: [Class A Assembly Structure Permit]. He couldn't help but wonder.

He genuinely hoped the conference wouldn't become a stage for shady dealings. After all, players were risking their lives for themselves and humanity. The player community should remain untainted...

---

Elsewhere, in Tong Gu's residence, he was training. However, instead of wielding the slender Nichirin Blade Masamune, he held a plain katana, moving slowly as if sensing something.

What exactly is a soul? Modern science offers no conclusion, yet the various worlds within the Game of Fate each have their own interpretations.

Tong Gu didn't concern himself with theories. Ever since obtaining this plain katana, he had felt a subtle transformation. The most noticeable change was his heightened perception. On the day he returned from the Gantz world, he had clearly sensed...

...something in Room 3510.

Though invisible, inaudible, and intangible, the presence was unmistakable.

Now, as Tong Gu focused on the katana, his sensation grew sharper. The presence in Room 3510 had arrived.

He closed his eyes, channeling his awareness into the blade. It felt as if he was traversing a dark abyss, surrounded by cold. Yet a spark of curiosity and spiritual intuition burned within him, keeping him grounded.

A soft sob suddenly broke the silence.

[Through ???, your spirit density has exceeded the threshold. You have gained the ability to harness spiritual energy.]

[You may now allocate points to the "Energy" attribute.]

Tong Gu's eyes snapped open. Standing before him was a pale little girl, dressed in a white dress with a bloodstained sleeve.

"Zuo Xiaoling…"

Hearing his voice, the girl looked up, her tear-streaked face full of disbelief.

"Brother Tong Gu, can you see me now?"

He nodded solemnly. Overwhelmed with emotion, Zuo Xiaoling burst into tears, lamenting how everyone else had vanished and no one paid her any attention.

Tong Gu listened quietly as she cried and complained. After a while, he raised the katana and gently tapped its hilt against her forehead.

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