Chapter 729: Sealed Memories

A moment of silence.

Lin An's mood was complex.

Although the Second Will gave no clear explanation, he quickly grasped the other's meaning with the reminder.

"So."

"The way to enter the phantom plot is to follow the story's development order and kill the evil monsters in sequence."

"Not constantly fighting the monsters without order, which is just futile."

"It's indeed simple..."

He gave a bitter laugh.

Lin An recalled his earlier doubts.

That's why he only encountered the phantom when he was in the ninth layer of the inner world.

His initial thought was correct; the plot appearing in the phantom was indeed not the system merely reenacting the story.

Nor was it to help the Awakened Ones find the monsters' weaknesses.

But rather, it bluntly told him to just kill the monsters in plot order.

Janitor (violent malice: Arbiter, Wire Mesh Monster)

Rubber‑clad Person (violent malice: Judge)

Human-headed Spider's true form (violent malice: Indifferent Onlooker)

And finally, the nurse.

("Correct.")

The Second Will spoke calmly:

("Actually, you've thought of this.")

("The rose controlling the inner world will judge Awakened Ones who kill each other as 【Indifferent Onlookers】, even as monsters' accomplices.")

("Then, conversely.")

("When you kill the monsters, in her eyes you belong to her, after all you've taken revenge for her.")

("That way, you can naturally enter the inner world where she resides.")

("Although it's a bit far‑fetched, but the system stipulates: do whatever it arranges.")

Lin An remained silent.

Everything could now be explained.

It's indeed simple to..

Even Xiong Hanzi could think of this.

From the moment one enters the Trial Grounds, anyone of normal intellect can realize they shouldn't kill each other.

This is the first hint: those who reverse‑engineer killing the monsters will receive "preferential treatment".

Next comes the phantom plot.

The Evil God rose reenacts the plot, just as he thought, not to lament but to display her tragic fate.

Rather, it hints at the plot's order so that Awakened Ones who choose the perfect trial won't be clueless about the killing sequence.

After all, what if one hasn't seen Silent Hill?

Four straightforward pieces of information:

Killing monsters brings preferential treatment..

The phantom will solidify as monsters die..

Conventional means cannot enter the phantom world..

Yet one must enter the phantom space to prevent the Evil God's descent..

Adding these points, the answer is almost explicitly given.

Moreover, the system is "thoughtful" in not replaying rose's orphanage and school plots.

Because it's unnecessary.

Having figured this out, Lin An couldn't help but ask:

"Since you've figured this out, why didn't you say it earlier?"

"Don't tell me you still have restrictions."

"After stopping the Evil God's descent, how am I to unlock the Gene Lock?"

"Relying on mission completion rewards?"

The other can possess his body at any time, yet Lin An doesn't believe the Second Will would have so‑called limits.

He even suspects, or rather has always been unable to understand the problem.

Why doesn't the other fully possess him?

Second Lin An gave a light chuckle, hearing his question and shaking his head slightly:

("I said, I only need to survive.")

("You fear becoming me only because you think I'm a monster.")

("But in fact, don't you feel you're becoming more like me?")

("If so, why must I devour you? Unless you one day seek death, I won't come out.")

Teasing.

("Besides, there are not a few humans dead by your hand...")

("Who exactly is the monster?")

("Huh?")

In his thoughts, Lin An remained silent and was not provoked by the other party.

Seeing that Lin An had not been provoked by his taunts, the Second Will also didn't mind and continued speaking bluntly:

("Well, actually the reason for not occupying you is also very simple.")

("I am very clear about what kind of person I am.")

("If anyone tries to occupy me, I will surely fight them to the death.")

("You and I are essentially one.")

("I don't want to die, and I certainly don't want to perish together with you—it's that simple.")

("So, you don't need to worry about me.")

("It's best to talk with that guy Chu An. That guy..")

("Heh...")

("He's been constantly digging pits for me...")

His words carried a hint of apprehension.

The Second Will hesitated for a moment, and his gaze unconsciously fell upon the Apocalypse Ring.

("Lin An.")

("Actually, my existence brings you only benefits, no harm.")

("That guy Chu An might not be a good person.")

("I can tell you, he's tampered with you. He wants me dead and you alive.")

("But without me, you would have died long ago.")

("Think carefully—whether to trust outsiders or me...")

Earnest guidance, a kind admonition.

Lin An listened as the Second Will's tone turned unusually friendly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"You still haven't told me how to unlock the gene lock."

"Is it related to the essence of power?"

He turned and kicked sideways.

After dodging three axes that came down simultaneously, the fiery-bodied nurse monster was instantly shredded by Cain's Blade.

This time.

Faced with Lin An's questioning, the Second Will remained silent for a long before slowly answering:

("That can be understood this way.")

("Actually, the power trial is to help each person find their inner strength.")

("Or put another way, what do you fight for with your power?")

("Why do you seek power?")

("The attribute of power is not merely brute strength or martial force.")

("This is also the key to unlocking the gene lock.")

("Only a fool would use self-hypnosis like that!")

First time.

The Second Will sighed, his expression gloomy:

("Lin An, do you know why your gene lock is so hard to open?")

His heart jolted.

Lin An gazed at the phantom space not far away, as if it were rubbing against reality.

The words from the Second Will made him involuntarily ask:

"Why!?"

("It's very simple...")

The Second Will slowly withdrew from his body, returning control to him.

He spoke in a calm tone.

("Because.")

("I have already unlocked the gene lock before..")

("So, you don't need to unlock it at all; you just need to realize what your power's essence is, why...")

Without giving Lin An time to react, the Second Will let out a light laugh:

("Do you want to know what the essence of my power is?")

("Or put another way, your...")

("As long as you open your memory seal, take a look at the Long'an Project you've been avoiding.")

("All the answers are in there..")