[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-players-please-board-the-train":3,"chapter-players-please-board-the-train-players-please-board-the-train-chapter-7":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Players, Please Board the Train",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1685300,2152,"Chapter 7: Lights Out","players-please-board-the-train-chapter-7",7,"\u003Cp>The heavily made-up woman crossed her arms. \"I've told you everything I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words sharply contrasted with her defiant posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Fei gritted his teeth before turning his glare toward Xu Huo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Huo remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Li is asking you a question!\" The oval-faced woman snapped impatiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do I owe you answers?\" Xu Huo tapped the table. \"Did you pay for this information?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The oval-faced woman choked on her words. Li Fei blocked her, realizing his usual tactics wouldn't work here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know something but won't share?\" The middle-aged woman accused. \"Don't be so selfish!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly,\" the square-faced man added. \"Since you knew about this train beforehand, sharing would help everyone. More survivors benefit you too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you'd rather watch people die?\" The oval-faced woman said with disgust. \"How selfish!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People who use moral blackmail are worse,\" the made-up woman shot back. As their argument escalated, Professor Han stood and raised his voice, \"Everyone, stop fighting!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He addressed the group: \"This is called the Preliminary Trial Train. Evolvers have only appeared in society for less than a month. Even if some have experience, information is scarce. Knowing bits and pieces isn't unusual.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about him?\" The middle-aged woman pointed at Xu Huo. \"I saw him whispering with someone from another carriage. Is he selling us out?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Huo ignored her hostility. \"Wasn't the note I showed you clear enough? Even purchased information from attendants just repeats the train's official rules.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct,\" Professor Han agreed. \"Following the train's requirements minimizes danger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moreover, since human players designed this game, it must follow human ethics and values. Corruption will affect our ratings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The food here satisfies hunger. With supplies available, no one needs to resort to corruption.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're only trial players now. Becoming official players happens after this train journey. The initial classification likely considers assets, traits, and evolution level. Our three-day performance determines future gameplay. Following both explicit rules and implicit anti-corruption standards will earn higher ratings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Han paused meaningfully. \"I advise everyone to follow the rules. This game might just be the beginning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His logical arguments resonated. Players couldn't opt out, and higher starting points meant greater safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll follow the professor,\" said the female student. \"We'll face unknown dangers later. Falling behind now could cost lives.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After consideration, others agreed. Forcing information from the made-up woman or Xu Huo seemed impractical, and Professor Han addressed their concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Han produced a small notebook, tearing pages into numbered slips for drawing lots. \"Six people per shift, divided between first and second watch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one objected as they took turns drawing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aren't you joining?\" Yan Jiayu asked Xu Huo as she stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Huo flicked open his lighter, reaching into his pocket. \"You draw first. I'll take whatever's left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Han glanced at him before looking away as smoke curled upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Huo drew number five, grouped with Chen Yi and the female student for first watch. The square-faced man, oval-faced woman, and elderly man also took first watch, leaving six for second watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The train has lights-out. For safety, avoid phones and lighters after dark. Power off devices completely. The front watch guards the light switch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Huo's group would guard the front. \"Understood,\" he acknowledged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if a Bloody Player is among us?\" The made-up woman challenged. \"Darkness helps them kill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Think Bloody Players are stupid?\" The oval-faced woman snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The made-up woman fell silent as arrangements finalized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Approaching 8 PM, everyone took turns using the restroom before returning to seats, except the watch groups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ding-dong!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lights out imminent. Expect minor turbulence when crossing the Dimensional Rift. Return to seats and remain calm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three announcements, lights extinguished as outside darkness deepened rapidly, plunging into blackness within minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Huo stood by the light switch, folding knife ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absolute darkness enveloped the train—no instrument lights inside, no stars or moon outside—as if racing through a void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, breathing patterns steadied, tension easing as some apparently slept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Counting heartbeats to track time, Xu Huo noted approaching midnight when violent turbulence hit. The carriage rocked wildly for three minutes before stabilizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone okay?\" Professor Han called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm fine— AHHH!\" The female student's reply became a scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Huo moved forward but sensed air movement beside his head. Blocking instinctively, a thin rod pierced his hand, slamming his head toward the door!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bracing against the door with his elbow, he kicked the attacker's shin, hearing bone crack before stabbing with his knife!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yi screamed, stumbling back. Simultaneously, commotion erupted at the rear door as the square-faced man shouted, \"Someone's entering from outside!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't turn lights on!\" Professor Han warned as others panicked, unsure whether to guard front or rear—until Chen Yi cried, \"Xu Huo attacked me! He's the Bloody Player!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mid-sentence, a powerful kick sent him flying into overturned seats. Before he could rise, a thin blade entered his ear!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the rear door slammed shut amid chaotic footsteps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No phones! Stay put—any movement means Bloody Player!\" Professor Han ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell. Only after confirming Chen Yi's death did Xu Huo rise by the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Front secure. Chen Yi was the Bloody Player.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After pause, the square-faced man said, \"Rear door's closed. Just now—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Casualties?\" Xu Huo interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I smell blood,\" the old man said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A headcount revealed the oval-faced woman dead at the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gone,\" the square-faced man reported after examining her. \"Broken neck with wounds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is the third-class player still here?\" He Yang asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard someone leave,\" came the quick reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tension eased slightly until Li Fei challenged Xu Huo: \"Prove Chen Yi was the Bloody Player.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I can prove it,\" the female student sobbed. \"Chen Yi attacked me first... then changed targets...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Huo tilted his head thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or maybe you're both Bloody Players,\" Li Fei sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I trust my student,\" Professor Han declared. \"Arguing helps nobody. With no outsiders present, remain in position until morning. Do you want suspicion to get everyone killed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence signaled agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though second watch was scheduled, no one dared sleep. All remained alert in their seats until dawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At 4 AM, more turbulence struck. By 8 AM, daylight returned as announcements played:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ding!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome aboard Preliminary Trial Train 301, departing Three-Dimensional Point through the Dimensional Rift. Arrival at Five-Dimensional Station in two days at 8 AM. Expect turbulence—remain calm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Players will be classified based on journey performance. Monitor your conduct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now broadcasting riding rules...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rules remained unchanged, except duration shortened to two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blinking against sudden light, Xu Huo adjusted his vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look outside!\" Yan Jiayu gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>",1090,"2026-06-06T13:42:55.513Z",1,"novelbin.me","2c9cbd9c4272e653b70773e6494d7519eeefcc4f724a298148a976bd71f6cf4b","players-please-board-the-train-chapter-8","players-please-board-the-train-chapter-6",602,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fplayers-please-board-the-train-cover.jpg"]