Players, Please Board the Train-Chapter 38: Setting the Trap

"Cooperate with the arrest and you can choose one item from her possessions, or just provide information and I'll give you a bottle of P0 Evolution Serum," Nie Xuan said immediately.
"The serum, but I want P1 Evolution Serum," Xu Huo replied.
Nie Xuan's expression showed disappointment.
Xu Huo smiled and said, "This isn't a bad deal for you at all. If you catch that Player-Eater, not only will you gain another test subject, but you'll also obtain information about other players and dungeon situations."
Nie Xuan raised an eyebrow, realizing Xu Huo wouldn't reveal any dungeon details himself. Though disappointed, he found this acceptable.
Given the unstable situation, most players were wary of outsiders. Someone like Xu Huo who appeared voluntarily and could calmly negotiate terms was already considered cooperative.
Previously, Nie Xuan had encountered players who were either mentally unstable from shock—attacking indiscriminately after two sentences—or those so inflated with self-importance they thought they could challenge national authority. Others simply tried to escape and refused cooperation even when caught.
They underestimated a nation's tolerance and courage in facing disasters. The government wouldn't strip them of their abilities or resources—instead, it would actively cultivate them. After all, players were few, and the entire nation needed them.
"The Special Affairs Department has just been established. The government is recruiting with excellent conditions. If you're interested, you can contact me anytime."
"I'll consider it." Xu Huo took paper and pen to describe Liu Yuanyuan's appearance, accent, and other details.
Seeing him sketch a simple portrait, Nie Xuan felt he might still be persuaded. "This is a good start. I hope we can cooperate more in the future, and I'll secure the best benefits for you."
Xu Huo pushed the paper over and raised his bottle. "Pleasure doing business."
"How much do you know about the game dungeons?"
Nie Xuan took a sip of water. "We've gathered considerable information. You can trust us."
"Do you understand the evolutionary principles of Evolvers?" Xu Huo set down his bottle.
"Of course. Expert teams are already conducting experiments and should soon suppress Evolvers' feeding urges," Nie Xuan answered without hesitation.
"Are there any side effects from prolonged lack of serum consumption?"
"None. The serum perfectly resolves all defects in Evolvers..." Nie Xuan suddenly stopped mid-sentence, frowned, and pressed his lips together. He first looked at Xu Huo, then at the glass of water.
"Didn't expect you to notice so quickly." Xu Huo smiled apologetically. "Sorry, I just wanted to test the serum's effects. Convenient that you volunteered."
Nie Xuan snorted coldly and left abruptly.
Downstairs, he entered a van parked on the street.
"How did it go?" asked the secretary who had previously questioned Xu Huo with him.
Nie Xuan opened his mouth but closed it again, producing a Hello Kitty hand puppet instead. The puppet's mouth moved as an electronic child's voice spoke:
"He tricked me. I can't speak right now."
The childish voice and cuddly toy contrasted sharply with Nie Xuan's image. The secretary suppressed a laugh. "Should we arrest him?"
"No." The puppet continued, "He's not a Player-Eater, and he's clever—a player with potential. The nation needs people like him now."
"Give this to the tech team to identify this person. She's a dangerous Player-Eater. Exercise caution during capture."
The secretary tucked the note into his planner. "Should we maintain surveillance?"
Nie Xuan considered briefly. "Withdraw the snipers and special operatives. Just set up a monitoring post near his rental. No need for 24/7 close watch—just confirm he remains in Ting City."
"Recent nationwide cases of mass disappearances and dismemberments involve victims of all ages, mostly without Evolver traits. Ting City has two cases already. I suspect dungeon connections. Prioritize personnel for dungeon searches."
"Understood." The secretary nodded.
"Deliver this serum and his documents to him. Try to get a sample of that glass of water." Nie Xuan retrieved a blue vial from an aluminum case at his feet.
The secretary departed but returned minutes later, looking awkward. "The glass was already washed when I arrived. He said he's moving and invited you to a housewarming dinner at his new place."
Nie Xuan's eyelid twitched, but he suppressed his anger instantly. "Forget it. Draw my blood."
Back in the hotel room, having dismissed Nie Xuan and his men, Xu Huo examined the P1 Evolution Serum. It was genuine, but he wouldn't take it yet.
Players' dependence on the serum and its side effects made it a ticking time bomb. Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn't ingest it.
After storing the serum, he checked his vibrating phone—it hadn't stopped since exiting the game.
Besides dozens of friend requests (mostly from Yuan Yao), there were texts and missed calls.
Most could be ignored, except one number: Liu Jia's.
Only three days had passed from the Preliminary Trial Train to Xu Huo's first dungeon completion, yet Liu Jia had sent nearly fifty messages.
Some requested a meeting to thank him in person. Others described Professor Han's worsening condition after disembarking—green pustules appearing, hospitalization, then being taken away by specialists. She herself had joined a local government agency.
She'd disclosed most details about the Preliminary Trial Train but concealed other players' identities, facing no repercussions.
"If anything happens with Professor Han, you can contact me," he replied.
"Mr. Xu! You're back! Professor Han said you must've entered a dungeon. I knew you'd return safely!" Liu Jia responded instantly, followed by a flurry of messages.
Both she and Professor Han were from a neighboring city. Xu Huo declined to meet but inquired about Professor Han's symptoms.
Professor Han had initially improved after disembarking but later developed symptoms similar to that stranded player: pustules, weakness, and signs of muscle atrophy.
"Toxin or pathogen?"
Did this mean all Evolvers carried some unknown toxin or pathogen that strengthened them while creating hidden dangers? The serum suppressed it, so prolonged absence might allow accumulation until it overwhelmed the body.
Would ordinary players eventually become monsters like on the train without regular serum?
Unfortunately, authorities lacked solutions... Xu Huo's frown deepened when his phone rang. Rubbing his temples, he answered:
"Xu Huo! You have five minutes! If you're not here by then, you'll never see your beautiful, adorable cousin again!"