Players, Please Board the Train-Chapter 7: Lights Out

The heavily made-up woman crossed her arms. "I've told you everything I know."
Her words sharply contrasted with her defiant posture.
Li Fei gritted his teeth before turning his glare toward Xu Huo.
Xu Huo remained silent.
"Brother Li is asking you a question!" The oval-faced woman snapped impatiently.
"Do I owe you answers?" Xu Huo tapped the table. "Did you pay for this information?"
The oval-faced woman choked on her words. Li Fei blocked her, realizing his usual tactics wouldn't work here.
"You know something but won't share?" The middle-aged woman accused. "Don't be so selfish!"
"Exactly," the square-faced man added. "Since you knew about this train beforehand, sharing would help everyone. More survivors benefit you too."
Though others remained silent, their expressions showed agreement. The made-up woman retorted, "I've said all I can. Don't believe me? Fine. Who's to say others don't know about the Preliminary Trial Train? Why don't they speak up?"
"So you'd rather watch people die?" The oval-faced woman said with disgust. "How selfish!"
"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!"
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."
"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?"
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."
"Correct," Professor Han agreed. "Following the train's requirements minimizes danger."
"Moreover, since human players designed this game, it must follow human ethics and values. Corruption will affect our ratings."
"The food here satisfies hunger. With supplies available, no one needs to resort to corruption."
"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."
Professor Han paused meaningfully. "I advise everyone to follow the rules. This game might just be the beginning."
His logical arguments resonated. Players couldn't opt out, and higher starting points meant greater safety.
"I'll follow the professor," said the female student. "We'll face unknown dangers later. Falling behind now could cost lives."
After consideration, others agreed. Forcing information from the made-up woman or Xu Huo seemed impractical, and Professor Han addressed their concerns.
Professor Han produced a small notebook, tearing pages into numbered slips for drawing lots. "Six people per shift, divided between first and second watch."
No one objected as they took turns drawing.
"Aren't you joining?" Yan Jiayu asked Xu Huo as she stood.
Xu Huo flicked open his lighter, reaching into his pocket. "You draw first. I'll take whatever's left."
Professor Han glanced at him before looking away as smoke curled upward.
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.
"The train has lights-out. For safety, avoid phones and lighters after dark. Power off devices completely. The front watch guards the light switch."
Xu Huo's group would guard the front. "Understood," he acknowledged.
"What if a Bloody Player is among us?" The made-up woman challenged. "Darkness helps them kill."
"Think Bloody Players are stupid?" The oval-faced woman snapped.
The made-up woman fell silent as arrangements finalized.
Approaching 8 PM, everyone took turns using the restroom before returning to seats, except the watch groups.
"Ding-dong!"
"Lights out imminent. Expect minor turbulence when crossing the Dimensional Rift. Return to seats and remain calm."
After three announcements, lights extinguished as outside darkness deepened rapidly, plunging into blackness within minutes.
Xu Huo stood by the light switch, folding knife ready.
Absolute darkness enveloped the train—no instrument lights inside, no stars or moon outside—as if racing through a void.
Gradually, breathing patterns steadied, tension easing as some apparently slept.
Counting heartbeats to track time, Xu Huo noted approaching midnight when violent turbulence hit. The carriage rocked wildly for three minutes before stabilizing.
"Everyone okay?" Professor Han called out.
"I'm fine— AHHH!" The female student's reply became a scream.
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!
Bracing against the door with his elbow, he kicked the attacker's shin, hearing bone crack before stabbing with his knife!
Chen Yi screamed, stumbling back. Simultaneously, commotion erupted at the rear door as the square-faced man shouted, "Someone's entering from outside!"
"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!"
Mid-sentence, a powerful kick sent him flying into overturned seats. Before he could rise, a thin blade entered his ear!
Meanwhile, the rear door slammed shut amid chaotic footsteps.
"No phones! Stay put—any movement means Bloody Player!" Professor Han ordered.
Silence fell. Only after confirming Chen Yi's death did Xu Huo rise by the window.
"Front secure. Chen Yi was the Bloody Player."
After pause, the square-faced man said, "Rear door's closed. Just now—"
"Casualties?" Xu Huo interrupted.
"I smell blood," the old man said.
A headcount revealed the oval-faced woman dead at the rear.
"Gone," the square-faced man ed after examining her. "Broken neck with wounds."
"Is the third-class player still here?" He Yang asked.
"I heard someone leave," came the quick reply.
Tension eased slightly until Li Fei challenged Xu Huo: "Prove Chen Yi was the Bloody Player."
"I... I can prove it," the female student sobbed. "Chen Yi attacked me first... then changed targets..."
Xu Huo tilted his head thoughtfully.
"Or maybe you're both Bloody Players," Li Fei sneered.
"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?"
Silence signaled agreement.
Though second watch was scheduled, no one dared sleep. All remained alert in their seats until dawn.
At 4 AM, more turbulence struck. By 8 AM, daylight returned as announcements played:
"Ding!"
"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."
"Players will be classified based on journey performance. Monitor your conduct."
"Now broadcasting riding rules..."
Rules remained unchanged, except duration shortened to two days.
Blinking against sudden light, Xu Huo adjusted his vision.
"Look outside!" Yan Jiayu gasped.