He quickly scanned the list of exchangeable items on the table—compared to those mature games on the market, the things you could exchange for in the Paradise were truly a mixed bag, rather chaotic, as if they’d been thrown together at the last minute. They were divided into two main categories. One was [Combat Assistance], with the Resurrection Scroll (Limited) at the top, valued at 1000; next was the Healing Card, valued at 750; the rest were equipment like swords and armor, ranging from 150 to 50. The other category, [Life Assistance], had all sorts of things: pressure cookers, portable gas canisters, lighters, fishing spears... there was even a thermite pack.

“This isn’t much different from before, is it?” Anthony muttered. “The last enemies we faced all had guns. Can’t we get something more powerful?”

The host didn’t respond, as if this was a question outside the preset options.

“Maybe there is, but we don’t have enough points, so we can’t see them,” David Carter whispered. “Game designers usually consider progressive difficulty, so they don’t put powerful weapons at the early stage. Or maybe they want us to focus on strategy...”

“Fine, then I’ll take a full set of armor and a crossbow, and for backup weapons, give me a dagger!” The Russian couldn’t be bothered to argue further.

The host nodded, raised his right hand, and several pieces of equipment appeared out of thin air, dropping to the ground.

Michael Bolton clicked his tongue in amazement at this scene, but the others seemed quite used to it.

After a round of exchanges, everyone was more or less armed, except for Michael Bolton, who hadn’t used any points.

“I guess... I don’t have to use them right now, do I?”

“Of course, you can make a request to me at any time,” the host nodded.

“Then I’ll skip the exchange for now.” Michael Bolton let out a long sigh of relief—not because he had a plan, but because he rarely played games and honestly had no idea what would be best to exchange for.

If he’d known, he should have let Edward Cooper participate in the Paradise game.

“So, is everyone done exchanging?”

“Wait!” Michael Bolton raised another question. “Mr. Host, can you take off your mask and let everyone see what you look like? I don’t mean anything by it, it’s just that the mask is kind of creepy—even a virtual face would be better than that thing.”

The others nodded in agreement.

The host smiled, reached up, and removed the mask.

However, underneath was still a Sichuan opera mask, only the colors and patterns had changed.

Michael Bolton was speechless.

“Since everyone is ready, please follow me.” The host didn’t say much more, as if that mask was his true face. He turned, pushed open a side door, and walked into another small room.

This wooden cabin was much brighter, with several oil lamps. In the center of the room was a square table, piled high with manuscript paper.

“What’s this?” the American asked curiously.

Michael Bolton stepped forward, quickly picked up a sheet, and saw it was covered in writing—but he didn’t recognize a single word.

“Case files,” the host said unhurriedly. “This time, you will become hunters of evil, solving a major case. The details of the case and all clues are recorded on these pages. From the moment you entered this room, the Paradise game has officially begun.”

Everyone looked at each other. “This... is it starting already?”

“No more hints?”

“Who knows what any of this says?” Joe James waved the manuscript in his hand. “How are we supposed to hunt if we can’t even read it!”

“Wait, I think I saw something just now...” David Carter suddenly said. “Where was it... right, in this column, you guys look too, in the Life Assistance row of the exchange menu.”

Reminded by him, Michael Bolton also found the item. Among the pile of daily necessities, he spotted something called “Translation Tofu,” priced at 200 points.

“Kid, you’re actually useful for once,” Anthony chuckled. “From the description, it looks like eating it gives you the ability to translate.”

“That can’t be right, isn’t language compatibility supposed to be default?” Joe James frowned deeply. “Who would design a game and then deliberately make the language a barrier!”

“I can’t exchange anymore, I’ve only got about 100 points left,” the newly joined Jason Taylor said regretfully.

“If that’s how the game is designed, we can only follow the rules,” Ethan Clark suddenly spoke up. “200 seems like a lot, but there’s no need for everyone to get one. Don’t forget, this mission is for us to complete together.”

“Then... I’ll do it,” David Carter volunteered. “I still have 500 points left.”

“One might not be enough, I’ll get one too,” Michael Bolton quickly added. He had already noticed a detail: it seemed no one knew this game’s theme would involve solving a case. Whether it was Joe James or the Jason Taylor he’d brought in, they all seemed unfamiliar with this stuff. But he was different—when the Paradise sent out the invitation, the letter had clearly stated the participation requirements. Since they’d specifically sent the email to the police station, it meant the new round of the game would likely require criminal investigation skills.