Chereads / Death Afterlife:Rebirth in a Virtual World / Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Entering the Backend

Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Entering the Backend

When Lu Yunfei and Li Yechen stepped into the farm, everything around them seemed unchanged. The grass remained lush and green, the air was filled with the scent of earth and plants, and in the distance, the chickens and ducks were still leisurely foraging, occasionally squawking. It was as if everything had returned to its usual tranquility. However, Lu Yunfei knew that hidden behind all this was a secret that no one else knew.

The farm's owner—the old farmer—was still sitting in the worn-out wooden chair, his gaze vacant, as if he was unaware of everything around him. His eyes were fixed ahead, but he could see nothing. He looked like just another ordinary NPC, just as they had first encountered him when they arrived here.

"We need to wake him up," Lu Yunfei said softly, his eyes filled with determination.

Li Yechen nodded slightly, his eyes showing a hint of unease. "Do you think he can wake up?"

Lu Yunfei didn't answer but instead took out the now slightly worn notebook from his bag. He opened the first page and began reading the words aloud softly: "'They are all just parts of data, or rather, experimental subjects.'" Lu Yunfei held the notebook in front of the farmer, gently shaking it, his eyes full of expectation.

The farmer still didn't react. His eyes lacked focus, as if he were trapped in a deep slumber. But Lu Yunfei didn't give up. He turned to the next page and softly read aloud again: "'Remember, you are not a part of this world. You are being controlled, and there is no escape.'"

At that moment, the farmer's eyes twitched slightly, as if he had sensed something. Lu Yunfei's heart raced as he realized he had touched on something sensitive. He quickly flipped through more pages, reaching the last one. The handwriting on the final page was even more hurried and illegible, like a desperate cry: "'They are going to find me. They are going to find me.'"

Suddenly, the farmer's body trembled. He lifted his head, and a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes, followed by a gradual clarity. His lips parted slightly as he mumbled to himself, "They're going to find me…"

"He's awake!" Li Yechen whispered, his voice full of surprise.

The farmer's eyes began to focus, and he looked at Lu Yunfei and Li Yechen with a mixture of chaos and confusion. "You… who are you?" His voice was hoarse, like a long-forgotten awakening.

"We are experimental subjects," Lu Yunfei answered without hesitation. "We need to know more. What is the truth behind this virtual world? Can you tell us?"

The farmer was silent for a moment before suddenly letting out a bitter laugh. "Why do you want to ask that? You shouldn't be asking these questions." He took a deep breath, his gaze filled with helplessness. "You already know what you are. You know your fate is sealed, and you can't escape. The ending of all this has already been decided. You are nothing but subjects of this virtual world's experiment."

A wave of frustration surged in Lu Yunfei's chest. He didn't want to hear this talk of despair. "I don't believe that fate is sealed," he said, his voice firm. "Tell me, what does the system's backend look like? I need to know how to operate it."

The farmer looked at Lu Yunfei, his expression gradually turning contemplative, as if weighing something. "Very few people ask this question. Since you already know that you are experimental subjects and that you are being controlled, you should understand that no one can escape the system's control." His tone grew heavy. "Your fate is bound to be 'erased.' You are nothing but data."

Lu Yunfei didn't flinch. He clenched his fists and looked at the farmer with unwavering resolve. "I don't believe that fate is sealed," he repeated. "Just tell me, what does the system's backend look like? I believe we can find a way out."

The farmer sighed, as if finally making up his mind. He reached for the learning device that Lu Yunfei had purchased earlier and picked it up from the table. The screen flickered weakly as the farmer quickly began typing on the keyboard.

Lu Yunfei and Li Yechen stood by, watching him nervously. Time passed slowly, and the farmer's fingers flew across the keyboard, as though he had long been familiar with these operations. The screen began to blur, then morphed into a familiar interface—the very same operating system Lu Yunfei had seen in the hospital, except this version seemed more simplified and flexible.

Lu Yunfei suddenly understood: this system wasn't just the control center of the virtual world, it could also reshape or update itself as needed, allowing different experimental subjects to have varying levels of access.

"Is this the system's backend?" Li Yechen couldn't help but ask.

"Yes," the farmer replied in a low voice. "All the NPCs have usernames and passwords. The system assigns them codes that allow them to enter the backend. This is also the entry point for you to operate."

Lu Yunfei gripped the code the farmer handed him, realizing it was the key to the system's core. He quickly inputted the code, and in an instant, the interface before him became clearer. He had finally entered the main interface of the backend system.

"I can see more information now," Lu Yunfei murmured. "Including the map of the virtual world…"

As he continued operating, the backend system unfolded before him. Lu Yunfei saw a complete map, with the structure of the virtual world laid out clearly. Deep within the map, there seemed to be some unknown force waiting for them to explore.

"We must find the true core of this world as quickly as possible." Lu Yunfei turned to Li Yechen, his eyes filled with an unmistakable resolve. "If we can control a part of this system, we can change our fate."

Li Yechen nodded, though still filled with doubts, but he knew that only by moving forward could they truly uncover the truth behind this virtual world.

Lu Yunfei focused on the system's map, his mind racing with possibilities. The more he analyzed, the more he realized that the system was far more complex than he had ever imagined. It wasn't just a control mechanism—it was an evolving entity, constantly adapting to its surroundings and the data it received. The deeper they dug, the more they would uncover about the true nature of this world—and about themselves.

"Look at this," Lu Yunfei said, pointing to a section of the map. "This part is inaccessible—it's completely blocked off by the system. But look here," he moved his fingers over another section of the map, "there are some areas where we might be able to break through."

Li Yechen leaned over, scrutinizing the map. His expression grew more serious. "So, this is where the system keeps us contained. But if we can control certain parts of it, maybe we can break through to those blocked areas. It's the only way we might get close to the core."

Lu Yunfei nodded. "Exactly. We need to get deeper into the system—somehow bypass those security layers. I'm not sure how yet, but this code…" He held the code up, feeling its weight like a key to a hidden door. "It's our chance."

The farmer, who had been watching them silently, let out a soft chuckle, though his eyes still held that mixture of confusion and sorrow. "You think you can just break through? That's not how it works. The system adapts. It doesn't allow outsiders to tamper with it for long. Even if you gain access, it will push back harder."

"Maybe," Lu Yunfei replied, his voice steady. "But we have to try. There's no other way."

The farmer's gaze softened slightly as if seeing a flicker of hope in their determination. "You're stubborn," he said, almost admiringly. "That's what it takes. But remember, this isn't just about breaking through the system's walls. It's about understanding it. And once you do, you'll realize how little control you truly have."

Lu Yunfei clenched his fists. "We won't know unless we try. We can't just sit here and wait for fate to decide."

Li Yechen's voice was quieter now, but it carried the same weight of resolve. "We're not running anymore. If there's a way out, we'll find it. Together."

The farmer fell silent, his eyes lowering as if considering their words. Then, after a long pause, he spoke again. "There's one thing you should understand: the system is designed to be foolproof. Even the ones who think they're in control are just another layer of the experiment. The system watches everything. It knows your every move before you even make it."

Lu Yunfei and Li Yechen exchanged a look. It was a sobering thought, but it didn't make them falter. In fact, it only fueled their determination. They had already come this far. If the system truly saw everything, then they needed to outsmart it. They had to find a way to turn its surveillance against itself.

"We'll find the blind spots," Lu Yunfei said, his voice unwavering. "If there are loopholes, we'll exploit them."

The farmer stared at them for a moment, then slowly nodded, as if acknowledging their resolve. "Alright," he said quietly. "But be prepared. The system might not let you go easily. And even if you find a way out, it's not going to be simple."

Lu Yunfei turned his attention back to the screen, fingers poised over the keyboard. "We'll take it one step at a time. If we break in, we'll understand the system's structure. And if we understand it, we can bend it to our will."

He entered another command, and the screen flickered again, showing new layers of the virtual world's control system. "Look," he pointed to a series of data points on the screen, "these are the system's primary control hubs. We need to gain access to these in order to change anything. If we can infiltrate just one of these, we can begin to alter the data flow."

Li Yechen peered at the screen. "And once we gain control of one of these hubs, we can begin manipulating the rest. But how do we get past the security?"

"That's the hard part," Lu Yunfei admitted. "But we're not starting from scratch. We already have the code. It's a key, but it needs the right input to unlock the system. We'll figure it out."

As they continued to investigate, the farmer seemed to withdraw further into himself, lost in his own thoughts. He had lived within this system for so long that the idea of escaping or changing it seemed almost impossible to him. But Lu Yunfei and Li Yechen weren't so easily deterred.

Hours passed as they explored the depths of the system. Every new piece of information they uncovered led to more questions, but it also revealed the immense complexity of the world they were trapped in. The closer they came to the system's core, the more perilous their journey became. They could feel the weight of the system pressing in on them, as if it were aware of their intrusion and was beginning to fight back.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lu Yunfei looked up from the screen, his eyes blazing with determination. "We've found it," he said, voice steady but filled with excitement. "This is the core of the system."

Li Yechen leaned over, staring at the screen in disbelief. The map was clear now—there, at the very center, was a glowing red icon, marking the heart of the system.

"We've found the heart of the system," Lu Yunfei repeated, his voice filled with awe. "This is where everything connects. If we can control this, we control everything."

But there was no time to celebrate. The system's response was immediate. The red icon began to pulse, and the screen flickered violently. A warning message flashed, the system's defenses triggering with alarming speed.

"It's reacting," Li Yechen said, his voice tense. "We've stirred the hornet's nest."

Lu Yunfei's fingers flew across the keyboard. "It's now or never."

The final test was here. Could they control the heart of the system before it locked them out—or worse, erased them completely?