"I see... No wonder the government is so eager to send people to clean up the Gray Realms... Because once a Gray Realm solidifies, it becomes a nuisance that can't be completely resolved. It not only threatens people's safety but also compresses human living space. If the real world were filled with solidified Gray Realms, humanity would likely be on the brink of extinction."

After listening to Chu Wei's detailed explanation, Wang Zhifan couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He finally grasped how severe the challenges humanity faced in this world were.

Although the invasion of the Gray Realm isn't the kind of super-catastrophe that can wipe out humanity in a short time, this slow, relentless threat is truly distressing. It's almost certain that if a real solution for solidified Gray Realms isn't found, their numbers in the real world will just keep increasing. Eventually, humans will have to live within solidified Gray Realms, signaling the countdown to the end of human civilization.

After finishing his conversation with Chu Wei, Wang Zhifan continued to work with her to clear the Gray Realm that had solidified in the real world. Then the two of them walked down the desolate mountain and discovered a wide "riverway" surrounding the mountain. The original small lake had completely disappeared, and the little boat they used was nowhere in sight. Fortunately, they found traces of the bureau's vehicle outside the newly-formed riverway.

"Ah Wei, look, the gray fog is completely gone. Anyone who hasn't been here before would never guess this place was a solidified Gray Realm."

At this moment, Wang Zhifan and Chu Wei walked down from the desolate mountain to the front of the newly-formed riverway. Observing the surroundings with his headlamp, Wang Zhifan commented.

"Solidified Gray Realms naturally don't have gray fog; gray fog is a feature of unsolidified Gray Realms."

Chu Wei wasn't surprised by this. After a long day's work, she was quite tired and couldn't focus on details like Wang Zhifan, whose physical strength was exceptional.

"Ah Wei, can you swim?"

Wang Zhifan then asked Chu Wei this rather practical question because they were surrounded by a wide river. To get across to reach the car, they would likely have to rely on swimming, as there were no bridges over the new river.

"Yes, but I'm definitely too exhausted to swim across..."

Chu Wei responded with a slightly weary voice, acknowledging that in her current state, it was unsuitable to attempt swimming across the waterway in front of them.

"Then I'll swim you across. I'm a strong swimmer."

Wang Zhifan immediately turned to Chu Wei, suggesting that since they came together, it made sense to return together. Leaving her by herself was not an option.

"Is this... really feasible? The river seems quite wide, probably around a hundred meters."

Chu Wei looked at Wang Zhifan with some doubt. It wasn't that she distrusted his character, but she wondered whether he still had the stamina to swim such a wide river, especially while carrying someone.

"Don't worry, I know my limits. You know my nature; I generally don't take unnecessary risks. Besides, if it really doesn't work, we'd both end up in the river, which is absolutely fair."

Wang Zhifan assured Chu Wei that he wasn't boasting; he truly had the capability to accomplish this.

"But... wouldn't it be okay to wait a while longer? The bureau would surely find a way to get us across."

Even though Chu Wei somewhat trusted Wang Zhifan, she found it a bit hard to accept his sudden proposal of such a straightforward way to cross the river.

"Ah Wei, stop dawdling—it's already so late! Let's get across and clock out for some rest! Look at these mosquitoes around—do you want to be covered in bites tomorrow?"

Wang Zhifan was indeed a bit impatient to leave. The reason wasn't complicated: he didn't want to waste any more time in this deserted area so late at night. With that, he impatiently grabbed Chu Wei's hand and raced into the river, starting their swim across.

While carrying someone, Wang Zhifan used the breaststroke so he could pull along Chu Wei, who just needed to keep herself afloat since she could swim.

Soon, Chu Wei felt the incredible driving force from Wang Zhifan's hand, as if he had a ship's engine inside him. The river crossing took less than a minute, with no disruptions or dangers along the way—so quick that she was still a little stunned when they reached the other side.

"Alright, let's wring out our clothes, and quickly head back by car. When we get there, you can take a shower and change. You can write that report tomorrow. If anyone gives you crap about it, just tell them you quit. If the work is so troublesome and dangerous, let whoever wants to do it handle it."

Wang Zhifan, wielding his remarkable stamina, whisked Chu Wei across the river and then gave her some work advice.

He felt she was being somewhat exploited—not that cleaning up Gray Realms wasn't a worthy cause, but such matters couldn't depend solely on a few individuals. Players were only human, and they lived on the edge. It's predictable that most players weren't too enthusiastic about Gray Realms or the future of humanity. Chu Wei's diligence and commitment were certainly admirable.

"Hmm... I suddenly feel like my energy has recovered a bit after swimming."

Chu Wei quickly nodded at Wang Zhifan's words. While she was slightly bewildered by his unconventional approach, she also felt an unexplainable thrill, probably because it added a bit of zest to her otherwise dull life.

The two then quickly dealt with the water on their clothes and walked towards the official vehicle waiting for them, returning to Dongjiang Second Bureau.

As Wang Zhifan suggested, Chu Wei did not directly head to the office to write a lengthy report. Instead, she submitted a brief electronic report from the car.

Wang Zhifan soon bid her farewell, taking a bus back to his rented apartment, concluding the last day of his work.

On the bus, as Chu Wei mentioned earlier, he also overheard the latest official public notice:

"Dear citizens of Xia Country, to confront the severe challenges of the present and future, we invite courageous and wise adults to sign up for the player qualification selection process. For details of the selection process, please visit major websites. Official players will enjoy benefits such as meals and accommodations, with monthly salaries starting at 20,000, along with training from professional mentors to ensure every player can have the brightest future..."

"It truly has gone nationwide; it seems the times are indeed changing."

Hearing the official announcement, now widespread, Wang Zhifan realized that the era where players lived semi-hidden from the world was no more.

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