Everyone stayed inside the cabin.

Bai Youwei held her rabbit and waited by the door, quietly waiting for the result.

If merfolk appeared, she would drive them back with lightning, while signaling Pan Xiaoxin to reverse out of the cave as quickly as possible.

If the boat wasn’t fast enough, it didn’t matter — she could have everyone retreat into the dollhouse. Inside there, they would be safe.

If they couldn’t get out, she would play a war of attrition. The merfolk couldn’t stay on board indefinitely. They were water creatures — left out of the water too long, they would suffocate and die. Once they retreated, she’d come out of the dollhouse, get back to the wheel, and drive the boat out of the cave.

She didn’t have their speed — but try after try, even if she moved just one centimeter each time, she would eventually get clear of the cave…

What else was there? What other dangers were they missing?

…

“Youwei… Youwei? Youwei?”

Pan Xiaoxin’s voice pulled Bai Youwei back to herself.

She turned to look and found everyone in the cabin staring at her.

She blinked. “What…”

“We made it out!” Ashalina said to her, voice full of everything she felt. “Bai Youwei — your method was right! Cave 4’s pattern is to advance four numbers each time!”

Pan Xiaoxin was smiling. “Youwei! We can get out of here!”

Bai Youwei looked around in a daze.

Without her noticing, Xiaoxin had already steered the fishing boat clear of the cave. Ahead of them were once again the seven cave entrances, facing a new round of choices.

“One more push and we’re through!” Ashalina said. “Next up — Cave 5!”

Bai Youwei looked at Teacher Cheng, drifting in and out of consciousness. She pressed her lips together, then nodded: “Yes. Cave 5.”

…

They passed through Cave 5 without incident.

Then Cave 3. Then Cave 1. Then Cave 6.

At last, it was time to pass through Cave 4 once more.

If Bai Youwei’s reasoning was correct, then when they successfully traveled from the serpent’s head all the way through, and returned once more to the serpent’s head, the cycle would be complete — and the labyrinth’s exit would open.

The fishing boat pressed onward.

Ahead, all was still dark. But Bai Youwei heard the sound of ocean waves.

A moment later, she felt wind brushing past her cheek.

Bai Youwei held her breath. She turned to look at Cheng Weicai, then called out with barely contained urgency: “Teacher Cheng! Wake up — we’re almost out!”

Teacher Cheng slowly opened his eyes.

The sea wind swept across the deck, the waves thundering, and the scene around them gradually dissolved into a vast, blank white —

“Congratulations, player, on clearing Labyrinth 3.”

The system notification sounded. Bai Youwei stood in a field of pure white. She could no longer see her companions.

“Player is the first to clear Labyrinth 3 this round.

This round’s completion ranking: First.

Reward: Doll Puzzle Pieces, 2.

Now upgrading player data…

Ding — upgrade complete.”

Bai Youwei felt a distinct change in her body. She seemed lighter somehow. Her breathing felt more open, her senses more acute. And her legs…

She tried to stand.

Her knees didn’t buckle. Her calves didn’t tremble. She could… she could walk.

Bai Youwei stared down at her own legs.

She couldn’t believe it. She sat back down, reached out and touched them.

Were these really her legs?

“Reward settlement complete. Please continue your game and strive to clear —”

The system voice faded. She returned to the rest lounge.

Beside her stood Pan Xiaoxin, Ashalina, A-Long — and Teacher Cheng.

Teacher Cheng was smiling at her.

Everyone was safe. Thank goodness.

Not far away, Shen Mo was walking over with Tan Xiao and someone else. Shen Mo’s group had apparently cleared the labyrinth ahead of them.

Bai Youwei wanted to run to him. She pressed both hands to the wheels of her chair, ready to push herself up — and then a thought flickered through her mind. She smiled, set herself back down, and stretched both arms out toward her boyfriend.

Shen Mo smiled at seeing it, walked over, and took her in his arms. “You alright?”

“Yes.” She smiled and buried herself in his embrace. “Everyone’s alright.”