Luo Zheng's gaze seemed lost in thought as he recounted the harrowing history of the 21st century, the words flowing like a dark tide in his mind. "The R virus spread in myriad ways – SARS-like in 2003, H1N1 in 2009, but nothing compared to the beast that was the RR virus in 2015," he murmured, eyes glinting like rubies recalling catastrophe. The air seemed heavy with the memory of death; almost 2 billion perished in the Nirvana Period's chaotic grip.
"The survivors...their genes mutated. Strengthened bones, flesh capable of shattering world records. And the beasts – birds, ocean monsters – they too survived, twisted into terrifying creatures." Luo Zheng's voice painted pictures of chaos: birds attacking humans in warlike frenzy, monsters shrugging off nuclear bombs like they were child's play. "The Blood Demon Sirius...it flew, killed over a million. Only stopped by the Thunder God – then the second strongest in the world."
Luo Feng listened intently, absorbed by his brother's recount of a ravaged Earth. "Nuclear weapons backfired...spawned fiercer monsters. But humans adapted...new energy ores led to terrifying new weapons capable of cutting down those beasts." Luo Zheng's thoughts lingered on the reshaped world – China's six states, built as bastions against monsters dominating the oceans. Islands destroyed; the seas remained monster territory.
Luo Hai looked between his brothers, intrigued. "Big Brother Zheng'er, you're like living history...Do you think we'll face those monsters here?" Luo Zheng's cold face turned contemplative. "We train for the exam...but readiness is key. The future's uncertain – especially with Luo Feng's...awakening."
The three brothers sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the shadows of a tumultuous past lingering like specters in their well-spaced south coast building – a stark contrast to the dangers lurking beyond.
The warm afternoon sunlight streamed into the parlour as Luo Feng, Luo Zheng, and Luo Hai engaged in a lively game, laughter echoing amidst the comfortable familial space. The sudden creak of the door announced the arrival of their parents – Luo Hong Guo and Gong Xin Lan walked in, the mother carrying a basket brimming with fresh vegetables. "Mom, Dad!" the three brothers exclaimed in unison, their faces lighting up with welcome.
Gong Xin Lan smiled warmly as she answered their greetings, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "How was your day in school?" she asked, curiosity tinging her voice. The brothers replied it had been okay; Luo Zheng's thoughts drifted inward – it's good to be part of a caring family like this. Before his rebirth, he'd been an orphan living alone; now, enveloped by love, he vowed silently, though Luo Feng might bring challenges, I'll ensure nothing harms our family.
Gong Xin Lan headed to the kitchen, deftly beginning dinner preparations as enticing aromas soon wafted through the air. Luo Hong Guo chatted轻松 with his sons. When the meal was ready, Gong Xin Lan called everyone to gather – the brothers settled around the table, Luo Feng exclaiming, "Oh, I'm famished! The scent smells so delicious!" The mother smiled. "Go on, eat up, you guys need rest."
As they harmoniously dined, Luo Hong Guo turned to his sons. "After the exams, what's next for you boys in life?" Luo Feng spoke first. "If I pass, I'd like to join the military – help the family; I'm not adept at online trading, so I'll do what I know best." Luo Zheng followed. "Even if I pass, I aim for the Extreme Martial Hall – take the quasi-warrior test." Luo Hai, the junior brother, smiled brightly. "I want to focus on stock trading; I could even open my own company."
Luo Hong Guo and Gong Xin Lan nodded encouragement. "My sons, if it's what you want, go ahead – we have faith in you." The five family members ate together contentedly. Post-dinner, the brothers headed out for a rest while their parents lingered, still radiating a youthful affection.
The twins announced they were off to the dojo; Luo Hong Guo cautioned, "You guys be careful." Since childhood, both had trained intensively – Luo Feng's speed surpassed original depictions; Luo Zheng's was formidable too, though both currently ran at 20m/s as they warmed up arriving at the martial arts dojo. Scanning student IDs, they entered – elite martial arts students greeted with murmurs of "the Evil Twins are here," a nickname they'd grown accustomed to.
Intermediate students gathered curiously as the Mad Twin and Ice Cold Twin tested improvements. Luo Feng approached the strength-testing machine first – focusing like a lion unleashing prey, his spine taut as a bowstring, he punched. The machine numbers started increasing and stopped at 930kg, shocking onlookers. "Luo Feng's a monster!" Luo Feng said, oh I've increased 10kg – my last was 929kg.
Luo Zheng followed – his fist crashed, yielding 1012kg; the crowd gasped. "The Ice Cold Twin's more monstrous…above 1000kg!" Both clearly surpassed quasi-warrior exam thresholds – at least 900kg fist strength requisite.
The brothers proceeded to speed tests – 60m track. Luo Feng sprinted, registering 27m/s. Luo Zheng's speed was 29m/s. The audience marveled – both were formidable, ready for the quasi-warrior exam with speed threshold 25m/s.
A scar-faced martial artist, Yang Wu, tested nearby – punches yielded 956kg, fluctuating results. Familiar with the twins, he inquired post-exam plans. Luo Feng leaned toward the military; Luo Zheng aimed for the quasi-warrior test. Yang Wu laughed approval, outlining four fighter paths: army offering safer livelihood, Extreme Dojo with benefits, corporations/thugs, and dangerous mercenaries.
Yang Wu admitted weakness in speed – barely 25m/s, hoping to pass quasi-warrior exams, eyeing Extreme Dojo affiliation post-success. He nudged Luo Feng: "Mad Twin…you seem one to walk the free path like your brother; joining a dojo might suit." Luo Feng hesitated.
Walking home, Luo Feng appeared pensive. "Bro, what's wrong?" Luo Zheng asked. Luo Feng voiced Yang Wu's words – confusion on choosing paths. Luo Zheng responded with characteristic calm, "Bro, just do what you want…follow your instinct. Don't stress yourself." Luo Feng smiled faintly, nodding understanding.
Upon reaching home, Gong Xin Lan inquired if they'd eaten – reminding them food was left aside. Luo Zheng reflected inwardly, this feelslike home…I'll do everything to protect this family.
A month prior, the brothers had poured effort into studying. Luo Feng thought confidently, I'm 90% sure of entering a top Jiangnan military school.
The morning of June 7th arrived – exam day for First High School students like the Luo brothers. Candidates assembled outside the school alongside encouraging parents; police officers with firearms maintained order.
A black Mercedes-Benz S600, escorted by police motorcycles, drew admiring gazes as it approached the gate. Chief Zhang, Director Lui, and a martial artist security lead drew focus. Luo Hong Guo and Gong Xin Lan encouraged softly, "Feng'er, Zheng'er…don't pressure yourselves…even second-top military's okay, Feng'er." The Luo brothers replied, "Dad, don't worry – we'll make you guys proud."
The twins smiled and headed inside as the school gate opened. Exam IDs checked; papers distributed bearing "2056 Jiang-nan City College Exam" header. Luo Zheng scanned the science exam paper, glancing at Luo Feng beside him – alphabetical seating put them together. Both focused intently; Luo Zheng thought inwardly, hope we have good points this time…before we faint…I don't know if I'll faint again.
The three exams loomed – science (physics, biology, chemistry), liberal arts (history, politics, geography), math (critical post-Nirvana). June 7th science, June 8th liberal arts, June 9th math – maximum 250 points each, totaling 750.
June 9th arrived; math papers handed out. Luo Feng thought, I'm sure I did well in science and liberal arts…as long as I don't mess up math, I'm all good…top military school. He recalled Luo Zheng's advice – answer easier questions first to gain points. Luo Zheng meanwhile thought, hope he answers plenty before he…before I faint.
Inside the exam room's tense silence, some students frowned – questions tough; Luo Feng deemed them fittingly hard ("the harder the better…if easy, weaker math students might score 220"). The twins focused; one hour in, Luo Feng tackled the third calculation (30 points), Luo Zheng the fourth. They'd sneaky switched answers earlier (30 points each first questions), continuing multiple-choice and fill-in blanks (90 points total).
Pressure mounted; Luo Feng struggled proving an answer – my brother's waiting…got to prove this. Unnoticed, their pulse watches climbed identically – discomfort escalated. 230…their hearts pounded as if bursting; 268…they couldn't bear pain, clutching heads, shouting. Faces red, veins bulging – feracious look. In sync, they cried AHH!, fainting.
Before Luo Zheng fainted, he heard Ding, Ding – the twin system has awakened due conditions met. Invigilators rushed; ambulance called as news spread – the Evil Twins fainted. Envious people felt contrasting emotions – happiness, pity.
At Jiang-nan Hospital, Luo Feng and Luo Zheng lay on opposite beds; parents rushed frantic. Luo Zheng woke initially – sound lingered…gaining a golden finger… wouldn't need to… He focused, said System…Ding! Host bounded to Twin× System…twin activated Peak God of War Sphere…multiplied by 7…Domain Master Sphere…Merge? Luo Zheng: yes. Ding! Spiritual power merging…he fainted again, awakening alongside Luo Feng.
Gong Xin Lan comforted softly, "Rest now…exams over…important you're safe." The twins exchanged glances – Luo Feng puzzled; Luo Zheng harboring a secret shift.