Chapter 3: Chosen
Simply eliminating the parasitic fungus would kill the host.
It was difficult—but for Ruan Mei, it was simple.
She closed her eyes and, after a few breaths, a transparent test tube appeared before her, filled with amber-colored liquid.
"MiMi, drop it."
"MiMi! (Okay!)"
The pink creature hugged the tube with her tiny arms, flew past the railing, and chose a spot where no one would be hit. She let go.
The glass shattered on impact. The liquid burst out and vaporized instantly upon contact with air.
A visible white mist spread like a shockwave, expanding faster than the speed of sound, enveloping the entire city.
All infected individuals coughed violently, then vomited red and white fluid.
The vaporized solution entered their bodies, purging the fungus and repairing damaged tissue.
When the National Fate Battlefield emergency response team arrived in China, the chaos had already subsided.
Police, firefighters, and medics were calmly handling the aftermath.
Aside from the messy streets and noisy citizens, there was no sign of the punishment that had just occurred.
Commander Liu, puzzled, asked around.
The locals all said the same thing: "A white mist blew through, we coughed a bit, and then we were fine."
He ordered samples collected and sent for testing, then reported to his superiors.
In a conference room in Beijing, the capital:
"What do you make of the disaster in China?" asked a gray-haired elder.
"The research department believes the fungus couldn't adapt to Earth's environment and died off."
"We all know the truth. Everyone here knows who lives in China."
"Fine. Let's go with the research department's conclusion."
Three Months Later — December 1, 2032
Snow fell heavily.
Ruan Mei sat in a pavilion, wearing only a thin qipao.
Before her: a book, a plate of pastries, a teapot, and a cup.
An old radio played opera from Jiangnan.
Outside, the snow had blanketed the ground in white.
"MiMi~ (Today's the start of the National Fate Battlefield! I'm so excited~)"
MiMi flew over and circled Ruan Mei.
"Mm."
"MiMi (Aren't you curious who'll be chosen?)"
"Mm-hmm."
"MiMi (I wish I could be chosen! Everyone would cheer for me!)"
Ruan Mei smiled faintly. "MiMi probably won't be chosen. You're not human."
"MiMi↘ (That's so unfair~)"
But MiMi quickly perked up.
"MiMi! MiMi! (Wait! If you're chosen, I can go too! We're best partners!)"
"Statistically, that's highly unlikely."
Twelve rounds, never chosen.
With billions in China, the odds were minuscule.
Ruan Mei had long stopped hoping.
"MiMi! MiMi? MiMi! (But people need dreams! Without dreams, we're just salted fish! I won't be a salted fish—I'm a sacred beast created by my partner!)"
Ruan Mei chuckled and tapped the radio.
A holographic screen appeared.
National Fate Battlefield Broadcast
"Hello everyone, I'm your host Xiao Sa.
Joining me today are survival expert Professor Ma and Liu Daxiao, victor of the third Battlefield."
"This round will be unrestricted survival mode. Contestants will be randomly selected. Thoughts?"
The guests exchanged glances and offered polite speculation.
No one knew the terrain or contestants yet—pure guesswork.
The Battlefield was a sword hanging over everyone's head.
Its punishments were deadly.
Viewers flooded the chat with encouragement and ideas.
China had lost 7 of 12 rounds, including the last 3.
This 13th round was critical—not just for China, but for all of Earth.
Victory would lift morale.
Defeat would crush it.
One comment stood out:
"I'm the CEO of XXX. I personally pledge 10 million yuan, tax-free, to support the chosen contestant!"
Others chimed in:
"The government will take care of them, right?"
"Yes, all past contestants were well-supported."
Host Xiao Sa reassured viewers:
"Policies and oversight are in place. No matter where you are—Earth or another world—the nation has your back."
Suddenly, a voice echoed in everyone's mind:
"The 13th National Fate Battlefield is about to begin. Random selection in progress."
"China's contestant confirmed: Ruan Mei."
"Battlefield begins in 10 minutes. All contestants, prepare."
Chapter 4: Before Departure
"Ruan Mei?"
MiMi read the name on screen aloud.
She froze—then burst with joy.
"MiMi! MiMi! MiMiMi! (Partner! Look! That's your name! You were chosen!)"
She shook Ruan Mei's arm, beaming.
Ruan Mei, stunned, slowly recovered.
She hadn't expected to be chosen from 1.9 billion people.
But the voice in her mind was undeniable.
"Your wish came true, MiMi."
She patted MiMi's head and smiled gently.
"MiMi! (Hehe! I'm the luckiest! I helped my partner! Praise me!)"
MiMi puffed up proudly.
"Praise, hmm… I'll call you my lucky star."
"MiMi! MiMi! (Yay! I love you, partner!)"
In the livestream:
"Let's see who was chosen—Ruan Mei?"
The chat exploded.
"Ruan Mei? Sounds like a woman's name."
"A female contestant? Hope it's not a strength-based challenge."
"Who knows Ruan Mei? Contact the Response Bureau!"
"Call XXXXXXXXX! They'll deliver supplies!"
Concerns rose—women were seen as disadvantaged in physical trials.
After three straight losses, morale was fragile.
People hoped for a war hero or battle-hardened veteran.
In a strategy meeting:
Experts, soldiers, and past victors gathered.
They knew women faced challenges in the Battlefield.
Thankfully, the system never chose infants or disabled individuals.
"Enough speculation," said the elder at the head.
"Focus on support. We cannot afford another loss."
"Have we contacted the contestant?"
"No. None of our channels have reached her."
The elder frowned.
China banned firearms—without official contact, how would she get weapons or supplies?
"Increase outreach. We have seven minutes. Make contact!"
In the livestream, host Xiao Sa relayed the urgency.
Viewers began calling out Ruan Mei's name across China.
The countdown ticked down.
As it hit zero, the screen flashed white.
Veteran viewers knew: this was the teleportation signal.
When the light faded, the Battlefield would begin.
All citizens of China held their breath.
In the Response Bureau, silence reigned.
They had failed to reach the contestant.
She would enter without support.
Difficulty had just skyrocketed.
Perhaps… China would lose again.
Chapter 5: Arrival in Another World
In China, Ruan Mei watched the countdown.
She summoned her creations to the pavilion.
"I'll be gone for a while. Guard the house."
"We'll take care of everything, Miss Ruan Mei!"
She nodded.
A beam of light—visible only to her—descended from the sky.
It enveloped her.
Then she vanished.