I woke to the sound of shouting.
Not excited shouting. Not happy shouting.
Angry shouting.
I bolted upright in bed, heart pounding.
What the hell—?
Threw on clothes, stumbled downstairs—
And found chaos at the front door.
Two men—both cultivators, judging by their auras—were arguing with my father.
One was tall, broad-shouldered, wearing expensive robes embroidered with a crimson dragon sigil.
The other was leaner, sharper, his hand resting on the hilt of a sword at his waist.
And my father—Liu Wei—stood between them and the door, arms crossed, face hard.
"I said no." Father's voice was firm. "The Gaming Hall opens at seven. Not before."
"Do you know who we are?!" The tall one snarled. "We're from the Crimson Dragon Sect! You dare make us wait like common—"
"I don't care if you're from the Heavenly Emperor's Palace." Father interrupted, his voice cold. "The rules are the rules."
The lean one's hand tightened on his sword hilt.
"Old man, you're testing our patience—"
"Stop."
My voice—loud, sharp—cut through the tension.
All three turned toward me.
I walked forward—slowly, deliberately—until I stood beside my father.
Looked at the two cultivators.
"The Gaming Hall has rules." I said calmly. "Rule one: everyone waits their turn. No exceptions."
The tall one sneered. "You're the owner? Some rootless mortal?"
"Yes."
"Then you should understand—cultivators like us don't wait. We take what we want."
He stepped forward—
And I felt it.
Pressure.
Heavy, crushing pressure—his aura, pushing down on me like a physical weight.
My knees wanted to buckle. My breath caught.
But I didn't move.
I looked him straight in the eye.
"Then you can leave."
Silence.
His eyes widened—surprised, then furious.
"What did you say?"
"I said—" I raised my voice, making sure everyone in the growing crowd heard me, "—if you can't follow simple rules, you're not welcome here."
"You—"
"Master Liu is correct."
A new voice—cold, authoritative, powerful.
Everyone turned.
Victoria stepped out of the crowd.
She wore deep blue robes today, her hair tied back severely. And her aura—crushing—filled the street.
Foundation Establishment, fourth or fifth level.
Far stronger than the two cultivators.
She walked forward—slowly, gracefully—until she stood beside me.
Looked at the two men.
"The Gaming Hall has rules." She said simply. "You will follow them. Or you will leave."
"But Lady Wei—" the tall one started, his arrogance crumbling.
"Now."
One word.
The two cultivators—faces red with humiliation—turned and left.
Fast.
Victoria turned to me.
For a moment, our eyes met.
"Thank you, Lady Victoria." I said quietly.
She nodded—a small, almost imperceptible nod.
"The Gaming Hall is valuable, Master Liu. It would be... unfortunate if petty fools damaged it."
Then—she glanced at my father.
"Your father has courage. Rare, for someone without cultivation."
Father—who had been tense—relaxed slightly, bowing his head.
"Thank you, Lady Wei."
She smiled—barely—then walked to the end of the line.
Waiting her turn.
Like everyone else.
I took a deep breath, turned to the crowd.
At least forty people today.
"Alright everyone!" I called out. "We open in ten minutes! Pre-paid customers first, then regular customers, then new customers by order!"
The crowd settled—excited murmurs, but no more trouble.
I looked at my father.
"Thank you, Father. For standing firm."
He smiled—a tired but proud smile.
"You built something good, Chen. I won't let anyone destroy it."
Device 1: Victoria
Device 2: Elena
Device 3: Derek
I placed the headsets on their heads, started the devices.
But today felt... different.
Yesterday, Victoria was close to completion.
Today?
She was going for it.
Victoria's Final Push
On the screen, Victoria's character entered the laboratory.
The massive steel door swung open with a grinding creak.
Inside—glowing green tubes, old computers, corpses of scientists.
And in the center—the console.
[T-VIRUS PROTOTYPE - SAMPLE 006]
She walked forward—slowly, weapon raised, checking every corner.
Professional. Careful.
She reached the console, inserted the three keys—
Click. Click. Click.
[AUTHORIZATION GRANTED]
[DISPENSING SAMPLE...]
A compartment opened. The green vial appeared.
[Obtained: T-Virus Prototype!]
[Use now?]
She hesitated.
Just for a moment.
Then—
[Yes]
Golden light filled the screen.
Victoria's character staggered—her body convulsing as the virus integrated.
Muscles tightening. Veins glowing faint green.
Then—everything calmed.
[T-Virus Successfully Integrated!]
[Permanent Effects:]
+15% Muscle Strength
+10% Speed
+20% Cellular Regeneration
In the real world, I saw Victoria's body tense in the chair—just for a second—then relax.
She was feeling it.
Even in the game, the System made the effects feel real.
But she didn't stop.
She continued—deeper into the laboratory.
Found files. Read them.
"Day 87: Spencer's transformation is complete. He is no longer human. But the power... it's beyond anything we imagined."
"Day 90: He's lost his mind. Killed three researchers today. We need to escape before—"
The file ended abruptly.
Victoria moved forward—
And found the final door.
[WARNING: BOSS CHAMBER AHEAD]
[LORD SPENCER - TRANSFORMED]
She checked her weapons.
Assault rifle: 42 bullets.
Handgun: 15 bullets.
Three healing herbs.
One first-aid spray.
Prepared.
She opened the door—
The celebration hall.
Massive chandeliers. Paintings. Red carpet.
And on the throne—
Lord Spencer.
Three meters tall. Swollen muscles. Cracked gray skin. Glowing red eyes.
Bone claws protruding from his back.
[BOSS: TRANSFORMED LORD SPENCER]
[HP: 5000]
He stood—slowly—and roared.
The entire hall shook.
In the real world, the crowd went silent.
Everyone—all forty people waiting—watched the screen.
Holding their breath.
Victoria didn't rush.
She observed.
Watched Spencer's movements. His stance. His breathing pattern.
Ten seconds of complete stillness.
Then—
Spencer charged.
But Victoria was ready.
She rolled right—his claws struck the ground where she'd been standing.
CRASH!
Marble shattered.
She aimed—fired—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three shots. All headshots.
[-75] [-80] [-85]
[HP: 4760/5000]
Spencer roared, turned—threw a chunk of broken floor at her—
She dove behind a pillar—
The chunk smashed into it, destroying half the pillar.
But she was already moving—
Circled around, flanked him—
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Four more shots.
[-90] [-85] [-95] [-100 - Critical!]
The fight continued.
Victoria—unlike me yesterday—didn't fight with flashy moves or aggressive tactics.
She fought smart.
Used the environment. The pillars. The broken furniture.
Never stayed in one place.
Never wasted bullets.
Every shot—calculated.
Every dodge—precise.
[HP: 2500/5000]
Spencer roared—entered Phase Two.
[WARNING: BOSS ENRAGED!]
[Speed +50%]
[Power +100%]
He was faster now. Stronger.
His triple-claw attack came so fast it was almost invisible—
But Victoria—
Predicted it.
She saw his shoulder twitch. His weight shift forward.
And rolled before he attacked.
The claws passed through empty air.
She fired—point-blank—
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Five shots to the spine—the weak point I'd discovered yesterday.
[-150] [-150] [-150] [-150] [-150]
[Total: 750 damage!]
In the real world—
The crowd erupted.
"She did it! The weak point!"
"Seven hundred fifty in one burst!"
Even Derek—who was sitting nearby, headset off—was staring, mouth open.
"Mother... fights better than me."
Kyle laughed. "Your mother fights better than everyone."
[HP: 300/5000]
Spencer was staggering now. Dying.
He raised both hands—
[DESPERATE FINAL ATTACK!]
[CRUSHING STRIKE - FULL ROOM!]
Victoria saw it.
Remembered my fight yesterday.
The safe zone is directly beneath him.
She ran—not away, but toward him—
Slid beneath his massive body—
And while his hands were raised, exposing his entire torso—
She emptied every remaining bullet into his chest.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Ten shots.
[-120] [-120] [-120] [-120] [-120] [-120] [-120] [-120] [-120] [-180 - Final Critical!]
[Total: 1260 damage!]
[HP: -960]
[BOSS DEFEATED!]
Spencer froze.
His hands fell. His body swayed.
Then—
Collapsed.
BOOM!
His massive form hit the ground, turning to gray smoke.
[VICTORY!]
[CONGRATULATIONS! YOU COMPLETED RESIDENT EVIL: THE BEGINNING!]
The Second Completion
Victoria removed her headset—slowly, carefully.
Her face was calm—as always—but her eyes...
Her eyes were gleaming.
She stood—and for a moment, just stood there, catching her breath.
Then—
Golden light.
On the table in front of her—
A weapon materialized.
The shotgun.
Double-barrel. Polished metal. Carved wooden handle.
Real. Heavy. Perfect.
Beside it—twenty shells.
The room was silent.
Everyone staring.
Then—
Applause.
It started with Kyle—clapping loudly, grinning—
Then Derek. Then Marcus. Then Thomas.
Then everyone.
Even the new customers—who barely knew her—were clapping.
Because they'd just watched something incredible.
Victoria picked up the shotgun—felt its weight, examined it carefully.
Then—she looked at me.
"Master Liu."
"Yes, Lady Victoria?"
A pause.
Then—a smile.
A real smile. Warm. Genuine.
"Thank you."
Two words.
But the way she said them...
I felt something warm in my chest.
"You earned it, Lady Victoria."
[Ding!]
[CONGRATULATIONS! Second player completed the game!]
[Progress: 2/7]
[Remaining: 5 players]
[Next closest: Elena (82%), Mother (48%), Derek (38%)]
The Rest of the Day - Accelerating Progress
The rest of Day Eight was intense.
After seeing Victoria's completion—after seeing the real shotgun—
Everyone wanted to push harder.
Session Two:
Elena played with renewed focus.
She'd been watching Victoria's fight carefully.
And now—she applied those lessons.
Reached the laboratory. Got the T-Virus. Integrated it.
[+15% strength, +10% speed, +20% regeneration]
But she didn't fight the Boss yet.
"Not ready." She said simply. "I need to study his patterns more."
Progress: 92%
Derek died four times.
But each death—he learned something.
"One at a time." He muttered to himself. "One. At. A. Time."
And slowly—slowly—he was improving.
Progress: 43%
Kyle played recklessly—as always—but with enthusiasm.
"I'm coming for that sword!" He shouted. "Knife-only run! I can do it!"
Narrator: He could not do it. He died six times.
But he was happy.
Progress: 35%
Session Three:
Marcus finally reached the laboratory.
Took the T-Virus.
Stared at the vial for a full minute—
"It's... scientifically impossible." He whispered. "But also... beautiful."
Used it.
[+15% strength, +10% speed, +20% regeneration]
Smiled—a huge, genuine smile.
"I feel... strong."
Progress: 61%
Thomas didn't go to the laboratory.
He stayed in the workshop—crafting.
Made a full suit of armor. Helmet. Chest piece. Gauntlets. Leg guards.
Each piece—excellent quality.
And at the end—
[COMPLETE ARMOR SET CRAFTED!]
[TRANSFERRING TO REAL WORLD...]
Golden flash.
The armor appeared on the table—real iron, sturdy, beautiful.
Thomas touched it—tears in his eyes.
"I made this. With my own hands. In a virtual world. And it's real."
By evening—six PM—
The statistics were incredible:
Today's Gameplay: 36 hours (12 sessions × 3 people)
Total Completions: 2/7
Close to Completion:
Elena: 92%
Marcus: 61%
Mother: 48%
Derek: 43%
Kyle: 35%
Night - The Secret Training
After the last customer left—after I locked the door—
I turned to my parents.
Mother and Father—both standing in the kitchen, preparing dinner.
"Mother. Father."
They looked at me.
"I need you both to play tonight."
Father raised an eyebrow. "Tonight? Chen, we're tired—"
"I know. But this is important."
I walked toward them.
"You've both played a few hours. You're stronger. Faster."
I looked at Mother. "Mother, you have the T-Virus. You're 21% stronger than before."
Then at Father. "Father, you're about 8% stronger now."
"But in this world—in this cruel world—that's not enough."
Silence.
"I want you both to complete the game." I said firmly. "Tonight. Or within the next few days."
"Because the rewards—the real rewards—come from completion."
"And I want you both protected."
Mother and Father looked at each other.
A long, silent conversation.
Then—Mother smiled.
"Alright, Chen. We'll play."
Father nodded. "How long?"
"As long as it takes. Five hours. Six hours. However long."
I looked at them both.
"I'll guide you. Step by step. We'll do this together."
Mother's Marathon Session - Part One
7:00 PM
Mother sat down—put on the headset.
"Alright, Chen. Where do I start?"
"You have the T-Virus. You have two keys. You need the third—the Skull Key."
"It's in the dark basement. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
She entered the game.
Her character appeared at the basement entrance.
Dark. Silent. Terrifying.
She descended—slowly, carefully.
Every step cautious.
"Chen, I can't see anything."
"Use the lantern. It's in your inventory."
She pulled out the lantern—and the darkness retreated slightly.
She continued—
Hour One: The Basement
Mother fought through the basement carefully.
Killed zombies. Avoided traps. Solved a puzzle involving statues.
And finally—in the deepest room—
Found the Skull Key.
[Obtained: Skull Key!]
"I did it!" She exclaimed, voice full of joy.
"Excellent, Mother. Now—you have all three keys. Go to the laboratory."
Hour Two: The Laboratory
Mother reached the laboratory door.
Inserted the three keys—
Click. Click. Click.
The door opened.
She entered—cautiously—exploring every corner.
Found the console. Dispensed the T-Virus.
"Wait—I already have the virus."
"I know. But take it anyway. You can give it to someone else later."
She took it.
[Obtained: T-Virus Prototype - SAMPLE 007]
Hour Three: Preparation
"Alright, Mother. Now comes the hard part."
"The Boss?"
"Yes. But you're not ready yet. You need more supplies."
For the next hour, I guided her through the mansion—finding hidden rooms, collecting ammunition, healing items.
By the end, she had:
Assault rifle: 60 bullets
Handgun: 25 bullets
Shotgun: 15 shells
Five healing herbs
Two first-aid sprays
"Good. Now—let's review the Boss strategy."
Hour Four: Strategy Review
I explained—in detail—every phase of the Boss fight.
"Phase One: He's slow. Use the environment. Don't waste bullets."
"Phase Two: He's faster. Watch his shoulder movements. That's how you predict attacks."
"Final Phase: He'll do the room-wide attack. The safe zone is directly beneath him."
Mother listened—focused, serious.
"I understand."
"Are you ready?"
A pause.
Then—
"Yes."
Hour Five: The Boss Fight
Mother entered the celebration hall.
Lord Spencer rose from his throne.
Roared.
And the fight began—
Mother fought carefully.
More carefully than Victoria.
More carefully than me.
Every shot—deliberate.
Every dodge—planned.
She used the pillars. The broken furniture. The chandeliers.
She was patient.
And slowly—very slowly—
Spencer's HP dropped.
[HP: 4000/5000]
[HP: 3000/5000]
[HP: 2000/5000]
Then—Phase Two.
Spencer enraged.
Faster. Stronger.
Mother struggled—got hit once—
[-35 HP]
"Mother! Use a healing herb!"
She used it—
[HP Restored: +25]
Continued fighting—
Hour Six: The Final Push
[HP: 500/5000]
Spencer was dying.
Raised his hands—
[DESPERATE FINAL ATTACK!]
"Mother! Run toward him! Beneath him!"
She hesitated—just for a second—
Toward the monster?
But she trusted me.
Ran forward—
Slid beneath Spencer's massive body—
And fired—every remaining bullet—
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
[BOSS DEFEATED!]
Spencer collapsed.
[VICTORY!]
[CONGRATULATIONS! YOU COMPLETED RESIDENT EVIL: THE BEGINNING!]
Mother's Reward
Mother removed the headset—
Her hands were shaking.
Her face was pale.
But her eyes—
Her eyes were shining.
"I... I did it. Chen, I did it!"
She stood—almost jumped—and hugged me.
Tight. Desperate. Happy.
"I fought a monster! And I won!"
Then—
Golden light.
On the table—
A weapon appeared.
Not a shotgun.
Something different.
A sword.
Short, curved blade. Black handle wrapped in leather. Silver guard.
[Tactical Combat Knife - Legendary Quality]
[Effect: +5% attack speed when wielded]
Mother picked it up—felt its perfect balance.
"It's... beautiful."
[Ding!]
[CONGRATULATIONS! Third player completed the game!]
[Progress: 3/7]
[Remaining: 4 players]
Father's Turn
"Father." I turned to him. "Your turn."
Father—who had been watching Mother's fight—looked nervous.
"Chen, I'm not as good as your mother. I'll need more time—"
"That's fine. We have all night."
I smiled.
"Let's do this."
And so began Father's marathon session.
Six more hours.
Guiding him step by step.
Through the forest. The mansion. The puzzles.
He died more than Mother—eight times—but he persisted.
And at 2:00 AM—
After twelve total hours of gameplay for both parents—
Father defeated Lord Spencer.
[BOSS DEFEATED!]
[CONGRATULATIONS! YOU COMPLETED RESIDENT EVIL: THE BEGINNING!]
Father removed the headset—
Collapsed back in the chair—
"I'm... too old for this." He gasped, but he was smiling.
Golden light.
Another weapon appeared.
[Combat Axe - Legendary Quality]
[Effect: +10% damage against large enemies]
Father picked it up—felt its weight.
"This... is a real warrior's weapon."
He looked at me—eyes full of emotion.
"Thank you, Chen. For letting us experience this."
[Ding!]
[CONGRATULATIONS! Fourth player completed the game!]
[Progress: 4/7]
[Remaining: 3 players]
Dawn of Day Nine
I sat alone in the gaming hall—exhausted, but satisfied.
Four completions.
Three more to go.
Then—new game unlocks.
I looked at the statistics:
Completed:
Liu Chen (me)
Victoria
Mother (Liu Mei)
Father (Liu Wei)
Close:
Elena: 92%
Marcus: 61%
Derek: 43%
Two more days. Maybe three.
Then... everything changes.
Day Eight - 4:47 AM
I couldn't sleep.
Lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, mind racing.
Four completions. Three more to go.
Then... new game unlocks.
Then what?
More customers. More money. More attention.
More... danger.
I sat up, rubbed my face.
The truth I'd been avoiding settled in my chest like a cold stone:
Success has a price.
And in a world where power is everything—where cultivators can kill with a gesture, where nobles crush the weak for sport—
Visibility is danger.
I'd been so focused on building the Gaming Hall, on making it successful, that I hadn't stopped to think:
What happens when someone powerful wants to take it from me?
Victoria protected me once. Yesterday morning. Against two arrogant cultivators.
But Victoria won't always be there.
And the immunity inside the Gaming Hall?
Only works inside.
Outside—on the streets, in the markets, in the dark alleys—
I was still just a weak mortal.
31.5% stronger than a week ago.
But still nothing compared to a real cultivator.
I need to be smarter.
I need to be careful.
I stood, walked to the window.
Outside—the city was still dark. Silent. The first hints of dawn just touching the eastern sky.
And I need allies.
Real allies. Not just customers.
5:30 AM -
I went downstairs to prepare for the day.
Found my father—Liu Wei—already awake, sitting at the kitchen table.
But he wasn't alone.
A man sat across from him.
Old. Maybe seventy. Thin, wiry, with a long white beard and sharp eyes that missed nothing.
He wore simple gray robes—no embroidery, no silk, no clan insignia.
But the aura...
I felt it the moment I entered the room.
Heavy. Oppressive. Ancient.
This wasn't Foundation Establishment.
This was Core Formation. Maybe higher.
My father saw me, gestured calmly.
"Chen. Come. Meet Master Feng."
The old man turned—those sharp eyes fixing on me like a hawk spotting prey.
"Liu Chen." His voice was surprisingly soft. "The young man who built something... interesting."
I bowed—carefully, respectfully.
In this world, disrespecting a powerful cultivator = death.
"Master Feng. You honor our humble shop."
"Humble." He smiled—a thin, knowing smile. "Your shop, perhaps. Your Gaming Hall?"
He gestured toward the back room.
"Not humble at all."
The Offer
Master Feng stood—slowly, joints creaking slightly—and walked toward the Gaming Hall.
I followed, nervous energy coiling in my gut.
What does he want?
He stopped at the door, looked at the three devices—the polished tables, the crystal lanterns, the smooth blue walls.
"Beautiful." He said quietly. "And valuable."
He turned to me.
"I won't waste your time with pleasantries, young Liu. I'll be direct."
"I want to buy your Gaming Hall."
My heart stopped.
"One thousand gold coins." He continued calmly. "More money than your family would earn in a hundred years."
"You could buy a mansion. Retire. Live comfortably for the rest of your life."
He paused.
"Or you could refuse. Continue running this place. Become rich. Famous."
His eyes narrowed.
"And vulnerable."
The word hung in the air like a blade.
"Vulnerable?" I repeated carefully.
"You're not a fool, Liu Chen. You know how this world works." Master Feng walked closer. "The weak don't keep treasures. They're... relieved of them."
"You've been lucky so far. Lady Wei's protection. The novelty of your Gaming Hall keeping the vultures at bay."
"But that won't last."
He stopped directly in front of me.
"Soon—very soon—someone stronger, greedier, more ruthless than those two fools yesterday will come."
"And they won't be scared away by a Foundation Establishment cultivator."
"They'll take what they want."
"And there's nothing you can do to stop them."
Silence.
Heavy, suffocating silence.
My father—sitting at the table—looked worried. Tense.
Master Feng waited—patient, confident.
And I...
I thought.
He's right.
This world is cruel. The weak are prey.
I have no power. No protection outside the Gaming Hall.
One thousand gold coins... that's a fortune.
I could take it. Run. Hide.
Live safely.
Comfortably.
But then—
I remembered.
The original Liu Chen.
The weak, broken young man who drank and gambled because he had no hope.
Because in a world of cultivators, someone without spiritual roots was nothing.
I remembered how that felt—the memories, the despair, the shame.
And I thought:
If I run now—if I sell the Gaming Hall—what am I?
Just another weak person giving up.
Just another victim of this cruel world.
I looked at Master Feng—this powerful, ancient cultivator—
And I smiled.
A small, sad smile.
"Thank you for the generous offer, Master Feng."
"But I have to refuse."
His eyebrows rose—just slightly.
"Refuse?"
"Yes."
"You understand what that means?"
"I do."
"You'll be in danger. Real danger. People will come for this place."
"I know."
"Then why?" He sounded genuinely curious now. "Why risk everything?"
I looked at the Gaming Hall—at the three devices, the smooth walls, the crystal lanterns.
"Because this isn't just a business, Master Feng."
"It's a promise."
"A promise to everyone who's weak. Everyone who's been told they're nothing because they can't cultivate."
"Here—in this hall—power doesn't come from spiritual roots. It comes from skill. Intelligence. Perseverance."
I looked back at him.
"If I sell it—if I run—that promise is broken."
"And I'd rather die than break it."
Long silence.
Master Feng stared at me—those sharp eyes searching, analyzing.
Then—
He laughed.
A genuine, surprised laugh.
"Foolish." He said, shaking his head. "Incredibly, stupidly foolish."
He walked toward the door.
But before leaving—
He paused.
"But also... admirable."
He turned, looked at me one last time.
"You remind me of someone I knew. Long ago. Before he died."
"He was foolish too."
Then—he left.
Just like that.
No threats. No anger.
Just... gone.
My father stood, walked over to me.
Placed a heavy hand on my shoulder.
"Chen... are you sure about this?"
His voice was quiet. Worried.
"No, Father." I said honestly. "I'm not sure at all."
"But I have to try."
He looked at me for a long moment.
Then—he smiled.
A proud, sad smile.
"Then we'll face it together."
7:00 AM - Opening
The line outside was longer than yesterday.
At least fifty people.
I looked at them—faces eager, excited, impatient—
And felt something twist in my chest.
They trust me.
They believe in what I've built.
I can't let them down.
I opened the door.
"Morning everyone! Pre-paid customers first!"
Session One - 7:00-8:00 AM
Device 1: Victoria
Device 2: Elena
Device 3: Marcus
Today felt different.
Yesterday, Victoria completed the game.
Today—
Elena was going for it too.
Elena's Final Push
On the screen, Elena's character stood before the Boss chamber door.
She'd spent the last hour preparing.
Collected every healing item. Every bullet. Every resource.
Now—she was ready.
She opened the door.
[WARNING: BOSS CHAMBER AHEAD]
[LORD SPENCER - TRANSFORMED]
Elena entered.
The celebration hall. Chandeliers. Paintings.
And on the throne—
Lord Spencer.
He stood—roared—
The battle began.
And I watched something... fascinating.
Elena fought completely differently from Victoria.
Victoria was strategic. Patient. Methodical.
Elena was... mathematical.
She didn't just predict attacks.
She calculated them.
"Boss HP: 5000. My damage per shot: 85 average. Required shots: 59."
"Dodge pattern: every 3rd attack has 0.2 second delay. Exploit window."
"Phase transition at 50% HP. Prepare ammunition switch."
It was like watching a computer play.
No emotions. No fear. No hesitation.
Just... pure efficiency.
[HP: 2500/5000]
Phase Two triggered.
Spencer's speed increased 50%.
But Elena had already calculated the new timing.
Adjusted her dodges by exactly 0.3 seconds.
Perfect.
[HP: 500/5000]
Final phase.
Spencer raised both hands—
[DESPERATE FINAL ATTACK!]
Elena didn't run toward him.
Instead—
She threw a flashbang (an item most players never found).
FLASH!
Spencer was blinded for 2 seconds.
His attack missed.
And in those 2 seconds—
Elena unloaded every remaining bullet into his exposed chest.
[BOSS DEFEATED!]
She removed the headset.
Face calm. Breathing steady.
"Completion time: 47 minutes, 23 seconds." She said to herself. "Acceptable."
Acceptable?!
That was the fastest Boss kill yet!
Golden light.
On the table—
A weapon appeared.
Not a shotgun. Not a knife.
A bow.
Elegant, curved, black wood with silver inlay.
[Phantom Bow - Legendary Quality]
[Effect: Arrows fired from this bow make no sound]
[Special: Infinite basic arrows (manifest from qi in the air)]
Elena picked it up—tested the draw.
"Efficient." She said simply.
Then looked at me.
"Master Liu. I'd like to purchase twenty more hours."
She placed ten silver coins on the table.
"I want to attempt the no-damage run challenge."
[Ding!]
[Fifth player completed the game!]
[Progress: 5/7]
[Remaining: 2 players]
Session Two - 8:00-9:00 AM
Device 1: Marcus
Device 2: Derek
Device 3: Kyle
Marcus had reached the Boss yesterday.
Today—
He was attempting the fight.
Marcus's Struggle
Marcus was... not ready.
He had the T-Virus. Good weapons. Enough supplies.
But he lacked combat instinct.
He died.
Three times.
Each time—he analyzed what went wrong.
"I dodged 0.4 seconds too late."
"I wasted 8 bullets on non-critical hits."
"I panicked during Phase Two."
But analysis alone wasn't enough.
By the end of the hour—
He'd made progress.
[Boss HP reduced to 3200/5000]
But still far from victory.
He removed the headset—frustrated, but determined.
"I'll try again tomorrow."
Derek's Breakthrough
Derek played differently today.
Yesterday's lesson—"One at a time"—had stuck with him.
When he faced three hellhounds—
He didn't charge.
He lured one away. Killed it. Then the second. Then the third.
Died only once.
(Compared to his usual eight deaths per session.)
"Master Liu!" He shouted after finishing. "I did it! I fought smart!"
His face was red, sweating, glowing with pride.
"One at a time works!"
I smiled. "Well done, Derek."
[Progress: 51%]
Kyle's Reckless Ambition
Kyle was attempting the knife-only challenge.
And failing.
Spectacularly.
He died eleven times in one hour.
But he was laughing.
"This is insane!" He shouted, removing the headset. "I love it!"
"Eleven deaths, Kyle." Someone in the crowd commented. "New record."
"I'll break it tomorrow!" Kyle grinned.
[Progress: 38%]
12:00 PM -
Between sessions—while customers switched—
A man entered the Gaming Hall.
I'd never seen him before.
He was young—maybe late twenties—with sharp features and cold eyes.
Wore expensive dark robes with a silver serpent embroidered on the chest.
Silver Serpent Sect.
One of the three major sects in the region.
He walked straight to me—ignored everyone else—
And spoke.
"You're Liu Chen?"
His voice was flat. Emotionless.
"Yes."
"I'm here to deliver a message from Sect Master Shen."
He pulled out a sealed letter—white paper, red wax seal—
And placed it on the table.
"Read it. Respond within three days."
Then—he turned and left.
Just like that.
The room was silent.
Everyone staring at the letter.
I picked it up—broke the seal—opened it.
Read:
Liu Chen,
Your Gaming Hall has come to our attention.
The Silver Serpent Sect recognizes talent and innovation. We would like to propose a partnership:
1. You will operate the Gaming Hall under the sect's protection.
2. The sect will provide resources, security, and customers.
3. In return, the sect receives 70% of all profits.
This is a generous offer. We expect a favorable response.
Failure to respond—or refusal—will be viewed as... unfortunate.
You have three days.
— Sect Master Shen
I read it twice.
Then—carefully, slowly—
Set it down on the table.
My hands were shaking.
Not from fear.
From anger.
70% of profits.
"Protection."
"Generous offer."
This wasn't an offer.
This was extortion.
"Master Liu?"
Victoria's voice.
I looked up—she'd been standing nearby, waiting for her session.
"May I see the letter?"
I handed it to her.
She read—face expressionless—
Then set it down.
"Predictable." She said quietly.
She looked at me.
"What will you do?"
Everyone in the room was listening now.
Waiting.
I took a deep breath.
"I'll refuse."
Gasps.
"Master Liu—" someone started.
"I'll refuse." I repeated, louder. "The Gaming Hall isn't for sale. Not for 1000 gold. Not for 70% partnership. Not for anything."
Victoria studied me.
"You understand what this means?"
"I do."
"The Silver Serpent Sect doesn't accept refusal kindly."
"I know."
"They'll send someone. Someone strong. To persuade you."
"Let them come."
Silence.
Then—
Victoria smiled.
A small, genuine smile.
"Foolish." She said softly.
"That's what Master Feng said too."
"He was right." She paused. "But also... I respect it."
She turned to leave—
But stopped at the door.
"Liu Chen."
"Yes?"
"When they come—and they will come—"
She looked back at me.
"Don't face them alone."
Then—she left.
Evening - 6:00 PM
The day had been long. Exhausting. Tense.
But also... productive.
Today's statistics:
40 hours played (13 sessions × 3 people, + 1 extra session)
Total hours: 106 + 40 = 146 hours
Completions: 5/7
New customers: 18
Total customers: 74
Income:
Elena: 10 silver (20 hours pre-purchase)
Regular customers: ~8 silver
New customers: ~12 silver
Total today: 30 silver
Grand total: 3723.85 silver = 3.72 gold
But the numbers felt... hollow.
Because hanging over everything—
Like a dark cloud—
Was the letter.
Three days.
Night - 8:00 PM - Father and Mother's Secret
After closing—after the last customer left—
I sat with my parents in the kitchen.
Told them everything.
Master Feng's offer. The Silver Serpent Sect's "partnership."
My refusal.
Mother's face went pale.
"Chen... you refused both?"
"Yes."
"But they'll—they could—"
"I know what they could do, Mother."
I looked at both of them.
"But I won't give up. Not without a fight."
Father was quiet for a long time.
Then—he stood.
"Come with me."
He led us to the back room.
Closed the door.
Then—from beneath his robe—
He pulled out two weapons.
The combat knife Mother had earned.
The combat axe he'd earned.
"Chen." Father said quietly. "Your mother and I... we talked last night. After we completed the game."
"We're not cultivators. Never will be."
"But we're not helpless anymore either."
Mother stepped forward.
"We've been practicing. In secret. At night."
She held up the knife—and her movements were... different.
Faster. Sharper. Confident.
"The game taught us more than just how to fight zombies." She said.
"It taught us how to survive."
Father raised the axe.
"If someone comes for you, Chen—"
His eyes were hard. Determined.
"They'll have to go through us first."
I felt something tight in my throat.
"Mother... Father... you don't have to—"
"Yes, we do." Mother interrupted firmly. "You're our son. You built something beautiful. Something that gives people hope."
"We won't let anyone take that away."
Father nodded. "We're a family, Chen. We protect each other."
I looked at them both—
These two ordinary people, who a week ago were just silk merchants—
Now standing ready to fight for what we'd built.
And I felt—
Pride.
Hope.
Fear.
All at once.
"Thank you." I whispered.
We stood there—the three of us—in the quiet Gaming Hall.
A family.
Together.
Midnight
-
I couldn't sleep again.
Sat in the Gaming Hall, alone, looking at the three devices.
Thinking.
Two more players need to complete the game.
Then new game unlocks.
But will I survive long enough to see it?
A knock on the door.
Midnight.
Who—?
I opened it—carefully—
And froze.
Victoria.
She stood in the doorway—wearing simple dark clothes, hair loose, no jewelry.
I'd never seen her like this.
"Lady Victoria? Is something—"
"May I come in?"
"Of course."
She entered—looked around the empty hall—
Then turned to me.
"I've been thinking about your situation."
"And I've made a decision."
My heart pounded.
"What decision?"
She looked directly into my eyes.
"I'm going to help you."
"Help me?"
"The Silver Serpent Sect will send someone in three days. Someone strong. Probably Core Formation stage."
"You can't fight them. Your parents can't fight them. And my protection alone won't be enough."
She paused.
"But if I formally declare the Gaming Hall under the Wei Clan's protection—"
My eyes widened.
"Lady Victoria, that's—that would make your clan a target—"
"I know." She interrupted calmly. "That's why I haven't done it yet."
"But I've been watching you, Liu Chen. For eight days now."
"And I've seen something rare."
"What?"
"Integrity."
She stepped closer.
"You're not building this for money. Or fame. Or power."
"You're building it because you believe in it."
"You believe that strength doesn't have to come from spiritual roots. That the weak deserve a chance to become strong."
"That's..." She paused, searching for the right word. "Noble."
"And I respect that."
Silence.
I didn't know what to say.
Finally—
"Why?" I asked quietly. "Why help me? You barely know me."
She smiled—a sad, small smile.
"Because someone once helped me. When I was weak. When everyone else had given up on me."
"They believed in me when no one else did."
"And I promised myself—if I ever became strong—I would do the same for others."
She looked at me.
"You remind me of that person, Liu Chen."
"Foolish. Stubborn. Brave."
"So I'll help you."
My throat was tight.
"Thank you, Lady Victoria."
She nodded.
"But understand—this doesn't solve everything. The Wei Clan's protection will delay the Silver Serpent Sect. Possibly deter them."
"But it won't eliminate the danger."
"You'll still need to get stronger."
"I know."
She turned to leave—
But at the door—
She paused.
"Liu Chen."
"Yes?"
"Tomorrow. After your sessions end."
She looked back at me.
"I want you to play the game with me. At the same time."
I blinked. "What?"
"Not in the same game—I know that's impossible. But... side by side. On two devices."
"Why?"
A pause.
"Because I want to see how you fight. How you think. How you... survive."
"Maybe I can learn something."
And with that—
She left.
Leaving me standing alone in the Gaming Hall.
Mind racing.
Heart pounding.
Victoria is going to help me.
The Wei Clan's protection.
But she's right—it's not enough.
I need to get stronger.
Much stronger.
I looked at the devices.
Tomorrow, Elena and Marcus might complete the game.
Then we're at 6/7.
One more player.
One more completion.
Then...
Everything changes.
[System Notification - 12:47 AM]
[Ding!]
[Special Quest Unlocked!]
[Quest Title: "Survive the Storm"]
[Description: Powerful enemies are coming. You have 3 days to prepare.]
[Objectives:]
Reach 50% strength increase (Current: 31.5%)
Recruit 3 reliable allies
Unlock New Game (Complete 7/7 players)
[Rewards:]
Personal Combat Training Module
Emergency Defense System
Secret Reward
[Failure Penalty: Gaming Hall Destroyed, Host Death]
[Time Remaining: 72 hours]
I stared at the notification.
72 hours.
Three days.
To get stronger. To find allies. To unlock the new game.
Or die trying.
I took a deep breath.
"Alright, System."
"Let's do this."