I woke naturally this time.
No emergency. No crisis. Just... peace.
Stretched, felt my muscles—stronger than yesterday.
51.1% above baseline now.
Not enough to face Elder Feng.
But improving.
I went downstairs, found my parents already awake in the kitchen.
Both practicing.
Mother had her eyes closed, hands glowing faintly with golden light.
Healing magic.
Trying to manifest it in the real world.
Father was doing push-ups—one-handed—something he couldn't do a week ago.
They saw me, stopped.
"Morning, Chen." Father said, not even breathing hard. "We were just—"
"Training. I see." I smiled. "Good. Keep at it."
Mother's healing glow flickered and died.
She sighed, frustrated.
"I can feel the energy. But I can't control it yet."
"It takes time, Mother. I've been practicing for two days and can barely cast Flames for ten seconds."
"But you killed ten dragons!" She protested.
"In the game, yes. But real-world magic proficiency is different."
I demonstrated—
Raised my hand.
"Flames."
Fire appeared—steady, controlled.
Lasted fifteen seconds this time.
Progress.
[Flames proficiency: 18% → 22%]
Still weak.
But better.
When I opened the Gaming Hall, forty people waited outside.
More than yesterday.
Word was spreading.
Among the crowd—
Kyle, as always.
Derek, looking serious.
Elena, silent in her hood.
Shen Yun, calm and calculating.
And—surprisingly—
Five new cultivators I'd never seen.
They wore simple robes. No sect insignia.
Rogue cultivators.
The leader—a woman in her thirties with scarred hands—stepped forward.
"You're Liu Chen?"
"Yes."
"We heard you offer power without spiritual roots. True?"
"True. Through gaming. Through skill."
She studied me carefully.
"Show me."
I raised my right hand.
"Fireball."
A flaming sphere—size of a melon—
Shot from my palm.
Slower than in-game. Weaker than a cultivator's fire technique.
But real.
Hit the practice dummy outside.
BOOM!
Small explosion.
The rogue cultivators gasped.
"You... you have no cultivation base." The woman whispered. "I can sense it. You're completely mortal."
"Yes."
"Yet you cast fire magic?!"
"Yes. Learned from the game Skyrim."
She looked at her companions—all nodding excitedly.
Turned back to me.
"We want to learn."
She pulled out a pouch—fifty silver coins.
"Fifty hours. For all five of us."
"We'll pay whatever it takes."
I took the money.
"Welcome to the Gaming Hall."
Device 1: Rogue Cultivator 1 (Scarred Woman - Sarah)
Device 2: Rogue Cultivator 2 (Young Man - Adrian)
Device 3: Rogue Cultivator 3 (Old Man - Master Gray)
Device 4: Victoria
I started all four devices.
Watched the screens.
All five rogue cultivators had the same reaction when they entered Skyrim:
Shock.
Wonder.
Joy.
Sarah—the scarred woman—chose Dark Elf mage.
She'd been a failed cultivator. Stuck at Qi Condensation for twenty years.
No breakthrough. No progress.
Abandoned by her sect.
But in Skyrim?
She learned Flames in five minutes.
Cast it successfully on her first try.
Killed a wolf with Firebolt after thirty minutes.
When she removed the headset—
She was crying.
"I... I did magic. Real magic."
"After twenty years of failure... I finally have power."
She looked at me—eyes blazing with gratitude.
"Thank you, Master Liu. Thank you for giving me hope again."
Victoria played for two hours straight.
Her son Derek wasn't here yet—he'd said he'd come later.
So for once—
She was free.
Free to show her real emotions.
And I watched—fascinated—as her entire demeanor changed.
In the game, she advanced through the College of Winterhold questline.
Studied under Master Mages. Learned complex spells. Solved magical puzzles.
When she successfully cast Ice Storm for the first time in-game—
In the real world, she smiled.
Not a polite smile. Not a political smile.
A genuine, joyous smile.
Like a child discovering something wonderful.
Beautiful.
I found myself staring.
Victoria—always so controlled, so cold, so perfect—
Was happy.
Truly happy.
And it was... captivating.
She progressed further.
Became Arch-Mage of the College (in-game).
When that happened—when the NPCs congratulated her, when they called her "Arch-Mage"—
She laughed.
A genuine laugh. Musical. Warm.
I've never heard her laugh before.
My heart did something strange.
A flutter. A skip.
What...
When she finally removed the headset after two hours—
Her face was glowing.
Eyes bright. Cheeks slightly flushed. Smile still lingering.
She saw me watching.
"Master Liu." She said, voice still warm. "This game is... incredible."
"I'm glad you're enjoying it, Lady Victoria."
"Enjoying?" She shook her head. "That's... inadequate."
She paused, searching for words.
"In my entire life, I've been Victoria Wei. Daughter of the Wei Clan Head. Future political marriage prospect. Tool for alliance-building."
"But in Skyrim?"
Her smile widened.
"I'm just... me. A mage. Learning. Growing. Free."
She looked at me—really looked at me—
And for a moment, something passed between us.
Understanding. Connection. Something more.
Then—
The door opened.
Derek entered.
Victoria's expression didn't change.
She kept smiling. Kept looking happy.
Because why would she hide it?
She'd just had an amazing gaming experience. Anyone would be happy about that.
Derek saw her, raised an eyebrow.
"Mother? You look... pleased."
"I am." She said simply. "Master Liu's new game is quite engaging."
"I can see that." Derek's tone was... cautious.
He looked between us.
He suspects something.
But what? We haven't done anything inappropriate.
Victoria stood, collected her things.
"I'll return tomorrow, Master Liu. Same time."
"Of course, Lady Victoria."
She left—still smiling.
Derek watched her go.
Then looked at me.
Suspicious.
But said nothing.
After Derek started playing, I had a moment alone.
Sat in the back room.
Thought about... her.
Victoria.
Do I... like her?
The question felt strange.
In my previous life, I'd barely interacted with women. Gaming cafe owner. Alone most of the time.
And here, in this new life?
I'd been so focused on survival, on building the Gaming Hall, that I hadn't thought about... relationships.
But Victoria...
She's beautiful. Obviously.
Even I—socially awkward, romantically inexperienced—could see that.
The way she moved. The elegance. The presence.
But is that all?
I thought deeper.
What drew me to her wasn't just appearance.
It was... her mind.
The way she analyzed the games. The strategic thinking. The way she learned.
The way she smiled when she was truly happy.
The vulnerability she showed—only when she thought no one was watching.
I think... I think I'm attracted to her.
Not just physically.
But to who she is.
But then—
Reality.
She's a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Fifth stage.
I'm a mortal. 58% stronger than baseline, yes. But still mortal.
She's nobility. Wei Clan. Political connections. Power.
I'm a former merchant's son running a gaming cafe.
The gap between us is... enormous.
And more than that—
She has a son. Derek. Who clearly doesn't like me.
Even if she felt something... anything... for me—
Could we ever...?
I shook my head.
Stop. This is pointless.
Focus on survival first.
Romance can wait.
But despite my logical thoughts—
I couldn't stop thinking about her smile.
A young woman approached me.
Maybe sixteen years old.
Nervous. Shy.
"M-Master Liu? Can I... can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"I... I don't have much money. Only two silver coins."
She looked down, embarrassed.
"But I heard you help people without spiritual roots. And I... I have none."
"My family disowned me. Said I was useless."
Tears formed in her eyes.
"Is there... is there any way I could play? Even just once?"
I looked at her.
Saw myself.
The original Liu Chen—rejected, broken, hopeless.
"What's your name?"
"Anna... Anna Cole."
"Anna. Listen to me carefully."
I placed my hand on her shoulder.
"In this Gaming Hall, everyone has value. Everyone has potential."
"Spiritual roots don't matter here."
I smiled.
"You have two silver coins? That's enough for two hours as an ordinary human."
"But I'm giving you ten hours. For free."
Her eyes widened. "W-what?! But—"
"No buts. You need this. And I built this place to help people like you."
"Like us."
She started crying—full sobs now.
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
I led her to Device 1.
"Have you ever played a game before?"
"N-no."
"Then you're in for an amazing experience."
I placed the headset on her.
"Welcome to Skyrim, Anna."
"Your journey begins now."
After Anna's session, several customers asked about the Training Room.
"Master Liu, what exactly is the Training Room?"
"Can we use it?"
"What does it do?"
I'd been waiting for this question.
"Follow me."
I led a group of ten customers to the Training Room door.
Opened it.
They gasped.
The room was larger than it appeared from outside.
Maybe fifty feet square. High ceiling. Wooden floor.
And in the center—the Training Console.
"This," I explained, "is where you practice real-world skills."
"Everything you learn in the games? You train it here."
I walked to the console.
"Watch."
Selected Magic Training Mode.
Chose Fireball.
"FIREBALL!"
A basketball-sized sphere of flame shot from my hand—
Hit the practice dummy—
BOOM!
Explosion. Scorch marks.
Everyone gasped.
"You... you just cast real magic!" Kyle shouted.
"Yes. Because I practiced. Here."
I gestured to the room.
"The Training Room helps you transfer in-game skills to reality."
"Magic practice - Learn to control spells"
"Combat simulation - Fight holographic opponents"
"Weapon mastery - Perfect your technique"
"Endurance training - Build real physical strength"
Marcus stepped forward, eyes gleaming.
"Can... can we try?"
"Of course. But—"
I held up a hand.
"The Training Room is intense. It pushes you to your limits."
"And it costs extra. One silver per hour."
"Worth it?"
Everyone nodded enthusiastically.
Kyle immediately paid.
Stepped up to the console.
Selected Combat Simulation.
[Generating opponent based on user skill level...]
A holographic warrior appeared.
Same size as Kyle. Holding a sword and shield.
"Whoa!"
The hologram attacked—
Kyle barely blocked—
They fought for two minutes.
Kyle lost.
Badly.
[Combat Assessment: 32/100]
[Weaknesses: Footwork, Guard Position, Timing]
But Kyle was grinning.
"That was amazing! It showed me exactly what I did wrong!"
He looked at me.
"Can I go again?"
"As many times as you can afford."
Over the next few hours, several customers used the Training Room.
And the benefits became obvious.
Sarah (rogue cultivator, mage):
Practiced Flames for one hour.
Started barely able to summon a spark.
By the end—could maintain a candle-flame for five seconds.
[Real-world Flames proficiency: 0% → 3%]
She was ecstatic.
"I can actually cast magic! In reality!"
Adrian (rogue cultivator, warrior):
Used Combat Simulation.
Fought holographic opponents for an hour.
Lost every match.
But learned from each defeat.
[Real-world combat skill: +1.2%]
"This is better than any sect training I've ever had."
Master Gray (rogue cultivator, alchemist):
Used a different mode I hadn't mentioned—
[Crafting Practice]
Simulated alchemy.
Mixed virtual ingredients. Learned recipes.
[Real-world alchemy knowledge: +0.8%]
"Remarkable. I can practice without wasting real materials."
The Training Room was perfect.
A bridge between game and reality.
And customers loved it.
By closing time:
Today's Gameplay: 48 hours (12 sessions × 4 devices)
Training Room Usage: 12 hours (12 different customers, 1 hour each)
Total Gaming Hours: 185 + 48 = 233 hours
New Customers: 8 (5 rogue cultivators + 3 ordinary people including Anna)
Income:
Gaming: 62 silver
Training Room: 12 silver
Total: 74 silver
Total Revenue: 3913.85 silver = 3.91 gold coins
But more importantly—
Lives changed: Many
Customers understanding the Training Room's value: All of them
7:00 PM
Device 1: Liu Chen (Me)
Device 2: Liu Mei (Mother)
Device 3: Liu Wei (Father)
Another six-hour family session.
Mother continued her Restoration focus.
Joined the Temple of Kynareth in Whiterun.
Helped heal the sick. Cured diseases.
[Restoration: 28 → 44]
[Learned: Close Wounds, Heal Undead]
[+2.1% healing power]
She also started learning Alteration magic.
[Alteration: 8 → 18]
[Learned: Oakflesh, Stoneflesh]
After three hours, she insisted on trying the Training Room.
Training Room - Mother:
She practiced Healing for one hour.
Started with barely a flicker of golden light.
But with the Training Room's guidance—
[Optimal hand position]
[Energy flow visualization]
[Breathing technique adjustment]
By the end—
She could create a steady golden glow.
Touched a small cut on her own hand—
It healed. Slowly. But completely.
"Chen!" She was crying happy tears. "I did it! I healed myself!"
[Real-world Healing proficiency: 0% → 5%]
Father joined the Companions.
Learned to fight with honor.
[Two-Handed: 22 → 36]
[Block: 18 → 30]
[Heavy Armor: 12 → 24]
[+2.4% strength]
Then—Training Room.
Combat Simulation for one hour.
Fought holographic opponents with two-handed weapons.
Lost most fights.
But learned tremendously.
[Real-world two-handed combat: +1.8%]
"This training is incredible," he said, sweating. "It's like having a master warrior teaching me personally."
I deliberately slowed down.
No rushing the main quest.
Instead—exploration.
Hour 1-2: Side Quests in Whiterun Hold
Helped farmers with giant problems
Cleared bandit camps
Escorted merchant caravans
Discovered hidden caves
[Speech: 44 → 48]
[Sneak: 52 → 56]
[Gold earned: 2,400]
Hour 3-4: Dwemer Ruins Exploration
Found Mzulft—an ancient Dwemer ruin.
Massive.
Spent two full hours exploring.
Fought Dwemer automatons. Solved mechanical puzzles. Collected artifacts.
The lore was fascinating.
Reading books about the disappeared Dwemer civilization.
Examining their technology.
[Science skill unlocked: Dwemer Mechanics - Level 8]
[Lockpicking: 38 → 44]
Hour 5-6: Dragon Hunting (Controlled)
Deliberately sought out one dragon.
Frost Dragon near Winterhold.
Fought carefully. Methodically.
No rushing.
Took fifteen minutes of strategic combat.
Won.
[DRAGON SOUL ABSORBED]
[Dragon Souls: 10 → 11]
[Magicka: 370 → 410]
Just one dragon.
No mass hunting.
Savoring the experience.
By the end of six hours—
[TOTAL REWARDS - LIU CHEN:]
+4.2% strength
+3.8% magicka capacity
+2.6% exploration skills
Main Quest Progress: Still at 35% (deliberately not advancing)
Side Quests Completed: 12
Locations Discovered: 24
Overall Game Completion: ~48%
[TOTAL MAGICKA: 410 points]
[HOST STRENGTH: 51.1% → 55.3% above baseline]
I was taking my time.
Enjoying Skyrim.
Not rushing to finish.
Exploring every corner.
Because this wasn't just about power.
It was about experiencing a world I loved.
After my parents went to bed, I used the Training Room.
Two hours of intensive magic practice.
Fireball Practice:
The Training Room showed me exactly how to improve.
[Hand position: Rotate 15° clockwise]
[Energy compression: Increase by 20%]
[Release timing: 0.3 seconds earlier]
I followed the guidance.
"FIREBALL!"
Much better!
Faster. Hotter. More controlled.
[Fireball proficiency: 22% → 31%]
Ice Storm Practice:
[Visualization: Imagine swirling frost]
[Breath control: Exhale slowly while casting]
[Energy distribution: Equal between both hands]
"ICE STORM!"
Frost spread across the floor.
Actual ice forming.
[Ice Storm proficiency: 8% → 15%]
The Training Room was invaluable.
What would take weeks of trial-and-error—
Accomplished in hours with proper guidance.
This is the real treasure of the Gaming Hall.
Not just the games.
But the Training Room that makes game skills real.