Klein squatted in a corner of the arena, leaning against the wall, his eyes clear and reflective — contemplating life.
Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?
At that moment, the familiar subtitles appeared before his eyes once more:
[I ask you — how long have you been here?]
Klein stared blankly and replied, "I don't know how long it's been… I only remember that I've received seventeen blessings — strengthened myself seventeen times."
[Hmm, seventeen times. What kind of blessings do you want now?]
Klein sighed helplessly. "Honestly, I'll take anything that's even slightly useful."
[Then, how about the technique of 'Lush Prosperity, Long-Extended Years'?]
At first, Klein didn't think much of it — but the words sounded strangely familiar. He cautiously played along: "Would that… allow me to one-shot?"
[Hmm… no, no it would not.]
"'Long-Extended Years', huh? Better to take matters into my own hands. Nope, don't want it." Klein's eyes began to glimmer with recognition.
[Then how about the technique of 'Divine Construct: Resonant Transmission'?]
"Can it one-shot?" Klein asked again.
[Like fishing for the moon in the water.]
Klein frowned. "You're talking in riddles. I'm an honest man; I don't understand metaphors. What do you mean, 'fishing for the moon in the water'?"
[The moon hangs in the sky, its reflection upon the waves. You can see it clearly, but you can never grasp it — for in the end, it is empty.]
"In that case, 'Divine Construct' is worthless compared to true skill. No, no, not taking it." Klein's face was now practically glowing with excitement.
To hear a saying from his own homeland's culture — even in death, that alone made the trip worth it!
[If you refuse to learn, then I shall grant you 'Echoing Construct: Event Horizon.' How about that?]
"Can it one-shot?" Klein continued his role.
[Hmm… like flowers in a mirror — seen but not taken.]
"Don't want it. Don't want it. Event Horizon? Better to just open the cheat menu. Next one!"
[Hmph! You little rascal — rejecting this and that! Are you mocking me, perchance?]
Klein froze. Wait a minute… that's not the right line! Next should be the ruler tapping three times — then the cheat gets unlocked, right?!
Just then, a beam of light descended from above. A spotlight illuminated the far end of the arena, high upon the boundary wall. Something was there — no, someone.
Klein's gaze was drawn in. His vision stretched toward that direction, like a movie camera zooming in.
There stood a girl, elegant and refined like a noble lady. She wore a slim azure cheongsam, the kind of dress that hugged the figure gracefully. In her arms, she held a ruan — a round-bodied Chinese stringed instrument.
With delicate steps, she glided forward, coming to the edge of the high wall, gazing solemnly in Klein's direction.
That outfit — Klein's eyes nearly popped out of his head. It wasn't that he was dazzled by her looks; it was just that her clothing was exactly like the traditional attire from his homeland's ancient era.
He was thrilled — even knowing this was just a simulation, he couldn't help but be deeply moved.
Suddenly, the girl's expression turned serious. She grabbed her ruan with one hand, slung it over her shoulder, leaned forward, and pointed dramatically toward Klein — like a hero from an old epic — shouting:
"I shall aid you!"
Klein was stunned. What the hell is this now?!
Then, the girl leapt from the high wall, plunging downward — but before hitting the ground, she transformed into a streak of cyan light and shot straight toward Klein, merging into his body.
[Congratulations — you have obtained all 'Nihility Blessings.']
Suddenly, dozens of different blessings surged within Klein's body. Along with them came a new extraordinary ability — he could now actively inflict negative states on others.
And in the depths of his mind, a whisper echoed:
"Fear not, young man. Just live — leave the rest to me
Klein rose to his feet once more. He felt… unstoppable. The girl's bizarre appearance no longer mattered — there were more important things now.
He stretched out a hand, pointing at the phantom soldier in the distance.
"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west — don't you dare bully the poor youth. Now, if I so much as feel like it, I can end you where you stand."
———
Outside the simulation, Sairuis slowly nodded.
"Mm. That should do it."
He rhythmically tapped his fingers on the table a few times.
Inside the simulated universe, the tiny Herta figure silently recorded the footage of Ruan Mei's appearance. Streams of data flowed from the antenna atop its head — crossing infinite distance — and landed in the inbox of a certain genius.
Come, aid me!
(End of Chapter)