Mu Lan and Beng Zeng trained in the backyard, sparring with the techniques they'd memorized. They exchanged light strikes, testing reflexes, balance, and timing—each movement sharpening the other.
Mu Lan would never forget what Beng Zeng had done for him in his past life. It was Beng who'd kept him alive when everything else had collapsed. But this time, Mu Lan was determined: Beng wouldn't suffer that fate again. That's why he'd convinced him to train—to grow stronger together.
They trained until evening, then returned inside, showered, and collapsed into bed.
At 5 a.m., the alarm rang. They washed their faces, ate a quick breakfast, and headed to the park for their 10-kilometer run. This time, they didn't tire as quickly. Just one day of disciplined training had already made a difference. Their energy was higher, their steps lighter. For the first time in years, they felt truly alive.
As they ran, they talked about the game.
"Mu," Beng panted between strides, "the game launches in one more day. We're finally going in!"
Mu Lan smiled beneath his breath. He was grateful—not just for the second chance, but for having Beng by his side. If I'd known blowing that bastard's head off would send me back in time… I'd have done it years sooner.
This miracle had given him everything: a new life, a second shot at revenge… and the chance to protect the people he loved.
After their run, they showered, went to school, and returned home—walking with confidence now. The slouched, invisible boys were gone. In their place stood two young men radiating quiet strength.
This time, they didn't sleep in class. Their exhaustion had been replaced by vitality. They listened intently—especially Mu Lan, who, armed with knowledge from the future, grasped every lesson instantly. Concepts that baffled others felt like old memories to him.
After school, they resumed training. Every spare moment was dedicated to growth. With only one day left until Defying the God launched, discipline had become their daily ritual.
They also discussed finances. Their parents still supported them, but Mu Lan knew money wouldn't be an issue. With his future knowledge, he had multiple ways to earn.
First: selling rare in-game items.
Second: trading game currency on the black market.
Both were nearly impossible for ordinary players to profit from—but for someone who knew where every hidden chest, boss drop, and spawn timer was? These methods would make them rich fast. And honestly? They were also the most fun.
After strategizing with Beng, evening fell. They showered and went to bed. The next morning, they repeated their routine—run, school, train—feeling lighter, sharper, ready.
By the time they returned home from school, excitement buzzed in their chests.
Only five hours until launch.
They trained hard in the backyard for four and a half hours, sparring relentlessly. Mu Lan won every round—but Beng didn't mind. To him, Mu Lan wasn't just a friend; he was the perfect rival, pushing him to be better.
With ten minutes left, they showered quickly, then lay on their beds and strapped on their VR headsets. The neural-linked helmets allowed them to speak, text, and even share sensory feedback—cutting-edge tech that made them feel like they were already inside the game.
Beng's voice crackled through the comms:
"Mu… I hope we spawn in the same zone."
Mu Lan replied instantly.
"Even if we don't, we know the plan. First thing: complete all beginner trainer quests. They give bonus stat points—but only for levels 1 through 5. No matter how tough the trials are, we have to finish them."
"Got it, Mu," Beng said.
They watched the countdown appear in their shared HUD:
Time Until Launch: 8 seconds
Time Until Launch: 3 seconds
Time Until Launch: 1 second
The moment the [Enter Game] button appeared, they clicked it.
—
[You have spawned in the city of Farewell.]
Mu Lan materialized in Farewell City, surrounded by thousands of other players. The game world was so vast that the system had scattered millions of newcomers across dozens of starting zones to prevent overcrowding.
Without hesitation, Mu Lan opened the friend menu, searched for "Skullhunter", and sent a request.
Beng accepted instantly—and whispered:
"Mu, where'd you spawn? I'm in Greenhare City."
"I'm in Farewell," Mu Lan replied. "Did you dump all your stats into Defense like I said? Your first priority is allocating your bonus points, then completing every trainer quest. Once you finish them all, you'll unlock a one-time teleport to any starting city. Use it to come to Farewell. I'll be waiting—with a proper welcome."
"Roger that, Mu."
Mu Lan opened his character window. All new players received +10 bonus stat points at creation.
Ding!
Character Name: Godslayer
Level: 0
Title: None
Profession: None
Fame: 0
HP: 80
MP: 40
Strength: +1
Intelligence: +1
Agility: +1
Defense: +1
Luck: 0
Attack: 2–2
Critical Hit Rate: 0%
Magic Resistance:
Fire: 0% | Water: 0% | Earth: 0% | Dark: 0%
Physical Resistance:
Defense: 10 | Armor: 1
Without a second thought, Mu Lan allocated all 10 bonus points into Agility.
His Agility shot to 11—a massive early-game advantage. Higher Agility meant faster movement, better evasion, and—most importantly—increased critical hit chance.
And since Beng would be his unbreakable shield, Mu Lan could afford to be the razor-sharp blade.
He closed the menu, took a deep breath, and stepped forward into the bustling streets of Farewell.
The game had begun.
And this time… he would rewrite fate itself.