Chapter Twenty-One: The Armor of Heavenly Forging

After being crushed to death by the Thunder Beast, I took off my helmet and let out a breath. The aroma of cooking wafted through the air, instantly stirring my appetite.

I stepped into the kitchen and saw Xiaoxi at the stove, frying dishes, while Feng Xiao Yue washed vegetables nearby.

“Chef, what are you cooking? It smells amazing,” I said.

“Green peppers stir-fried with shredded pork,” Xiaoxi replied, continuing her cooking.

“It’s been so long since we’ve had your food,” I said happily.

“All right, Long Ling, go call Xiao Ai. She stayed up all night yesterday and is still asleep. Wake her up for lunch,” Feng Xiao Yue said.

I asked, “Where’s Ye Shuang?”

“That guy went out shopping; he’ll be back soon. Go call Xiao Ai,” she answered.

I headed to Xiao Ai’s room, finding her lying there peacefully, her refined and elegant face carrying a faint smile—perhaps she was dreaming.

“Xiao Ai, time to get up.”

No response.

I raised my voice, “Ling Ai, lunch is ready!”

Still nothing. Forced to use my ultimate move: “Wow, the lottery ticket you bought yesterday won!”

She suddenly leapt up, shouting, “How much did I win?” Xiao Ai was obsessed with the lottery, constantly trying her luck, though her biggest win had only been five yuan. Seeing my bemused expression, she realized she’d been tricked, glared at me fiercely, and snapped, “Long Ling, go to hell.” With that, she tossed a pillow at me.

I dodged and said, “Xiaoxi is cooking. Hurry, or there’ll be nothing left,” and dashed back to the kitchen.

Just then, Ye Shuang returned, arms full of shopping bags. Catching the scent from the kitchen, he drooled nearly two feet, but Feng Xiao Yue said, “Dinner’s not served yet. No sneaking food.”

Xiaoxi had prepared eight dishes and a soup, all fragrant and appetizing.

“Wow, Xiaoxi, your cooking is incredible. Whoever marries you will live in bliss,” Ye Shuang praised. Xiao Ai, full of envy, added, “If only I could cook like this.”

“Hmph, your chances of cooking well are less than winning the lottery,” I teased.

Unwilling to yield, Xiao Ai retorted, “At least I can cook, unlike someone who only makes instant noodles.”

I replied, “True, but some people forget to rinse the rice or add oil when cooking.”

“Long Ling, you…”

“I’m just stating the facts.”

“All right, enough. Let’s eat before the food gets cold,” Xiaoxi laughed.

We gathered around the table, chatting as we ate.

During the meal, we learned that the system was undergoing maintenance and wouldn’t reopen until tomorrow morning. Though the reason was unknown, we spent the afternoon shopping together, returned home in the evening, and went to bed. I dreamed of becoming a top-tier player, leading a pack of formidable pets to conquer the world.

Upon waking, I found the game had finished maintenance. Before logging in, I checked the rankings—and discovered huge changes in the level leaderboard.

1. Phantom Moon, Level 25 Warrior
2. Popeye, Level 23 Warrior
3. Madman, Level 22 Warrior
4. Silent Rain, Level 22 Mage
5. Sword Alone, Level 21 Warrior
6. Quick Mo, Level 21 Archer
7. Unrequited, Level 21 Mage
8. Street Slicer, Level 21 Warrior
9. Farmer Three Punches, Level 20 Warrior
10. Fire Across the Land, Level 20 Warrior.

Alas, I was still stuck on Nameless. So many people were faster than me. That Phantom Moon was a total dark horse; their name wasn’t even on yesterday’s list, and now they sit at the top. Silent Rain was tossed to fourth place. Looks like I’ll have to work harder, though I never cared much for the rankings. Still, seeing my name there would be a small comfort.

I opened the equipment leaderboard. The top spot was no longer my Ninja Foot Boots, but something called the Watcher’s Wish—a full set, no less. I felt pressure immediately. Though the grade wasn’t specified and the owner’s name was hidden, I guessed it must belong to Phantom Moon. How else could their level rise so quickly? Second place was a greatsword called Glory of Freedom, and third was a staff. My Ninja Foot Boots had dropped to fourth. Truly, luck favors others everywhere.

Looking at my friends list, no one was online. Well then, time to level up.

Logging in, I appeared at the gates of a city. My level had risen to twenty-one after killing alien bugs, but after getting stomped by the Thunder Beast, I dropped back to twenty. Rather frustrated, I shook my head and walked toward the city. Just as I reached the gates, an old man approached. He looked familiar—it was the chief of Idiot Village.

Surprised, I asked, “Why are you here? Isn’t there no teleport array from the village to outside cities?”

The chief replied, “There’s no teleport array, but there is a portal.”

“Seriously? Why didn’t you tell me? I spent ages struggling along the way. You owe me a beating,” I said.

The chief answered, “Young man, that was your trial. Only those who endure trials can withstand the outside world. Though you failed, I admire you. You’re the first adventurer to challenge the Thunder Beast head-on.”

“What, you didn’t come just to say that, did you?”

“Of course not. I’ve brought you a reward,” he said.

“A reward?!” My eyes lit up.

“That’s right. Every adventurer who faces the Thunder Beast receives a reward. The reward varies by performance. Though you failed, you’re a summoner—the first I’ve seen to fight the Thunder Beast head-on. I was very pleased with your performance. So, I’ve decided to give you a special prize.”

“Hurry up and hand it over, stop wasting words,” I urged.

The chief chuckled, “Impatient, aren’t you? Fine, here you go.” He handed me a suit of armor.

Its color was green, looking rather eco-friendly.

Heavenly Forged Armor

Grade: Emerald

Defense +200

Strength Specialization +5

Armor Specialization +2

Agility Specialization +3

Effect: 20% chance to absorb all incoming damage and recover the same amount of health. Cannot absorb boss damage.

Bonus skill: Rift Slash Wheel. Consumes 300 mana. Deals non-elemental damage to enemies in a straight line. 2% chance to inflict bleeding status for 3 seconds.

Special quest reward equipment matches the recipient’s level.

Emerald gear! My goodness, even after getting stomped, I still earn emerald gear. If I’d slain the Thunder Beast, who knows what I’d have gotten. “With this prize, I’ll let you off the hook,” I said.

The chief smiled, “Thank you.”

I continued, “Chief, what would I get if I killed the Thunder Beast? Has anyone ever done it?”

He replied, “If you defeat the Thunder Beast, your reward would be of an entirely different class. And, yes, someone has slain it—just half a day before your challenge. It was a young girl, surprisingly enough. But what’s even more astonishing is that she, like you, faced the Thunder Beast alone. She didn’t challenge it directly, but when it appeared, she brought it down.”

I was stunned. Who was this woman? How fierce! My stats were nothing before the Thunder Beast, yet she managed to slay it. I burned with curiosity. “What did she get?”

The chief answered, “I don’t know. Her reward wasn’t given by me. But I’m sure it was far superior to yours.”

More shocked, I thought—if I got emerald gear, hers must be something like dark gold. But that’s impossible, no one has such gear yet. Maybe silver grade, which is terrifying enough. The chief added, “Well, I must return now. Before I go, let me tell you something. The city before you is Sky Dragon City, the starting point for adventurers to gather and begin new quests. As a summoner, I warn you—take good care of your summoned beasts.”

I asked, “Chief, didn’t you say monsters have crystal cores inside them? Why haven’t I collected a single one?”

He explained, “Crystal cores are the essence monsters accumulate over time. The shadowy forest is home to small creatures who haven’t yet formed cores. In the wider world, you’ll find them. Young man, you must grow stronger before that event occurs. The hope for humanity in this world depends on you adventurers. Otherwise, there will be no hope…”

He ended with a deep sigh and turned away.

I stood dazed, not understanding his cryptic warning about some coming event. Perhaps…