Chapter 28: The Beginning of Change

The entrance ahead was only half a person’s height, but as he went deeper, the space expanded, soon becoming a massive tunnel three or four meters in diameter. The tunnel was eerily quiet, broken only by the drip of water and the echo of Lu Kuan’s footsteps. He quickened his pace, knowing that no monsters ever spawned in this cave—far safer than the outside world.

After ten minutes, Lu Kuan finally reached his destination: a stone chamber about two meters across. There was an opening at the far end; Lu Kuan waved his torch out into the darkness, but could see nothing beyond the engulfing blackness. It seemed an immense space lay outside.

He summoned his quest log, which confirmed that he had arrived at the designated location.

“This is it,” he murmured.

After double-checking the site, Lu Kuan spread out his sleeping bag, preparing his resting place. Then, from his backpack, he produced a quiver of arrows and a newly purchased pair of short swords, patiently coating them with holy oil.

“Holy Oil (Excellent)
Alchemical Product
Use: Imbues weapons with holy damage. Deals an additional two points of holy damage to demons and the undead, and inflicts a burning effect.”

Demons possessed strong magic resistance; only holy magic could inflict double damage, bypassing their defenses entirely. Though the burning effect did no direct harm, the searing pain would leave a scar in a demon’s memory that would never fade.

Lu Kuan finished oiling the arrows, arranged his quiver and bow, then crawled into his sleeping bag. He set the fire mongoose on guard beside him and logged out of the game.

Demons would respawn before dawn each day. When he logged in tomorrow, Lu Kuan would face a deadly battle for survival.

It was midnight in the real world, yet the internet café was bustling as ever. Most players waited until in-game nightfall before logging out, so at this hour, the place was full of people stretching and chatting about their gaming adventures.

Lu Kuan didn’t linger. He left the café and went straight home, falling into an unusually deep and restful sleep. It was eight the next morning, with sunlight spilling across his bed, before he finally woke.

On the dining table outside his room, his mother had left breakfast before heading out. Lu Kuan ate every bite, then returned to his room and logged into the official “Echoes of the Gods” marketplace on his computer.

This was the trading platform run by the game company, where game items, currency, and real money could be exchanged. Both parties paid the company a small transaction fee, and the company guaranteed fairness and security.

The exchange rates here were lower than unofficial channels, but for safety’s sake, Lu Kuan always used the official forum for trades. Within five minutes, the six hundred gold he’d listed on the marketplace sold for ten thousand yuan.

Even though he’d prepared himself, the speed stunned him. Only when he received a text alert on his phone did he truly believe he’d made money.

He’d opened his own bank account after earning his first small profit in the game, keeping it secret from his parents. With so many transactions ahead, it would be too inconvenient otherwise.

Perhaps ten thousand yuan meant little to the Lu Kuan of ten years later, but for his family now, it was a small fortune. The thought of his parents’ daily toil made the windfall all the more significant.

He steadied his thoughts and dialed Fatty’s number.

“Lu Kuan? Why are you calling so early…” The phone rang for ages before Dai Guang answered in a lazy drawl.

Lu Kuan immediately guessed he’d been up late gaming again. “Echoes of the Gods” might not sap physical strength, but it was exhausting all the same.

“The sun’s up and you’re still in bed? Come on, get up. I need you to go shopping with me at People’s Square,” Lu Kuan said cheerfully.

Dai Guang groaned, rolling over to glance at the bright morning outside. “Ugh, I was up all afternoon doing the priest class quest—worked myself to death, and still failed…”

“It’s not that hard. Come here and I’ll tell you how to pass it,” Lu Kuan replied.

“What? Don’t mess with me!” Dai Guang suddenly perked up, the mention of help making his chubby body spring from the bed.

As he packed up and looped his house keys around his neck, Lu Kuan grumbled into the phone, “Since when have I ever lied to you? Hurry up, I’ve something to ask you too!”

“Alright! Same place as always!” Dai Guang was instantly revitalized, leaping out of bed and getting dressed at record speed.

Twenty minutes later, they met at a bus stop.

As soon as they boarded, Dai Guang couldn’t wait to ask about the priest quest, his round face unable to hide his excitement, which made Lu Kuan want to laugh.

“Which step are you stuck on?” he asked.

“It’s the team challenge against the NPCs. As long as none of your teammates die after two waves of attacks, you pass. But those five NPCs are too strong—I never have time to heal my team,” Dai Guang complained, gritting his teeth.

Lu Kuan thought for a moment, quickly recalling the details. The priest’s advancement quest had two paths: one for healers, the other for damage dealers. Dai Guang had obviously chosen the former.

This quest mainly tested a priest’s healing skills and damage prediction, but the strength of the team also mattered. With a party of four pro players, even a rookie priest could breeze through.

Lu Kuan said, “I’m busy for the next couple of days. If you haven’t finished it by then, I’ll help you.”

“Help me? How?” Dai Guang eyed him skeptically. After years of gaming together, he knew exactly how good Lu Kuan was.

“You’ll see,” Lu Kuan grinned, offering no further explanation.

Dai Guang didn’t press. His childhood friend was growing more mysterious and unpredictable lately, but it wasn’t a bad thing.

An hour later, they reached People’s Square in downtown Donghai City, home to the largest shopping centers and a magnet for holiday crowds.

Led by Lu Kuan, they headed straight for one of the malls. He moved as if he’d been there countless times, and after a few circuits, their hands were full of purchases.

A bottle of fragrant Wuliangye, black sugar for the elders’ health, a pair of the latest summer sandals, a quality pearwood chess set…

They’d bought so much that halfway to the bus stop, they had to pause for a rest.