Calculating Cultivation - Chapter 24: New Status

In a world besieged by monsters, humanity's survival hangs in the balance. But hope emerges when every individual comes of age, bestowed with the chance to forge a bond with a hero. These bonds grant them formidable powers to combat the relentless threats lurking in the shadows.Enter Chen Ye, a newcomer to this tumultuous realm. Amidst a sea of aspirants, he discovers an unexpected trend: everyone gravitates towards heroes from the legendary series “One Punch Man.” While most covet the esteemed S-tier champions, Chen Ye discerns a truth hidden to others. He recognizes the unparalleled strength of the One Punch Man, a humble C-tier hero.Undeterred by societal norms and peer pressure, Chen Ye boldly selects the Saitama Physique as his ally during the pivotal graduation ceremony. However, his decision incites scorn and derision, broadcasted live for the world to witness.Mocked as a fool for his unconventional choice, Chen Ye retreats into a realm of silence, channeling his energy into rigorous training. Three arduous years pass, marked by relentless dedication and unwavering resolve.Then, as if scripted by fate, a transformation unfolds. The once-dismissed Chen Ye emerges not as a punchline but as an enigma—an indomitable force. Clad in the invincible guise of the Saitama Physique, he defies the very fabric of reality, rewriting the rules of engagement and carving his legend in the annals of history.

A full dive VR game has been released, A New World. While it is not the only VR game in the world, this one has one advantage over others:

Being able to play it even while sleeping.

Like one would think, many people jumped to try and claim the first headsets. Mostly gamers, but some other types of people too. Our MC, Eldrian, is naturally a gamer who could not wait but to try it.

Quickly he and everyone else who bought the headsets found themselves in a world, not just a game. While realism is nice and all, the amount they were given was just too much...

Players started taking emotional tolls from playing the game, and when the company made a shocking announcement. This was amplified.

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AN:

I started this(July2020) just about a year ago now(June2021) as a newbie writer, and am proud with what it has become.

I will warn people that the game and real-world is truly integrated, as well that the story is slow.

Things don't magically happen for the sake of the story, I always try to figure out what would happen if this was reality. (Though I might fail sometimes in achieving this.)

I also try to be interactive with my readers, maybe too much... So do comment, I read all the chapter comments and most of the paragraph ones.

[You Have Been Chosen.]When the apocalypse started, everything fell apart. I lost my job before they pushed me out into the street. Facing the undead, I became desperate and ran like a coward.Until I heard a voice...At first I couldn't believe the voice, thinking I might be insane and finally lost it... But as I was about to die, I saw a strange game-like panel appear in real life![The Throne System has activated.]This strange system let me gain points by killing zombies and the ability to recruit people as subjects who wouldn't betray me like my previous co-workers.My first subject?Mu Qinglan.The ruthless Ice Queen CEO I once called “Boss.”Cold, untouchable... and now infected.As her bloodthirsty jaws closed around my neck, I barely saved her with the system’s makeshift cure.[Recruitment Available.][Subject: Mu Qinglan (S-Tier)][Press to Confirm.]A glowing button floated before me.I hesitated.Then, slowly, I reached out.[Recruitment Complete.]▼ Mu Qinglan's attributes are now visible.+ 100 Experience.+ Leadership: Level 1+ Random Skill from Mu Qinglan[Rank Up!]▼ Rank: Loser → Partner+ Attributes Increased | Subject Cap: 2Every subject I command strengthens me.Every kill feeds my dominion.In this world of death and chaos...I will build an empire of S-Tier Beauties and ascend as the Apocalypse King.

Scream out.Awake and pour out the grudge left in you onto me.Then, I shall save you.