The Achievement Junkie - Chapter 9 Past and Presen

My name is Chen Huai’an, and I have cancer. I’m dying. Lately, I’ve become obsessed with a virtual girlfriend game. I top up my account to buy her cultivation techniques and magical artifacts. Even though I’ve emptied my wallet, I laugh like a fool. I always thought it was just a game—until one day, my virtual girlfriend sent me a pill. The next moment, the pill appeared in my hand… Am I… not going to die?!My name is Li Qingran. My cultivation has been crippled, my spiritual roots dug out, and I’ve been expelled from my sect. I cower in a dilapidated hut, waiting to die. I thought my life was over—until I met a mysterious senior who never shows himself. This senior heals my wounds and helps me cultivate. I grow stronger and stronger, eventually becoming the most powerful sword cultivator in the Cangyun Realm. I’ve heard that the spiritual energy in Cangyun is depleting, the Dao is dim, and an immortal from another world plans to merge their soon-to-revive realm with ours. An age of chaos and opportunity is upon us. Even immortals may face death in this struggle. I scour the world for traces of this senior. I want to protect him—and become his Dao companion!!!

In 2173, the world’s first Full-World Virtual MMORPG game ‘Astral Online’ went on sale globally, forever changing the blue planet Asteria!

With its revolutionary Digital Capture System, astonishing graphics and ability to scan yourself into the game with up to 20% beautification, countless defenders rallied to play the game.

Fifty million players logged in on launch. There were no queues or lag on launch, leaving countless critics impressed and willing to try the game. Because the game used a 6-hour play limit a day, it allowed even working adults to keep up with young students and the unemployed.

A resounding success, as more people poured onto the game servers, families and friends alike. Astra Online became a household name overnight.

One month later, the game opened its first RMT system, which made earning a living from the game easier... Thus began the Astral rush!

Professional players formed guilds and factions to increase their profits, but nobody could know this prosperity was a mere joke.

One year later, players fused with their avatars, gaining powerful abilities in the real world, which tipped the power and caused chaos.

Two years later, demons and monsters from inside the game invaded the real world.

Three years later, over 90% of humanity perished, leaving the rest to hide like rats, unable to fight back in fear.

Four years later, this world is no longer ours. The demons march on our last bastions, one by one. They exterminated us.

Zell was an average player who liked to collect beasts in the game and evolve them into humanoids, as they were primarily females.

He spent most of his life working two jobs to make ends meet.

Thanks to the excellent healthcare of his country, there were no crippling debts. There was only emptiness.

When the end came, he was powerless and alone. His only companions were his cute pets and Rika, his cherished Flame Rabbit.

She was the only beast he evolved to a humanoid form after his late start to the game.

He died saving the life of a strange girl with white wings and his pet Rika, the sad eyes of Rika and the girl’s sorrow floating through the air as he slowly passed away.

However, instead of dying, he awoke inside an empty white room with a single computer and a strange, game-like screen that allowed him to edit his IRL avatar and persona.

Who offered him this second chance?

For what reason did they help him?

Can he meet Rika again?

Zell could never know; he only knew his second life’s goal.

Survive!

The Crown Prince of the Capital brought a woman back home, hiding her from sight and pampering her to the skies. Rumor has it she's just a bumpkin from the countryside, pretty but utterly useless.Capital city buzzes: Just a vase rising through beauty alone.When the college entrance examination results are released, why is the name of the national top scorer that very 'vase'?At the gathering for the Association of Painters' new apprentices, why is she standing next to the Chairman?...As various disguises are unveiled, everyone is silenced, wishing they could hide. Who the hell said she was just a vase? Stand up!A certain lady, bullied, covers her hands and cries in pain.Lord Chen comforts her: My lovely wife is so beautiful and moving, why would you bully her?People, with anger they dare not express, cover their faces.Please make it clear, who is the one being bullied!

Welcome to the world that has shed its old skin.

It's an age of avant-garde technologies that break common sense. Science that transcends fantasy. And yet, it has lost its charm in the face of something even more fantastical.

The presence of mana is for those who are blessed by their origins. The Rankers are the true elites of their circles.

A long lifespan is possible. Gaining superhuman powers is feasible. But what use is personal power when the entire existence of your species is on the line?

Things on Earth are much more serious than the general populace is aware of. A threat of the unknown looms over the existence of everything living and otherwise.

Humanity may soon need to leave the only place it calls home. And seek shelter somewhere else in the infinite universe.

Who would find the Oasis for humans who have never been so powerful or as helpless as they are now? Will it be the hero they asked for? Or will it be the not-a-hero they need?

What happens when that not-a-hero gains one of the most broken powers?

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I am lost and found

In the world of dreams

My serenity awaits

Amid the banshee screams!

Within mayhem, I'll find my reason

Within sorrows, my bliss

In the darkness, I'll see my light

In the desert, my oasis!

- Grayback