It was the year 2269; the world had changed like never before. Among various changes in the 23rd century was the game Conquest, a virtual reality game like never before.

Since its release, the game has taken the world by storm. Over 3 billion players were registered in one day. The levelling concept and power in the game were not much different from other RPG games. However, the game’s quality and mechanics were on par with the real world. It became a place for people to live and look how they want without societal limitations.

The game had been out for close to 20 years. Lu Ming was a die-hard gamer who ranked in the top 500 in the country and the top 6000 in the world. He was considered a legend, and countless players feared him. But, for someone playing solo, he stood at the pinnacle. He rose to the top based on skill and dedication alone. He had reached level 500 and sported mythical gear. Everywhere Lu Ming went, he was met with looks of awe and envy.

Yet, someone like him lost everything. All because a friend gave in for money. More specifically, his girlfriend, Li Xuan.

It was the countdown before the New Year, and the game was undergoing a major update. The break was a chance for the players to get a rest in the real world. As the party raged in the streets below, Lu Ming was sound asleep in his bed. Updates were an opportunity for a pro player like him to sleep and rest. His last thoughts before falling asleep were about the new update and what the game meant by the new expansion. Unbeknownst to him, he would never see the light of day again.

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Li Xuan stood over him, holding a pistol. Her face was taut as if karma would strike her. She pulled the trigger, and the gun fired once. The deed was done. Li Xuan pulled out her phone with firm hands and called an unknown number.

“It’s done.” She said into the speaker as the call connected.

“Good job, the money has been added to your account.” A cold, monotonous voice replies. And the call ended.

Li Xuan sighed in relief. She could finally get what she wanted so much after going out with a guy with only a decent look. A new Wucci bag and some nice dresses would look good on her. Li Xuan smiled without a thought of discontent.

Lu Ming woke up with a start. He felt light and energetic. Yet, the first thing he saw was… his own body? After a closer look, Lu Ming saw blood stains all over the bed. His heart tensed, and he looked at his girlfriend, who was smiling cynically. Rage immediately took over his heart as the situation finally dawned on him. “HOW COULD YOU!” he shouted, “EVERYTHING I’VE DONE WAS ALL FOR YOU.” Lu Ming was livid. The one person he trusted turned themselves over with money. All his efforts were in vain. His whole life… What was the point?

Lu Ming was quiet. His thoughts were only on one thing: “I will never let you go for doing this to me. I will get my revenge!” However, nothing happened. As he floated there for hours and hours, he noticed nothing at all. The room was quiet. Li Xuan left long ago; the only thing left was his mind and body. Finally, Lu Ming calms down and accepts his fate. He was already dead. There is nothing else to look at. He closes his eyes, and everything goes black.