The scorching summer sun blazed in the sky, even though it was 5:00 PM. Few people walked along the campus road, and the swaying leaves made a rustling sound. Lu Li, somewhat bored, lay on the school desk, his gaze fixed on the blackboard where a line of chalk-written characters proclaimed: "Only 29 days left until the college entrance examination."
"How dull the world is! I need some change," Lu Li muttered to himself, sensing the monotonous routine that awaited him in the coming month. Besides diligent studying and waiting for his destiny to be decided a month later, he felt a sense of purposelessness and frustration.
Closing his eyes, Lu Li prepared to rest for a while. However, at that very moment, something completely unexpected and out of place intruded upon his senses, forcing him to open his eyes. In the span of a moment, the scorching summer heat transformed into a heavy snowfall, blanketing everything in sight. Goose feathers floated gently and settled on Lu Li's body, sending a chilling sensation down his spine. The wintry scenery mirrored the turmoil in Lu Li's mind.
In the distance, a world draped in silvery white unfolded before his eyes. The snowflakes danced in the air, rendering everything silent and still. Amidst the desolate landscape stood a dilapidated temple, capturing Lu Li's attention. Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind, accompanied by the appearance of a transparent panel before his eyes:
[You have entered a game. Your temporary number is Z0001.]
[Game Mode: Tower Defense.]
[Dungeon Type: Single; Test]
[Dungeon Description: This world hides many unknown dangers, but you possess an innate ability to perceive these perils. In a snowy night, you encounter an old man in the ruined temple, pursued by an unknown danger...]
[Dungeon Goal: Ensure the survival of the old man before dawn (i.e., 6:00 AM).]
[Dungeon Prompt: What is more important on a snowy night than a roaring bonfire?]
[Completion Reward: Strengthened Basic Abilities, 200 game points!]
[Wishing you a delightful gaming experience!]
Below the panel appeared Lu Li's attributes:
[Temporary Number: Z0001]
[Physical Evaluation: 1.23; Vitality: 0.1 (normal human average: 1/00.1)]
[Soul Evaluation: 2.77; Spiritual Energy: 0.27 (normal human average: 1/00.1)]
[Intrinsic Ability: Zenith Control: Possessing an otherworldly soul and extraordinary control over your own body.]
[Basic Ability: None]
[Skill Column: None]
[Appraisal: Human anomaly!]
"Shouldn't the game focus on strength and agility? Why is it appraising my body and soul?" Lu Li pondered, reading the information on the panel. The panel then reduced in size, transforming into a small window that appeared in the corner of Lu Li's vision, without obstructing his sight. Rubbing his freezing red arms, Lu Li realized the direness of his situation. He had arrived in this icy world wearing a short-sleeved school uniform, with five hours having passed since his last meal at noon. The circumstances were far from ideal.
Taking a deep breath, Lu Li relied on his otherworldly control to constrict his pores and retain heat. He also slowed down his heartbeat to minimize unnecessary energy expenditure. Except for the essential bodily functions and his active thinking, Lu Li ceased most of his bodily activities. Approximately a year ago,
Lu Li had a near-death experience that triggered unknown changes within him. Since then, his emotions had become more subdued, and his worldview had shifted. This transformation had turned Lu Li from a silent and listless high school student into a being that could be considered a human anomaly.
Lu Li raised his head to observe the weather. Despite it being summer and only five o'clock, the sky was gradually darkening, hinting at the impending nightfall. Lu Li realized that he needed to act quickly. Opening the front door of the ruined temple, a gust of alternating cold and warm wind swept away the remaining warmth on Lu Li's body. Unable to assess the situation inside, Lu Li hastily closed the door, feeling the temperature outside rise. He knew he couldn't sustain the previous state for long, as it would cause irreversible damage to his body.
Now that he had a moment, Lu Li carefully surveyed the surroundings within the ruined temple. A pile of flames flickered on the temple floor, but that wasn't the most captivating sight. A young girl lay in the old man's arms, emanating an ethereal aura. She possessed unparalleled beauty, but upon closer inspection, it became apparent that her joints had cracks, and her expression remained fixed. This peerlessly beautiful young girl turned out to be a puppet.
As Lu Li fixed his gaze on the Puppet Girl, his attention shifted to the old man holding her. The old man's clothes were tattered, covered in patched layers, and he appeared worn-out and weary. At that moment, a prompt frame appeared in the corner of Lu Li's eye: [Mission target detected!]
"So, the mission is to protect this old man until morning," Lu Li speculated. Bending down respectfully, he addressed the old man, "Uncle, I happened to pass by here. It's snowing heavily, and it's cold. I don't have warm clothing, and I noticed that this temple is unoccupied. I was wondering if I could spend the night here."
Lu Li's words caught the old man off guard, prompting him to respond hastily, "This place is indeed unoccupied. I have been living here for some time, and if the young master wishes to stay, feel free to do so. There's no need to concern yourself with me."
"I apologize for the inconvenience, Uncle," Lu Li said with a pleased expression. He stepped into the warmth of the roaring bonfire, found a wooden block to sit on, and relished in the heat radiating from the flames. He loosened his control over his body, allowing himself to relax. Finally, he had the opportunity to thoroughly assess the situation within the ruined temple.
Inside the temple, a headless idol stood, exuding a gloomy aura. The offering table had been opened, and various objects that could be burned were scattered around. It seemed that they had been used for heating. Lu Li noticed something else.
"The young master may find some clothing among my belongings. It's cold outside, and if you don't mind, please take something to wear," the old man suggested, cautiously revealing a box that had served as his makeshift stool. He retrieved a red garment from within, adorned with vibrant colors. It seemed to be women's clothing and was likely intended as an outfit for the puppet.
Lu Li didn't mind and gratefully accepted the garment from the old man. He quickly put it on, although it felt slightly tight, it provided much-needed warmth. Lu Li then turned his attention to the remaining combustible materials, and another prompt appeared in the corner of his eye...