8:00:29.
Inside Secret Realm β3-2103002, in front of Villa No. 101.
Shi Ziqiang sat on the steps, silent for quite some time, his katana resting beside him.
Contrary to what one might expect, his face did not betray much anxiety or resentment, but rather focus and contemplation.
Like a child stuck on a difficult level in a video game, or a chess player consistently one move short of defeating his opponent.
In stark contrast to him was the couple beside him.
Gone was their carefree singing with beer in hand from the night before; now terror was written all across their faces.
Their hands were tightly clasped together, their voices trembling in unison.
"This is bad, Brother Shi... Li Qingming has an artifact of escape..."
"If they really go out and call for an Outstanding Level Vanguard to rescue... kill the Overlord... what would we do then..."
"I want to die here in the Secret Realm, not in a cell!"
