As the door swung open, Li Wei felt a surge of anticipation. The interior of the nurse's home was bright by soft, warm light, casting a gentle glow over the modest furnishings.
This unfamiliar territory could be his sanctuary or his downfall.
He stepped inside, pulling the nurse with him, his senses on high alert. As the door closed behind them, Li Wei knew that his next moves would be crucial.
Suddenly, a young girl, about 8 years old, ran out of another room and hugged her mother tightly.
The nurse, overcome with emotion, started crying. The daughter, sensing something was amiss, looked up with concern in her eyes.
"Why are you crying, Mommy?" the girl asked, her voice tinged with worry.
The nurse Mei Lin, struggled to compose herself. "Because I just remembered how beautiful you are, Lian," she managed to say between sobs.
Lian, confused by her mother's explanation, replied, "Huh? Mommy, you're such a crybaby because of that? She then added I'm sorry I'm late for dinner Lian.
Lian's face softened with a maturity beyond her years. "Don't worry about that, mom. As long as you are saving good innocent lives at the hospital, I can stay hungry waiting for you."
Mei Lin's heart clenched at her daughter's words. A complex mix of emotions washed over her – pride in her daughter's understanding and selflessness, guilt for the situation she had brought them into, and overwhelming fear for what might happen next.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she hugged Lian tighter as if trying to shield her from the danger that had invaded their home.
Li Wei watched the exchange, his face a mask of indifference. Inside, however, a storm of conflicting thoughts raged.
The scene before him stirred something deep within – a memory, perhaps, or a glimpse of a life he had never known or felt.
He observed the tenderness between mother and daughter with a detached curiosity, like a scientist studying an alien species.
As he continued to watch their interaction, a thought crossed his mind, I can't remember the last time I cried.
The realization brought no pain or regret, merely an awkward acknowledgment of a difference between himself and other people.
As Lian's gaze shifted to Li Wei, he quickly hid the gun behind his back.
The young girl froze, taking in the sight of Li Wei's small frame draped in a dirty, blood-soaked hospital gown. Li Wei couldn't shake her startled expression from his mind.
┌───────────────────────────
│ [Ascendance System] Analyzing subject:
│ Name: Lian
│ Age: 8
│ Height: 127 cm
│ Intelligence: Above average for her age
│ Threat level: Minimal
└───────────────────────────
Suddenly, Mei Lin spoke up, her voice shaky. "Lian, sweetie, this is... a patient of mine. He's going to stay with us for a week." Lian's fear transformed into excitement at this news.
Mei Lin quickly ushered Lian off to take a bath, leaving her alone with Li Wei once more.
"I hope she won't be a sign of any betrayal," Li Wei said, his voice cold and threatening.
Mei Lin remained quiet for a moment before responding, "No, she won't utter a word."
Li Wei then asked for directions to the washroom, Second door on the left," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
As he turned to go, he added ominously, "Don't think of escaping."
Li Wei nodded curtly and made his way to the bathroom. As he closed the door behind him, he found himself standing before the sink, staring at his reflection in the mirror.
He splashed water on his face, the cool liquid a reminder of the warmth of the home he had just invaded.
As the water dripped from his face, the Ascendance System's message from earlier resurfaced in his mind:
┌───────────────────────────
│ [Ascendance System] New paths unlocking: │
│ - [Tyrant] │
│ - [Survivor] │
│ - [Antihero] │
│ Choose your path carefully. It will shape your future │
│ abilities │
└───────────────────────────
The weight of the impending decision bore down on him. Li Wei's eyes focused on his reflection, droplets of water clinging to his face like tiny, fragile worlds.
He mentally probed the system, seeking a deeper understanding of each path before making his choice.
System, He thought, "Give me details on each path.
┌───────────────────────────
│ [Ascendance System] Processing request... │
│ Analyzing paths: │
│ - [Tyrant]: Rule through fear and absolute power │
│ - [Survivor]: Adapt and overcome any obstacle │
│ - [Antihero]: Walk the line between good and evil │
│ Detailed information incoming...
└───────────────────────────
He closed his eyes, focusing his mind on the System as the information began to flow into his mind, Li Wei stood motionless in front of the bathroom mirror, droplets of water still clinging to his face.
┌───────────────────────────
│ [Ascendance System] Detailed path information: │
│ [Tyrant]:
│ - Gain abilities to dominate and control others │
│ - Increased strength and resilience
│ - Charisma that inspires fear and loyalty
│ - Risk: Isolation and constant threats to power │
│ [Survivor]:
│ - Enhanced adaptability to any environment
│ - Rapid healing and toxin resistance
│ - Heightened instincts and danger sense
│ - Risk: Potential loss of humanity in extreme situations │
│ [Antihero]:
│ - Balanced set of abilities from both paths
│ - Moral flexibility for complex problem-solving │
│ - Ability to blend in with both allies and enemies │
│ - Risk: Internal conflict and unpredictable allegiances │
│ Choose wisely. Your path will shape your abilities and future. │
└───────────────────────────
Li Wei's eyes snapped open, a mix of determination and doubt reflecting in the mirror. "Tyrant," he thought, his reflection seeming to shift.
An evil smile spread across his blood-smeared face, distorting his features into a grotesque mask of malevolence.
His eyes glinted with a sinister light, making his reflection in the mirror appear monstrous and chilling.
Let's make my life entertaining," he whispered, his voice dripping with malice. And those who look down on me will bow before me, broken and begging for mercy.
Power is a beautiful monster, and I will become its master.
┌───────────────────────────
│ [Ascendance System] Path selected: [Tyrant] │
│ Initializing...
│ New abilities unlocking...
│ Warning: This path may lead to absolute power and isolation. Proceed? [Y/N] │
└─────────────────────────
Li Wei hesitated for a moment, then mentally affirmed his choice [Yes]....
________________________________________
Help me rise to power! Vote for me with your Power Stones and leave a review to support this book! Flood the comment section with your thoughts and feedback - your support will fuel me to update more.
_______________________________________