Chapter 5 - The Demonic Troll

[Character Status!]

The familiar blue interface of his status screen shimmered into existence before Han Jingzhi's eyes, a testament to his connection to the virtual world of Revolution Online. He had activated it with a simple thought, a testament to the game's intuitive design and his growing familiarity with its mechanics.

[Basic Information:

Name: Han Jingzhi

Battle Zone: Alliance

Level: 0

Occupation: Warrior

Class: None (Locked) - Class unlocks at higher levels

Title: None

EXP: 0/500

HP: 200/200

MP: 550/550

STR: 8

AGI: 8 (Increased by 2)

VIT: 8

INT: 8

Fame: 1000 (Due to the grand system announcement you have become quite popular among players)

Mana: 100

Physical Attack Power: 30

Magical Attack Power: 200

Physical Defense Power: 20

Magical Defense Power: 105

Casting Spell Rating (Basic): Two basic tier spells per second

Shop: Locked

Skill(s): Basic Information Skills (Description: Can see information about Players and Monsters that do not exceed the user's level by more than 10 levels.)]

Han Jingzhi couldn't help but chuckle wryly. His stats were, as expected, rather underwhelming. The game, in its initial stages, seemed to favor a balanced approach, with no glaring strengths or weaknesses. However, a sudden increase in his Agility caught his eye. He knew exactly why.

"Lilith, you're a lifesaver," he said, turning to the energetic girl by his side. "My Agility wouldn't have gone up without you."

Lilith, a spritely figure with vibrant blue hair and eyes that sparkled with mischief, bounced on the balls of her feet, her energy contagious. "Let's keep playing!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Han Jingzhi, unable to resist her infectious energy, agreed. They spent hours running, laughing, and exploring the vast virtual landscape of Revolution Online. The game world was a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant colors and intricate details, a stark contrast to the mundane reality they had left behind.

Lilith, with her boundless energy and unwavering curiosity, led the way, her laughter echoing through the virtual world. Han Jingzhi, despite his initial reluctance to immerse himself fully in the game, found himself drawn into her infectious enthusiasm. He discovered a sense of freedom he had never experienced before, a liberation from the constraints of his daily routine.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the game world, Han Jingzhi felt a pang of weariness. The hours had flown by, and the reality of his real-life obligations began to weigh on him.

"Lilith, I have to go," he said, his voice heavy with reluctance.

Lilith's face fell. Her eyes, which had been sparkling with joy just moments before, now welled up with tears. "You're leaving?" she asked, her voice trembling with a sense of loss. "Don't leave me here."

Han Jingzhi knelt down and gently patted her head, his heart aching at her distress. "I'll be back, I promise. We'll play again soon," he said, his voice soft and reassuring.

"You promise?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"I promise," Han Jingzhi reassured her, his smile genuine, hoping to ease her anxieties.

"Okay… I'll wait for you here," Lilith said, settling down beneath a large oak tree, her eyes closed in a peaceful slumber. She seemed to have accepted his departure, but a hint of sadness lingered in her features.

"Take care," Han Jingzhi whispered, his heart aching at the sight of her. He felt a sense of responsibility towards her, a newfound connection that transcended the boundaries of the virtual world.

[You will be disconnected in 10 seconds.]

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[You have been disconnected.]

Han Jingzhi's vision swam as he was pulled back into the real world. He blinked, adjusting to the bright light of his room. The white ceiling, the familiar clock on the wall – it was all so mundane compared to the vibrant world he had just left behind.

He glanced at the clock. 8:10 PM. He had spent hours in the game, completely losing track of time. The world of Revolution Online had captivated him, pulling him into its depths and offering a welcome escape from the pressures of his daily life.

He quickly pulled off his VR headset and rushed out of his room. His younger sister, Han Yao, was already at the dinner table, patiently waiting for him. She was engrossed in her phone, scrolling through various online articles, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Sorry I'm late," Han Jingzhi apologized, taking a seat opposite her.

"It's okay, Brother Fan," Han Yao said, placing her phone on the table. "Let little Yao take care of you sometimes."

"Good girl," Han Jingzhi said, ruffling her hair affectionately. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for neglecting her, but he knew she understood his need for a temporary escape.

As they ate, Han Yao asked, "How was the game?"

"It was fun," Han Jingzhi replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "How was school?"

"Okay," Han Yao said, a hint of pride in her voice. "I'm still at the top of my class."

"Good girl. Don't worry, after you finish this semester, I have a little gift for you," Han Jingzhi said, hoping to distract her from her studies and bring a smile to her face.

Han Yao's eyes lit up with excitement. "What is it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Gifts aren't meant to be told. They're surprises," Han Jingzhi teased, enjoying the playful exchange with his sister.

After dinner, Han Jingzhi washed the dishes while Han Yao went to her room to shower and change. She returned to her phone, scrolling through the latest news, her attention drawn to a headline that caught her eye: "Mysterious Player Demonic Troll Acquires God-Grade Item, Triggers Grand System Announcement."

"Wow! This Demonic Troll must be an ace," Han Yao exclaimed, her voice laced with amazement. "He got a God-grade item on the first day the game launched! Is he even human?"

Despite her busy schedule, Han Yao always kept up with the latest gaming news. She didn't want to be completely lost when she finally had time to play. She had a deep passion for games, and she couldn't wait to experience the world of Revolution Online for herself.

"I wonder how Brother Jingzhi is doing," she mused, a bittersweet smile on her face. She knew he wasn't the type to become a hardcore gamer, but she couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity. She wondered if he had encountered any interesting challenges or made any significant progress in the game.

Another article popped up: "Major Corporations Offer Rewards for Demonic Troll's Identity."

"Just who is this Demonic Troll guy?" Han Yao wondered, her curiosity piqued. She turned off her phone, placing it on her nightstand.

She lay down on her bed, her eyes closed. "I'll definitely find you, Player Demonic Troll," she whispered, a determined glint in her eyes. "It's a promise."

With a sigh, she drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with the fantastical world of Revolution Online and the mystery surrounding the enigmatic Demonic Troll.

...

End Of Chapter 5