In the heart of the forest, the Dragon team pressed deeper, battling relentless Hexars and harvesting rare resources. Each swing of a sword, every arrow released, and every calculated move brought them closer to completing their mission. The forest was vast and treacherous, a labyrinth of danger where mistakes could cost more than the game—it could mean permanent elimination.
Meanwhile, in reality, Ye Qiu, the player behind Everstay, sat in his small, cluttered room. Plates with crumbs, empty soda cans, and scattered game guides covered the desk and floor.
Through Ye Qiu's headset, the voices of his teammates echoed as they coordinated their attacks.
"Grayworm, we need a buff now!" Somi shouted, dodging a Hexar's sharp claws.
"On it!" Grayworm's melody filled the virtual air, strengthening their attacks and speed.
Ye Qiu stayed focused, his fingers dancing over the keyboard. His gun, the only one in the game, blasted through the Hexar horde with precision. The weapon, shrouded in purplish smoke, weakened every enemy it touched, turning the tide of battle in their favor.
"Nice shot, Everstay!" Sparrow cheered as he loosed an arrow, striking a Hexar that tried to flank him.
"Keep your eyes forward," Ye Qiu replied curtly, his tone calm but commanding.
Omega roared as he slammed his shield into a larger Hexar, breaking its defenses. "That's the last of them. Let's harvest these resources and move out."
The resource they sought, Carynthium Ore, was essential for crafting high-level armor and weapons. It was scarce and fiercely contested, but Team Dragon had never failed a mission.
Ye qiu was hunched over his computer, one hand on his mouse and the other holding a half-eaten sandwich. His eyes were fixed on the screen as he coordinated his team's movements, his voice steady and commanding through his headset.
Suddenly, a knock sounded on his door. Ye Qiu glanced at it briefly but ignored it, his fingers continuing to tap away on the keyboard.
"Cover the left flank," he said to his team, his voice unwavering despite the interruption.
Another knock came, louder this time. Ye Qiu frowned and sighed.
"One sec," he muttered into the mic before pulling off his headset. Grayworm's voice came through faintly, grumbling, "Right now? Oh, c'mon! We need you, boss!"
Ye Qiu smirked. "No, you don't," he muttered under his breath as he got up.
Walking to the door, he opened it just enough to poke his head out. Standing there was Madam Liu, his landlady, a familiar figure with her neatly tied gray hair and a stern but kind expression. Ye Qiu instantly knew why she was there.
"Madam Liu," he greeted her with a sheepish smile, already fishing into his pocket.
The old woman crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Ye Qiu, it's the same thing every month," she said, her voice half-scolding but not entirely unkind.
Ye Qiu pulled out a handful of rumpled money and quickly smoothed them out before gently placing them in her hand. "Here's for the electricity," he said, flashing a small, apologetic smile.
Madam Liu's lips twitched, almost as if suppressing a smile. Despite her annoyance at always having to come to him for payment, she could never stay angry. Ye Qiu was polite, never caused trouble, and always paid immediately when asked—often with a little extra.
"Why do I have to drag it out of you every time?" she sighed, tucking the money away.
Ye Qiu shrugged. "Keeps you on your toes," he joked, earning a soft huff from the landlady.
As she turned to leave, she paused, giving him a concerned look. "You should get some sunlight, boy. You look like a ghost."
Ye Qiu chuckled. "I'll think about it," he said, knowing full well he wouldn't.
When the door clicked shut, he returned to his chair, slipping the headset back on.
"One sec, you said," Somi mocked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Yeah, well, I'm back now," Ye Qiu replied, his fingers dancing over the keyboard again. "Let's focus. Where are the Skyshards?"
The banter continued as the team pressed deeper into the forest.
The game, Avatar Epic Quest, is one of the most influential virtual reality games in the world, with a massive following that transcends borders. Every two years, half a million players are recruited globally, each country receiving an allocation based on its gaming population.
The recruitment process is rigorous, involving a mini-game designed to test talent, strategy, and skill. These mini-games are notoriously difficult, ensuring that only the most capable players make it through. Success in the mini-game is never about luck; it's a test of true potential, rewarding talent and strategic thinking.
In the game, players start at Level 1 and must work their way up by completing quests, battling monsters, and collecting resources. Leveling up grants access to better weapons, armor, and skills. The highest level achievable is Level 99, a tier reserved for legendary players. Along the way, players can acquire unique skills, boost their stamina, and increase their stability. Stamina determines how long a player can stay in combat,
while stability affects their ability to resist attacks or maintain control in chaotic battles.
Players also receive gifts—special items or abilities—through treasure chests, monster lairs, or completing high-difficulty missions. These gifts vary from rare weapons to unique power-ups. Among all items, guns are the rarest and hardest to obtain. Only players with exceptional skill and dedication can acquire them, and Ye Qiu, known in the game as Everstay, is the sole Dragon player to own one. His gun, an advanced weapon that emits bullets surrounded by weakening purple smoke, is a symbol of his unparalleled status.
Avatar Epic Quest wasn't just a game—it was a global sensation. In China alone, thousands of players competed for a chance to join the tournament.
Once enrolled, players could form teams or apply to join existing ones. However, the top 100 players had the privilege of forming their own elite squads. For those who failed to reach the top, the guild would randomly assign them to lesser teams.
In China, Team Dragon was a name that resonated with every fan. Composed of Everstay, Somi, Sparrow, Grayworm, and Omega, they were the pride of the nation. Their battles were live-streamed across platforms, drawing millions of viewers. Schools and universities buzzed with discussions about their strategies, and betting pools flourished with every match.
Unlike other teams that basked in the limelight, Team Dragon remained a mystery. None of them had ever appeared publicly.
Everstay, the team's leader, was the most enigmatic. Known for his unparalleled skills and the legendary gun he wielded, he had become a mythical figure in the gaming world. Fans speculated endlessly about his real identity, but Ye Qiu ensured no one—not even his family—knew the truth.
The genius behind Avatar Epic Quest was an enigma known only as Black Shadow. Operating anonymously, he managed the game's global empire without ever revealing his identity. Despite countless attempts by fans and journalists to uncover the truth, Black Shadow remained hidden, adding to the game's mystique.
Players like Team Dragon were handsomely rewarded by Black Shadow's company, receiving massive payouts every month. Yet, for Ye Qiu and his team, the money was secondary. It was the thrill of the game, the strategy, and the camaraderie that drove them forward.
As Team Dragon continued their mission, they encountered an unexpected challenge: a massive Hexar King, twice the size of any they had faced before. Its roar shook the virtual forest, and its health bar seemed insurmountable.
"Formation!" Everstay barked, his voice sharp and authoritative.
Somi and Sparrow moved to flank, while Grayworm played an empowering melody. Omega held the front, his shield absorbing the beast's crushing blows. Everstay aimed his gun, unleashing precise shots that chipped away at the monster's health.
The battle was intense, each team member pushing their limits. Fans watching the live stream held their breath as the Hexar King's health bar dwindled.
"One more hit!" Sparrow yelled.
Everstay steadied his aim and fired the final shot, the Hexar King collapsing with an earth-shattering thud. The screen lit up with notifications of victory, and the chat exploded with cheers and accolades for Team Dragon.
As Ye Qiu logged off for the day, he leaned back in his chair, exhaustion creeping in. He stared at the ceiling, a small smile tugging at his lips. The game was his escape, his passion, and his world.
Somewhere out there, millions of fans were celebrating Team Dragon's victory, yet none of them knew the man behind Everstay. To them, he was a legend. To Ye Qiu, it was just another day.