Outside Liyue Harbor, in a secluded forest.
Nolan Walker poked at the campfire in front of him with a stick, his thoughts swirling. He had just transmigrated into another world and awakened a mysterious system.
[Congratulations, host, for activating the Evil Ascension System]
[This system enables the host to simulate a life. Perform well in the simulation, and you'll receive generous rewards.]
[However, the host must assume an evil role in the simulator as much as possible. Failure to comply will result in severe consequences.]
"So, your function is essentially a 'life simulator,' and as long as I complete these simulations, I'll be rewarded?" Nolan asked, narrowing his eyes.
[Exactly. Your comprehension is remarkable.]
"I can grasp the concept—I've read enough power fantasy novels to understand systems like this. But…" He tossed the stick aside, his brows furrowing. "What's the catch with this 'evil role' requirement? Why do I have to be evil?"
[The system's mechanism revolves around the 'Chaos Index.' The more chaos you create in the simulated life, the higher your rewards. In short, the more evil your actions, the greater the chaos generated.]
"But I don't want to be evil," Nolan protested, shaking his head.
[Host, are you perhaps a goody two-shoes?]
"Hey, hey! Just because I don't want to hurt people doesn't make me some saint!" Nolan retorted, irritation creeping into his voice. "Is it so strange not to want to be a bad person? First, doing bad things means hurting others—I'm not okay with that. Second, being evil usually leads to getting hunted down, and I'd rather avoid that, thank you."
[Rest assured, the simulated life is entirely fictional. Think of it as a game. Your actions won't harm anyone in the real world, and even if characters in the simulation despise you, it won't affect your reality.]
Nolan sighed, feeling a mix of reluctance and frustration. "But why me? Couldn't you just pick someone who's already evil?"
[This was the Main God's decision. She's curious to see whether an ordinary, kind-hearted individual can remain true to themselves while being compelled to commit evil acts.]
"What a twisted sense of humor…" Nolan muttered, his expression a blend of annoyance and resignation. "But if systems are meant to benefit their hosts, then I could just refuse to play along, right? No harm, no foul?"
[Incorrect. The Main God will periodically test you. If you fail to grow stronger, you will perish under the weight of her challenges.]
So, he was nothing more than a pawn—a plaything for the whims of some higher-dimensional being. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. Still, Nolan couldn't deny the allure of the system's rewards.
"Fine," he said at last, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "If that's the way it is, let's begin. But I refuse to abandon my principles without a fight."
[Command acknowledged. Initializing the life simulator.]
[Select three talents from the options below. One will be randomly retained as a permanent talent after the simulation ends.]
(Rarity ranges from low to high: white, green, blue, purple, gold)
[Alcoholic (White): You love to drink.]
[Born Poor (White): Financial hardship will follow you.]
[Humble Origin (White): You will be born into poverty.]
[Infamous (Purple): Your efficiency increases when committing evil acts.]
[All Evil (Purple): Additional rewards are granted for evil actions.]
[Retry (Purple): You can cheat death once per simulation.]
Nolan scanned the list with a mix of skepticism and dismay. Most talents either encouraged villainy or came with significant drawbacks. He sighed, resigned to the system's agenda.
"I'll choose Infamous, All Evil, and Retry," he said flatly. "Not that I plan to use them much."
[Selection confirmed. Life simulation commencing.]
[Age 0: You were born into a wealthy merchant family in Liyue Harbor.]
Nolan smirked. "Not a bad start."
[Age 1: During the ceremonial 'grabbing test,' you chose a Mora. Your father was delighted, seeing it as a sign of future business acumen.]
[Age 2: Your father hired two young wet nurses for you.]
[Age 3: You still haven't been weaned.]
[Age 6: Your father finally dismissed the wet nurses, deciding it was time for you to grow up.]
Nolan shook his head. "About time, old man. Six years of that? Ridiculous."
[Age 7: While playing on the street, you encountered a group of boys bullying a purple-haired girl. Your options are:]
[1. Help the girl.]
[2. Join in bullying her.]
The choice was clear—or so Nolan thought. "Help the girl."
[You stood up for her but were beaten to death by the boys. You died at age 7.]
"What?! That's insane!" Nolan exclaimed, incredulous.
[Would you like to use the Retry talent?]
"Yes, absolutely!"
The simulation restarted, and Nolan found himself at the same crossroads. This time, gritting his teeth, he chose the second option: "Fine. Bully the girl."
The events that followed painted a grim and morally complex journey, blending chaos, guilt, and unexpected camaraderie with the very people he wronged.