The world was shifting, but no one could tell if it was for the better or worse.
Li Zhao sat alone in his cramped apartment, the faint hum of the city of Kehong filtering through the cracked window. The place was a strange blend of old and new—a city stuck in a time loop, where the roaring twenties clashed with the sleek aesthetics of a modern, steampunk era. Steam-powered trams chugged alongside futuristic airships, and neon signs buzzed above cobblestone streets.
But none of that mattered to Li Zhao at the moment. His attention was fixed on the digital screen of his tablet, displaying a peculiar book he had stumbled upon days ago: Step by Step How to Kill a God. The title alone was enough to capture his curiosity, yet the contents were... perplexing.
Each page was blank, devoid of any text, image, or clue. He had scrolled through it countless times, searching for anything that could give meaning to its existence, but it remained a mystery. Still, something about it drew him in, like a silent whisper at the edge of his mind, urging him to keep looking.
The world outside was tense. Portals had begun to open, leading to dimensions filled with monstrous creatures that defied logic and reason. Hunters, those brave or foolish enough to face the beasts, roamed the streets, their presence a grim reminder of the constant threat looming over Kehong.
Li Zhao was no hunter. He was just a man caught in the chaos, trying to make sense of a world that seemed to be unraveling before his eyes. Yet, there was something different about him—something that set him apart from the rest. He had seen things, survived things, that others couldn't fathom. And now, this book, this strange digital enigma, seemed to be the key to understanding his place in the grand scheme of things.
A World of Essence
Kehong was a city built on the power of essence, a mystical force that permeated every living being and object. The essence was divided into three paths, each with its own unique set of powers and abilities:
The Path of Shadows, with 25 powers, was shrouded in mystery and deception. Those who walked this path mastered the art of illusion and stealth.
The Path of Flames, containing 33 powers, was a force of destruction and renewal. It was the path of warriors, those who wielded fire and fury to reshape the world.
The Path of Stars, with 41 powers, was a path of wisdom and foresight. It was the choice of scholars and visionaries, those who sought to understand the universe's secrets.
In total, there were 99 distinct powers, and every living being had the chance to choose their path. Yet, with great power came great responsibility—and great danger.
The First Signs of Change
As Li Zhao stared at the blank pages of the digital book, a thought lingered in his mind. Why was he drawn to it? What was its purpose? The city of Kehong was teetering on the edge, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this book held the answers to questions he hadn't yet asked.
Suddenly, the screen flickered, and for the first time, words began to appear:
"The change has begun. The paths are open. Choose wisely."
Li Zhao's heart raced. The book was no longer just a curiosity—it was a guide, a message from the universe itself. The paths of essence were calling to him, urging him to make a choice that would shape not only his destiny but the fate of the entire world.
The air grew heavy with anticipation. The city outside continued its restless dance, oblivious to the seismic shift that had just begun. But Li Zhao knew. He could feel it in his bones—the world was changing, and he was at the center of it all.
The Unanswered Question
As the words on the screen faded into the digital void, one question remained, lingering in Li Zhao's mind like a shadow:
"What happens when the one destined to choose… refuses to play the game?"
The paths were open, the choice was his, but the consequences were unknown. The weight of the world pressed down on him, yet he couldn't help but wonder—what if he chose not to choose? What if the game itself was the true enemy?
The world of Kehong held its breath, waiting for the answer. And as Li Zhao closed the tablet, he knew that his journey was only just beginning.