In the high-security briefing room in Riverspire, the top brass of the Aurelian Republic sat in a heavy silence.
"Titan," one official said, his brow furrowed. "According to your report, Shadow hit Level 3, the synchronization limit, over half an hour ago. Why hasn't he returned to reality? Does the man have no family to check on? No life to return to?"
Titan shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe he truly has nothing left in our world."
Suddenly, a clear, melodic voice broke the tension. "Um... what if he's a transmigrator? You know, like in those novels? An orphan who wakes up with future knowledge and starts rising to the top?"
Every head in the room turned.
They saw a stunning young officer in a tailored uniform. Her legs were long and graceful, her posture perfect, but her expression was one of genuine curiosity. Her name was Aria.
Seeing the room's reaction, Aria's cheeks flushed a soft pink. "Did... did I say something wrong?"
A senior official sighed, rubbing his temples. "Aria! I told you to stop reading those web novels. This is a matter of global security, not a comic book plot."
"Oh. Sorry, sir." Aria bit her lip and went back to her notes.
The discussion resumed, focusing on "Shadow's" tactical value. "Based on Titan's experience, Shadow isn't malicious. He saved their lives. We need him as an ally. Titan, Aria, you two will be the official liaison team. Your goals: identify him, assess his personality, and secure a partnership between 'Shadow' and the Federation."
The stakes were higher than anyone realized. Reports from high-level data centers confirmed that the game was harvesting actual human lifespans. Elderly citizens who died in the simulation were dying in reality at the exact same moment.
"The real turning point comes at Level 10," the Director noted, his voice grim. "The system prompt indicates that at Level 10, players can extract their levels, stats, and gear into the physical world. When that happens... the rule of law as we know it will cease to exist. Whoever controls the strongest players controls the planet."
One Hour Later: The University Dorms
Lucia finally forced herself to sleep.
Her consciousness drifted until she stood in the same void Silas had once occupied. She went through the initial selection... and triggered a Hidden Class: Life Priest.
"A Hidden Class!" Lucia's eyes shone with a manic delight. "I knew I was special. I'm a Life Priest... I'm actually on Fabian's level now."
She thought of Silas again, her lip curling in a sneer. "He's probably struggling as some basic Warrior. I can't wait to see his face when I'm the one carrying him. Maybe then he'll realize how much he needs me."
She had no idea that while "Life Priest" was a rare Hidden Class, it was a tier below the "Unique" status of a Shadow. Nor did she realize that she had just entered a meat-grinder that her brother had spent years mastering.
Shell Town: The Outskirts
Silas was heading back to the plaza, his pack heavy with loot. He had managed to acquire a Storage Satchel, a rare drop that added 5 extra inventory slots.
"It's not a ring, but it'll do for now," he thought. He calculated his haul: at least 500 days of Tradeable Lifespan if he sold everything. Added to his current stash, he was looking at nearly three years of life-currency.
As he neared the gate, he saw two figures talking. He stayed in the shadows, passing them like a ghost.
It was Old Mao and Rhea.
"Alright, little missy," Old Mao grinned, leaning against a tree. "I got you to Level 3. Time to pay up."
"Don't worry," Rhea smiled, her voice honeyed and toxic. "Great River Industries doesn't care about a few million. Just give me your contact info and sell me every bit of Tradeable Lifespan you harvest. I'll pay ten thousand dollars per day of life. Deal?"
"Deal!" Old Mao laughed, his eyes filled with dollar signs.
Silas didn't stop to warn him. He saw the way Rhea's eyes tracked Old Mao's throat, she was already planning to harvest his life the moment he became useless.
Silas entered the town and headed straight for the basement of the central plaza.
There, a massive, petrified stone gateway stood silent. He reached out, his hand touching the ancient Isu-etchings on its surface.
[Congratulations! You have activated the Shell Town Teleportation Array!]
Effect: You are now linked to the other starter towns in the region.
Benefit: One free teleport per day.
Reward: +1 Prestige Point.
The array hummed with a low, blue light. It was done.
Silas walked back up to the plaza. He was still masked by his Black Veil, his presence a dark, imposing silhouette among the panicked refugees. Every eye in Shell Town turned toward him, some filled with envy, others with worship, but all with fear.
He was the first to unlock the world. And he was just getting started.