Half a month ago, I was drawn into this chaotic, ever-changing forest by some peculiar Special Event Mode. They brought me back to the game, but it feels like this game doesn’t exist anymore.
Sure, I’m still here, but hey, I’ve opened a cat cafe while navigating around monsters and solving pointless puzzles. “Master… Someone saw the Queen enter the cafe.” I looked at the Ghoul in front of me as I sipped a glass of cold coffee while eating some chocolate cake. I glanced at her and took another sip, “Lesly, you don't need to inform me about that. It's not like I want to see her; every time she arrives, it's unnoticed.” It’s been five months since I was trapped in a game called 'New Underworld,' and the strangest thing is that I haven’t encountered a single other player. “Anyways… How's the investigation about players?” I asked, leaning back in my chair. She bowed, “Forgive me, master. There's no information about them; it’s as if they’ve ceased to exist.” I cut a slice of cake and enjoyed its savory taste, smiling despite the situation. “I see. You may leave now,” I said, crossing my arms as I watched her leave the office. I’ve explored every corner of this game, but there’s no sign of anyone. Even when I tried to contact Ethan, the system informed me that he’s no longer active. The more unusual aspect was that I accidentally activated a ‘Tycoon System’ that distributes money every single day. However, the money issued by the system was not usable in this world or in my real world. As the new system awakened, my memories from my past life also resurfaced. The world is in chaos, with numerous ghosts, ghouls, and unknown creatures roaming calmly. To survive, you must either befriend the creatures or become their adversary. As horror games descended on this world, many guilds were created. An awakened corporation has been established, and I can only rely on my identity and power as a powerful god. No money can be bought, no dungeons can be cleared, and there’s nothing I can’t do; for me, money can achieve anything and everything as long as I have plenty of it. But sadly, I’m trapped in a game. I don't know if this is a blessing or a curse. What happened to my world? What happened to my body? **Ding!** [Congratulations, Lu Shian!] [The Ultimate Tycoon System Is Activated!] [YOU JUST RECEIVED TODAY'S RANDOM REWARD: 3,000,000 NETHER GOLDS] [Balance: 52,000,000,000 NETHER GOLDS] [Task 1: A dangerous creature entered your cat cafe and poisoned your precious cats. Act quickly or your cats will be in danger in 24:07:37 hours.] [Reward: King of New Underworld & golden key (connects you to your real world)] [Failure Punishment: Forever Trapped] “So… Now is the time,” I said, deciding to stand up. I'm Lu Shian, or you can call me Sphynix. Fifty-two billion Nether Golds? Nothing like that existed in my past life. There was also no VR game called ‘New Underworld.’ It's unfortunate that I had to die before experiencing it. “Though, having a second life. After I died… this kind of money system is quite impressive,” I added, as I stepped forward. Although, I guess no one would want to die for a second time. Only a fool would wish for that. I’m wearing a blue hoodie sweatshirt and black trousers. I opened the door connected to my cafe. I looked at her seriously. You made me beg last time. That won’t happen again. I smiled at her as I spoke. “What’s the Queen of New Underworld doing in this humble cafe?” I asked, looking at her with a serious expression. But of course, you’ll look at me with annoyance because your people want me to take your crown, right? She's a tyrant who doesn't care for her own people. Even though this is a game, I live here as if it's real. Her being a Queen? I don’t care about that. I only want this world to know how lovable cats can be, but she dared to harm my babies. I raised the corners of my mouth as I walked towards her. I grabbed her necklace and said, “For some reason… I feel compelled to stop you from causing harm, forgive my impudence, your Majesty.” I tilted my head as I gently pushed her, “I can't believe my hands got soiled.” I mumbled, taking out my handkerchief to clean my hands. [Dear Host! Don't forget to act like you don't know everything…] [Successful Rate to complete Task 1: (5%)] I rolled my eyes at the system’s message. Is this even necessary? I don’t want to see her face. I moved with annoyance, stepping on the tiles. Seeing Favon struggling to breathe, I clenched my hand and smirked. I rushed to him and carried him in my arms. “Dad… Sorry, Favon should've listened to daddy,” he said, his face showing his difficulty in breathing. “No! It's my fault… It’s… my fault,” I said, looking at my brownish cat. I bent my knees and petted him, “That’s not true. Ciemon didn’t know this would happen.” I smiled as I comforted him. My mystical half-breed cats bring no harm and don't care about this world. But, since they can't transform, their parents abandoned them. I should've healed Favon or else I might lose him. “Purification,” I said, placing my hands on Favon’s head. [Successful Rate to complete Task 1: (50%)] “Hmm? Is my Favon not healed yet? What does this system mean, 50%?” I mumbled, placing my cat in a safe spot. “Stay here…” I said, focusing on my system. What’s the issue? Wait… It mentioned cats, right? Don’t tell me? “Daddy! Yonnie, Leroux, and Gaven are in trouble… I’m sorry, I couldn't protect them,” a distressed cat said, running up to me. My eyes widened, and I felt my heartbeat quicken. I clenched my jaw and hurried towards the Queen. “An intruder like you… daring to harm…” I felt my skin flush as I grabbed the Queen’s necklace, my vision becoming hazy as I confronted her. [Successful Rate to complete Task 1: (65%)] “You dare harm my babies… How dare a lowly tyrant like you…” I clenched my hands and confronted her further. I felt my muscles tense up, and my heart rate increased. Without hesitation, I used my magic. “Fire Magic level 22, intense fire!” “Barrier Level 25, punishment…” [Successful Rate to complete Task 1: (80%)] “You… You didn’t stop at one but dared to harm all my children! You know this is a conflict, right!?” As my adrenaline surged, my thoughts raced. End her reign, end her; she doesn't deserve to live, end, end, end. “You are finished, Your Majesty. It’s unfortunate you didn’t bring any guards. How foolish of you to plot without knowing your adversary,” my eyebrows furrowed as my lips tightened. [Successful Rate to complete Task 1: (94%)] “Ice Magic Level 32, Freeze blade” “Freeze blade” “Freeze blade” “Purification Level 50, Soul Cleansing–” “Dad!!” Hearing Dervin’s shout, I hesitated in my actions. I shouldn’t let my emotions drive me, but how could I not react to someone who harmed my cats? “Dad! Germaine’s condition is worsening, and Calli, Cierra, and Coxie are lost.” I was stunned, my legs shaking as my muscles tensed. I ran without thinking, all I wanted was to ensure their safety. I saw the Ghouls who worked for me. “Master…” They lay down seven kittens. “They are just babies… How could she?” [System Update] [Callie, Cierra, and Coxie, the so-called ‘Triplets,’ passed away 0:0:45 minutes ago] **Ding** [Hidden mission activated!] [Mission: Make The Tyrant Queen Lose Her Soul and Position] [Mission Information; The Queen is corrupting New Underworld’s money, secretly taking lives and destroying tribes because she finds it enjoyable to challenge stronger entities. Seek revenge for everyone, seize the crown, and save the New Underworld from evil.] [Reward: Resurrection Skill Level Infinity] [Successful Rate to complete Task 1: (97%)] After purifying four of the seven kittens, only three remained who had died. I will ensure they are resurrected. “Everyone, please don’t wait for me. Dad has something to handle. Please look for the remaining three,” I said. Leaving them behind, I found the Queen quietly trying to escape. “Where do you think you’re going?” I began, trapping her with a barrier as I ran towards her. “Your Majesty, did you know there’s a saying among players… If you set foot in Elyium, you might not be able to leave…” I said, clenching my hands, gazing at the confused Queen. I smirked as I looked at her. “I don’t believe that, but… perhaps it’s true for you.” Looking at her with no emotion, I put my index finger inside the barrier. “Please endure, Your Majesty. Purification Level 69, Heaven’s Wrath.” In my frustration, I couldn’t abandon her. I watched as she suffered through my Purification skill. As her soul was extracted, both it and her body were ultimately dissolved by Heaven’s Wrath. If I were just an ordinary person, I might think this was a divine judgment. Glancing aside, I saw the barrier I had set up collapse as her body was disintegrated. [Successful Rate to complete Task 1: (99.1%)] **Ding!** [Hidden Mission Completed!] Everyone was captivated by the events, some were crying tears of joy and celebrating. But as for me, I’ll postpone the celebration for now. I have three kittens to resurrect. [Resurrection Skill Level Infinity Received] I moved my legs and swung my arms, reflecting on the day’s events. Kneeling on the tiles, I approached my three kittens. “Resurrection.” I felt a sensation in my eyes as everyone watched in astonishment at my actions. A warm breeze enveloped us, and a magical circle appeared on the tiles where my three kittens lay. [You saved your cats' lives brilliantly.] [CONGRATULATIONS ON SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING TASK 1: Save your cats from the brink of death!] “I see, they’re safe now,” I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks as my heart pounded. This ordeal was exhausting, but it was worth it. [You have earned the title: Fearsome King Of New Underworld] [You received a GOLDEN KEY] [Congratulations! You are now the new king of the dimension known as: New Underworld] Yes! I finally did it. As I raised my arm in triumph, I looked at the system. "Item Inventory?" I asked, puzzled. This system is different from the one I knew before. To be honest, nothing like this happened in my past life. It’s probably because I went back in time. That’s why so many things have changed. As the Item Inventory appeared before me, I saw the items I had obtained. [Golden Key – A new king has been created. The system and the world’s gods have gifted the host with the ability to connect this dimension to your real world. But don’t worry, as you have a dual-screen, you can maintain two identities: one as a king and one as someone else.] I see. I don’t fully understand what’s happening, but I’m glad I can return to my world while still being here. As I took the Golden Key, I prepared to use it. [Are you sure you want to open a path to your real world?] [Yes] or [No] There was no way to say no. I clicked yes with a smile. I should check on Ethan; I'm sure he's concerned. [Congratulations! You have successfully created a path between this dimension and your world.]As I stepped through the pathway, the sensation of leaving one world and entering another enveloped me. The vast, crackling portal before me signaled my return from the game I’d been trapped in. I took a deep breath, absorbing the reality of being back. **Ding!** The familiar chime echoed, signaling the end of my time in the game and my reentry into this world. I glanced around, only to find something startlingly wrong. [Welcome Back to Your World, Lu Shian!] The notification appeared before me, but my attention was quickly drawn to the empty space where my kittens should have been. My heart sank. “Wait, where are my baby kittens?” I called out, a note of panic creeping into my voice. I looked around frantically. The kittens, my constant companions in the game, were nowhere in sight. Instead, I saw a small cluster of beings in the distance that resembled them but were in a strange, infantile state. “Fuck? My babies have turned into literal babies!?” I shouted, disbelief a
Ding!A notification chimed in my mind, snapping me back to the present.[Task ??: Your girlfriend is about to arrive. Act like you don’t want her to break up, but let her do it anyway.]I sighed, adjusting my blue hoodie, feeling the fabric's comfort against my skin. “So, now is the time, kids stay here you all can't control your appearance”"okays!" I glanced outside to see Wang Li waiting by the gate, a mix of apprehension and resolve etched across her face.As I opened the door, I forced a smile, though it felt heavy on my lips. “Why didn’t you say you’d come? You should come inside,” I said, my voice steady, though my heart raced. After I got back I found out something, the time in that game and here is different. I might stay for a lot of time in that New Underworld, but it only last 3 days here. Though, I still don't know where the fuck is my friend. Nevermind, I know he will go here if I messaged him tomorrow. Why tomorrow and not now? I'm still thinking about how I will e
[Ding!] [SOUL PURIFICATION BEAR USED.] [Soul Strength +10] [Soul Strength +10] [Congratulation! Soul Activeness. Activated!] [Soul Activeness Rank Up +5] [Congratulations! Your Soul Activeness is now Rank 5] [Spiritual Awareness +15] [Spiritual Awareness +15] [Spiritual Force +200] [Spiritual Force +200] [You've Attained Spiritual Awareness and can now use the Attribute Panel] [WELCOME EXORCIST!] (Squeak) "Ha?" I confusedly looked at my surroundings. I smirks and closed my arms. De ja vu? Really? Is this suppose to happen now? As far that I remember, this is not supposed to happen now. Nevermind. Let's do what we do last time, I don't want to change everything. Anyways, this is kinda exciting. "Hmm... Hello? Fuck what I'm even doing? What do I mean, hello? I'm the only one here," I said, fearingly walking. Come on speak now, well I should act like I'm scared. 'The next head can't see us? ' Oh! There they are. This is so unbelievable, in my past life I can
"Dang! There's no food," I muttered, glancing at Sesy, who was watching me intently. "How can you see us?" he asked, puzzled. I crossed my arms, feigning seriousness. "Since the time you came?" "I didn’t say when. I'm asking how," he pressed. I smirked, enjoying the banter. "After you ask how you’ll ask when. My time is precious." Just then, the kids’ voices piped up from the living room. "Dad! Do you not want your girlfriend to leave you?" Ciemon asked, his big cat eyes wide with concern. I sighed, knowing the truth. "I was waiting for it." Dervin's bounded over, ears perked. "But if you're waiting, why were you crying so loud yesterday? It sounded like a storm!" He dramatically mimicked the sound. I took a deep breath, trying to hold back my emotions. "Because I loved her for four years, and it hurts to know she’s with my brother." "But you’re hungry, right? Is that why you’re going to the market?" Favon asked, his fluffy tail twitching nervously. "Exactly. I need somethi
I opened the door to my house, stepping inside with Fel Yang trailing behind me. The warmth of the place greeted us, and the familiar sound of the kids laughing echoed from down the hall. “You really weren’t joking about the kids, huh?” Fel’s voice carried an amused tone, but I just sighed, shrugging. “Yeah, they’re all here. Let’s hope they don’t act up tonight.” Of course, as if they heard me, three of them came charging down the hall, faces lighting up when they saw me. They stopped short when they noticed Fel, curiosity filling their eyes. “Dad! Who’s the lady?” one of them asked, wide-eyed. I could already sense the chaos brewing. Fel Yang bent down, smiling at the kids. “I’m an old friend of your dad’s. You all must be hungry, huh?” They nodded like little soldiers awaiting orders, and Fel glanced over at me. I felt my jaw tighten a bit, unsure how to handle this situation. She was making herself at home too easily. “I’ll handle dinner,” Fel said, looking at me with th
As I stood in the dimly lit room, memories began flooding my mind. It felt like a flashback, distant but vivid. The first quest. That weird encounter. [Beginner Quest: Say hello to the spirit in front of you.] § Reward: 50,000 coins and 100,000 gold. § Penalty: High fiver for 1 month. “Hello? Umm... I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s happening, I’m... kind of speechless,” I had stammered back then, looking at the translucent figure before me. [Congratulations: You completed the quest.] [Congratulations! You will receive 100,000 gold.] [Congratulations! You will receive 50,000 coins.] I had stared blankly at the system’s notification. That was when things started spiraling out of control. The butler ghoul, and then *him*—Sesy the evil spook. I had looked seriously at both of them, trying to piece it together. The evil spook was the one who had bumped into me, and the butler ghoul seemed oddly respectful. For some reason, they acted like they knew me, or at least my line
As I gazed out over the misty horizon, the wind whipped around me, sending a shiver through my body. It was one of those nights that felt like a memory slipping through time—detached but familiar. I could recall standing on this very spot before, with echoes of past events swirling in my mind. *"What the hell is that?"* I muttered back then, turning to see if anyone was behind me. But no one had been there—just the wind and the house that seemed to hum with its eerie life, the kind that crept under your skin. "I'll be back, Master. I need to go somewhere,"_ Sesy’s voice, smooth and reassuring, had echoed in my mind, though it was just as much a part of me now as my own thoughts. I remember turning again, this time seeing the ghoul butler and the Evil Spook. They had both nodded before vanishing into the shadows, leaving me standing alone. "My lord," the ghoul butler had said before disappearing, "I also need to leave for a while. Too many spirits are causing disturbances. Yo
[Error!] [Unable to access full system data for user: Lu Shian.] [Retrying...] For the first time, the system seemed rattled, and I could feel the hesitation in its responses. I blinked at the screen, completely caught off guard. "Wait, what's going on?" As I stood there, staring at the misty horizon, the wind howled around me, carrying the weight of that strange encounter. I had no idea what kind of chaos was unraveling within my system. "Status," I called again, half-expecting everything to look normal, but instead— *Ding* [Error! Neither System, New Underworld System, Exorcist System…conflict detected.] [Cannot access the status window.] "What the hell…?" I blinked in confusion, watching the error messages flash across the screen. My status window was glitching out, a garbled mess of numbers and symbols I didn’t recognize. “Uh, Nero? What’s going on?” I asked, feeling a growing sense of unease. Nero, normally so calm, seemed equally taken aback. [It’s… unu