Inside the Eternal Domain Guild, there was a large machine running 24 hours a day.
The Machine Mouth was used to detect special energy values; once the energy rose, it signaled the emergence of a new domain.
However, this was not the machine’s primary function.
Just as the guild players were going about their routine tasks, a strong energy fluctuation suddenly surged from the machine room.
The player responsible for recording the data immediately pressed the button on the desk, and the Broadcast echoed throughout the entire guild: “Attention, an extremely High Peak Value of energy has appeared! An extremely High Peak Value of energy has appeared!”
The busy players instantly stopped their work and entered full alert mode.
The Vice Guild Leader hurried into the room: “Quick, analyze the data, activate the Capture Device, and notify the other two major guilds. Let’s see if they have any reaction!”
Those who received the order quickly made contact, while someone also called Ms. Jiang.
Some confidential information was only shared among the top guilds.
Everyone assumed that the arrival of the game “Eternal Domain Contract” was a massive disaster—but what they didn’t know was that this was only the beginning.
The appearance of the “City” was merely the first step of the True Descent.
At the start of the game, players with the Prophecy Ability had seen the future: the real world they lived in would one day be completely merged and consumed by the monster world.
This was called the True Descent by the monsters.
The guild had tried to find a solution but so far had found nothing.
The extremely High Peak Value had appeared three times in a short span.
Seeing this, players broke out in cold sweat, their bodies trembling uncontrollably: “The world… is it really going to merge?”
No one answered. Everyone either stared fixedly at their screens or frantically made phone calls to others.
At home, Ms. Jiang was with her beloved little daughter when she unexpectedly received a call, her expression instantly turning serious: “Follow the Pre-rehearsal Plan and act accordingly. I’m on my way.”
After hanging up, Ms. Jiang held Jiang Huaying closely, her eyes warm yet filled with reluctance: “Sweetheart, Mommy has to go out for a bit. Stay at home and don’t go outside. No matter what happens, home is the safest place.”
Her home had already been meticulously fortified by Ms. Jiang.
If the True Descent really began, this place could at least hold out for a week.
Jiang Huaying understood the gravity of the situation and obediently nodded: “I won’t go anywhere. Mommy, come back early.”
Ms. Jiang hugged her tightly, then decisively set off.
Before she could reach the door, the phone rang again.
“Guild Leader, it’s stopped! It’s stopped!” came the barely suppressed cheer on the other end. “It’s not the True Descent. The High Peak Value appeared three times, then returned to normal. We’ve retested multiple times—confirmed, it’s nothing!”
Jiang Huaying, unable to contain her curiosity, quietly leaned in to listen—
She only caught words like “three times” and “nothing’s wrong.”
“I’m on my way. Thanks for the hard work, everyone,” Ms. Jiang sighed in relief, then after hanging up, stroked the soft platinum hair beside her, “Still, I should go to the guild. You stay home and rest well. Titan Uncle will watch over you.”
“Okay, I won’t run around. Be careful on your way, Mommy,” Jiang Huaying nodded, still unclear about what had really happened but relieved that everything was fine.
Only then did Ms. Jiang leave in a hurry.
That night’s incident seemed like a minor interlude, quickly fading from memory.
Jiang Huaying spent two peaceful days resting before receiving news from school.
She could now go collect her Graduation Certificate!
After informing her mother of her plan, Jiang Huaying got into Titan Uncle’s car and headed to University A.
“Ah Ying, long time no see!”
“You’re back! How does it feel to finally be connected to the network with everyone?”
“Hearing you’ve finally become a player, congratulations! Happy coming of age!”
“Don’t worry, Ah Ying. We’ll keep your identity a secret.”
“Ah Ying…”
Just entering campus, many familiar classmates and teachers greeted Jiang Huaying, their faces bright with joy.
She responded warmly to each greeting. Although it wasn’t a long walk, it took over twenty minutes.
Under the bright sunshine, the girl in a French-style tea-colored floral dress lightly stepped on the stone pavement like a lively little butterfly.
Fresh, youthful, pure… all the beautiful words in the world could describe her.
But it also stirred the creatures lurking in the darkness.
They wanted to approach, possess, and snuff out this light.
Leonid stood high on the rooftop, his golden eyes mysteriously watching everything bathed in sunlight below.
The fragile little princess was oblivious to the dangers lurking around her, still innocently immersed in her happy daily life.
Somewhere in University A campus, near a shadowy trash bin under a tree, a young janitor dressed in blue bent awkwardly to sweep a fallen leaf.
The leaf fluttered and moved but couldn’t be swept away.
A twitch briefly crossed the janitor’s otherwise fair and delicate face.
It was clear that the disguise had nearly run out, but it could not fool Leonid’s sharp gaze.
A low-level monster, inferior and crude.
Domains opened Spatial Rifts, but the powerful Dominators couldn’t pass through the narrow gaps to the human world; only Low-level Monsters could.
They had no intelligence, only brute force driven by bloodthirsty instincts. Once they fixated on a target, they pursued relentlessly until completely devouring it.
This low-level monster that had slipped through the Spatial Rift had obviously found its prey.
Beneath the janitor’s lowered hat brim, greedy eyes kept glancing in Jiang Huaying’s direction, revealing a ruthless hunger.
The appearance of monsters was not without limits.
Whether Low-level Monsters or Dominators, before the True Descent, they had to hide and disguise themselves.
If they revealed themselves and were detected by humans, the only ending would be annihilation.
But before the low-level monsters were destroyed, they had enough time to feast on the fresh and delicious prey before them.
Would the little princess be frightened to tears when that time came?
Leonid thought indifferently.
Jiang Huaying was walking toward the Academic Affairs Office when she suddenly felt a cold breeze on the back of her neck.
Dark, chilling—as if some monster had just brushed past her.
She shrugged, her pure emerald eyes alert as she scanned her surroundings.
Everything was normal—only classmates and teachers nearby.
Monsters wouldn’t appear in the real world, she reassured herself.
Titan Uncle had told her that after clearing the game, many people couldn’t quickly adapt to switching between two worlds and became paranoid.
That was normal and would pass with time.
Calming herself, Jiang Huaying lowered her elevated heart.
Once she entered the Academic Affairs building, the bushes outside suddenly rustled.
A “man” in a blue suit emerged in a grotesquely twisted posture.
“Smells so good…” the figure’s throat vibrated, forming human words, though the discordant features displayed a crazed expression.
“Smells so good… smells so good…”
“Smells good, smells good, smells good…”
Jiang Huaying finished the procedures inside the Academic Affairs Office and received various items. Teachers chatted with her for a while before she left.
Just as she was about to meet her good friend Duan Xiazhao, she got a call from her.
“Ah Ying baby, I forgot something in C Building. Are you nearby? I’ll have my most beloved person get it for me! Love you, Tang I.”
Jiang Huaying snorted coldly, then broke into a smile: “No matter how far it is, I’m going! What did you forget?”
Duan Xiazhao described the item she lost: “I’ll wait for you at the school gate. I booked a super delicious restaurant to celebrate your first game clearance!”
After hanging up, Jiang Huaying headed toward C Building.
Clouds had drifted over, blocking the sun.
The sky darkened quickly.
That uneasy feeling returned. Jiang Huaying quickened her pace, taking out her phone and opening Titan Uncle’s contact page just in case.
Inside the empty Teaching Building, only her footsteps echoed.
Gloomy and eerie… it felt like being trapped in an unknown deathmatch again.
Leonid followed at a distance, walking slowly into the building.
He maintained a perfect distance—neither too close nor too far—with a faint smile at the corner of his lips, as if teasing the golden thread that could never escape his palm.
Had she already been to the monster world once? Why was the little princess still so… useless?
Behind Leonid, the “janitor” also headed this way.
Its movements slowed at first, then grew faster and faster.
Saliva dripped from its upturned mouth, the entire chest vibrating intensely as it emitted a crazed voice: “Smells good… want to… eat…”
But quickly, it shook its head violently, eyes struggling: “Cannot… like… keep… keep… keep…
Fool.”
Was it necessary to make so much noise that everyone could hear?
Leonid furrowed his golden brows, clearly displeased. An inexplicable irritation welled up inside.
Clatter!
A decoration on the corridor crashed to the floor.
At that moment, Jiang Huaying had already grabbed her things and turned to run in the opposite direction.
Whether it was human, ghost, or monster—
She was truly terrified!
Next time, she vowed never to come to an empty Teaching Building alone.
Even if Duan Xiazhao begged, she wouldn’t come again—no way!
A girl prone to imagining horrifying scenes fled, almost colliding with the hidden Leonid.
At that moment, even the air seemed tinged with a unique intoxicating scent.
Such a delicate little princess…
Leonid didn’t continue following Jiang Huaying but stood in the middle of the corridor, one hand in his pocket.
Seeing the tall alien figure appear at the other end, he clicked his tongue in an ambiguous way.
That sound also startled the Low-level Monsters downstairs.
A human-shaped skin burst open between the eyes, revealing a ferocious large beast.
The next second, it retracted its six gills and began to flee wildly!
The danger that could have erupted vanished within University A.
Low-level monsters had no intelligence; their large brains were mere decorations. Their innate fear embedded deep in their instincts still existed.
They probably would never understand why they were targeted by such terrifying beings despite being weak prey—and why twice over!
Inside a black off-road vehicle, four players of various appearances were rushing toward University A.
The driver was hot-tempered, tailgating after another car and releasing exhaust fumes onto the car ahead. Then he said to the team captain in the passenger seat: “Recently, the frequency of low-level monster appearances has been increasing.”
The white-haired captain, Shen Rong, lazily yawned: “That’s no reason for us to be involved. Why did we even take this mission?”
Such a difficulty level was usually handled by ordinary players.
The four in Raven Squad were all ranked in the top 30. Strong, experienced, it was safe to say this mission was overkill for them.
“Are you not curious what our guild’s little princess looks like? I’m super looking forward to it!” a pink-haired youth in the back seat poked his head out.
“Hmm… hope she’s not a little witch,” Shen Rong said, tilting his head, eyes closing again.
Pink-haired Yu Xiaoxing frowned and complained: “Witches are super cool! Captain, you only care about sleeping.”
“Boring,” said another in the back with a silver eye patch, Chu Qi, letting out a cold snort while staring out the window. “This is a waste of our precious time. We might even have to pick up the pieces.”
Hot-tempered Qi Hetai cheerfully added: “Come on, it’s fast.”
Shen Rong rolled his eyes: “She’s a newcomer with a Five-Star Rating. Have some confidence.”
“As long as it doesn’t delay me getting off work,” Qi Hetai glanced at the time and pressed the gas harder.
Raven Squad moved quickly, arriving at University A in under ten minutes.
Without speaking, the four split up immediately, moving low-key.
Chu Qi, holding a device, approached C Building and bumped into a faint fragrance.
“Sorry, I was running too fast. Are you okay?” Jiang Huaying hastily stepped back but her platinum hair caught on his shirt button.
As she moved, it tugged painfully at her head: “Ouch… that hurts.”
Chu Qi, never having been this close to a girl, froze, his face suddenly blushing crimson.
Jiang Huaying tried to untangle her hair but only made it worse in the dim light.
Feeling the tightness on his uniform, Chu Qi finally snapped out of it, stammering as he reached out: “I… I’ll help you.”
“Thank you,” Jiang Huaying stopped moving and stood still.
She was shorter, only reaching his collarbone. If Chu Qi lowered his head a little, his tall nose tip could touch her soft hair.
“Sorry…” Chu Qi trembled as if electrified, apologizing anxiously.
Jiang Huaying looked puzzled, tilting her head slightly: “All done?”
“Not yet… almost… please wait a moment…” Chu Qi didn’t know what nonsense he was babbling but his usually steady hands trembled badly now.
Finally, a strand of platinum hair slipped free from the button. Chu Qi felt his back soaked with sweat.
He tried to say more to make up for his awkwardness but was interrupted by two urgent voices nearby.
“JVMB! Miss, are you okay?”
“Ah Mang, how are you? Are you hurt? Let me see!”
Titan Uncle and Duan Xiazhao ran over from a distance.
When Titan Uncle received Ms. Jiang’s call, Duan Xiazhao was beside him, her face pale upon hearing about the low-level monster at University A.
Seeing the two, Jiang Huaying ran happily toward them: “I’m fine!”
Chu Qi’s fingers still hovered in midair, his hair finally untangled.
Above in C Building, Leonid stood quietly in the shadows, a silent oppressive presence.
In the hollow sockets of his black skull, two red glows flickered like hellish candles—dim, cold, twisted, sending chills down the spine.
His gaze lingered long on Chu Qi’s hand that had just touched Jiang Huaying.
Time seemed to freeze and weigh heavily in that moment, as if the next second would sever those hands.
Suddenly, Chu Qi felt goosebumps erupt up his arm, a cold dread like being hunted by a beast.
His battle-hardened instincts kicked in, making him jerk his head suddenly.
But upstairs, nothing was there.
Only the curtains swayed silently as if ghosts brushed past.
Duan Xiazhao fussed over Jiang Huaying, checking her thoroughly. After Titan Uncle confirmed his little wife was safe, he quickly messaged Ms. Jiang and Raven Squad.
The other three teammates soon arrived.
At the sight of Jiang Huaying, astonishment flickered in their eyes.
“She really is the little princess…” Shen Rong muttered quietly, soon drowned out by Yu Xiaoxing’s enthusiastic chatter.
“Wow, sister, you’re so beautiful! I’m Yu Xiaoxing from Raven Squad, ranked 19th. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Yu Xiaoxing had a sweet boyish face, soft curls, just like a teddy bear.
Jiang Huaying’s frightened little heart was instantly soothed by the adorable boy.
After exchanging pleasantries, they updated each other on the situation.
“We just checked; the low-level monster has left University A,” said Qi Hetai, who was finishing his first mission and eager to clock out.
Leaning against a tree, arms crossed, his irritable yet lazy aura caught many glances from passing girls.
Hearing this, Jiang Huaying breathed a big sigh of relief: “As long as it’s not a ghost, it’s fine.”
But soon she grew tense again.
If low-level monsters could pass through the Spatial Rift into the real world, wouldn’t that mean… Dominators and Synchros could appear too?
The thought made her scalp tingle.
She voiced her concerns, careful not to mention monsters by name.
Yu Xiaoxing was quick to reassure: “Don’t worry, sister! The Spatial Rifts are tiny and extremely fragile. They can’t support the energy required for higher-level monsters to cross over.”
Jiang Huaying’s heart finally settled: “That’s good…”
“Ah Ying, you had a hard day. Luckily, you were lucky not to encounter a low-level monster,” Duan Xiazhao squeezed Jiang Huaying’s arm, rubbing her fingers warmed by fright. “Come on, let’s go have a big feast! If Raven Squad doesn’t mind, you’re welcome to join! I’m paying.”
Born into a wealthy family, Duan Xiazhao spoke with the unmistakable scent of money.
Yu Xiaoxing eagerly agreed but thought of their captain and other teammates and had to refuse with regret.
Before he could say a word, Chu Qi offered: “I can go.”
Yu Xiaoxing: “7”
Who said boring and picking up the pieces?
Qi Hetai ruffled his messy hair: “I’m in too. Nothing else to do.”
Yu Xiaoxing: “7”
Who’s so eager to clock out?
Shen Rong made the final decision: “Since everyone agrees, thanks for the treat.”
Yu Xiaoxing: “7??2”
Am I not important?
Oh well, he agreed too!
Duan Xiazhao smiled brightly, very enthusiastic: “Don’t mention it. Order whatever you like.”
The group headed toward the school gate.
Shen Rong lagged behind, his tired eyes lingering a moment longer on Jiang Huaying.
Is this little princess really that lucky?
After they left, Leonid silently descended again.
No matter how fast the car went or how winding the route, Leonid always shadowed it without being noticed.
He was a shadow belonging only to Jiang Huaying.
Silent, stubborn.
His alien skull hid all emotions.
No one could see that beneath that inhuman shell boiled an intense, almost self-consuming obsession and desire.