Monarch of Evernight - Volume 3 - Chapter 18: Collapse by Force

Earth Online – a virtual MMORPG that takes place in the future year of 2190 – a game that everyone will bet their futures on. Set in a map that is ten times the size of real-world Earth, players battle for supremacy in the first game to feature personal adventure, territory construction, and grand warfare. For every death you experience in the game, your level would drop back to zero. Ouyang Shuo, an above average player, suffered the ultimate betrayal. For merely a piece of equipment, his sworn brother betrayed and backstabbed him. This time, after he reincarnated in the game, Ouyang Shuo swore to exact vengeance.

# simulator

Bai Yi transmigrated to a fantasy world and awakened the Immortal Cultivation Simulator. The longer he managed to survive in a simulation, the better the rewards he would obtain.

[You were born into a poor family… you died due to hunger.]

[You were born into a rich family that runs a business… you were killed by kidnappers.]

After failing more than 30 times in the Immortal Cultivation Simulator, Bai Yi wondered whether he was unfit for cultivation. Therefore, he had to rely on others to go through the simulation for him!

[Chen Qianxue, the Holy Maiden of the Soul Sword Clan, has entered into the Immortal Cultivation Simulator upon your invitation.]

[Age 0, Chen Qianxue was born into a poor family.]

[Age 5, Chen Qianxue picked up the manuscript of the Sword Cultivation Technique by chance.]

[Age 8, Chen Qianxue was at the first level of the Qi Refinement stage.]

[Age 164, Chen Qianxue failed while attempting to break through to the next stage. She died due to sudden, unbearable power pushing through her meridians.]

[You acquired the following rewards…]

[…]

Go out with a bang. That's what my dad always used to say.If you're going to die in a world like this where people can add all these crazy modifications to their body, at least take a few out on the way.“Zero what the hell are you doing?” A kid with a wimpy voice asked.“Taking care of business, obviously.” I responded with a bit of an irritated tone.“Can you please get off of me...” A man asks, tears streaming down his face.People fear power and money. That's how it's always been, and this piece of garbage is one of those people.But none of this matters if no one knows how I even got to this point. Where Humanity truly began it's biggest stage of evolution.Humanity.exeThe City of Kairox is where everything runs through. Drugs, weapons, illegal cybernetics, you name it. One day I want to be the one who controls all of that.But I've been dealt enough of a shitty hand that I think it's about time I start dealing myself. Anyone can rise up in the streets with enough determination and strength.So, I'll rise up amongst this filth and make sure that I'm on top.

Themes: Black Market Trading, Global Crime Networks, Boundaries of Human Nature and Morality, The Struggle Between Truth and SurvivalStory Background:In a modern metropolis, the surface level of prosperity conceals the darkness and corruption lurking beneath. Ethan, a highly skilled detective, spends his life navigating the shadowy corners of the city, uncovering the hidden secrets buried beneath the mundane facade of everyday life. When he is drawn into what initially seems like a simple suicide case, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the global black market, power struggles, and transnational crime.Main Characters:Ethan (Protagonist): A seasoned, calm, and intuitive detective who excels at finding the truth in complex cases. On the surface, he is a quiet, solitary man who prefers to avoid social interaction, but deep down, he is haunted by unresolved cases from his past. Faced with dark forces, he is both determined and full of doubt.Lila (Female Protagonist/Key Ally): Ethan's investigative partner, an intelligent and resourceful intelligence officer with a mysterious background. Her past is also shrouded in secrecy, and she seems to have an undisclosed connection to the “Black Angels” organization. She provides crucial assistance in Ethan's investigation, but her motives remain unclear, casting suspicion on her true intentions.Victor Saville (Antagonist/Main Adversary): A charismatic yet dangerous businessman, who appears to be a successful entrepreneur but is, in fact, one of the central figures of the global crime syndicate “The Black Angels.” Cold-hearted, clever, and ruthless, he controls a global black market network, overseeing arms trafficking, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. He is not only a key figure in Langley's death but also the biggest obstacle in Ethan's investigation.The Mysterious Woman (Key Character): An elusive woman who repeatedly appears during Ethan's investigation, warning him not to delve deeper into Saville and the “Black Angels” organization. Her identity is unclear, but it is evident that she holds vital secrets about Saville and his network. Her appearances leave Ethan bewildered—whether she is an enemy or his only ally remains uncertain.