Rise (Web Novel CN) - Chapter 367: A Preponderance of Passive-Aggressiveness

In a world besieged by monsters, humanity's survival hangs in the balance. But hope emerges when every individual comes of age, bestowed with the chance to forge a bond with a hero. These bonds grant them formidable powers to combat the relentless threats lurking in the shadows.Enter Chen Ye, a newcomer to this tumultuous realm. Amidst a sea of aspirants, he discovers an unexpected trend: everyone gravitates towards heroes from the legendary series “One Punch Man.” While most covet the esteemed S-tier champions, Chen Ye discerns a truth hidden to others. He recognizes the unparalleled strength of the One Punch Man, a humble C-tier hero.Undeterred by societal norms and peer pressure, Chen Ye boldly selects the Saitama Physique as his ally during the pivotal graduation ceremony. However, his decision incites scorn and derision, broadcasted live for the world to witness.Mocked as a fool for his unconventional choice, Chen Ye retreats into a realm of silence, channeling his energy into rigorous training. Three arduous years pass, marked by relentless dedication and unwavering resolve.Then, as if scripted by fate, a transformation unfolds. The once-dismissed Chen Ye emerges not as a punchline but as an enigma—an indomitable force. Clad in the invincible guise of the Saitama Physique, he defies the very fabric of reality, rewriting the rules of engagement and carving his legend in the annals of history.

Skyfire Avenue is a street that is 2048 meters long. There are 168 stores here, and each of the store owners is an extremely powerful adept. The Avenue does not permit any vehicles or any robots to pass through it, much less mecha. Even the patrolling police must move about on foot. This is because this is a street for pedestrians, a lane for nobles, hidden away within this high technology world. Lan Jue, the greatest of the mercenaries, code-named ‘Zeus’, has secluded himself here in Skyfire Avenue after the death of his wife. The name of his shop is “Zeus’ Jewelry Store”, and here in Skyfire Avenue, he has been given the title, Jewel Master.

Zuo Chengan was thrown into a brutal survival game, only to awaken its sole god-tier skill: The Eye of Truth.From that moment, he began to see the game—and the world—for what they truly were.A broken branch lying by the roadside?Ordinary players: “Just a useless stick. Toss it aside!”Zuo Chengan: “A hidden NPC is offering a feast of rare delicacies.”A suspicious dish placed before the group?Ordinary players: “Don’t touch it! It’s probably poisoned!”Zuo Chengan: “Completely safe. And utterly delicious.”A monstrous creature blocking their path?Ordinary players: “Terrifying! Avoid it at all costs!”Zuo Chengan: Silently studies its hidden weakness.What began as a game to push humanity toward evolution revealed itself to be something far more sinister—a trap, a scheme of ruthless exploitation.The desperate battles fought in the game’s dungeons were nothing but a spectacle, staged for the amusement of another world.With his all-seeing Eye of Truth, Zuo Chengan ascended through the 12 Heavenly Trials, dismantling the web of lies spun by the false gods. His piercing sight exposed the malicious truths behind the game.Standing at the summit, blade in hand, he declared, “I will cut through this endless night, tearing apart the shadows of chaos to reveal the light of truth. Let the world see reality once more!”

The year is 2025. A devout Christian named Arthur Bennett wins a lottery to participate in a revolutionary virtual reality experience at a high-tech company called Elysium. The program utilizes a unique VR pod to immerse users in a world based on a popular anime.As the other participants—a mix of personalities with varying degrees of anime knowledge—prepare to enter the simulation, Arthur remains the only one who has never indulged in anime. Upon entering this new world, he discovers an unsettling truth: pain is excruciatingly real, despite the creators' claims of a dampened pain response.He eventually finds himself trapped in prison, unable to log out, and demanding to be released from the program. Calls go unanswered, and the world of ninjas becomes a nightmare where hunger, thirst, hygiene, and even death are all real.Angered that he was deceived, he abandons all sense of logic and vows to become a villain no one would have ever anticipated.