On the desk lay a promotional magazine for Destiny, filled with plenty of information about the game. I flipped through it, but nothing really stood out. However, in the section about the game planners, there was one lead planner, four associate planners, and over 150 other planners. Among the associate planners, one name looked extremely familiar—Charles Lincoln!

A shiver ran through me, and I stood there in shock. Could it be—that old guy?!

I quickly moved the chair and desk, pushed George Turner away from the computer, and said, “Glasses bro, let me use your computer!”

“Huh, what’s up?” Glasses Bro was startled. “Hey, don’t be so rough. David Thompson, what’s gotten into you?”

I quickly opened the browser and searched for Destiny + Charles Lincoln. Sure enough, there it was: Charles Lincoln, one of the main planners of Destiny, responsible for the game’s deep divine mechanics. There was even a photo of him. The moment I saw that old rascal’s smile, I couldn’t laugh anymore. It really was him—this old guy!

Glasses Bro stared at me in surprise. “Hey, man, what’s wrong? Do you know this Charles Lincoln?”

I shook my head but didn’t say anything. How could I not know him? From age 14 to 19, I trained by his side. Now this old guy has actually become the lead planner of this super popular online game?

Frowning, I said, “Glasses, Destiny is clearly just a game, so why would they pick such an old man to be a planner? I really don’t get it…”

Glasses Bro laughed. “You just don’t understand. ‘Destiny’ has been advertising for a while now. One of its main features is that it brings together top talents from all industries around the world to participate in game design. For example, the world’s number one swordsmith, the top archery expert, even herbalists and cultivators from remote borderlands have been invited to help design the game. This game can blend with reality, allowing for great improvements in energy, spirit, and mind. You can even create your own moves and skills. In short, it’s a paradise for gaming fans.”

“You can create your own moves…” I muttered, “So that’s how it is…”

“What’s wrong, are you possessed or something?” Glasses Bro punched me.

I smiled and shook my head. “I’m fine. Let’s get ready to log in and wait for the game to launch!”

“Yeah, when I level up, I’ll help you out!”

“Help your grandpa! Just don’t get wiped out by monsters. The game info says the monsters are brutal—if a player dies, they lose a level. You better be careful.”

“Got it! I ranked over 7000 in ‘Conquest,’ how could I not handle Destiny?”

“Yeah, right…”

I curled my lips, remembering what May Easton said—she ranked 79th on the Battle.net leaderboard in ‘Conquest,’ definitely a top-tier player. And apparently, Emily Lincoln’s ranking is even higher than hers. These people really dive into games once they have money—each one more ruthless than the last!

……

At 11:50 a.m., I put on the gaming helmet, scanned my iris, and confirmed my player identity. Of course, the result was that I didn’t have any characters yet, so I had to create a new one. But my vision went black, and all I could see was a countdown to the server opening—no other actions were possible for now.

I waited anxiously for 10 minutes. According to Glasses Bro, those who get into the game early will get rewards, but I wasn’t counting on that. I just wanted to make my character look good and then fulfill my ultimate dream in the game—find a girlfriend…

“3!”

“2!”

“1!”

Finally, after the countdown, the server opened. My vision brightened, and I found myself in the middle of a solemn, dilapidated temple. It looked more like a ruin. Fiery fireballs streaked through the sky, and at the foot of the mountain was a battlefield—warhorses neighed, arrows rained down, and a towering tree stood tall. Beneath the tree, cavalry formations clashed, flesh and blood flying everywhere. Savage barbarians with fangs wielded battle axes, roaring like wild beasts.

At the mountain’s peak, a beautiful young woman sat there, clad in armor, her beautiful eyes narrowed as she surveyed the battlefield. Suddenly, she stood up, her long, shapely legs bending slightly, and with a “whoosh,” she soared into the sky and landed in the valley below. Her arms spread wide, and with a “swish,” a giant blood-red umbrella opened, carrying her swiftly to the ground. Her sword flashed from its sheath and slashed down with a thunderous roar!

“Boom!”

The sword light tore through a group of charging barbarian cavalry, shredding them into a pile of mangled flesh. The girl’s lips curled into a confident smile. With a flick of her sword, she spun in place, forming a circle, and blazing sword energy erupted, burning fiercely as it swept across the battlefield.

“Roar!”

With a roar, a massive figure descended from the sky—a barbarian hero wielding a golden battle axe. Flames danced along the axe as he suddenly swung it down at the girl!

The girl’s gaze sharpened. She dodged to the side, quickly pulling the blood-red umbrella from her back. With a sudden thrust, the umbrella’s ribs spread open, forming a defensive shield with a “bang.” But with another “bang,” she failed to block the attack and was sent flying like a cannonball. The barbarian charged after her, battle axe flashing, smashing into the giant umbrella. The tip of the handle pierced into the girl’s chest with a sickening “squelch.”

The girl’s beautiful eyes snapped open, flames burning in her pupils. A dagger flashed, leaving a bloody line across the barbarian’s neck. She soared into the sky, dragging the barbarian’s head, and flew proudly to the top of the World Tree.