His name has quite a story behind it. Legend has it that the night before he was born, his mother dreamed of a golden roc soaring into the sky. His grandmother believed that this child would surely be outstanding and ambitious, rising high and bringing honor to the Shi family. So he was named Scott Smith, but almost all his classmates just called him "Fly," and he often lost his temper over this.

Little Flynn is a playboy in the world of romance. Just how much of a playboy? So much so that even when I go downstairs to buy a pack of instant noodles, I can run into several girls who have had a fling with him. So much so that on his short drive to work, his phone can automatically connect to over a dozen different Wi-Fi networks.

But, despite his wild ways, he's a true brother.

……

Afternoon.

On the living room sofa, Little Flynn and I each sat on one side, put on our gaming helmets, and waited for the game to launch at 3 p.m. The moment I put on the premium helmet, with a "whoosh," golden ripples blossomed before my eyes, and a vast land appeared. Countless human cavalry in golden armor galloped across the plains, gathering atop a highland.

Suddenly, my perspective swooped down, and in the basin below the highland, countless undead legions appeared: demonized minotaurs wielding battle axes, undead creatures with gaping bloody mouths, and necromancers holding staffs, chanting death spells at the top of their lungs. The earth trembled as countless undead burst from the ground, surging toward the human army like a tidal wave.

The scene shifted abruptly. A silver moon hung high in the sky, radiating an enchanting aura.

In my ears, a melodious female voice began the introduction—

"When the silver moon rises, countless elements awaken one after another. Magical power descends upon the continent, life flourishes, and eventually, five great races emerge: humans, barbarians, dragons, elves, and sea folk. Five thousand years ago, the kings of these five races signed the legendary 'Mortal Book Pact' in the human city of Mortal Book, known in history as the Five Races Alliance."

"Years later, the Gate of Blazing Flames in the northern continent was forcibly opened. The powerful undead army swept across the north, destroying a total of six human, elven, and barbarian kingdoms, pushing the five races' territories southward. When the silver moon rose again, humans began to study magic and ancient martial arts. From then on, a long war between light and darkness, justice and evil, began."

Countless rays of light rained down, gathering in the sky to form the flamboyant characters "幻月" ("Illusory Moon"). Immediately after, the game launch countdown appeared before my eyes.

"Whew..."

I took a deep breath. As a data analyst and developer at Destiny Group, I was never allowed to enter the game. But this time was different—now that I had resigned, I could finally enter this game, which boasted a brand-new engine and inherited the core data of the previous game, "Destiny," as a player.

……

In my ears, it was as if I heard the voice of an old friend.

"Little Reed, when you can finally enter Destiny, with your talent, you'll definitely be a top player. I'm sure of it, hahahaha~~~"

It was Ethan Harris's voice.

A wave of melancholy washed over me. Ethan Harris, Little Flynn, and I all graduated from the same high school. In our youth, we played games together. My ID was "July Flowing Fire," Little Flynn's was "August Unending," and Ethan Harris's was "September Robes." The three of us hung out in games every day, known as 7-8-9, and we were somewhat famous in the gaming world back then.

Unfortunately, all of that is in the past.

Looking at the distant Illusory Moon emblem, I took a deep breath.

"Old Harris, I will definitely find the truth, and find you. Don't worry!"

……

Time ticked by, and the game launch drew ever closer.

I have to admit, the "Taihu Legends" team that Little Flynn and I formed was put together rather hastily. Most ambitious teams entering "Illusory Moon" had already set up their own "studios," but we made our decision in less than half a month. Still, despite the rush, I was confident. With my abilities, I was sure I could make a name for myself in Illusory Moon—no doubt about it.

Chapter 3 Brian Lane

At 3 p.m., the exciting moment finally arrived!

"Swish!"

My body was instantly enveloped in a ray of holy light and swept into a grand hall. It was a solemn place filled with birdsong and flowers, shrouded in sacred aura. Pillars carved with dragons soared skyward, supporting the weight of the entire hall. Behind me stood statues of ancient heroes, and in the sky, the silver moon still hung.

In the wind, a figure condensed, transforming into a fairy angel with transparent wings, only palm-sized, fluttering before me. She smiled and said, "Master from another world, welcome to the Illusory Moon continent. I am your system sprite. Next, I will guide you through account creation. Is that okay?"

"Mm."

I nodded and smiled at her. "Sprite, you really are stunningly beautiful..."

She blushed. "Master, thank you for your compliment. First, please give me a name. I will accompany you through all your time in 'Illusory Moon,' always by your side."

"Alright."