Paul Brooks said, “So what? It’s his ‘Seven-verse Whirlwind Sword Technique’ that’s really impressive!”

　　“Nonsense, it’s the sword that’s impressive!”

　　“It’s the martial arts that are impressive!”

　　……

　　“Oh, come on, stop arguing. Everyone has their own preferences!” Kevin Young hurriedly tried to calm down the two who were about to go outside for a duel.

　　“Exactly, what’s there to argue about? Aren’t you tired after staying up all night? Go to bed already.” the Leader came out to uphold justice.

Chapter 11: Prison

　　the Leader’s words had an immediate effect. After the three got into bed, in no time at all, it was as if they were dead to the world.

　　But Kevin Young, having slept in the game, even though it was simulated, his brain had still gotten some rest, so he wasn’t very sleepy now.

　　Kevin Young thought back on the day’s gaming experience, which had been spent rushing around, and now his whole body felt a bit stiff. Honestly, anyone would feel stiff after sitting motionless in front of a computer all day.

　　So, in a daze, tossing and turning on the bed, half asleep and half awake, Kevin Young lay there until noon, finally unable to stay in bed any longer.

　　He got up. Seeing the other three still sleeping like pigs, he had no choice but to leave a note: I’m heading to Jianghu first, message me when you’re online, my name is Eric Ford.

　　He went out, grabbed a quick bite, and entered the game again.

　　The scenery in the game was just as before. Kevin Young had probably never slept in such a refreshing environment before. Somehow, when he slept yesterday, Eric Ford’s body ended up covered in patches of green grass stains. What was originally work clothes now looked like camouflage.

　　He strolled toward Xiangyang City, thinking about what to do today.

　　At the city gate of Xiangyang, a crowd had gathered, as if something was posted on the wall! Could it be a system announcement?

　　Eric Ford squeezed into the crowd and looked up.

　　Wanted: Eric Ford, no sect affiliation, caused a disturbance at a teahouse in Xiangyang City yesterday afternoon, seriously affecting public order. He is now ordered to be apprehended. Anyone with information on his whereabouts may contact the Xiangyang authorities. Anyone who captures him personally will be handsomely rewarded! (This wanted notice is valid indefinitely)

　　The heavens spin, the earth turns, Eric Ford, tears fill his eyes.

　　How could this happen? Wasn’t it just being short ten copper coins for tea!

　　Luckily, in this game, everyone looks the same for now, and names don’t float above your head, so he should be safe for the time being. Eric Ford comforted himself.

　　He hadn’t even finished the thought when suddenly, with a clatter, he was already chained up. Turning around, he saw two people dressed as officers, shouting, “How dare you commit a crime so brazenly!”

　　Eric Ford was bitterly complaining inside—what is this? I just owe ten copper coins, what’s so brazen about that? I just looked at the notice, what crime did I commit?

　　The people around exploded with excitement.

　　“Wow, he’s the wanted guy!”

　　“Amazing, I wonder what level he is. Look at those clothes!”

　　“The notice says he’s unaffiliated, so he’s graduated from his sect. His level must be high!”

　　……

　　Eric Ford was full of sorrow, but his curiosity hadn’t been satisfied, so he asked, “Everyone looks the same, how did you recognize me?”

　　The two officers glanced at Eric Ford disdainfully and said, “We’re NPCs. Of course we know who you are!”

　　With that, Eric Ford was dragged away like a dog.

　　The courtroom was exactly like those depicted in movies and TV, but since this was a game, all the kneeling and other rituals were skipped, and there was no trial. The scribe simply announced the verdict:

　　Eric Ford, for causing a disturbance at a teahouse in Xiangyang yesterday afternoon, has been apprehended by the authorities. Considering his young age, the authorities have decided to be lenient and sentence him to two hours of imprisonment, and require him to repay all the tea money owed within the specified time.

　　With a graceful wave of his sleeve, the scribe delivered a double entendre: 1. Don’t say another word; 2. Take him away.

　　And so, Eric Ford was sent to the prison cell. Who would have thought you could even experience jail time in a game.

　　The prison environment was nothing to brag about, but compared to the dark, rat-infested cells in movies, it was a world apart. This cell was just a bit cold and damp, with dim lighting. In hot weather, it might actually be a good place to be.

　　Eric Ford looked around and was surprised to find there was actually another person in the cell. Looking more closely, Eric Ford was even more surprised to see that the person was a woman. After his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he realized she had been staring at him the whole time.

　　Eric Ford felt a bit awkward, coughed lightly to ease the tension, and was about to say something when the woman spoke first.

　　“What did you do to get thrown in here?”

　　Eric Ford briefly explained what had happened.

　　This woman didn’t seem particularly special, because like everyone else who first met Eric Ford (actually, only two people), she was left dumbfounded.

　　With a look of disbelief, she asked, “If you didn’t have money, why didn’t you just run? Why not ask a friend to send you some money?”

　　Eric Ford didn’t understand her reaction and replied, “I tried. I only know two people, and neither of them was online!”

　　“Then just log off for now. Maybe next time you log in, they’ll be there!”

　　“Is that allowed?” Eric Ford was stunned.