"Master, I have a skill called Master-Pet Synchrony. It means if I die, you die too. And there’s something the system didn’t explain: if you die, I die as well… So, is it really that weird that I can open your backpack?" Loli Monkey wore a smile that didn’t match her cute appearance, teasing with a grin.

"It’s strange. Everything felt off since I killed the Corrupted Monkey King. None of this makes sense." Soulshadow Tianyou spoke gravely. "Isn’t it weird that the New Year Boss appeared on a beginner map? Isn’t it weird that the strongest boss was taken down by three low-level Poisonous Mushrooms? And this ring curing my holographic dizziness syndrome—wasn’t that too convenient? Plus you… you don’t act like a pet. Your AI is practically human-level."

"Isn’t that good?" Loli Monkey looked up, smiling.

Soulshadow Tianyou’s hand froze on Loli Monkey’s head.

"You wanted power. Now you have it," Loli Monkey said cheerfully.

"I want power, but I also want the truth. I need to know if someone’s controlling all this." Soulshadow Tianyou gazed at the game’s blue sky. She always felt unseen eyes watching her.

"I don’t know. But I do know my purpose—the reason I was created or built." Loli Monkey’s voice turned serious.

Soulshadow Tianyou looked down at her, eyes deep with meaning.

"You’ll meet a dark-skinned elf. Your mission is to help her become a god and overthrow this entire game world." Loli Monkey smiled, but her tone held a sharp edge—nothing like the cute girl who’d once called her "Mom."

"Overthrow… the whole world?" Soulshadow Tianyou laughed in shock. "You’re protecting me? Sounds like I’m Tang Sanzang."

"I don’t know if we’re being manipulated. But I’ll never betray you. You can trust that."

"Betrayal? Heh… that doesn’t sound like something a pet would say." Soulshadow Tianyou’s lips curled slightly.

"I’m this year’s top-tier AI system. Besides acting cute, I’m pretty smart too." Loli Monkey stuck out her tongue, striking an adorable pose.

"Haha!" Soulshadow Tianyou chuckled, gently stroking Loli Monkey’s fur.

"Master, I thought of a word to describe us in the future."

"What?"

"Game virus."

"…" Soulshadow Tianyou fell silent, then sighed with a bitter laugh. "A virus? Maybe. Haha."

"Master, put on your gear first," Loli Monkey suggested.

"Alright."

Soulshadow Tianyou opened her inventory. A full set of equipment waited there—trash-tier gear, yet her heart swelled with emotion. These low-level, worthless items felt priceless to her. Being cared for felt nice. She glanced at the little monkey girl standing quietly beside her, then equipped all the white and green items.

[Worn Leather Hat], [Worn Leather Armor], [Ordinary Leather Shoes], [Ordinary Leather Pants], [Ordinary Leather Gloves], [Ordinary Leather Cloak].

Soulshadow Tianyou transformed instantly. Gone was the newbie outfit. Now she wore a simple, undecorated leather set—gloves, knee-high boots, a hunter’s cap, and a tattered cloak draped over her shoulders.

"No weapon…" Soulshadow Tianyou’s expression turned flat.

"Sorry, I just didn’t get a short sword drop," Loli Monkey shrugged helplessly, mimicking human gestures.

"You can stuff items into my inventory without permission. You even know my skills inside out."

"Uh… Master, we’re connected. Honestly, I know your measurements too." Loli Monkey scratched her head, grinning.

Soulshadow Tianyou’s face darkened. She shoved Loli Monkey lightly. "Let’s go farm the elite boss."

"Go go go! Monster hunting time!" Loli Monkey grabbed Soulshadow Tianyou’s hand, dragging her excitedly into the small forest.

---

The forest was dim, sunlight barely piercing the thick canopy. Only thin rays slipped through gaps in the leaves.

Loli Monkey led the way, guiding Soulshadow Tianyou slowly forward. No wolves appeared—the monsters she’d cleared hadn’t respawned yet. Soulshadow Tianyou hadn’t seen it, but she guessed Loli Monkey’s efficiency: one swing per kill.

But that wasn’t the point…

Loli Monkey suddenly yanked Soulshadow Tianyou’s hand, crouching in a bush. She nodded ahead urgently.

Soulshadow Tianyou had already spotted it: a giant wolf sleeping in the grass ahead.

"Elite monster [Forest Wolf], level 15. Over two thousand HP." Soulshadow Tianyou calculated. This minor elite wasn’t impossible—two skilled players at the same level could take it down.

But she was only level 10. And weaponless…