Nov. 27, Friday

Time flew by, and it was already Friday night—the most relaxed time of the week. For Qinmu, who hadn't practiced in-game for weeks, today was the perfect opportunity, blessed by time and place.

The RPG online game she'd been playing, Sage Sword Festival, enjoyed high domestic reputation. Its player count had surpassed hundreds of thousands. It was also one of the most popular games among Qinmu's friends.

The console booted up. The game launched quickly into the login screen. Qinmu expertly typed her account and password, clicked login, and loaded the interface. At a glance, she saw the server status, her gear, character, and social info. Since she'd been away long, the system gifted her a not-so-rare Dragon Bone equipment set. After claiming it, she clicked the guild module to enter the guild interface.

Many players were online. The guild had 43 members, and Qinmu was its leader. But to her shame, after her long absence, leadership had transferred to Moxue Zhi Fei—a level 116 Archmage. Qinmu stared dumbfounded at the transfer notice on-screen. The guild she'd worked so hard to build had easily fallen into Yufei Han's hands. It was heartbreaking.

Worse, the guild name was now Yufei's Castle. Qinmu couldn't fathom where this girl got such confidence to impose her name on it. Even more infuriating, the chat logs showed no one mourning the former leader or asking where she'd gone. Most messages shouted, "Long live the new leader!" "We are her loyal followers!" "We are her servants!" It was truly disheartening. How could this happen?!

Qinmu angrily messaged Yufei Han privately: "!! What's going on? Why am I not guild leader anymore?"

As the chat window shook, Yufei Han on the other side laughed out loud: "Who told you to stay offline so long? Guild permissions transfer to the most active user, dummy!" She quickly replied: " Of course the system gave it to me! Since you vanished for three weeks, suddenly getting a guild feels amazing~ o(￣▽￣)d"

"You've gone too far! Give the leadership back now. I poured so much effort and gold into building it. I can't accept you taking it so easily."

"Girl, you're still too green. Want it back? No way~ But if you obey me nicely, I might consider it."

"...What conditions? If I can accept them, I'll think about it."

"Oh ho, surrendering already? If you'd pushed back, I might've returned it. But now? This is fun. Let me think carefully."

After a while, Yufei's message appeared:

"How about coming to my place tomorrow? If you satisfy me then, I'll transfer it back immediately."

Qinmu glared at the screen, cursing inwardly: "Damn it! Using guild authority to blackmail me into visiting her home—so shameless."

Doubt crept in: Should she go or not? Going might win back control. Not going meant no loss, but something felt missing. Without in-game authority and honor, playing would feel off.

After careful thought, Qinmu decided to visit the Han residence. She typed firmly: "What time tomorrow? Where's your place? I'll be there on time."

"This isn't a trap. I won't do anything to you. Don't worry. ^_^"

That smiley made Qinmu shudder. Those who say "don't worry" are often the most reckless. She regretted agreeing to go.

"64 Yunmu Avenue, East District, Jiangzhou City. I'll wait at 9 a.m. tomorrow. 23333"

Yufei felt delighted, her scheme succeeding. Her mood lifted.

"As for tomorrow, we'll see. For now, come grind monsters with me. I need a Sage Sword user. You should tank well, right? Don't die too fast." She sent another message.

"Hey, I'm not just a meat shield! My physical attacks are strong too." Qinmu complained, clicking to level up. She used a Spirit Stone to boost her character two levels.

"Hmm, not my problem, little Sage Sword user. Oh, your level's pretty high—106. That sword is ultra-rare too. Looks like you've spent a lot." Yufei eyed the silver-glowing Spirit Sage Sword on-screen. Its stats were terrifying—one of the best weapons she'd seen.

"Just a lucky draw. Check my V-level—it's only LV4. I've only spent a few hundred bucks. You're LV15+, must've dumped over 60k, right?"

"Ah, don't sweat the details. I've got the cash. Gaming should be fun, right?"

"Fine, whatever. Can we queue for the new map now?" Qinmu waited impatiently at her screen.

"Hold on. My brother called. Find a healer first—nothing weak. At least level 90, or we won't clear the map. I'll hold you responsible."

"Okay." Qinmu scanned the guild. 32 members were online. Only six were healers. Just one met the requirement: Crimson Flame Witch.

Qinmu messaged her privately: "Crimson Flame Witch, wanna push the new map? It just opened this week—high EXP."

After minutes, Crimson Flame Witch slowly replied: "You're the former guild leader, right? I remember you. Sure, I'll join. I've been bored without a party."

"Someone still remembers me! I'm so touched %>_<%. But wait a bit, okay? Another mage is coming online soon."

"Oh, no rush. I'll watch some anime. Message me when he's on~"

Suddenly, Stone City Yao's window shook: "Bro, you're finally here! I haven't seen you in ages."

Qinmu recognized him—her good buddy Qi Yao, a lazy veteran player.

"Bro, team up with me. I'm short on members. Your arrival is divine help. We're an unbeatable duo!"

"Sorry, I'm in the new leader's party. You can join if she allows it—she started the group."

"Oh, that shrew? Forget it. Teaming with her is worse than dying. I'll bail. Other guilds want me. As a top Archmage, I'm in demand everywhere."

Qi Yao vanished from the invite list, already fighting elsewhere. Qinmu waited patiently for Yufei to log back in. Time ticked by. She grew restless, planning to grab tea in the living room for a break.

Just then, the window shook again: "I'm here, cutie. Miss me much?"

Qinmu abandoned her break plan, diving back into the game. She also pulled the anime-absorbed healer back online.