It had been a while since Hank and Luo Er left. With those two troublemakers gone, Mu Yi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The sunlight had dimmed considerably from its midday blaze, losing its scorching edge and gaining a gentle warmth.

Basking in the cozy glow spilling over his body, Mu Yi lay sprawled on the bed, utterly relaxed. Compared to the rigid wooden planks of the carriage, this plush mattress felt like heaven.

Living in this new world seemed far simpler than he’d anticipated. Yet complacency wasn’t an option. One thorny problem still loomed over him.

*Sigh… No money…*

Mu Yi idly tossed the few remaining silver coins in his palm—up, down, catch. Eight coins. That was his entire worldly wealth now. (Two had vanished for the inn room; one gold coin equaled ten silver.)

To commoners here, eight silver coins might be a small fortune. But for Mu Yi—a veteran gamer accustomed to lavish spending—being broke felt like having pebbles flicked at his privates. Agonizing.

*If only this world’s gold coins worked like Zhen’er’s game currency…*

He pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath. The thought of his in-game vault holding billions of unused coins made his chest ache. What could be more torturous than being rich but unable to spend a single coin?

*Enough complaining. Time to earn real money.*

Frustrated, he ruffled his hair and sat up, gazing out at the bustling street below.

The Yersas Empire—one of the three great human empires—was famed for its rare minerals and natural crystals, perfect for forging weapons and gear for warriors and mages. Unlike the other two nations, notorious for monsters and ancient ruins, Yersas was a peaceful haven, untouched by war.

But for an outsider like Mu Yi, utterly clueless about this world, making quick money here wouldn’t be easy.

*No wonder every transmigrator in novels becomes an adventurer first. Turns out it’s the only job they can actually do…*

He finally understood. They lacked local knowledge, legal savvy, and trade expertise.

*An adventurer, huh… So I’m switching from PvP to PvE?*

Mu Yi propped his chin with a heavy sigh. He preferred battling skilled players or powerful humans. But survival came first. He’d register as an adventurer soon.

"Mu Yi," a voice cut through his thoughts. "What exactly are you and Miss Eva? Why did you come to the Imperial Capital?"

He turned. Olienna sat on the other bed, her eyes fixed on him. His eye twitched slightly. *Why is she still here? I thought she left with Hank.*

"Why are you still here? Aren’t you looking for your relatives?" Mu Yi asked, half-amused. This sixteen-year-old girl was sticking to him like glue. All because he’d accidentally glimpsed her underwear earlier?

"I’ll just wait here," Olienna said, holding Aiva’s small hand. "We’re having dinner together tonight anyway. Or… do you not want me around? Afraid I’ll ruin your alone time with Miss Eva?" Her gaze was sharp, protective.

Aiva’s palm felt soft and familiar in hers, though Olienna couldn’t place why.

"Miss Olienna," Aiva said gently, patting the girl’s head with a warm smile. "Master and I share only a master-servant bond. Nothing more." *Though… if it could be more…* A flicker of longing stirred in her chest.

"Master-servant… Mu Yi…" Olienna’s expression darkened. Her eyes darted between them, finally settling on Aiva’s innocent, beautiful face. *Monster. He’s a complete monster. How could he subject such a lovely girl to… those shameful games?*

"Hey now," Mu Yi snapped, flipping her off. "Don’t project your dirty thoughts onto others. I’m Aiva’s master—purely literal. Nothing else." He’d never harbor *those* feelings for his loyal electronic sprite. *She’s devoted to you as her master, and you’re lusting after her? What kind of human are you?*

His gaze drifted unconsciously to Aiva. Ivory thigh-high stockings hugged her legs, hinting at warm flesh beneath. Her tailored waist-cinching dress traced delicate curves, and the soft swell of her chest glowed warmly in the sunset, utterly tempting.

"Master? Is something wrong?"

Aiva tilted her head, sensing his stare. Her long hair was tied high, exposing a slender, porcelain neck. Delicate features framed sapphire eyes filled with gentle concern. She rose and stepped closer, worry softening her voice.

"……"

Mu Yi stared at her earnest face. If he leaned forward just slightly, their noses would touch. Her dewy lips shimmered in the fading light, her breath warm against his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

Damn it. Why hadn’t he noticed how breathtaking Aiva was back in the game?

"Aiva," he murmured, closing his eyes in surrender, hands raised. "I don’t want to be human anymore."

*With a devoted, adorable sprite like her by your side… how could anyone stay unmoved? What kind of human would you even be?*