The bikini was black, with a cartoon watermelon pattern on the panties—making Xia Xinyan’s fair skin glow even more. Held up by just a few delicate straps, it looked ready to slip off any second. To Ling Mo, the visual impact felt like a critical hit.

Even if he’d seen plenty online, having a real girl stand before him like this was incomparable. His brain froze for a moment.

“Cat got your tongue?” Xia Xinyan smirked mischievously, stepping close and waving a hand before his eyes.

Startled, Ling Mo instinctively stepped back. “Y-you… why are you wearing this…?”

“It’s in-game attire,” she said, pulling back slightly. “You get 100 game points on login. Design outfits in the wardrobe interface and spend points to unlock them.”

“Ah… I see…” Ling Mo still looked dazed.

Seizing the moment, Xia Xinyan gave him a heads-up: “I got some confidential game info through family connections. Ask me anything.”

With his gaze practically glued to her chest, he wouldn’t question it now. This excuse would hold. Even if he found out later, she’d make their bond unshakable first—then truth or lies wouldn’t matter.

Still… so shamelessly direct. Not even blinking.

*Tsk.*

No backbone.

She cleared her throat lightly. “Dive into a dungeon now? Or hang here to get used to things?”

Her voice snapped him back. He averted his eyes, flustered. “Let’s go play. No need to adjust—it feels exactly like reality…”

If he hadn’t known better, he’d swear it *was* reality. Zero game-like traces. Character models flawless, no clipping. The terrifying precision made him doubt this game belonged to this era.

“No need to ‘get familiar,’” he muttered.

“Then let’s go,” Xia Xinyan nodded. A white light enveloped her. When it faded, the bikini was gone—replaced by modest casual wear.

Ling Mo let out a quiet sigh of relief.

*Realm of Divine Descent* wasn’t a typical online game. Its core loop resembled cyclical dungeon runs, split into three zones: the Dark Zone, Safe Zone, and Battle Zone.

The Dark Zone—the final stage, where Xia Xinyan had fallen in her past life—remained locked until players collectively reached sufficient strength.

Safe Zone dungeons were beginner-friendly: low difficulty, 10% pain sensation, temporary power boosts. Rewards were minimal game points; failure carried no penalty.

The Battle Zone was crucial. High difficulty. Real-world physical stats carried over. Pain sensation: 70%. Death meant a three-day ban. But rewards were massive—game points and loot you could keep. Most importantly: only after clearing your first Battle Zone dungeon would your supernatural abilities awaken.

In her previous life, many players never cleared one before the Dark Zone opened. When monsters invaded, they fell helpless.

Why? Difficulty was one thing. Fear was another. The 70% pain setting wasn’t for fun—it trained players for real battles. But few dared face death twice.

Still, many grinded the Battle Zone. Game points converted to real cash. With skill, you could become a millionaire.

No one knew where the money came from.

Few cared.

Ling Mo hesitated. “Try the Safe Zone first? The Battle Zone penalty seems… intense. Better to adjust first.”

“No. Straight to Battle Zone,” Xia Xinyan said firmly. “High difficulty = real challenge. Low difficulty is boring. Don’t you agree?”

She’d wasted time in the Safe Zone out of fear. Only later realized it brought no growth. Pain was scary—but cowardice was worse. With her experience, she’d keep him safe.

He *had* always preferred max difficulty elsewhere. But those deaths cost nothing.

Here… he’d *feel* it.

Was this wise?

“Ling Mo… you’re not… scared, are you?” She leaned close, voice tinged with disappointment.

“Of course not!” All hesitation vanished. “Battle Zone! Let’s go! I’ll protect you—no matter what!”

*A man can’t admit fear!*

Worst case? Die once.

It’s not *real* death!

Watching him amped up, Xia Xinyan’s eyes narrowed mischievously.

*Hmph. So easy.*

After forming a party, they queued for a Battle Zone dungeon.

Matching was instant. White light swallowed them—

—and spat them into a pure white space.

Seven or eight others stood there: stunning men and women, like a beauty pageant.

…Except one guy over two meters tall, muscles screaming *one punch = death*.

Ling Mo’s expression tightened. “Does appearance affect stats?”

“No. Battle Zone reflects your real body. Customize into a tank? Still only as strong as you are IRL,” Xia Xinyan whispered, shooting the man a *are-you-kidding-me* glance. “That look just hinders him.”

Ling Mo relaxed slightly. “Good…”

“Don’t worry,” she murmured, leaning close to his ear with a soft chuckle. “Players can’t harm each other inside. Break that rule? Severe punishment. Just focus on yourself.”

“A-ah… right…” Ling Mo stammered again.

He had zero defense against close contact with girls.

Especially when she called herself his girlfriend.