I am the Arcane Archer, and all my skills are self-created.

In the following days, the whole world was immersed in a complex emotion interwoven with panic, confusion, and fervor.

"Origin Realm" is no longer just a game, but the only hope for human civilization to fight against alien invaders, and the ultimate testing ground for selecting and cultivating saviors.

With unprecedented speed and determination, the top leadership of China issued a series of directives.

"Effective immediately, all successfully awakened professionals will be recognized as a national 'Level One Strategic Resource'!"

"Establish the 'Awakened Ones Management Bureau' to coordinate awakened individuals nationwide and provide the highest level of support and protection!"

"All higher education institutions must offer majors related to 'Strategic Studies of the Origin Realm' to popularize basic knowledge among the general public!"

One directive after another was issued to the whole country through national media, announcing the arrival of a brand new era—an era that belonged entirely to the awakened.

The social status of the awakened has soared at an unprecedented rate.

They enjoy privileges that ordinary people cannot imagine: exclusive medical care, high financial subsidies, priority allocation of social resources, and even certain legal exemptions.

Overnight, they went from being "players" to "reserve soldiers".

Countless ordinary people are driven mad by it, desperately trying to become awakened beings.

Those who have successfully awakened enjoy being fawned over like stars around the moon, and their mindset has undergone a tremendous change.

Li Wu was currently at Hua Zitong's house, following the dramatic changes happening in the outside world online.

"Everything is just as you predicted." Li Wu looked at the impassioned official statements on the news, his feelings complicated.

Once upon a time, he entered the workforce simply to earn money for his mother's medical treatment and to allow his younger sister to continue her education. Now, however, he has been entrusted with the grand mission of "saving the world."

This change in role made him feel somewhat unreal.

"This is just the beginning." Hua Zitong's expression was calm, as if she were watching a movie whose ending she already knew.

"When survival becomes the only theme, strength becomes the only measure. In the future, the strong will have everything, and the weak will have nothing; this law will become even more cruel."

Li Wu wholeheartedly agreed. He recalled the snobbish face of Wang Hai, the director of the Academic Affairs Office, and Zhao Tianyu's arrogance and domineering attitude.

If this is the case in peacetime, then when an apocalyptic crisis arrives, the ugliness of human nature will only be magnified infinitely.

"Therefore, we need to hurry up." Li Wu's gaze returned to his computer screen.

He hasn't been idle these past few days. During the maintenance period, he frantically searched online for all information about "Origin Realm," especially the strategies and tips shared by high-level players.

While this information was insignificant to Hua Zitong, it represented a crucial step for Li Wu in building his own knowledge system. He disliked placing all his hopes on others, even if that person was Hua Zitong.

He wanted to use his own brain to analyze and understand the rules of this new world.

Hua Zitong didn't disturb him; she spent most of her time in her room, doing who knows what.

Li Wu guessed that she might also be making more far-reaching plans for her upcoming trip to Ironforge.

And so, amidst the ever-changing external situation and the fervent atmosphere of nationwide preparations for war, the two spent a few days in peace.

On the seventh day of game maintenance, an electronic invitation broke the tranquility.

"A Fellowship of All Awakened Individuals of Xinshi No.1 Middle School?"

Li Wu frowned slightly as she looked at the invitation that popped up on her phone.

The sender was the administration office of Xinshi No.1 Middle School. The invitation was extremely respectful and flattering, addressing him as "Dear Mr. Li Wu" and praising him as the pride of Xinshi No.1 Middle School and even the entire Xinshi City. It sincerely invited him to attend the Awakened People's Social Dinner to be held at the Triumph Hotel in the city the following evening.

"How ironic." Li Wu recalled Wang Hai's disdainful face not long ago and casually thought of deleting the email.

He had absolutely no interest in this sycophantic gathering, and even less desire to meet Zhao Tianyu, Li Qiuyue, and their group. He'd rather use that time to review his materials.

"Are you going?" he asked Hua Zitong casually in the living room.

"Go." Hua Zitong's answer was simple and straightforward.

"Hmm?" Li Wu was somewhat surprised. "You're interested in this kind of boring gathering?"

"It's not that I'm interested in the party." Hua Zitong stood up from the sofa, walked to his side, and her gaze fell on the invitation. "We have to go."

"Why?" Li Wu was even more puzzled. "I remember that although No. 1 High School has quite a few Awakened individuals every year, it seems like there aren't many high-level ones!"

Hua Zitong's eyes deepened, and she responded softly:

"There is someone I need to see there."

Looking at Hua Zitong's unquestionable expression, Li Wu's curiosity was completely piqued.

What exactly is this woman plotting? Who is she trying to meet?

"Okay." Li Wu suppressed his doubts and nodded. "Then let's go take a look."

……

The following night, the city lights came on.

The Triumph Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in New Shine City, was completely booked out tonight. A long red carpet was laid out in front of the hotel, and the two sides were crowded with media reporters carrying long lenses and microphones, as well as enthusiastic fans who had come after hearing the news.

The flashes of light were like they were free, illuminating the entire night sky as if it were daytime.

Since the truth about the "Starbreakers" was revealed, the status of the Awakened has soared at an unprecedented speed, transforming them from highly sought-after "stars" into "heroes" who carry the hopes of humanity.

This "Outstanding Awakened Ones Friendship Association" organized by Xinshi No. 1 Middle School has therefore become particularly eye-catching.

The hotel's banquet hall was even more magnificent and resplendent.

Melodious classical music flowed through the air as waiters carried trays filled with champagne and delicate pastries through the crowd.

Every awakened one present, regardless of rank or profession, stood tall with undisguised pride and superiority on their faces, basking in the envious and admiring gazes of those around them.

The arrival of Li Wu and Hua Zitong did not cause any disturbance.

Instead of walking the red carpet, they quietly entered the banquet hall through a side door.

Hua Zitong changed out of her usual chic outfit and put on a simple black evening dress that accentuated her tall and perfect figure. Her cool temperament was out of place with the bustling surroundings, yet she was like a magnet, attracting everyone's attention unintentionally.

Li Wu, on the other hand, was dressed in simple casual clothes, with slightly faded jeans and a clean T-shirt, which made him stand out somewhat in this occasion full of suits and formal wear.

"I really don't understand why you have to come to such a boring occasion." Li Wu picked up a glass of orange juice, took a small sip, and frowned slightly.

"I told you, I'm here to see someone." Hua Zitong's gaze swept through the crowd, as if searching for something. "Besides, this is also a good opportunity for you to face reality."

"Face reality?" Li Wu asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Yes." Hua Zitong picked up a glass of red wine and gently swirled it, the scarlet liquid rippling between her fair fingers.

"Look at these people. Most of them wouldn't even be worthy of carrying your shoes in 'The Realm of Origin.' But in reality, they can still be glamorous and admired."

Li Wu fell silent.

He understood what Hua Zitong meant.

Just then, a commotion broke out at the entrance of the banquet hall, and the flashes from the cameras were more than ten times brighter than before.

"Look! Zhao Tianyu is here!"

"Isn't that Li Qiuyue next to him? Wow, she's so beautiful, a perfect match!"

Surrounded by a group of followers, Zhao Tianyu and Li Qiuyue walked hand in hand into the banquet hall like a prince and princess.

Zhao Tianyu was dressed in a bespoke suit, his hair was slicked back and shiny, and he had a triumphant smile on his face, enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention.

Li Qiuyue, dressed in a pure white princess dress and with exquisite makeup, wore a reserved yet proud smile and affectionately linked arms with Zhao Tianyu.

She has changed.

Li Wu looked at that once-familiar figure, his heart calm and undisturbed.

The Li Qiuyue of the past was a pure and beautiful girl next door, her natural beauty shining through even without makeup. Now, she is surrounded by designer brands and jewelry, still beautiful, but with a hint of unfamiliarity and worldliness that Li Wu cannot understand.

Seemingly sensing his gaze, Li Qiuyue glanced casually at the corner.

When she saw Li Wu's shabby attire, a barely perceptible hint of contempt flashed in her eyes. She then turned her head away even faster, pressing her body closer to Zhao Tianyu, as if to prove something with her actions.

Zhao Tianyu naturally saw Li Wu as well, and the smile on his lips instantly turned playful.

He put his arm around Li Qiuyue's waist and, amidst the praise of the crowd, walked straight toward the corner where Li Wu was.