“No streaming platform in the real world can compare to live broadcasts in the virtual realm,” Sophia Reed declared coldly. “All those platforms are finished. Even the Tiger Shark Group is about to collapse.”

  Though she never spoke of it openly, her hatred for Charles Harper ran deep.

  Charles Harper had first tried to lure her with promises, then resorted to threats. How many could withstand the pressure from the Harper family’s empire? Sophia Reed had woken from nightmares countless times.

  The Harpers had even pressured her parents through her uncle. This infuriated her most. She adored her parents and refused to drag them into this mess or let them worry.

  But rage alone couldn’t topple a corporate giant like the Tiger Shark Group. All Sophia Reed could do was abandon her hard-earned streaming account—with millions of followers—and block them on every new platform. Without concrete evidence, retaliation was impossible.

  “The Tiger Shark Group’s downfall is inevitable,” Ethan Gray agreed.

  The weight of Charles Harper’s threats still lingered.

  Any man would seethe at the thought of his girlfriend being coerced. But without proof, Ethan was powerless. He’d been forced to flee Harbor City, his pride bruised, his career in ruins. Online, he was blacklisted.

  Once, he’d resigned himself to running a small martial arts studio in his hometown—unless he could reclaim glory as the world’s top fighter.

  But now…

  The times had changed.

  Humanity has entered the age of the virtual world.

  “Charles Harper’s reign is over,” Sophia Reed said, her smile softening as she turned to Ethan. “But your future, Ethan… it’s limitless now. A thousand times brighter than before.”

  “Oh?” Ethan raised an eyebrow.

  “Think about it,” she continued. “In 2036, humans first landed on Mars. Years later, they discovered the Neural Helmet there. By 2052, the World Combat Championship was born. Governments and media poured resources into it, turning it into the planet’s premier event. Legendary fighters earned millions per match.”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Ethan nodded. The championship’s sudden rise had puzzled many, given its brutal risks.

  “And now, this virtual world game—Life Evolution—focuses entirely on blade combat,” Sophia Reed said. “Nearly everyone on Blue Star will train in it. Looking back, it all makes sense.”

  “For thirty years, governments have been preparing for this game. Forgotten martial arts—Baji Quan, Taichi, Xingyi—were revived through the championship. They became the seeds,” she explained. “And in Life Evolution, those seeds will ignite. Billions will master combat faster than ever.”

  Ethan understood. History’s patterns were clear now.

  “The Blue Star Alliance wasn’t formed until 2056,” Sophia Reed mused, “yet the first championship launched in 2052. Combat must be far more critical than we realized. This game… it’s not just entertainment. Governments wouldn’t invest so much otherwise.”

  Ethan grinned, impressed. “You’ve got a sharp mind, Sophia.”

  She shrugged. “Just guesses. But with the whole world playing, mastery of combat will be invaluable. If you reach the global top ten in this game, you’ll outshine every past champion.”

  “And it’ll be harder,” Ethan countered. “The championship had 32 fighters per year. Thirty years, 20,000 pros. Now? Seven billion competitors. Everyone trains with the Genetic Ascension Protocols, fighting dozens of battles daily. Reaching the top? It’s a thousand times tougher.”

  “Still confident?” Sophia Reed asked, recalling the first time she’d seen him—a focused warrior in a gym, his spear dancing like lightning.

  “Absolutely.” Ethan’s eyes burned with determination. “I have a head start. And in this world… the more rivals, the greater the thrill. Don’t you feel it? The fire of combat?”

  Sophia Reed watched a bloodied victor laugh on the snowy battlefield below. Maybe this passion is why he never gave up, she thought. Even after three years of exile. In this new era, he’ll shine brighter than ever. My choice was right—he’s the best.

  “What’s so funny?” Ethan asked, noticing her smile.

  “Just imagining you as world champion,” she teased. “And me as the champion’s wife.”

  Ethan chuckled. “Then I’d better start training. Topping seven billion? No small task.”

  Four a.m., Seven Hours After Life Evolution’s Launch

  Tiger Shark Group’s skyscraper loomed over Riverport City.

  Inside the elevator, Charles Harper and his brother, Lucas Harper, rode in tense silence.

  “Why did Dad summon us?” Charles muttered, uneasy. He’d been yanked straight from the game.

  “Open your eyes, little brother,” Lucas said flatly. “After the global发布会, our stock plunged. Even with the trading halt… you’ve seen Life Evolution. Real-world platforms are dead. We can’t fight this tide.”

  The elevator dinged.

  On the 153rd floor, their father, Gregory Harper, sat hunched over reports, his hair stark white.

  “Dad,” both brothers greeted.

  Gregory looked up, weary. “The family trust… it’ll be bankrupt within days.”