Chapter three : The Worker and the Dream of Homeownership
The setting sun bathed the school gates in a warm orange glow. Liu Wei held two bottles of saline soda, handing one over casually. "Here... What are you daydreaming about?"
"Oh, thanks," Fang Xing mumbled, taking a sip from the bottle. The specially crafted soda sparkled under the light, radiating a prismatic shine. Each taste was a medley of different flavors, and the bubbles exploded on his tongue with a crisp, refreshing sensation. Despite the subtle salty aftertaste, it had an addictive quality, urging him to gulp down more and more. "Ah, so good…"
They continued walking home, both sipping their drinks.
Their rented apartment wasn't far from the school, situated near a small river that meandered gracefully through the neighborhood. The water was so clear you could see the bottom, and the white embankments gleamed under the fading daylight.
"I have to get into college," Liu Wei said abruptly, throwing his empty soda bottle into the river, watching as it created a small splash.
"Huh?" Fang Xing was jolted from his thoughts, where he had been half-planning his budget and half-wondering about the newly emerging phenomenon known as the "Gate of Worlds." He glanced over at Liu Wei.
"I need to get into college and transfer to another department. Mech Combat, ideally. Martial arts... it's a dead-end," Liu Wei said, his tone serious.
In this era, being a "martial artist" was merely a prelude to something more. In the conventions of the Blue Star Federation, one wasn't truly considered a professional martial artist until they reached the Fourth Realm — the Fearless Heart stage. Only then could one claim the title of *Martial Adept*. Beyond that, there were paths to even greater heights, like becoming a *Mecha Martial Adept*.
Even in ancient times, warriors in armor vastly outclassed those without. Now, with mech suits, the difference was astronomical. Even a basic military-grade exoskeleton could grant an ordinary person the combat capabilities of a Fourth Realm Martial Adept. Fang Xing had read enough to know that much.
*If only resources weren't so scarce, everyone could be out piloting mechs together…* He sighed internally.
The Blue Star Federation's emphasis on martial arts and the creation of bio-soldiers was all rooted in the same problem: a lack of soldiers and mech pilots on the frontlines, and more importantly, a lack of resources. There had been talks within the upper echelons of opening up genetic modification to enhance bio-soldiers, cutting their maturation time from ten months to just three, or even shorter. But this had met with considerable resistance, with many arguing that it would strip humanity of its potential.
*In times of desperation, these things always resurface. Once the Federation suffers a significant defeat and resources become even scarcer... who knows?* Fang Xing thought to himself. *After all, bio-soldiers are expendable. You can't expect much from cannon fodder...*
The Federation's elite soldiers, the Martial Saints and Gods of War, weren't invincible either. The top ranks of other professions, like Mecha Pilots, Psykers, and Swordmasters, often exceeded their power in terms of sheer destruction.
"Keep at it, man," Fang Xing finally said, after a long pause, his mind spinning through countless thoughts. He could only offer those few words of encouragement.
After parting ways with Liu Wei, Fang Xing returned to his apartment.
*Home*, he mused. In reality, it was just a standard dormitory. The moment he walked in, the modest living room came into view, alongside a small kitchen and bedroom. At least the space wasn't cramped.
"The housing prices at the Happiness Garden Complex are around 10,000 star credits per square meter," Fang Xing muttered, glancing around. "Even renting costs an arm and a leg. If it weren't for the Federation's student loans, I couldn't afford this place at all…"
Taking out his phone, he opened an app to check his finances.
**[Balance: 14,231.9 Star Credits]**
*Just enough to buy a little over one square meter... and that's after all the part-time work I've been putting in.* Fang Xing thought, feeling a bit bitter.
The original owner of this body had dreamed of homeownership, not just on this backwater planet, Eagle's Nest, but on Blue Star itself — the origin of the Federation.
"The property prices on Blue Star, the immigration costs, plus the spaceship ticket… I couldn't even afford a tiny fraction of it."
Fang Xing chuckled at the thought. "It's a dream fit only for those high-ranking professionals, I guess."
*In the meantime, I'll enjoy myself. After all, it's not like I have to worry about mortgages or loans in this lifetime.* Fang Xing smiled wryly.
He pulled up his phone again and opened a food delivery app. Soon, the whirring sound of a rotor echoed from his balcony. A drone had arrived, carrying a steaming hot food package.
"Please confirm your order! And don't forget to leave a five-star review!" chirped a sweet, automated voice, before the drone zipped away into the sky.
Fang Xing grinned. "Ah, the simple pleasures… even the delivery service here is old-fashioned."
Opening the package, a tantalizing aroma filled the room. Inside was a container of rice, each grain as red and plump as tiny rubies.
"Bloodfang rice… boosts vitality, huh?" he murmured, as he eyed the glistening meat resting on the side. "And Sarlon beast steak… look at those juices."
He took a bite, the flavor exploding in his mouth. The meat was tender, each piece melting away effortlessly, releasing wave after wave of savory goodness. Combined with the rice, it was pure heaven.
"Worth every bit of the hundred star credits. Totally worth it. Time for some dessert… maybe a nice milk tea," Fang Xing grinned, slumping back into his chair. "Why stress about buying a house when life can be this sweet?"
Thoughts of military conscription and joining the army in three years? Completely forgotten.
Once he had finished eating, Fang Xing tossed the empty container into the trash and pulled out a sleek, futuristic set of VR glasses from his drawer.
As soon as he put them on, the virtual world materialized before his eyes.
"Wait… there's no age restriction on the games in this world? That's... amazing!" His grin widened as he delved into the immersive world of VR.
---
The next morning, sunlight streamed into Fang Xing's modest bedroom.
Sweat dripped down his face as he stood in a deep stance, breathing heavily. Despite his indulgence the previous day, Fang Xing had disciplined himself to stop gaming by midnight. He woke early, washed up, and began his training.
After thirty minutes of intense practice, he paused to catch his breath and focused on his mental interface.
**[Name: Fang Xing]**
**[Age: 16]**
**[Profession: Martial Artist]**
**[First Realm: Skin and Flesh (Refinement: 21/100)]**
**[Military Boxing Routine: 56/100 (Basic)]**
**[Dragon Stance: 67/100 (Basic)]**
**[Gate of Worlds: 2/100 (Locating...)]**
"No major changes to the Dragon Stance or boxing routine… it seems a single day's effort isn't enough to trigger any breakthroughs." He sighed. "But... the Gate of Worlds?"
Focusing on the strange symbol in his mind, a flood of unfamiliar information entered his thoughts.
"Only a 1% increase per day? So in 98 more days, I'll finally open the Gate... and travel to another world?"
His heart raced.
*Another world!*
This could be a new chance — perhaps even a way back to his original Earth.
Though… even if he returned, he'd still be stuck in the grind of daily life, unable to afford a decent home in the capital city.
*Honestly… with a cheat like this, maybe I should just embrace a new life.* Fang Xing smiled slyly. "Most importantly, I have a way out now."
If in three years, he failed his exams and was forced into military service, he could always escape to another world and avoid the war.
"Of course, if I'm going to venture into another world, I'll need to be prepared."
His expression grew serious as he opened the online store, browsing through survival gear.
He made a list: air quality sensors, toxin testing strips, drones, protective gear, weapons…
*After all, other worlds might be dangerous. I need to be ready for anything.*
Thankfully, he still had time.
"Protective gear is top-notch here. The Federation has great stuff, like that basic nano-suit, which can create a full-body shield. Even a low-level Martial Artist wouldn't be able to break through it..."
As Fang Xing continued shopping, his mind drifted to thoughts of adventure — and the opportunities that awaited him in the unknown worlds ahead.