Chapter 3: The Final Break

Qin stood in the dimly lit living room, watching Liu Mei hum a tune while arranging her schoolbooks. She looked so innocent, so untouched by the horrors to come.

But he couldn't forget. The image of her betrayal burned into his soul.

"Mei," he called, his voice sharp.

She turned, surprised. "Brother? What's wrong?"

"Why do you always rely on me? Why can't you stand on your own?" His words were harsh, but his heart pounded.

Confused, she stepped forward. "I—I don't understand. Why are you saying this?"

Memories of her blade in his back fueled his anger. "I can't do this anymore. You're a burden. I won't protect you. Not this time."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "Why? I—I didn't do anything!"

His hand moved before he could stop it. A sharp slap echoed through the room.

Liu Mei staggered back, clutching her cheek, eyes wide with horror. "You're... not my brother anymore," she whispered before running out, tears streaming down.

Qin's chest ached, but he forced himself to stay cold. "This is for the best. Attachments only lead to weakness."

Outside, the sky darkened, signaling the imminent descent of chaos.

He sat back down, the echoes of her sobs still ringing in his ears. His resolve wavered for a split second, but he crushed it. He had made his choice.

A system message blinked in front of his eyes, shimmering in the dim room:

[The World of Chaos will begin in 5 minutes.]

Qin inhaled deeply. "It's time."

He lay back, allowing the pull of the game to drag him into its depths once more, leaving behind the broken pieces of his past life—and his heart.