When bizarre instances governed by rules swept across Blue Star, countless people were dragged inside to fight desperately for survival.
Zhang Li transmigrated into this world and, the moment he opened his eyes, a monster with eyeballs squeezed out of a peephole grabbed him by the throat.
As he teetered on the brink of death, a cheerful electronic voice suddenly rang in his mind:
“Recommended with love by the Light God Emperor! Host’s death is imminent. Automatically deducting three months of your lifespan. Congratulations, you’ve received a trial card for [Strong the Logger: Stamina Pill Edition]! This purchase is non-refundable, dear customer~”
Zhang Li: ??? What the heck is Strong the Logger?!
But in the next instant, the world slowed down and his muscle memory awakened. He dodged sideways, struck a weak point with his elbow, then smashed the monster’s eye with his knee. His combo flowed seamlessly, beating the creature into oblivion.
Afterward, staring at the countdown ticking across his retina, he exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, “Brother Strong, you’re incredible!”
From then on, while everyone else trembled in fear as they searched for a way out of the bizarre instances, he gambled with his life to draw cards in moments of peril:
He drew [Second the Bear: Peak Form] and charged into a forbidden zone, withstanding attacks from vengeful spirits;
He drew [Plastic Screaming Kun] and squeezed it to let out a shriek that brought out the hidden boss;
He drew [King Jijie: Command Aura] and made low-level monsters line up to take hits for him...
But every card draw cost him more of his lifespan.
Until one day, while trying to clear an S-rank instance, he drew a permanent character card from the intermediate pool. His black hair instantly turned gray-white, and wrinkles spread across the corners of his eyes.
The System was still cheerful: “Congratulations, Host! Your exchange was successful! This purchase cost three years of your lifespan. We hope you enjoy it~”
Rubbing his aged face, he smiled. “So this is how expensive it is to stay alive.”
[Bizarre Instances + Sales-Pitch System + Lifespan Gamble + Death-Seeking Protagonist]
