Chapter 3: Jiangnan City
"When the RR Virus emerged, it spread globally in days. Every living thing—humans, birds, beasts—anything that breathed was infected. By the time we realized how deadly it was, it was too late."
Luo Feng's voice was low. "The mortality rate neared 30%. In three months, over 2 billion humans died, plus countless animals. Scientists were helpless. The only survivors were the 5 billion who developed natural antibodies."
"After those nightmare months, the world grieved. But then we noticed something: our bodies had changed. Strength, speed, stamina—everything doubled. Even ordinary people could shatter old weightlifting and sprint records. But the real disaster was just starting."
"Animals had evolved too. Unlike humans, they'd survived through natural selection for eons. The RR Virus amplified their strengths far beyond ours. Some even gained intelligence. In September 2015, it started with ocean creatures attacking coastal cities. Then land and air monsters followed. It was pure carnage."
"Human weapons were useless against higher-tier beasts. Bullets bounced off their scales; missiles were dodged by creatures faster than lightning. Even nukes failed—they killed some monsters, but radiation mutated others into abominations. The 'Blood Demon Sky Wolf' emerged from a irradiated zone, slaughtering millions before flying away. It took 'Thunder God,' the world's #2 warrior, to drive it off."
"Amid the chaos, humans like Thunder God became beacons. Meanwhile, scientist Kro Desena invented Kro-Alloy—stronger than diamond—using monster scales and 'Blue Gold' from the moon. Finally, we had weapons to fight back."
Luo Feng's eyes grew distant. "Cities fell. China built six major bases, relocating millions. India and China produced the most warrior elites; the U.S., EU, and Russia led in tech. Island nations were wiped out. The ocean remains a monster stronghold to this day."
"The war lasted five and a half years, from 2015 to 2021. When humanity developed ultra-high-frequency laser cannons that killed S-rank and even SS-rank beasts, the monsters retreated. By then, 1 billion humans were dead. Only five nations retained their sovereignty; others merged into base cities."
He gestured to the wall clock, now striking five. "That era—the Great Nirvana Period—shaped everything. Hard to believe there were 200+ countries before 2013. Now? Five superpowers and 23 base cities."
Hua nodded. "It's wild. Now everyone trains at martial halls. We're stronger than ever, but the monsters keep evolving too."
※※※※※※
The door creaked open. Luo Hongguo, sweat-stained and covered in paint, shuffled in, followed by Gong Xinlan, clutching a basket of vegetables.
"Mom! Dad!" Luo Feng stood.
"Study, son. Don't mind us." Hongguo smiled, spotting the plastic cup of cold water on the table. He gulped it down in one go, sighing in relief.
"Go shower, you stink!" Xinlan chided, though her eyes softened.
As Hongguo vanished into the tiny bathroom, Xinlan turned to her sons. "I'm making braised pork tonight!"
"YES!" Hua cheered, wheeling closer to the table.
Luo Feng watched his mother tie an apron, noting how she always bought evening groceries—cheaper but less fresh. Soon, he vowed, they won't have to scrimp like this.
"Xiao Feng," Hongguo said, emerging in clean clothes. "Let's talk about your plans after graduation."
Xinlan paused, stirring the pot more slowly.
"I aim to get into Jiangnan First Military Academy," Luo Feng said firmly. "With my Advanced Martial rank and grades, it's doable. They'll train me as an officer, and you'll get a military family apartment."
"What if you miss it?" Hongguo asked gently.
"Jiangnan has two top military schools. Even if I flunk the first, the second accepts anyone above the college entrance threshold. With my martial rank, I'll still get officer training."
Hongguo nodded, though worry lingered in his eyes. "Just don't push yourself too hard, son. Your mom and I just want you happy."
Luo Feng grinned, but inwardly he thought, I'll push until we're all free from this grind.
"Dinner's ready! Grab bowls!" Xinlan called.
As the family crowded around the tiny table—Hongguo serving rice, Hua chatting excitedly about the pork—Luo Feng took a moment to memorize the scene: the steam curling from the pots, his parents' weary smiles, his brother's animated gestures. This won't last much longer, he promised silently. Better days are coming.
Notes for Context:
S/SS-Rank Beasts: The highest tiers of monsters, capable of shrugging off conventional weapons and displaying near-human intelligence.
Jiangnan First Military Academy: One of China's elite institutions for training warrior-officers, combining martial arts and strategic education.
Kro-Alloy Weapons: The standard armament for advanced warriors, capable of piercing even the toughest monster hides.