The retired magical boy sent a picture of a pale pink magic wand (specifically for electric vehicles), with the product description reading: "Dark as night, make you look bright!"
Qi Xu immediately sent over two units of gasoline in return. "If you want to trade, just hit accept."
This item was actually quite practical—not only did it have beautifying effects, but it also had hidden perks. Even if the vehicle was upgraded, it would still be useful.
The magical boy agreed right away. Why even hesitate? It was for electric vehicles, which he couldn’t use anyway, and... survival was the priority now. What was the point of looking pretty? Without gasoline, it was game over.
After obtaining the magic wand, Qi Xu read the incantation and inexplicably blushed.
Making sure no one was around, he cleared his throat, drew a circle in the air, and shouted, "La-la-ha-wu-wu, ga-ba-ga-ba, transform!"
Qi Xu’s blue electric tricycle instantly turned... into a mix of pink and rose-red, with lace trim along the edges.
The handlebars were studded with glittering rhinestones, and both the grips and seat had turned fluffy.
Qi Xu’s lips twitched repeatedly. Sure, it was... pretty, but wasn’t it a bit too flashy?
"Congratulations! You’ve discovered the vehicle’s hidden feature. Not only has your little ride become cuter, but chanting the spell will also trigger an automatic cleaning function. You’re one lucky fellow!"
The automatic cleaning feature was exactly what Qi Xu had wanted.
As he got back on his tricycle and rode off, he couldn’t help but feel like he’d turned a bit pink himself.
The fluffy handlebars and seat adjusted to the most comfortable temperature for his body—totally worth the two units of gasoline.
It was only because the game had just started and players hadn’t fully grasped the rules yet that such a good item had been sold for so cheap.
Adding that retired magical boy as a friend had definitely been the right move.
The flat highway allowed the electric tricycle to hit speeds of 50 km/h, so progress wasn’t slow at all.
Qi Xu returned to the [Chat Hall] to see if he could bump into another player as amusing as the retired magical boy.
Player0803: "Ziwei, are you there? It’s me, Dongdong20020803! Ziwei, Ziwei! My Ziwei, where are you?"
Wild Giant: "Shouldn’t you be Erkang, dude?"
Player1206: "Anyone got food? I was on a diet, intermittent fasting and all, then suddenly got dragged into this. I’m starving!"
Tadpole Looking for Mom: "I’m so thirsty. Any kind soul willing to spare some water?"
Player1030: "Internet beggars are everywhere, huh?"
Blessed by Luck: "I’m just here to say I’m doing great—but I don’t wanna brag too obviously. Anyway, just know I’m thriving. Instant noodles are tasty, but man, they’re unhealthy~"
Universe’s Hottest Guy: "Ugh, this guy’s just here to mess with people. Get lost!"
Player0803: "Ziwei, Ziwei! My Ziwei, where are you?"
Amidst the chat logs, Qi Xu suddenly spotted someone important.
"Wolf Warrior 009: Avoid the black zones on either side of the road—they’re instant death. Also, be careful when opening crates. Monsters might jump out, so always be ready to attack."
This Wolf Warrior 009, judging by the name alone, was likely an official player. In the last iteration of the game, they’d been the top-ranked player in Zone 88, Subzone 666. A decent person—they’d traded and teamed up for dungeons a few times before.
Though Qi Xu wasn’t planning to go full lone wolf, he also had no intention of joining the official faction. Those guys were too... righteous. Qi Xu considered himself a selfish person. He admired them but couldn’t align with their ideals.
By noon, Qi Xu had already completed the day’s 50 km driving task. With five spare batteries and his current charge still at 74%, he decided to keep going.
After the 7-day beginner protection period ended, the first ranking would be announced, determined by distance traveled and resource scores combined.
The top 10 rewards were rumored to be insane.
Qi Xu had never gotten them himself, but he’d seen others in the Chat Hall talk about the amazing loot up for grabs.
He’d only found one wooden crate all morning, so his resource score probably... wasn’t great. His only option was to push forward—beginner protection meant fewer crates, after all.
In the afternoon, he opened two more crates and scored a bottle of mineral water, a whole wheat bread loaf, and 10 nails.
Qi Xu didn’t even stop for dinner, just gnawed on the bread and washed it down with water while driving.
He kept going until 9 PM before finally parking to rest, just as the tricycle’s battery died. After swapping it out, he stored the old one in his backpack.
If he ever got his hands on a universal charger, these batteries could be reused.
Checking his system panel, Qi Xu saw he’d covered 162 km today. Not as fast as cars or electric vehicles, but not everyone had those options.
Some players started with shopping carts, strollers, or even bicycles. Compared to them, Qi Xu counted himself lucky.
Standing up, he stretched hard, working out the stiffness in his limbs. His butt was practically numb.
His health had dropped by 5 points, now at 64, while fatigue had hit 76—a pretty dangerous state.
After dark, the roadsides echoed with the growls and shrieks of monsters. Some even crawled onto the highway, lurking around vehicles to lure players out.
It was creepy, sure, but Qi Xu was used to it...
In fact, their cries sounded kinda weak now. Last time he played, he’d been terrified, hiding in his vehicle the whole time.
Now? Didn’t bother him. His physical stats were still low, and while items could help, personal training mattered just as much.
So Qi Xu decided to get moving—starting with some aerobics to warm up, then working on upper body and leg strength.
As long as he stayed within 8 meters of his vehicle, he was safe.
Mid-routine, he suddenly felt eyes on him. Turning, he saw a black-faced, fanged wolf-dog, tail raised high.
Their eyes met. The beast snarled viciously, drool dripping, reeking of rot. Qi Xu didn’t miss a beat in his jumping. "Hey, buddy! Wanna join? Follow my rhythm!"
The wolf-dog froze, then bared its fangs again, stinking saliva splattering.
Qi Xu wasn’t scared, just grossed out.
"Scram! If you’re not here to exercise, get lost."
.........
