Qi Xu was covered in bruises from head to toe, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth—his condition was far from ideal.
After the battle ended, he plopped down onto the ground, but two stats—one decreasing, the other rising—showed no signs of stopping.
In a hurry, Qi Xu pulled out a Universal Injury Treatment Card and clicked to use it, then grabbed a sandwich and wolfed it down.
Just in time—his Health stat hit 1, while his Fatigue stat skyrocketed to 99.
The tension couldn’t have been higher.
[Congratulations, Player Qi Xu, for obtaining the new title: 〖Undying Warlord〗! When Fatigue is above 80 and Health below 20, a special state will trigger: All three core attributes instantly increase by 20 points! Additionally, both stats will be locked for half an hour.]
Qi Xu barely had the mental capacity to think, his eyes glued to the player stats panel. Only when the numbers finally stabilized did he let out a sharp exhale.
Sure, he’d earned a title, but it was way too close for comfort.
The dough monster’s attacks weren’t strong enough to trigger the arena’s lethal protection mechanism, but the steady Health drain and Fatigue buildup flew under the arena’s radar—almost costing him his life.
At least it wasn’t a total loss. He’d gotten a new title. Last round, he’d also hit Fatigue 99 and Health 1, but no title had triggered back then.
Curious, he asked Qiuqiu, “Adorable Qiuqiu, what’s the trigger condition for 〖Undying Warlord〗?”
Qiuqiu: “......”
By the rules, she wasn’t supposed to tell players. But… she pays my salary, and she called me adorable Qiuqiu…
After a brief internal struggle, Qiuqiu caved. “The first player in each region to meet the conditions—Fatigue 99, Health 1, surviving and winning the ongoing battle—gets this title.”
Qi Xu nodded. That was tough.
Last round, he’d hit the stat requirements but lost the fight, escaping with a Teleportation Card…
He took a closer look at the title’s details.
Half an hour of boosted stats… Damn, he should’ve held off on ending the fight earlier. Could’ve milked the dough monster for more. What a waste.
Then again, without the Universal Injury Treatment Card, he might not have made it.
“Honored guest, are you alright? Would you like another milkshake? On the house.”
The Bunny Muscle Monster was genuinely worried a player might drop dead in its gym.
Terrible luck for business, especially so soon after opening.
Qi Xu thanked it. After tipping so much, why refuse? Accepting gifts was a quick way to build rapport.
After finishing the drink, he checked the time—just past 4 PM. After a short rest, he decided to squeeze in another round on the arena.
But he needed a proper break first. Otherwise, lasting three hours would be impossible. He ate a little, then lay down for a quick nap, telling Qiuqiu to wake him in half an hour.
He was out like a light.
The Bunny Muscle Monster looked baffled. This is a gym… If you’re tired, why not leave? Sleeping here…
Shaking its head, the monster fetched a yoga blanket and draped it over Qi Xu.
The tension in Qi Xu’s brow eased, his whole body relaxing.
Half an hour later, Qiuqiu woke him. His first move? Checking his stats.
Health: 53
Fatigue: 36
Qi Xu: “???”
Just half an hour of sleep, and the recovery’s this insane?
Then he noticed the blanket.
[Gym-Enthusiast’s Yoga Blanket: When used during deep sleep, transfers Fatigue to Health.]
Clutching the blanket, Qi Xu beamed at the approaching Bunny Muscle Monster. “Did you cover me with this? Thank you so much!”
The monster waved it off. “Just being considerate. You were sweaty—didn’t want you catching a chill. Honored guest, we serve fat-loss meals for dinner. Interested?” It handed over a menu.
Qi Xu skimmed it. “One Ultimate Revitalization Salad, a tuna taco, and an Americano, please.”
The Bunny Muscle Monster grinned, presenting a payment QR code. “That’ll be 29 Survival Coins.”
Pricey. Unsure if the food had special effects—the monster’s explanation had been vague—Qi Xu paid 30 coins.
“No rush,” he added. “First, get me another arena session.”
The Bunny Muscle Monster froze. “Huh? You… you’re going back?” So stunned, it barely registered the extra tip.
Qi Xu nodded. “And I’ll be back tomorrow. Speaking of—this blanket. For sale? I want it.”
The monster waved again. “If you’re really coming tomorrow, it’s yours!”
“Count on it.”
Qi Xu had made up his mind. The dungeon pass card was rare, and he only had one left, but hoarding it was pointless. Using it maximizes its value.
Nothing mattered more than strengthening himself.
Back on the arena, Qi Xu equipped 〖Undying Warlord〗, instantly brimming with confidence.
He also brought out his pink chainsaw and pistol, planning to sharpen his aim.
This loadout was his current peak combat potential.
Wanting to train his reflexes, he didn’t specify a monster. Instead, he input his stats and let the system randomize the enemies.
The first was a Blackthread Snake. No longer nervous, Qi Xu charged, landing a precise chainsaw strike, then swapped to a longsword mid-motion, finishing it with two clean slashes.
Zero wasted movement. Today’s progress was clear.
Pleased, he faced a growing variety of monsters—some familiar from this round, others from the last. He handled them all smoothly, prioritizing speed.
His pistol-to-sword transitions grew fluid, each decision sharp and immediate.
With 40 minutes left, he checked his stats.
Then, deliberately, he started tanking hits to lower Health, and pushing his limits to spike Fatigue.
Once both stats hit the threshold, 〖Undying Warlord〗 activated.
His three core stats surged by 20 points. Power flooded his veins—even his hair seemed electrified.
Just then, a Steel-Faced Demon Wolf lunged. Qi Xu stowed his weapons and punched its throat, sending the beast flying.
Laughing, he chased it down for the kill, then ended free mode. Time for a handpicked opponent.
Dough monster, baby—here I come!
.........
