A Change in Circumstances

Yi Zhen stepped out of the Player Hall, his eyes scanning the bustling streets of Player City. The city was alive with activity, filled with players of all levels going about their business. Merchants called out from their stalls, offering various items, equipment, and potions, while groups of players huddled together, discussing strategies and planning their next moves.

In his previous life, when he had first arrived in Player City, Yi Zhen had been a nobody—a new player with barely enough experience points to get by. Back then, he had been forced to stay in a lower-class inn, a shabby place that barely provided the basics, and he had scrimped on meals to save every point he could. The experience had been humbling, a stark reminder of how unforgiving this realm could be.

But now, things were different.

Thanks to his recent accomplishments, Yi Zhen had amassed a significant amount of experience points, far more than most new players could ever hope to earn so quickly. He had broken records, completed challenges with ease, and now had the luxury of choosing a more comfortable place to stay for the night.

As he walked through the streets, Yi Zhen noticed the various inns and lodgings that lined the roads. Each establishment catered to a different level of player, from the luxurious high-class inns frequented by seasoned veterans to the more modest lower-class inns where most new players could afford to stay. 

In his past life, he would have automatically gravitated toward the cheapest option, driven by a desperate need to conserve his points. But now, with a healthy amount of experience points in his possession, he could afford to indulge in a bit of comfort before his next challenge.

Yi Zhen's gaze settled on a particular inn situated beside a busy road. It was a middle-class establishment, well-maintained, and surrounded by several restaurants and shops. The inn's signboard, a tasteful wooden plaque with elegant lettering, read "The Wandering Traveler."

This inn was known among players for offering good accommodations at a reasonable price, with the added benefit of being located near several popular eateries. It was the perfect choice for someone who wanted a comfortable night's rest without breaking the bank.

Yi Zhen made his way to the entrance, pushing open the door and stepping into the inn's cozy lobby. The interior was warm and inviting, with polished wooden floors and soft lighting that created a relaxing atmosphere. A few players lounged in the common area, chatting quietly or reading through their inventories.

The innkeeper, a middle-aged man with a friendly smile, greeted Yi Zhen as he approached the counter.

"Welcome to The Wandering Traveler! Looking for a room for the night?" the innkeeper asked.

Yi Zhen nodded. "Yes, a single room for one night."

"Certainly. That'll be 50 experience points for the night, breakfast included," the innkeeper replied, tapping a few keys on the register.

In the past, Yi Zhen would have hesitated at such a price, considering it a luxury he couldn't afford. But now, he handed over the points without a second thought, the transaction completed smoothly.

"Here's your key," the innkeeper said, handing Yi Zhen a brass key with a small tag labeled with his room number. "Room 204, up the stairs and to your right. If you need anything, just let us know."

"Thank you," Yi Zhen replied, taking the key and heading up the stairs.

His room was small but comfortable, with a neatly made bed, a wooden desk, and a window that overlooked the busy street below. The room was well-maintained, with clean sheets and fresh towels, a far cry from the dingy, cramped quarters he had endured in his past life.

After setting his belongings down, Yi Zhen took a moment to appreciate the comfort of the room. It was a small thing, but the fact that he could now afford to stay in a place like this was a reminder of how far he had come. He had changed the course of his life—this time, he was prepared, stronger, and smarter.

The scent of food wafted in from the street below, reminding Yi Zhen of how little he had eaten since arriving in Player City. His stomach rumbled in response, and he decided it was time to treat himself to a proper meal. 

Exiting the inn, Yi Zhen walked down the street, passing by several restaurants. The variety of food on offer was overwhelming—everything from hearty stews to freshly grilled meats and savory dumplings. In his past life, he had rarely indulged in such meals, always choosing the cheapest, most filling options to conserve points. But tonight was different.

He entered a small restaurant known for its hotpot, a dish he had always enjoyed but rarely had the chance to eat. The restaurant was lively, filled with the sound of sizzling meats and bubbling broth. He found a seat near the back, and soon, a steaming pot of broth was placed in front of him, along with an array of fresh ingredients: thinly sliced beef, tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens.

As he cooked the ingredients in the bubbling broth, Yi Zhen couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively but not overwhelming. It was a far cry from the sparse meals and quiet, lonely nights he had experienced in his past life.

For the first time since his rebirth, Yi Zhen allowed himself to relax, if only for a moment. The challenges of the Oblivion Cascade Realm were relentless, and tomorrow, he would enter a dungeon that would test his skills and resolve once again. But tonight, he could afford to enjoy a small moment of peace.

As he finished his meal and paid the bill, Yi Zhen made his way back to The Wandering Traveler, his mind already turning to the challenges ahead. The comfort of the inn and the satisfying meal had recharged him, and he was ready to face whatever the next day would bring.

Returning to his room, Yi Zhen took a hot shower, washing away the fatigue of the day. The warm water was soothing, and by the time he stepped out, he felt refreshed and ready for a good night's sleep. He dressed in the simple but comfortable clothes provided by the inn and slipped into the soft bed.

As he lay there, his thoughts drifted to the dungeon he would enter the next day. It would be a challenge, one that would test his newfound skills and abilities. But Yi Zhen was confident—he had faced worse in his past life, and now, with his experience and knowledge, he was better prepared than ever before.

Tomorrow would be a new day, filled with new challenges and opportunities. But tonight, Yi Zhen allowed himself to rest, knowing that he had earned this moment of comfort. 

And with that, he closed his eyes, the noise of the city fading into the background as he drifted off into a deep, restful sleep, ready to face whatever the Oblivion Cascade Realm would throw at him next.