Pressure

Based on Wang Yi's understanding of the original story, to become a true "warrior," one must first reach the level of a "quasi-warrior."

As is commonly known, beneath the rank of a warrior, there are martial arts students, categorized by their abilities into junior, intermediate, and advanced students.

1. Junior students' standards: punch strength of 300 kg and a speed of 18 meters per second.

2. Intermediate students' standards: punch strength of 500 kg and a speed of 20 meters per second.

3. Advanced students' standards: punch strength of 700 kg and a speed of 22 meters per second.

4. Quasi-warrior standards: punch strength of 900 kg and a speed of 25 meters per second.

For advanced students aiming to become a warrior, two assessments are required.

The first is the quasi-warrior fitness assessment. Passing this test confirms that the individual has the physical fitness needed to become a warrior, granting them the title of "quasi-warrior."

The second assessment is the warrior combat test. Physical fitness alone does not qualify one as a warrior; they must pass a real combat test against monsters to earn the title.

Wang Yi tested his speed on a track near the martial arts hall, and as expected, it was only 22.9 meters per second. To pass the quasi-warrior assessment, he needs to meet the required punch strength, speed, and neural reflex standards. Clearly, he still has some way to go, and his mood soured at the realization.

"My current strength is probably on par with the original protagonist Luo Feng at this point in the story," Wang Yi thought. "Back then, Luo Feng was also around my level of strength. He said he needed to go to university to develop the fitness of a quasi-warrior. At my current pace, I'll likely have to wait until then as well."

Wang Yi grew increasingly frustrated.

For him, knowing the plot of the original story brought more anxiety than most people could imagine. He was acutely aware of the disasters that would soon threaten Earth. Before even mentioning the distant threats, there were nearby monsters. In a few years, a giant starry sky beast would descend on Earth, threatening to destroy everything. If it weren't for Luo Feng saving the day and gaining the powers of the Golden Horned Beast, humanity might have been wiped out.

After Earth's discovery by intergalactic forces, the powerful Nolan Mountain family will set its sights on Earth, determined to claim it as their own. And that's not even the worst of it. Earth is actually a mysterious planet created by an alien civilization, making it incredibly valuable and drawing the attention of the superpowers of the universe. Star-level beings would soon compete for it, with immortal gods circling Earth like toys, shattering the skies.

Wang Yi's thoughts raced, and he felt like he was living on a volcano, ready to erupt at any moment. Although he knew he could escape Earth and live among extraterrestrials with Luo Feng's help, it was a bitter pill to swallow. This was his home.

More importantly, his family and friends were still here. Even if he didn't think of himself, he couldn't abandon those around him. The universe, with all its beauty, was also full of danger. Without enough strength, survival was impossible.

Wang Yi worried whether his presence in this world would alter the original storyline. What if Luo Feng faltered, leading to a catastrophe? Could he stand by and watch his loved ones perish?

Unlike others who might treat the events of "Swallowed Star" as a mere game, Wang Yi truly saw this world as his home. Every tree, every person, was real to him.

He finally understood why Luo Feng fought so desperately in the original story, willing to protect his home at all costs. If someone tried to take away everything he cared about, Wang Yi knew he would go even crazier.

But what could he do?

Staring at his hands, he felt a deep sense of helplessness.

After leaving the martial arts hall, the night felt heavier, just like Wang Yi's mood.

He soon returned to Guangyuan Community, a residential area filled with government-subsidized housing, where he had lived for 18 years.

"Brother Wang Yi!" someone called out as soon as he stepped into the community.

Turning around, Wang Yi saw a group of girls standing nearby. One of them, a girl with short hair, looked at him with surprise.

Wang Yi smiled when he saw her. "Xiaoyan."

The short-haired girl, with her youthful features, quickly said something to her friends before running over, her face flushed with excitement.

"Brother Wang Yi, did you just get back?"

"Yeah, just came from the martial arts hall. What about you?" Wang Yi asked, glancing at the girls standing a bit farther away.

Xiaoyan blinked. "I just finished shopping with my classmates. Want to walk home together? I have some things I want to ask you."

"Sure," Wang Yi replied. He had known Xiaoyan for a long time, and they had always gotten along.

In the low-income housing community where Wang Yi lived, the residents were poor, but the relationships were strong. Xiaoyan had lived nearby, and they had become good friends after an incident where Wang Yi helped her out with some local troublemakers. He hadn't even done much—just flashed his martial arts student ID, and the thugs backed off.

Senior martial arts students carried quite a bit of weight in the eyes of ordinary people.

As Wang Yi and Xiaoyan walked together, they greeted people they passed along the way.

"Hey, it's Xiaoyi!"

"Hello, Uncle Li."

"Xiaoyi, you're back?"

"Yeah, Aunt Chen."

"Isn't that Xiaoyan? Walking back with Xiaoyi again, I see."

Xiaoyan's cheeks reddened slightly at the comment.

Wang Yi noticed but chose to ignore it.

In this era, people were more open to the idea of relationships. At 18, one was considered an adult and could get married, with many couples tying the knot after high school. Despite this, Wang Yi had never been romantically involved with any girl, which often puzzled others.

Only Wang Yi knew why.

As they walked, Xiaoyan suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Brother Wang Yi, I saw your uncle earlier today. It looked like he was coming over."

Wang Yi stopped walking, his expression darkening.

"He's back again..." Wang Yi sighed softly, glancing up at the tall, tube-like building ahead. His home had finally arrived.