Chapter of the Olden Days ~ Srijan

**Chapter 1: The Unknown Game**

The scorching summer sun blazed in the sky. Despite it being five in the afternoon, the campus pathways were nearly deserted due to the intense heat. The ceiling fans groaned as they wobbled. Lu Li, feeling bored, lay sprawled across his desk, staring at the blackboard where a line of chalked words stood out prominently: "29 days until the college entrance examination."

"What a dull world, give me some change!" Lu Li muttered, envisioning the monotonous month ahead. All he could foresee was relentless studying, awaiting the exam that would decide his fate—a destiny he found utterly tedious.

Closing his eyes to rest for a moment, Lu Li suddenly sensed something that shouldn't exist at this time. He opened his eyes to find the blazing summer sun replaced by a world of swirling snow. Fluffy snowflakes settled on his body, their coldness making him shiver. The snowy scene before him etched into his mind.

Looking around, he saw a world blanketed in white, silent and still. The only structure in sight was a dilapidated temple not far away. At that moment, a voice echoed in Lu Li's mind, and a transparent panel appeared before his eyes:

**[You have joined the game. Your temporary ID is Z0001.]**

**[Current game instance: Thread Protection Battle.]**

**[Instance type: Single-player; Test]**

**[Instance description: This world harbors many unknown dangers. You possess a unique ability to perceive these threats. On a snowy night in a ruined temple, you encounter an old man. Unseen dangers are lurking, threatening his life…]**

**[Instance objective: Ensure the old man survives until dawn (6 AM).]**

**[Instance hint: What could be more important than a fire on a snowy night?]**

**[Completion reward: Basic ability enhancement, 200 game points!]**

**[Enjoy the game!]**

**Your personal attributes are as follows:**

**[Temporary ID: Z0001]**

**[Physical assessment: 1.23; Life energy derivation: 0.1 (average human value 1/0.1)]**

**[Soul assessment: 2.77; Spiritual energy derivation: 0.27 (average human value 1/0.1)]**

**[Innate ability: Extreme Control: Non-human level soul control grants you exceptional control over your own body!]**

**[Basic abilities: None]**

**[Skill slots: None]**

**[Evaluation: A glitch in the human system!]**

"Not the usual strength and agility stats, but assessments of the body and soul?" Lu Li mused. After reading the panel, it shrunk to a small window floating at the corner of his vision, unobtrusive yet accessible. Rubbing his reddened arms against the cold, Lu Li realized his predicament. Moments ago, he was basking in summer, dressed in a short-sleeved school uniform. Now, five hours after lunch, he found himself in a frigid winter landscape.

Breathing deeply, Lu Li used his non-human level control to close his pores, retaining body heat, and slowed his heartbeat to minimize energy expenditure. Only the essential functions for movement and brain activity continued.

A year ago, Lu Li nearly died in an accident. Since then, he discovered many changes within himself. Emotions dulled, perspectives shifted, transforming him from a timid high school student into a formidable anomaly.

He looked up at the sky. Though it was summer at five PM, the sudden winter setting darkened quickly. Within half an hour, it would be night.

Pushing open the temple's creaky doors, a gust of wind further chilled Lu Li. He quickly shut the door behind him, feeling a slight relief as the interior warmth enveloped him. Prolonged exposure to the cold would have caused irreversible damage.

Inside, Lu Li saw a fire burning on the floor but was immediately drawn to the most striking sight—a young girl lying in an old man's arms, as beautiful as a celestial maiden. Upon closer inspection, Lu Li noticed cracks at her joints and an unchanging facial expression. This unparalleled beauty was, in fact, a puppet or a marionette.

Shifting his gaze to the old man, whose clothes were tattered and patched, Lu Li's mind echoed a prompt: **[Target located.]**

"So, the mission is to protect this old man until dawn?" Lu Li speculated. Bowing slightly, he addressed the old man, "Sir, I was passing by. With the heavy snow and cold, and lacking warm clothes, I seek shelter for the night."

The old man, startled, quickly replied, "This place is ownerless. I'm merely staying here temporarily. You're welcome to stay, young man."

"Thank you, sir," Lu Li smiled, moving closer to the fire. He found a piece of wood, wiped it off, and sat down, feeling the warmth seep through his body. Relaxing his bodily control, he inspected the temple closely.

The altar held a headless deity statue, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The offering table, dismantled for firewood, had a piece now used by Lu Li. The remaining wood supplies were meager.

"Sir, I have some clothes here. If you don't mind, you can wear them," the old man offered cautiously, opening a chest he used as a seat. He pulled out a colorful, ornate costume, likely a change for the marionette.

Lu Li accepted the clothes without hesitation, thanking the old man. Although the costume was tight, it provided warmth. He then eyed the dwindling woodpile as another prompt appeared…