Chapter 14: re-entry

The soft, gentle moans lingered through the middle of the night, gradually fading into the darkness. That long-lost sensation held a captivating allure, as if it transported them back to the time when they first met. The difference now was that the woman who was once a young girl had matured, her essence enhanced, making her even more irresistible.

As his wife peacefully slumbered in his arms, Lu Bu found sleep elusive. Reuniting with his wife and children, fulfilling the longing that had persisted for so many years, reignited thoughts of the simulated world. Lu Bu wasn't one to accept defeat easily. Even if he appeared ordinary in that world, he refused to believe he was average. And if he was ordinary, he refused to die as a nobody like Li Zheng.

Gazing at the beauty nestled in his embrace, Lu Bu tightened his hold, and as he pondered, the familiar information began to form an ephemeral image in his mind once again.

"Congratulations to the player for successfully connecting to the optical brain. You can choose a new simulation world, or you can re-enter a simulation world you've previously experienced. Please make a choice."

The answer was clear; he had already experienced it. The resentment towards Li Zheng still festered in Lu Bu's heart. While his last execution had been swift, ending the life of his own family had been unbearable. He couldn't let it stand, and he wanted another chance.

Of course, given that he now understood the simulated world's illusory nature, a sense of nostalgia had also developed for that family.

"You have 28 life simulation points. These points can be used to choose a new identity, or you can trade them for talents or skills. If your life is eventful enough, your acquired talents and skills may carry over to your real-world abilities."

Lu Bu was intrigued. These life simulation points had more value than he'd initially thought. He decided to try, particularly since he was someone of exceptional talent. He couldn't deny he was curious about experiencing life as an ordinary individual, as humbling as it might be.

With his decision made, the information in his mind shifted, displaying the options for talents.

Eidetic Memory: Recall any text, images, etc. with perfect clarity. Requires 5,000 life simulation points.

Rapid Learning: Acquire any skill quickly within a short period. Requires 5,000 life simulation points.

Enhanced Regeneration: Possess remarkable self-healing capabilities. Non-fatal injuries heal ten times faster than average, along with enhanced resilience and endurance. Requires 4,500 life simulation points.

Superhuman Strength: Inherent divine strength. Accelerated strength growth surpasses normal training. Requires 4,000 life simulation points.

Lightning Reflexes: Reaction speed and agility far beyond normal individuals. Requires 3,500 life simulation points.

Lu Bu frowned. Many of these talents seemed to resonate with his own abilities. However, with only 28 points at his disposal, he couldn't afford most of them. He still wished to try, yet the talents he desired appeared to be out of reach.

Quirky Abilities...

Lu Bu's expression shifted. The descriptions of some talents were indeed peculiar, though intriguing, like Large Eyes: Have eyes that protrude out of their sockets, making you the center of attention; Oversized Mouth: Possess a mouth capable of swallowing your fist; Hyper Hair Growth: Enjoy rapid hair growth. All of them required only 25 life simulation points.

Staring at these odd choices, Lu Bu couldn't help but rub his temples. What possible use could these have?

Clearly, his available points weren't enough to unlock any meaningful talents. It seemed he would be relegated to oddity if he chose these quirks.

Switching his focus to identities, Lu Bu's curiosity piqued. However, the options for those in their twenties seemed unappealing. They were mostly either refugees or disabled individuals. It made no sense for someone to spend points to become disadvantaged.

Lu Bu's search led him to the category of the "Lizheng Family." Intriguingly, even their modest two-acre field required 50 life simulation points.

Experiencing more life was tempting, yet Lu Bu saw little value in higher identity. Given that this was a dreamlike realm, higher social status held little significance. He was more intrigued by the talents, but he needed at least 5,000 simulation points to acquire them.

Abandoning the talents and identity options, Lu Bu, as before, slowly integrated into this world, reentering it as a soul. Once again, he began his journey from the womb, undaunted by the initial chaos. This time, he understood that the initial blindness was temporary, and he embraced it without thought.

Drinking from his mother's breast, Lu Bu pondered his future. How could he better survive in this world? How could he amass more life simulation points, perhaps through reading, like the previous time?

His perspective was distinct this time. Knowing the dreamlike nature of this world, Lu Bu felt out of place. He remained detached, except when it came to his family. He had little regard for anyone else, having little patience for those beneath him. As before, he displayed remarkable aptitude for reading and learning, swiftly gaining recognition as a child prodigy. At six years old, he began assisting with farm work to support his younger sister. Drawing from his past experience, he performed these tasks proficiently, mindful of the knowledge he had gained.

"Abu, since you're skilled at hunting, why not catch some game and deliver it to Lizheng's home tomorrow?" By the age of twelve, Lu Bu's family had seen improvements due to his hunting and sharing of farm work. While some might have envied his success, envy wasn't as intense as before. This year, Father Lu raised the suggestion one evening.

"Why?" Lu Bu's eyes widened in puzzlement. He had been much more discreet this time, so why did he need to give the prey he caught to Lizheng's family? What purpose would that serve?

"Do you think there are impenetrable barriers in this world? Families want better lives. Every time you catch game, take it to Lizheng's family. Trust your father, it will bring about good things," his father explained, wearing a knowing smile.

Curious to see what "good things" would come of this, Lu Bu reluctantly agreed. As strange as it seemed, he decided to abide by his father's advice. This time, he approached it with a sense of detachment, curious about the outcome and the potential benefits of his actions.