All sentient beings will obtain what they ask for, with the blessing from Medicine Buddha

[Your patients have expressed extreme dissatisfaction with you, completely abandoning your treatment plan.]

[Your stress level has slightly increased, now at 70/100.]

[When your stress level exceeds 100, a stress breakdown event will be triggered.]

[Your stress is increasing daily. Although this pressure does not shake your pursuit of your dreams, you might need some way to alleviate it now...]

Natasha sighed slightly as she looked at the text on the screen.

She had already anticipated this situation.

As the actual leader of the Fire organization, Natasha was fully aware of the current state of the lower district, knowing the dire circumstances it faced.

The lives of the lower district miners were deteriorating.

With the gradual spread of Rift erosion, cities were being engulfed and restructured by the Rift, making them uninhabitable for ordinary people. Forced to flee their homes, people lost everything, becoming destitute wanderers.

Many mines were either exhausted or collapsed due to environmental changes, rendering them economically useless.

Natasha opened a panoramic map on the screen, encompassing the entire lower district. However, most areas were shrouded in a deadening gloom, with only the surroundings of Boulder Town and near the Furnace Core emitting a gentle glow.

The once vast lower district had been reduced to this small remaining area due to years of Rift erosion, leaving little room for people to survive...

Refugees from other towns crowded into Boulder Town, but the town's capacity was far from sufficient, worsening the situation with internal strife for survival.

Additionally, the amount of Geomarrow submitted to the upper district had been decreasing monthly since a recent mine collapse. Consequently, the upper district's supply of resources to the lower district was also dwindling.

Resources were insufficient to sustain people's lives.

The miners' wages were decreasing, while the cost of living in the lower district was rising...

To survive, people in the lower district had resorted to eating moss from mine edges and making meat jelly from scrawny rats... They were turning everything into food.

Under such circumstances, it was understandable that patients would reject Natasha's treatment plan. Despite her efforts to enhance the lower district's medical level, the lack of resources made it impossible.

Currently, the medicines in her clinic were mostly made from substitutes found in the lower district, with affordable formulas developed through years of experiments. Natasha rarely charged for these medicines, even though some substitute materials were hard to find.

If these medicines could cure the patients, that would be fine, but unfortunately, common diseases like Miner's Disease heavily relied on supplies from the upper district. Natasha hadn't developed a new formula.

Rift erosion was even more challenging, as it wasn't a typical disease. Without the protection of Pathstrider powers, ordinary people couldn't eliminate the Rift's effects, requiring precious upper district resources for recovery.

Thus, these people would eventually succumb to Rift erosion, disintegrating into virtual energy, vanishing from the world like the deceased creatures in the Rift...

Natasha sighed again—her empathetic heart as an [Abundance] Pathstrider, dedicated to selfless service and salvation, made it unbearable to see these patients die from hardship.

But she felt powerless to change it, only able to watch them leave in despair.

"I must expedite the creation of a complete 'Snowfield Immunity'..."

"If only we could fully resist the cold and conquer the Rift..."

Determined, Natasha looked at the screen, noticing new text appearing:

**Ruan has arrived at your clinic.**

**He noticed your distress over the departing patients and decided to speak with you.**

The screen faded, revealing a new scene:

"Natasha... what is their real disease?"

Standing at the clinic's door, Ruan gazed at the departing patients, his eyes deep, as if seeing the entire starry sky in them.

Natasha, sharp as ever, realized Ruan's words hinted at something bigger. He wasn't just talking about the patients but the entire Belobog.

Belobog was ill.

He was pointing out Belobog's chronic illness.

Natasha paused briefly but followed his lead:

"Each person's illness varies, but most are due to Miner's Disease from Geomarrow mining, while some suffer from severe Rift erosion..."

Before Natasha could finish, Ruan interrupted:

"No, they actually have one illness."

"What illness?"

Ruan's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression:

"When a destitute miner exists, even if healthy, it's as if they have a terminal illness... When truly ill, their life's end comes faster."

"Illnesses vary, but fundamentally it's one disease... Poverty, which is incurable by medicine."

"Medicine alone can't save the lower district, Natasha."

The screen paused, revealing a golden option box:

**Ruan pointed out Belobog's chronic illness, but you were already aware of it.**

**His words implied that you should shift your focus from medicine to something more capable of saving Belobog.**

**He awaits your decision—**

**1. "Seems like I've been on the wrong path."

You are awakened by Ruan's words, abandoning your extreme pursuit of 'Snowfield Immunity.' You will focus on leading the lower district with its strength, revitalizing Belobog.

Your philosophy changes due to Ruan, gaining a new trait: "From Healer to Ruler."**

**From Healer to Ruler (Gold): Inspired by Ruan, you understand that medicine is not paramount. Even a physically strong populace, if weak in spirit, is merely fodder and spectators.

To save the world from peril, perhaps only iron and blood are the true paths.

Your stress increase is reduced by 50%, administrative efficiency increases by 50%, and your policy execution improves by 20%. Your people are more likely to trust you, greatly enhancing your influence.**

**2. "If I don't treat this land's chronic illness, who will?"

You understand Ruan's point but feel you can't follow his path.

Confident that your dream can cure this land's chronic illness, eliminating the cold and Rift, reigniting the flame of civilization on this icy planet.

Your belief is strengthened, gaining a new trait: "Healer's Persistence."**

**Healer's Persistence (Gold): Your conviction remains firm, not abandoning your dream. Despite despair, as a doctor, you hold on to hope.

On this snow-swept land, you will bring warmth and light to the shivering civilization.

Your stress will not increase, research speed for medicine increases by 50%, and [Abundance] Path progress speed doubles.**

Natasha pondered the golden option box.

This option was unprecedented, but the golden glow signified its importance.

Seeing a golden trait here was rare, mostly found in Ruan.

Ruan's abilities had proven themselves through multiple simulations, beyond doubt.

But Ruan's few words led to a significant choice, offering a golden trait regardless of the selection...

Natasha considered.

The first option's trait was potent. As the Fire's current leader, she knew focusing entirely on the lower district's development could yield rapid progress.

Though embarrassed to admit, Natasha believed in her capabilities—given this golden trait, she could reclaim the upper district within a year.

This confidence stemmed from her years as the Fire's leader, balancing medical experiments and managing the organization, maintaining stability in the lower district.

This could replicate Himeko's previous simulation outcome, even developing a new future, avoiding the Interstellar Peace Corporation's takeover of Jarilo-VI...

But Natasha didn't choose the first option.

"Healer's Persistence" accelerated medical research and [Abundance] Path progress, aiding the "Snowfield Immunity" project.

With this golden trait, Natasha believed she could quickly develop a complete "Snowfield Immunity," creating a world where people no longer feared the cold, living safely in the snow.

Moreover, the second option had an unseen benefit.

If Natasha, the current Fire leader, dedicated herself entirely to "Snowfield Immunity," the organization needed a new leader...

And the candidate was clear now.

After a brief silence, Natasha decisively chose the second option.

The option box faded, and the scene resumed:

At the clinic door, Natasha leaned on the frame, looking at Ruan for a long time.

Then she spoke, her tone unwavering.

She gazed into Ruan's eyes, seriously:

"You're right, the lower district's chronic illness is incurable, but Ruan... I'm a doctor. I must do what I should."

Sensing her stubbornness, Ruan frowned, speaking sternly:

"What should you do? Not just treating patients..."

"Should you keep using meager resources to cure physical illnesses, ignoring the broader lower district's real conflicts?"

Natasha shook her head:

"If this disease were truly incurable, I should give up medicine... but what if it can be treated?"

She led Ruan inside, picking up a thick experimental record:

"This is the 'Snowfield Immunity' experiment record... The cold medicine I distributed was a simplified version."

Natasha said, her tone filled with hope:

"Ruan, I want a world where the cold no longer threatens people, where the Rift no longer consumes lives... I hope to reclaim the world, making it as warm as spring."

"By then, the people who have reclaimed the world will have everything, no longer falling into sickness due to poverty..."

She smiled at Ruan:

"I know this sounds like a fantasy to you, almost impossible to achieve... but it's my unwavering persistence as a doctor."

Her tone turned solemn:

"This world is severely ill—people struggle for survival but linger on the edge of despair."

"Even if everyone believes this city is doomed, that the earth's chronic illness is spreading, I will never admit it—"

"I will not admit this disease is incurable."

Natasha extended her hand towards Ruan, inviting him:

"For a warm and bright world... will

 you support me, Ruan?"

The screen paused, revealing a new option box, glowing faintly:

**Natasha remained firm in her dream, not deterred by your words.**

**She explained her choice and extended her hand, hoping you would truly assist her.**

**Moved by her words, you choose—**

**1. Take Natasha's hand.

You will be permanently locked into Natasha's personal faction, becoming her true assistant.

Under Natasha's command, you will replace Oleg as the new visible leader of the Fire, helping to manage the lower district.

The Fire organization becomes your faction, with members more likely to trust you, greatly enhancing organizational loyalty. Your mutual goodwill with Natasha will significantly increase, gaining a new trait "Mutual Dependence of Light and Shadow."**

**Mutual Dependence of Light and Shadow (Gold): Rules define the world's operation like gears, and you and Natasha define the lower district's rules... She seeks life's new bloom in the shadows, while you seek civilization's renewal in the light.

With both Ruan and Natasha alive and pursuing non-conflicting paths, mutual goodwill growth is significantly boosted.

Both gain comprehensive attribute boosts, increasing with goodwill.**

**2. Reject Natasha's hand.

You will leave Natasha's personal faction, no longer acting as her assistant, and her faction will no longer be available to you.

Your relationship with Natasha will sour, slightly decreasing mutual goodwill.**

Seeing the golden option box, Ruan felt his fingers tremble.

How long... how long had it been...

After so many simulations, this was the first time someone offered him real power, not fearing his potential to seize control.

Neither Bronya nor Himeko had ever allowed Ruan to lead directly, maintaining their dominance with his help.

Himeko might seek his advice, but Bronya often ignored his suggestions, frequently choosing opposing paths.

But Natasha, willing to hand over power... What more could he ask for?

The first option not only gave him control of the Fire but also granted the growing "Mutual Dependence of Light and Shadow" trait.

Although it locked him into Natasha's faction, what did it matter?

Ruan didn't mind assisting Natasha in pursuing her "Snowfield Immunity" dream...

Even if "Snowfield Immunity" seemed unreliable, based on his knowledge of *Honkai: Star Rail,* Vah's experiment record already had a near-harmless semi-finished product.

Even if it couldn't fully achieve what Natasha envisioned, it wouldn't cause harm, just wasting some medical resources at most.

Moreover, the second option had heavier consequences.

While faction flexibility might seem advantageous, blocking his path with Natasha was not an option. He was just one step away from becoming an [Abundance] Pathstrider.

This was a no-brainer.

Ruan chose the first option. The option box faded, and new text appeared:

**You chose to assist Natasha, becoming her true assistant.**

**Your trust significantly increased mutual goodwill. Natasha's goodwill towards you is now 60.**

**Your goodwill towards Natasha also increased significantly. Now, your goodwill towards Natasha is 55.**

**Natasha explained the current situation of the lower district, fully opening all Fire organization information to you.**

**She showed you the "Snowfield Immunity" experiment record, greatly enhancing your understanding.**

**With Natasha's promise, you will become the new visible leader of the Fire, directing the lower district's operations.**

The text faded, replaced by various quantified attributes of the Fire organization. Compared to the previous simulation's Jarilo I Empire, this organization seemed laughably weak...

Most attributes were dismally low, and the lower district's stability was declining. If the living conditions weren't improved, stability might drop to zero, causing collapse.

But Ruan, looking at the screen, smiled.

While the Fire's attributes were low, its loyalty was exceptionally high.

Under Natasha's leadership, the Fire members were dedicated to the lower district's future. Despite the harsh conditions, none retreated from threats.

All held hope for the future, contributing to the lower district's stability—Ruan needn't worry about loyalty.

"So what if it's weak?"

Ruan clicked the screen, saying, "As long as they listen, give me enough time, and I can even take down the Three Calamities..."

New text appeared:

**You became the new Fire leader, marking a new chapter in history.**

**As the Fire's First Executive, choose your faction's development direction...**

The screen transitioned to a new interface with complex options. The top bar quantified various resources like Winter City Coins, food, materials, and steel, with glaring red deficits.

Ruan, finding the interface increasingly familiar, felt a strange amusement.

*Stellaris*, a 7+ rated space strategy game, allowed players to develop their empire in space, becoming the strongest in the universe.

The interface on the simulation screen was a re-skinned version of *Stellaris*'s control interface...

Becoming a faction leader turned the text simulation into an SLG?

Ruan couldn't help but find it funny, studying the interface, noting differences from *Stellaris*.

Firstly, in the research interface, Natasha occupied a biology research slot, working on "Project: Snowfield Immunity," with near-infinite time consumption and only 1% completion.

Secondly, every faction action consumed a special value—Ruan's stamina, shared with the text simulation. Running out forced rest, advancing to the next day.

Ruan could exit this interface anytime, resuming the text simulation, but it would pause the Fire's operations, relying on prior arrangements.

"This complicates things..."

Ruan scratched his head, realizing he couldn't fully focus on faction management.

He needed to balance stamina for [Abundance] Path progress and battle experience to defeat the upcoming Calamity Vanguard.

Solving the Stellaron crisis was urgent, given the incomplete "Snowfield Immunity" project.

Hence, he needed to allocate stamina wisely...

With this in mind, Ruan clicked the screen.

-------------------------------------

**Oleg convened the Fire members for an important meeting.**

**He announced his resignation as leader, appointing Ruan as the new head, driven by Natasha.**

**Aware of Natasha's true leadership, you knew this was her doing.**

Himeko frowned at the screen, opening Ruan's character card:

**Fire Leader: Ruan (Gold)**

**Talents: Genius, Mutual Dependence of Light and Shadow**

**Description: Leader of the lower district's "Fire" organization. Formerly Bronya's close guard, he joined the Fire, becoming its new leader.**

**Mutual Dependence of Light and Shadow (Gold): Rules define the world's operation like gears, and you and Natasha define the lower district's rules... She seeks life's new bloom in the shadows, while you seek civilization's renewal in the light.**

Below was a striking red line:

**The character has joined Natasha's personal faction, and it is locked, unchangeable.**

Himeko felt lost.

What exactly happened?

Since the simulation began, everything had gone haywire.

Initially, thinking Bronya was the main rival, she had ambushed and tied up Bronya, preventing her from meeting Ruan.

But a mysterious person had knocked her out, waking up in the evening and being humiliated by Bronya before escaping.

All this time, she had been countering Bronya's actions, fighting almost to a standstill.

Now, taking a break, she saw Ruan joining Natasha's faction? How?

Himeko felt dizzy, closing her eyes and shaking her head, forcing herself to calm down.

No... It's not over yet.

Though Ruan was locked in Natasha's faction, it didn't mean she had no moves left.

After all... Ruan was now the Underworld's leader.

Regardless, he would work for the Underworld, and with a bit of guidance, she could still achieve her future.

In that case, her bet with Bronya would be her victory!

After all, being locked in Natasha's faction didn't matter—Natasha was just an NPC in the simulation, not someone who could compete with them in reality!

Comforting herself, Himeko focused on the screen, resuming her operations.

Meanwhile, elsewhere...

**You heard the Miners' Guild implemented new policies, encouraging the miners.**

**Craftsmen in the guild developed new techniques, significantly reducing miners' casualties and increasing mining efficiency.**

**You heard the city's market was covertly regulated, with prices stabilizing at a lower range after fluctuations.**

**Many wealthy merchants were affected, even going bankrupt.**

**You heard...**

New text appeared, showing the lower district thriving.

Natasha smiled faintly at the screen.

Her choice was right.

Under Ruan's management, the Underworld was prospering, everything developing rapidly.

And... Ruan wasn't just doing that.

New text appeared:

**Ruan came to your clinic, seeking to learn "Advanced Medicine."**

**But you were too exhausted to teach him, assigning him to handle clinic duties, treating patients.**

**Ruan accepted, not only completing the clinic's daily tasks but also organizing the previously messy clinic.**

**Due to "Mutual Dependence of Light and Shadow," mutual goodwill increased.**

**Ruan's goodwill towards you: 90.**

**Your goodwill towards Ruan: 100 (max, increase with a vow exchange)**

Seeing the text, Natasha blushed slightly.

She gently patted her warm cheeks, calming herself.

Alright, she admitted Ruan was too capable, managing the lower district and helping her with daily tasks, freeing her for "Snowfield Immunity."

But... why was her goodwill towards Ruan increasing so fast?

Ruan hadn't even maxed his goodwill, yet hers was already full!

Was she really that easy to win

 over?

Natasha doubted herself until new text appeared on the screen:

**Time passed, approaching evening.**

**Ruan sent off the last patient, leaving only you two in the clinic.**

**You continued researching "Snowfield Immunity," but made no progress.**

**You tried infusing imaginary energy into the medicine, only managing to coat it with Pathstrider power, providing a basic blessing.**

**The resulting medicine barely resisted Rift erosion, with minimal effect.**

**Having spent another day on unsuccessful research, your stress level increased significantly.**

**You triggered a stress relief event—**

**Trusting Ruan, you decided to confide in him about your failures, seeking his help to relieve your stress.**

The text faded, showing a new scene:

"Ruan... I failed again."

In the scene, Natasha looked weary, dark circles under her eyes, seemingly having lost sleep.

Her low spirits were evident.

"Failed? Couldn't stabilize the imaginary energy in the medicine?"

Ruan, wearing a lab coat, walked towards Natasha, looking at the distilling medicine bottles.

The cheap extracts combined, blessed with Pathstrider power, forming Natasha's improved cold medicine.

"Hmm... Pure imaginary energy is too unstable. I can manipulate it to heal wounds, but can't keep it stable in the medicine."

Natasha sighed:

"I suspect I'm on the wrong path, but can't find a new solution..."

"Really..."

Ruan frowned, thinking for a moment, then placed his palm over the bottle.

The screen darkened, new text appearing:

**You saw a dark gold crystal form in Ruan's palm.**

**Strangely, as you looked at the crystal, you seemed to hear a hammer striking, seeing a small tributary flowing into the main Pathstrider river...**

**The tributary flowed into the bottle, the dark gold crystal dissolving in the high heat.**

**[Preservation] Pathstrider power infused the "Snowfield Immunity" medicine.**

**Now, drinking it grants [Preservation] Pathstrider protection, slightly enhancing defense. The protection comes from Ruan's [Preservation] creation.**

**Ruan's action greatly inspired you, showing a new direction: creating Pathstrider objects to embody the desired traits before infusing them.**

**Though unsure which object could resist Rift erosion, this provided a clear path forward.**

**"Snowfield Immunity" research progress increased significantly.**

The screen displayed a golden progress bar for "Project: Snowfield Immunity," rapidly advancing to the middle.

So, this method works?

Ruan, you're my savior!

Natasha, initially embarrassed, now felt elated.

But before she could fully rejoice, new text appeared:

**Ruan's actions greatly advanced the "Snowfield Immunity" project.**

**His "Medicine" skill gained significant experience.**

**His "Medicine" skill level increased, advancing his [Abundance] Pathstrider progress.**

**He successfully became an [Abundance] Pathstrider.**

Excitement filled Ruan's face as he watched the screen.

It's happening!

Ruan should have become an [Abundance] Pathstrider long ago.

He had reached 7 [Abundance] Pathstrider progress points before becoming the Underworld leader. Theoretically, he only needed three more days of skill experience to advance.

But unfortunately, Natasha had exhausted her teaching material...

As a lower district doctor, despite studying at Belobog Medical Academy, she wasn't top-tier, unable to recall all the academy's seven centuries of medical knowledge.

Ruan, a quick learner, mastered her knowledge in seven days.

Then, he faced the tedious task of gaining skill experience through daily tasks.

Though the Underworld thrived, Ruan devoted much stamina to Natasha's clinic.

Whether treating patients or researching "Snowfield Immunity," his skill experience steadily grew...

Yet, these daily tasks offered minimal experience, making level advancement agonizing.

Stuck at level 47 with seven [Abundance] Pathstrider points, Ruan endured countless monotonous tasks, slowly reaching level 55 and nine progress points.

Finally, with daily tasks at 100% success, he could advance...

Ruan eagerly clicked the first option.

The option box faded, new text appearing:

**You chose to help Natasha, beginning your thought process.**

**Prolonged contemplation sparked inspiration, leading you to infuse a crystal into the medicine.**

**The crystal dissolved, stabilizing the Pathstrider power in the medicine.**

**You successfully found a way to infuse Pathstrider power into the medicine.**

**"Project: Snowfield Immunity" progress significantly increased, now at 50%.**

**Your efforts rewarded you with a Pathstrider progress point.**

**You now have 10/10 [Abundance] Pathstrider progress.**

**Reaching the limit, you successfully became an [Abundance] Pathstrider.**

It's happening!

Ruan watched the screen intently, eager to see his new Pathstrider abilities.

[Abundance] didn't disappoint, offering a pleasant surprise.

The screen's text faded, gold-green light forming lines like vines along the edges, transforming the minimalist interface.

Golden light signified its prestige, and the vibrant green represented life.

The screen played a new scene:

Green foliage broke through the clinic floor, shaking off dirt, growing like sentient vines around Ruan, brimming with life.

In the scene, Ruan's pupils glowed gold-green, and the screen flickered through multiple silhouettes:

In the vast starry sea, a giant tree flourished, its branches adorned with orange-yellow fruits resembling suns, rooted in a massive ship, drawing in the cries of myriad beings;

On a green planet, a sea of trees floated among the stars like tumbleweeds. Fine tendrils reached out, gathering starlight into the sea, casting any star system they passed into darkness;

A transparent beast extended its tail into a star's blazing fire, drawing its heat into itself. Within a century, the star turned to cold stardust, consumed by the beast. Its single eye opened, glowing with immortal light...

Finally, the screen dimmed and brightened again:

In Ruan's eyes, a figure danced in the starry sea, extending six arms, gracefully stretching its lithe form, joints flexing in a cosmic ballet.

Its hair, like golden-white feathers, bloomed among the stars.

Thousands of eyes on its body opened, crimson eyes casting a compassionate glance at Ruan.

Its mouth curved into a smile, and a delicate hand wielded a vine, sending a shower of light towards Ruan.

"Why must all things perish? This planet's chronic illness spreads, and I do not wish to see living beings lament and wither."

It softly chanted, seemingly in pity:

"May all beings have their desires fulfilled."

"You may pray to me as you wish."

The screen paused, revealing a crimson option box, flashing red text:

**Due to your trait "Savior," you successfully became an [Abundance] Pathstrider while being a [Preservation] Pathstrider.**

**Your trait "Savior" upgraded to "Savior (Blue)" due to encompassing two Paths.**

**Savior (Blue): The Savior's concept reveals different paths forward.

You can use the Savior's concept to encompass the Paths you follow, broadening their scope and providing new possibilities.**

**You now encompass [Preservation] and [Abundance] Paths.**

**All Path abilities are slightly enhanced, by 20%.**

**[Abundance] Pathstrider noticed you, casting a gentle gaze.**

**Infinite light washed over you; [Abundance] lamented for Jarilo-VI's future, unwilling to see lives fall to calamity, becoming a sorrowful silence.**

**In admiration, [Abundance] will respond to your wishes.**

The text faded, revealing a crimson text box—a textbox for input:

**[Abundance] Pathstrider left a gaze on you. Pray anytime, and it will grant your wishes... in its favored way.**

**Enter your prayer.**

Seeing the crimson textbox, Ruan felt more alarmed than delighted.

Wiping his brow, he sighed:

"Pathstrider's gaze is reasonable, but praying is too abstract."

Recalling the silhouettes, Ruan felt uneasy.

Those silhouettes were obviously blessed by [Abundance], not just any beings, but fearful [Abundance] mutants.

As the only Pathstrider never refusing a prayer, [Abundance] embodied a benevolent Path.

[Abundance]'s concept included selflessness, healing, and sacrifice... Most [Abundance] Pathstriders were incredibly kind.

The [Abundance] Pathstrider, bound by its concept, was a loving star god.

But not everything related to it was good.

Due to never refusing a prayer and the excessive power of its blessings, beings blessed by [Abundance] formed a terrifying force—a calamity in the star sea.

Blessed beings helped others, seeking [Abundance]'s blessings... But then revealed their true nature, greedily devouring resources and blessings, consuming everything like locusts...

To the [Hunt] Pathstrider's Xianzhou Alliance, these blessed beings were star sea calamities, turning into terrifying [Abundance] mutants deserving eradication by [Hunt]'s arrows.

Ruan dared not seek [Abundance]'s blessing... Becoming an [Abundance] Pathstrider was enough, with no need for excessive power.

He didn't need [Abundance]'s blessing to achieve his goals, not wanting to risk losing control.

Using his simulated character was one thing, but losing control would make the game unplayable.

Self-leveling and experience farming provided tangible results...

Ruan thought, considering for a moment

, typing into the textbox:

"This is a trial... Praying to a god removes its meaning, so I refuse to pray."

The textbox faded, resuming the screen's display:

The [Abundance] Pathstrider's figure gradually faded, with only the warm light rain remaining.

Soft words reached his ears:

"How can a wingless bird fly out of a world-ending fire? May you relinquish burdens, no longer stubborn, and find liberation."

As the figure faded, the [Abundance] Pathstrider's graceful form morphed into a scorpion tail, its stinger lightly touching Ruan's cheek.

Ruan saw a terrifying scene flash before his eyes—

Uncontrolled vines grew wildly, twisting to greedily consume everything, with blessed beings becoming grotesque mutants.

Seeing this, Ruan felt uneasy.

"This is too abstract... playing a game shouldn't feel like losing sanity..."

Wiping his brow, he felt [Abundance] was too eerie... Watching the screen alone made him feel his sanity slipping.

These images were hard to describe, but they etched into his mind, hard to shake off.

As Ruan tried to recover from [Abundance]'s impact, the screen displayed new text:

**You refused [Abundance]'s blessing, receiving its admonition and mark.**

**Due to its decision, you gained a new trait: "Mark of the Pathstrider (Red)"**

**Mark of the Pathstrider: [Abundance] left a mark on you, watching Jarilo-VI with a thousand eyes until its fate unfolds—whether in destruction and lament or in revival and growth.

It waits for you to change your mind, praying for your rightful power and blessing.

Your [Abundance] Path progress speed increases by 100%, and all [Abundance] Path abilities by 100%.**

Seeing the text, Ruan felt relieved, regaining his spirits.

"At least I got some benefit..."

"Unexpectedly, [Abundance] cares so much about Jarilo-VI's future..."

Ruan murmured, satisfied with the new trait.

Though this trait, a legendary red one, mostly offered prayer benefits, the additional boosts made it gold-tier.

Doubling [Abundance] progress speed and abilities was a straightforward enhancement...

Ruan felt confident in leveling up and defeating the Calamity Vanguard.

He clicked the screen, displaying new text:

**You awoke from a daze, seeing Natasha's worried face.**

**She asked if you were okay, still unaware of what happened.**

**Unwilling to explain [Abundance]'s blessing, you merely said you became an [Abundance] Pathstrider, and had just been lost in thought.**

**Looking around, you saw the clinic covered in newly grown vines.**

**Suspecting [Abundance], you and Natasha cleared them.**

**Examining the vines, you confirmed they were merely products of [Abundance] Pathstrider power.**

Feeling relieved, Ruan found [Abundance]'s influence limited.

No negative impact on the future...

Ruan continued, using the remaining stamina to check the Fire's daily operations, handling tasks.

Unbeknownst to Ruan, elsewhere...

Natasha watched the screen, remaining silent.

Golden light reflected on her face, her rose-colored eyes filled with hope.

Golden text glowed on the screen:

**You saw Ruan becoming a Pathstrider, receiving [Abundance]'s gaze.**

**Among [Abundance]'s thousand eyes, one looked at you.**

**Thousands of light drops washed over Ruan, with one falling on you.**

**Through Ruan's reflected eyes, you saw [Abundance]'s true form, a beacon at the Path's end...**

**You gained a new trait: "Gaze of the Pathstrider (Gold)"**

**Gaze of the Pathstrider: Your assistant Ruan gained [Abundance]'s mark, with a thousand eyes watching Jarilo-VI, awaiting his prayer... But it also noticed you.

Your [Abundance] Path progress speed increases by 10%, and all abilities by 10%.**

Natasha took a deep breath, looking at the golden trait.

Though Jarilo-VI had been sealed for 700 years, the Builders' records still detailed some famous star gods.

As a doctor studying at Belobog Medical Academy, Natasha had read about [Abundance].

Granting all desires, [Abundance] never refused a prayer... If [Abundance] saw or heard you, it would fulfill your wish.

Like Natasha now.

She could also pray to [Abundance].