Chapter 30: If You Want Wealth, Build Roads First

After slaughtering two more wild turkeys, Tang Shen and Kuina set off for home. The forest was far more dangerous at night than during the day—night was when many fierce beasts prowled, making the woods much more chaotic, and the poor visibility made it easy for someone to fall prey to those beasts. Although Tang Shen had yet to reach his limit, the sky had already darkened, so he obediently turned back. It had been a fruitful day.

Advancing two levels meant far more than simply doubling his strength. Tang Shen felt quite satisfied with such a productive day.

When they reached the entrance of the Isshin Dojo, the glow of the lanterns illuminated a small figure. His green hair was particularly striking as he wielded two bamboo swords, relentlessly attacking a large tree like a wild beast, seemingly tireless.

With each strike, the bamboo swords landed alternately on the tree. The battered bark had long been stripped away, though the trunk itself remained unscathed—the ancient tree was simply too sturdy. The child was drenched in sweat, the ground beneath him perpetually damp from the sheer volume. Judging by the amount he perspired, this was more than just a few hours of practice. Even when pushed to his limits, he gritted his teeth and pressed on, roaring with determination.

Who else could that small figure be but Roronoa Zoro?

By now, all the other Isshin Dojo students had long since dispersed and gone home; only Zoro remained, hacking at the tree again and again with powerful diagonal slashes.

When Tang Shen first arrived at the dojo entrance, he caught a fleeting glimpse of someone—it must have been Koushirou, if he wasn’t mistaken.

Tang Shen didn’t disturb Zoro’s training. Instead, he gently patted the tense Kuina, whispering softly, “Everyone’s constitution is different. Zoro is simply suited to walk the path of strength, just as your father does. That’s why he values him so highly. Don’t dwell on it.”

“I understand, Master,” Kuina replied quietly.

Tang Shen didn’t try to comfort her further. He knew this knot in Kuina’s heart couldn’t be untied in a single moment—it would take time. He had seen Koushirou’s shadow too; how could Kuina have missed it?

There would be ample time in the future to guide her. For now, he needed to focus on improving his own strength, ensuring his own safety, and then devote himself to training and teaching Kuina.

With that, he logged out.

As soon as he disconnected, an unprecedented wave of hunger crashed over him. His stomach rumbled like distant thunder, and his bladder felt fit to burst.

Snatching off the gaming helmet, Tang Shen leaped from his bed and dashed for the bathroom—though he failed to notice that he’d moved twice as quickly as usual.

Ahhh! Relief washed over him. He hadn’t noticed after playing only half a day yesterday, but after a full day in the game, he’d nearly lost control.

And his stomach—he was ravenous.

“How did I forget about this?” Tang Shen’s vision swam as he hurried to prepare a quick, instant meal, wolfing it down hungrily.

Only after devouring it did his hunger subside a little, though it still gnawed at him. He inhaled two more servings before finally feeling somewhat better.

Tang Shen twitched at the corner of his mouth. “I’m eating way too much—twice my usual amount.”

Though he’d eaten in-game, reality was another matter; in-game meals did not transfer to the real world.

That reminded him: besides game helmets, the government also sold game pods. The pods had a key function—they eliminated the need for players to log out for nourishment. The government had developed a special nutrient solution that could be injected into the pods. Players could lie inside, not only skipping meals and bathroom breaks, but the solution would also nourish their bodies. As long as the supply lasted, players wouldn’t need to log out at all—they could even sleep in the game, with sleep quality surpassing that of the real world.

The thought made him itch with longing; it would be so convenient and save so much time. If only he could afford it! Those things were outrageously expensive. If the government hadn’t distributed game helmets to underage students for free, Tang Shen wouldn’t have been able to buy even one helmet, let alone a game pod.

Poor—he was still poor!

In this world, if you wanted to get rich, you had to become strong first. In the past, everyone pinned their hopes on awakening at adulthood—that was the only goal, and Tang Shen had once dreamed of it too. But now? The immersive game was his only objective.

Poor! All he could do was work hard to earn money. Only by making money could he live better. Only by growing stronger—both in-game and in reality—could he truly thrive.

The very thought of poverty made Tang Shen wince. Even eating the cheapest meal pained him.

Judging by the way his strength was increasing, his appetite would only keep growing. His meager savings wouldn’t last long at this rate.

Fortunately, his strength was increasing rapidly. Once he’d reached a certain level, he could get tested and secure an identity. Then he’d never have to worry about food or clothing again, though he’d have to take care not to reveal his in-game identity. Who knew how many people were watching him? If word got out, Tang Shen didn’t need to think twice to know what would happen.

Yes, he would keep a low profile and focus on developing himself. No matter how others clamored, once he was strong enough, those making noise would be easily swept aside. Power was the foundation—power was everything.

Looking at his handsome reflection in the mirror, Tang Shen murmured, “Truly, I’m just too good-looking. Otherwise, why would so many people be after me?”

With that, he narcissistically smoothed his face, then turned and strode to the bathroom.

After this gaming session, his hunger was even more intense, and he felt dirtier than last time—his hair especially was uncomfortable. He quickly took a shower and felt much better.

Anyone who was after him and heard Tang Shen muttering to himself would probably want to kill him—never had there been anyone so shameless.

After his shower and a brief rest, he browsed the game’s official website and forums, but soon couldn’t resist diving back into the game.

He was still a little worried about Kuina, so he entered to check up on her.

To his speechless surprise, that brat Zoro was still hammering away at the tree with his bamboo swords, taking short breaks in between, sweat pouring down his face, then starting again.

Such stamina at his age made Tang Shen feel a bit abashed.

He even wondered whether he should join their training, but quickly dismissed the idea—now was not the time. He would wait until his strength had grown a bit more before laying a solid foundation.

That way, he’d at least be able to protect himself in the real world.

Not far from Zoro, Tang Shen spotted Kuina as well, her body slick with sweat as she practiced her sword forms over and over, like a tireless machine.