Awakening and a New Beginning

The man gazed at Lin Chenyue, the profound depths in his eyes softening until nothing remained but boundless affection. “Yue’er, I’m afraid you’ve forgotten what happened before, but you should still retain your basic knowledge. Allow me to introduce us: I am your father, Lin Feimu, and this is your mother, Qin Yuxin. Your name is Lin Shenyue, and you are eighteen years old this year. This is a game world called Miracle, where all the characters are virtualized. For now, you can only live within the game, but I’ve noticed your brainwaves are gradually recovering since you entered. This proves my research is effective, and I estimate it won’t be long before you can awaken in reality.”

Lin Chenyue—no, from this moment on, she should be called Lin Shenyue—looked at her mother, Qin Yuxin, who held her tightly, and then at her father, Lin Feimu, who watched them with loving eyes from nearby. A surge of warmth welled within her heart, and she couldn’t help but say, “Mother, Father, I’m fine. Even if I can’t remember what happened before, it might not be a bad thing for me. You both have worked so hard for me for so long; I’m already content.”

Qin Yuxin released Lin Shenyue from her embrace, examining her closely before speaking softly, “Yue’er, it’s wonderful that you think that way. For the rest of today, let Mother accompany you properly and make amends for the lapses of these past five years.”

Lin Shenyue shook her head, comforting her mother. “Mother, this isn’t your fault. Though I don’t know what caused my paralysis, seeing you like this gives me a pang in my heart, as if a burden that should have been mine has been shouldered by you.”

Lin Feimu stepped forward and embraced his wife. “Xiner, you needn’t be this way; it will only make Yue’er feel worse. Let’s spend the remaining time with Yue’er. Things will likely become very busy soon.”

Qin Yuxin hummed in agreement, a smile finally gracing her lips.

Lin Feimu turned to Lin Shenyue. “Yue’er, I’m about to create your character. Do you need me to set you directly to max level? Or perhaps give you a divine artifact?”

Lin Shenyue’s heart skipped a beat, and she hastily demurred. “No need, Father. That would rob me of the joy of the game. I’ll start from scratch, just like everyone else.”

Lin Feimu let out a soft chuckle. “You’re right. However, you must accept your mother’s wishes.” With a wave of his hand, a beautiful pleated gown materialized before Lin Shenyue. The dress was a pristine white, like freshly fallen snow, and its delicate pleats subtly coalesced into the form of elegant white lilies. The hem was adorned with sparkling diamonds, enhancing the gown’s noble and pure essence. “This dress was personally designed by your mother over the past few years. I’ve sealed all the attributes attached to it, so you can wear it purely as a fashion piece.”

Lin Shenyue’s first instinct upon seeing the dress was to refuse. After all, despite her current appearance as a girl, she was still a man. But when she saw her mother looking at her with hopeful eyes, Lin Shenyue couldn’t bring herself to decline, fearing she would hurt her mother’s feelings. Ultimately, Lin Shenyue nodded, choosing to accept her mother’s gift.

Lin Feimu said with satisfaction, “Then I’ll send you to character creation first, and then our family can have a good chat for the rest of the day.” With that, Lin Feimu sent Lin Shenyue into the game’s initial interface.

Lin Shenyue looked at the empty surroundings, musing inwardly, ‘This is the true character creation interface. Father and Mother were so eager to send me into that palace earlier; they really were impatient.’ Thinking of her parents’ urgent feelings, a wave of warmth washed over Lin Shenyue’s heart.

Suddenly, a young girl appeared before her. The girl possessed a pair of beautiful, large eyes, so clear they seemed utterly devoid of blemish. Her delicate nose added a touch of refined elegance, and her small, cherry-like lips hinted at an alluring sweetness.

“Artificial Intelligence Unit 00001 at your service… Wait, are you… the primary subject?” A soft, sweet voice resonated, before abruptly shifting to one of profound shock.

Lin Shenyue was stunned. The girl before her gave her a familiar feeling, and that soft, sweet voice was even… just like her own? “What do you mean by ‘primary subject’?” Lin Shenyue asked, puzzled.

The girl floated closer, circling Lin Shenyue once. “It truly seems you are the primary subject. I am an artificial intelligence created using you as a template, so you are my primary subject.”

Lin Shenyue looked at the exquisitely beautiful girl, pausing before asking, “Does that mean you look exactly like me?”

The girl smiled. “Of course, since you are the primary subject.” She waved a small hand, and an image identical to the girl appeared before Lin Shenyue’s eyes.

“This is me?” Lin Shenyue gazed at the image. “So this body is really this beautiful. But what’s with this loli-like appearance?”

The girl nodded. “Yes, this is you. Generally, players have 20% freedom to adjust their appearance, but I have no authority to modify yours. Your nickname is also locked as Yue’er, and I cannot change it either.”

Lin Shenyue said, exasperated, “Then what *can* you do?”

The girl cheerfully replied, “Send you into the game!”

Lin Shenyue looked at the girl, conflicted, and mused inwardly, ‘Then why did my father send me here? He should have been able to do it himself, right? Hmph, he must be planning something behind the scenes.’

****

Meanwhile, in the Divine Temple, Lin Feimu suddenly sneezed, thinking to himself, ‘My precious Yue’er must be thinking of me.’ He turned to look at the four weakened Divine Beasts in the center of the hall. “Alright, so I only drew a little bit of your blood; why the mournful faces?”

The Four Divine Beasts couldn’t help but rage inwardly: ‘Was that *a little*? You drained half of our essence! It will take years just to recover!’

Qin Yuxin watched the Four Divine Beasts, who looked like four timid, bullied wives, and couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, stop teasing them. Give them the items.”

Lin Feimu smiled slightly, waving his hand to conjure four vibrant red fruits. The Four Divine Beasts instantly pounced. “Father God, you are truly good to us!”

Lin Feimu chuckled softly. “Eat them quickly; they’ll benefit your cultivation. While Xiner and I are away, Yue’er will be in your care.”

The Four Divine Beasts thumped their chests. “No problem! Yue’er is our junior sister, after all. We will certainly take extra good care of her!”

At the same time, Lin Shenyue completed her character creation and entered the game.