Trembling At A High Altitude

"In that world, I've always lived at the very bottom of society. I've always wanted to change my fate through my own efforts, even if it meant climbing up just a small step. To me, that would bring immense joy from success. It's like climbing the stairs, one level at a time; each step takes you to a view you've never seen before, gives you things you've never had before, and exposes you to things you've never encountered before."

"The joy and sense of accomplishment in changing one's own destiny after struggling from the bottom is something you people, born with a silver spoon in your mouth, will never comprehend. In this process, no matter how much pain we endure, no matter how many trials we face, it's all worth it to us."

"Even if this path is arranged by others, and even though it might be impossible to escape a controlled fate until the very end, what matters most is that with every step forward, life gets better, the food richer, the clothes brighter, the living more comfortable, the respect greater, and the hope for freedom grows. These are the most important things."

"The outcome is not important, what matters is the entire process. In the real world, my life was miserable, and I couldn't achieve any of this even with my own efforts. But after coming here, I've discovered that my strengths seem more suited to surviving and thriving in this world."

"Although this world is cruel, it has left me a path to ascend. As long as I don't die, I can keep climbing up, step by step. The process is simple: sufficient points can be exchanged for a better life, a higher status, and more privileges."

"As for what's at the top, that's again not important. What matters is that I'm still climbing upwards. At least until this path to ascension is sealed, until I am entombed in wax, until I reach the utmost height, I will have enough motivation to keep moving forward."

"I suppose that's the belief that keeps me going."

"You had everything from birth. You even need to experience the lives of ordinary people to find joy. Naturally, you can't understand my mindset at this moment, or the meaning of my existence."

After speaking, Li Teng ate another piece of meat and then drained the remaining beer from the can.

"So what should I do? How do I hold on here?" Liu Yin still seemed helpless.

"Since you can't die, then set a goal for yourself. For instance, you're physically weak; running more would certainly be beneficial. Or, join me in hunting the Giant Rats, make yourself stronger, and then, when you find your body becoming stronger, your survival skills improving, your endurance increasing, you'll feel the joy of progress and it will revive your spirit," Li Teng offered Liu Yin some advice.

"Really?" Liu Yin's hollow eyes seemed to sparkle slightly.

"Yes, really. Eat the meat first. By the way, what else would you like to eat? I've earned a lot of points," Li Teng walked over to the refrigerator.

"These foods are too greasy; I'd like some vegetables and fruits," Liu Yin suggested to Li Teng.

"Alright, pick what you want. It's much easier to earn points now, no need to skimp," Li Teng pulled Liu Yin over to the refrigerator.

Liu Yin chose some common vegetables and some fruits.

Li Teng thought for a moment and then added some seasonings, took the items out of the refrigerator, and began to cook at the stove. In no time, he had stir-fried several dishes and brought them to the dining table outside.

Eating these long-missed vegetables, Liu Yin finally showed some signs of life.

...

After the meal, following Li Teng's suggestion, Liu Yin went to the treadmill room to continue running, to strengthen her physical constitution before considering the next steps.

Li Teng went out again, heading to the Hunting Cabin to continue hunting the Giant Rats to earn more Time Points.

After leaving this time, Li Teng hesitated briefly but did not head in the usual four directions of forward, back, left, or right. Instead, he chose the front left direction. Now that the range of his wristwatch's scanner had increased, he wanted to see if there were any secrets in this area that he hadn't yet discovered.

Basically, walking through was enough to almost completely explore the area.

He hadn't held much hope, but unexpectedly, this trip actually led him to discover some anomalies.

In a certain area to the front left, three red light points appeared clustered together.

The other red light points, representing the Giant Rats roaming around, were mostly moving.

Only these three red light points were completely still, arranged in a triangular formation, as if guarding something.

Li Teng cautiously approached that direction, but the three light points remained motionless.

A Giant Rat, oblivious to danger, charged from nearby and was immediately killed by Li Teng with a hammer blow to the head.

Possibly alerted by the noise of the hammer or by the smell of blood from the exploding Giant Rat, the closest of the three triangular light points suddenly started moving and charged towards Li Teng.

The sound of hooves suggested a large creature, probably the same kind of Bear Rhinoceros that had attacked them the previous afternoon!

Li Teng turned and ran, while watching the movements of the Bear Rhinoceros following him on his wristwatch.

The Bear Rhinoceros was fast and caught up with Li Teng in just a few seconds.

Fortunately, Li Teng had already observed its path on his wristwatch and calculated the time it would take to reach him.

The moment the Bear Rhinoceros was about to send Li Teng flying with its horn, Li Teng dodged to the side and then slightly changed direction to continue running away.

He only wanted to try taking on a single Bear Rhinoceros, not fight three at the same time.

Having missed its target, the Bear Rhinoceros roared and, by smell or some other means, quickly located Li Teng again before charging once more.

Feeling that he had put a safe distance between himself and the other two Bear Rhinoceroses, Li Teng not only dodged the creature's charge this time but also brought his Alloy Spiked Hammer down mercilessly on the Bear Rhinoceros's face.

The side of the Bear Rhinoceros's face was smashed, creating a bloody pit. It stumbled a few steps forward, nearly falling to the ground, but it rapidly steadied itself on all fours and once again charged at Li Teng with its horn lowered.

Its speed, along with its horn which could compare to something made of alloy, would surely knock Li Teng flying and render him combat ineffective if it hit, likely costing him half his life.

Li Teng dodged its charge once more, swinging the Spiked Hammer again at its face.

Another bloody pit appeared, and this time the Bear Rhinoceros's legs couldn't support the heavy body's tilt, and it crashed to the ground, sliding several meters forward.

Li Teng, seizing the opportunity, rushed over and fiercely smashed his hammer down on its head.

Unexpectedly, the Bear Rhinoceros showed remarkable Vitality. Lying on the ground and realizing Li Teng was striking again, it managed to forcefully kick out with its hind legs towards Li Teng's body.