Stronger with Crimson Modifier

The people who lived there relied solely on artificial light from the upper levels.

However, none of this was free.

A "light tax" was collected annually, based on the duration and brightness of the illumination.

While this arrangement was enough to meet the daily needs of the lower city’s residents, long-term exposure to artificial light meant most of them suffered from night blindness.

They rarely went out at night.

Zhao Ying was no exception.

As a result, her vision was extremely blurry at night.

But now, she could see with perfect clarity in the dark.

It was as if her senses had been completely enhanced by some unknown power.

’No, not just my senses.’

As this thought occurred to her, Zhao Ying looked down at her right leg.

Since birth, this leg had an innate issue with underdeveloped nerves.

With modern medical technology, a complete cure wasn’t impossible, but the cost was exorbitant—far more than her family could ever afford.

As a result, she had lived with this defect her entire life.

She had planned on working hard to earn enough money for treatment or, failing that, just replacing it with a prosthetic limb.

But now, her right leg had miraculously healed.

This series of strange events left her stunned, her thoughts in a whirl.

Recalling the cold, mechanical voice from before, she hesitated for a moment before finally asking aloud,

"Are... are you still there? What in the world are you?"

"This system is called the Food Chain Top Predator System. It is dedicated to cultivating its host into a top-tier Hunter."

The mechanical voice, cold and devoid of emotion, sounded again.

Zhao Ying’s confusion deepened, and she pressed,

"Are you an artificial intelligence? Why did you choose me?"

However, the system didn’t answer her question.

She didn’t give up and tried asking in a few different ways, but the system remained indifferent. It would only offer a brief response when her questions were about its functions.

Still, through persistent questioning, Zhao Ying managed to get a general understanding of the system.

This so-called "Food Chain Top Predator System," as its name implied, was designed to turn her into a Hunter at the apex of the food chain.

The system would issue tasks. Completing them earned rewards, while failure or refusal would result in punishment.

Like the terrifying electric shock from before.

As for where the system came from, Zhao Ying had no way of knowing.

But she was sure of one thing.

From this moment on, her life would be turned upside down.

...

「Inside the Copper Cross Medal.」

Hu Qi watched Zhao Ying with a calm gaze.

The so-called "Food Chain Top Predator System" she now had was his creation.

After this period of stabilization, he could now wield a small amount of his power, but the prospect of descending into this world himself was still a distant one.

Hu Qi wasn’t the type to wait around aimlessly.

Therefore, he needed a Deputy to gather intelligence on this world for him.

However, Zhao Ying was just an ordinary girl, far too weak. The slightest misstep could get her killed.

To that end, he had to take some measures to enhance her abilities.

So, he used the simulated system to issue tasks, compelling Zhao Ying to carry them out.

Upon completing a task, she would receive a corresponding reward.

For instance, the physique enhancement reward she had just received.

This model was like a game, making it incredibly easy for someone to get hooked.

More importantly, Hu Qi could use this method to indirectly control Zhao Ying’s actions and achieve his own objectives.

...

The night passed uneventfully.

After everything that had happened, Zhao Ying tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

And yet, perhaps due to her enhanced physique, she didn’t feel the slightest bit tired. On the contrary, she felt invigorated.

At the crack of dawn, she had a quick breakfast, packed some food, and handed it to her parents as they were leaving.

"Take this money. Make something good for your older brother for lunch, understand?"

her father, Zhao Tian, instructed.

"I know," Zhao Ying nodded.

Her parents worked at a factory ten kilometers from home and were there all day.

The factory had a cafeteria, but bringing food from home was more economical.

They usually chose to bring their own meals.

After seeing her parents off, Zhao Ying looked away.

For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, Zhao Ying continued to act as if her right leg was still impaired, not revealing that it had fully healed.

As for the system, mentioning its existence was out of the question.

During their earlier conversation, the system had issued a clear warning: if she revealed any information about it, she would be "erased."

She certainly wasn’t going to risk testing that claim.

As she turned to go back inside, Zhao Ying glanced at her older brother, Zhao Yao, still asleep in his bedroom. She quickly looked away, planning to change and go out for groceries.

However, just as she reached her bedroom door, she froze.

A familiar, cold electronic voice sounded in her mind:

"DING! A new day has begun.

To become a top-tier Hunter, you must possess a powerful physique.

Task issued: Run twenty kilometers!

Requirements: Route must not be repeated. Pace must not be slower than eight minutes per kilometer.

Host must begin the task within ten minutes!"

Zhao Ying took a deep breath. Not daring to delay, she quickly changed her clothes and left her room.

Just as she reached for the front door, a door to the side opened.

Zhao Yao stumbled out, rubbing his bleary eyes, apparently on his way to the bathroom.

His gaze fell on Zhao Ying, who was about to leave.

He said casually,

"You’re going out for groceries, right? I want chicken. Don’t forget to buy some for me!"

Zhao Ying just mumbled an answer.

Then she hurried out the door.

The time limit for the task was about to expire.

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