Virtual Reality Cultivator-Chapter 24: The First Test

Ethan followed Claire down a narrow corridor inside the underground base. The air here was colder, with metal walls giving off the impression of a secret military facility. At every corner, monitor screens displayed data, recordings, and maps that were hard for an ordinary person to comprehend.

Adrian walked behind them, his hands tucked into his suit pockets.

"You might think this is all a bit over the top," Adrian said casually. "But once you see what Zenith can do, you'll understand why we have to be careful."

Ethan remained silent. He didn't need more warnings—the fact that he had been followed yesterday was enough proof that Zenith was indeed watching him.

After walking for a few minutes, Claire stopped in front of a large steel door. With a tap on the panel next to it, the door opened with a heavy mechanical sound.

"Enter."

Ethan stepped inside and immediately realized this was no ordinary room.

A training room.

The room was spacious, with metal floors and reinforced walls. On the sides, there were various types of training equipment, ranging from wooden dummies to holographic simulators. Bright white lights illuminated every corner, giving it the feel of a high-level combat facility.

However, what caught Ethan's attention the most were the three people already waiting for him in the middle of the room.

One of them was a short-haired man with an athletic build, wearing light combat gear. Next to him stood a woman with short hair and a cold expression, and an older man who seemed calm but had an aura of danger that was hard to explain.

Claire folded her arms. "This is your first test, Ethan."

Ethan eyed them warily. "So, I'm supposed to fight?"

Claire nodded. "We can't accept someone who can't survive dangerous situations. Zenith won't attack you with words—they'll send people stronger than you can imagine."

She pointed to the short-haired man.

"Orion. Former mercenary, close-combat expert."

Then she pointed to the woman next to him.

"Rin. Former special agent, silent killer, and strategist."

And finally, to the older man.

This content is taken from freёnovelkiss.com.

"Lazarus. He's been fighting longer than all of us, and despite his age, don't underestimate him."

Ethan looked at the three of them seriously. He had faced many different enemies inside Immortal Cultivation VR, but this was the real world.

Adrian patted him on the shoulder. "You only need to survive for five minutes. That's all."

Ethan sighed. "Alright."

He removed his jacket, stretched his body, and took a deep breath.

"If this is my first test, then I'll pass it."

The Fight Begins

As soon as the signal was given, Orion moved first.

"Fast!"

Ethan only had time to see a blur before Orion's punch flew toward him with tremendous speed.

WHAM!

Ethan raised his arm to block, but the force of the punch was far greater than he expected. He staggered back, almost losing his balance.

"Damn, he's strong!"

However, before Ethan could react, Rin was already behind him.

"Too slow."

A hard kick struck his ribs, knocking him to the ground.

-20 HP

"Wait... HP?" Ethan was stunned. It was as if his body was really responding like in the game!

But he didn't have time to think any longer. Lazarus stepped forward, his hands moving in a smooth yet lethal motion.

Ethan could only dodge by activating the Shadow Wind Step, moving to the side to avoid their attacks.

He took a deep breath. "I have to think like I'm in the game."

Even though this was the real world, the techniques he learned in VR could still be used.

Quick Slash!

Although he wasn't carrying a sword, he used his movements to strike with lightning-fast punches. Orion was momentarily surprised, but he was still able to dodge.

However, that was enough for Ethan to create an opening!

He jumped back, trying to create some space.

Three minutes had passed.

"Two more minutes!" Adrian shouted.

But Ethan knew they weren't being serious yet.

Orion and Rin exchanged glances.

And suddenly—they moved together.

"Damn!"

Orion launched a frontal attack while Rin circled from the side. Lazarus stood still, waiting for an opening.

Ethan activated the Advanced Spirit Breath Technique, enhancing the circulation of Qi in his body.

"Let's go!"

Orion attacked with a heavy punch. Ethan dodged to the side, but Rin was already there.

"Trapped!"

He jumped back, but Lazarus finally moved.

"Enough."

With one motion, Lazarus tapped Ethan's shoulder.

An invisible pressure froze his body.

In an instant, he collapsed to the floor, gasping for air.

"Time's up."

Claire smiled faintly. "Good. You lasted longer than I expected."

Ethan was still trying to catch his breath, but he couldn't hide the small smile that appeared on his face.

He had already surpassed his limits again.

And this was just the beginning.