Chapter 1｜The Beginning of the Contract

The morning mist of the 1970s hung over the small village, the earthy scent of the fields mingling with the fragrance of rice. Smoke curled gently from rooftops. Li Xing, carrying his old hunting rifle, walked lightly yet steadily along the damp field ridges, his eyes gleaming with an alertness he'd never before possessed.

His father had passed away years ago, his mother frail, and his younger sister, Li Yu, still recovering. The family's livelihood rested entirely on his shoulders. Today, he planned to head into the woods to practice shooting game, gathering food for his family while testing the recent changes in the system.

As he stepped onto the forest path, the mist seemed to gain consciousness, gently wrapping around his ankles. Suddenly, a faint light flashed, slicing through the air. He felt the rifle vibrate slightly as a deep, calm voice echoed in his mind:

“Contract Holder, do you accept the System's trial? Pass it, and you shall gain power.”

Li Xing froze, his heart racing. He took a deep breath, thinking of his frail mother and his sister just recovering, of Zhao Yun, the brother who had grown up alongside him.

“I... accept!” Li Xing murmured, as if making his final decision.

A mist of light instantly enveloped him. The shotgun in his hands grew faintly warm as blue light flowed along its barrel. He felt an unprecedented surge of power coursing through his veins. The world before his eyes seemed magnified—every leaf in the forest, every blade of grass, became crystal clear.

“System Activating: Basic Shotgun Ability Bound. Enhanced Perception. Reaction Speed +10%. Potential for Growth.”

Li Xing gripped the rifle tightly, his breathing gradually steadying as a resolute gleam flashed in his eyes. He knew he had stepped into a world apart from ordinary men.

In the woods, a wild hare burst from the underbrush, moving with lightning speed. Li Xing closed his eyes, letting the system guide his aim. The next instant, a bullet whistled through the air, striking its target with precision. The hare collapsed with a thud.

System notification sounded:

“First prey hit. Contract holder's ability growth +5%. Potential hidden skill unlocking.”

Just as Li Xing bent to retrieve his kill, a familiar shout echoed from afar: “Xing! Where've you been? Stop being so self-absorbed!”

Zhao Yun dashed over, basket in hand, her face a mix of concern and warmth. Li Yu skipped up beside her, her cheeks flushed pink from the morning mist. “Brother, did you come back from hunting?”

Li Xing looked at them both and smiled gently. “I'm back.”

Their mother emerged from the house, her eyes filled with tenderness and worry. “Be careful out there. The woods aren't safe.”

Li Xing raised a hand reassuringly. “Don't worry. I'm here.”

Night fell, and the faint glow in the woods gradually faded. The hunting rifle lay quietly beside the bed, its blue mist still seeming to flicker faintly. Li Xing lay down and closed his eyes. The system prompt whispered in his mind:

“Contract Holder: The trial begins. Your power will grow with each challenge. Protecting those important to you is your primary mission.”

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a pale blue glow upon the rifle. Li Xing clenched his fist, silently vowing: Mother, Li Yu, Zhao Yun—I will protect you all.