HBWnovel Chapter 1: Rebirth
Chapter 1: Rebirth
Rita opened her eyes, staring blankly at the luxurious chandelier on the ceiling. Wasn't she just being drained of blood by Rick in that dungeon ritual? Instinctively, she tried to channel the energy within her—a reflex honed from a year of running for her life. Her body had developed a habit of finding safety first before assessing any situation.
But as she attempted a quick, fluid movement to spring up, nothing happened. The reaction from her body told her the harsh truth: she was now just an ordinary person.
At that moment, she heard voices outside the door—voices she would never forget, even in her dreams. It was her agent, Amelia.
Sitting up, Rita scanned her surroundings. A hotel? Beside her was a phone she hadn't seen in years. Grabbing it, she checked the time: March 12th, 10:00 PM.
2088!
Rita's breath quickened. She had been reborn? Reborn a year before the world would be invaded by the game *Starsea: Rift of the Beasts*?
A year from now, on this exact day, the entire planet would be overtaken by a game that would link itself to Earth as an anchor. In 2088, this game would descend onto Earth in the form of a video game, linking itself to the planet in a way that went beyond the digital realm. It had only been beta tested three times, each for just seven hours, without any warning.
Barely anyone knew of its existence, but still, a few hundred people downloaded the game either out of boredom or by chance. During the third beta test, leaked information led to six-figure numbers logging into the game early.
For some, those who participated in the beta spent the rest of their lives regretting that they had only played for a few minutes. For others, it was a life-changing event, catapulting them from obscurity to greatness. Her dear brother was one of those who soared.
The first beta test was scheduled for February 22nd at 2:22 AM.
But Rita had no interest in saving the world or warning others. The alien invasion would be a slow process, with plenty of restrictions. During that time, more people would die at the hands of their fellow humans than from the invaders.
As she recollected her thoughts, she quickly changed into something more practical. Although four years had passed, she remembered these days vividly. Tomorrow was the day someone's life would change forever due to a game. Tonight, however, her agent Amelia would get her drunk and send her to the bed of a company executive.
Back then, she had scared him off with her madness, but it only led to endless scandals, lowly jobs, and minor roles where she was either slapped or dunked in cold water.
Rita pushed the door open, and there was Amelia holding a bottle, smiling warmly. "Rita? Want a drink?"
Rita considered killing her right then and there, but her time on the run had taught her patience and how to wear a mask. She smiled back, even warmer than Amelia, "No thanks, my brother's in trouble, I need to go."
With that excuse, Amelia knew Rita wasn't staying tonight. In her mind, Rita was the ultimate doting sister—half of her earnings went to her brother, and even if she injured her leg while filming, if her brother called, she'd crawl back home to him.
Only if Amelia claimed her entire family had died could she possibly convince Rita to stay, but that was too far-fetched, especially since Rita had seen her calling her family just yesterday.
Handing Rick the glass of liquor, Rita said, "Come on, let's toast! Soon, I'll be able to buy you that mansion!"
Rita knew she wasn't stupid. She had been fooled by Rick for so many years because he almost always fulfilled her requests. He wasn't like those brothers who only knew how to exploit their sisters. This brother was a high-level manipulator.
He waited to eat until Rita was home, complied with her every wish, and even got jealous when she dated. The money she gave him, he saved, then bought her a mansion earlier that year, even putting it in her name.
A brother like this, how could Rita not fall for his tricks? She didn't think it was unreasonable—even if it was, what could she do? It was her own foolishness, her own indulgence.
But now, with the fog cleared, Rita realized Rick had indeed done everything she asked, but he had also taken every benefit for himself. He wasn't working alone; Samuel and Scarlett were his partners in crime.
That mansion that had moved her to tears? It was bought with her own money! Shouldn't it have been in her name? She bought herself a house with her own money and then immediately turned around and bought Rick an even bigger one...
Fortunately, she was reborn just in time, still in the early stages of house-hunting, planning to surprise her dear brother.
Low-level exploitation involves the whole family in the manipulation. High-level exploitation is a coordinated attack—one person hits, another heals, and a third serves tea to help you catch your breath.
But it's not too late this time.
Rick, the good brother, naturally wouldn't refuse his sister's request, even if it was 2 AM, even if he knew one drink would knock him out, even if Rita's reason for drinking was vague. He didn't even bat an eye, only showing concern, "You should take care of yourself. Money isn't everything... As long as we're together as a family..."
Rita clinked her glass against his.
With a look of helpless affection, Rick downed the drink in one go, swayed, and collapsed.
Complete trust.
Rita's eyes grew cold as she watched Rick lying on the floor. Hearing sounds from the master bedroom, likely Samuel and Scarlett, she quickly dragged Rick into his room and closed the door.
She settled on the couch in Rick's room, phone in hand, keeping a close eye on the time. The game would only last seven hours, and she didn't plan on leaving tonight. Even though Rick would usually sleep through the night when drunk, she wasn't taking any chances.
In her previous life, Rick had been like the protagonist of a power fantasy novel, always getting the best of everything. His god-tier talent was the only SS-ranked ability on the entire planet. Even after marrying into the Lopez family, where the eldest daughter initially treated him like a pretty pet, she eventually became his adoring follower.
Under Rick's guidance, she even targeted Rita, ultimately seeking to strip Rita of her god-tier talent.