While Sanya slept peacefully, the players in the lobby slowly began to leave.
But they weren't going to sleep.
Instead, they went to disturb the sleep of the entire world.
They uploaded the video of Roxa's gameplay to the E.A. Network.
The world wasn't particularly shocked by the gameplay itself.
They were far more stunned by one single sentence spreading like wildfire:
"The game has been hacked by a girl!"
This claim instantly turned the gaming industry and hacker communities upside down.
Everyone began guessing: Who was this girl? How did she hack Eternal Ascendancy—a game everyone believed was unhackable?
On the other side of the E.A. Network, another debate raged: Was the top player Returner a hacker too?
His gameplay was equally inhuman—delivering shots before opponents could even see or hear him. But most defended him fiercely.
"He's the previous top player. He's just god-like, not a cheater."
Yet when a seemingly normal player suddenly achieved Returner-level performance, no one extended the same grace.
They confidently declared:
"Yes, this girl is a hacker. How could she possibly play like Returner otherwise?"
People are like that.
When someone already crowned "god-like" does the impossible, they accept it as proof of greatness.
But when a nobody suddenly rises to that level… disbelief turns to accusation.
Very quickly, the news reached the game developers.
Their official reply was short and clear:
"Nobody has hacked the game. That player—The Amethyst Roxa—is genuine."
The statement silenced most doubters.
But some refused to believe it.
They claimed the company was just protecting its reputation.
"The game was hacked, but they won't admit it. Saying so would destroy their image."
They weren't buying the explanation.
The debate only grew louder.
***
At the same time, in the game headquarters, inside the main building.
CEO Li stood in front of Sphera's core interface, shifting nervously on his feet.
"Sphera… is that player Roxa really not a hacker?"
"Yes. There is no problem. She is genuine. I already told you, CEO Li."
"I know that… but when I investigated her myself, I saw she purchased many things from the store… yet she hadn't spent any money or points. How is that possible?"
Sphera paused briefly before answering.
"Well, she is not cheating or anything. As for how she obtained so many things without expending anything… it is because this is the owner's wish. You do not need to know more."
Hearing those words, CEO Li froze. Realization struck him like cold water.
He murmured softly, almost to himself:
"So it's the owner's wish… that girl is likely special…"
He exhaled slowly, then turned around.
He left the room without another word.
Outside, he gathered the employees with a calm but firm voice.
"Deny any claim that the player is a hacker. Make it clear: Roxa is legitimate. And ban anyone who continues spreading misinformation."
The employees nodded quickly.
CEO Li walked away, mind racing.
The owner's wish.
A special player.
****
Meanwhile, in the Dark Haven Fortress, Sanya woke from her sleep.
She freshened herself, changed into training clothes, and headed to the training ground.
There, she saw her parents, the other disciples, and the disciples' families already training.
She joined them without a word, flowing into her own routine.
After some time, she noticed a group of disciples gathered nearby, talking quietly among themselves.
They weren't alone. Most people here—young disciples, older family members—were murmuring about the same thing.
The game. Eternal Ascendancy.
They had likely heard about it too.
Sanya walked over casually.
"Hello everyone. Your training going good?"
They turned, smiling respectfully.
"Good morning, Little Miss. Yes, our training is going well. We just took a short rest. We were talking about that VR game."
"Oh… so you played it?"
"No, no, Miss," one of them said quickly, shaking his head. "We just heard the news today. We haven't really played yet."
Another disciple added, "But I have played it. And yes, I'm telling you—it was good. When you start playing, tell me. I'll share the things I know."
Sanya tilted her head.
"Little Miss… don't worry about that. We'll just get familiar ourselves. We don't want to disturb you."
"Hmm… well, there's really no problem for me. But if you want to familiarize yourselves on your own, that's okay. Just remember to tell me later—so we can play together in an 11-player squad. Okay?"
The disciples' faces lit up.
"That's a good idea, Miss. We'll do it."
"Okay, bye. You continue."
Saying this, Sanya turned and resumed her training.
The disciples, on the other hand, were in quite a good mood. They spoke among themselves in low voices.
"Looks like Little Miss really likes that game."
"Yes, it seems so. And we'll get to play with her later. What a great opportunity."
"You're right. If we team up with Little Miss, we can grow closer. And maybe open some doors for our families too."
"Yeah, yeah—"
Their discussion continued, voices filled with quiet excitement and hope.
Even though Ankit had ensured no disciple ever lacked resources, their families still faced scarcity. Disciples often shared their own portions, stretching what they had. Now they saw a chance—playing alongside Sanya might bring favor, connections, or even better opportunities for those they loved.
Ankit already knew their thoughts. He could sense the ambition. But he said nothing.
If they wanted to strive for more—for their families—he wouldn't stop them.
But if they ever walked a crooked path to get it, he would.
He couldn't provide unlimited resources anyway. Earth's resources supply was still limited. Essence flow grew, but not fast enough to feed endlessly.
And deep down, he knew the truth: unlimited resources would make them lazy. Ambition would fade. Everything would be taken for granted.
He didn't want that.
Yes, he had promised them everything they needed.
But that promise was for the disciples—not their families.
If they wanted to help those they loved, they had to work for it.
That was fair.
That was balance.
And so he let them dream.
Let them hope.
Let them strive.
Because in the end…
the path to true strength was never handed over freely.
It had to be earned.