"Is this for real? Did I actually change?"
Tao Yao sat in front of the dressing table, gazing at the beautiful girl in the mirror. For a moment, she didn't know how to vent her current emotions. After all, she had already crossed over. What else couldn't happen?
Tao Yao stared at her reflection. Her pink hair cascaded softly over her shoulders, glowing faintly under the light. Her attire was simple—a white dress hung on her body, her feet bare, and no adornments whatsoever. If it weren't for her slightly unique pink hair and her delicate, sweet appearance, her outfit would have made her completely blend into the crowd, disappearing into the streets and alleys.
She sighed softly, her gaze becoming somewhat distant. "Did I become the goddess who made me cross over?"
The story started from the moment she died. At that time, Tao Yao was playing a gacha system in a certain anime-style game. She grinded events, completed quests, searched for treasure chests... After much hardship, she finally saved up enough for a guaranteed pull, ready to draw the coveted featured character. But when she got a golden card, it turned out to be a standard weapon?!
At that moment, Tao Yao gasped in shock, and because she couldn't catch her breath, she just... died.
After death, she met a beautiful goddess. The goddess promised her a chance to revive, but the price was that she had to abandon her original body and cross over to another world to complete a mission. Tao Yao agreed without hesitation—who wouldn't take such a good deal? And then, she crossed over.
She crossed over into this body, identical to the goddess, named Tao Yao.
"My parents, wherever you are, I'm sorry. I'm an unfilial child, unable to take care of you in your old age..."
Recalling everything that had happened, Tao Yao felt like crying but had no tears. After a moment of silent sorrow, she gradually steadied her emotions. Since she was here, she might as well make the best of it. She had been given a second life—what more could she complain about?
Looking at the unfamiliar pink-haired girl in the mirror, Tao Yao couldn't help but marvel. "Damn, I'm adorable!"
Seeing the stunning girl in the mirror, even though she knew it was her current appearance, she couldn't resist leaning in, even drooling a little.
However, at that moment, a frustrated voice suddenly rang out.
[Master, please stop this embarrassing behavior!]
As the voice sounded, a pink sprite suddenly popped out of thin air. The sprite looked like a miniature version of Tao Yao, wearing a pink dress and a cute little crown. She placed her hands on her hips, glaring at Tao Yao with dissatisfaction.
Tao Yao was momentarily stunned, unable to react. She blinked and asked, "What are you?"
The sprite puffed out her cheeks. [Xiao Xiao is not a 'what'! Let me introduce myself—I'm Xiao Xiao, the system sprite created by the goddess, here specifically to help you complete your mission.]
"System sprite?" Tao Yao repeated the term, recalling what the goddess had said. She had promised the goddess to complete a mission. She had originally thought about trying to weasel out of it, but now it seemed that wasn't an option... After all, the goddess had even created a system overseer, which showed how serious she was.
Tao Yao sighed helplessly, asking, "So, what do I need to do?"
[Master, you are currently using a body created by the goddess. You are also in a game world created by the goddess. Your mission is to use this body, identical to the goddess, to accumulate enough popularity and faith for her. The more popularity you gather, the stronger you'll become, and the closer you'll get to the goddess.]
Xiao Xiao explained seriously.
"And what about the goddess? Where is she now? Why does she need popularity?" Tao Yao fired off question after question.
Mentioning the goddess, Xiao Xiao's expression turned sad. [Due to the diffusion of divine power, the goddess has already fallen. You are her chosen successor...]
"Oh..." Tao Yao was stunned for a moment, then continued to press. "So what should I do next?"
[Of course, you need to find a way to survive! Because, according to the fate set by the goddess, your current identity is that of an evil fairy, an enemy of humanity. After the plot progresses, you'll be sealed in a dungeon, waiting to die!]
Perhaps afraid that Tao Yao wouldn't understand, the system sprite tapped Tao Yao's forehead with her magic wand. Instantly, information about this world flooded into Tao Yao's mind.
In short, "Fairy's Journey" was a brand-new open-world adventure game independently developed by the goddess, combining cultivation, gacha, strategy, combat, and plot. Players would take on the role of an amnesiac traveler, embarking on a journey to meet companions with diverse personalities, eliminate powerful monsters, and save the world together.
After absorbing this information, Tao Yao couldn't help but complain, "What kind of trash game is this? The characters are pretty good, but the gameplay and plot are a mess! The planner should kneel down and bow to the artist!"
[This is a world created by the goddess! The planner is the goddess, and the artist is the goddess too! How can you speak of the goddess like that?!]
Xiao Xiao immediately became furious.
"Oh, never mind then..." Tao Yao shrugged and continued, "So how are you going to help me?"
[I'm the popularity system! As long as you have popularity, I can change the predetermined fate, modify the game's content, and help you survive!]
Xiao Xiao declared proudly.
"So you're useless right now?" Tao Yao bluntly stated.
Xiao Xiao's wings instantly drooped. She looked like a flower whose petals had been pinched, her disappointment evident.
Seeing this, Tao Yao didn't press further and asked, "How do I gain popularity?"
[Of course, by meeting the players as soon as possible! Right now, the fate is just beginning, and the plot isn't set. As long as the players like you, we'll gain popularity!]
Xiao Xiao regained her spirit.
Tao Yao nodded thoughtfully, already forming a plan in her mind. As a seasoned gamer, she knew very well what it took for a character to be liked by players—essentially, it came down to a few conditions: a refined model, overpowered stats, and a likable personality. As long as two of these conditions were met, popularity was guaranteed.
But if she wanted to leave a deep impression on the players...
"Guess I'll have to dish out some heartbreak to leave a lasting impression, huh?"
A slight curve appeared on Tao Yao's lips. She had been on the receiving end of heartbreak before, but now, it was finally her turn to break others' hearts!