July 27, 216.
The C3-01-045 Abyss Rift preparation zone beneath Huanmao Center.
Li Wei sat alone in a small classroom, listening to a survival tutorial for novice martial artists entering the Abyss Rift.
She was wearing a brand-new hooded windbreaker, thick, abrasion-resistant work pants, and combat boots reinforced with alloy lining. A black mask covered most of her face.
The medium-sized hiking backpack on her back was stuffed full of the "survival supplies integration pack" that the merchants had hyped to the heavens.
This outfit alone had cost her 8,888.
If she hadn't inherited Jiang Xue's spirit-message wallet, she really couldn't have afforded it.
Five minutes later, the "educational" short film on the classroom's giant screen finished playing.
The girl from the Rift Investigation Bureau in charge of the lesson looked at Li Wei. "Is there anything you don't understand?"
Li Wei was silent for a moment. "The short film said we can come out to eat and rest whenever we want?"
The girl nodded. "Yes. As long as you want to come back, your thought is strong enough, and you find the 'stairs,' you can return very quickly."
She added, "Remember, there are no concepts of direction or distance inside the rift."
Li Wei pointed at her hiking backpack. "What about all this stuff?"
A barely suppressed smile appeared on the girl's face. "Those are things unscrupulous merchants specifically sell to cheat newcomers."
"Just think of it as paying for a lesson."
"Of course, it isn't a complete waste. If you ever want to go hiking or camping, it might come in handy."
Li Wei felt the vein at her temple twitch.
She asked again, "Do you also provide combat uniforms here?"
The girl blinked her bright, limpid eyes, her expression innocent. "Yep. The first set is free, and