"The current version update will be complete in 64 hours and 47 minutes. Please wait patiently."
The notification flashing on the AI interface in Cheche's gaming helmet was driving him crazy. He took the helmet off, tossed it aside, and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep for a while. Then he picked up the helmet and put it back on.
But time didn't pass any faster just because he was trying to fool himself.
The 22-year-old was about to lose his mind.
"Ahhhhhh, I'm so bored! I want to play games! I want to run dungeons! I want to fly! At this point, I'd even settle for playing basketball!"
Still in his pajamas, Cheche wriggled around on his bed, clutching his blanket and letting out a groan of frustration. He didn't dare shout too loudly, though. He wasn't in the dorm with his buddies anymore.
As the pandemic continued to worsen, Cheche, like all the other students, had returned home. His parents and younger sister were there, too. It was still morning, and if he got too loud, he might provoke his dad's ferocious attack with the Seven-Wolf belt.
Still, these "withdrawal symptoms" were rough.
Cheche forced himself out of bed and washed up. He put on a loose tracksuit, then called a few of his "boys" while waiting for breakfast to be served.
As expected, everyone was just as bored during this unusual time. But young people always had plenty to talk about. Ten minutes later, Cheche had made plans with his good-for-nothing dorm buddies to head to Blackflame Pass and grind reputation together as soon as the new version went live.
Players at their level had little left to chase in terms of gear. Their top priority was to complete the Silver Trial as soon as possible. He'd