Chapter One: The World's Only Piece of Junk

“Yanhui,” she said, staring at Shen Yan—or rather, at the person beyond the screen. “If you understand me, transfer command authority.” Shen Yan tested his voice. “Who are you?” Her expression changed instantly. “Lu Yao. You forgot me too?” A mechanical announcement drowned her out. [CALIBRATOR CONNECTED.] [MISSION: WIN THE EAST THIRD DISTRICT CLAIM MATCH FOR ARCLIGHT CITY.] [FAILURE PENALTY: RANDOM DELETION OF ONE HIGH-VALUE MEMORY.] [DISCONNECTION COUNTS AS FAILURE.] Shen Yan reached for the power strip. Before he touched it, the screen flashed white. His mother appeared beside a hospital window, peeling an apple in one unbroken red ribbon. A crimson deletion bar formed beneath the memory and stopped at one percent. His hand froze.