Chapter One: Hat Gone, Man Nearly Gone

Zhaoye moved to close the page. The office lights suddenly went dark. “No personnel detected,” announced the voice-control system. “Entering energy-saving mode.” In the darkness, he heard his own heartbeat. The fading presence was real. The hat was only the first item. What would happen if the thief took his glasses, cape, and championship crown? He clicked *Apply*. The voice channel connected instantly. An energetic woman yelled, “A person! A living person! Accept him before he changes his mind!” A deep male voice replied, “His profile is blank. Could be a bot.” “Bots have better win rates than us,” a third voice said evenly. Zhaoye activated his mic. “I’m Night King.” Silence.