Chapter 75: Hey, Is That Your Dog Food? No, It's Yours

This radiant Platinum Star ring, though classified merely as ordinary-grade equipment, boasted two special effects thanks to the synergy between a mid-tier elemental crystal and the Mind Guardian’s gem—its attributes rivaled even those of high-grade gear. Moreover, the ring’s mental defense was impressive, potent enough to last well after a class change, only needing replacement around level 20. This was truly remarkable.

Eagerly slipping on the Platinum Star, Lin Xiao felt a familiar surge of power rise from the ring. He could clearly sense a significant boost to both his mental and intelligence attributes. His MP climbed to 470, and magic defense rose to 62 points.

This magic defense, though commonly referred to as such, actually offered resistance against psychic, mana, and magical attacks—in short, any form of energy assault.

Compared to his formidable 145 points of physical defense, the magic defense seemed merely adequate. Fortunately, most enemies he had encountered so far relied on physical damage; magic attacks were rare, Zoe being the main exception.

With the ring forged, Lin Xiao headed downstairs to watch television. He had recently bought a large-screen set, though it was still a black-and-white model, brimming with nostalgic charm.

Color TVs were already available, but mostly in big cities—nothing like that was for sale yet in Hawkins. Lin Xiao thought he’d look for an opportunity to buy a color set someday.

This reminded him: he wondered if Mr. and Mrs. Burham had purchased their yacht yet. Once it arrived, they could cruise every Sunday, indulging in the decadent pleasures of capitalist life.

What a feeling that would be!

That evening, Joey returned from work, arms laden with groceries: two sizable king crabs, three thick cuts of prime tomahawk steak, a mountain of vegetables and fruit, plus two bottles of Bordeaux. If Chief Hopper hadn’t helped her carry it all, she might never have managed.

“We’re eating well tonight!” Joey said with a cheerful grin. Lin Xiao rushed over to help, laughing as he asked, “What’s got you in such high spirits, Mom?”

Joey led them to the kitchen, replying as she walked, “Guess who’s coming for dinner tonight? Miss Farmiga. No matter what else, she’s Elle’s teacher—we can’t neglect our manners.”

So that was it. Lin Xiao chuckled, glancing at the Platinum Star on his hand. Zoe, oh Zoe—she’d toyed with him that morning, but tonight he was eager to see whose willpower would prove stronger.

Within level 20, the Platinum Star ring granted 50% resistance to mental manipulation. In other words, one might still be controlled—or not; the outcome depended on the contest of wills.

Whoever possessed the stronger will would emerge victorious.

Lin Xiao refused to believe that, after all the life-and-death struggles he’d endured, his own resolve could be weaker than Zoe’s. It was time she learned her elder brother was not so easily bullied.

He entered the living room and dialed Zoe’s number. It was still amusing to him that this witch knew how to use a phone—shouldn’t she have some sort of arcane long-distance communication instead?

“No need to call, big bro. I already notified Miss Zoe. Go sit on the couch.” Eleven walked over and spoke up.

Lin Xiao let out a helpless laugh. He’d just been thinking about psychic communication, but in truth, Eleven already had that ability.

He put down the receiver and was about to head to the sofa when he paused—why was he listening to Eleven?

His gaze shifted to her. She was forming strange hand gestures, sweat beading on her brow, as if she were using a psychic power.

“Why? Why can’t I control you?” Seeing Lin Xiao unmoved, Eleven let her hands drop in disappointment. Without a word, Lin Xiao dashed over and scooped her up, carrying her right upstairs. He grabbed her arm, suspending her in midair.

Eleven shrieked in fright. Will watched from below, clapping and cheering for Lin Xiao to let go—what a wonderful little brother.

Hearing the commotion, Joey called out from the kitchen, “Don’t bully Elle, Jonathan! Be careful, or her teacher will give you what for!”

“Mom, as a loving big brother, how could I possibly bully my little siblings? I’m selflessly instructing Eleven. Come on, Eleven, since you used your brother as a test subject, let’s see how you’re progressing. If you can use psychic manipulation, surely you can levitate too?”

“I can’t! I haven’t learned how to levitate yet.”

“Oh, but you can.”

Lin Xiao was just about to let go when a slender figure appeared at the door—it was Zoe.

Her expression changed at the sight, and she pointed at him, saying, “Release Eleven at once, Mr. Jonathan.”

An invisible force rushed at him. Lin Xiao recognized it immediately—this was the same power that had controlled him that morning, forcing him into such humiliating acts.

Three days apart, and now things had changed. He was no longer the Michael Jackson of before.

The Platinum Star on his hand released an invisible psychic shield, blocking most of the force, though a portion still managed to pierce through and infiltrate his mind.

The battle of wills had begun!

Lin Xiao seemed to hear a gentle voice, softly caressing his mind, plucking at his heartstrings, urging him to set Eleven down.

That voice drifted near and far—like a sound heard in a dream, never quite clear, yet his mind somehow understood its meaning.

The sensation was so strange it made him nauseous. His brain felt foggy; his arm began to withdraw on its own. His will was being pried open.

No. Absolutely not!

How could my will be weaker than Zoe’s?

I refuse to yield. I refuse to obey. My will cannot be bent by anyone.

Suddenly, Lin Xiao recalled those years as a livestreamer, grinding away in a tiny basement room, toiling night and day for the sake of a better broadcast.

Crushed by the weight of housing prices and marriage expectations, he was like Sisyphus from myth, endlessly working himself to death in futile labor until he finally burned out.

Now, having earned a second chance at life, how could he allow himself to be powerless again?

My destiny is my own. No king, no god, no demon can seize it from me!

In that instant, clarity flooded his heart. Magic surged within him, converging in his mind. A wave of coolness washed over his brain, as if his will had been cleansed and reborn.

A holy radiance burst forth from his body—the Sacred Light skill had triggered on its own, purging Zoe’s psychic influence entirely.

He had won the battle of wills.

Downstairs, Zoe’s face went ashen. Blood gushed from her mouth as she collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

“Zoe!” Lin Xiao cried out. He hurriedly set Eleven aside, leaped down the stairs, and rushed to her side, scooping her into his arms.

He never imagined the contest of wills would be so dangerous—that his victory would so grievously injure Zoe.

Had he known the consequences, he never would have resisted. He would have let Zoe control him without a fight.

He quickly invoked his Purification skill, pressing his hand to Zoe’s forehead. A gentle power flowed into her mind, and slowly the witch’s eyes fluttered open. In a weak voice, she asked, “What happened? How could your willpower be so strong?”

“I’m sorry. I was wrong—I didn’t realize how dangerous a contest of wills could be. I’m sorry, truly sorry.” Lin Xiao apologized again and again, his voice trembling with tears.

Zoe lifted her hand and gently stroked his cheek, shaking her head. “No, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have tried to control your mind and humiliate you. I’m sorry.”

As they exchanged apologies, Eleven, Will, Joey, and Chief Hopper, who had just come in, watched the scene with deep emotion.

Unexpectedly, Hopper found himself wrapping an arm around Joey. She didn’t resist, resting her head on his shoulder as she whispered tenderly, “So romantic, Jim. I really envy a love like that.”