Traveling Between Two Worlds: From Bread for Maids to Fantasy Overlord

The morning sunlight streamed through the window into the room, where Huang's parents were already up cooking. Watching their busy figures in the kitchen, Huang Yiming felt a pang of guilt, yet he also knew that some secrets couldn't be told and had to be kept from them. He walked to his parents' side, took a deep breath, and said, "Dad, Mom, I need to tell you something."

Mr. Huang put down the kitchen utensils he was holding and looked up at him: "What's wrong? Are you short of money?" Huang Yiming shook his head, his tone firm: "I know a friend who found me a good job in another city, with room and board included and a high salary. I want to take Xiuxiu with me—it's not a long-term solution for her to stay with us. If she goes out with me, at least she'll have a stable job."

He had already prepared this explanation; although he felt guilty, it was the only way to deceive his parents. Upon hearing this, Huang's mother immediately frowned: "Out of town? That's so far. Can you two manage? It's not safe for Xiuxiu, a young girl, to go out with you."

"Mom, don't worry, my friend is reliable and has a stable job. I will definitely take good care of Xiuxiu and won't let her suffer any grievances." Huang Yiming quickly assured him, his eyes sincere. "This time, I will work hard and earn more money so that you can live a good life in the future." Huang's father was silent for a moment, looking at Huang Yiming's firm eyes, and then glancing at the well-behaved and sensible Yang Xiu beside him, before finally nodding.

"Okay, you've grown up and have your own ideas. Be careful on the road, take good care of yourself and Xiuxiu, and call home often." Huang's father patted his shoulder without asking any further questions—parents always unconditionally trust their children. Huang Yiming felt a warmth in his heart, but also a pang of sadness. He secretly vowed that once things settled down, he would find a way to send more money home so that his parents could enjoy their later years in peace.

Yang Xiu stood to the side, listening to the young master's offer to take her away. Her eyes were full of dependence as she tightly gripped Huang Yiming's clothes and whispered, "Xiu Xiu will listen to the young master. She'll go wherever he wants." She didn't understand what "outside the area" meant; she only knew that following the young master would give her a sense of security, and she wouldn't go hungry or be bullied.

After quickly packing a few changes of clothes, Huang Yiming left his parents 20,000 yuan, lying that it was an advance on his salary. His parents couldn't refuse and had no choice but to accept it. With everything ready, Huang Yiming took Yang Xiu's hand and led her into his room, locking the door behind him, his expression turning serious.

"Xiuxiu, there will be a white light in a moment. Don't be afraid—no matter what you see or hear, don't make a sound. Hold my hand tightly, okay?" Huang Yiming gently instructed her. He was going to take Yang Xiu to another world, and he needed to prepare her mentally. Yang Xiu nodded, her eyes firm: "Xiuxiu isn't afraid. With Young Master, I'm not afraid of anything."

[Beep! Host ready detected. Activate shuttle? Target: Black Wind Ridge former shack area? Countdown 3, 2] "Stop the countdown, activate!" Huang Yiming interrupted in a low voice, afraid the system would malfunction again. The next second, a blinding white light instantly enveloped the two of them. Yang Xiu subconsciously closed her eyes, tightly gripping Huang Yiming's hand. Her small hand was slightly sweaty, her knuckles white, but she never let go—even as the world spun around her, she firmly believed that the young master beside her could protect her.

After the dizzying sensation subsided, the white light dissipated, and the pungent smell of blood and dust assaulted his nostrils, accompanied by the whistling of the wind. Huang Yiming opened his eyes and looked around: the once crowded shack area was now a mess, the thatched shacks were burned beyond recognition, tattered clothes and broken tools were scattered on the ground, and there were signs of a struggle everywhere, clearly indicating that it had been ransacked by bandits.

"Young Master..." Yang Xiu looked at the ruins, her face pale, trembling with fear. She instinctively clung to Huang Yiming's arm, her small body pressed tightly against him, her eyes filled with terror. She knew better than anyone the dangers of Black Wind Ridge; the brutality of the bandits was a shadow etched into her very bones.

Huang Yiming patted her back, pretending to be calm as he patted his chest, his back ramrod straight, his tone domineering, as if he could sweep away a thousand armies in an instant: "Don't be afraid, with me here, no one will dare to lay a finger on you—if one comes, I'll take one down; if two come, I'll take them both down!" But inwardly, he was pounding with fear, cold sweat dripping down his back. His right hand quietly reached for the pistol in his pocket, scanning his surroundings while keeping a close eye on the activity around him—the bandits had just robbed this place and might still be wandering around nearby; he had to find a safe place to stay as soon as possible.

[Ding! Successfully returned to the other world. The shack area has been ransacked by bandits. Bandit aura detected nearby, less than three miles away. It is recommended that the host find a hiding place immediately. Don't just return and send yourself to your death, giving the bandits equipment and maids. You're a pure philanthropist. Also, the host's cool act is a bit awkward. You could dig a three-bedroom apartment out of your toes. The little maid is almost crying. Quickly comfort her and stop showing off.] The system's sarcastic remarks accurately exposed his pretense. Huang Yiming's lips twitched, and he coughed awkwardly. He stopped pretending and led Yang Xiu towards the distant mountains.

He remembered that when they were hiding from the monsters, they had found a secluded cave hidden by vines, which could serve as a temporary shelter. Yang Xiu clung tightly to his arm, her small body pressed close to his, never leaving his side. Although she was afraid, the presence of her young master gave her more confidence, and her eyes gradually calmed down. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, and their figures gradually disappeared into the depths of the forest. Unbeknownst to them, on a nearby hillside, three bandits were hiding behind a tree, greedily watching their retreating figures, their mouths practically watering.