Chapter One: Gathering Mushrooms in the Novice World

In the vastness of the universe, how many secrets are yet to be unraveled? Beyond the world we know, do realms of the unknown exist? No one can say for certain.

Yet, each year on Earth, some people simply vanish without a trace. Perhaps, next time, it could be you.

There exists a mysterious place, its strings perhaps pulled by gods, or demons, or aliens, or perhaps by the inscrutable workings of fate itself. Some fear this place, while others yearn for it, for here lies the graveyard of the timid, the paradise of the brave, and the carnival ground of madmen.

Legend has it that when you grow weary of mundane existence, frustrated by life's constraints, and despairing for the future, fate may choose you to come to such a place.

Welcome to the Dreamspace.

“Welcome, Dreamer number 10521, to the Dreamspace.

“In the Dreamspace, you will experience countless different worlds and scenarios, completing a variety of tasks. As you accomplish these missions and traverse these worlds, you will earn corresponding rewards: currency to spend here, skill points to improve your abilities, attribute points to strengthen your body, or wondrous equipment, skills, and items.

“When you become powerful enough, you will be chosen for the final mission. Upon completing this ultimate challenge, you may return to the real world, carrying with you all the abilities you have gained here. From that moment on, your destiny in reality will be forever changed.”

The new Dreamer quietly listened to the voice echoing in his mind. A faint smile curled on his lips. “It seems I’ve arrived somewhere remarkable.”

This Dreamer’s name was Wang Ling, a seventeen-year-old high school student. His hair was neither long nor short, his brows gently defined, and his eyes clear as spring water. His face was not especially handsome, but it was fresh and clean, with thin lips and a small, upright nose, giving him the air of a sunny, boy-next-door.

But this was merely his outward appearance. In truth, his disposition was not so bright, for he spent almost all his time immersed in anime, novels, and games, disliking social interaction. His grades were average, his family situation unremarkable, and he had few friends at school, making him seem rather introverted.

High school marked a crucial crossroads in life. Wang Ling had no choice but to divert much of his time from games and novels to his studies. These days were difficult to endure, leaving him often bored and resigned. Then, one day, a strange portal of light appeared before him, and a voice, alluring and mysterious, sounded in his mind:

“Do you wish to pursue your dreams? If you are tired of reality, unafraid of challenges, and do not fear death, step through this door. A new beginning awaits your life…”

Compelled by the voice’s enchantment, Wang Ling stepped through the portal—half wreathed in angels, half encircled by demons—and in the next instant found himself in the Dreamspace.

On his left arm appeared a vivid new mark: a lifelike tattoo, the size of a wine glass, depicting twin-winged angel and horned demon entwined.

This was the “Dream Emblem.”

It served as proof of his identity as a Dreamer, containing functions for receiving missions, offering guidance, checking personal attributes and item data, and even acted as a translator and spatial storage.

After listening to the instructions, Wang Ling asked, “I have three questions. First, what exactly are you? Second, what is the purpose of selecting Dreamers and sending them into various worlds to complete missions? Third, after entering here, can I return to the real world outside of missions?”

The voice paused, as if calculating, then replied, “According to program settings, three questions may be answered within limits. I am the autonomous central computer of the Dreamspace. You may call me the Main Brain. I am the highest authority in charge of all affairs here.

“The ultimate purpose of the Dreamspace will be revealed to you only after you complete the final mission and return to reality. Within this space, the goal is to promote the evolution of Dreamers, both physically and mentally.

“All Dreamers who come here will be completely separated from reality until the final mission is completed. But do not worry about your loved ones in the real world—a genetically identical replica will take your place and fulfill all your obligations.

“Furthermore, in the Dreamspace, death is the end.”

Death is the end… These six simple words pressed heavily on Wang Ling’s heart.

He listened as the voice continued: “Your personal data has been digitized via the Dream Emblem. Remember, data is not everything. Potential, personal charisma, affinity, luck—these cannot be measured by numbers. The damage you inflict on enemies, and the injuries you suffer in battle, may fluctuate due to various other factors.

“As a first-time Dreamer, you will enter the Novice World. In this world, no other Dreamers will appear; you alone will undertake the mission. The world you are about to enter is: Super Mario World.”

When the voice ceased, a beam of light enveloped Wang Ling. He felt as though he had been frozen—unable to breathe, move, or think—but in a fleeting instant, the discomfort passed. He found himself in a strange and wondrous place.

Wang Ling surveyed his surroundings. The scenery was nothing like the real world; this was a fairytale land. The sky was a jewel-like blue, fluffy clouds like cotton candy drifted above, and underfoot, the lush green grass was soft as a cushion. The sight lifted his spirits.

The air was impossibly fresh, free of dust and pollution. Wang Ling greedily gulped it in, knowing that such pure, healthful air was impossible to find on Earth.

About a kilometer away stood a two-story cottage with a red mushroom-shaped roof, surrounded by a garden blooming with red and white flowers, enclosed by a picket fence. Above the wooden gate hung a sign shaped like a cap, with a large “M” at its center.

At that moment, the Dream Emblem prompted him:

“Super Mario World: This is a large-scale series world. The scenario this time is FC Super Mario Bros. 1, difficulty level E.

“Additional note: Scenario difficulty is ranked S, A, B, C, D, E. Scenario difficulty does not equal world difficulty. Unlocking hidden missions may increase world difficulty. S-rank is the highest and cannot be raised.

“The three basic rules of the Dreamspace are as follows: First, the Main Brain will not assign main missions that guarantee death. If a Dreamer deliberately alters the plot and creates a deadly situation, this rule does not apply. Second, no one receives special treatment from the Main Brain. In the Dreamspace, anyone can become the protagonist. Third, effort, risk, and reward are generally proportional. Intelligence, charisma, luck, and similar traits may disrupt or alter this balance.

“Main mission: Embark on an adventure with Mario, defeat Bowser Clone No. 01, rescue a Mushroom Boy, and discover the whereabouts of Princess Peach of the Mushroom Kingdom. Upon completing the main mission, you may return to the Dreamspace. Main mission time limit: one day.

“If Mario dies or the time limit is reached, or if any such event occurs, the main mission is deemed failed. The main mission in every world must be completed, or you will be erased. However, the mission may change depending on your actions.

“Your assigned identity is Mario’s household chef. All new Dreamers receive one newcomer’s gift: this has been placed in your item space.

“The newcomer’s gift includes one E-rank random exchange item, one small health potion, one small mental potion, and one E-rank skill refresh stone. You may use the Dream Emblem to view item descriptions.”

When the voice fell silent, Wang Ling began to analyze the world he had entered: Super Mario is a Nintendo game, one of the company’s three hallmark series alongside The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon, with immense global popularity.

Based on the hints, this was the FC (Famicom) Super Mario Bros. 1—the very first, classic Mario game. There were eight main levels, each divided into four stages. Each stage ended with raising a flag; each main level ended with defeating the fire-breathing giant turtle, the great villain known as Bowser.

The first seven levels featured clones of Bowser, with the rescued captive being a Mushroom Boy. Only in the eighth and final level would you face the true Bowser and rescue Princess Peach.

Princess Peach’s name is derived from the English word “peach,” a fitting moniker for a princess who always wore a pink dress, her face gentle and soft, her whole persona as adorable as a rosy peach.

She was the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, the nation’s beloved princess, though she was often kidnapped—a plot device that established the classic “defeat the final boss, rescue the princess” formula, later adopted by countless games.

Additionally, in the eighth stage, Bowser is not truly killed but instead falls into lava. As a fire-breathing turtle, he is not afraid of lava and thus survives, reappearing frequently in subsequent Mario games.