Category: Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 58 – A Death-Defying Act

Dark clouds churned in the sky, the relentless rain continuing.

On the battlefield, shrouded in a twilight gloom, countless figures radiating a soft, white light stood motionless.

They were the deceased, their final wills solidified by their convictions, seeking to fulfill their unfinished business.

They were…

—Heroic Spirits.

And the one who had brought them forth was the small, frail, silver-haired girl standing before them.

The Heroic Spirit soldiers looked at Luo Yan with gratitude.

“Director Hua Qiling often spoke of you, but I never really paid attention,” Lin Ze chuckled softly. “But today, I realize… I was wrong, Miss Luo Yan.

“If there truly are benevolent ‘gods’ in this world, I think… perhaps they are like you.”

Lin Ze’s form began to fade, the Heroic Spirit’s will dissipating.

In his final moments, he and the soldiers behind him saluted Luo Yan with the highest honor, their expressions solemn.

“Miss Luo Yan… thank you… sincerely…”

As his voice faded, the Heroic Spirits vanished.

Luo Yan stared blankly at the scene, something stirring within her.

She was usually emotionally detached, rarely experiencing strong feelings.

Even something as natural as “smiling” required conscious effort.

But at this moment…

“Rest in peace.”

Luo Yan stood in silent mourning for these ordinary, yet unique, lives.

This sorrow… she seemed to have learned it long, long ago.

And Hua Qiling, unconscious on Luo Yan’s back, shed silent tears.

…

“A Primordial Demon’s aura has been detected at the southwestern front line… no, to be more precise, the ‘Witch of Envy’.”

“Duration: five minutes and thirty-six seconds… previous longest duration: three seconds.”

This news quickly reached Lin Cheng and Li Ping.

It was bad news.

But…

As the “Witch of Envy’s” aura dissipated, good news followed.

The southwestern front line… had held.

Although the details of the battle were unclear due to the heavy casualties, one thing was certain: Alyxsia, the “Mobile Fortress,” who had been attacking the southwestern front, had retreated due to serious injuries.

And the cause of her injuries was related to the “Witch of Envy.”

Dawn’s best chance to reinforce their isolated team within the city… was gone.

Yan City had miraculously repelled the first phase of Dawn’s attack.

Although the situation was still dire, with other front lines under attack by Dawn’s elite teams, they had stabilized for now.

But…

“Did the ‘Witch of Envy’ come to help us?” Lin Cheng’s expression was strange. “Have we ever… made a deal with a Primordial Demon before? She seems to be… protecting us?”

“…Even if we had, it wouldn’t be to protect Yan City,” Li Ping said helplessly. “A ‘demon’ is the embodiment of destruction. She would likely prefer to see a ruined Yan City.”

Primordial Demons weren’t without personalities, but their personalities were… twisted.

Or rather, their personalities, from a human perspective, were twisted.

Because they existed as concepts, not living beings, understanding them from a human perspective was inherently flawed.

Unless… they became living beings.

Perhaps then, a “Primordial Demon” would possess human emotions, not just a conceptual personality.

Of course, this was just speculation; there were no such records.

“Well, holding the line is good news, and Hua Qiling is still alive, but…”

Li Ping glanced at the mission report and fell silent.

“Just say it, I know about Lin Ze,” Lin Cheng whispered.

“He’s dead,” Li Ping said softly. “And… they couldn’t find his body.”

When Luo Yan had last appeared, there had been no other ordinary soldiers nearby.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have dared to use the domain of her “Envy” ability.

Within the domain, the dead could become Heroic Spirits, but the living…

“…Expected.”

Lin Cheng’s voice was calm.

But Li Ping, who had known him for years, could sense his pain.

However, as City Lord, in this life-or-death crisis, even the death of his own grandson on the battlefield…

Couldn’t break his composure. He had to remain calm.

Even if such calmness… was cruel.

“What’s the situation with the trapped Dawn team?” Lin Cheng asked calmly.

Li Ping glanced at the reports.

“The latest report hasn’t arrived yet, but according to previous intel, Qin Wen’s ambush has eliminated over half of their forces. They’re currently facing a final counterattack from their ‘Peril’ level ability user.”

…

…It was more than just a counterattack.

Myers knelt on the ground, surrounded by corpses.

Yan City guards, and his own team members, lay scattered, the rain washing over them.

Blood stained the ground.

Although Myers could still fight…

The message from his communicator shattered his resolve.

“Myers… there will be no reinforcements. I’m sorry, I kept you waiting,” Rhine’s sorrowful voice echoed in his ear.

“Alyxsia’s final attack has failed. Please attempt to break through. If you can’t… we will mourn your loss.”

Myers gripped his weapon, his eyes bloodshot.

“How could this be…?”

His team members had fought and died to buy him time, to wait for reinforcements.

And yet… they had failed.

A mere Yan City… how could they be so strong?!

Even “Mobile Fortress” Alyxsia couldn’t break through…

Myers slowly stood up, covered in blood.

“Brothers and sisters…” he whispered, his voice filled with despair. “There… will be no reinforcements…”

The five remaining team members, huddled around Myers, heard his words clearly.

“What?!”

They were shocked.

They hadn’t expected Alyxsia to be defeated.

She hadn’t even breached the first line of defense…

Dawn’s first phase of their operation had failed.

Break through the western front, rendezvous with the southwestern front, then dismantle Yan City’s internal defenses one by one…

They hadn’t even completed the second step.

And Myers’s words meant that Team Four… was likely to be annihilated.

Trapped and surrounded by Yan City’s forces, their destruction was only a matter of time.

Despair washed over them.

The Yan City forces watched them silently, countless pulse cannons ready to fire.

Qin Wen stood before them, her swords at the ready.

No matter how strong she was, she was still just a “Ruin” level ability user.

Even with the support of the “Ember’s” energy, fighting Myers was a struggle.

In fact, Qin Wen’s injuries were far more severe than Myers’s, but the “Ember’s” power was keeping her going, keeping her holding Team Four here.

And unlike the despair of Team Four, the Yan City guards had received news of the victory at the southwestern front line.

Their efforts had paid off, their morale boosted, their resolve to annihilate this Dawn team strengthened.

“It seems I let you win this round, Hua Qiling,” Qin Wen’s expression was slightly frustrated, but she smiled faintly. “But… you did well.”

Since Hua Qiling had completed her near-impossible task, she, with her comparatively easier task, couldn’t afford to fail…

Otherwise, it would be a huge embarrassment.

“I absolutely… won’t let a single one escape!”

Qin Wen suppressed the churning blood in her chest, six swords floating behind her.

…She had already broken twenty or thirty swords in this battle. If she hadn’t brought so many spares, she would be out of weapons.

Meanwhile, Team Four was making its last stand.

“Captain, you’re the strongest, escape on your own!” one team member whispered.

“We’ll stay behind and hold them off… Don’t worry about us, just break through!”

“Let us be your shield. You’re more valuable to Dawn. Even if there’s only a sliver of hope… we have to give it to you!”

The team members urged him.

Every member of an elite team was a battle-hardened veteran.

They quickly recovered from their despair and, although their hands trembled, realized their last chance.

They were close to the southwestern front line, which, although holding, was severely damaged.

If he just wanted to escape… Yan City’s remaining forces couldn’t stop a “Peril” level ability user.

With Myers’s strength, he could escape.

“No,” Myers shook his head. “I can’t do that.”

Using his team members’ lives to buy his own survival…

How could he?!

“Captain…”

The team members wanted to argue, but time was running out.

The next wave of attacks from the Yan City forces was imminent, and the southwestern front line was likely being reinforced.

If they delayed any longer, their last chance would be gone.

“I… alone… can’t escape.”

Myers whispered.

He looked up and saw the single sword among the Yan City guards, its sharpness piercing his gaze.

It was the Sword Saint’s sword…

Even at “Ruin” level, it was incredibly sharp.

Unlike Hua Qiling, who relied on the city’s defenses, Qin Wen was fighting a “Peril” level ability user with her own strength.

Although she had the support of the “Ember’s” energy, it was still a remarkable feat.

And the pulse cannons were mainly targeting the other team members, not a threat to Myers himself.

Because of this…

Myers knew he was the only one who couldn’t escape.

Qin Wen wouldn’t let him go, even if his team members sacrificed themselves.

Rhine, on the communicator, knew this, which was why he had offered his condolences earlier.

But… what if it was the other way around?

“You break through, I’ll hold them off,” Myers said curtly.

He would hold back Yan City’s forces, allowing his team to escape.

With his strength, if he was willing to sacrifice his life, holding them off wouldn’t be difficult.

And he knew that if Yan City had to choose between killing him or his team members…

He would be the one to die.

“No, we can’t…”

“Captain, compared to us… you…”

The team members were shocked by his decision.

“There’s no time, go.”

Myers took a deep breath and ignited his soul.

The burning soul brought unprecedented mental strength, squeezing every last drop of spiritual energy from his body.

A terrifying aura erupted from him, forcing the Yan City guards to retreat.

“But…”

“Don’t let my sacrifice… be in vain.”

Myers whispered.

The remaining team members exchanged glances, their expressions filled with grief and resolve.

They knew that if they stayed, it would only be a meaningless sacrifice.

“I’m sorry, Captain…”

Fighting back tears, they took advantage of the opening Myers created and fled towards the southwestern front line.

Watching them go, a faint smile appeared on Myers’s lips.

“I should be the one apologizing… I promised to bring everyone back safely… and I broke my promise.”

“And you were wrong.”

“To Dawn, I am no more important than you.”

“Because every member of our family… is crucial to Dawn.”

He murmured, as if speaking only to himself.

“They’re breaking through!”

The Yan City forces immediately spotted the five fleeing Dawn members, all pulse cannons targeting them.

Even Qin Wen prepared to unleash her sword formation.

But just then, a blazing figure appeared above the Yan City forces, Myers’s hysterical roar echoing.

“Yan City! Sword Saint Qin Wen! Listen well, your opponent—”

“Is me!”

In that instant, a small sun seemed to appear in the dark sky.

A desperate light in the endless rain.

Dim, yet resolute.

Dawn’s Twenty-Third Cadre, “Peril” level ability user, Myers.

A death-defying act.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 57 – “Heroic Spirits”

The torrential rain continued, the blue and silver figures facing each other amidst the downpour.

Alyxsia steadied herself, her body battered and bruised, her giant machine rumbling towards her.

Most of her combat power came from this machine.

Without it, she was just an ordinary “Peril” level ability user.

But “Peril” level nonetheless.

Luo Yan, with her “Difficulty” level aura and “Ruin” level attack power, posing a threat to a “Peril” level ability user with a strange Forbidden Technique…

To Alyxsia, she was no less terrifying than the unconscious Hua Qiling on her back.

And Alyxsia remembered Grifres’s grave expression when mentioning “Miss Luo Yan,” even more serious than when speaking of Hua Qiling.

She had not only faced the crimson monster formed by the “Witch of Envy’s” will fragment, but she had also instantly killed a “Ruin” level ability user from a long distance.

Even Qin Wen, a “Ruin” level expert, had needed to exploit Myers’s momentary lapse in concentration and be within range of her sword formation to achieve such a feat.

And Luo Yan, with just a sniper rifle, could kill from kilometers away…

If Luo Yan was on Yan City’s side, she would be a major threat to Dawn.

Because of this, the Dawn teams were acting cautiously.

But they hadn’t expected…

Even in direct combat, this girl named “Luo Yan” possessed terrifying strength.

—Using a Forbidden Technique with almost no cost, Alyxsia finally witnessed this miracle firsthand.

And it was the Life-type Forbidden Technique, “Manjusaka,” no less…

A technique that devoured the life force of both the user and the target.

The fact that Luo Yan could use it unharmed, even just surviving it, was terrifying.

But…

Why did this mysterious and powerful girl speak like a child?

“This is war, ‘Miss Luo Yan’,” Alyxsia composed herself and said gravely.

She activated her giant machine, the rumbling steel torrent about to be unleashed. “Perhaps you’re still young, you don’t understand, but just know this…

“In war, both sides must do everything to kill the other, to annihilate them, to crush them.

“In war, life is expendable.”

Luo Yan’s eyes darkened. She raised her sniper rifle and aimed at Alyxsia.

“…Including your life, is that it?”

Before losing consciousness, Hua Qiling had transferred the authorization for the “Ember’s” energy to her.

And along with it… ten “Philosopher’s Stones.”

Almost Yan City’s entire remaining stock.

The recent string of disaster events had strained their resources.

Creating “Philosopher’s Stones” required the “Ember’s” energy, but right now, the “Ember” couldn’t spare any.

And with Luo Yan now at her peak, her combat power was unprecedented.

With “Manjusaka,” she could even hold her own against a “Peril” level ability user.

“…Me?”

Alyxsia frowned slightly at Luo Yan’s question.

Then she sneered, her spiritual energy surging, dispelling the surrounding aura of death.

“Of course, including me—provided you can kill me.”

The giant machine rumbled, and mechanical soldiers and drones emerged, charging towards Luo Yan.

“Although Yan City has surprised me lately, you, Hua Qiling, and that Qin Wen who’s intercepting Team Four…”

Alyxsia’s spiritual energy linked with the steel torrent, guiding the mechanical army towards Luo Yan.

“But before absolute power… it’s all meaningless.

“—You are… too weak.”

“Weak…?”

Luo Yan murmured softly.

Before her, the mechanical soldiers advanced, the stench of oil filling the air, even the heavy rain couldn’t wash it away.

This was Alyxsia’s true strength, the origin of her nickname, “Mobile Fortress.”

She had attacked Hua Qiling alone earlier because she had been cautious, worried that Hua Qiling might escape before the giant machine arrived.

But… it didn’t matter now.

A confident smile appeared on Alyxsia’s lips.

She had learned from Grifres that Luo Yan possessed both mind-related and life-related abilities.

And both were useless against her steel torrent.

Machines had neither life nor soul; Luo Yan’s abilities wouldn’t work.

And the only variable, Hua Qiling, was unconscious, her “Eagle Eye Vision” no longer a threat.

“The lives of the weak are not meaningless. Every life has value… no, rather, all lives… deserve respect.”

Luo Yan slowly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were completely crimson, the black pupils radiating malice, yet restrained by a silver light.

Alyxsia, staring at Luo Yan, saw those eyes and instantly realized,

“That’s… the Demonic Offering, the ‘Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement’!”

At the same time, a crimson mist suddenly spread, enveloping the battlefield.

—The “Envy” domain, “Soul Eater.”

“Primordial Demon will detected! Danger! Danger! Danger!”

The alarm blared through the Yan City Anomaly Management Bureau, the third time in recent days.

And this time… the alarm didn’t stop.

Rhine’s anxious voice came through Alyxsia’s communicator.

“Alyxsia, come back! Immediately! There’s a Primordial Demon’s aura at your location!”

“I know, I… I see her…”

Alyxsia murmured, a conflicted look on her face.

She was trapped, mesmerized by the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement.”

However, the mechanical soldiers, having received their orders earlier, continued their advance towards Luo Yan, unaffected by Alyxsia’s mental state.

Although Luo Yan possessed a terrifying “Demonic Power,” her base aura was only “Difficulty” level.

It seemed any one of these mechanical soldiers could kill her and interrupt her ability.

But… before the steel torrent could reach Luo Yan, figures suddenly appeared, blocking their path.

The mechanical army’s advance was halted.

“Wha…?”

Alyxsia stared in shock.

What… what were these…?

Before her steel torrent stood figures clad in silver.

Their expressions were resolute, their eyes filled with anger and defiance.

Alyxsia, who had almost broken free from the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” lost her focus and was drawn back in.

“These are the lives you disregarded,” Luo Yan whispered.

—The ultimate form of “Envy” could rewrite wills and souls, and Luo Yan could now achieve this.

The fallen Yan City guards rose again, charging towards Alyxsia’s mechanical army.

But their resurrected bodies didn’t mutate like the townspeople controlled by Mrs. Natalie.

Instead, they gradually became translucent, pure white.

This was because Luo Yan’s “Envy” was fundamentally different from the “Witch of Envy’s” demonic power.

She didn’t forcefully rewrite their souls and wills, but followed their desires, reshaping their souls.

She gave these extinguished lives a chance to fulfill their final wishes.

Driven by this will, their souls temporarily solidified by “Envy,” the Yan City guards, in their former bodies, faced their powerful enemy with human courage.

This phenomenon would later be known as “Heroic Spirit Transformation.”

“To… protect Yan City!”

The Heroic Spirits roared in unison, their voices echoing through the sky.

They were now far stronger than before, some even nearing “Ruin” level.

Lin Ze, whom Alyxsia had casually killed, was among them, now a powerful “Ruin” level ability user, leading the charge.

Facing this onslaught, Alyxsia, already nearing her limit, was forced to retreat, her steel torrent dwindling.

Her giant machine, under heavy attack, began to crumble, and Alyxsia herself, her mind still affected by the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” was struck several times.

“This is their power, the lives you called weak,” Luo Yan whispered, looking at Alyxsia, her eyes filled with sorrow for the lost lives. “I… simply followed their wishes… and helped them… that’s all.”

Alyxsia, finally breaking free from the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” looked at Luo Yan with fear, her usual arrogance and indifference gone.

“Are you… the ‘Witch of Envy’?”

“No… the ‘Witch of Envy’ isn’t human, not even a living being… She, and the other Primordial Demons, are just concepts…”

The answer seemed obvious…

“There were… two Devil’s Apostles in ‘Ghost Town’…”

Alyxsia bit her tongue, trying to stay conscious, to break free from the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement.”

But the seed of “Fear” had been planted. Facing Luo Yan, Alyxsia had only one thought.

Escape.

“Alyxsia! Report your status! You have to leave immediately!”

Rhine’s voice came through her communicator. Alyxsia focused her mind and forced out a few words.

“A…cknow… ledged… Situation… out of control…”

“Do you need backup?” Grifres’s voice was grave.

Alyxsia hesitated, then shook her head.

“No, I… can make it back.”

She retreated, even abandoning her beloved giant machine to buy herself time.

The Heroic Spirits’ assault could last for a while longer, but Alyxsia didn’t dare gamble.

If she lost, she would die here.

And after looking into the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” the deathly aura she had suppressed returned, stronger than before.

If she delayed any longer, she would be severely injured, even without the Heroic Spirits’ attack.

She might even… die.

Finally breaking free, leaving her giant machine behind to hold off the pursuers, Alyxsia used the last of her strength to activate her power armor.

She retreated from the southwestern front line, fleeing towards Dawn’s command center.

Thus, the battle for the southwestern front line temporarily ended.

Of the seven hundred and twenty-three defenders, five hundred and forty-one were dead.

The rest were seriously injured.

Luo Yan closed her eyes, exhausted, the surrounding blood mist slowly dissipating.

The alarm in Yan City also stopped, and the “Witch of Envy’s” aura vanished.

“Even at my peak, using ‘Envy’s’ domain for the first time is still incredibly taxing…”

Luo Yan’s face was pale, her body swaying.

Just then, a hand supported her.

Luo Yan looked up and saw a blurry, unfamiliar face.

“Who… are you?”

She asked, confused.

“I’m Director Hua Qiling’s assistant, Lin Ze,” he smiled, then looked at Hua Qiling’s sleeping face, a hint of relief in his translucent form. “Thank goodness, Director Hua Qiling is alive…”

“But you…”

Luo Yan could see that the “Heroic Spirits” were fading, about to disappear completely.

Their final wishes, their last wills, had been fulfilled, and their temporarily solidified souls were dissipating.

This wasn’t something Luo Yan’s power could prevent, unless she twisted their wills, like Mrs. Natalie.

But she would never do that.

“We’re already dead, but it’s alright,” Lin Ze smiled serenely, looking up at the gloomy sky above Yan City. “Being able to protect Yan City, protect our home… is enough.”

“…I’m sorry for your loss,” Luo Yan whispered.

“Please don’t be, Miss Luo Yan,” Lin Ze’s expression turned serious.

“This was our shared will… Being able to fulfill this seemingly impossible wish, thanks to you… we are content.”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 56 – A Desperate Battle!

Rubble and debris were scattered everywhere, interspersed with broken pieces of machinery, all half-buried under collapsed masonry.

The rain washed over everything, masking the stench of blood and the acrid smell of oil.

“Director Hua Qiling…”

Inside the southwestern front line control room, a subordinate looked at Hua Qiling with concern.

Her condition was dire.

Although she had access to the near-limitless energy of the “Ember,” her mental state was on the verge of collapse, held together by sheer willpower.

A willpower that was now consuming her life force…

“I… can still hold on… cough, cough…”

Hua Qiling leaned against the console, her face pale, coughing repeatedly, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

She reached for a tissue with trembling hands, wiped the blood away, and tossed the stained tissue towards the wastebasket.

But the wastebasket was overflowing, and the tissue fell to the floor.

And the floor… was already covered with similar bloodstained tissues.

“How is… that Qin Wen… doing?”

Hua Qiling’s voice was hoarse.

She knew that Qin Wen was behind the southwestern front line, intercepting Dawn’s Fourth Team.

Hua Qiling was holding off Alyxsia to buy Qin Wen time.

Once Qin Wen finished dealing with that isolated team, she could come and help defend this crucial front line.

Although they wouldn’t be able to defeat Alyxsia, they could at least force her to retreat, relieving the pressure on the defenses.

But if the southwestern front line fell, allowing Alyxsia to break through…

The isolated Dawn team would be rescued, and Qin Wen’s ambush would likely fail.

That’s why Alyxsia was so desperate to break through, and why Hua Qiling had to stop her at all costs.

“Captain Qin has eliminated half of their forces, but to completely defeat them… it will take… a long time…”

A subordinate reported, his voice trembling.

“So strong… that’s a team led by a ‘Peril’ level ability user… to kill half of them in such a short time… unexpected, Qin Wen…”

A defiant smile appeared on Hua Qiling’s lips.

“Hmph, I guess you win this round…”

If she could just hold on a little longer, Qin Wen would surely be able to annihilate the entire team, right?

Unfortunately… now…

Hua Qiling’s consciousness was fading, her “Eagle Eye Vision” flickering.

Images flashed through her mind, like a revolving lantern.

Her sister, Anna, Qin Wen, her rival…

And… Miss Luo Yan…

That beautiful face, seared into her memory.

“At this time, Miss Luo Yan should be resting at home…”

Hua Qiling thought, a silent prayer in her heart.

“I thought having only three months left to live was pitiful… Haha… Didn’t expect me to go first…”

“And Sister… I’m sorry…”

“…I’m too stupid, I could never… keep up with you.”

Hua Qiling couldn’t hold on any longer.

The emerald flames in her eyes flickered and died, and she closed her eyes.

With a thud, and her subordinate’s cry of alarm, Hua Qiling collapsed.

And at that moment, the “Eagle Eye Vision” that had enveloped the southwestern front line vanished.

The defense, which had relied on its ability to see through the enemy’s weaknesses, crumbled.

Alyxsia was surprised to find herself easily breaking through the remaining defenses.

“I did it!”

A look of triumph flickered in Alyxsia’s exhausted eyes.

She, too, was nearing her limit.

If Hua Qiling had lasted another ten minutes, Alyxsia would have been forced to retreat, abandoning Team Four.

If she overexerted herself, she risked death.

Once her energy reserves reached a critical level, she had to withdraw.

Her life was more valuable than a partially depleted elite team.

“However… Hua Qiling, a mere ‘Ruin’ level ability user, achieving this much… Once she reaches ‘Peril’ level…”

Alyxsia shuddered. She had underestimated Grifres’s assessment, thinking a “Ruin” level ability user was nothing special.

But now… it seemed Grifres had underestimated Hua Qiling.

If she reached “Peril” level, with her powerful ability further enhanced, and the stronger will and soul of a “Peril” level ability user…

Forget a stalemate, Alyxsia would run without hesitation.

Hua Qiling, backed by the “Ember” and the city’s defenses, was terrifying.

Fortunately, she was still too young, not yet “Peril” level.

“I have to eliminate her now. Such a promising enemy… is too dangerous to leave alive.”

Alyxsia made up her mind and pushed forward with her giant machine.

The southwestern front line collapsed completely, the desperately resisting defenders no match for Alyxsia’s assault.

Without “Eagle Eye Vision,” these disorganized defenders were insignificant.

Alyxsia quickly reached the front lines, locking onto Hua Qiling’s aura.

The unconscious Hua Qiling was being carried by a subordinate, who was trying to escape into the city.

The Yan City guards, having witnessed Hua Qiling’s importance in this battle, charged forward, desperately trying to stop Alyxsia’s pursuit.

“We have to protect Director Hua Qiling!”

“We can’t let her die here for nothing!”

“She’s… Yan City’s hope!”

But how could they stop her?

Their resolve, their willingness to die, didn’t change their strength.

A few mechanical soldiers leaped forward, forcing the guards to retreat, leaving behind a trail of mangled bodies.

Alyxsia, impatient for the giant machine to advance, donned her power armor and charged towards the unconscious Hua Qiling.

“Eliminating the root… is the greatest respect for an enemy.”

“I acknowledge you, Hua Qiling, therefore… you must die.”

The subordinate carrying Hua Qiling saw Alyxsia approaching, gritted his teeth, and threw Hua Qiling dozens of meters away.

Then, he turned, drew his sword, and faced Alyxsia.

“If you want Director Hua’s life… you’ll have to go through me!”

He roared, charging towards Alyxsia with his sword.

At this moment, he was filled with unprecedented courage.

But…

Alyxsia’s energy blade flashed, slicing him in half.

The heat from the blade incinerated his body, the ashes scattering in the rain.

“How troublesome,” Alyxsia continued her pursuit without hesitation, her energy blade reforming. “Just a few seconds of delay… what difference does it make?”

Meanwhile, Hua Qiling, jolted awake by the impact, opened her eyes with difficulty.

The first thing she saw was her subordinate’s back, then the flash of blue as he was cut in two.

“Lin Ze…”

Hua Qiling’s assistant, a descendant of the City Lord’s Lin family.

In this war for survival, social status meant nothing.

After death, they were all just corpses.

And even… leaving a corpse behind was a luxury in this situation.

In this city-wide downpour, many wouldn’t find peace, even in death.

The desperate cries of the defenders echoed in her ears, and the blue figure was rapidly approaching…

Hua Qiling slowly closed her eyes.

It seemed… she had failed…

“No.”

She opened her eyes again, a blood-tinged emerald fire burning within them.

Although weak, it was more resolute than ever.

She unleashed her final “Eagle Eye Vision,” its range limited to… Alyxsia.

Only Alyxsia.

Anyone who looked at Alyxsia would now benefit from the amplified vision of “Eagle Eye.”

“No matter what…”

“Even if there’s only a sliver of hope…”

“I won’t give up!”

Even though she knew she could never catch up to her sister…

Hua Qiling followed in her footsteps, without hesitation.

Why did she care so much about Miss Luo Yan…?

Because… resonance…

“I see myself… in Miss Luo Yan,” Hua Qiling said, her eyes open. “But she’s better than me. She showed me… what I should do…”

“I admire her.”

“…That’s all.”

Alyxsia suddenly felt a sense of unease, a familiar feeling of being exposed, like being under “Eagle Eye Vision.”

But she quickly dismissed it and continued her pursuit of Hua Qiling.

Just a few dozen meters, a matter of seconds.

A few seconds… what could she possibly achieve?

What could she do?

Alyxsia soon found out.

“Thank you, Miss Hua Qiling,” a soft, melodious voice echoed beside Alyxsia’s ear, followed by a sudden sense of danger. “It’s been a while… since I’ve experienced ‘Eagle Eye’…”

Eyes open, Forbidden Technique, “Manjusaka.”

A dark flower slowly materialized in Alyxsia’s path.

“Death.”

The dark flower was tinged with black, an oppressive aura of death filling the air.

Just being near it evoked a primal fear.

“No!”

Alyxsia tried to stop, but she was already exposed by “Eagle Eye Vision.”

She only managed to slow down slightly, the dark flower subtly shifting its position, ensuring she remained within its optimal range.

All of this happened in a split second. Even for Alyxsia, such a reaction time was incredible.

And even this slight movement was seen through by “Eagle Eye Vision”…

“How terrifying…”

This was Alyxsia’s final thought.

The dark flower bloomed, its beauty breathtaking.

Then it quickly withered, a sorrowful silence spreading.

“It’s… Miss Luo Yan…”

Seeing the familiar flower, a faint smile appeared on Hua Qiling’s lips.

But she couldn’t hold on any longer.

The emerald flames in her eyes died out, and she lost consciousness once more.

But this time, a large, floral umbrella appeared above her, shielding her from the downpour.

“…It seems… I wasn’t fast enough.”

Luo Yan caught the unconscious Hua Qiling, looked at the scattered limbs and body parts around them, and sighed.

She looked down at Hua Qiling. The usually lively and energetic girl was now pale and gaunt, her face covered in blood, mostly from her eyes.

Hua Qiling was so light that Luo Yan could lift her with one hand.

“I’m sorry, Hua Qiling, I’m late,” Luo Yan whispered, then hoisted Hua Qiling onto her back, a sniper rifle in her hand.

Once, in “Ghost Town,” Hua Qiling had carried her like this through battle.

Now, it was her turn.

As the dark flower withered, a small figure slowly materialized.

Although covered in wounds, surrounded by a deathly aura, Alyxsia was still alive.

Even in her weakened state, having taken a direct hit from “Manjusaka,” she had survived.

After all, she was a “Peril” level ability user.

“I’ve… never been so… pathetic…”

Alyxsia’s twintails had come undone, her hair disheveled, her face covered in dust and blood.

But her eyes were still bright, fixated on Luo Yan.

“You’re… the ‘Miss Luo Yan’ that Grifres mentioned… right?”

Alyxsia drew her energy blade as a giant machine slowly approached behind her, crushing everything in its path, including the scattered corpses.

Luo Yan watched, the crimson in her eyes deepening.

She saw the countless extinguished lives, and Alyxsia’s indifference.

“You…”

Luo Yan’s soft voice was tinged with anger.

“…What do you think life is…?”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 55 – Luo Yan’s Path

In a one-on-one fight, Myers could definitely defeat Qin Wen.

But this wasn’t a one-on-one fight. Qin Wen had the support of the Yan City guard.

Without Qin Wen, Myers could easily break through and rendezvous with Alyxsia at the southwest front. The spiritual energy pulse cannons could only slow them down, not truly harm a team composed entirely of “Ruin” level or higher ability users.

But Qin Wen’s presence turned this hindrance into a deadly threat.

Every time Myers was distracted, even for a moment, Qin Wen could kill a “Ruin” level ability user.

“Captain…” Seven Dawn members remained, but their expressions showed no fear. “Let’s fight, Captain! Don’t worry about us!”

If he continued to hesitate, they would be picked off one by one.

And if Myers was left alone, even as a “Peril” level ability user, he would be in danger.

“Yes, you’re right… This is a war, a war we started,” Myers looked at Qin Wen, took a deep breath, and said gravely, “The word ‘revenge’ isn’t quite accurate… I’m here to complete a mission, Sword Saint Qin Wen.

“Your opponent is Myers, Twenty-Third Cadre of Dawn, Captain of the Fourth Special Operations Team, ‘Operation Welcome Saint.’ The two you killed were Karen and Luo Leia, both brave warriors of Dawn.”

Myers gripped his weapon, his eyes fixed on Qin Wen. “Remember these names… then go to hell!”

“Sword Saint Qin Wen… accepts your challenge.”

Qin Wen slowly opened her eyes. The six swords behind her became twelve, floating around her under her control.

The aftereffects of her previous use of the “Sword Slaying Formation” had been mostly absorbed by her weapons.

These swords were hastily made by Yan City, but their quality was decent.

…Even if they couldn’t kill a “Peril” level ability user, they could still inflict damage.

At the same time, the spiritual energy pulse cannons lit up again, operated by the Apprehension Department and the city guard, targeting the entire Dawn team.

But this time, Myers didn’t try to intercept the blasts. Instead, he charged straight towards Qin Wen, locking onto her aura.

Qin Wen also knew she couldn’t target the other Dawn members now and focused all her attention on Myers.

—Forbidden Technique, “Sword Slaying Formation,” unleashed once more!

Myers wasn’t intimidated. He was a “Peril” level ability user. Although not as strong as Grifres or Alyxsia, he was still a formidable opponent.

And the most significant difference between a “Peril” and a “Ruin” level ability user… was the qualitative leap in their abilities.

“I won’t… lose to you…”

Myers gritted his teeth, struggling to reach Qin Wen, even as he was now at the center of the “Sword Slaying Formation,” countless sword beams striking him.

The other Dawn members desperately defended against the pulse cannons, several already injured.

Not far away, Alyxsia’s battle with the western front line was nearing its end.

Hua Qiling’s forces had suffered heavy losses, and the city’s defenses were crumbling.

Soon, the western front line would completely collapse.

Just then, two figures, one tall and one short, appeared in the rain.

They shared a large, floral umbrella, walking towards the western front line—the entrance to the core district, closest to the “Ember” and the “Wall of Resentment.”

…

Even though Mister was old and frail, he was still much taller than Luo Yan.

Standing together, they looked like grandfather and granddaughter.

Although their conversation was like that of close friends.

Mister didn’t know why he was telling Luo Yan so much, perhaps because her name was “Luo Yan,” perhaps because he was dying.

Or perhaps… because this little girl had touched the deepest, most vulnerable part of his heart.

“We’re almost at the core district.”

Mister looked up at the city walls, faintly visible in the rain, and the nearby battle, his eyes clouding over.

“The passing… of life…?”

Before hearing Luo Yan’s words, Mister had thought he had grown numb to death after his long life, but…

It seemed he hadn’t.

He was no different from others, accustomed to viewing death from various perspectives.

But he rarely felt the weight of a precious life being extinguished.

They were still some distance from the western gate when Mister stopped.

Luo Yan also stopped and asked,

“Nine, have you reached your destination?”

“No… but it’s time for us to part ways,” Mister shook his head, a rare smile appearing on his lips. “Miss Luo Yan, thank you for accompanying me this far. It’s been… pleasant.”

He pointed towards the western gate. “You can enter through there. As for me… I have someone I need to meet.”

“Oh, alright,” Luo Yan nodded, not pressing further.

But then she hesitated and asked, “Nine, may I ask you a question? I’ve been wanting to ask…”

“Yes? Ask away, I’ll answer if I can,” Mister whispered. “As long as I know the answer…”

“Why did you come to Yan City? As far as I know, it’s a newly established city…”

Although Mister hadn’t revealed his identity, he had told many stories, mostly from his own experiences.

Luo Yan, not being stupid, vaguely sensed that “Nine” was a powerful, reclusive expert, but she hadn’t considered the possibility of him being Dawn’s “Mister.”

After all, in the files and from Hua Qiling’s descriptions, Dawn’s “Mister” was practically a god-like figure.

Luo Yan couldn’t imagine such a legendary figure chatting so casually with someone insignificant like her.

“Because my sister is resting here, so I came to be with her, that’s all,” Mister chuckled, then a melancholic look appeared on his face. “But I don’t want anyone to disturb her… or me… Unfortunately, it seems my wishes are rarely granted.”

Luo Yan didn’t know how to comfort him. Although they shared a similar fate, both nearing the end of their lives, there was a difference.

Mister’s lifespan was naturally coming to an end, while she was still fighting to live.

“I should also go see my sister now, Miss Luo Yan. Let’s part ways here.”

Mister clasped his hands behind his back, wiping a tear from his eye. “It’s been a long time… since I’ve felt so… at peace… in my final days… If we meet again, I’ll give you a wonderful gift.

“Now, Miss Luo Yan, you must walk your own path.”

Mister turned and stepped out from under the umbrella.

Without giving Luo Yan a chance to follow, his hunched figure quickly disappeared into the rain.

“Nine…”

Luo Yan whispered, opening her eyes slightly, watching the spot where he had vanished.

A sense of déjà vu washed over her.

But as she opened her eyes, the familiar visions returned.

Unfamiliar scenes, devoid of context, flashed before her eyes, and countless voices echoed in her mind.

“What… is all this…?”

But Luo Yan was in a better state now. She endured the throbbing headache, struggling to focus on the images.

A perpetually overcast sky, a cracked earth filled with sores and lava, like the end of the world…

The scenes shifted rapidly, Luo Yan’s perspective seemingly traveling through this hellish landscape.

Finally…

The scene froze.

A tall, silent figure, a small, dark figure, and behind them, nine childlike silhouettes, their gazes all fixated on her.

A wave of sorrow washed over her.

Then, Luo Yan woke up.

“Gasp…”

Luo Yan clutched her chest, desperately trying to remember the scene.

She felt like she had dreamt of this before, but forgotten it upon waking.

Now, having seen it again, she wouldn’t let it go.

After a moment, Luo Yan recovered.

Then she noticed… her reflection in a puddle, her eyes open, but only a faint crimson.

Not the vibrant pink and black pupils, but the pale red from Ghost Town.

“What’s going on?”

Luo Yan blinked, but there was no change.

Only after focusing her mind on her eyes did the crimson return.

She quickly deactivated it, afraid of losing control again.

“Could it be… Nine?” Luo Yan looked up. “Did he do this?”

Nine had seemed knowledgeable about Demonically Infected individuals back at Spring Breeze Pavilion.

She hadn’t expected him to be a healer as well…

And he had healed her without her even noticing.

Well, not exactly healed, but he had slowed down the progression and given her greater control over “Envy.”

Luo Yan sighed, then remembered her objective.

“Right, I have to get to the ‘Wall of Resentment’… I can’t waste this opportunity.”

She hadn’t thought that the slowed progression meant she could postpone her plans.

She had made up her mind before leaving: either eternal slumber in the “Ice Coffin,” or the answers she sought.

“Alright, time to go…”

Luo Yan looked towards the southwestern district, faintly visible in the rain, and frowned slightly.

“Wait, is there some kind of disturbance up ahead…?”

With the slowed progression of her condition, Luo Yan’s senses seemed sharper.

She hadn’t sensed anything at this distance before, but now, she felt a sense of unease.

“The core district… It shouldn’t be under attack from a Devil’s minion, right?”

But if the situation was truly dire, Luo Yan would intervene.

Especially now, with her power restored, even stronger than before.

At her peak, her destructive power had only reached “Ruin” level. Now… she could use the full power of “Envy,” a threat even to “Peril” level ability users.

Without further hesitation, Luo Yan raised the large, floral umbrella and ran towards the western gate.

This level of energy… she hadn’t felt it since her initial awakening in “Ghost Town.”

…

“This damned bastard… he’s persistent!”

Hua Qiling, drawing power from the “Ember,” maintained her “Eagle Eye Vision” at its maximum, desperately defending against Alyxsia’s attack.

But even with the “Ember’s” support, Hua Qiling’s mental strength had limits.

The intense use of her ability was exhausting her, but she couldn’t stop.

Her “Eagle Eye Vision” was now obscured by a thin layer of blood mist.

Although the emerald flames in her eyes still burned, her sclera were bloodshot, and the faint scent of blood filled her nostrils.

Even so, Hua Qiling didn’t dare deactivate “Eagle Eye Vision.”

If she did… the Yan City guards here wouldn’t be able to withstand Alyxsia’s assault.

Then, not only would their previous sacrifices be in vain, but the remaining defenders would also perish.

Alyxsia wasn’t inherently bloodthirsty, but she had no qualms about taking lives.

Everything was for the mission.

Meanwhile, Alyxsia wasn’t having an easy time either.

She had learned that Team Four, sent to rendezvous with her, had been ambushed by Yan City’s forces and suffered heavy losses.

If she didn’t reach them soon, they might be annihilated.

Even Myers, their “Peril” level team leader, was in danger.

“Break! Break!”

Alyxsia’s expression was anxious. She heard reports of casualties from Team Four through her communicator, all because she hadn’t been able to breach the defenses.

She pushed her machines to their limits, sending wave after wave of mechanical soldiers crashing against the seemingly crumbling southwestern front line.

However… although the defenses were severely damaged, on the verge of collapse…

They held.

This was mostly thanks to Hua Qiling. Her “Eagle Eye Vision” always found the weakest points in the mechanical onslaught, minimizing the damage.

But even so… there was a limit. This stalemate couldn’t last forever.

Neither Hua Qiling nor Alyxsia could maintain this level of power indefinitely.

And unfortunately, Alyxsia, compared to Hua Qiling, who had the “Ember” as her power source, could last… a little longer.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 54 – The Resolve to Die

“The western front line of the core district has collapsed. Three hundred and sixty-two of our defenders are dead.”

The battlefield report arrived, a string of cold numbers representing the loss of three hundred and sixty-two lives, an unbearable weight.

This meant that over three hundred families in Yan City had lost their loved ones…

These young lives, extinguished in the rain.

But Lin Cheng knew this wasn’t the time for grief.

If the western front line continued to collapse, the casualties would be far greater.

“Hold the line! We can’t let the enemy pierce through like a bayonet,” Lin Cheng replied calmly, then contacted Li Ping. “Li Ping, what’s your situation? Can you spare any more men?”

“…I’m sorry.”

Li Ping shook his head.

The Anomaly Management Bureau teams were currently supporting the Yan City army. Even ability users couldn’t completely ignore the New Era’s spiritually powered weapons.

Thanks to the “Ember’s” power, these weapons, originally designed for ability users, could be used by ordinary people, although less effectively.

But their sheer numbers could suppress the enemy.

Unfortunately… Dawn’s teams were composed entirely of “Ruin” level ability users or above. This level of firepower could only injure them, not kill them.

Unless they were closer to the “Ember,” where the weapons’ power increased significantly. Near the “Ember Furnace,” even “Peril” level ability users had to be cautious.

And the “Ember’s eruption”… that was a terrifying power that even “Peril” level ability users couldn’t withstand.

However… the closer the battle lines, the greater the damage to the core district, and the greater the strain on the “Ember.”

It was best to keep the enemy outside the city walls, or at least slow their advance, preventing them from reaching the “Ember” unscathed.

Unfortunately… Yan City didn’t have many ability users, and the Anomaly Management Bureau was always stretched thin. Supporting the city’s army was a struggle.

They could only reinforce the most crucial locations, like the southwestern front line, where Hua Qiling was currently stationed, the closest front line to the “Ember.”

“If you need help…” a woman’s voice suddenly interrupted the channel. “I can go.”

“Who?”

Lin Cheng’s heart sank, but Li Ping immediately recognized the voice and frowned.

“Miss Qin Wen, the relationship between the Sword Saint sect and Dawn isn’t exactly hostile, is it?”

Although Qin Wen was currently a team leader in the Yan City Apprehension Department, Frick, considering the relationship between the Sword Saint sect and Dawn, hadn’t assigned her any missions.

To avoid unnecessary conflict.

“Ah… it’s fine, it’s not like I’m close to Dawn, I don’t even know them,” Qin Wen said, scratching her head.

To be more precise, the relationship between Dawn and the Sword Saint sect…

Was more complicated than Li Ping and Lin Cheng realized.

After all, one of Dawn’s founders, the “Fifth Mister,” was the ancestor of the Sword Saint sect…

If they were to strictly adhere to seniority, many in Dawn would have to address Qin Wen with the utmost respect, as she was technically the Fifth Mister’s great-granddaughter.

But as Qin Wen said, she didn’t even know Dawn.

And this organization was now attacking the city where she worked. Qin Wen felt obligated to earn her keep.

Moreover…

“I slay demons because they harm people, they kill,” Qin Wen said seriously. “And ‘Dawn’ is killing people now, regardless of their reasons, they’ve killed many innocent people… How are they any different from demons?”

“If Old Man… the Sword Saint Sect Master doesn’t mind…” Li Ping hesitated.

But Lin Cheng made the decision immediately. “Alright, Qin Wen of the Apprehension Department, the Yan City government assigns you a mission: proceed to the western front line and assist in repelling Dawn’s attack! Execute immediately!”

“Lin Cheng!” Li Ping exclaimed.

Although they didn’t know the exact relationship between Dawn and the Sword Saint sect…

Li Ping remembered that his teacher (Old Man Sword) had often interacted with Dawn, and the Dawn members had been very respectful towards him.

And now, they were ordering Qin Wen to fight against Dawn…

“I know, what are you so worried about?” Lin Cheng said. “Qin Wen, do you accept this mission?”

“Of course!”

Qin Wen replied loudly, then closed the communication channel and headed towards the western front line.

“Lin Cheng, if Old Man Sword finds out about this, do you know the consequences?” Li Ping whispered. “He’s close to Dawn, and he values his adopted daughter…”

“So what? We both know Old Man Sword’s temper. He’ll just yell at us, what else can he do?” Lin Cheng shrugged.

“But… the Sword Saint sect…”

“It’s done, we’ll deal with the consequences later,” Lin Cheng shrugged again, then his eyes widened as he realized something. “Wait, how did Qin Wen access our channel just now?”

This was a top-secret channel, only accessible to Lin Cheng and Li Ping.

“Let me see,” Li Ping also realized this and checked the relay station logs, but found nothing. “Strange, could Qin Wen be an expert in this area as well? Able to silently infiltrate our channel?”

“If that’s the case, let’s change channels, just in case we’re being eavesdropped,” Lin Cheng switched to a backup channel.

If Qin Wen could hack into their communication, it meant Dawn could as well.

But in reality…

A short while ago.

“Master, I want to call Director-General Li, but I can’t get through (because Yan City’s relay stations were destroyed). What should I do?”

Qin Wen looked at the image of her master, projected by a talisman, her expression anxious.

“Oh dear, Wen’er… you summoned your old man just for this?” The old man wailed dramatically. “This talisman cost me three drops of blood essence! It’s a precious life-saving item!”

“It’s fine, you have plenty of blood. I need to make this call.”

“…My heart is broken.”

“Even with a broken heart, I still need to make this call.”

“With a broken heart, I can’t remember how to make calls… Hey, hey, hey, Wen’er, don’t dispel the talisman! I’ll help you, I’ll help you… Wait, what’s going on? Are Yan City’s relay stations down?”

The old man tried to use the direct line from their settlement to Yan City headquarters, but it wasn’t working.

“Yes, there seems to be a battle in Yan City,” Qin Wen said. “Against Dawn.”

“Why would Dawn attack Yan City…? Never mind, I can probably guess. Mister must be nearing his end…”

The old man sighed, then turned serious. “Wen’er, are you planning to help Yan City against Dawn?”

“Why, is that a problem?” Qin Wen asked.

The old man’s expression became unusually serious.

“This is your decision. I won’t interfere, nor will I question it.”

“…Master?”

Qin Wen sensed something different about him.

“You’ve grown up now, you must walk your own path…”

The old man smiled, then snapped his fingers. “Alright, those two youngsters’ private channel is still the same as before. Connect to it, I’m leaving~”

The talisman dissipated.

And then, Qin Wen heard Lin Cheng and Li Ping’s voices from her communicator.

…

“The operation is proceeding smoothly. Two elite teams have successfully infiltrated the western districts, and the other fronts are also making progress,” Grifres reported softly. Still recovering from the aftereffects of the Forbidden Technique, he remained at the rear, assisting Rhine with the overall command.

As a mind-related ability user, although his power was unusually aggressive, his mental strength was still superior to Rhine’s, who was a Superpower type.

All battlefield information was relayed to Grifres for analysis, the key details then passed on to Rhine.

Rhine was still maintaining his ability, the heavy rain weakening Yan City’s core district defenses by at least a third.

As long as the rain continued, Yan City’s forces would be hampered.

“Good, Alyxsia has replaced Chris and is attacking the southwestern front line. Her ability is well-suited for siege warfare, and the western teams will soon join her,” Rhine sighed in relief. This was bad news for Yan City, but a step towards victory for Dawn.

“Casualties?” Rhine asked gravely.

“Over five hundred casualties on Yan City’s side. We have… twenty-six injured, three seriously, no deaths so far. They’ve all been brought back,” Grifres replied. “Awenna is treating them; they should be out of danger now.”

“That’s good,” Rhine nodded, then sighed. “I wonder how many of our brothers and sisters… will die in this war…”

Before he could finish, Rhine saw Grifres’s expression freeze, then turn serious.

“What’s wrong?” Rhine asked gravely.

“We have our first casualty,” Grifres said in a low voice. “Team Four, breaching the western defenses, encountered an Apprehension Department team and an ambush from the Yan City army. ‘Ruin’ level ability user Luo Leia is dead.

“He was… decapitated by a swordsman… He didn’t even have time to react.”

“…A moment of silence.” Rhine knelt briefly in prayer, then said, “Inform Alyxsia, all-out attack, immediately reinforce the trapped team.”

“Yes.”

…

A flash of sword light, and a head rolled to the ground.

The expressions of shock and terror hadn’t yet faded from the face.

“Luo Leia…”

Myers, the Dawn team leader, calmly reported the situation to headquarters, then picked up his weapon and looked at the tall, straight figure before him, and the dark figures behind her.

“Avenge Luo Leia,” he whispered, then charged silently.

The other Dawn team members followed, their silence a form of mourning.

Their objective had been to rendezvous at the southwestern front line. Penetrating the core district alone was dangerous.

And with the western front being the only breach, Yan City’s remaining forces would converge there.

This was war; casualties were inevitable, but they hadn’t expected it to happen so soon…

And the cause… was the tall woman before them.

She was incredibly powerful, capable of casually killing a “Ruin” level ability user.

And Myers recognized her. She was the “Demon Slayer” of the Endless Wasteland, the bane of all Devil’s minions.

—Sword Saint Qin Wen.

“So even the Sword Saint is on Yan City’s side…?”

Myers didn’t know what his superiors would think of the Sword Saint’s involvement, or if they would retreat out of caution, so he decided to keep it to himself.

“Whether you’re a Sword Saint or not, you killed my brother… and you will pay!”

Myers gritted his teeth, his “Peril” level power erupting, forcing the Yan City army to retreat.

But before he could unleash his full power, numerous spiritual energy pulse cannons lit up, countless beams of energy targeting his team.

“Damn it…”

These cannons weren’t a threat to Myers; they couldn’t even touch him.

But his team members couldn’t completely avoid them.

So, Myers had to deflect some of the blasts, creating space for his team to dodge.

But just then, Qin Wen moved.

Her eyes closed, six swords of varying designs materialized behind her.

A flash of sword light, and another head rolled to the ground.

Taking advantage of the pulse cannons’ distraction, Qin Wen had struck again, instantly killing another Dawn member.

With her ability, killing a “Ruin” level ability user without defensive measures was effortless.

And only Qin Wen could seize such a fleeting opportunity; Myers couldn’t protect all his team members at once.

“Ka… ren…” Myers looked at the fallen team member, his expression filled with grief and rage. “Sword Saint Qin Wen, I will… avenge you!”

“That’s strange… why would you think that?” Qin Wen opened her eyes, her expression puzzled. “Isn’t this war… started by you? Why are you angry?”

“Those who kill… should be prepared to be killed…”

Qin Wen closed her eyes again, six swords materializing.

“I’m prepared. Are you?”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 53 – Sounds of Sorrow and Mourning

“This is a war for survival.”

Lin Cheng stood on the highest point in Yan City—the top of the “Ember Furnace”—holding an umbrella and looking out over the city.

Yan City, shrouded in rain, seemed deserted, everything obscured by the downpour.

But beneath the silent surface, countless battles were being fought.

The backup communication channels were overloaded, almost crashing the backup relay station, but it was no use.

The defensive lines outside the core district were quickly breached by Dawn’s elite teams, their advance far faster than Lin Cheng had anticipated.

…Dawn’s “rainstorm” tactic was incredibly effective.

Yan City had lost its home-field advantage, its weaker forces struggling against Dawn.

Beside Lin Cheng stood his old comrade, Sun Biwu, his eyes closed in silent contemplation.

Sun Biwu was prepared to die, waiting for Lin Cheng’s command to jump into the “Ember Furnace” behind him.

This was a last resort.

If Sun Biwu jumped into the burning “Ember,” manipulating it to erupt, he would undoubtedly die.

And the “Ember” would be severely weakened, its energy output reduced to about a third, taking at least ten years to recover.

For Yan City, currently in a period of rapid expansion, this would be a disaster.

It could result in millions of refugees…

“We can’t lose,” Lin Cheng whispered. “No matter what Dawn is planning, we have to fight to the death.”

He looked at the defensive lines established in the core district and sighed deeply.

“The future of Yan City… rests on your shoulders…”

Meanwhile, Hua Qiling was on the battlefield, using the city’s defense systems to hold off Dawn’s elite teams.

“Damn it…”

Emerald flames ignited in Hua Qiling’s eyes, her “Eagle Eye Vision,” amplified by the defense systems, enveloping the area.

Combined with the city’s weaponry, Dawn’s attacks were stalled.

Even the “Peril” level ability user leading the Dawn team didn’t dare act recklessly, concerned about his team’s safety.

Just as the battle reached a stalemate, a small figure appeared on the battlefield, casually walking towards the center.

Seeing her, the Dawn team ceased their attack.

And Yan City’s defenders also paused, taking advantage of this brief respite to regroup.

“Who?”

Hua Qiling frowned, her gaze fixed on the figure.

Blue twintails, dressed like a middle school student, a mischievous smile…

Familiar…

Wait…

“It’s Alyxsia!”

Hua Qiling exclaimed, and the other defenders tensed up upon hearing the name.

—”Mobile Fortress” Alyxsia.

She had appeared during the “Ghost Town” incident, killing several Disaster Response teams to cover Grifres’s infiltration.

…Or perhaps it was just… a side quest?

Regardless, she was a powerful and dangerous opponent, not as weak and harmless as she appeared.

“That’s… Miss Hua Qiling… right?” Alyxsia smiled. “Grifres has told me so much about you, I’m practically sick of hearing your name.

“I thought he was just traumatized by his experience in ‘Ghost Town,’ but seeing you now… you’re actually quite capable, Miss Hua Qiling. You have my acknowledgement, aren’t you happy?”

Even the arrogant Alyxsia, learning of Hua Qiling’s age and witnessing her performance on the battlefield, had to acknowledge this girl whose ability seemed to be just… seeing things more clearly.

Without “Eagle Eye Vision,” breaching this defensive line wouldn’t have been so difficult.

Two members of the Dawn team were already injured, and their leader’s left arm was also wounded, having protected a teammate’s mistake.

Hua Qiling’s “Eagle Eye” was an excellent support ability, perhaps the most promising reconnaissance ability Alyxsia had ever seen.

“Tch!”

Hua Qiling spat at Alyxsia.

Acknowledgement or not, the enemy was the enemy!

“Little Sister, we can’t waste any more time,” the team leader, also a Dawn Cadre, looked at Alyxsia and said in a low voice. “They’re regrouping, we have to break through quickly…”

“Don’t worry, Brother,” Alyxsia smiled. “You go ahead. I’ll handle this defensive line. Take our injured brothers back.”

Although she called him “Brother” due to his age, Alyxsia was far stronger.

The team leader hesitated, then nodded.

“…Alright.”

On the battlefield, there was no time for hesitation.

Once a decision was made, they had to act swiftly.

The Dawn team quickly retreated.

Although Hua Qiling’s “Eagle Eye Vision” gave the defenders a significant advantage, they couldn’t prevent the retreat.

Meanwhile…

“Alright, it’s my turn,” Alyxsia stretched, a mischievous smile on her lips. “I’m looking forward to this, Miss Hua Qiling…

“Let’s see what your ‘Eagle Eye’ can do, and whether Yan City’s defenses… can withstand the ‘Mobile Fortress’s’ steel torrent!”

A rumbling sound echoed, and a giant machine, over fifty meters tall, emerged from the ground behind Alyxsia.

Almost as tall as Yan City’s defensive walls.

“Let the games begin!”

Swarms of mechanical soldiers poured out from the giant machine, charging towards the city walls.

…

“A very touching and romantic story, Nine,” Luo Yan said. “Is this your story?”

“No, it’s a story I wanted to see, a story that ended abruptly,” Mister sighed.

“Unfortunately, happy endings don’t come easily… Although we wish all stories in the world could have a satisfying conclusion.”

Mister had just told Luo Yan a story that took place in the post-apocalyptic world.

A story about a woman, like an older sister, filled with love and hope, who took in nine orphaned children and built a home with them.

“We named that home ‘Dawn,’ signifying the coming of a new day, the culmination of our long struggle. ‘Dawn’… was our hope,” Mister said softly. It had been a long time since he had spoken of this.

Perhaps because of this, he could speak of it so calmly, as if it were someone else’s story.

“And then?”

Luo Yan asked.

Having learned about refugees from Anna, she guessed that this old man, like Anna, had once been a refugee.

“Dawn”… must have been the name of their settlement.

“I’m sorry, I don’t want to talk about what happened after… because I’d rather… that be the end of the story,” Mister sighed. “I’m a bit tired from talking, I need some water…”

“Here.”

Luo Yan took out a water bottle and handed it to him.

“…You even carry this around?”

Mister took the bottle, surprised.

“Because I’m sick, and I might not be able to find water easily when I’m out,” Luo Yan explained briefly.

Actually, she wanted to conserve her energy. Looking for water would be too tiring.

In her condition, dehydration was a common occurrence.

“Mm…”

Mister held the water bottle, his mind drifting back to a distant past.

A tall figure, under the scorching sun, had offered him a water bottle, just like this.

…Saving his life.

“You’re so much like her… but you’re not her,” Mister murmured.

“Hm?” Luo Yan tilted her head slightly, puzzled. “Not who?”

“…Someone with the same name as you, also called Luo Yan. I’ve been searching for her.”

Mister tapped the water bottle, then handed it back to Luo Yan.

“Aren’t you going to drink?” Luo Yan took the bottle. “And… the ‘Luo Yan’ you’re looking for… who is she?”

“No, I’m not thirsty anymore.”

Mister shook his head and clasped his hands behind his back.

“The ‘Luo Yan’ I’m looking for… I don’t remember who she is anymore. What I’m searching for… is the answer to that question. As for where she is… that’s already been decided…”

“Erased?”

Luo Yan blinked.

“How did you know?”

Mister looked at her in surprise.

“Someone told me. She also said I reminded her of someone, but that I wasn’t that person,” Luo Yan replied honestly. “She said she was here to bid farewell to an old friend, but I thought she was strange… as if she was pretending to be someone else.”

Elise had left a bad impression on Luo Yan, but this old man was different.

He answered all her questions and even shared his past experiences, turning them into a heartwarming story.

Since their encounter at the Flower Street incident, Luo Yan had felt that this old man was a truly good person.

“…I see.”

Mister’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t say anything more.

Based on Luo Yan’s description, he had a good idea who that “someone” was.

It was likely “Illusion,” the current Fourth Saint of Noah, who was fond of using illusionary puppets to travel.

Her true body should still be in “Noah.” After all, Saints couldn’t leave the sanctuary casually.

Partly due to political considerations – a Saint leaving “Noah” would cause panic, and it was best to maintain stability.

And partly because the Saints needed to focus their power on suppressing the slumbering Witch of Absolute Death.

Although humanity had paid a heavy price in that war, they had only managed to seal her, not kill her. The risk of her awakening remained.

They couldn’t afford to be careless.

Of course, even though the Saints held a transcendent status in “Noah,” and even in all of humanity, they were still juniors to Mister, even juniors of juniors.

Mister and the Saint who founded “Noah” were of the same generation… The original Twelve Saints, who had fought alongside him, were long dead, replaced several times over.

“Do you know her?” Luo Yan asked. “And the old friend she mentioned…”

Could it be this old man?

“Yes, it’s me,” Mister admitted readily. “I’m dying, so she came to see me, and to confirm… that I’m truly dead.”

“That’s… incredibly rude,” Luo Yan said, slightly indignant. “Nine, aren’t you angry?”

She had felt uncomfortable when Elise had said that.

“I’m… not angry, because I’m old, very, very old… old enough to be a burden,” Mister whispered.

“My enemies are waiting for my death, my family is waiting for my death, many strangers are waiting for my death, and even I… am waiting for the day I finally die.”

Mister closed his eyes slowly. “My death will have a great impact, so everyone is preparing, planning what to do afterward.

“So, I don’t see any reason to be angry.”

“But… it’s still death,” Luo Yan whispered. “No matter what, it’s the end of a life.”

When life reached its end, when the candle’s flame was extinguished…

“At least… there should be someone who genuinely mourns your passing,” Luo Yan looked up slightly. “Nine, if there’s no one… if you don’t mind… if I have the chance… let me. Is that alright?”

Mister was stunned by her words.

After a long moment, he whispered,

“…You? Miss Luo Yan?”

How ironic…

He had spent his life searching for the truth about “Luo Yan”…

And now, in his final moments, another girl named “Luo Yan” offered him the purest mourning and sorrow.

Without hesitation, without any ulterior motives…

Simply grieving for the end of a life.

“Yes,” Luo Yan nodded. “If I live that long…”

Her own life was hanging by a thread, yet she still wanted to mourn for others.

“You will live, I promise,” Mister said gravely, his expression unusually serious.

“No matter what… you must live. Even if it’s just… to have someone to mourn for me.”

Luo Yan paused. She knew her own condition; it wasn’t something anyone could easily solve.

Even the best hospital in Yan City was helpless, and after reading the files, she had been shocked to learn that there was no known cure for her condition.

So, she would accept the old man’s well wishes.

“Thank you, Nine.”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 52 – The Candle’s Flame Flickers

The oppressive cumulonimbus clouds hung low over Yan City, a seemingly endless downpour.

The entire city was submerged, the streets deserted except for Anomaly Management Bureau personnel and the city guard.

“Splash—”

The sound of footsteps in the water.

But in this downpour, such a small sound was insignificant.

No one would notice him.

Mister walked slowly in the rain, his hands clasped behind his back, his clothes soaked.

He walked unhurriedly towards the core district.

This was his final journey.

The ticket in his hand would soon take him aboard the train to his final destination.

Just then, Mister stopped, a flicker of surprise in his melancholic eyes.

Because the rain above him… stopped.

No…

Only the rain above him stopped.

A large, somewhat comical, floral umbrella shielded him from the downpour.

“What a coincidence, old man… or rather, Nine,” a soft, melodious voice echoed beside him. He turned slightly and saw a flash of pure silver.

Vague images surfaced in Mister’s mind.

Sensing the ethereal aura, he remembered.

“…It’s you?”

Mister hadn’t expected to encounter this young lady again, especially under these circumstances.

And…

She was so close, yet he hadn’t sensed her approach.

And logically, under the influence of his ability, no one should have noticed him…

Even the heavily guarded “Wall of Resentment” hadn’t detected his presence.

What was going on?

Was it because of his own impending death?

Or… was this young lady truly special?

If so, if she had any hostile intentions…

Mister quickly dismissed this thought, chuckling self-deprecatingly.

How could he harbor such suspicions towards this gentle, innocent girl?

“Indeed, a coincidence, young lady, but we’re probably not going the same way,” Mister’s voice was raspy and low. “I’m going somewhere… you can’t, and shouldn’t, go.”

“Is that so…”

A troubled expression appeared on Luo Yan’s face.

Back at the apartment, she had resolved to reach the “Wall of Resentment” before the rain stopped.

Although she didn’t know the cause of this unusual downpour, or when it would end, it was a perfect opportunity.

Yan City’s defenses would be at their weakest.

Luo Yan knew Yan City would never agree to what she wanted to do.

Therefore, she had to act on her own.

But…

Coincidentally, after leaving the apartment, forcing herself to maintain her half-opened eyes, she had encountered a familiar, elderly figure.

Although she hadn’t seen him clearly before, with her eyes closed, her keen senses recognized him as the mysterious old man who called himself “Nine,” who had appeared at the end of the Flower Street incident.

And he was walking in the rain…

That wouldn’t do.

He was so old; he would get sick!

Without a second thought, Luo Yan had hurried over and shielded him with her umbrella.

Only now did she realize…

She had a destination.

And the old man had said they were probably not going the same way…

“Nine, could you tell me where you’re going?” Luo Yan asked. “Perhaps… our paths might align for a while.”

Mister hesitated, then, since the young lady had asked so politely, he couldn’t refuse.

“The core district,” he whispered. “I want to… rest there.”

“Eh, we’re going the same way then! Let’s go, Nine,” Luo Yan blinked, relieved.

She couldn’t maintain her half-opened eyes for long, and if their paths didn’t align, she wouldn’t be able to accompany him.

But without this state, she could barely walk.

As for the wheelchair… it was too cumbersome.

Luo Yan’s destination was the “Wall of Resentment,” where the Ice Coffin Weapon was stored, the most heavily guarded location in Yan City.

Bringing a wheelchair, so conspicuous, would immediately draw attention.

“Envy” wasn’t omnipotent; minimizing her presence had its limits.

Since they were going the same way, she might as well escort the old man.

Mister’s thin, wrinkled lips trembled, then he uttered a single word.

“…Alright.”

He hadn’t expected to be accompanied by a kind stranger in his final moments.

“Be careful, the ground is slippery in this rain. And there are many sewer grates around here, if you fall…” Luo Yan warned, noticing Mister seemed distracted.

“Yes, thank you for the warning.”

A faint smile appeared on Mister’s lips. For some reason, he thought of his sister.

…Both times he had tried to see his sister, he had encountered this strange yet kind girl.

Perhaps… it was fate.

“Young lady, what’s your name?” Mister asked softly.

“Luo Yan,” Luo Yan replied without looking up.

She was still maintaining her half-opened eyes, afraid that looking directly at the old man would unleash her uncontrollable “Envy.”

So, she kept her head lowered, carefully sensing her surroundings.

Hearing Luo Yan’s answer, Mister froze.

He slowly looked down at the silver-haired figure, slightly shorter than him, tears welling up in his clouded eyes.

After a long moment, he whispered,

“…A beautiful name.”

Chosen by fate.

…

“Teams Three and Four have reached their designated locations, but they need about three minutes to prepare for the assault.”

“Acknowledged.”

“Teams Six and Ten are estimated to arrive at the Yan City Anomaly Management Bureau branch office in ten minutes. The disruption operation will commence soon.”

“Hurry.”

Under the cover of the rain, Dawn’s movements were hidden.

Yan City couldn’t predict their deployment, only defending the key locations leading to the core district.

However, as Dawn’s Third Cadre, even without the support of his more experienced brothers, Rhine was a capable commander of small-scale warfare.

He hadn’t chosen to attack the core district directly, but other areas.

—To disrupt Yan City’s communication systems.

Communication systems relied on relay stations, which were distributed throughout the various districts.

To Dawn’s elite teams, these locations were practically undefended.

This wasn’t negligence on Yan City’s part; they simply couldn’t defend everything.

And against Dawn’s teams, led by “Peril” level ability users and composed entirely of “Ruin” level ability users, they would need at least three thousand troops to defend each relay station.

Yan City had to defend the core district; they couldn’t spare so many troops for the less important communication relays.

From the beginning, Yan City was at a disadvantage.

This wasn’t surprising. Yan City was a young mega-city, less than a century old.

It lacked the deep roots and experience of older cities, its potential yet to be fully realized.

If given another ten or twenty years, when Hua Qiling’s generation matured, Yan City’s strength would increase exponentially.

Perhaps, in ten years, Hua Qingling might even reach “Destruction” level.

With a “Destruction” level ability user as a guardian, even if Dawn attacked with all their forces, victory wouldn’t be guaranteed.

Unfortunately… they didn’t have time.

The crisis was imminent.

The rain continued to fall, and Yan City’s communication channels were almost completely destroyed.

Only the backup relay station in the core district, near the “Ember,” was still functioning.

But a backup station was just that, a backup. Its capacity for secure communication was limited.

Yan City lost its ability to effectively command its defense forces, only able to maintain communication with the main divisions.

The Anomaly Management Bureau’s combat teams were now isolated.

Even with all their forces, they could only muster about thirty teams.

But they were led by “Ruin” level ability users, no match for Dawn’s elite teams led by “Peril” level ability users. They could only rely on Yan City’s defense systems to hold them off.

In direct combat, unless reinforcements arrived quickly, they would be defeated.

Yan City could only hunker down in the core district, its nerves severed by Dawn.

However, due to the heavy rain and Dawn’s deliberate control over the scale of their attacks, the fighting hadn’t yet affected the city’s citizens.

Only the bloodstains, constantly washed away by the rain, hinted at the war’s cruelty.

“Phase one complete. All teams are converging for the next phase—approaching the core district. So far, everything is proceeding smoothly.”

“Good,” Rhine, listening to the report, sighed in relief, then asked with concern, “No casualties?”

“Lei Bing from Team Two and Melissa from Team Seven suffered minor injuries, but they’ve been treated,” came the reply.

“Understood,” Rhine nodded. “Everyone, please be careful.”

“Yes!”

A chorus of voices echoed from the communicator.

Rhine, needing to maintain the rain, remained at the rear, directing the operation.

Dawn’s principle was to minimize casualties, even if they were prepared for losses.

Unless absolutely necessary, they wouldn’t engage in costly exchanges with Yan City.

Otherwise, Rhine, with his near-“Destruction” level power, could simply lead a direct assault on the core district.

They wouldn’t even need a plan to achieve their objective.

But if they did that, the Dawn members involved would likely die in Yan City’s desperate defense.

And if Rhine attacked alone, he would be even less likely to succeed.

Forget reaching the “Wall of Resentment,” even just facing the “Ember’s” eruption, he might perish.

Therefore, Dawn had devised this cautious plan, to ensure success.

“Mister has left,” Grifres said, walking over. “He didn’t tell us where he was going, but perhaps he’s already…”

Rhine shook his head. “Mister is walking his own path, Grifres. Don’t disturb him.”

He looked up at the gloomy sky and whispered,

“We both know Mister wouldn’t approve of this operation.”

“But he didn’t object either,” Grifres said.

“He simply knows it’s futile,” Rhine clenched his fist slightly. “Because no matter what, the Eldest Mister’s remains cannot be left in their hands, cannot be used as an ‘Ice Coffin Weapon.’

“It’s a disgrace to Dawn, an insult to the Eldest Mister.”

“But Mister is dying,” Grifres said softly, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Regardless of what “Mister” represented, he was still the kind old man who had raised him.

Although his death was expected, it was still painful.

“We will give him a proper farewell,” Rhine whispered. “Although our two ‘Destruction’ level brothers are unavailable due to other matters, many of our brothers and sisters in Dawn are waiting for the day Mister returns home.”

“We are family, we always have been, and we always will be.”

Rhine stood up slowly, his face slightly pale from days of using his ability.

“The world knows Dawn as ‘Mister’s’ Dawn, but they don’t see that ‘Dawn’ is also our ‘Dawn.’

“Even as the ‘Misters’ depart, Dawn will not change. We will continue down the path they forged.”

He looked at Grifres and said softly,

“Are you sad? Grieving? Yes… Mister’s passing will be a painful loss.

“But my two brothers and I have a responsibility to the current ‘Dawn,’ to the thirty-six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-one brothers and sisters within ‘Dawn.’

“This is all we can do for ‘Mister’.”

Even as the previous generation passed away, those who remained couldn’t dwell on their sorrow.

They had to carry the torch and continue forward.

Mister also knew this. He hadn’t asked anyone to accompany him, walking his final path alone, seeking his final answers.

The candle’s flame flickered, about to be extinguished.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 51 – “Illusion”

The “meeting” Luo Yan sought wasn’t simply finding the bandaged girl in the Wall of Resentment.

She wanted to meet the girl’s conscious self.

Meeting a dormant “Ice Coffin Weapon” was pointless.

That’s why she hadn’t requested to visit the Wall of Resentment, although even if she had, Yan City likely wouldn’t have agreed.

First, the Ice Coffin Weapon was too important. Second, the Wall of Resentment was located near the “Ember,” the heart of Yan City.

Luo Yan had learned from the files that even Yan City didn’t fully understand the Wall of Resentment.

The reason for storing such a dangerous weapon near the “Ember” wasn’t Yan City’s decision.

It was because… Yan City’s “Ember” originated from the Wall of Resentment.

When the pioneering team finally reached the site of Yan City, they found the Wall of Resentment buried in the desert sand.

As for why the Ice Coffin Weapon was stored there…

It was because when Noah sent “F-02,” Yan City lacked the resources to build a separate storage facility, their limited energy being used for the city’s construction.

Therefore, they had no choice but to store the dangerous “Ice Coffin Weapon” in the Wall of Resentment.

Because of this, Yan City wouldn’t allow anyone near the Wall. Even deploying the Ice Coffin Weapon was done remotely, using the pre-existing teleportation array within the Wall.

Security around the Wall of Resentment was always at its highest, even in this torrential rain.

Luo Yan knew this was dangerous, but she had no other choice.

If she didn’t grasp this last straw… she would either be sealed in an Ice Coffin herself or exiled to the Wasteland.

However, Luo Yan didn’t intend to endanger Yan City just to survive.

She wasn’t planning to awaken the bandaged girl, but to… slumber with her.

More precisely, Luo Yan wanted to enter the bandaged girl’s spiritual world and find her consciousness.

As the pinnacle of mind-related abilities, “Envy” could achieve this.

However… overuse of demonic power could lead to a loss of control.

Therefore, to prevent this, Luo Yan planned to enter the bandaged girl’s Ice Coffin and slumber with her consciousness.

From the files, Luo Yan understood the concept of the “Ice Coffin.”

It was originally designed to contain ability users who lost control.

Sealed within, their souls and consciousness would be suppressed, even an out-of-control ability couldn’t be unleashed.

“But if I fail… I won’t be able to come back…”

Luo Yan smiled wryly. This was a last resort, a desperate measure.

She didn’t want to die, but she had to face something even more terrifying.

Anna stared at Luo Yan, noticing the rare flicker of emotion on her face.

But… Lady Luo Yan didn’t seem happy, a hint of sadness in her usually indifferent expression.

Anna tugged on Luo Yan’s sleeve.

“Lady Luo Yan, if you’re unhappy about something, you can tell Anna!”

“I’m not unhappy, just… letting go of some things,” Luo Yan forced a smile and patted Anna’s head.

“I can make many beautiful dresses for Lady Luo Yan!” Anna said, waving her hands, feeling even more worried seeing Luo Yan’s forced smile. “I don’t need payment, as long as Lady Luo Yan is happy… Don’t be sad anymore, okay?”

Anna couldn’t bear to see Luo Yan like this; she had seen this expression countless times on her friends’ faces when she was a refugee.

They would smile and say they were fine, then die soon after.

Death was a constant companion in the Endless Wasteland, but Anna didn’t want to experience it again, not even once.

“I’m… not sad,” Luo Yan said, using her cane to support herself as she slowly returned to her wheelchair. “I’m just… at peace… that’s all.”

“But, but…”

Anna didn’t know how to comfort her.

“I’m suddenly feeling a bit hungry,” Luo Yan said, “looking” at Anna with her usual gentle expression. “Anna, can you make me something to eat?”

Anna’s eyes lit up.

“Of course!”

She hurried into the small kitchen and started preparing the ingredients.

Luo Yan “watched” Anna’s busy figure and sighed softly.

“…It’s time to go.”

A short while later, Anna emerged from the kitchen, carrying a bowl of thick, fragrant soup.

But Luo Yan was gone, only her wheelchair and cane remained.

“Lady Luo Yan…”

The soup spilled to the floor.

…

“Good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?”

Li Ping looked up at Frick, whom he had summoned, and asked gravely.

“Director-General Li, what are you playing at?”

Frick frowned, his arms crossed.

“I’m just worried you might not be able to handle both pieces of news at once, so I’m separating them,” Li Ping said.

Frick’s expression darkened, then, after a moment, he whispered,

“…The good news.”

“The good news is, the city’s defense system detected traces of Dawn,” Li Ping handed a file to Frick. “This is the system’s report. Unfortunately, that’s all it managed to send before being destroyed.”

A flicker of joy appeared in Frick’s eyes as he quickly took the file.

But he immediately realized his reaction was inappropriate and suppressed his emotions.

“This isn’t good news. ‘Dawn’ is dangerous.”

“Should I say it’s two pieces of bad news then?” Li Ping raised an eyebrow. “The other news is also related to Dawn.”

“What is it?”

Frick stopped reading the report.

“There are seventy-two such reports,” Li Ping tapped the desk, and a stack of reports emerged. “Almost all the city’s defense systems were destroyed simultaneously. These are the final reports.”

“What…?”

Even Frick was shocked.

Seventy-two locations with traces of Dawn…

That meant…

“The war has begun, Frick,” Li Ping said seriously. “This is the first time in thirty years that Dawn has launched an attack against a mega-city. You understand what this means.”

“It means…” Frick clenched his fists. “‘Mister’ is indeed in Yan City, and…”

At this point, Mister’s presence was no longer a secret.

And although Li Ping didn’t know that Yan City’s Ice Coffin Weapon was Dawn’s “Eldest Mister,” combined with the fact that “Mister” had silently visited the “Wall of Resentment,” Dawn’s objective was clear.

It was something inside the Wall.

And the only thing inside the Wall now… was the Ice Coffin Weapon.

“The Yan City army has been mobilized. Both the Disaster Response and Exploration Departments, all combat-capable ability user teams, are defending key locations leading to the core district,” Li Ping stood up, his gaze fixed on Frick.

“I want to know, whose side is the Apprehension Department on? Yan City’s, or your own?”

Li Ping had summoned Frick not just to play a game of good news and bad news. Yan City needed to mobilize all its forces against Dawn.

Including the Apprehension Department, which was outside their direct control.

“Of course… the Yan City Apprehension Department.”

Although Frick had his own agenda, he knew that in this situation, he had to stand with Yan City.

Yan City couldn’t afford to lose this war.

Neither could he.

Frick rubbed his right index finger, the power within it unsettling.

Even a mere Devil’s minion, possessing only a fragment of a Demonic Power, could be so strong…

What about “Mister’s” power?

…And the “Eldest Mister’s”?

Frick had been worried that Mister would die peacefully in Yan City, and Dawn would silently retrieve his body.

Then, he would have no chance.

He had even considered leaking the information about Yan City possessing the Eldest Mister’s remains, but he had decided against it, deeming it too risky.

The current situation, although unexpected, was the best possible outcome for him.

“Don’t worry, Director-General Li,” Frick smiled faintly. “I will do my best to help Yan City against Dawn.”

“If that’s truly the case, then good.”

Li Ping knew Frick’s loyalty wasn’t absolute.

But they had no choice in this situation.

Although a mega-city’s “Ember” was incredibly powerful, even if Dawn attacked with all their forces, breaching its defenses would come at a great cost.

And the “Ice Coffin Weapon” was still under Yan City’s control, another option.

But… Yan City would still have to bear the consequences of Dawn’s attack.

The “Ember” would be weakened for a long time after its activation, and the “Ice Coffin Weapon’s” unpredictable nature made it a last resort.

And even then, they had to ensure there were no living beings nearby; otherwise, the consequences would be catastrophic.

More importantly, activating the “Ember” required a “Peril” level ability user.

Even ordinary “Peril” level ability users risked death activating the “Ember,” let alone Sun Biwu.

His remaining lifespan couldn’t withstand it, even for a short activation.

And Hua Qingling, the other “Peril” level ability user, was still outside Yan City.

Judging from the current situation, Dawn wouldn’t give her time to return.

Therefore, for both sentimental and strategic reasons, Sun Biwu couldn’t die, not now.

If he died, Hua Qingling would be forced to stay in Yan City, her progress as an ability user possibly stagnating at “Peril” level.

Yan City couldn’t afford to lose this war, not even a pyrrhic victory.

“I’ll go and make preparations. May Yan City weather this storm.”

Frick bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Li Ping watched him go, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

“Why does that guy… suddenly seem so… feminine…?”

Frick had always seemed grim and cold, but now… he seemed… softer?

Li Ping thought for a moment, his frown deepening.

Although it was an odd thing for an old man like him to notice, had Frick been wearing makeup?

“Never mind, those are trivial matters.”

Li Ping sighed and picked up a file, then put it back down.

“No… it’s best not to… involve her… three months will pass quickly.”

He tucked the file away, a name barely visible.

—”Luo Yan.”

…

“The rain is still falling, it seems it will continue for a while.”

Elise sat on a sofa by the window, her chin resting on her hand as she looked out at the distance.

“This ability… So it’s that little guy who came from Dawn. His two older brothers must be occupied…”

“But… heh, if that’s all… a doomed operation… how boring.”

Elise shook her head and stood up, intending to go back inside.

But just then, a strange intuition stopped her.

Her slightly amused expression turned serious.

She sighed heavily and sat back down, this time sitting upright, her expression solemn.

“It seems… ‘Mister’ has made his move…”

“Then allow me, Fourth Saint ‘Illusion,’ in the name of all past Twelve Saints and the Saint himself, to bid you a final farewell.”

“And… to that era.”

“The bygone Old Era, the irretrievable past, and its final echoes…”

“…will soon draw to a close, along with you.”

She slowly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, the gentle “Elise” was gone.

Replaced by a cold solemnity.

“Rest in peace, Mister Nine.”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 50 – Time to Depart

“Sister…”

Mister paused.

He could sense many familiar auras gathering in Yan City.

Old friends, family.

All his juniors.

Everyone was waiting for him to take his final step, waiting for the last remnant of that era to vanish completely.

Whether… he wanted to or not.

“Now… what should I do? Sister, Brother, all of you…”

The youngest of the original nine Misters of Dawn, now the oldest human in the New Era, seemed to merge into one at this moment.

“It’s been a long time since anyone made decisions for me,” Mister murmured. “In the centuries since you passed, I’ve grown accustomed to leading the way, but now… it’s finally time to let go.”

Mister stood up shakily and walked towards the door of the small room.

“Time to depart.”

“Sister, Brother, all of you… your wishes, our final obsession…”

“It’s time for it to end.”

…

The relentless rain continued for days.

Yan City was practically submerged, all districts flooded, the water reaching people’s ankles even in the less affected areas.

The drainage systems were overwhelmed, and most citizens were forced to seek shelter on the second or even third floors of their buildings.

Forget going outside; having a place to stay was a blessing.

Fortunately, the mega-city had disaster preparedness measures in place, and the supply of resources wasn’t yet an issue.

But this wasn’t the only crisis Yan City faced.

The heavy rain had also caused the city’s defense systems to collapse.

In this weather, neither the Anomaly Management Bureau nor the city government could establish an effective blockade.

Only the minimal automated defense systems were still functioning, but these were useless against ability users above “Ruin” level.

And this… was exactly what Dawn wanted, or rather, what Dawn had caused.

Under the cover of the rain, exploiting the vulnerabilities in the city’s defenses, Dawn had quietly assembled nearly ten Cadres and a hundred members within Yan City.

They were hiding in the inconspicuous District Eight, waiting for the operation to begin.

Every Cadre present was at least “Peril” level, the weakest among them capable of defeating Sun Biwu, Yan City’s only “Peril” level ability user currently available.

The other members were mostly “Ruin” level or above.

In total, Dawn’s assembled force was equivalent to ten elite teams.

This was enough to launch a small-scale war, more than enough to handle a lower-tier mega-city.

“But it’s still not enough.”

Standing beside Grifres and Alyxsia was a large, muscular man.

Even Grifres, who was considered burly, seemed small beside him.

The man had thick eyebrows and a commanding presence, his very aura oppressive.

—Dawn’s Third Cadre, “Harbinger” Rhine.

His ability… Superpower type, weather manipulation.

This torrential rain, a once-in-a-century event for Yan City, was his doing.

“If there weren’t enough cumulonimbus clouds in the area, I wouldn’t have been able to summon this rain,” Rhine’s voice was deep and steady. “But even so, it won’t last long. We don’t have much time to gather more forces.”

“Ten elite teams… isn’t that enough?” Alyxsia frowned slightly. “Yan City only has one ‘Peril’ level ability user available, and any one of us could defeat him.”

And with her ability, she could even handle three “Peril” level ability users simultaneously, if she had enough preparation.

“No, Alyxsia,” Grifres shook his head. “If we were just defending against a mega-city, our current strength would be more than enough.

“But we’re attacking, we’re going to infiltrate the core district,” Rhine continued Grifres’s thought. “Even for a small mega-city, invading the core district comes at a cost.”

Although Alyxsia outranked Grifres in both strength and position, she was much younger.

Grifres was over seventy, while she was only forty.

For ability users, whose lifespans were extended by their abilities, a forty-year-old “Peril” level ability user was still very young.

Youth meant potential, but also a lack of experience.

Alyxsia had never participated in an attack on a mega-city, but Grifres had, unfortunately.

“Why…?”

Alyxsia was puzzled.

“Because of the ‘Ember’,” Grifres said gravely. “The ‘Ember’ isn’t just an endless energy source for a mega-city; it can also protect the entire city in critical moments.”

“But to use the ‘Ember,’ one needs to be at least ‘Peril’ level, otherwise they can’t withstand its power. That’s why every mega-city must have a ‘Peril’ level ability user stationed within,” Rhine looked up slightly, a flicker of remembrance in his eyes. “The last time we attacked a mega-city… must have been over thirty years ago… Grifres was still young then (meaning forty years old), he wasn’t on the front lines.”

“We won that war, right?” Alyxsia had heard of it, although she hadn’t even been ten years old at the time. “I remember it was a decisive victory, we easily defeated…”

“But sixty-seven of our brothers and sisters, including six Cadres and sixty-one members, died in that battle, killed by the ‘Ember’s’ final eruption,” Rhine said calmly.

“Although that mega-city only had one ‘Peril’ level ability user, boosted by temporary life-burning drugs, the power of the ‘Ember’ still haunts me.”

What Rhine didn’t mention was that nearly a million people in that defeated mega-city had become refugees in the Endless Wasteland.

However, the suffering of the defeated city’s citizens was of no concern to Dawn.

“Of course, we’re not trying to conquer Yan City this time, just infiltrate the core district and reach the ‘Wall of Resentment’ where the ‘Ice Coffin Weapon’ is stored,” Grifres patted Alyxsia’s shoulder. “Don’t be careless, but there’s no need to be overly nervous either.”

“I… understand.”

Alyxsia nodded and stepped aside, no longer arguing.

“What I want to say is, in this battle, anyone could die, including me,” Rhine looked at the other Cadres and members in the room. “But this is to retrieve the Eldest Mister’s remains, so that she, who should be resting peacefully, can finally come home.”

The Dawn members’ expressions were solemn, no one making a sound, only Rhine’s voice echoing in the room.

“Although ‘Mister,’ for various reasons, perhaps to avoid our casualties, or perhaps others’, hasn’t brought his ‘Eldest Brother’ home…”

“We have a duty to fulfill, and that is… to ensure all our family members find their way home.”

“No matter the cost.”

Rhine closed his eyes, lowered his head slightly, and placed his fist over his heart.

“Everything… for Dawn.”

The others mirrored his gesture, their voices a low murmur, almost drowned out by the rain.

“For Dawn.”

…

“The rain still hasn’t stopped…”

Anna sighed, her chin resting on her hand as she looked out the window at the gloomy sky and the torrential downpour that threatened to submerge the entire city.

“It’s certainly unusual,” Luo Yan agreed, then continued reading the files in her hands.

They were in Luo Yan’s apartment, the small unit provided by the Yan City government.

However, Anna wasn’t here for a casual visit.

She was here out of necessity.

The “Flower Shop” only had one floor, and in this heavy rain, it was at risk of flooding, let alone being open for business.

But it had once been Hua Qingling’s property, and even though it had changed hands, the Yan City government didn’t dare neglect it.

A thin energy shield now protected the “Flower Shop” from the rain.

But this had a drawback… no one could enter or leave.

Therefore, Anna had sought shelter elsewhere, staying at Luo Yan’s apartment for a few days.

Luo Yan’s apartment was on the tenth floor… even the heaviest rain couldn’t reach here, unless it was a flood.

Hua Qiling and Qin Wen were both busy with missions assigned by the Anomaly Management Bureau; Luo Yan hadn’t seen them in a while.

With manpower shortages, they couldn’t afford to leisurely stroll around like before.

…And there was nowhere to stroll anyway.

“Although I’m used to being a shut-in, I’m still bored…”

Anna sat at the table, her hands and feet unconsciously mimicking the motions of operating a sewing machine.

The table was covered with clothing designs, and the wastebasket overflowed with discarded drafts.

With nothing else to do, Anna could only draw.

Unfortunately, without a sewing machine, her designs were useless.

Luo Yan, however, was enjoying her free time, finally having a chance to read the files Hua Qiling had given her, and the classified documents from the Yan City government.

—About the “Ice Coffin Weapon.”

The files were detailed, containing various parameters of Yan City’s “Ice Coffin Weapon.”

Based on these parameters, a simple calculation revealed that this Ice Coffin Weapon, designated “F-02,” had a maximum kill radius encompassing an area twice the size of Yan City.

And within this range, it could deliver “Peril” level destructive power.

Even more impressive, this power could even penetrate hyperspace, damaging souls and consciousness.

According to the file’s assessment, it ranked among the top ten, even top five, of all “Ice Coffin Weapons.”

Because “F-02” had rarely been used, its true “limits” were unknown; these parameters were just estimates.

…However, another puzzling aspect was the low cost at which Yan City had acquired “F-02.”

Thirty years of one-third of their annual tax revenue was, to “Noah,” merely the equivalent of two years’ worth of taxes from a single district.

Such a powerful weapon, at such a low price…

“It’s suspicious… as if someone deliberately sent her to Yan City…”

Luo Yan murmured, closing the file.

The information was detailed and valuable, but it lacked what she wanted to know.

—The “Ice Coffin Weapon’s” origins.

“Lady Luo Yan,” Anna, hearing the sound, perked up and looked at Luo Yan. “Have you finished reading?”

Anna had been bored for days. Lady Luo Yan liked reading, but she didn’t, and she couldn’t disturb her.

She cherished every opportunity to talk to her.

“Yes.”

Luo Yan nodded and stood up from the wheelchair with some effort.

Anna rushed to help her, but Luo Yan waved her hand dismissively.

She still had enough strength to walk a few steps.

Luo Yan slowly walked to the window and listened to the rain.

She could no longer open her eyes casually; her “Envy” was nearing complete loss of control.

Soon, even with her eyes closed, she would unleash indiscriminate attacks.

Then, it would be either the Ice Coffin, or exile to the Wasteland.

Even just listening to the rain… would soon become a luxury.

“I don’t have much time left…”

Luo Yan whispered, her voice barely audible.

For some reason, she recalled “Elise,” whom she had met a few days ago.

And her words…

Familiar, yet not.

Luo Yan hadn’t forgotten what the bandaged girl had said upon seeing her.

—”Finally found you… Sister Luo Yan…”

“I want to see ‘her’ again, with my own eyes,” Luo Yan touched the cold glass of the window. “One last time…”

“See who?”

Anna blinked, confused.

“…Perhaps an old friend, or perhaps… an old friend of ‘Luo Yan’,” Luo Yan whispered.

No matter what, she had to see the bandaged girl again.

“What?”

Anna still didn’t understand.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Interlude – Days Gone By

“What’s your name?”

“Name… hurts… I can’t remember…”

“If you can’t remember, then it doesn’t matter.”

“Mm… what about you? What should I call you?”

“Luo Yan. That’s my name.”

I tilted my head slightly, trying to see her face.

But I couldn’t see clearly.

The dark clouds from the Calamity Tide covered the sky, only faint rays of sunlight filtering through, dimly illuminating the cracked wasteland.

Everything was shrouded in a gray mist, anything beyond a short distance obscured.

She gently held my hand, just like Mommy used to.

But… where was Mommy?

My head suddenly hurt, as if a large part of my memory was missing.

“Is this the person you’re looking for?”

She suddenly spoke, whether to me or to herself, I couldn’t tell.

“Sister… Luo Yan…?”

I clutched my head and looked up, confused.

She stopped and looked down at me.

Finally, I saw her face.

…Honestly, it was ordinary, not beautiful at all, and she looked fierce.

She stared at me with a scrutinizing, hostile gaze, as if I had said something I shouldn’t have.

I felt a deep-seated hatred in her eyes.

“I…”

I was too scared to speak.

“End.”

She whispered.

“Huh?”

I was confused, but she straightened up, still holding my hand.

“Remember, your ability is ‘End,’ Space-type, it’s very unstable, don’t use it casually.”

Her voice was cold, devoid of emotion.

But I didn’t understand what she meant.

“Ability? Space-type?”

I was completely lost.

“Yes, the power you used when you killed your mother, that’s your ability.”

She said calmly.

I froze.

I… killed Mommy?

Pain…

A kind face appeared in my mind, smiling gently at me.

I knew, that was Mommy.

But in a flash, Mommy’s face was covered in blood, then shattered like broken glass.

I instinctively reached out to her, but then I saw a severed hand in my own, a familiar ring on its finger.

Mommy’s ring.

“No…”

The pain intensified, memories flooding back, my head throbbing.

Collapsing buildings, broken limbs, screams of pain, helpless wails…

“Roar…”

An unintelligible growl escaped my throat, the sound raw and painful, but I didn’t even recognize it as my own voice.

The same feeling of shattering from that day returned, everything around me seeming to crumble.

But just then, a cool sensation washed over me, the painful memories fading.

“Mm…”

My mind went blank, I couldn’t remember anything.

I looked up and saw her face again.

This time, she didn’t look as fierce.

She looked at me calmly, the hatred in her eyes gone.

“Learn to accept reality, control your emotions, otherwise, this tragedy will repeat itself,” she whispered, then continued walking, her hand still in mine.

“Sister Luo Yan… where… are we going?”

I rubbed my head and asked.

“To find people.”

“What kind of people…?”

“You ask a lot of questions. I don’t usually recommend it, but this time is an exception,” she said softly. “To find people like you.”

“Like me…”

I thought for a moment. People like me… could it be…?

“Children who lost their mothers, like me?”

“To be precise, people who possess ‘demonic’ powers, like you.”

She patiently answered my question, although I didn’t understand.

“And then? What will we do after we find them?”

Sensing her relatively good mood, I dared to ask another question.

She was silent for a moment, as if hesitant.

But then she spoke again.

“Save the world.”

“Eh…”

I was speechless.

Saving the world… it sounded so… grand…

But she had said it so seriously.

More serious than ever before.

“Are we going to rely on me and the others like me?”

I asked.

“Yes.”

She nodded curtly, then an oppressive silence fell.

I didn’t dare ask any more questions.

…

Time passed.

“Save the world…”

I stood facing the wind, looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar tall figure before me, tears welling up in my eyes.

“Sister Luo Yan… is this your so-called saving the world…?”

Behind me stood eight others, just like me.

My brothers and sisters.

She had brought me here, traveled the world with me, found them, and given us a home.

Even though we weren’t blood-related, we were as close as family.

We were grateful to her, willing to do anything for her.

But this was how she treated us in the end.

When our demonic powers were triggered by some malice, forced to activate and destroy everything around us uncontrollably, I finally understood.

She had never considered us family.

She had been using us.

Our efforts, our home, the settlement we had painstakingly built, “Dawn City,” collapsed amidst the roars and explosions, all because of her.

And she simply stood there, indifferent, and whispered,

“Is this enough?”

What did she mean?

I was stunned.

“Yes, Luo Yan.”

Another voice answered her question.

A voice I had never heard before, yet strangely familiar.

—Only then did I realize that she hadn’t been talking to herself all this time, but to someone else.

No, not a person…

A small figure materialized beside her, with long, flowing black hair, an inhumanly beautiful face, and a cold, deathly aura.

Just by standing there, the dark-haired girl made me feel the approach of “death.”

“But you lied to me. This was a betrayal.”

She spoke, and for the first time, I heard emotion in her voice.

Sorrow.

“I didn’t lie to you. Gathering the consciousness of the ‘gods’ and exiling them will save the world,” the dark-haired girl replied softly. “But before that, you will unleash the ‘Malice of All Worlds’.”

“So… I couldn’t save the world,” her voice trembled.

“You destroyed this world with your own hands,” the dark-haired girl said indifferently. “The ‘Malice of All Worlds’ will be unleashed because the gods, once concepts, have become physical entities, freed from all constraints. In short… we are free.”

“No…”

I had never seen her look so heartbroken.

She collapsed before the dark-haired girl, looking up at me—at all of us.

Her gaze wasn’t fierce; she simply looked at us with sorrow, and I even saw a hint of apology.

“I’m sorry…”

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”

She didn’t know who she was apologizing to, but it seemed to be us.

But my consciousness was fading.

My demonic power was still out of control, yet being pulled by some force, as if coalescing into something.

I struggled to see clearly…

A small, silver-haired figure, curled up slightly.

But I couldn’t see any more.

Was this conspiracy… meant to bring about the appearance of this silver-haired figure?

Just then, my consciousness faded completely.

…

Time passed again.

I was beyond saving now.

As the first “Demonically Infected” she found, my condition had been inevitably deteriorating.

My younger siblings had grown up, but I remained as I was when I met her, a small child.

From appearances, they seemed to be my “elder siblings.”

“Sister…”

Nine looked at me, fighting back tears. I could tell.

“You’re not the crybaby you used to be.”

I reached up and wiped the tears from his eyes.

“It’s just death, nothing to be afraid of,” I whispered.

“Death is a train that always arrives full, and none of us will miss it.

“And I… simply boarded a little earlier. The journey will eventually reach its destination, there’s no need to rush.”

“But, but…” Nine still wept.

“Just think of me as… asleep, and unable to wake up.”

I sighed and said.

My other siblings also looked at me silently, their sorrow hidden.

I slowly turned and walked towards a coffin made of ice.

This “Ice Coffin” was created to contain my uncontrolled power after my death.

It was the best way to deal with a demonically infected corpse.

“My last wish…”

I whispered.

The room was silent, no one daring to even breathe loudly.

“I wish… for the truth to be found.”

“She left… and erased all traces of herself.”

“I’ve forgotten her name, her face, so much…”

“But I haven’t forgotten… her sorrow.”

“Find her… for me… or find the truth… please?”

A long silence, no one answered.

“Okay,” Nine said.

“Okay!”

All my siblings echoed his words.

I smiled.

I could finally leave this world in peace…

The train of death roared past, carrying me away.

Before my soul and will completely vanished, I seemed to recall her again, her fierce gaze.

And… three figures.

…I finally remembered, there were three.

She and the dark-haired girl had brought us together, built “Dawn City,” and then destroyed it, all for the sake of the silver-haired figure who was born at the end.

—Was this the truth?

I didn’t know, and I couldn’t tell anyone.

But perhaps… this was enough?

A buried, unanswered truth.