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

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 29 – Flower Street Excursion 

The group walked down Flower Street, surrounded by the usual bustling crowd.

The atmosphere among them wasn’t exactly awkward, but… perhaps each had their own hidden agenda?

Luo Yan was practicing the breathing technique, hoping to be able to fight even with her eyes closed.

Qin Wen was trying to recall the exact location where she had first encountered Luo Yan.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to her sword training, her sense of direction wasn’t the best. Qin Wen was clearly directionally challenged.

After wandering around for a while, she still couldn’t find the right spot.

The two Apprehension Department members wore expressions of utter resignation. Although they had anticipated this, they hadn’t expected to… just go shopping?

And with no destination in mind…

The surrounding people avoided the two officers in uniform while also speculating about the tall woman in the short skirt, wondering about her status, since she had Apprehension Department members as bodyguards.

Luo Yan had used her life hack to minimize her presence, making ordinary people subconsciously ignore her.

After passing the same department store for the third time, Davis finally couldn’t take it anymore.

“Ladies, where exactly are you going?” Davis sighed. “You didn’t seriously just bring us along for a stroll, did you?”

The message Luo Yan had sent to Frick had also been forwarded to Davis and Cheng Hongyuan, but their opinions were similar to Frick’s. They thought the young ladies were just playing detective.

Seriously, the most troublesome aspect of Devil’s minions and Devil’s Apostles was their ability to hide. They weren’t easy to find.

And finding one based solely on a faint aura, without any devices…

It was simply too far-fetched.

But even playing detective was better than walking around in circles…

“Sorry, I’m lost,” Qin Wen mumbled, feeling frustrated. “Which way did we go…?”

“Try to remember any shops nearby,” Cheng Hongyuan said helplessly. “I grew up here, I know this area well, I might be able to help.”

“Let me think…” Qin Wen touched her chin. “I remember there were a lot of people, and many restaurants nearby…”

“A lot of restaurants? I remember that,” Luo Yan interjected. “When Hua Qiling and I came to Flower Street, we passed an area with many restaurants.

“If you saw me then, I should know the location.”

Luo Yan, unlike Qin Wen, wasn’t directionally challenged, and she had a good memory.

“Then let’s hurry,” Davis sighed. “If we’re playing games, let’s at least have a destination, instead of wandering around like headless chickens…”

“Playing games?”

Luo Yan asked, puzzled.

“It’s nothing, Davis has been on a lot of missions lately, she’s a bit tired, just misspoke,” Cheng Hongyuan quickly explained.

Although he also thought the two young ladies were just playing pretend, he knew better than to say it aloud.

He would just humor them…

“Let’s go, let’s go, Miss Luo Yan, lead the way.”

Qin Wen’s eyes lit up, eager to find the location.

She was frustrated, wanting to find the place as soon as possible.

This feeling of something being on the tip of her tongue, yet unable to recall it, was incredibly annoying.

“Alright, no problem,” Luo Yan nodded. “Miss Qin Wen, please guide me.”

Luo Yan raised her hand slightly, asking Qin Wen to lead her.

Although she could vaguely sense her surroundings, without her sight, she couldn’t accurately judge the details.

For example, a restaurant and a bar felt the same to Luo Yan; she needed Qin Wen to provide more specific information.

Qin Wen hesitated for a moment, then gently took Luo Yan’s small, pristine hand.

Unlike her own calloused hands from years of sword training, Luo Yan’s hand was soft and cool, her delicate skin incredibly smooth.

“It feels like Master’s silk…”

Qin Wen murmured to herself.

A flurry of random thoughts flashed through her mind.

Including how Hua Qiling always seemed eager to hold Luo Yan’s hand, and how happy she looked while doing so.

So that’s why…

“What’s wrong?”

Luo Yan turned slightly and asked softly.

“Nothing, nothing…”

Qin Wen quickly dismissed her thoughts and gently held Luo Yan’s hand.

As they walked, she described the surroundings.

“Miss Luo Yan, there’s a shoe store in this direction… and over here is…”

As Qin Wen described the environment, combined with the information from her breathing technique, Luo Yan pieced together the information.

Like building blocks, lines intersecting, she gradually constructed a virtual map of “Flower Street” in her mind.

And as the virtual map formed, Luo Yan seemed to “see” everything.

“The place where we met is three streets ahead, about five hundred to a thousand meters on the left,” Luo Yan said.

“Eh, that close?” Qin Wen said, surprised. “But why couldn’t we find it earlier?”

“…We’ve passed that place at least five times already, Miss Qin Wen,” Davis said, her brow twitching.

Qin Wen scratched her head. “Really?”

“Six times,” Cheng Hongyuan added.

“…Oh.”

Having finally obtained the location, Qin Wen didn’t waste any time and rushed off, pulling Luo Yan along.

The other two, although still resigned, followed. After all, it was their mission.

However, having come this far, Davis and Cheng Hongyuan were curious.

What were these two young ladies… or rather, the young lady and her bodyguard (they couldn’t sense Qin Wen’s true strength)… planning?

Could it be… that they had actually found a trace of the Devil’s minion?

This seemingly absurd thought crossed both their minds, but they quickly dismissed it.

“If there was even a sliver of a lead, why would the Director only send two ‘Calamity’ level ability users?”

Although not a major threat, a Devil’s minion, especially one with a portion of the “Witch of Envy’s” power, wasn’t to be trifled with.

“Don’t think too much about it, Davis, just treat it as a vacation,” Cheng Hongyuan patted Davis’s shoulder, seeing her dejected expression.

Davis rolled her eyes.

“Who wants a vacation with you? This isn’t a vacation.”

“Yes, yes, yes, our honeymoon after we get married will be the real vacation.”

“Still thinking about marriage, Cheng Hongyuan? Weren’t you staring at that frail young lady earlier? Your eyes were practically glued to her.”

“No, no, I wouldn’t dare…”

“Heh.”

They bickered as usual, following Luo Yan and Qin Wen at a distance.

…

“We’re almost there, it’s around here.”

Luo Yan stopped and, after a moment of hesitation, moved slightly to the side.

“I was around here, with Hua Qiling, walking down this street towards the Flower Shop at the end.”

“Wow, Miss Luo Yan, you have such a good memory.”

Qin Wen looked around, then stepped back into the shadows.

“If I remember correctly, I was around here, watching you… and Hua Qiling.”

Just then, Cheng Hongyuan and Davis caught up, overhearing their conversation.

Hearing the name “Hua Qiling,” their expressions faltered, but they quickly recovered.

“Did you hear that?” Davis whispered. “They seem to be talking about the Director of the Disaster Response Department…”

“Yes, and they seem to know each other quite well,” Cheng Hongyuan nodded.

Although Hua Qiling often acted childish and was constantly overshadowed by her sister, she was still the Director of the Disaster Response Department, a position she had received due to Li Ping’s influence and other considerations within Yan City.

And she was a “Ruin” level ability user, still quite young.

It was almost certain she would become a “Peril” level ability user in the future.

From their conversation, it seemed this lead on the Devil’s minion was related to Director Hua Qiling…

Actually, it wasn’t. Hua Qiling was just… there.

“Could this be Director Hua’s arrangement?” Davis suddenly became nervous.

Cheng Hongyuan also hesitated. “Perhaps it really is…”

Meanwhile, Luo Yan and Qin Wen were still searching for clues.

“Can you sense the Devil’s minion’s aura here?” Luo Yan whispered.

Qin Wen closed her eyes tightly, her brow furrowed.

“I think so.”

“Where?”

“I think… not anymore.”

“…Be more specific.”

Qin Wen opened her eyes and sighed.

“Compared to last time, it’s much fainter. If I don’t focus, I can barely sense it.

“But when I do focus… I find it… everywhere.”

She looked at the pedestrians, the shouting vendors, the crowded restaurants.

Everywhere, she sensed the faint, almost imperceptible, yet undeniable aura of the Devil’s minion.

As if everyone here was either the minion himself or one of his flesh puppets.

How was that possible?

Just then, after a brief discussion, Davis and Cheng Hongyuan decided to ask Luo Yan directly.

“Miss Luo Yan,” Davis said casually, “can you find the Devil’s minion?”

Luo Yan thought for a moment, then “looked” at Qin Wen.

Qin Wen, under her gaze, also thought for a moment, then nodded.

“Where?”

Cheng Hongyuan asked.

“Everywhere.”

Qin Wen replied seriously.

“…”

After a moment of awkward silence, Davis, struggling to maintain her composure, asked again,

“Did the Director of the Disaster Response Department provide this lead?”

“Who?”

Qin Wen turned to Luo Yan.

“Hua Qiling.”

Luo Yan replied.

“Oh,” Qin Wen turned back to Davis. “It has nothing to do with her. I… and Miss Luo Yan discovered it.”

“It’s true that it has little to do with Hua Qiling,” Luo Yan nodded in agreement.

“…”

Another long silence.

Davis and Cheng Hongyuan could barely contain their expressions.

They felt like idiots for being so nervous and making all those assumptions…

So in the end, it was just a young lady playing detective?

Back to square one.

However, Davis and Cheng Hongyuan knew that since these two were connected to someone as influential as the Director of the Disaster Response Department, they couldn’t afford to offend them.

Sigh, such is life…

“So, what are you planning to do next, ladies?”

Davis asked listlessly, her demeanor dejected.

Seeing this, Cheng Hongyuan, afraid of upsetting the young ladies, quickly added,

“If you need anything, just tell us. We’re under the Director’s orders to assist you fully.”

“Yes, we understand,” Luo Yan nodded. “This Devil’s minion is no ordinary foe. Qin Wen and I alone will struggle to handle him.

“If we absolutely have to confront him directly, we’ll need your support.”

Struggle to handle… support…

Cheng Hongyuan’s face twitched. He lowered his head and replied in a trembling voice,

“Of course.”

This beautiful young lady didn’t seem to realize her own strength… A “Difficulty” level ability user was barely stronger than an ordinary person, and since she was blind, perhaps even weaker.

If they had any remaining doubts about the Devil’s minion’s trail, this conversation dispelled them completely.

“I sensed the aura again. It seems to be strongest in this direction,” Qin Wen said, pointing. “The aura is much fainter further away from this location, although still very weak.”

“Let’s go then.”

Davis said, resigned to her fate.

Luo Yan also nodded slightly, letting Qin Wen lead her by the hand in the indicated direction.

Only Cheng Hongyuan, looking at where Qin Wen was pointing, frowned slightly.

“Why does this place look so familiar…? Wait!”

As if realizing something, Cheng Hongyuan’s expression changed. He quickly stepped forward, blocking their path.

“Don’t go there!”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 28 – The Coming Storm 

Luo Yan wrote her report honestly. Because she had sensed the aura earlier and suspected the enemy was still there, she requested support from the Apprehension Department, specifically two “Ruin” level ability users.

She also included the fact that they hadn’t returned to investigate further. She was an honest girl.

“How laughable,” Frick sneered, looking at the message. “All speculation, and she wants two ‘Ruin’ level ability users for support?

“Sending you, a young lady, to Flower Street was meant to be a leisurely stroll. Don’t drag us into your detective games!”

“Ruin” level ability users weren’t common. Two of them were a valuable asset.

The Apprehension Department’s investigation of Dawn in Yan City was at a critical stage, and they were also tasked with hunting the Devil’s minion. Manpower was tight.

How could he spare two “Ruin” level ability users to accompany a young lady on a shopping trip?

Frick put away his communicator, intending to ignore Luo Yan’s message.

But then he frowned slightly.

“No, wait… This young lady was personally entrusted to me by Li Ping. Her background must be significant.”

Even a Sword Saint successor was acting as her bodyguard…

Although he hadn’t heard of Luo Yan before, there were many people in Yan City he didn’t know.

Frick wasn’t from Yan City, not even from the Eastern Continent. Eastern faces all looked the same to him, with only a few exceptions—like Luo Yan, whose striking appearance had left an impression.

“Well, just to avoid that old man Li Ping nagging me, I’ll send a couple of people to appease them.”

Frick sighed. He was in Yan City now; he had to play along.

He thought for a moment, then dialed the Apprehension Department’s team channel.

“Lan Qi, assign two people from your team to a special mission… The weakest ones will do, no need for anyone strong.”

“Oh, and tell them, if anyone asks about their level, they are to say ‘Ruin’ level.”

It was just accompanying a young lady on a shopping trip; “Ruin” or “Calamity” level, it didn’t really matter.

The Apprehension Department specialized in killing. Even their weakest members were “Calamity” level, and not ordinary “Calamity” level at that.

After giving his instructions, Frick put away his communicator and looked at the file in his hand, his eyes narrowing.

The file read—

Top Secret – File Number “F-03” Ice Coffin Weapon Containment Data

“Finally, I have it. I didn’t expect ‘Noah’ to make such a fatal mistake, sending her to Yan City.

“If it weren’t for the ‘Ghost Town’ incident forcing Yan City to use the ‘Ice Coffin Weapon,’ I wouldn’t have known that their ‘Ice Coffin Weapon’ was actually—

“Heh, I suppose ‘Mister’ must have come to Yan City because of her as well.”

…

When Luo Yan and Qin Wen arrived at the Flower Shop, they received Frick’s message.

“How is it?”

Qin Wen asked nervously.

She wasn’t worried about fighting the Devil’s minion, only about the potential for civilian casualties.

Having two “Ruin” level ability users as backup would greatly reduce that risk.

Luo Yan looked at the message, a relieved smile appearing on her face.

“Don’t worry, Director Frick has agreed to our request. Two ‘Ruin’ level ability users are on their way.”

“That’s good,” Qin Wen breathed a sigh of relief. “As expected, he had already anticipated this. I was wondering if two ‘Ruin’ level ability users were a bit excessive. Perhaps a few ‘Calamity’ level would have been enough.”

Ordinary mega-cities weren’t like Dawn. High-level ability users were always in short supply; they couldn’t afford Dawn’s strategy of overwhelming force.

If Dawn encountered such an incident, they would send a “Peril” level ability user if possible, or at least five “Ruin” level, as many as they could spare.

“This greatly increases our chances of success,” Luo Yan nodded.

She couldn’t use her “Envy” ability casually; it was only for critical moments, to deliver a fatal blow. The rest of the time, she relied on conventional weapons.

Strictly speaking, Luo Yan was a fragile glass cannon, with “Ruin” level attack power, but otherwise just an ordinary “Difficulty” level ability user.

“You go and make your preparations. I don’t think I need any.”

Luo Yan adjusted her skirt. Even after wearing it for a while, she still wasn’t used to it.

She preferred t-shirts and shorts, which allowed for greater freedom of movement.

However, this maid outfit offered increased protection, which was exactly what Luo Yan lacked, so she had to wear it.

What mage wouldn’t want a sturdy shield?

“Lady Luo Yan!”

Anna rushed out from the back room, holding a simple black skirt.

She tossed the skirt to Qin Wen, then picked up her camera and started snapping pictures of Luo Yan.

When Luo Yan and Qin Wen entered the shop, Anna had been fiddling with her new camera.

Seeing Luo Yan in the maid outfit, Anna was so excited that she immediately started taking photos.

However, Luo Yan had managed to persuade her to help Qin Wen with her disguise first, to change out of her signature white clothes, and then take pictures later.

Qin Wen took the skirt, looked at Anna, who was completely ignoring her, and hesitated.

“Is this… enough?”

“After you change, I’ll style your hair… Lady Luo Yan, another pose, another pose, hee hee…”

“Like this?” Luo Yan stiffly raised her hand in a peace sign, then said to Qin Wen, “Hurry up, the two ‘Ruin’ level ability users should be arriving soon.”

Qin Wen looked at the unfamiliar garment, hesitated, then took it and went to the fitting room.

After a while, having run out of film, Anna reluctantly put down her camera.

Luo Yan breathed a sigh of relief. She knew this made Anna happy, so even though she didn’t enjoy it, she hadn’t objected.

Qin Wen finally emerged, awkwardly tugging at the short skirt.

“Do I really have to wear this? Isn’t it a bit… too revealing?”

Although it was much easier to move in than her white robes, and it completely masked her usual Sword Saint aura, even her master might not recognize her at first glance.

The disguise was undeniably effective.

“It can’t be helped, Lady Qin Wen, you’re just too tall. This is the only one that fits, and you’re in a hurry, there’s no time for custom tailoring,” Anna shrugged, comparing her height to Qin Wen’s.

1.4 meters versus 1.9 meters… Even if Anna hugged Qin Wen, she wouldn’t reach her chest, only her stomach.

Incidentally, Luo Yan’s height was just right: 1.6 meters versus 1.9 meters.

“Isn’t this nice?” Luo Yan, with her complete lack of fashion sense, nodded. “See? The sleeves and skirt are designed for easy movement, they won’t get in the way during combat, unlike mine…”

“Lady Luo Yan looks good in anything!” Anna quickly interjected, after all, it was her creation. “A beautiful person looks even more beautiful in beautiful clothes!”

“…I still don’t see it, and clothes don’t really matter in combat,” Luo Yan shrugged indifferently. “Well, this is fine.”

Anna forced a pair of large sunglasses onto Qin Wen, tied her shoulder-length hair into a high ponytail, and added a pair of earrings, transforming the heroic swordswoman into a fashionable city girl.

Anna, enjoying this makeover, clapped her hands in satisfaction.

“Now, Lady Qin Wen, even your own mother wouldn’t recognize you!”

“…Indeed.”

Luo Yan, surprisingly, agreed.

Qin Wen frowned.

“I can’t let Master see me like this…”

Don’t misunderstand, the Sword Saint Sect Master wasn’t a stickler for tradition. He would simply tease her mercilessly.

She already couldn’t stand her master’s usual inappropriate behavior, let alone…

Fortunately, this was just a disguise for the mission. She would change back afterward; there was no chance of her master seeing her like this.

Just then, a knock came from the door, followed by two voices in unison.

“Apprehension Department, Second Division, Davis reporting!”

“Apprehension Department, Second Division, Cheng Hongyuan reporting!”

…

Davis, Cheng Hongyuan.

From their names, it was easy to tell that one was from a Western mega-city, and the other was a local from Yan City.

Although the Apprehension Department had a high proportion of foreign ability users, there were also locals from Yan City.

Cheng Hongyuan was one of them.

He was a young man with a somewhat handsome appearance, wearing round-framed glasses.

As for Davis, this blonde, blue-eyed woman with wavy hair wasn’t from “Noah,” but another, less prominent mega-city.

There were thousands of mega-cities in the New Era, and not all of them were as large as Yan City or Noah.

Davis’s hometown was only one-tenth the size of Yan City. Seeking better opportunities, she had accepted a transfer to the Yan City Anomaly Management Bureau’s Apprehension Department.

As mentioned before, they were the two weakest members of the Apprehension Department, unfortunately chosen to be the young lady’s (Luo Yan’s) bodyguards.

Being from the same division, they knew each other well and had been complaining about this ridiculous mission all the way here.

…Of course, they didn’t expect things to get even more ridiculous.

Anna opened the door, giving them an annoyed look before reluctantly stepping aside.

Lady Luo Yan, who had finally come to visit, was about to be taken away by these two…

And considering the Apprehension Department’s reputation, Anna naturally wasn’t happy.

The Apprehension Department, specializing in hunting down targets, often employed ruthless methods, even within the mega-cities.

Although they avoided civilian casualties, they often caused unnecessary damage.

Imagine your house, which you had a twenty-year mortgage on, being casually destroyed during an Apprehension Department pursuit.

The compensation, if any, was usually minimal.

Wouldn’t that make you angry?

As for protesting… ordinary people in the New Era were lucky to have a roof over their heads; they didn’t dare complain.

As a result, the Apprehension Department’s reputation was terrible, to the point that even Dawn treated them differently from the Disaster Response Department, just like Grifres’s attitude towards Hua Qiling.

Davis and Cheng Hongyuan were used to such looks. They waited expectantly for their assigned target, the young lady who was rumored to be very beautiful.

A moment later, Qin Wen emerged, supporting the blindfolded Luo Yan. She looked them over, frowning slightly.

“It’s you two?”

Weren’t they supposed to send two “Ruin” level ability users?

These two clearly only had “Calamity” level auras, and relatively weak ones at that.

Luo Yan also noticed this and asked curiously,

“Did you come to the wrong place? You seem a bit… weak.”

Qin Wen and Luo Yan scrutinized them, and Davis and Cheng Hongyuan scrutinized them back.

Upon seeing Luo Yan’s face, they were both stunned by her beauty, but then they were immediately offended by her words.

Being called weak (although Luo Yan had simply stated a fact, not an insult) was humiliating, especially coming from this blind young lady with a mere “Difficulty” level aura.

A frail young lady going shopping, wanting bodyguards, and demanding “Ruin” level ability users?

However, despite their annoyance, Davis and Cheng Hongyuan knew better than to show it.

Suppressing their displeasure, they said in unison, their prepared excuse ready,

“We’re in the right place. We are ‘Ruin’ level ability users, just disguised as ‘Calamity’ level to avoid attention.”

“Oh, I see,” Luo Yan nodded, instantly believing their explanation. “No problem, let’s go, time is of the essence.”

Although Qin Wen was still suspicious, since they said so, she decided to trust them for now.

She trusted Director Frick even more. He must have his reasons for this arrangement.

She was just a simple-minded warrior; it was best to follow orders.

Indeed, Qin Wen was well aware of her own simple-mindedness…

After exchanging greetings, Luo Yan didn’t waste any more time.

Led by Qin Wen, they quickly headed towards the location where she had sensed the Devil’s minion’s aura.

…

Although Flower Street was initially planned as a shopping street…

Over the past ten to twenty years, other businesses had emerged.

Where there was demand, there was supply and trade.

Of course, such shady businesses couldn’t operate openly.

Therefore, under the guise of foot massage parlors, massage parlors, and hair salons, these underground establishments thrived on Flower Street.

But to say that the owners of Flower Street were unaware of this was, of course, impossible.

Flower Street’s profits came from a percentage of the businesses’ revenue, and these highly profitable establishments were simply too lucrative to ignore.

Even some high-ranking officials, like the aforementioned Young Master Liu, the second largest shareholder of Flower Street, were interested in these places, patronizing them frequently.

The top tier of Flower Street’s establishments catered to a more… refined clientele, requiring the girls to be multi-talented, to entertain the wealthy young masters who fancied themselves cultured.

Young Master Liu, known for his extravagant spending, was very popular with the madams of these establishments. They would go to great lengths to prepare various girls for him, hoping to catch his eye.

Just one night with Young Master Liu, keeping him happy, could earn them months’ worth of revenue.

However…

Currently, most of the madams on Flower Street were frowning, except for one, who was beaming.

“Oh my, Young Master Liu has specifically requested our Red Butterfly this time. What good fortune!”

The heavily made-up madam pretended to be bashful, hiding behind her fan, but her voice was filled with pride.

“I don’t know where you found her, you’re so lucky…”

Another madam said sourly.

“This isn’t just a few months’ worth of business; Young Master Liu’s visit will keep you closed for years!”

“Yes, yes, why don’t we have such luck?”

Surrounded by envious whispers and flattery, Red Butterfly’s madam was practically glowing.

A figure in red had quietly appeared behind her, its face half-hidden by a veil, only a pair of enchanting eyes visible.

“Mother.”

A soft, seductive voice echoed, like a faint electric current, sending shivers down one’s spine.

“Oh my, Red Butterfly, why are you out here?” Her madam quickly stood up. “Hurry and prepare, Young Master Liu will be here soon.”

The other madams looked at Red Butterfly, their eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and even resentment, which they quickly masked with smiles.

“So this is Red Butterfly? I’ve heard so much about you. Truly a beauty worthy of the title ‘Flower Queen’.”

“Yes, yes, even if my Leng Nier had ten lifetimes of good fortune, she wouldn’t have half of Red Butterfly’s charm.”

“It seems the lucky one tonight isn’t Red Butterfly, but Young Master Liu…”

Red Butterfly simply smiled faintly at their superficial flattery, a glint of malice in her eyes.

“Thank you for your kind words, Mothers.”

She curtsied, her every movement exuding charm.

Unnoticed by the madams, several hair-thin, fleshy tentacles subtly attached themselves to their necks, lying dormant.

As if afraid that someone might steal Red Butterfly away, her madam quickly stood in front of her.

“My dear, go back inside. Young Master Liu has specifically requested to see your performance first.”

Red Butterfly’s dances had recently become a sensation on Flower Street, attracting many influential figures.

However, she was still… pure (perhaps?). As her madam put it, “Our Red Butterfly only sells her art, not her body.”

Of course, if one insisted… there was a price.

And Young Master Liu could afford it.

His status among his peers in Yan City was second only to Hua Qiling.

Red Butterfly nodded slightly, turned, and gracefully walked back to her room, her red dress swaying.

Even her back was captivating, leaving the experienced madams mesmerized.

“Truly beautiful…”

“Ahem,” Red Butterfly’s madam coughed, her eyes glinting warningly. “Don’t even think about poaching our Red Butterfly. She’s like a daughter to me.”

Who would sell their own daughter…

The madams thought to themselves, but they still replied politely,

“Of course, of course, how could we…”

“Don’t worry, I just wanted to ask which deity you prayed to, to find such a treasure like Red Butterfly.”

“…”

Their true thoughts, however, remained hidden.

Red Butterfly’s madam snorted proudly and waddled back to the building, her wide hips swaying.

…

“Fools…”

Red Butterfly’s slender hand gently parted the curtains, her gaze cold as she looked down at the madams below.

“If it weren’t for… that damned Sword Saint Qin Wen, I wouldn’t have to hide like this, relying on these lowly insects to recover my strength.”

Red Butterfly gritted her teeth and muttered.

The destruction of the flesh puppet by Qin Wen’s sword hadn’t been a major setback.

The true injury, the one that hadn’t healed even now, was from Luo Yan’s single glance.

Caught completely off guard, that glance had pierced her soul, almost shattering her will.

The best way to recover was to use “Gu Seeds” to gather life force, but due to the heightened security in Yan City after the incident, she hadn’t found an opportunity to properly feed.

She could only spread her “Gu Seeds” widely, each absorbing a small amount of life force, slowly recovering her strength.

But in this place, she could only find ordinary people; the recovery process was slow.

“Although I’m gradually mastering the Lord’s power, I still can’t act recklessly…”

Red Butterfly took a deep breath. “However, this Young Master Liu seems to be a ‘Calamity’ level ability user. His flesh… should be enough to restore a significant portion of my power…”

“And…” She licked her lips, a cruel smile twisting her charming face. “It’s been a while  since I’ve tasted… the flavor of a man…”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 27 – Operation Flower Street 

Chuunibyou or not, Qin Wen’s strength was undeniable.

Few “Ruin” level ability users could face her in direct combat, especially with her extensive combat experience.

And with Luo Yan present, even if the enemy somehow possessed the residual power of the “Witch of Envy,” they wouldn’t be a threat to Qin Wen.

“Sword Saint…”

Li Ping’s eyelid twitched, as if recalling something.

Clearly, he knew the Sword Saint Sect Master, and they had a history.

He just hadn’t expected the Sword Saint sect to still be so… eccentric…

But one thing was certain: the Sword Saint’s sword never disappointed.

“In that case, I’ll have to trouble you with this,” Li Ping pondered for a moment, then continued, “Coincidentally, the Apprehension Department also has a mission in Yan City. Perhaps you can seek their assistance.”

“Apprehension Department?”

Luo Yan tilted her head slightly, puzzled.

“Similar to the Disaster Response Department, but we handle disaster events, while they handle ‘ability user crimes’,” Hua Qiling explained from her hospital bed.

Li Ping added, “But this incident involves a Devil’s minion, so there’s no violation of protocol in having the Apprehension Department participate.”

The Anomaly Management Bureau was supposed to be independent of the mega-cities, its headquarters located in “Noah,” the largest human mega-city.

However, since each mega-city’s Anomaly Management Bureau was composed of local ability users, with close ties to their respective higher-ups, a strange organizational structure emerged.

—The mega-city’s administration and the Anomaly Management Bureau were on equal footing, yet the Bureau was also slightly subordinate, following headquarters’ orders when necessary.

This was why the deployment of the “Ice Coffin Weapon” required authorization from the Yan City higher-ups. The weapon belonged to the city, not the Bureau.

But even within the Bureau, the different departments operated differently.

The Apprehension Department usually carried out arrest warrants issued by “Headquarters” or the “city administration,” and couldn’t be mobilized freely, not even by Li Ping, the Director-General.

The Disaster Response Department had more freedom, able to assign missions related to disaster events as needed.

“So, is that alright?” Li Ping asked. “Don’t worry, you’ll be compensated fairly.”

Luo Yan and Qin Wen weren’t members of the Anomaly Management Bureau; they couldn’t be expected to work for free.

Moreover, dealing with a Devil’s minion was inherently risky.

Qin Wen, of course, had no objections. Whether or not there was compensation, she wouldn’t hesitate to slay demons.

Luo Yan had already agreed to help Hua Qingling, so she also nodded in agreement.

“Good. I’ll arrange for the Director of the Apprehension Department to meet with you. Yan City will be on high alert during this time,” Li Ping nodded slightly, then looked at Hua Qiling, who was craning her neck to listen. “Xiao Hua, stop straining yourself… focus on recovering.”

“Okay.”

Hua Qiling mumbled.

“Since Xiao Hua is out of danger now, I have other matters to attend to. I can’t stay long,” Li Ping stood up, then, for some reason, glanced at Luo Yan.

He paused, as if wanting to say something.

But in the end, he remained silent and quickly left the ward.

“Phew, the old man is finally gone.”

Hua Qiling breathed a sigh of relief and tried to get out of bed.

But before she could, Luo Yan gently pushed her back down.

“Miss Luo Yan…”

Hua Qiling grumbled.

“Rest,” Luo Yan sighed. “Qin Wen and I will handle this.”

“But you don’t have my ‘Eagle Eye,’ you can barely see, can you?”

Luo Yan’s eyes, gradually transforming into the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” couldn’t be opened casually; the consequences could be severe.

Yan City didn’t know the truth about Luo Yan’s condition. Neither Hua Qingling nor Hua Qiling had reported that she was a “Demonically Infected.”

“…It’s fine, Qin Wen is here,” Luo Yan whispered. “Her breathing technique can somewhat replace ‘Eagle Eye,’ and I’m… used to limited vision.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Qin Wen nodded vigorously, puffing out her chest. “Leave your Miss Luo Yan to me!”

…Why does that sound so strange?

But with things having reached this point, Hua Qiling couldn’t argue and reluctantly lay back down.

“We’ll make some preparations, then come back to see you when this is over. You just focus on resting for the next few days,” Luo Yan said calmly, then took Qin Wen’s hand and led her out of the room.

Qin Wen was slightly surprised, then a happy expression appeared on her face as she followed Luo Yan.

Hua Qiling watched them leave, a familiar pang of jealousy rising within her.

“Damn it…”

…

“Frick, this is a new arrest warrant.”

In the Apprehension Department office, Li Ping handed a file to a brown-haired, middle-aged man.

This man, “Frick,” was the Director of the Apprehension Department. However, he wasn’t from Yan City but directly under the “Noah” headquarters of the Anomaly Management Bureau.

Frick looked like an ordinary, middle-aged man in a nondescript suit, just like any office worker.

The only distinguishing feature was a long scar across his face, running diagonally from his right eyebrow to his neck.

Frick took the file, opened it, scanned it briefly, and said gravely,

“A Devil’s minion?”

“Yes, a ‘Ruin’ level Devil’s minion has infiltrated Yan City,” Li Ping said. “Isn’t the Apprehension Department currently investigating Dawn members in Yan City? Just one more target, shouldn’t be too much trouble.”

Frick was silent for a moment, then nodded.

“Alright.”

“One more thing,” Li Ping said. “Two external personnel will be assisting you. They are very knowledgeable about Devil’s minions and can be of great help.”

“…Oh?” Frick frowned. “Women?”

Li Ping was speaking in the Western language.

“Their strength is comparable to Hua Qiling’s.”

“Just more trouble. Suit yourself,” Frick’s eyes flashed with disdain as he put away the file. “But let’s be clear, this isn’t a game. I’m not responsible for any accidents.”

Li Ping was well aware of Frick’s attitude. He twitched his lips almost imperceptibly and said,

“Don’t worry, they can take care of themselves. I hope you can cooperate smoothly.”

“Let’s hope so,” Frick sneered, then gestured dismissively. “If there’s nothing else, Director-General, please?”

Although nominally under the Anomaly Management Bureau, the fact that the Director of the Apprehension Department was directly appointed by “Noah” headquarters indicated its unique status.

The Disaster Response Department handled disaster events, the Oversight Department focused on research, and the Exploration Department was completely controlled by the Yan City higher-ups.

Li Ping’s influence as Director-General was strongest only within the Disaster Response Department.

Promoting the younger Hua sister to Director of the Disaster Response Department was partly due to this consideration.

After Li Ping left, Frick opened the file again and narrowed his eyes slightly.

“Possessing a portion of ‘Envy’s’ power…” A smile played on Frick’s lips. “Good, just what I need.”

…

Soon, the Disaster Response Department shared all the information on the Devil’s minion with the Apprehension Department.

The Apprehension Department specialized in carrying out arrest warrants, almost every member having taken dozens of lives.

Whether refugees, ability users, or even Devil’s minions, once a warrant was issued, the Apprehension Department would pursue them relentlessly.

Ling Qi had been relentlessly pursued by the Apprehension Department because she was on “Noah’s” wanted list, forcing her to flee into Ghost Town.

Now, the Apprehension Department had received new orders and began their search operation in Yan City.

However, Frick hadn’t revealed the details of the order to Yan City. Even Li Ping only knew it was an operation targeting Dawn.

But… in reality, the Apprehension Department was searching for Dawn’s “Mister.”

According to the information from “Noah,” Dawn’s “Mister” was highly likely to be in Yan City.

However, to avoid alerting him, they hadn’t made a big fuss, instructing the Yan City Apprehension Department to act discreetly, without alerting other factions, including Yan City itself.

Dawn’s “Mister”… was a very important figure, the only one currently alive who had experienced the Old Era, possessing valuable secrets. They couldn’t afford to lose him.

Because of this, Frick, to avoid arousing Li Ping’s suspicion, had readily accepted the mission to hunt the Devil’s minion.

And even the two women… or rather, girls… that Li Ping had forced upon him, he had only sneered at, not refused.

However…

“…It’s you two?”

Frick’s eyelid twitched uncontrollably as he looked at the two girls before him, his face darkening.

The tall girl in white was fine. Carrying several swords, her aura no less than “Ruin” level, her sword intent even impressed Frick.

He had heard rumors of a sword maniac in the Endless Wasteland, hunting demons. This must be her.

Seeing her in person, she was indeed impressive. The rumors were true; she was the current Sword Saint successor.

With such strength, she was certainly qualified to participate in this mission.

But the one beside her…?

Huh?

Not only was she blind, but her aura was only “Difficulty” level. Against a “Ruin” level Devil’s minion, she wouldn’t even qualify as cannon fodder, more like a snack.

She was pretty, but beauty wasn’t useful in combat, and might even make her a target for some perverse Devil’s minions.

And that wasn’t even the strangest part. Why… was she wearing such a frilly outfit?

Due to his unique position, Frick hadn’t heard about Luo Yan and didn’t recognize her.

Luo Yan was now wearing the Lolita-style maid dress designed by Hua Qingling and made by Anna.

Not because she liked it, but because it was also a combat outfit.

Luo Yan’s pockets were filled with throwing daggers, she had two spiritual energy pulse pistols at her waist, and on her back, she carried a sniper rifle called “Overlimit,” provided by Hua Qingling using her authority.

However, to outsiders, this outfit looked… unusual, to say the least.

A young lady going on a picnic with guns…

Frick suppressed his anger and turned to Qin Wen.

“You two are together? Can’t you operate separately?”

“Ah, yes,” Qin Wen nodded. “Miss Luo Yan and I are a team. Just treat us as one person.”

Qin Wen knew that Miss Luo Yan was incredibly effective against the power of “Envy”; she couldn’t possibly be separated from her.

Besides…

Hee hee.

“…”

Frick was silent. This combination was truly bizarre.

If Qin Wen’s combat strength alone was 10, adding a blind young lady who insisted on wearing frilly clothes to a battlefield reduced it to 5, or even lower.

Operating with dead weight…

“I’ll… try to arrange a suitable task for you,” Frick took a deep breath, suppressing his annoyance.

“How about… Flower Street? Can you handle that?”

As mentioned before, Flower Street was a shopping street owned by the Yan City higher-ups, the majority shareholder being the Hua family (not just Hua Qiling’s branch), with other influential families also involved.

Security was always tight there; nothing major should happen.

Moreover, Flower Street wasn’t a particularly important location.

Although in the core district, it was far from key locations like the “Ice Coffin Weapon” storage facility, the Yan City Council, and the Exploration Headquarters, practically in an inconspicuous corner.

The likelihood of either “Mister” or the Devil’s minion being on Flower Street was extremely low.

Frick’s plan was simple, just like how he usually dealt with privileged youngsters looking for easy missions to pad their resumes. He would assign them a safe, low-risk task.

After the operation, he would write something like “Participated in a level XX incident, fought bravely, and made outstanding contributions” on their resumes, and that would be the end of it.

Although Frick disliked such people, he often had to deal with them.

If Hua Qiling were here, she would have seen through Frick’s intentions and objected.

Unfortunately, it was Qin Wen and Luo Yan. The simple-minded Qin Wen, and Luo Yan, whose understanding of Yan City was limited to books, didn’t know any better.

Therefore, they simply agreed, slightly surprised.

Time was of the essence. After accepting the assignment, Luo Yan and Qin Wen immediately headed towards Flower Street.

“Flower Street… why does that name sound so… suggestive…?” Qin Wen scratched her head.

“The ‘Flower’ in Flower Street actually refers to a family name—Hua Qiling’s family name,” Luo Yan explained softly. “According to Hua Qiling, Flower Street is owned by her family, but she’s not directly involved, it belongs to the main branch… or something.”

From the first generation who pioneered Yan City to the present, three generations had passed, and the Hua family had branched out considerably.

Yan City encouraged childbirth; population was crucial for a mega-city. Therefore, every pioneering family had many descendants, forming large clans.

Hua Qiling and Hua Qingling’s grandfather was the younger brother of the first Hua family head, and their father was the unremarkable third son.

So, Hua Qiling’s branch was relatively minor, and she had little to do with the family’s businesses.

Of course, Hua Qingling’s rise to prominence, and Hua Qiling’s good relationship with Yan City’s top two officials (Li Ping and City Lord Lin Cheng), were different matters.

To appease Hua Qingling, the main Hua family had offered her the most prosperous area of Flower Street, but she had declined, only accepting a small, remote location, which was the “Flower Shop.”

Returning to Flower Street, even without “Eagle Eye,” Luo Yan felt a sense of familiarity.

The smells, the auras, the faint conversations, the bustling environment, the elusive gazes…

With her vision gone, everything else became clearer.

The breathing technique Qin Wen had taught her was indeed useful. In just a few days, Luo Yan could vaguely sense her surroundings.

Of course, she hadn’t yet reached Qin Wen’s level, where closing her eyes was better than opening them.

“So it’s here,” Qin Wen walked down Flower Street, looking around with a strange expression. “This is where I first met you and Hua Qiling…”

“Eh, really? What a coincidence.”

Luo Yan opened her parasol.

The midday sun was too intense; she wasn’t used to it.

Fortunately, her “Envy” life hack was useful. If she was also stared at by so many people, she would be even more uncomfortable.

As Luo Yan opened her parasol, Qin Wen said sheepishly,

“Yes, I mistook you for a Devil’s minion back then. I sensed a strong danger from you, and there was also… wait!”

Qin Wen’s expression suddenly turned serious.

“What’s wrong?” Luo Yan asked, turning her head.

“I… sensed the aura of a Devil’s minion back then,” Qin Wen said gravely. “My senses can’t be wrong. It was an aura I had been tracking for months, so I mistook you for him.

“The second time we met, in the Abandoned District, that aura wasn’t present.”

Although the flesh sample carried the Devil’s minion’s aura, it had been sealed and hadn’t leaked out.

“This is… a fatal oversight!”

Qin Wen’s breathing quickened. This was Flower Street, a bustling marketplace!

And the enemy’s ability was to quickly create flesh puppets using “Gu Seeds”!

Although these puppets were just cannon fodder to Qin Wen, easily dispatched with a single sword strike, they were still made from living people…

Luo Yan’s expression also turned serious, realizing the gravity of the situation.

“You mean, the Devil’s minion might be on Flower Street?”

“He was there before, but not necessarily now,” Qin Wen’s palms were slightly sweaty, and she hesitated. “The aura I sensed is a bit far from here. Should we go and investigate?”

“But what if he’s still there? We’ll be alerting him,” Luo Yan whispered. “I think we should inform Frick first.”

“Yes, it seems he must have suspected something to send us to Flower Street,” Qin Wen said admiringly. “As expected of the Director of the Apprehension Department, he thinks further ahead than we do.”

(Frick sneezes)

“Anyone who reaches the position of Director isn’t simple, including Hua Qiling. Her advantage is… perhaps because she has a ‘Peril’ level sister?”

Luo Yan racked her brain, trying to find an explanation.

She had read “Rules and Management of Mega-cities” and had a general understanding of the administrative structure.

But logically, Hua Qiling shouldn’t have reached the level of Director yet…

However, theory and practice were often different. There were many factors behind Hua Qiling’s unusual promotion.

“Don’t worry about Hua Qiling, let’s focus on the current situation,” Qin Wen said, changing the subject. For some reason, mentioning Hua Qiling always brought a sense of unease. “After the Apprehension Department’s backup arrives, we’ll go and scout the area. But… he’ll probably recognize me.”

Having been pursued relentlessly for months, even if Qin Wen turned to ash, her aura would still be recognizable.

“Should we disguise ourselves?” Luo Yan suggested. “There’s a ‘Flower Shop’ in a remote corner of Flower Street. It used to belong to Hua Qiling’s sister, Hua Qingling, but it’s now owned by a little girl. She might be able to help.”

“Yes, I also have some methods to mask my aura, although they won’t last long, it should be enough,” Qin Wen nodded, agreeing with Luo Yan’s suggestion.

So, after Luo Yan sent a message to Frick, they avoided the area where the demonic aura had been detected and headed towards the “Flower Shop,” waiting for the Apprehension Department’s backup before taking further action.

…

Anomaly Management Bureau, Apprehension Department.

Frick looked at the message he had just received, his gaze narrowing. He murmured,

“Flower Street… demonic aura? Suspected? Possibly? Perhaps?”

Luo Yan’s wording was cautious. She hadn’t exaggerated or speculated, simply stating the facts.

For anything uncertain, she used tentative language.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 26 – Approaching Crisis 

“What’s wrong, Miss Luo Yan?”

Qin Wen, walking beside Luo Yan, noticed her furrowed brow, sensing something amiss.

“A familiar aura…”

Luo Yan, her eyes still covered, relied on Qin Wen’s guidance.

She sensed a strange aura emanating from the research facility, but couldn’t pinpoint its location.

Just then, Luo Yan felt a wave of dizziness.

This wasn’t unfamiliar to her, but this time, there were no accompanying visions.

She only vaguely saw a red blur in her mind, a feeling of intense fear.

“Miss Luo Yan!” Oversight Department members, spotting Qin Wen and Luo Yan, rushed towards them. “There’s trouble in the laboratory!”

“Trouble?”

Luo Yan snapped back to her senses, and Qin Wen reacted instantly.

Without hesitation, she grasped Luo Yan’s hand and ran towards the laboratory.

Within three seconds, they reached the laboratory door.

Meanwhile, Hua Qiling lay on the ground, waiting for death.

But, to her surprise, even after three seconds, nothing happened.

Hua Qiling forced her eyes open and saw the unresponsive flesh tentacle beside her arm.

“What… what’s wrong with it…?”

Just then, Luo Yan and Qin Wen arrived.

Precisely twenty seconds, just as Hua Qiling had predicted.

“It’s a Devil’s minion!”

Qin Wen’s expression turned serious, three swords materializing around her.

Luo Yan also sensed the malevolent aura emanating from the flesh on the ground. She hesitated, then slightly opened her eyes.

—The power of “Envy” activated.

Another wave of pure malice surged, piercing the Devil’s minion’s consciousness hidden within the flesh.

Red Butterfly, controlling the flesh from Flower Street, shrieked and quickly severed the mental connection.

However, even with her quick reaction, she couldn’t escape unscathed.

The true power of “Envy” pierced her soul and consciousness. The moment she met Luo Yan’s gaze, Red Butterfly coughed up blood, her mind reeling.

The uncontrolled “Gu Seeds” acted instinctively, its tentacles piercing Hua Qiling’s flesh.

But before it could begin feeding, Qin Wen’s sword struck.

Qin Wen had been hunting this Devil’s minion for months. Although she didn’t understand the principles of “Gu Seeds,” she had ample experience in how to kill them.

Countless sword beams converged, instantly exploding, reducing the flesh to dust.

“It’s… finally over…”

Hua Qiling coughed up black smoke. Although the battle had lasted less than half a minute, it was the closest she had ever come to death.

A meticulously laid trap, the power of a Primordial Demon, the unexpected “Gu Seeds”…

Combined, any ordinary “Ruin” level ability user, even Qin Wen, would have perished.

Hua Qiling’s survival was due not only to her courage and resolve, but also to luck.

Luo Yan, with her ability to neutralize the “Witch of Envy,” Qin Wen, who had been hunting the Devil’s minion, and her own familiarity with the laboratory…

If any of these factors were missing, Hua Qiling would be dead.

However, Hua Qiling’s most severe injury was from the high-voltage current she had unleashed.

If she hadn’t done that, she wouldn’t have been able to buy those precious few seconds.

Even Luo Yan had only sensed the strange aura when she was near the laboratory, instinctively using “Envy” to stop the attack.

This was a truly fortunate outcome.

After dealing with the flesh, Luo Yan quickly helped Hua Qiling up and let her rest in a chair.

“I’m sorry… it was my negligence,” Hua Qiling whispered. “I almost… got the Oversight Department people killed…”

“Don’t worry about that now. I’ll call the medical team,” Luo Yan glanced at the devastated laboratory and sighed. “We were too late.”

She hadn’t expected that a mere thirty seconds could mean the difference between life and death for a “Ruin” level ability user.

“The Witch of Envy’s power…”

Luo Yan took a deep breath. Possessing the same power, she understood how dangerous this incident had been.

Qin Wen, since entering, had kept her eyes closed, carefully sensing the residual demonic power in the laboratory.

“It’s him…” she gritted her teeth. “Over a hundred people have been killed by this thing in the Endless Wasteland and turned into flesh puppets.

“If their life force isn’t completely extinguished, they can instantly heal from any injury… This is his doing!”

After all, these puppets were just shells controlled by “Gu Seeds.” With enough nutrients, they could regenerate endlessly.

“It seems Yan City is in serious trouble this time,” Luo Yan frowned. She had diligently studied the “Disaster Compendium.” “This situation surpasses eighty percent of mega-city crises, and…”

Luo Yan recalled the terrifying red blur she had seen in her vision.

“We should inform Director-General Li Ping immediately,” Hua Qiling said, her face filled with worry. “The enemy… likely obtained something from the Ghost Town ruins…”

Luo Yan nodded in understanding.

The sound of an ambulance could be heard outside. The life of a “Ruin” level ability user was incredibly valuable, warranting the immediate use of a dedicated vehicle.

…

Meanwhile, on Flower Street.

“What… is she…?”

Red Butterfly’s face was pale with terror as she stared at her hands in disbelief.

“No, no, she’s Qin Wen… She’s Qin Wen! Sword Saint Qin Wen, slayer of countless demons…”

In the flesh puppet’s fading vision, Red Butterfly clearly remembered the white-clad woman who had arrived, her eyes closed, three signature swords floating behind her.

Although Red Butterfly had never met Qin Wen face-to-face, the “closed eyes,” “white clothes,” and “floating swords” all matched Qin Wen’s characteristics.

It was definitely her!

But how could this be…?

Red Butterfly clearly saw “Qin Wen” open her eyes slightly—revealing the Lord’s “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement”!

Identical, unmistakable!

Moreover, the malevolent aura emanating from “Qin Wen” was purer, more terrifying.

“Could it be… that Sword Saint Qin Wen has fallen and become the very demon she despises…?”

But Red Butterfly felt no joy, only fear.

Because… the “Sword Saint’s sword” was already incredibly powerful, and combined with the Lord’s power…

And she had been hunting Red Butterfly relentlessly, never giving up.

How could Red Butterfly feel any joy? She was terrified.

She had hoped to use the “Witch of Envy’s” power to gain an advantage, but Qin Wen had also revealed the same power, purer and stronger.

Red Butterfly didn’t doubt “Qin Wen’s” determination to kill her, even if she was also a Devil’s minion.

The relationship between Devil’s minions wasn’t one of mutual support, but of mutual exploitation.

If one’s death could bring significant benefits, the other wouldn’t hesitate to strike, even if they served the same “Primordial Demon.”

Red Butterfly knew this, and her fear deepened.

“No, but… Qin Wen isn’t a Devil’s Apostle yet. She doesn’t have the Lord’s blessing… I still have a chance!”

A ferocious expression appeared on Red Butterfly’s delicate, made-up face. “If I become the Lord’s Apostle first, even if she uses the ‘Sword Saint’s sword,’ she won’t be a match for me!

“Not only that, but the entire Yan City… no, the entire Free Federation, will tremble before the Lord’s descent!”

The thought of this made Red Butterfly tremble with excitement.

“Red Butterfly, it’s your… Oh my, how could you be so careless?”

A heavily made-up older woman entered, looking at the messy room in surprise.

Red Butterfly, struck by Luo Yan’s “Envy” attack, had knocked over things on the table.

“It’s nothing, Mother,” Red Butterfly quickly hid her face behind her wide red sleeve. “Just a few rats, they startled me.”

“Is that so… Oh dear, that won’t do. I’ll have Wu Ma find someone to clean this up,” the older woman, her face caked with foundation, frowned, seemingly scattering white powder with every movement. “We can’t have anything disturbing our star, Miss Red Butterfly.”

“…Thank you, Mother,” Red Butterfly continued to hide her face, and more importantly, the bloodstains on her lips. “Mother, I’ll be ready soon.”

“Good, good… Oh, and Young Master Liu has specifically requested your company in a few days. He’s practically the second-in-command of Flower Street, my dear Red Butterfly, so…”

“I’ll… be waiting.”

“Good, good…” The older woman nodded in satisfaction, beaming.

She backed out of the room, not forgetting to add, “Don’t be too late for the performance. Several young masters from prominent families are waiting. We can’t afford to offend them…”

“Understood, Mother.”

Red Butterfly’s melodious voice rang out, but her expression was now twisted with disgust.

“Well, since the trap failed, this unlucky Young Master Liu will have to do…”

…

After taking the injured Hua Qiling to the hospital, Li Ping finally arrived.

He had read the incident report submitted by Luo Yan and Qin Wen (Luo Yan, having read through the Disaster Response Department’s procedures, knew how to write a report). Upon learning that Hua Qiling had almost died, he immediately set aside his work and rushed to the hospital.

This wasn’t the first time Luo Yan had met Li Ping, but it was the first time Qin Wen met the… Li kid her master had mentioned so often.

Well, calling an elderly man a “kid” was rather disrespectful, but even the simple-minded Qin Wen knew basic manners.

“Elder Li,” Qin Wen bowed respectfully. “My name is Qin Wen.”

“Qin Wen… I’ve heard of your heroic deeds in the Endless Wasteland. The Sword Saint’s sword truly lives up to its reputation,” Li Ping replied, then turned anxiously to Hua Qiling, who was lying in the hospital bed. “Xiao Hua, how are you feeling?”

“I… I should be… fine…”

Hua Qiling, wrapped in bandages from head to toe, said uncertainly.

But this “fine” was clearly an understatement. Hua Qiling couldn’t even use her ability right now.

And because of this, Luo Yan was truly blind, unable to see anything.

Fortunately, Qin Wen had taught her the Sword Saint sect’s breathing technique, and after some frantic practice, Luo Yan could vaguely sense changes in the surrounding aura.

“Just focus on recovering here for now,” Li Ping sighed. “I didn’t expect that right after your sister left, you would encounter… Sigh!”

But this time, it wasn’t Hua Qiling’s recklessness that was to blame. It was a completely unexpected accident.

After reading Luo Yan’s report, Li Ping felt a wave of fear.

It had been so close…

If anything had happened to Hua Qiling, how could he face her deceased father, and how could he face Hua Qingling, who was working tirelessly for Yan City’s future?

“This incident is no small matter… Old Man, it involves a ‘Primordial Demon’…”

Hua Qiling struggled to sit up, but Li Ping gently pushed her back down.

“I’ll handle it, you just focus on recovering,” Li Ping whispered.

“Yes, Hua Qiling, you’re currently completely incapacitated, unable to even use your ability. You’ll just be a burden in battle,” Luo Yan said bluntly, simply stating the facts.

“Leave it to me. I’ve been wanting to kill this damned Devil’s minion for a long time…”

Qin Wen’s voice was filled with sword intent, like a drawn sword.

“Now that I have a lead, I won’t let him escape!”

“The Sword Saint’s sword exists only to slay demons!”

Looking at the passionate Qin Wen, Hua Qiling felt a surge of admiration.

No, don’t misunderstand.

She admired Qin Wen’s ability to say such chuunibyou lines with a straight face…

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 25 – Sudden Omens! 

Regardless of the circumstances, the misunderstanding was finally resolved.

After explaining everything, Hua Qiling and Luo Yan learned of Qin Wen’s other objective in Yan City.

“You said… a Devil’s minion?”

Hua Qiling frowned. As Director of the Disaster Response Department, she was no stranger to Devil’s minions.

In fact, they were responsible for at least seventy percent of the disaster events faced by mega-cities.

Hua Qiling had dealt with the aftermath of many incidents caused by Devil’s minions, but she had never directly confronted these fanatics.

Hearing that this one might be “Ruin” level and capable of creating and controlling flesh puppets, she immediately realized something.

“…Wait, creating flesh puppets?” Hua Qiling stood up abruptly, her brow furrowed. “No, that’s not right. If that’s the case, our previous assumptions… were wrong!”

As if struck by a sudden thought, her eyes widened, and she rushed out of the conference room.

Luo Yan and Qin Wen, startled, quickly followed.

Meanwhile, in the research facility’s laboratory, an Oversight Department member was carefully placing the collected flesh samples into a transparent container, then into a testing device.

He didn’t notice the flesh samples wriggling slightly, tiny, hair-like tentacles emerging.

Just then, Hua Qiling burst in, slamming the door open.

The Oversight Department members, focused on adjusting the device, jumped at the sudden noise and turned around, annoyed.

“Director Hua Qiling, although you’re the Director, right now… Huh? What’s wrong?”

Hua Qiling’s serious expression quickly alerted the researchers, their annoyance replaced by anxiety.

But Hua Qiling didn’t answer. She activated “Eagle Eye Vision” and cautiously approached the device.

In her enhanced vision, the wriggling tentacles were clearly visible.

“Just as I thought…”

This was an ancient method of creating flesh puppets, known as “Gu Seeds.”

These tiny tentacles were actually small worms that, upon entering a human body, would devour its flesh and organs, multiplying rapidly.

The newly hatched worms would replace the original flesh and organs, until finally, only the skin remained, vaguely resembling a human.

The worms could be controlled through special methods, creating flesh puppets.

The Sword Saint sect had records of this, but Qin Wen, being a simple-minded warrior, had simply cut everything down without investigating further.

It was because of this oversight that Hua Qiling had brought these flesh samples back for analysis.

Fortunately, the scene of the incident had been thoroughly cleaned; otherwise, District Nine would be in serious trouble…

And their conversation with the Sword Saint Sect Master hadn’t been long; these “Gu Seeds” hadn’t yet reached the point where they could act independently.

“Get away from that flesh immediately! Those are ‘Gu Seeds’!”

Hua Qiling whispered.

The researchers were shocked. Without even grabbing their lab coats, they scrambled out of the laboratory.

They knew the dangers of “Gu Seeds” and that they, as “Difficulty” level ability users, would be nothing more than food.

But before leaving, one researcher hesitated and whispered to Hua Qiling,

“Director Hua Qiling, if you absolutely, unavoidably, undeniably have to… engage in combat, please try your best to protect the equipment. It’s very expensive…”

Hua Qiling’s lips twitched, but her expression quickly turned serious.

In her “Eagle Eye Vision,” the flesh samples began to wriggle and merge, slowly coalescing.

I have to destroy this immediately…

Hua Qiling thought to herself, taking out her portable spiritual energy pistol and loading a “Philosopher’s Stone” without hesitation.

A “Philosopher’s Stone” used by her would carry the properties of “Eagle Eye,” capable of completely eradicating the target at a microscopic level.

Hua Qiling took a deep breath, focusing her “Eagle Eye Vision” to its maximum. The disgusting, wriggling flesh was laid bare before her.

She pulled the trigger.

No, she tried to pull the trigger…

Hua Qiling was horrified to find that her finger was stiff, unresponsive.

She couldn’t even press the trigger.

“What’s going on…?”

As this thought crossed her mind, she saw the flesh in her “Eagle Eye Vision” wriggling again.

And this time, an eye appeared within the mass of flesh.

An eye Hua Qiling recognized.

—The “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement”!

The crimson eye, with its black pupil, stared directly at Hua Qiling, a strange mental influence washing over her.

“Only… one… flesh sacrifice…”

“But… ‘Ruin’ level… is enough…”

This was a trap, a complete trap!

This wasn’t an ordinary “Gu Seed,” nor was it an accidentally left-behind remnant. It was a deliberate trap, meant to ambush anyone who discovered it!

Even someone as strong as Hua Qiling, a “Ruin” level ability user, could barely move under its gaze.

It was terrifying to imagine what would have happened to the researchers if she had arrived even a moment later.

Barely thirty seconds had passed since Hua Qiling entered the laboratory. Luo Yan and Qin Wen, slightly behind, hadn’t arrived yet.

The laboratory’s environment blocked most of the aura leakage, so they couldn’t sense what was happening inside.

The flesh rose into the air and moved towards Hua Qiling, the grotesque eye radiating malice.

If she could just hold on for another thirty seconds…

No, even twenty seconds would be enough.

Qin Wen’s arrival would be enough to destroy this flesh, and Luo Yan’s presence would render its ability useless.

But unfortunately, Hua Qiling was alone.

“Twenty seconds!”

Hua Qiling, resisting the pressure of the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” forced her eyes shut, blood trickling from her strained eyelids.

She knew that if she could just hold on for twenty seconds, she could turn the tables.

She had to buy herself twenty seconds, no matter the cost!

However, even with her eyes closed, the mark of the “Witch of Envy’s” power was already taking root in her mind.

The “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement” opened in her mind, although far weaker than Luo Yan’s, it was still enough to restrain Hua Qiling.

“This is… the Lord’s power…”

The ethereal voice was filled with ecstasy. At the same time, the flesh lunged at Hua Qiling, leaving a crimson afterimage.

And all of this happened in just two seconds.

Without the “Witch of Envy’s” power, this Devil’s minion, even its main body, would be no match for Hua Qiling.

Even though Hua Qiling wasn’t a combat specialist, she could still easily handle a minion who relied on puppets.

But unfortunately… even a sliver of the “Witch of Envy’s” power was enough to change everything.

“Three seconds have passed—”

Hua Qiling could sense Luo Yan and Qin Wen approaching the laboratory, but she couldn’t afford to be distracted.

In this battle, a moment of distraction meant death.

The disgusting stench of the flesh filled her nostrils, but Hua Qiling was calmer than ever, even as her body stiffened under the “Witch of Envy’s” power.

However, closing her eyes had been effective.

At least, she could still pull the trigger.

But even though “Eagle Eye” could track the flesh’s trajectory, her current condition prevented her from aiming properly.

She only had one shot.

“One shot… is enough.” Hua Qiling twisted her wrist with great effort and pressed the trigger. “Four seconds…”

The pre-loaded “Philosopher’s Stone” drained her spiritual energy, transforming it into a beam of light. But she didn’t aim at the incoming flesh. Instead, she fired at—

The device in the center!

In the end, Hua Qiling destroyed the Oversight Department’s precious device, but her true target was the transparent container inside.

Because… the container was filled with a large amount of nutrient solution.

As the shot rang out, the container shattered, the nutrient solution splashing everywhere, coating every corner of the laboratory.

“Five seconds…”

The splashing liquid couldn’t stop the flesh, because this was only Hua Qiling’s first step.

Her bullet hadn’t just shattered the container; it had continued through, hitting the laboratory’s main power switch.

The switch… shorted out.

This was Hua Qiling’s true objective.

“Zzzt—”

High-voltage current surged through the nutrient solution, instantly electrocuting the flesh. Over ninety percent of the already small mass was incinerated, its advance halted.

However, Hua Qiling wasn’t unscathed. She was also exposed to the high-voltage current. In less than a second, her body was charred black, her high ponytail coming undone.

The internal injuries were even more severe. Hua Qiling felt her organs trembling and numb, her body convulsing, unable to even stand.

If the current lasted for another second or two, she would die.

But Hua Qiling had anticipated this. The laboratory’s power supply had safety mechanisms. Even a short circuit wouldn’t last more than half a second before being automatically cut off.

“You…”

The voice within the flesh was filled with shock and fear. Although its main body wasn’t here, and the destruction of this flesh wouldn’t harm it, if this ambush failed, Yan City wouldn’t give it another chance.

It had meticulously laid this trap to devour a large number of ability users and enhance its own power.

If it failed and was exposed… even its main body would be in mortal danger!

It wasn’t arrogant enough to challenge an entire mega-city with just a sliver of the “Witch of Envy’s” power.

“Ten seconds, ten seconds left…”

Hua Qiling thought to herself, but her consciousness was fading.

In her failing “Eagle Eye Vision,” a tiny piece of flesh, the size of a mosquito, was slowly wriggling towards her.

Even though it was small, even though it was charred black, its aura faint… at its current speed, it wouldn’t need ten seconds to reach her.

Once it touched her flesh, it could devour her and instantly regain its strength.

And Hua Qiling would die.

This wasn’t poison… there was no antidote.

“I can’t even last ten seconds… just ten seconds…?”

Hua Qiling felt death approaching, her mind filled with fear and chaotic thoughts.

If she hadn’t rushed down here alone, if she had waited for Miss Luo Yan and Miss Qin Wen, would she have survived?

Perhaps if she had retreated with the Oversight Department members…

No…

If she had done that, those members would be dead.

Once their flesh was tainted by the “Gu Seeds”…

“I’m prepared to die, Devil’s minion,” Hua Qiling lay on the ground, opening her eyes slightly, her gaze firm as she looked at the approaching flesh. “We humans… are never lacking in resolve.”

Five seconds left, yet it felt like an eternity.

At this moment, Miss Luo Yan and Miss Qin Wen were probably chatting happily…

Or perhaps they had encountered the fleeing Oversight Department members and learned of the situation…

They might be on their way, might be opening the door, might be about to save her…

But still…

Her mind was fading, her consciousness slipping away.

“I failed…”

In the final three seconds, the flesh finally touched her wound. Tiny tentacles emerged excitedly, piercing her flesh, ready to feast.

But the moment it touched Hua Qiling, its main body, far away on Flower Street, was horrified to see a pair of eyes, a pair of “Eyes of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” almost identical to its own.

The eyes stared at it coldly, saying nothing, doing nothing.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 24 – Someone Familiar 

“What?!”

Hua Qiling and Qin Wen exclaimed in shock. The only exception was Luo Yan, who was listening attentively, having little understanding of these matters.

“So this secret… although my grandfather and father never forbade me from speaking of it, I don’t want too many people to know,” the Sword Saint Sect Master sighed. “I still remember when I was young, seeing my father pick up the ‘Sword Saint’s sword’ and resolutely march towards the battlefield against the ‘Primordial Demon’.”

“Yes, the battle you’re thinking of, the suppression of the ‘Witch of Absolute Death’ three hundred years ago.

“And then… he died, after unleashing the legendary ‘Sword Saint’s Strike,’ he died of exhaustion on the battlefield.”

Despite his casual tone, the atmosphere in the conference room grew heavy as he touched upon that buried history.

Countless powerful humans had died in the battle to suppress the “Witch of Absolute Death,” even alarming several “Slumberers.”

The “Slumberers” were humanity’s strongest, their slumber a safeguard against the potential return of the “Calamity Tide.”

As their lives neared their end, they used a special technique to enter a state of suspended animation, waiting to be awakened.

Upon awakening, a Slumberer would be at the peak of their power, but their life would also enter an irreversible countdown.

The details of that war, to prevent the “Witch of Absolute Death” from reviving through residual memories, had been erased from the minds of all involved, and all related records destroyed, leaving only fragmented accounts.

A flicker of sadness and remembrance appeared in the Sword Saint Sect Master’s eyes, then he composed himself and looked at Hua Qiling.

“Right, you’re Qingling’s younger sister, aren’t you…?”

“My name is Hua Qiling.”

“This matter… you can’t tell anyone, not even your sister,” the Sword Saint Sect Master said gravely, emphasizing his point. “I didn’t intend to reveal these secrets to anyone besides Wen’er, but you happened to overhear. If I didn’t tell you, you would likely investigate yourselves, which might alert others, making things worse.”

Indeed, the fact that Dawn’s Misters derived their power from “Primordial Demons” was shocking and had far-reaching implications.

“As for this young lady…”

“My name is Luo Yan.”

“Young lady, your situation seems… strange. I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before.” The old man stared at Luo Yan. “If I’m not mistaken, your eyes have now completely transformed into the ‘Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,’ haven’t they?”

Luo Yan hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“Yes.”

Initially a faint crimson in the town, after the battle with Mrs. Natalie, Luo Yan had noticed a pinkish hue in her eyes.

The crimson had gradually deepened, a sinister black slit appearing at the center of her pupils.

—Now, Luo Yan’s eyes were almost identical to the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement” she had seen in the town, only smaller and with a weaker aura.

The Sword Saint Sect Master was silent for a moment, then said,

“This will be your moment of greatest power, but also—”

“I’m dying.”

Luo Yan said calmly.

She had anticipated this.

Her power now far surpassed her strength in the town. Even someone as strong as Qin Wen felt threatened by her gaze.

Perhaps only someone on Grifres’s level could withstand it.

And this was without Luo Yan actively using her ability…

“…Yes,” the old man sighed. “Indeed, your situation is similar to a ‘Demonically Infected.’

“My father told me that when my grandfather was dying, his body developed organs resembling Demonic Offerings, his right hand transforming into the ‘Sovereign of Fear’s’ ‘Twisted Hand.’

“He was afraid of harming those around him, so he ventured into the Endless Wasteland alone, never to be seen again.”

Silence fell over the conference room.

Hua Qiling looked at Luo Yan’s calm expression, feeling a sudden urge to cry.

Miss Luo Yan… so young, yet facing imminent death.

Qin Wen was filled with self-reproach, regretting her impulsive attack on Luo Yan.

Luo Yan looked at them strangely.

“Why are you crying? I already knew this when I was in the town. That’s why I’ve been trying to find a way to survive.”

Luo Yan’s reading hadn’t been just for entertainment. She had been searching for information on “Demonically Infected” while reading novels and disaster reports.

Unfortunately, such classified information wasn’t recorded in books. Meeting Qin Wen and her knowledgeable master was a stroke of luck.

“A way? Of course, there’s a way… Have you heard of the ‘Ice Coffin Weapon’?—Oh right, Yan City used one recently,” the old man scratched his head.

“Are you suggesting that Miss Luo Yan become an ‘Ice Coffin Weapon’?” Hua Qiling said, her lips twitching. “What kind of solution is that…?”

It seemed the Sword Saint sect wasn’t very reliable…

“It’s a viable option…” the old man touched his nose. “According to my grandfather, one of the Misters from Dawn survived this way, although his whereabouts are currently unknown.

“The original purpose of the ‘Ice Coffin’ was to protect ‘Calamity Infected’ who lost control, but later, there were cases of using these ‘uncontrolled infected’ as weapons, which led to the concept of the ‘Ice Coffin Weapon.’

“My father speculated that the first ‘Ice Coffin’ was likely created by Dawn, and the Free Federation simply stole their technology… but that’s just his speculation, there’s no concrete evidence, and my grandfather never mentioned it.”

The Sword Saint sect’s history was truly bizarre. Just from snippets of information from his father, the old man possessed secrets that could shake the highest echelons of humanity.

“No wonder the Free Federation has been searching for the last ‘Mister’…” Hua Qiling murmured.

Luo Yan, sitting beside her, seemed to have overheard and asked,

“What?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Hua Qiling paused, then looked at the Sword Saint Sect Master. “By the way, I heard you’re very interested in the ‘Ghost Town’ incident that occurred in Yan City…”

Finally, getting to the point, Qin Wen listened intently. She was curious why her master had sent her to investigate this.

The old man’s melancholic expression vanished, replaced by anger.

“Oh right, I almost forgot! You Yan City people are quite bold, manipulating such an important matter concerning a ‘Primordial Demon’!”

Hua Qiling was stunned by the old man’s sudden outburst.

She racked her brain, then asked cautiously,

“Sir, did we… do something wrong?”

Although the Sword Saint Sect Master often acted goofy, his seniority was undeniable.

Even Li Ping and Lin Cheng, the current City Lord of Yan City, would address him respectfully.

Such a figure’s anger… Hua Qiling couldn’t help but feel apprehensive.

“Heh, do something wrong? You’ve done plenty wrong…”

The old man took out a file and slammed it on the table.

“This report, how much have you hidden? Everything about what happened inside Ghost Town is glossed over, even the part about the ‘Witch of Envy’!

“A mindless ‘Ice Coffin Weapon’ single-handedly defeating the will of the ‘Witch of Envy’? If it were that simple, humanity wouldn’t have suffered such heavy losses in that war centuries ago!”

After venting his anger, the old man said to Hua Qiling, “Go and get Li Ping and Lin Cheng. I want to confront them face-to-face and discuss this matter properly!

“I wonder what you discovered about the ‘Primordial Demon’ in ‘Ghost Town’ that you deliberately concealed. Whoever wrote this report is incredibly malicious, disregarding the safety of all humanity!”

Luo Yan (“the thing about the ‘Primordial Demon’ in ‘Ghost Town’”) and Hua Qiling (“the person who wrote the report”) blinked, speechless.

“Huh? What, are Li Ping and Lin Cheng not in Yan City right now?” The old man raised an eyebrow.

“Ahem, they are, but if you want to know about ‘Ghost Town’,” Hua Qiling touched her nose, “perhaps I can explain…”

“Me too,” Luo Yan added.

“What do you know?” The old man frowned. “You youngsters can’t possibly know the full story…”

“I wrote that report, because I was the only one carrying out the mission inside ‘Ghost Town’,” Hua Qiling said awkwardly, looking away.

“I’m the one who came out of ‘Ghost Town’,” Luo Yan said calmly. “I have no past memories. I woke up inside ‘Ghost Town’ and… lived there for a long time.”

“In other words… in all of Yan City, we are the most knowledgeable about Ghost Town,” Hua Qiling added.

Sword Saint Sect Master: “?”

His expression changed from anger to confusion, then to disbelief.

“Are… are you telling the truth?” The old man clutched his chest.

“Yes.”

Hua Qiling and Luo Yan nodded in unison.

“…Let me get this straight.” The old man rubbed his temples. “So, you youngsters were in charge of all this? And what was deliberately concealed… was this little girl?”

“Yes,” Hua Qiling replied.

“Was it your own decision? No, wait… this must have been Yan City’s tacit approval.” The old man sighed. “Perhaps I understand now, but I need you to tell me more.”

He looked at Luo Yan, his expression turning serious. “Especially you, little Miss Luo Yan.”

…

Finally, after Hua Qiling’s explanation and Luo Yan’s additions, the Sword Saint Sect Master had a general understanding of the situation.

He remained silent for a long time.

Beside him, Qin Wen was sobbing uncontrollably, the emotional giantess crying like a child.

Unlike Hua Qiling, she felt a sense of redemption and emotion in Luo Yan’s calm words.

However, Hua Qiling, having experienced it firsthand and been thoroughly beaten up, was just glad to be alive.

“Just like the countless stories I’ve heard, filled with regret, but thankfully, with a happy ending,” the old man sighed.

“But little Miss Luo Yan, why were you inside…? I’m sorry, I don’t know the answer either. Perhaps because you carry the true power of the ‘Witch of Envy,’ and that Devil’s Apostle used you.”

Luo Yan pondered, then said noncommittally, “Perhaps.”

Her intuition told her otherwise, but she had no better explanation.

“Since it’s to protect little Miss Luo Yan, I can keep this secret for you,” the old man said.

“I’m willing to trust such a well-behaved young lady… However, I also need to be wary of your unstable ‘Envy’ ability, so—”

His expression suddenly turned mischievous as he winked at Qin Wen. “Wen’er, do something for your old man. Stay with little Miss Luo Yan for a while, okay?”

“Huh?”

Qin Wen, still wiping her tears, was caught off guard.

“Okay… huh?”

She agreed instinctively, then her face flushed bright red as she realized what she had just said.

“It’s decided then. If there are any signs of her losing control, bring her back to the Sword Saint sect immediately.” The old man looked at Luo Yan. “I’m sure this sensible young lady understands the consequences of losing control.”

“Yes, I know.”

Luo Yan nodded slightly. She was also worried about this.

She looked at the blushing Qin Wen, curtsied slightly, and said seriously,

“I’ll be troubling you then, Miss Qin Wen.”

“N-no trouble at all…”

Qin Wen waved her hands, then, noticing her master’s teasing smile, blushed even deeper.

“Alright, that’s all I have to say. This old man won’t impose on you youngsters any longer,” the Sword Saint Sect Master turned around and waved his hand. “Until we meet again, young’uns.”

The call ended, and the screen went blank.

As the old man turned away, tears seemed to be welling up in his wrinkled eyes.

After seeing Luo Yan, a strange emotion had welled up within him, uncontrollable.

He lowered his head slightly, touched his right hand, and murmured,

“Grandfather… was it you who met her…?”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 23 – The Sword Saint and the Legacy 

Hua Qiling was fed up with constantly being one-upped.

Miss Luo Yan could still claim she hadn’t fully developed yet, but Hua Qiling was well past puberty… Insisting she could still grow was just wishful thinking.

“Is… this… enough…?”

Qin Wen’s voice was barely a whisper, a stark contrast to her earlier aggressiveness.

Her face was bright red, the imposing aura of a Sword Saint disciple completely gone, replaced by the shyness of a young girl.

Well, Qin Wen was a young girl. She had just come of age, a few years younger than Hua Qiling.

Of course, despite her age, Qin Wen was both older and taller than Hua Qiling, nearly 1.9 meters tall.

The more Hua Qiling compared herself to Qin Wen, the more inadequate she felt, in every aspect.

Her gaze towards Qin Wen was filled with resentment.

Luo Yan looked at Qin Wen, then at Hua Qiling, and said,

“Perhaps you could wait a moment, Miss Qin Wen. It seems Hua Qiling isn’t quite finished yet.”

“Oh, okay…” Qin Wen started to nod, then suddenly realized something. “Wait! I wasn’t apologizing to her!”

She hurriedly covered herself up, the blush on her face lingering.

Qin Wen glared at Hua Qiling, then looked at Luo Yan apologetically.

“Sorry…”

“Don’t worry about it, it happens all the time.”

Luo Yan, her eyes still closed, was seeing through Hua Qiling’s shared “Eagle Eye” vision.

“And… you’re right. There are many innocent lives on my hands. I often hear their helpless cries echoing in my ears, tormented souls unable to find peace because of me.”

“This…”

Qin Wen didn’t know what to say. She instinctively felt that this Miss Luo Yan couldn’t be a heartless killer, but why would she say such things?

“Miss Luo Yan was in ‘Ghost Town.’ She lived there for a long time and blames herself for the destruction it caused,” Hua Qiling sighed. “Miss Qin Wen… if I may, I can tell you about these things, as an exchange with the Sword Saint sect.”

Since the Sword Saint Sect Master had decided to share their secrets, there was no point hiding the truth about “Ghost Town.”

“‘Ghost Town’… I understand.”

Qin Wen pondered for a moment and nodded.

She had come to investigate “Ghost Town”; hunting the Devil’s minion was just a side quest.

If the minion hadn’t fled to Yan City, Qin Wen would have come here anyway to complete her master’s task before dealing with him.

However… after arriving in Yan City, she had prioritized hunting the minion, forgetting about the “Ghost Town” investigation.

But now, it seemed she had inadvertently completed her master’s task first.

“Standing around here isn’t going to solve anything. Let’s go to the research facility. They have a secure conference room we can use, even with a screen for phone calls,” Hua Qiling said. “I remember the Oversight Department people often use it as a movie theater; they have a lot of snacks there.”

Luo Yan and Qin Wen nodded in agreement.

Only these two naive girls would react so calmly. Anyone else hearing this would be, at the very least, confused.

Using a conference room as a movie theater with snacks…

The Oversight Department would argue that no one ever came to this remote facility, let alone used the conference room for meetings.

The conference room was there simply because it was part of the standard blueprint…

…

Soon, Hua Qiling brought Qin Wen to the research facility.

The Oversight Department members seemed unfazed by the sight of their boss bringing another girl. They glanced at them briefly, then returned to their work.

They didn’t care who Qin Wen was, why they had been fighting earlier, or why they were now getting along.

Hua Qiling walked towards the conference room. Although she had never been to this particular facility, she had visited others, and the layouts were all the same.

Luo Yan and Qin Wen followed, chatting idly.

“Miss Qin Wen, why did you keep your eyes closed earlier? But now they’re open… Is there something wrong with your eyes?”

“No, it’s just a habit. Closing my eyes helps me focus, to avoid unnecessary distractions. But it’s not necessary when I’m not fighting.”

“But can you see with your eyes closed?”

“No, but I can sense… There’s a special breathing technique in the Sword Saint sect that allows us to perceive our surroundings.”

“Like ‘Eagle Eye’?”

Hua Qiling finally couldn’t resist interjecting.

“It’s definitely not as good as my ‘Eagle Eye’! That’s one of the top Mutation-type abilities!”

Mutation-type ability users usually experienced beneficial or harmful mutations in certain body parts. Hua Qiling’s mutation was in her visual system, not just her eyes.

“Oh.”

Luo Yan and Qin Wen nodded at Hua Qiling, then promptly ignored her and continued their conversation.

“Miss Qin Wen, is it difficult to control your swords with magnetism?”

“So you call ‘telekinesis’ ‘magnetism’… It was a bit difficult at first, but I got used to it. And these swords are made of special materials, making them easier to control with ‘telekinesis’.”

“That’s amazing,” Luo Yan complimented her.

“It’s… nothing, really,” Qin Wen scratched her head. She was truly a simple soul. “Miss Luo Yan, do you want to see my swords?”

“Sure, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“How could it be trouble…”

Hua Qiling, walking ahead, felt her blood pressure rising.

She couldn’t join their conversation at all.

Why did she feel like a third wheel…? And this feeling was strangely familiar.

Fortunately, they soon reached the conference room, after what felt like an eternity of awkwardness and torture (for Hua Qiling).

“We’re here, stop chatting and come inside,” Hua Qiling said impatiently, turning around.

Luo Yan was admiring Qin Wen’s swords, and Qin Wen, despite her 1.9-meter height, stood there awkwardly, looking embarrassed.

It’s just looking at swords! Why are you acting like we’re exchanging love letters?!

“Ah, we’re here already?”

Luo Yan looked up and handed the sword back to Qin Wen.

As Qin Wen took the sword, a sharp sword intent surged towards Hua Qiling.

Oh, so you look at Miss Luo Yan with lovey-dovey eyes, and at me with killing intent, is that it?

Hua Qiling suppressed her urge to retort, opened the conference room door, and led them inside.

The conference room wasn’t large, with a screen and a long table in the center.

But what caught the eye was the mess of snacks piled on the table…

If Li Ping saw this, his blood pressure would skyrocket.

Hua Qiling grabbed a bag of peanuts and started munching on them, while Luo Yan sat down casually.

Qin Wen hesitated, then dragged a chair over and sat beside Luo Yan.

“Miss Luo Yan, do you want to see my swords again?”

“Huh?” Luo Yan didn’t expect her to say that. “There’s no need to trouble yourself, I was just curious.”

“Oh, okay.”

Qin Wen seemed slightly disappointed.

Her initial hostility towards Luo Yan had turned into apology, and now, a hint of fondness.

During their conversation, Qin Wen had gradually learned about Luo Yan’s past, feeling a surge of regret and self-reproach.

Such a kind, gentle, and strong girl, how could she possibly be associated with a despicable Devil’s minion?

Moreover, Miss Luo Yan’s experiences were so heartbreaking…

Qin Wen’s personality was straightforward. She hated evil and sympathized with the suffering and the victims.

Moreover, Luo Yan possessed a unique charm, making everyone around her feel at ease.

Luo Yan picked up a bag of chips, saw Qin Wen looking lost, and offered it to her.

“Here, these are good.”

Thanks to one of Hua Qiling’s hobbies (snacking), Luo Yan was no stranger to these treats.

She had enjoyed sweets even in the town, let alone in Yan City, where snacks were more abundant and delicious.

“For me?”

Qin Wen said, surprised, her tall frame acting like a lovestruck teenager… well, she was a teenager, a very tall one.

“Go ahead.”

Luo Yan nodded, picked up another bag, and started munching on the chips.

Qin Wen watched Luo Yan, then clumsily tried to open the bag herself—this wasn’t her fault; she had spent her life training and hunting monsters, not enjoying the comforts of a mega-city.

Hua Qiling watched them, then stuffed her mouth with more peanuts, chewing with puffed cheeks.

However, this awkward yet strangely harmonious atmosphere didn’t last long. The call they had been waiting for finally arrived.

Qin Wen picked up her phone, and the old man’s voice boomed from the speaker.

“Wen’er, you’re in the conference room, right?”

“Ah, how did you know?” Qin Wen asked, surprised.

“Heh, that mega-city stuff… It’s not like I haven’t seen it before,” the old man chuckled. “Use the screen in the conference room. It’s better to talk face-to-face, and… I haven’t seen you in a while, I miss you.”

“…Understood.”

Qin Wen’s voice was soft, a hint of emotion in it.

Hua Qiling nodded and turned on the screen.

The Sword Saint Sect Master’s serious face appeared on the screen.

…Then he lost his composure.

He had intended to share important secrets with Qin Wen, to pass on the Sword Saint’s legacy and the burden on her shoulders.

And he genuinely missed her. This long-awaited reunion brought a tinge of sadness.

Although now, it was more like exasperation.

What did the Sword Saint Sect Master see?

A bunch of people casually snacking, eating chips and sunflower seeds, like they were watching a movie.

Especially Hua Qiling, who mumbled with her mouth full,

“You… can start…”

Start my ass!

If Qin Wen weren’t there, the old man would have exploded.

After taking a deep breath to calm himself, the Sword Saint Sect Master’s expression turned serious.

“First—”

“Crunch, crunch…”

Qin Wen munched on her chips happily.

“…Could you please stop eating for a moment?”

“Oh.”

After some commotion, the farce finally ended, and the conversation could continue.

The Sword Saint Sect Master composed himself and said gravely,

“I presume… you all know about… Dawn’s nine Misters, right?”

“I don’t,” Luo Yan said honestly.

The old man glanced at Luo Yan, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, then continued,

“The nine Misters were the founders of Dawn. It was because of them that ability users were finally recognized… Before that, humanity was barely surviving on the remnants of the Old Era.

“No one knows where they came from, when they gathered, or why… The only certainty is that they were incredibly powerful, powerful enough to lead the exiled ability users and survive in the Endless Wasteland even without the protection of the mega-cities.

“It could be said that the nine Misters weren’t just important to Dawn; their existence was the first ray of hope for humanity in the long night.”

Hua Qiling frowned and asked,

“You mentioned before that they were all… ‘Demonically Infected’?”

“Yes, all of them, every single one,” the old man said seriously. “Few people know this. The Sword Saint sect has kept this secret, although there were no restrictions, it was never revealed.

“The nine Misters were all incredibly powerful ‘Demonically Infected,’ each possessing a demonic power, except for the ‘Witch of Absolute Death.’

“Their strength surpassed even ordinary ‘Destruction’ level ability users, even touching upon the essence of the Primordial Demons’ powers.

“But because of this, eight of the nine Misters met tragic ends. Some went mad and died, some transformed into man-eating monsters, and some ventured into the Endless Wasteland, never to be seen again.

“Only the last Mister remains, barely clinging to life.”

A look of sadness appeared in the old man’s eyes. “The reason the Sword Saint sect knows this is because… the founder of the Sword Saint sect was one of the nine Misters, the Fifth Mister, possessing the power of ‘Fear.’ He was also… my grandfather.”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 22 – When Apologizing, One Should… 

The slight power leakage from the “Philosopher’s Stone” created a noticeable magnetic pull on Luo Yan’s spiritual energy pistol.

She recognized this force from her reading.

“It’s magnetism,” Luo Yan said. “Her so-called ability to control swords at will is actually magnetism.”

“Her ability is the Superpower type, ‘Magnetism Control’!”

However, even with this realization, it was too late to react.

Three swords and countless sword beams blocked her escape, and the figure in white appeared before her instantly.

“Die!”

Qin Wen grinned ferociously and attacked.

At this critical moment, Luo Yan leaned back, narrowly avoiding the blades.

However, her eye mask, Anna’s carefully designed creation, was sliced in two.

As the mask fell, Luo Yan instinctively opened her eyes, then immediately tried to close them, but it was too late.

Qin Wen was fast. One attack failed, another followed, aimed at Luo Yan’s head.

But the sword stopped an inch from Luo Yan’s forehead, unable to move further.

Because the sword met a pair of eyes.

—Captivating, cherry-blossom pink eyes, with swirling, petal-like patterns and a sinister black vertical pupil.

There was no need for direct eye contact. The moment Luo Yan saw you, you saw her, and her eyes.

Although Qin Wen’s eyes were closed, those terrifying eyes were reflected in her mind.

An indescribable fear gripped her, spreading like poison, her only thought to escape.

This was something Qin Wen hadn’t experienced since leaving the Sword Saint sect.

She froze, unable to advance or retreat.

Trying to avert her gaze brought a deathly terror.

“…I’m truly sorry,” Luo Yan slowly closed her eyes. “There are some things I can’t change. I can’t save everyone, but I also don’t want this tragedy to repeat itself.”

Freed from Luo Yan’s gaze, Qin Wen’s back was drenched in sweat, her white clothes soaked. She opened her eyes slowly, terror lingering in her gaze.

“This is… the true ‘Envy’…”

This wasn’t a cheap imitation. Even a Devil’s Apostle, without a Demonic Offering, couldn’t wield such pure “Envy.”

Qin Wen knew that the Devil’s minion she hunted was a crude imitation.

“Envy’s” true power was to influence the soul and will; physical mutations were a side effect.

But the minion had mistaken the side effect for the true power, harming countless people.

Those people were already dead when they transformed, unlike the Ghost Town residents.

There was a fundamental difference.

“Are you a Devil’s Apostle? No… are you the Witch of Envy herself?”

Qin Wen trembled, realizing her recklessness.

Escaping seemed difficult now.

Facing a Primordial Demon… no, even a Devil’s Apostle… Even Qin Wen’s master couldn’t guarantee victory, let alone her.

“If I said I’m not, would you believe me?” Luo Yan sighed. “‘Envy’ is difficult to control; it easily goes out of control…”

If “Envy” went out of control, not just Qin Wen, but even Hua Qiling would be in danger.

This was why Luo Yan avoided using “Envy” in combat.

“I said, it’s a misunderstanding,” Hua Qiling said breathlessly, rubbing her wrists. “Sword Saint disciple… Qin Wen, right? Ask your master.

“Miss Luo Yan is a ‘Calamity Infected’ tainted by a Primordial Demon’s power. Your master should understand.”

Although Hua Qiling had recently learned this concept from her sister, she used it confidently.

Even Hua Qingling knew this; Qin Wen’s master should too.

The Sword Saint sect was knowledgeable about Primordial Demons.

However, Qin Wen was still in training, not yet “Peril” level, so her master wouldn’t reveal too much.

“…I’ll call and ask.”

Qin Wen, abandoning her formal speech, called her master.

Mainly because she couldn’t win. Luo Yan was holding back; otherwise, things would be much worse.

And a Devil’s Apostle wouldn’t show mercy to a Sword Saint… they were sworn enemies.

“Beep… beep… beep… Well, well, well, who’s calling your old man? My cute little Wen’er…?”

“Master, I have some questions.” Qin Wen’s face flushed slightly.

Calling her goofy master in front of others was embarrassing.

“What is it? Ask away,” the old man chuckled. “Is Old Man Lin from Yan City giving you trouble? Or Old Man Li? Don’t worry, I’ll deal with them—”

“No, I want to ask, Master, have you heard of a ‘Calamity Infected’ tainted by a Primordial Demon’s power?”

Silence. Qin Wen’s expression turned serious.

Her master’s demeanor had also become serious.

“Why are you asking?”

The old man’s voice was grave.

“Because I encountered someone…”

“Is it ‘Mister’ from Dawn?”

The old man interrupted.

This surprised not only Qin Wen, but also Hua Qiling and Luo Yan.

Luo Yan was surprised to hear “Dawn” again. She remembered Grifres from Ghost Town.

He was incredibly powerful, comparable to Hua Qingling.

But for Hua Qiling and Qin Wen, the focus was elsewhere.

Mister from Dawn.

“‘Mister’?” Hua Qiling frowned. “Wait, Sword Saint Sect Master, are you saying ‘Mister’… is also a ‘Calamity Infected’ with demonic power?”

Hearing Hua Qiling, the old man became alert.

“Qin Wen, is there someone with you?”

Qin Wen hesitated.

“She’s—”

Hua Qiling interrupted.

“I’m Hua Qiling, Director of the Disaster Response Department. My sister is Hua Qingling. You should know her.”

“The famed ‘Wind God’s Favor,’ Hua Qingling? Of course.” The old man seemed more serious now. “Since you’re her sister, I don’t mind telling you.

“Yes, ‘Mister’ from Dawn is a ‘Calamity Infected.’ We call them ‘Demonically Infected’.”

Hua Qiling hesitated.

“Only the current Mister, or…”

Only one Mister remained, but Dawn was still a formidable force.

“All of them,” the old man said gravely. “This is a secret, Qin Wen. I was going to tell you after your training, but since you’ve met ‘Mister’—”

“I haven’t met ‘Mister’,” Qin Wen said awkwardly.

“Huh? You haven’t met that old geezer?” The old man’s serious demeanor vanished. “Then why did you ask…?”

Qin Wen glanced at Luo Yan, then quickly looked away.

“I accidentally fought a ‘Demonically Infected’… she has the power of ‘Envy’.”

“In Yan City? With Miss Hua Qiling?”

“Yes…”

“Why did you fight her?” the old man asked, puzzled. “Although Yan City knows little about ‘Demonically Infected,’ if she’s with an official, she’s trustworthy.”

“It was… a…” Qin Wen mumbled. “…misunderstanding…?”

Luo Yan interjected politely,

“Hello, sir.”

“Oh, a young lady, very polite.” The old man’s tone brightened. “I apologize for my disciple’s recklessness, young lady. If she offended you, please forgive her. I can even lend her to you for a few days!”

“Master—”

Qin Wen gritted her teeth.

She hated her master’s inappropriate behavior.

“Thank you, sir, but I’d like to know more about ‘Demonically Infected’ and myself,” Luo Yan said politely.

Silence. The old man pondered.

“Very well, but you must promise not to reveal this, not even to Yan City.

“Same goes for you, Miss Hua Qiling. Not a word, not even to your sister.”

His tone was grave.

“Of course,” Luo Yan said. “I just want… to live.”

“I understand, young lady,” the old man sighed. “Call me back later. I need to sort some things out.”

He hung up.

The Oversight Department members had already left.

Only Hua Qiling, Qin Wen, and Luo Yan heard the conversation.

The atmosphere became awkward.

“Ahem, see? A misunderstanding,” Hua Qiling coughed. “Miss Luo Yan is so cute, how could she be a follower of the ‘Witch of Envy’?”

She had even beaten a true follower… but she kept that to herself.

“I… I’m sorry…”

Qin Wen mumbled.

“Is that it? A bit too quiet, don’t you think?” Hua Qiling feigned anger.

“You almost killed Miss Luo Yan! When apologizing, shouldn’t you… Speak louder!”

Almost quoted that line from the novel…

“Shouldn’t she… show some skin…?” Luo Yan, well-versed in novels, added.

Hua Qiling: “…”

You really didn’t have to understand that, Miss Luo Yan.

“Do I really have to…?” Qin Wen’s expression hardened. “If a sincere apology requires this, then so be it!”

Before Hua Qiling could react, Qin Wen unbuttoned her top, revealing half of her body.

Her fair skin contrasted sharply with her tanned arms.

Qin Wen closed her eyes tightly.

“Don’t… it’s fine, we’re all girls.” Hua Qiling sighed.

Luo Yan looked curiously at Qin Wen’s chest, then at her own, then at Hua Qiling’s.

“Hua Qiling, hers seem bigger than ours, don’t they?”

“…Miss Luo Yan, you’re more beautiful when you’re quiet, really.”

Well… the author doubled the chapter length…

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 21 – Sword Saint, Demon Slayer! 

The Abandoned District.

This area was once planned to be Yan City’s District Ten, but due to energy supply issues with the “Ember,” the project was abandoned.

What remained were the foundations of half-built buildings, a haven for unregistered refugees.

Yan City turned a blind eye, allowing them to occupy the area.

Hua Qiling and the others weren’t returning to Anomaly Management Bureau headquarters, but to a research facility belonging to the Oversight Department.

Because the devices used to detect demons were somewhat dangerous, with the potential for uncontrollable incidents, they weren’t kept in important areas like the core district.

The Abandoned District was a suitable location. Although the core district’s “Ember” couldn’t support another full district, it could power a research facility.

Luo Yan walked half a step behind Hua Qiling, curiously observing the surroundings.

Besides the half-finished, dilapidated buildings, there was also garbage everywhere, the dust emitting a decaying smell.

She looked further into the distance, spotting numerous unkempt heads peeking out from behind the rubble, their gazes filled with curiosity and fear.

“Is this also Yan City?” Luo Yan asked. “But it’s very different from where I live…”

“Yes, this is the Abandoned District,” Hua Qiling nodded.

“Then, are these people… also citizens of Yan City?” Luo Yan’s gaze swept over the faces, seeing only numbness and despair.

Hua Qiling hesitated for a moment before answering,

“…No, they are refugees from the wasteland.”

“Has Miss Luo Yan never seen refugees before?” an Oversight Department member couldn’t help but ask.

Luo Yan blinked. “What are refugees?”

Just as the member was about to answer, Hua Qiling stopped him with a gesture and turned to Luo Yan.

“It’s a complicated historical issue. I don’t really understand it myself. You can find more information in the library.”

Hua Qiling knew, of course, but she didn’t want to explain.

Most of the refugees in the wasteland were criminals or descendants of criminals, but the definition of “criminal” in this context… was rather nuanced.

It was best for Miss Luo Yan to find her own answers, rather than being influenced by their biased perspectives.

“Oh.”

Luo Yan nodded and didn’t ask any further questions.

The distance from District Nine to the Abandoned District wasn’t far, and since they were all ability users, their walking speed was comparable to an ordinary person running. They quickly approached their destination.

Due to energy constraints, most vehicles in the mega-city operated on fixed schedules and routes. Only in emergencies could private vehicles be used. Otherwise, driving would have been much faster.

As they went deeper into the Abandoned District, the refugees became scarce. Yan City forbade them from loitering near the research facility.

But just then, Luo Yan suddenly stopped, her expression turning serious.

“Luo Yan, what’s wrong?”

Hua Qiling also stopped, the other Oversight Department members looking at Luo Yan questioningly.

“It’s gone,” Luo Yan whispered.

“What?”

“The feeling of being watched… it’s gone.”

Luo Yan touched the pistol at her waist, her “Eagle Eye” vision scanning the surroundings, but she found nothing.

After leaving District Nine, she had expected the feeling of being watched to disappear, but it had only intensified.

She had been paying attention, but she hadn’t seen anything.

Until just now, when the feeling suddenly vanished, replaced by a chilling premonition of danger.

“Several auras are rapidly approaching!”

Hua Qiling paused for a moment, then reacted instantly, shouting,

“Ambush!”

However, the Oversight Department members reacted even faster, scattering and activating their spiritual energy shields.

These protective devices were standard issue for the Oversight Department, capable of withstanding a “Ruin” level ability user’s attack for three minutes.

What happened after three minutes depended on their luck.

Clearly, in this situation, the shields were meant to protect them from the aftershocks of the battle.

As Hua Qiling shouted, the auras Luo Yan had sensed were already closing in on them at an incredible speed, or more precisely, on Luo Yan.

Their target… was Luo Yan!

In the next instant, several beams of light, imbued with sword energy, shot down from the sky, aimed directly at Luo Yan.

“Eagle Eye Vision!”

Without hesitation, Hua Qiling activated “Eagle Eye” at its maximum level.

Just like in Ghost Town, within the domain of Eagle Eye Vision, the user was omniscient and omnipotent.

Luo Yan clearly saw the sword beams streaking down from the sky. And the moment they entered the “Eagle Eye Vision” domain, she instantly calculated the optimal position to avoid the attack.

She casually took a few steps, effortlessly dodging the incoming attacks, not even a speck of dust touching her clothes.

“She dodged so easily? Unexpected…”

A figure in white emerged from the nearby ruins, her eyes closed, six swords of varying designs floating behind her.

The sword beams around Luo Yan dissipated, but the residual sword energy still resonated within the craters on the ground.

“Sword Saint!”

Hua Qiling recognized the combat style instantly, her eyes widening.

“Good eye, but it’s a pity you’re associating with a Devil’s minion,” Qin Wen sneered, opening her eyes and staring intently at Luo Yan. “As expected of a follower of the Witch of Envy, such beauty… no, wait, is this really the time to be saying such things?”

Luo Yan: “…?”

“I’m not a follower of the Witch of Envy,” Luo Yan sighed. “I just happen to possess the power of ‘Envy’.”

“Absurd! Ridiculous!” Qin Wen scoffed. “Do you think I’m a fool? How many people have you killed? Your hands are stained with blood! How many lives have been lost because of you… Don’t you know?”

Luo Yan was silent for a moment, then said,

“…I’m sorry.”

During the Ghost Town incident, which she had inadvertently caused, countless innocent people had died.

“Apologizing? Apologizing while holding a butcher’s knife?” Qin Wen’s anger flared, the six swords behind her humming. “You venomous beauty, your cruel heart and that fake, fragile exterior are disgusting!”

Having witnessed the brutal massacre of the mercenary team not long ago, and now this act, Qin Wen was filled with rage.

Luo Yan didn’t speak, unsure what to say.

Hua Qiling, however, sensed a misunderstanding and tried to explain.

“Wait, Sword Saint disciple, is there some kind of misunderstanding…?”

“There is no misunderstanding! There can’t be!” Qin Wen closed her eyes again, her sword intent surging. “I am Qin Wen, bearer of the Sword Saint’s mission, slayer of demons!”

The Sword Saint.

Even among the reclusive, isolated factions, they were one of the most mysterious.

But their presence in the New Era was undeniable.

Simply put, they were incredibly powerful.

The Sword Saint’s sword was the most lethal weapon known to humanity, rivaling even the destructive power of the “Ice Coffin Weapon.”

At its peak, it could easily destroy an entire mega-city.

Its most glorious moment was centuries ago, when the then Sword Saint Sect Master wielded it against the last Primordial Demon.

In that instant, heaven and earth trembled, even space itself fractured, and the Primordial Demon was injured.

A Primordial Demon at its full power was simply too strong. Even “Destruction” level ability users, humanity’s pillars, were like children before their might.

Even just injuring one was a remarkable feat.

However, although called a faction, the Sword Saint sect was incredibly small, with only one or two successors in each generation, sometimes even experiencing periods with no successor at all.

Because the Sword Saint’s sword was too heavy, most couldn’t even lift it.

When the sword was drawn, demons would be slain.

It had been a long time since the sword was last drawn.

—To be precise, the “Sword Saint’s sword” was a special Forbidden Technique.

Forbidden Techniques allowed the user to unleash power far beyond their limits at a considerable cost. The “Sword Saint’s sword” was the pinnacle of destructive power among these techniques.

Qin Wen was the sole successor of the current generation. Even with her exceptional talent and her “Seven Apertures Sword Heart,” at her age, she could only unleash less than ten percent of the “Sword Saint’s sword’s” true power.

However, even that was enough to overwhelm anyone below “Peril” level.

Perhaps due to years of sword training, Qin Wen’s thinking was very straightforward. Once she decided on something, she would stubbornly pursue it.

Like the Devil’s minion she was currently hunting. She would chase him to the ends of the earth.

In other words, Qin Wen was a stubborn powerhouse…

Making an enemy of someone like her was a headache.

The good news was that Qin Wen was only interested in slaying demons. The bad news was that she now considered Luo Yan a demon…

After announcing her name, Qin Wen didn’t hesitate. The six swords behind her unsheathed instantly, three of them transforming into a shower of sword beams.

At the same time, she charged towards Luo Yan at blinding speed, her movements leaving afterimages.

However, even the greatest speed was meaningless within “Eagle Eye Vision.” Luo Yan easily tracked her movements.

She decisively took out the pistol from her pocket and fired at the approaching Qin Wen.

Of course, she didn’t use the power of “Death,” just a simple release of spiritual energy.

Meanwhile, Hua Qiling drew her usual short swords and deflected some of the incoming sword beams.

Although she wasn’t skilled in swordsmanship, she was a “Ruin” level ability user, on the same level as Qin Wen.

After some of the sword beams were deflected, safe zones appeared on the ground.

Luo Yan fired her pistol while moving towards a safe zone.

Although her base strength was only “Difficulty” level, her destructive power with the spiritual energy pistol could reach “Ruin” level.

This forced Qin Wen to use the remaining three swords for defense, preventing her from approaching Luo Yan.

“What’s her ability?”

Luo Yan frowned slightly. Without knowing the opponent’s ability, this defensive battle wouldn’t last.

After all, Hua Qiling wasn’t a combat specialist, and Luo Yan only had a pistol, her body incredibly frail.

“I think I heard it’s called ‘Seven Apertures Sword Heart’… It allows her to control swords at will?”

Hua Qiling racked her brain, searching for information. “I don’t know the details, I never really looked into it…”

“She keeps her eyes closed, is that because of her ability?” Luo Yan asked.

Hua Qiling said helplessly, “My dear sister, how would I know?”

“You beast! You call a demon your sister and betray my information! You deserve to die!”

Qin Wen overheard their conversation, their blatant strategizing during battle infuriating her.

“Miss Luo Yan isn’t a demon…”

“Heh, she admitted it herself. Possessing the power of the ‘Witch of Envy,’ if that’s not a demon, is she a god?”

Qin Wen’s anger turned into laughter, her white clothes fluttering. Three more swords floated up, adding to the previous six, bringing the total to nine.

“I admit I underestimated you… Six swords weren’t enough, so here are three more!”

Freed from defending against the pistol fire, Qin Wen resumed her advance.

With Hua Qiling distracted by the numerous sword beams, and Luo Yan trapped within the limited safe zones, Qin Wen gradually closed in.

“Slay demons, eradicate evil!”

Three swords shot out, transforming into an almost invisible silver light, aimed directly at Luo Yan.

Luo Yan stared at the incoming swords. Within “Eagle Eye Vision,” their movements were incredibly slow, their trajectories clear.

At the same time, Luo Yan felt something humming in her pocket.

“I… I think I know what her ability is…”

Luo Yan whispered, her voice barely audible.

What she held in her pocket… was a “Philosopher’s Stone.”

A product of the New Era’s most advanced alchemy, capable of amplifying esper abilities.

Because of the compatibility between her ability and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Yan City higher-ups had decided to entrust her with three, for emergencies.

Of course, their use required a report.

The Philosopher’s Stone Luo Yan carried was now being affected by her ability, slowly being consumed and leaking energy.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 19 – Life Hacks

It wasn’t long before the gruesome scene in the rented room was discovered and reported to the Anomaly Management Bureau.

Hua Qiling immediately took a few Oversight Department members to the scene to investigate.

Suspecting a connection to the “Witch of Envy,” Luo Yan also went along.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t wearing the magnificent maid outfit, just a simple white t-shirt and knee-length shorts, revealing her fair, slender legs.

Her long silver hair was braided, as Luo Yan found it cumbersome when loose.

Now, it was difficult to see any trace of her past life in the Old Era; she was gradually adapting to modern life.

—The only unusual thing was the white eye mask she wore, with lace trim, mainly because Anna had said it looked nice…

Of course, Luo Yan and Hua Qiling weren’t holding hands anymore. Afterward, Hua Qiling had confessed the truth.

Sharing the basic “Eagle Eye” vision remotely didn’t consume much spiritual energy, as long as they were close.

Luo Yan had said it didn’t matter, whatever was more convenient.

When they arrived at the scene, the rented room was surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, chattering and speculating.

A few Yan City security officers struggled to maintain order, preventing the curious civilians from getting too close to the dangerous area.

…Mainly because this incident had occurred in District Nine, the most remote and poorest district of Yan City, where rent and prices were low, but the living conditions were only slightly better than the refugee settlements outside the city walls.

Therefore, it was mostly inhabited by outsiders, and outsiders… always loved a good spectacle.

The security officers were relieved to see Hua Qiling arrive with her team.

“What’s the situation?” Hua Qiling frowned. “Why are there so many people?”

Numerous gazes were fixed on Hua Qiling, but they seemed to completely ignore Luo Yan standing beside her.

“Envy,” the power of the “Witch of Envy,” could rewrite souls and consciousness. Although Luo Yan couldn’t do that yet, reducing her presence was no problem.

She had been exploring her abilities, figuring out how to use them, and she had come up with quite a few useful “life hacks.”

Why should “esper abilities” only be used for fighting? There were so many other practical applications!

Facing Hua Qiling’s question, the security officer, sweating profusely, couldn’t bring himself to say that this was a common occurrence in the lower districts, so he quickly said,

“Officer, please come inside, the investigation is more important.”

Hua Qiling nodded and, without further questioning, led Luo Yan and the Oversight Department members through the crowd and into the room.

Before entering, Luo Yan seemed to sense something and instinctively looked back with her “Eagle Eye” vision.

But she only saw the surging crowd and the security officers struggling to contain them.

“…Strange…”

Luo Yan frowned, then dismissed the thought and followed Hua Qiling inside.

“…She actually dares to appear here so openly,” Qin Wen, hidden within the crowd, closed her eyes, sensing the unsettling aura emanating from the silver-haired girl. “Well… this is a rare opportunity. Six swords should be enough to kill her.”

Behind her, the illusory forms of six swords gradually materialized.

…

“All dead…?” Hua Qiling’s expression turned somber. “This seems similar to what happened at the ‘church ruins’… Could it be the ‘Witch of Envy’s’ power?”

She frowned. Remnants of biological tissue were scattered on the ground, and the Oversight Department members were carefully collecting them.

Seeing these twisted pieces of flesh, Hua Qiling shuddered, recalling the monsters in Ghost Town.

Luo Yan stood beside her, subtly sensing the surrounding aura.

“No, I don’t sense any residual spiritual energy of ‘Envy’,” Luo Yan shook her head. “However, this… flesh… is indeed similar to the monsters controlled by the ‘Witch of Envy,’ or more precisely, the townspeople resurrected by Mrs. Natalie.”

Now, recalling the events in Ghost Town, Luo Yan’s emotions were much calmer. The dreamlike experience, the moments of connection and redemption, were buried deep within her heart.

…Of course, she considered them connection and redemption. Hua Qiling, on the other hand, was terrified.

“Could it be… that the townspeople aren’t dead… haven’t been released… and are now killing people?” Hua Qiling said, her voice filled with fear.

“That’s impossible. They were merely remnants of stagnant time. After coming into contact with the real world, their complete disintegration was only a matter of time.”

Luo Yan shook her head, looked around, and then said,

“The door and lock aren’t damaged. It seems the door was opened properly, which means the attacker wasn’t mindless. Perhaps they knocked, and the mercenaries inside opened the door.

“There are no signs of struggle inside, only bloodstains, indicating that the attacker was far stronger than these mercenaries, killing them instantly upon entering.”

Hua Qiling’s eyelid twitched. “Luo Yan, why are you analyzing this? Leave it to the Oversight Department; that’s their job… And why do your words sound so familiar?”

“Because I’ve been reading detective novels recently,” Luo Yan said calmly. “And what I’m trying to say is, if the attacker is this powerful, even if they aren’t a Devil’s Apostle, they’re close.

“This incident is at least ‘Calamity’ level or above. Fifty percent of our resources should be allocated to this.”

Killing the mercenaries instantly meant the demonic creature’s strength was above “Difficulty” level, possibly even “Calamity” level.

Ghost Town, as a “Peril” level disaster event, had monsters starting at “Ruin” level.

If even a minion could reach “Calamity” level… Although it might not be a “Ruin” level incident, threatening the entire mega-city, it was definitely a “Calamity” level event.

A “Calamity” level incident within Yan City…

“We definitely need to take this seriously,” Hua Qiling took a deep breath, then paused, as if realizing something. “Wait, Luo Yan, why do you know so much about the Disaster Response Department’s work?”

“Because I’ve also been reading the ‘New Era Disaster Archive Report Compendium’ recently.”

“Seriously? You can actually stomach that thing? And just how many books have you read lately?”

“Not many, just five or six hundred. Using ‘Envy’ to read makes it very fast.”

Luo Yan said calmly. This was another one of her life hacks. “By the way, I also read a few of those romance novels you gave me, but I’m curious, why are all the main characters female?”

“…Give those back.”

---

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 20 – About Social Death

“Why?” Luo Yan asked, puzzled. “I remember you told me to read them. You said, ‘If you’re bored, you can read more. I have a lot of books.’”

Luo Yan’s movements were restricted in Yan City. She couldn’t go anywhere without Hua Qiling’s accompaniment.

However, Luo Yan didn’t mind; she wasn’t fond of going out anyway.

So, to keep Luo Yan entertained, Hua Qiling had gotten her a library card for the apartment complex and allowed her to browse her personal collection.

But she had been busy lately and hadn’t paid attention to what Luo Yan was reading.

The result was that the pure and innocent Luo Yan had been gradually… corrupted… by these books.

“Those books aren’t really suitable for you…”

Hua Qiling touched her nose awkwardly and looked away.

“Really? I think they’re quite interesting,” Luo Yan said, her interest piqued. “I still have many questions for you, like what ‘lesbian’ means, and why authors always write ‘omitting 10,000 words here to avoid censorship’—”

“L-L-Lady Luo Yan!” Hua Qiling stammered, her voice trembling. Even the serious Oversight Department members almost burst out laughing. “Please don’t continue! This is… work time!”

She wanted to cry. Such a private topic had been brought up so casually by Luo Yan… Now the whole Anomaly Management Bureau would know.

At least Luo Yan hadn’t mentioned the genre of those books, so her own preferences were still safe. The social death wasn’t complete.

Luo Yan nodded.

“Oh.”

After a moment, she asked again,

“Why are the two main characters in these books always sisters?”

Hua Qiling covered her face with her hands. This was the end.

“Pfft!”

Several Oversight Department members finally lost their composure, their faces red and contorted, barely suppressing their laughter. Hua Qiling could already imagine their expressions when they returned.

Although they knew they shouldn’t laugh at their superior’s embarrassing secrets…

Unless they couldn’t help it.

“I’ll… tell you later,” Hua Qiling mumbled, her face still in her hands.

Ah, let the world end, let everyone die, just let it all end…

“Oh.”

Luo Yan nodded.

Fortunately, before she could ask another mortifying question, the Oversight Department members finished collecting their evidence.

Hua Qiling and Luo Yan had come partly because they wanted to see the scene for themselves, and partly to provide protection for the non-combatant Oversight Department members.

There had been cases of Oversight Department members being attacked and killed by suddenly appearing monsters while recording data on disaster phenomena.

Since then, all mega-cities required Disaster Response Department members to escort Oversight Department personnel during investigations.

Now that the Oversight Department members had finished their work, it was time to return to the Anomaly Management Bureau for further analysis.

They had devices that could accurately identify the aura of a “Primordial Demon,” whether from the demon itself, a remnant of its will, or just a minion.

Such advanced devices couldn’t be produced by Yan City; they were from the Old Era.

Although the Old Era had been destroyed, it left behind a considerable legacy. Most of the New Era’s technological achievements were based on Old Era technology.

Even the blueprints for the first mega-city, “Noah,” were from the Old Era.

In the face of that sudden cataclysm, the people of the Old Era had made extraordinary efforts and struggles.

Although they ultimately failed, their brief struggle left behind a glimmer of hope for the New Era.

The Old Era’s technology had been highly advanced. Before its destruction, they had developed many things to combat the “Primordial Demons” and the “Calamity Tide,” including weapons and various precision instruments.

Even the concept of the “Ice Coffin Weapon” had already emerged, though it ultimately wasn’t perfected in time.

The prototypes of these devices were preserved in “Noah,” constantly being replicated and distributed to other mega-cities.

“Let’s go,” Hua Qiling lowered her hands, a faint blush still lingering on her face. “We should hurry back, just in case.”

The Oversight Department members, being professionals, quickly regained their composure, nodding with serious expressions.

Of course, what they were actually thinking was anyone’s guess.

Leaving the rented room, the crowd outside hadn’t dispersed, many civilians and mercenaries still eager for a spectacle.

“Aren’t you going to disperse the crowd?”

Hua Qiling frowned and turned to the nearby security officer.

This wasn’t something to gawk at. Although a “Calamity” level disaster was rarely a threat to a mega-city in this era, if handled improperly, it could still result in many deaths.

The security officer chuckled wryly. “It can’t be helped. District Nine is a mixed bag, difficult to manage… We often have to let things be.”

“Then it’s time for some order,” Hua Qiling pondered for a moment. “I’ll suggest to City Lord Lin to increase security presence here. Yan City can’t afford to relax its vigilance during this time.”

“If that’s possible, then thank you, Officer.”

The security officer didn’t take Hua Qiling’s words seriously, replying with a perfunctory tone.

Hua Qiling didn’t mind. She led the Oversight Department members through the crowd, heading back towards the Anomaly Management Bureau.

Luo Yan followed slightly behind Hua Qiling, her expression serious, seemingly lost in thought.

After leaving the rented room, the feeling of being watched returned, but Luo Yan couldn’t pinpoint its source, only vaguely sensing it within the crowd.

This was another one of her “Envy” life hacks. The power from a “Primordial Demon” was truly formidable.

Even a small fraction of it, like what Luo Yan possessed, had so many applications.

“Never mind, it’s not a big deal. Just someone who saw through the illusion I created with ‘Envy’.”

…

“They’ve left… and they seem to have taken something?”

Qin Wen, her eyes closed, followed Luo Yan and the others from afar.

But thinking wasn’t her forte, so she quickly gave up.

“Never mind, I’ll just kill them and find out.

“There were too many people earlier, not a good place to strike… A little further ahead is the abandoned district…

“Then, a quick and decisive strike.”