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

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 5 – A Special Assignment

A delicate face, exquisite features, flawless, fair skin—all combined perfectly to create a unique and unparalleled beauty.

This captivating beauty was like a law of nature.

One couldn’t pinpoint exactly why she was so beautiful, but this beauty was deeply imprinted in the hearts of all who dared to look upon her, regardless of gender.

One could admire it, could immerse themselves in it, but afterward, only a lingering fear and unease remained.

Even though one knew she was truly beautiful.

As Hua Qiling hurriedly replaced Luo Yan’s veiled hat, the staff members who had inadvertently seen her face broke out in a cold sweat, their chests heaving.

An inexplicable fear rose from within them.

Old Nie’s expression turned serious. He glanced at Luo Yan apprehensively, then hesitated.

When he looked directly at Luo Yan, he had clearly seen a pair of cold, eerie crimson eyes slowly opening, radiating a bewitching mental wave.

But after looking away, the feeling and the mental wave vanished.

As a “Ruin” level ability user, Old Nie could detect and avoid this anomaly in time, but the other “Calamity” level staff members couldn’t withstand it.

That’s why he had immediately told them to close their eyes.

Hua Qiling had anticipated this. It had happened before, on the surveillance monitors, but it hadn’t occurred since she started spending time with Luo Yan.

“What’s wrong?” Luo Yan asked, blinking. “Is my ability dangerous?”

She only knew that when she looked directly at someone, she could see and make them feel their deepest weaknesses and fears, and she still had trouble controlling it.

However, this ability had little effect on “Ruin” level or higher ability users, and it only caused a momentary daze in “Peril” level ability users.

As for the specifics… Luo Yan was hoping the test results would provide some answers.

“I apologize, Miss Luo Yan, your situation… might be different from our understanding of ‘Calamity Infected’,” Old Nie took a deep breath and said gravely. “This assessment is invalid… We need to make other arrangements. We apologize for troubling you with this trip.”

“It’s alright.”

Luo Yan nodded, then, to the surprise of Old Nie and the staff, curtsied respectfully.

“It was I who troubled you all.”

“Y-You’re welcome…”

Old Nie, flustered by this unexpected politeness, stammered.

“Shall we go back now?”

Hua Qiling asked.

“Mm… Actually, Director Hua Qiling, could you stay here for a moment?” Old Nie said, then turned to Luo Yan, avoiding her gaze. “Miss Luo Yan, would you mind excusing us for a moment? There are some matters…”

“Understood.”

Luo Yan nodded slightly, then walked to the window and quietly looked out at the sky.

Even from behind, that strange beauty hadn’t diminished. Even Old Nie had to exert considerable effort to tear his gaze away.

He then unceremoniously kicked the mesmerized staff members, snapping them out of their trance.

“Stop gawking and get back to work!”

After kicking them, Old Nie clapped his hands in satisfaction, then turned to Hua Qiling, his expression serious.

This sudden change in demeanor made Hua Qiling nervous.

“Old Nie, what’s going on?”

“…Something big,” Old Nie said seriously. “Let me ask you, are you absolutely certain she’s not a Devil’s Apostle?”

Hua Qiling was taken aback. She thought carefully for a moment, then stammered,

“Probably… not…?”

In truth, she wasn’t sure. Luo Yan was too strange.

The statue in the church, Ronner and Mrs. Natalie’s words about her, her complete lack of fear towards the “Witch of Envy’s” will and power…

But if she were a Devil’s Apostle, she didn’t show any of the typical signs.

The most prominent characteristic of a Devil’s Apostle was their twisted mindset, their fanatical devotion to the demon and its ideals.

Even the kind Mrs. Natalie, after her mind was twisted, although she wanted to do good, to protect the townspeople, had ended up inflicting endless pain and suffering upon them.

But Miss Luo Yan…

“I also hope she’s not… I’ve never heard of a Devil’s Apostle being so polite,” Old Nie said, twitching his lips. “And using such refined Western etiquette. I heard only those Western nobles are so particular about these things…”

“So?”

Hua Qiling raised an eyebrow.

“But her current situation is very similar to the descriptions of ‘Devil’s Apostles’ in the literature,” Old Nie sighed. “First, her spiritual energy level is indeed only ‘Difficulty’ level, but… the mental disturbance and influence she exerts is no less than a ‘Ruin’ level ability user.”

“As for the specifics of Devil’s Apostles… Director Hua Qiling, I believe you’re more knowledgeable about that.”

Hua Qiling’s expression turned serious. She glanced at Luo Yan.

Luo Yan, sensing her gaze, blinked.

Hua Qiling smiled back, but her smile quickly faded.

“Devil’s Apostles don’t rely on their own abilities. Even if they are ordinary people, it doesn’t matter… because their true power, all their power, comes from the ‘Demonic Offering’.”

This was indeed similar to Luo Yan’s situation. She had often displayed combat power far exceeding her apparent level in Ghost Town, but Hua Qiling had never seen her with any Demonic Offering.

Generally, the malevolent aura of a Demonic Offering was difficult to conceal, unless it was the demon itself.

“There are too many suspicious points. I need to make some preparations,” Old Nie took a deep breath and said. “Director-General Li also said that you should continue to stay with Miss Luo Yan for the time being.”

“Huh? Me?” Hua Qiling’s eyes widened. “But the Disaster Response Department needs me…”

“Oh, Director Li said you’re not needed,” Old Nie shrugged. “He said you should relax, not put so much pressure on yourself.”

Although Hua Qiling hadn’t explicitly stated it, everyone could see that she had been constantly trying to catch up to her sister, Hua Qingling, Yan City’s other “Peril” level ability user.

However… a genius was a genius. Even though Hua Qiling was also capable, the gap between her and a true genius like Hua Qingling was insurmountable. Her efforts were futile.

“And with you accompanying her, Miss Luo Yan can finally go out and see more of the city,” Old Nie winked at Hua Qiling, glancing at Luo Yan standing by the window.

“Although we haven’t figured out Miss Luo Yan’s situation, it’s always good to be on good terms with her… This is an important task, entrusted to you because of the organization’s trust in you!”

Hua Qiling opened her mouth to speak, then sighed. “So I’m on vacation now?”

“If you think so, then sure.”

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 4 – How Is This Possible?

It had to be said, a white room, a bunch of strange devices, a dozen personnel in full protective gear, and a balding middle-aged man…

Plus two young girls.

This setup was incredibly bizarre, something straight out of a low-budget horror film.

Unfortunately, the situation was reversed. The true source of terror wasn’t the creepy uncle or the mad scientists, but the smallest girl among them.

Under everyone’s nervous gazes, Luo Yan reached out and gently placed her hand on one of the spherical devices.

Warm… a little hot…

Luo Yan felt a slight warmth in her palm, followed by a faint, electric tremor.

The tremor vanished instantly, and the Oversight Department personnel immediately began working busily on a device Luo Yan didn’t recognize, seemingly reading data.

Old Nie stared intently at the device, and Hua Qiling also watched the personnel nervously, sneaking glances at Luo Yan.

Because she knew that if Luo Yan was deemed a high-level threat, she wouldn’t be allowed to stay in Yan City.

Luo Yan, however, appeared calm and collected. She observed the surrounding devices with interest, her pale red eyes slightly brighter.

A moment later, a gasp came from the device. The personnel gathered around it wore expressions of disbelief.

“What’s wrong?”

Old Nie immediately stood up, his hand hovering over the suppressor switch.

If something unusual and uncontrollable happened, he would activate all the suppressors in the laboratory, even if it meant knocking everyone unconscious.

“Could it be… that the device is malfunctioning due to age?” A staff member swallowed hard and glanced at Luo Yan. “Should we try another one? We have six more…”

“Do I need to touch them all?”

Luo Yan asked politely, a hint of crimson visible beneath the brim of her hat.

“Of course, that would be best…”

Even though Luo Yan showed no malice, the staff member’s heart still tightened under her gaze.

Only after looking away did he feel slightly better.

…This further convinced him that the device was malfunctioning.

Old Nie was filled with questions, but seeing the staff member’s serious expression, he swallowed them back.

Hua Qiling also frowned, her gaze shifting between Luo Yan and the device, her heart pounding slightly heavier.

Luo Yan obediently touched the remaining six spherical devices, gradually understanding their function after several attempts.

They seemed to use a special kind of energy to stimulate the person touching them, causing them to instinctively release a small amount of their ability, which was then absorbed and analyzed by the device, producing a result.

Of course, it sounded simple, but the actual operation was far more complex.

Even Old Nie couldn’t interfere; it was handled by specialists.

After another anxious wait, during which Luo Yan had practically examined every device in the laboratory, the staff members finally gave up.

“What’s the situation?”

Old Nie immediately asked gravely.

The staff members looked at each other, and finally, the young man who had been kicked by Old Nie stepped forward, shrugging helplessly.

“The results are in. Miss Luo Yan is an ability user, mind-related ability, level…”

“‘Difficulty’ level.”

Before Old Nie could react, another staff member added, “Actually, not even ‘Difficulty’ level. More like a newly awakened state, barely able to control her own ability.”

“We initially thought the devices were malfunctioning, but all seven showed similar results,” another staff member chimed in. “There might be some minor discrepancies in the details, but the fact that Miss Luo Yan is only ‘Difficulty’ level is certain.”

“But that’s…”

Old Nie started to speak, but the staff member interrupted him again.

“The probability of all seven devices malfunctioning is about the same as you randomly shooting a fly out of the sky. Practically impossible.”

“Then…”

“Miss Luo Yan cooperated fully. There’s no way she could have manipulated the results.”

“But I…”

“The stability test isn’t really necessary. With a ‘Difficulty’ level mind-related ability, the most she can do is give someone a headache, about as painful as bumping your head on a pole.”

“…”

“Any other questions, Director Nie?”

The staff members stared at Old Nie.

Old Nie’s face turned red.

“You’ve said everything already, what other questions could I possibly have?!”

How could it be “Difficulty” level?

How could it only be “Difficulty” level?

“Difficulty” level was the lowest ability rank. Even well-trained ordinary people could achieve this level. The corresponding ability would be so weak as to be practically useless.

If Hua Qiling’s “Eagle Eye” was only “Difficulty” level, she would be no different from someone with naturally good eyesight.

But if “Pale’s” ability was only “Difficulty” level, how could she have faced the remnant of the “Witch of Envy’s” will?

Hua Qiling also felt conflicted. On one hand, she was relieved that Miss Luo Yan had passed the assessment, but on the other hand, she was puzzled.

She had witnessed Luo Yan using the sniper rifle and “Philosopher’s Stone” to unleash attacks nearing “Peril” level power.

Just then, the young man who had been kicked spoke again, looking at Luo Yan and asking nervously,

“Miss Luo Yan, could you please take off your hat?”

He had inadvertently made eye contact with Luo Yan earlier, and his heart had tightened for a moment.

Although a bit of a goofball, he was a genuine “Calamity” level ability user, surpassing ordinary humans, even if not on the level of “Ruin” level.

He wanted to see if what he had experienced was just his imagination.

Luo Yan paused and glanced at Hua Qiling.

Hua Qiling nodded slightly, and Luo Yan replied,

“Alright.”

Luo Yan took off her hat, her long hair cascading down, its snow-white color instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

But as their gazes shifted to her face, Old Nie suddenly shouted,

“Close your eyes!”

At the same time, Hua Qiling reacted swiftly, quickly placing the white veiled hat back on Luo Yan’s head.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 3 – Special Circumstances

“Hurry, hurry, hurry! Get the spiritual energy detector ready! Director Hua… Hua Qiling is bringing ‘Pale’ over soon!”

“What? You haven’t used it in so long you’re not sure about its accuracy? What’s the margin of error… Less than average? Is that supposed to be a reassuring answer?”

“Actually, we can use multiple detectors simultaneously to minimize the error, it’s just… it’s…”

“It’s what?”

“It’s rather energy-intensive…”

“Go prepare it!” A near-roar echoed, then he turned to another person. “Is the suppressor assembled yet?”

“Boss, are you sure we need this? This is used to restrain ‘Ruin’ level mutated monsters…”

“Of course! If we had a device to restrain ‘Peril’ level monsters, we wouldn’t be using this damn thing!”

“Boss, you misunderstand. I mean, isn’t this a bit… cruel?” The underling assembling the suppressor muttered. “Miss ‘Pale’ isn’t a ‘Ruin’ level Calamity Infected, is she…?”

Luo Yan had briefly appeared in public when she arrived in Yan City but was quickly settled in the apartment.

Nominally, she was free to move about, but in reality, she was constantly monitored… However, since Luo Yan rarely left the apartment, spending her days watching the wind, rain, and sun, the surveillance wasn’t really necessary.

Although the “Peril” level disaster had a significant impact on Yan City, few knew the true details.

Besides the higher-ups, only the Disaster Response Department, responsible for handling disasters, and the Apprehension Department, involved due to the Dawn members, knew the specifics. Other departments only had a vague understanding.

Therefore, the members of the Oversight Department, responsible for assessing and handling “Calamity Infected,” had little understanding of why “Pale” was considered dangerous.

The middle-aged man, addressed as “Boss,” crossed his arms, sneered, and kicked the talkative underling.

“So much nonsense! Just do your job and stop blabbering!”

“Okay.”

The underling rubbed his head, his face full of grievance, and continued working.

The boss turned away and muttered,

“Sometimes, appearances can be deceiving… This Miss ‘Pale’… isn’t simple…

“She’s far more dangerous than a ‘Ruin’ level monster.”

The boss could only hint at this. He had been ordered to maintain secrecy and couldn’t reveal too much.

The laboratory was filled with a tense, busy atmosphere. After all, it had been years since Yan City had experienced such an event, and the Oversight Department’s functions had rarely been utilized.

After the Oversight Department’s nervous preparations were complete, Hua Qiling brought Luo Yan to the laboratory.

Hua Qiling, in her combat attire and high ponytail, strode into the lab, her casual greeting breaking the serious atmosphere.

“Old Nie, are you in?”

The boss—Old Nie—twitched his brow, suppressing his annoyance.

“Director Hua Qiling, this is a formal occasion. Please use my formal title… show me some respect.”

Hua Qiling looked at Old Nie strangely. “Respect? You?”

“…Just pretend I have some.”

“Fine,” Hua Qiling didn’t bother arguing and carefully led a petite figure into the laboratory. “This is Miss Luo Yan.”

Old Nie’s breathing quickened slightly, his gaze shifting to the figure beside Hua Qiling. The other Oversight Department members also looked on curiously.

Luo Yan was still wearing her simple gray dress from the town, and as instructed by Hua Qiling, she had lowered the brim of her hat, concealing most of her striking features.

Therefore, the “Pale” they saw seemed like an ordinary village girl.

“Hello, everyone.”

Luo Yan curtsied slightly and greeted them softly.

Her voice was pleasant, but ordinary.

Through the thin veil, they could vaguely see that she was beautiful, but nothing more.

—”Pale” seemed different from the rumors.

The Yan City higher-ups’ secrecy surrounding Luo Yan had spawned many strange rumors: that a single glance from “Pale” could be fatal, that her words could bewitch and control people, even that she ate people…

Mostly a mix of truth and fiction, although even the true parts were likely just lucky guesses.

Old Nie, as Director of the Oversight Department, naturally knew more about “Pale.”

…And it was far more alarming than the rumors.

Causing death with a glance, bewitching people, eating people… these were nothing. This girl could single-handedly contend with a “Peril” level disaster monster!

Old Nie didn’t dare to be careless, but he also didn’t dare look directly at Luo Yan. He lowered his head slightly and welcomed her inside.

“This way, Miss Luo Yan.”

He then glared at the other Oversight Department members, warning them to be cautious.

Hua Qiling, worried that Luo Yan might misunderstand the numerous strange devices in the laboratory, stayed by her side.

“Miss Luo Yan, don’t worry, these are harmless.”

Luo Yan understood the underlying meaning and chuckled softly.

“No, I’m just curious.”

These cold, metallic devices were completely new to Luo Yan. She could vaguely sense the energy within them, flowing in specific patterns and orbits, seemingly producing different effects.

Before Luo Yan could examine these energy flows further, she was led to a chair.

Hua Qiling sat beside her, and seven spherical devices appeared before them.

Luo Yan: “…”

Hua Qiling: “…”

Old Nie: “…Miss Luo Yan, please place your hand… uh, which one first?”

“Any of them, Director Nie,” a member of the Oversight Department mumbled. “She has to touch them all anyway.”

Except for Old Nie, all the other Oversight Department members were wearing full protective gear, the thickness comparable to old-era spacesuits.

This wasn’t standard procedure, but simply because “Pale’s” reputation was rather intimidating. Without Old Nie’s instructions, they had all donned the highest level of protection.

“I don’t recall the ‘Calamity Infected’ assessment requiring seven spiritual energy tests…”

Hua Qiling’s left eyelid twitched uncontrollably.

“This is a special circumstance…”

Old Nie said with a forced smile.

Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 2 – I Don’t Worship the Witch of Envy

Yan City was a newly established mega-city. Compared to most mega-cities in the Free Federation, which had histories spanning hundreds or even thousands of years, its mere forty years made it seem exceptionally young.

This young city possessed a vibrant, progressive energy, but it also meant a lack of deep roots. For instance, Yan City possessed only one “Ice Coffin Weapon” for strategic use.

However, this single “Ice Coffin Weapon” was incredibly powerful, ranking among the top ten in the entire Free Federation.

Hua Qiling knew Luo Yan was interested in the “Ice Coffin Weapon,” and she was also somewhat curious herself. So recently, she had been looking into publicly available information and sharing it with Luo Yan.

“It’s said that the Yan City higher-ups paid a heavy price to acquire ‘F-03’ from the Free Federation,” Hua Qiling explained. “This was only possible because the Free Federation wanted to support newly established mega-cities, so they relaxed their control over ‘Ice Coffin Weapons’ slightly.”

Not all mega-cities could possess an “Ice Coffin Weapon.” The most important factor in establishing a mega-city was the energy “Ember” located in the core area. The Ember’s strength directly determined the city’s capacity.

Yan City’s “Ember” was very powerful, capable of supporting a population of around three million, and it was far from reaching its limit.

For such a promising rising star, the Free Federation naturally offered support, including providing an “Ice Coffin Weapon.”

Of course, this aid wasn’t free. Yan City had to pay one-third of its annual tax revenue to the Free Federation for thirty years.

However, Yan City was willing to sacrifice some short-term profits for long-term gains.

Now, thirty years had passed, and Yan City was flourishing.

Although the “Peril” level disaster had destroyed all of District Two and slightly affected other districts, Yan City’s current size could withstand it.

After hearing this from Hua Qiling, Luo Yan pondered for a moment and asked,

“What is the Free Federation? From what Grifres said, it sounded like Yan City belonged to the Free Federation, but from what you’re saying, Yan City and the Free Federation are independent of each other?”

Hua Qiling was momentarily speechless. It wasn’t that she couldn’t answer, but this was common knowledge, something she wouldn’t normally explain, so she was caught off guard.

“Ah, let me see… The Free Federation is a loose alliance of hundreds of mega-cities. This alliance has a central council, with representatives from each mega-city serving as council members.

“When major decisions need to be made, they hold a council vote, including matters like aid to Yan City… Does that make sense?”

Luo Yan nodded slightly. “I have a general idea.”

“Well, I don’t really understand these things myself. If you’re interested, you can ask the old man and the others later,” Hua Qiling said, then walked forward briskly, raising her arm behind her, her voice slightly raised. “Anyway, welcome to Yan City!”

Behind Hua Qiling, Yan City’s core area—District One—came into view.

The dense skyscrapers were dazzling, massive, beast-like machines rumbling along steel tracks, small aircraft hovering in the low sky, and numerous banners with slogans—

…Slogans like “Are you okay? Are you okay? Are you okay? If you’re okay, then chew Gulu Gulu Bubblegum” and “Second year, Class Three, Mingzi Li, your mom brought you Loser Milk!”

Luo Yan recognized each character, but the combined phrases made no sense.

At the very center of the district stood a giant tower that pierced the clouds. Even from outside the district, the immense power it contained was palpable.

A whole new world unfolded before Luo Yan’s eyes, and like a country bumpkin, she stared in awe, unable to look away.

However, what confused her most were the slogans…

Were they some kind of special prayers?

Luo Yan frowned, trying to understand.

Seeing Luo Yan staring intently at the advertisements, Hua Qiling coughed awkwardly and quickly said,

“Miss Luo Yan, there’s no need to look at those things. Come this way…”

She couldn’t just tell her that they were advertisements, could she?

That would be too embarrassing for Yan City…

But those businesses were really something. The higher-ups had issued several bans on using drones for advertising.

Unfortunately, it had no effect. These unscrupulous businesses always found loopholes, launching guerilla advertising campaigns.

“Are they some kind of deity worshipped in Yan City? Usually, only prayers are so nonsensical,” Luo Yan asked curiously. “It’s okay, I don’t worship the ‘Witch of Envy’ myself.”

Although she had prayed to the “Witch of Envy,” whose form and power were embodied by the statue in Ghost Town, she had simply been following along.

She had destroyed the Witch’s avatar; it would be absurd to worship her now…

Hua Qiling suppressed her urge to retort and tried to distract Luo Yan.

“Don’t mind those, let’s go.”

Although Luo Yan was still curious, thinking that perhaps there were some religious taboos in Yan City, she didn’t press further.

Hua Qiling didn’t dare delay any longer and led Luo Yan towards the testing facility.

“The streets of Yan City are so quiet. There aren’t many pedestrians. It’s so different from the town,” Luo Yan said, looking around as she followed Hua Qiling. “Even in the town, the mornings were always lively.”

“…”

Although the higher-ups had decided to treat Luo Yan as an ordinary “Calamity Infected,” she was still a key figure in the “Peril” level disaster and a dangerous individual who had caused a major incident in the Disaster Response Department.

So, they couldn’t take any risks. The Anomaly Management Bureau had already evacuated the civilians along the route and tightened security.

Of course, Hua Qiling didn’t say any of this, simply laughing it off.

“Aha, we’re almost there, just up ahead.”

Luo Yan wasn’t stupid. She could tell Hua Qiling was deliberately changing the subject, and with Hua Qiling’s tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve, it was practically an admission that she was hiding something.

But there was no need to dwell on this now. Compared to that, Luo Yan was more curious about her own situation.

Perhaps Yan City’s professional testing facility could uncover some of the secrets surrounding her…

Mister Zero, Her Story : Chapter 1 – Danger Rating

A pair of pale red eyes looked at Luo Yan, a hint of sorrow and loneliness in their depths.

But around her, countless lives were being destroyed, fading away.

She seemed to be searching for something, but always in vain.

Luo Yan watched her silently, a familiar pang echoing in her heart.

Why… did she have these unfamiliar memories?

“Miss Luo Yan, Miss Luo Yan…”

A faint voice called out, growing louder as it approached, accompanied by a knock on the door.

Luo Yan slowly opened her eyes. The dreamlike scene vanished, the oppressive atmosphere fading like an illusion.

Bright sunlight streamed through the window, bringing a comforting warmth, a sense of reality Luo Yan had never experienced in the town.

However, even outside, Luo Yan still couldn’t be directly exposed to the sun.

It wasn’t harmful, just uncomfortable.

Of course, it wasn’t a major issue. She had been like this for years; she was used to it.

Luo Yan was now in Yan City. Hua Qiling had arranged a small apartment for her as temporary accommodation.

However, Hua Qiling hadn’t concealed Luo Yan’s origins, reporting them truthfully.

After all, many people had seen her on the surveillance footage. It would be difficult to hide someone like her.

Upon hearing that Hua Qiling had brought “Pale” back, the entire Anomaly Management Bureau was in an uproar. Some even reported it to the Yan City higher-ups.

The key figure in a “Peril” level disaster event had been casually brought into Yan City. This was like inviting a wolf into one’s home, like bringing a Tsar Bomba into their living room!

If anything went wrong, it would be Yan City that suffered. They couldn’t withstand another “Peril” level disaster, or even a “Ruin” level one.

However, Hua Qiling had acted first and reported later, arranging the apartment and bringing Luo Yan there before making the report.

This apartment complex was mainly inhabited by Anomaly Management Bureau personnel and their families. Upon hearing the news, everyone packed their bags and fled.

Even when Luo Yan tried to befriend her neighbors, she couldn’t find anyone.

Of course, this matter couldn’t be simply ignored. After a late-night meeting, the Yan City higher-ups decided to classify “Pale” as a “Calamity Infected” and left the Anomaly Management Bureau to handle it.

Li Ping also had a headache. He hadn’t expected Hua Qiling to bring back “Pale,” the girl who had traumatized the Disaster Response Department.

Even now, that poor “Ruin” level ability user, Xu Lin, still had nightmares about the silver-haired girl staring coldly at him.

So, after careful consideration, Li Ping decided to follow the higher-ups’ instructions and treat “Pale” as a “Calamity Infected,” ignoring her role as a key figure in the “Peril” level disaster event.

By now, the Free Federation had established a comprehensive procedure for handling “Calamity Infected,” and Yan City followed the same procedure.

Therefore, Hua Qiling had come to find Luo Yan early this morning to take her for a “danger rating” assessment.

It was essentially a test to determine the limits and instability of Luo Yan’s abilities.

The test would classify both aspects into several levels, and based on the combined results, further evaluations would be conducted.

If the ability was strong and highly unstable, the individual would likely be exiled or turned into an “Ice Coffin Weapon.”

If the ability was weak and stable… they would probably be added to the Oversight Department’s watchlist, but their freedom wouldn’t be restricted.

Of course, these specifics were handled by specialists from the Oversight Department; that was their job.

“I’m awake.”

Luo Yan responded to Hua Qiling’s call from outside and slowly got out of bed.

She was still as frail as ever, and the demonic power she had exhausted during the battle didn’t seem to have changed her constitution.

After opening the door and letting Hua Qiling in, Luo Yan clumsily used the toiletries, staring blankly at herself in the mirror.

Hua Qiling had taught her how to use these things after they arrived in Yan City. Luo Yan had never used them in the town.

“Miss Luo Yan, how are you settling in? Are you used to it here?”

Hua Qiling looked around the room and asked casually.

Luo Yan’s room was small, which was her own request, but it was still larger than her cottage.

And the room was almost exactly the same as when they first arrived. The only change was that Luo Yan had placed a few sets of her simple gray dresses in the wardrobe.

“Yes.”

Luo Yan replied, meticulously putting away the toiletries and carefully wiping her face three times, her movements so precise that Hua Qiling almost laughed.

“Good that you’re used to it.”

Hua Qiling smiled, but her smile faded as she seemed to remember something.

She hesitated, then said,

“About what’s happening later…”

“I’ll be a good girl and listen to you, Miss Hua Qiling.”

Luo Yan turned to Hua Qiling, a serious look in her pale red eyes.

She was just having trouble adjusting to the world outside the town; she wasn’t stupid.

Although Hua Qiling hadn’t explicitly stated it, Luo Yan could tell from various details that Yan City was extremely wary of her, someone from “Ghost Town.”

Living here wouldn’t be easy.

Of course, Luo Yan understood.

After all, she had witnessed the disaster “Ghost Town” had brought to Yan City. Their vigilance wasn’t surprising.

“Oh, don’t worry, it’s nothing, just a formality,” Hua Qiling said with feigned ease. “I trust you, Miss Luo Yan. If it weren’t for you, the ‘Ghost Town’ incident wouldn’t have ended so smoothly.”

This was true. If Luo Yan hadn’t pushed Mrs. Natalie to the limit in Ghost Town, forcing her to merge with the remnant of the “Witch of Envy’s” will and become a frenzied monster, even with the “Ice Coffin Weapon,” Yan City would have struggled to escape unscathed. The losses would have been far greater.

However, if it weren’t for Luo Yan…

Many things would have been different, perhaps worse, perhaps better.

Luo Yan held many mysteries, even she herself didn’t fully understand them.

“Anyway, Miss Luo Yan is Miss Luo Yan. The Miss Luo Yan I know is just an ordinary, cute girl.”

Hua Qiling dismissed her chaotic thoughts and saw Luo Yan walking towards her, wearing the white veiled hat she had worn when they first met.

Her silver hair, almost reaching the ground, was tied up with a hairpin. The wide brim of the hat obscured most of her striking features, only her pale red eyes faintly visible through the thin veil.

“Let’s go, Miss Hua Qiling. I’m ready.”

Girl Doesn’t Die in Fairytale Town 61 :  Nothing More to Ask For

Cracked earth, pervasive miasma, scorching air that felt like breathing molten lava, grotesque, twisted monsters wandering and fighting aimlessly.

This was the Endless Wasteland, a post-apocalyptic hellscape left behind after the Old Era’s destruction.

However, I couldn’t remember how long I had been wandering through this hell.

During the “Calamity Tide,” time and space lost all meaning.

Familiar whispers echoed in my ears, attempting to sway my mind, to lure me into their embrace.

“You sacrificed so much for humanity, paid such a heavy price… and what did they do? They called you a traitor, exiled you, blamed you for everything… Was it worth it?”

A sorrowful, compassionate voice, filled with endless warmth and gentleness, whispered in my ear.

“No human can understand you, so why do you persist?” Another voice, cold and disdainful, followed. “You have glimpsed the truth of the world. You should transcend all of this, escape humanity’s narrow-mindedness, and join us…”

“Kill them! Tear them apart! Devour them! They all deserve to die!” Another frenzied will tried to infect me.

…Laughable.

I didn’t speak, simply continuing my journey.

I could feel their fear, their terror, their panic… the same emotions they had once inflicted upon humanity.

Because they couldn’t stop me, no matter what they tried.

“Why am I doing this…?”

“Is it to save humanity? To eliminate disasters? To kill you… ‘Primordial Demons’?”

“You’re all wrong…”

Finally, I reached my destination, the peak of the highest mountain in the world.

Above me, only the obscured, false starry sky, no other living beings.

“A good place.”

I whispered.

But just then, their auras intensified, the Demonic Offerings embedded in my body trembling violently.

The “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” “Dream Eater,” “Return to Nothingness,” “Sands of Time”… and “Death,” the gift from the “Witch of Absolute Death.”

These were my trophies, torn from them, containing their immense power, the true Offerings.

All other Demonic Offerings were merely fragments of these, possessing only a fraction of their power.

I chuckled softly. They were making their last stand, but it was futile.

“Because I promised her… that I would return everything to how it was…”

Although I was smiling, for some reason, I felt a warm wetness on my cheeks.

The boundless sky churned and twisted, the wills of the Primordial Demons surging, struggling to break free.

“I promised you… and I will keep my promise…”

“Even if betrayed by everyone, burdened by endless sins… I will not fail you…”

I touched my chest, my heart long since stopped beating, yet I could still vaguely feel a familiar warmth.

“Luo Yan… Luo Yan… you unreasonable madman… trying to drag us down with you… Never…”

“If it weren’t for Death’s betrayal… we… wouldn’t have ended up like this!”

Broken whispers echoed, the Primordial Demons finally reaching their end.

It seemed the “Witch of Absolute Death,” with whom I had made a pact, had succeeded.

Although there was no power in this world capable of truly killing them, at least… she could trap them in an inescapable, eternal slumber.

“To be called a madman by demons… I should be honored.”

In my final moments, I straightened my clothes.

Even though I was no longer human, the Demonic Offerings having transformed me into a hideous monster, anyone who saw me now would only think of the most terrifying Devil’s Apostle.

But thinking of her…

“I should maintain my most beautiful appearance…”

I slowly sat down, the peak of the mountain like a throne, allowing me to face the end with dignity.

Gradually, my appearance returned to human form, the same as when I first met her.

Endless illusory chains surged from all directions, binding my limbs, restraining my restless soul and mind.

“To maintain a human form… until now… is this my limit…?”

I sighed, thinking to myself.

I wanted to spend more time with her…

I slowly closed my eyes, a faint smile on my lips.

I seemed… to see her again…

A small, silver-haired… figure… from behind.

As the roars of the Primordial Demons faded, I could feel my consciousness dimming, disappearing.

“Let my life… be an eternal memory of you…”

…

Within a desolate, ruined town, grotesque monsters wandered aimlessly, like ghosts.

Faint shadows clung to them, vaguely resembling human forms.

Among them, a burly monster, pieced together from fragmented limbs, stood amidst the rubble, its bulging eyes occasionally flashing with a flicker of struggle.

Just then, a stone eye materialized, hovering above the ruins.

A towering church instantly rose from the rubble, intense mental waves sweeping through the town, dragging it into a specially constructed spiritual domain.

Within this domain, everything in the town returned to its former, undamaged state.

Only the church was an exception.

The burly, grotesque monster transformed into a handsome, blonde man, his eyes still filled with confusion, inexplicably finding himself in a dark church hall.

Before Ronner could regain his senses, the candles around him lit up, and a throne, bound by endless chains, abruptly appeared in the center of the hall.

“This is…”

A girl sat gracefully on the throne, her silver hair cascading down, her breathtakingly beautiful face…

She slowly opened her eyes, and Ronner inadvertently met her gaze.

Fear, terror…

Ronner felt as if he had seen the most terrifying thing in the world, instantly shattering the mental barrier Mrs. Natalie had erected to protect him.

He remembered all the pain he had endured, but it was nothing compared to the terror he felt witnessing this girl’s awakening.

But in the next moment, this fear and these memories vanished, and Ronner’s mind became disoriented. When he regained his senses, he found himself in an ordinary church hall, no throne, no chains.

A beautiful silver-haired girl looked at him curiously, silent.

“Who… are you?”

Ronner asked.

Hearing this question, the silver-haired girl blinked, her brows furrowing cutely, as if deep in thought.

After a moment, she whispered,

“My name seems to be… Luo Yan?”

…She had failed.

-End of Volume 1-

Girl Doesn’t Die in Fairytale Town: Chapter 60 – When Will Old Friends Meet Again

“Seventeen…”

A frail old man, half-leaning on his chair, shakily picked up a pair of thick glasses and placed them on his nose, his clouded eyes peering at Grifres through the lenses.

He was the leader of “Dawn,” the last “Mister.”

Time had left countless marks on him. Wrinkles covered his withered skin, each breath seemingly labored.

Mister seemed to be barely clinging to life.

“…I’m here.”

Grifres lowered his head, his burly figure appearing unusually thin and frail.

“You’re injured, Seventeen.”

Mister’s dry lips barely moved, his voice slurred as if he had phlegm caught in his throat. “Come, let me see…”

Mister seemed to have aged considerably since their last meeting, his frail body supported by a skeletal frame, his energy greatly weakened.

He didn’t ask Grifres about the details of the mission, only concerned about his injuries.

“There’s no need, Mister,” Grifres said in a low voice. “Just minor injuries, nothing serious. I’ll recover in a few days.”

Grifres knew what Mister wanted to do, but with his current condition, he wouldn’t last much longer. If it was for him…

No, he couldn’t allow that.

Mister twitched his lips, seemingly smiling.

“Young people, it’s good to be young…”

He didn’t insist further, simply sighing and leaning back in his chair.

His briefly clear eyes clouded over once more.

“It must be tiring for you all, looking after a dying old man like me,” Mister closed his eyes slowly, his wrinkled eyelids covering his dim eyes. “There are still so many things I want to do, but it seems… it’s too late.”

“No, no, that’s not true!”

Grifres immediately became anxious.

“You are the last Mister of ‘Dawn,’ our spiritual pillar!”

“It’s our honor to follow in your footsteps!”

“But I’m also Dawn’s last burden, am I not?” Mister opened his eyes slightly, a world-weary look in his gaze. “You’ve all grown up. You no longer need a ‘Mister’.”

In the New Era, the concepts of nations and factions from the Old World had been shattered.

After the unimaginable horror—the Calamity Tide—ended, and the first true mega-city, “Noah,” was established, a new era for humanity began.

Countless mega-cities rose, and humanity’s exploration of the new world never ceased.

But… not all humans were worthy of boarding the “Noah’s Ark” of the new world.

When the first “Calamity Infected” were discovered, these individuals, possessing fragments of the Calamities’ powers and occasionally becoming “walking disasters,” were met with vigilance, exclusion, and fear… No one wanted to accept them.

Once their “Calamity Infected” status was discovered, regardless of their previous status, they were expelled from the mega-cities, becoming refugees in the wasteland.

—Until “Dawn” appeared.

No one knew where the founders of Dawn, the original nine “Misters,” came from. Even the last surviving Mister never spoke of it.

But “Dawn” was willing to accept all those expelled from the mega-cities, offering a home to these lonely, pitiful people.

It was because of Dawn’s existence that the mega-cities began to re-examine the “Calamity Infected.”

Through a series of studies, humanity finally managed to create… or rather, discover… safe “Calamity Infected,” known as “ability users.”

Some humans born in the New Era, after coming into contact with purified Calamity matter, could awaken special powers, similar to the “Calamity Infected.”

And most importantly, although weaker, the abilities of ability users were controllable.

—It could be likened to getting vaccinated, although only a small portion of humanity was eligible. Forced use would result in death.

Eventually, with these breakthroughs, almost all mega-cities established relatively complete ability user management systems, known as the “Anomaly Management Bureau.”

Ability users gradually became the pillars of the New Era.

And “Dawn,” the catalyst for all this, became a force to be reckoned with in the new world, an organization composed of over ninety percent ability users.

The once isolated and helpless “home for the Calamity Infected”… no longer existed.

Over the years, the nine Misters passed away one by one, and the children they had taken in gradually took control of Dawn.

The new Dawn was ambitious, constantly clashing with the Free Federation formed by the mega-cities, but they had remained relatively restrained, partly due to the respected Misters’ influence.

But now, the last Mister was nearing the end of his life, having chosen to spend his final days in a newly established city barely a decade old—Yan City.

No one in Dawn objected.

Only a few Cadres and members were willing to stay by this respected elder’s side, their only command to ensure that Mister left this world without regrets.

“That’s not true, brothers… It’s only because we want Dawn to thrive that we couldn’t stay by your side.”

Grifres didn’t know what to say, his unblemished half of his face flushed.

Hearing the familiar term of address, established since Dawn’s founding, a smile appeared on Mister’s wrinkled face. He murmured,

“It’s alright, it’s alright…”

Regardless of status, unless they were blood relatives, Dawn members addressed each other as brothers and sisters.

At least Dawn still held onto this tradition, and that was good enough.

After speaking, Mister’s breathing grew labored, his fatigue evident.

“Mister, did you use… your ability again?”

Grifres finally noticed something amiss. Although Mister’s health had always been poor due to his age, it hadn’t deteriorated to this extent during their time in Yan City.

Unless… Mister had actively used his ability, or rather, his “Calamity Infection symptoms.”

As one of Dawn’s nine founders, Mister had lived a long life. His infection had prolonged his lifespan in a twisted way, but at the cost of constant, unimaginable pain.

No one knew the specifics of Mister’s ability, only that each use brought him closer to death, intensifying his pain and suffering.

But each use also allowed Dawn to safely weather a potentially devastating crisis.

“Just some distant memories, some unknown truths… I wanted to see them one last time.”

Mister smiled faintly, seemingly seeing phantoms of the past in the flickering candlelight, a phantom named “Luo Yan.”

“Such a pity… I’m about to die, but it’s not yet time… I still haven’t… seen her.”

“Mister…”

Grifres said worriedly.

But Mister waved his hand and whispered,

“Leave me now, I’m tired.”

Grifres wanted to say something more, but Mister had already closed his eyes, his expression peaceful, as if asleep.

So, after a moment of hesitation, Grifres left the room.

But what he didn’t see was the old photograph clutched in Mister’s hand.

Nine children smiled brightly in the photo, a tall, silent figure standing behind them, her face obscured by some force.

Girl Doesn’t Die in Fairytale Town: Chapter 59 – Mister 

Meanwhile, in Yan City’s District Three, in the area known as the “slums.”

When Mister slowly opened his eyes, his blurry vision made out a slightly hesitant figure standing before him.

He squinted, trying to see clearly.

“Mister…”

It was a girl.

“Ling Qi… I believe that’s your name?”

Mister sat up slightly, a benevolent expression appearing on his face.

“Yes.”

Ling Qi replied nervously.

She had long heard of Mister’s reputation, but she had never had the chance to meet this legendary figure.

Because of Mister’s importance, ordinary Dawn members rarely saw him, only the Cadres.

She hadn’t expected this strange experience to lead to a meeting with such an important person.

Mister waved his hand, beckoning Ling Qi closer.

“Good child… come closer… let me see you…”

Mister’s voice was slurred, as if he had phlegm caught in his throat, only a few discernible words emerging from the mumbled sounds.

“Yes.”

Ling Qi nodded, flattered, and approached him.

“…Ah, the aura of space… mm… it’s been a long time since I’ve felt this…”

Mister’s drooping eyelids twitched. “Clear… transparent… just like her…”

“Who?”

Ling Qi asked instinctively, then immediately covered her mouth, realizing her impropriety.

But Mister didn’t mind. He chuckled softly, seemingly in a good mood.

“My brother… or perhaps, I should call her sister…”

A flicker of reminiscence appeared in his clouded eyes. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen her. I really want to see her again before I go…”

“Even though…” Mister suddenly chuckled and shook his head. “…perhaps not.”

“Why?”

Seeing Mister’s approachable demeanor, Ling Qi couldn’t contain her curiosity.

“Many people would die if I wanted to see her,” Mister whispered. “I don’t want to see that, and neither does she.”

“Being able to stay here, to be near her… and them… is enough for me…”

…

“How is Mister?”

Alyxsia walked over, a lollipop in her mouth, and looked up at Grifres, who was leaning silently against the wall.

“He’s still talking to Ling Qi, seems to be giving her some instructions.”

Grifres replied softly, his voice weak.

Seeing the bloodless pallor on Grifres’s unblemished half of his face, Alyxsia frowned slightly and sighed.

“Don’t push yourself, brother. Let’s go back.”

“I’m fine,” Grifres insisted. “It’s not like I haven’t used a Forbidden Technique before. I just need some rest.”

“But this time…”

Alyxsia trailed off.

She knew Grifres’s stubbornness. He wouldn’t listen to her, and there was no point arguing.

The problem wasn’t just the weakness from using the Forbidden Technique, but the blow to his confidence.

Whenever he used a Forbidden Technique before, even if he was heavily injured, he could always turn the tide of battle, even from the brink of defeat.

But this time…

Although Grifres tried to convince himself that the opponent was a Devil’s Apostle, that it wasn’t comparable to previous situations, failure was still failure. His proud Forbidden Technique hadn’t changed the situation. “Mrs. Natalie,” even after being directly hit by “Gungnir,” was only injured, her combat ability unaffected.

Although the final blow was delivered by the “Ice Coffin Weapon,” it was clear that the mysterious Miss Luo Yan was the key to defeating Mrs. Natalie, or rather, the remnant of the “Witch of Envy’s” will.

And Grifres’s greatest contribution was simply delivering Miss Luo Yan to Mrs. Natalie. For someone as proud as him, this was humiliating.

He needed time to recover.

“Since you don’t want to go back, just rest for a while. Don’t fight for the next few months,” Alyxsia said softly, fiddling with her hair. “And what about Ling Qi? Should she stay here with us and keep Mister company?”

Grifres hesitated, then shook his head. “No need. Find an opportunity to send her back to Dawn headquarters.”

In reality, Ling Qi hadn’t come to Yan City willingly. She had fled here while being pursued.

Dawn’s overwhelming rescue tactics were infamous throughout the Free Federation, so few mega-cities dared to issue warrants for Dawn members. The reason Ling Qi had been targeted was because of the unusual nature of her crime.

—Ling Qi had personally killed her teacher, the City Lord of “Jade City,” although no one knew how she, with only “Difficulty” level strength, had managed to kill a City Lord nearing “Peril” level.

Of course, Alyxsia, Grifres, and Mister hadn’t come to Yan City specifically to rescue Ling Qi.

Rescuing a spatial ability user like Ling Qi might warrant the deployment of two “Peril” level ability users, but it definitely wouldn’t require Mister’s presence.

Even though Mister, knowing a Dawn member was in danger, would likely intervene out of compassion, because to him, all Dawn members were family.

And indeed, when Mister learned of Ling Qi’s predicament, he immediately dispatched Alyxsia and Grifres to rescue her.

Mister had another purpose for coming to Yan City, but Alyxsia and Grifres didn’t know what it was.

“Anyway, if Mister has any commands during this time, let me handle them. You just focus on resting,” Alyxsia said gravely. “The other brothers said to fulfill Mister’s… previous wishes as much as possible.”

Mister was very old. He was the only human alive who had lived through both the Old and New Eras.

Many factions were searching for him, including the Free Federation, because he knew many secrets from before the New Era that had never been revealed.

As Mister grew older, his long life nearing its end, these factions became even more desperate to find him.

But no one had expected him to come to Yan City.

It was far from Dawn headquarters, a newly established mega-city built in the Endless Wasteland within the last century.

Although the Dawn higher-ups were puzzled, they didn’t object to Mister’s decision, respecting this elder who had watched them grow.

Regarding Mister’s unspoken secrets, the Dawn Cadres tacitly remained silent.

Grifres looked through the small window into Mister’s room and saw that Ling Qi had finished her conversation with Mister and was standing at the door.

She glanced at Grifres apprehensively and whispered,

“Brother, Mister… wants to see you.”

Girl Doesn’t Die in Fairytale Town: Chapter 58 – Shifting Sands

A few days after the “Ghost Town” incident, news of Yan City’s encounter with a “Peril” level disaster spread throughout the Free Federation, even reaching other factions, large and small.

For a time, rumors, both true and false, flew like wildfire.

However, a “Peril” level disaster alone wasn’t enough to draw the attention of almost every mega-city to Yan City.

“Primordial Demon,” “Devil’s Apostle,” “Dawn Cadre”… Even the most oblivious person could sense something unusual from this combination of terms.

The nightmare from centuries ago seemed to be resurfacing. Was the appearance of a Devil’s Apostle a coincidence, or did it signify the awakening of the Primordial Demons…? No one knew.

In the disaster archives, the Yan City record for the “Ghost Town” incident was simple, yet shocking.

“Awakened consciousness of the ‘Witch of Envy’ detected, along with its avatar, destroyed by ‘F-03’.”

Besides this, there were some inconsequential casualty reports and vague descriptions of the disaster’s characteristics.

Yan City didn’t record any further details in the public archives, including “Hua Qiling’s” experiences within the town, all glossed over.

Luo Yan’s existence was completely erased. Except for a few individuals involved, no one knew the role she played in this disaster.

This wasn’t just because of Hua Qiling’s brief report, but a deliberate decision by the Yan City higher-ups to conceal certain information.

But even so, some people sensed something amiss.

In the Endless Wasteland, within an inconspicuous refugee settlement, a ragged old man closed the file, his beard trembling with anger. He paced anxiously.

“What a clever use of vague language! This girl in charge of the mission is quite cunning. The entire report is filled with coincidences and lucky breaks… Anyone who believes this is a damn fool!”

“Even more infuriating, they actually recorded it in the archives! How can such an important matter be treated so lightly?!”

“Yan City… I remember that’s the Lin family’s territory. After Old Man Lin died, is this how his descendants are handling things?”

“No, this can’t go on.”

The old man scratched his bald head, his mind made up.

He picked up an old communicator and dialed.

After a few beeps, a cold voice came from the other end.

“Master, what is it?”

“Ah… ah… Wen’er, your old man misses you—oh no, important business!”

The old man almost slipped up, quickly correcting himself, afraid that the other party would hang up like before.

“Speak.”

The cold voice seemed accustomed to this, replying indifferently.

But along with her voice, faint roars and howls could be heard.

“Go to Yan City and investigate the ‘Ghost Town’ incident,” the old man said seriously, then his voice turned oddly hesitant. “Also, your old man actually also wants…”

“Beep… beep… beep…”

After hearing the important business, the other party hung up immediately, not giving the old man a chance to continue.

The old man could only shake his head and sigh.

“Raised a daughter who doesn’t care about her family… what a pain…”

…

Like the wilderness described in ancient texts, grotesque, mutated plants spread across the dry, cracked earth.

The air was filled with foul, poisonous miasma, mixed with a disgusting stench.

Amidst this horrifying environment, a figure in white stood, her hands clasped behind her back, her neat attire outlining her youthful figure.

She stood with her eyes closed, six swords of varying designs strapped to her back, among a group of decapitated, writhing monsters.

“Yan City…”

The woman in white murmured, slowly opening her eyes.

There was nothing wrong with her eyes. Although her clear, bright eyes held a hint of indifference, there was nothing unusual about them.

“Just in time, I was planning to go to Yan City anyway.”

The woman’s gaze fell upon a piece of torn red cloth among the monsters, stained with a certain aura.

—The aura of the “Witch of Envy.”

Although “Devil’s Apostles” hadn’t appeared for a long time, their minions occasionally caused trouble.

However, these “minions,” possessing only a fraction of demonic power, were far less dangerous than “Devil’s Apostles,” who wielded Demonic Offerings and could even summon demonic avatars.

But they were still troublesome.

The woman in white had been pursuing a particular demon minion, a cunning foe who used refugee settlements as cover.

The minion’s ability seemed to be related to disguise, making it difficult for the combat-specialized woman to capture him. She could only track him by the faint traces of demonic aura he left behind.

But for some reason, a few days ago, this minion had suddenly fled towards Yan City, even using some “stockpiled” twisted monsters to delay her pursuit.

“Perhaps the task Master gave me is related to this… but why go to a mega-city? Isn’t that walking into a trap?”

The woman couldn’t figure it out, so she set aside her doubts, closed her eyes again, sensed the faint demonic aura in the air, and continued her pursuit.

…

Yan City, District Two, Ghost Town ruins.

Although the disaster was over, the aftermath would take time to clean up.

Even clearing the rubble in the district was a daunting task.

Yan City didn’t have enough manpower to handle this, so they hired a group of mercenaries with heavy machinery to clear the debris.

The mercenaries were happy to take on this low-risk, high-reward job, and within a few days, they had cleared a wide enough path.

However, something strange happened today…

A blood-red figure suddenly appeared deep within the ruins, wandering among the remnants of a church-like building.

A mercenary quickly spotted the figure and shouted,

“Hey, you there! Yes, you! This is a restricted area, no entry! Get out of here!”

The blood-red figure paused and turned slightly, a shrill voice echoing.

“Restricted… area…?”

The mercenary noticed that the figure seemed to be holding some rubble in the folds of its wide, red robe.

A sudden, inexplicable fear gripped the mercenary, but he quickly suppressed it.

This was Yan City’s territory. The figure was just some weirdo playing dress-up. He couldn’t be scared so easily.

So, he mustered his courage and shouted,

“Yes! Leave now!”

“I… leave?” The blood-red figure slowly turned around, its face covered in thick white powder and exaggerated makeup. “The one who should leave… is you…”

The figure raised the rubble in its hand and muttered,

“I heard His call… This was His miracle… but you…”

Its shrill voice rose in pitch.

“Ruined it!”

“Ruined it!”

The figure’s expression turned frantic. Before the horrified mercenary’s eyes, it began stabbing itself in the face with the rubble.

“My Lord’s miracle… ruined by you! You… deserve to die! A thousand deaths wouldn’t be enough!”

The shrill voice shrieked hysterically, ignoring its self-inflicted wounds. Purplish-black blood dripped from its heavily made-up face, a foul stench filling the air.

One piece after another, the blood-red figure picked up the rubble and frantically stabbed itself all over its body.

Finally, all the stones were embedded in its body, a scene too gruesome to describe.

“Crazy…”

This time, the mercenary was truly terrified. He stumbled backward.

But before he could flee, he saw a pair of eyes.

…Terrifying crimson eyes, hidden beneath the comical makeup, staring directly at him.

As the eyes fixated on him, the remaining fear in the mercenary’s expression faded, replaced by a vacant emptiness. Tentacles erupted from his body, greedily absorbing his unresponsive form.

The blood-red figure shrieked with delight, dancing and waving its arms.

“It worked! It worked, it worked, it worked!”

“This is… the power I’ve dreamed of… His power!”

“So enchanting, so intoxicating…”

The crude makeup mixed with the dripping purplish-black blood as it slid down the figure’s face, the ground beneath its feet corroding.

But the figure didn’t care, ecstatically caressing the stone fragments that vaguely resembled eyes.

“With His power… that damned Sword Saint Qin Wen, she’s going to die… ugh—”

Suddenly, the blood-red figure coughed up a mouthful of blood, seemingly experiencing a severe rejection reaction.

“Da-Damn it… even this… isn’t enough to earn His favor…?”

The figure gritted its teeth, its consciousness fading.

Just as it was about to lose consciousness, a seductive, enchanting voice echoed in its ear, so gentle that it could lure one into an endless abyss.

“Even a lowly, pitiful insect… can be of use to me…”

In that instant, the figure’s wounds healed, absorbing all the embedded stones, its aura growing stronger.

“I grant you power, to hate, to destroy…”

“To unleash… the greatest malice in this world…”

As the voice faded, the image of a silver-haired figure slowly appeared in the blood-red figure’s mind, its face obscured.

“Kill her.”

Girl Doesn’t Die in Fairytale Town: Chapter 57 – The End

Amidst the dilapidated ruins, Luo Yan stood silently.

The mysterious bandaged girl, who had fallen from the sky, leaned against her, a cold, stiff weight.

The scattered spatial rifts had dissipated, and all that remained of the terrifying crimson monster was a small, wriggling lump of flesh, stubbornly inching towards Luo Yan.

Its frenzied instinct was solely focused on killing the bandaged girl, even though it was on the verge of dissipating.

“Finally… it’s over.”

Luo Yan stared at the lump of flesh and sighed softly.

She gathered all her remaining demonic power and used the “Witch of Envy’s” mental ability one last time.

The wriggling flesh instantly disintegrated. Along with Mrs. Natalie’s fading obsession, the last traces of her existence in this world were finally erased.

Perhaps, for her, this was good news…

As for what came next…

Luo Yan looked down at the bandaged girl in her arms.

She was certain she had never met this girl before, yet the girl had clearly called out her name.

“So what’s going on?”

Luo Yan rubbed her temples, the hallucinatory images still lingering in her mind.

And vaguely, when she looked into the bandaged girl’s eyes, she seemed to see scenes from the past…

Luo Yan recalled that something similar had happened in the town.

When she first met Ling Qi, in her panic, she had unconsciously used a special ability, or as Hua Qiling called it, an “esper ability.”

Unfortunately, this ability had been mostly useless afterward, until now, when it activated again, showing her the bandaged girl’s memories.

“…Never mind, there are already so many mysteries, one more doesn’t make a difference.”

Luo Yan sighed, but another question arose.

This situation was somewhat similar to Ling Qi’s…

“What should I do with her?”

Luo Yan looked at the bandaged girl, unsure.

Fortunately, her hesitation didn’t last long. A surprised voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Miss Luo Yan!”

It was Hua Qiling.

Luo Yan turned and saw Hua Qiling staring at her in disbelief, her face filled with unexpected joy. “You, you, you… you’re still alive!”

“…That’s a rather rude thing to say.” Luo Yan’s expression was slightly exasperated. “Yes, I’m still alive.”

“Ah, sorry…”

Hua Qiling hurried over and carefully examined Luo Yan, then cautiously touched her arm before sighing in relief.

“Good, good, you’re really alive…”

“…I don’t want to repeat myself.”

“Eh, who are you holding?” Hua Qiling’s gaze quickly shifted to the bandaged girl in Luo Yan’s arms. “I don’t think I’ve seen her in town before…”

“Huh? Didn’t you send her here?” Luo Yan asked, surprised.

“What do you mean ‘send her here’…? Wait…” As if realizing something, Hua Qiling’s eyes widened, and she looked nervously at the bandaged girl. “Miss Luo Yan, are you saying… she’s the ‘Ice Coffin Weapon’?”

“The ‘Ice Coffin Weapon’… I did see her emerge from an ice coffin,” Luo Yan nodded thoughtfully.

Hua Qiling almost jumped. She quickly took out a bracelet-like device and fastened it onto the bandaged girl’s wrist.

“What’s that?” Luo Yan asked curiously.

“A suppressor… Wait, Miss Luo Yan, were you holding her like this the entire time?”

“Yes,” Luo Yan nodded, then added, “She hugged me herself.”

Luo Yan hesitated, then decided not to mention that the bandaged girl seemed to know her.

Hua Qiling broke out in a cold sweat. The “Hyperspace Severance patient’s” ability was highly unstable and could only be controlled by suppressing her mind and soul.

If she awakened… the closer one was to her, the denser the spatial rifts would become.

Direct contact… would result in complete disintegration.

Yet, Miss Luo Yan was standing right before her, perfectly fine. Hua Qiling could only marvel inwardly.

Even after witnessing so many strange things in the town, Miss Luo Yan’s resilience still surprised her.

“Now what? What do we do?”

Luo Yan waved her hand in front of Hua Qiling’s face and asked.

“Ah… just give her to me. She seems stable now.”

Hua Qiling wiped the sweat from her forehead and cautiously took the bandaged girl from Luo Yan’s arms.

“Who is she?”

Luo Yan asked after handing over the girl.

“…I don’t know,” Hua Qiling shook her head and whispered. “The origins of ‘Ice Coffin Weapons’ are usually classified, sealed in top-secret archives. I don’t have access.”

Looking down at the bandaged girl, Hua Qiling sighed. “But clearly, she’s a pitiful child.”

She looked no older than seven or eight, yet because she suffered from “Hyperspace Severance Syndrome,” she was sealed in an ice coffin and used as a weapon.

Even though Hua Qiling had heard about the truth behind the “Ice Coffin Weapons,” witnessing it firsthand was still deeply unsettling.

“Is that so…”

Luo Yan’s expression was noncommittal, but she made a mental note.

The bandaged girl knew her, or rather, knew “Luo Yan.” This might be a chance to unravel some mysteries.

And…

The image of the bandaged girl’s gray eyes, looking at her in the bloody rain, was seared into Luo Yan’s mind, causing a pang of pain in her heart every time she recalled it.

After placing the bandaged girl in a portable “Ice Coffin container,” Hua Qiling finally breathed a sigh of relief. She looked up at Luo Yan, who was staring intently at the container, and asked,

“Miss Luo Yan, do you have any plans now?”

“Ah, no, not really.”

Luo Yan came back to her senses and shook her head.

This was the first time she had been outside the town. Looking at the skyscrapers in the distance, she felt a sense of unreality, as if she were in a different world.

“How about… coming to Yan City?” An idea struck Hua Qiling. “There are many fun things in Yan City~”

“…”

Why did that sound like she was trying to lure a child?

But Luo Yan didn’t have anywhere else to go, and if she wanted to uncover the mysteries surrounding her, the only clue was the bandaged girl’s origin, and she might find some answers in Yan City.

Moreover, Hua Qiling had left a good impression on her during their brief time together in the town.

Thinking of this, Luo Yan turned to Hua Qiling and, under her surprised gaze, curtsied, a perfect servant’s bow.

“Then… Miss Hua Qiling, please take care of me.”