In this stage of the plan, only one side can win.
009 Splitter and 004 Queen Bee, both aimed to be that ultimate victor.
And the so-called victory didn't lie in killing the opponent, because the opponent might be essentially unkillable. Subjugating them, however, would constitute a temporary victory.
Now they both stood upon Kitsune, the ultimate winner claiming all the spoils below.
002 Sea King, 008 True Ancestor, 023 Angel, 025 Dragon.
On these four, their perspectives aligned.
Neither intended to let these four escape.
Although 004 Queen Bee's original plan involved finding an opportunity to release 008 True Ancestor, that was predicated on Kitsune holding hidden cards.
If Kitsune truly concealed some powerful asset, 004 wouldn't hesitate to unleash those monsters to muddy the waters.
But it seemed Kitsune was weaker than she'd anticipated; releasing those monsters was unnecessary.
Now, she only needed to capture 009 for complete success.
Releasing those monsters would only invite trouble.
Coincidentally, 009 Splitter's thoughts mirrored hers.
Subjugating these monsters had been part of his plan. Now, having conveniently used Kitsune to capture them, he wouldn't easily let them go.
Under these circumstances, aside from a direct clash of strength, there wasn't a better solution.
"Because our objectives are aligned." x2
"We don't intend to let each other go!" x2
...
The Celestial Beast's counterattack was undeniably powerful; numerous Guard Bees fell at its feet.
However, the Guard Bees' abilities weren't to be trifled with. They possessed abilities to slow down the passage of time for living beings, or even invert a creature's senses, turning forward into backward, left into right.
Under these bizarre abilities, the Celestial Beast stumbled and retreated repeatedly, its speed further hampered by the resulting disorientation.
But these Guard Bees cooperated flawlessly, each knowing the others' abilities. Working together, they subdued the Celestial Beast in under half an hour.
A Guard Bee's secondary trait struck the Celestial Beast's head, rendering it unconscious. Quickly, others bound and confined its body, throwing it into a sealed space.
Even so, the Guard Bees suffered 176 casualties.
011 Celestial Beast, after its evolution, became a true 3rd Step.
Unfortunately, the side effects of the hunting impulse still hadn't been eradicated; he still lost his reason in combat.
Facing the disciplined, organized, and powerful Guard Bee Legion, unleashing his brute strength proved extremely difficult.
The Guard Bees continued their advance, breaking through layer upon layer of defenses toward the deepest part of Kitsune's base.
They crossed a massive manhole. Unexpectedly, as the lead Guard Bee stepped in, a laser grid instantly deployed!
Testing!
The laser grid flashed, instantly severing the lead Guard Bee's leg!
The Guard Bee didn't react in time; its entire body was sliced in half by the electrified grid and fell to the ground.
It hadn't uttered a single sound, seemingly without feeling any pain.
The Guard Bees behind showed no emotion.
Avee's thoughts instantly connected to another Guard Bee squad, “Why hasn't the power been cut?”
The Guard Bees and Queen Bee were connected by a vast mental network.
This immense mental web, intricate and interconnected, resembled a spiderweb, connecting each drone, soldier, and Guard Bee.
Similarly, the Guard Bees could locate or sense each other through this network.
“It's somewhat problematic.”
“The 020 computer's location is sealed by two power switches.”
“Use bodies as a bridge.” Avee said coldly.
“Understood.”
The other Guard Bees, without hesitation, began a suicide run toward the power switches!
A group of Guard Bees simultaneously sacrificed themselves as shields. Against this suicidal assault, even with the double laser grid protection, some would inevitably get through!
Dozens of Guard Bees instantly perished within the double power switches!
Their comrades, however, merely displayed cold indifference, stepping over their bodies to continue onward!
They were like emotionless machines, unafraid of death. If ordered to die, they would not hesitate.
There was no so-called drone spirit. This self-sacrificing, ever-regenerating spirit was merely pure mental control.
The computer saw these individuals about to breach its receiving station, but 009 was still deliberating!
...
“Boss!”
“I’m deliberating.”
“It’s too late, Boss!”
“Don’t rush me, I’m deliberating.”
009 spoke, while twirling a stick in the air, then spinning it several times.
Seeing his actions, several people scratched their heads in confusion.
Only Arthur, as if realizing something, clapped his hands.
“We Soviets will rule the world, from Europe across the Volga River to the Far East~”
Arthur suddenly began singing a Russian melody, a Soviet march.
The familiar tune caused 009 to subconsciously join in.
“The earth everywhere will resound, the capital, Vodka, we Soviets, mighty giants......”
Arthur began nodding to the rhythm. Just as he was about to chime in with another line, 009 delivered a swift kick.
“Go, get out!”
Arthur was kicked out of the meeting room.
The priest, sensing the sudden seriousness, said, “Boss, do you have any opinions on the dissolution of the Soviet Union?”
Bang!
“You get out too!”
The priest was kicked out of the meeting room.
At that moment, a person’s face on a monitor suddenly disappeared!
“Power cut…”
Click!
The power within the facility was cut at that instant, the lights and electronic equipment within the meeting room beginning to shut down one after another!
Seeing this, Master of Flesh, Naira Sorkin, and Swordsmith were all stunned.
“Their actions were too fast?”
“Boss, have you devised a plan?!”
009, hearing this, twirled the stick again, “More or less.”
Thump! Thump!
Two figures were instantly thrown into the meeting room!
Naira Sorkin quickly conjured flames to illuminate the surroundings. The two thrown in were The Clown and the priest.
A dense swarm of Guard Bees had already crammed the meeting room.
They were uniformly dressed in black, wearing various masks; some with animal designs, others with insect designs.
009 dropped the stick, “Can I say 004 really has no taste?”
The Guard Bee army, without a word, surged into the meeting room and charged toward 009!
Boom!
A tremendous explosion rang out; the meeting room's walls instantly collapsed!
The charging Guard Bees were all flung backward, their heads blown away.
Each had a hole in its head, as if blasted by some kind of high-explosive projectile!
At that moment, 009 emerged from the room.
He spread his arms; four powerful arms sprouted from his back!
“Do you believe in Gravity?”
Gravity?
Believe in gravity?
Observing the scene, Queen Bee fell into deep thought.
What did 009 mean by that?
Queen Bee's contemplation didn't last long, as 009 quickly provided the answer.
“Yes, gravity. It has absolutely nothing to do with this. Well, I was just kidding you.”
009 said, extending all six arms. Any Guard Bee that dashed forward was instantly caught with one hand and slammed against the wall!
Boom!
For some reason, 009’s power surge at this moment was terrifyingly intense!
With a casual strike, he could crush the seemingly invincible Guard Bees!
Naira Sorkin, as if realizing something, looked down at the stick on the ground; the one 009 had split earlier.
After splitting the stick, 009 had been erratically waving it around in the air.
Now it seemed this stick possessed some special ability?
As if noticing Naira Sorkin's curiosity, 009 tilted his head, “So, you're surprised?”
Naira Sorkin shivered, “Not curious.”
“Curiosity doesn't matter; this thing is only usable once.”
“Ever seen the magic brush?”
“That’s right, it’s a drawing brush. Its effect is to simulate drawing a body.”
009 cracked his neck. His muscles bulged; his six powerful arms brimming with strength. He estimated this state would last 46 hours.
The brush's effect is to draw a temporary body.
This temporary body can only be created through your imagination.
Yes, the things drawn with the brush can be seen in one's mind, but can't leave any trace in reality.
009 had also spent a long time sketching this body.
Due to the time pressure, he didn't manage to draw three heads.
Besides sketching, to give this body special abilities, it depends on how well it's drawn.
The more vivid the drawing, the more miraculous its effects.
This is why 009 mentioned the magic brush of Ma Liang; he felt there were some similarities.
And coincidentally,
“I was once a failing art student.”
So what exactly did 009 draw?
He first drew a Celestial Beast, then drew himself with six arms suppressing the Celestial Beast.
The drawing was vivid. Based on the structure, this body should be capable of suppressing the Celestial Beast with one hand.
Therefore, 009 naturally obtained power far surpassing the Celestial Beast.
Of course, it wasn't that he didn't want to draw stronger monsters, but he had never encountered a creature stronger than the Celestial Beast.
He hadn't even seen 002 Chino or the Angel in person.
He dared not draw the Death, so he could only use the Celestial Beast as a reference.
The only regret is that this drawing brush, as a temporary split object, is only usable once. A real pity.
Musing, 009 directly issued a taunting gesture, beckoning the Guard Bees.
“Will you die one by one, or all at once?”
“The only one who will die is you.”
A Guard Bee attacked 009, a stinger aimed at him.
But 009 caught the stinger, "Didn't your Queen Bee tell you I'm immortal?"
Crack!
009 snapped the stinger, simultaneously punching the Guard Bee in the abdomen!
Splash!
Blood and viscera sprayed out; a huge hole was blown in the Guard Bee's abdomen!
This power surge... is similar to 011's...
No, his surge is even stronger!
Avee frowned, “The target is immortal. Use the same method as with the Celestial Beast; capture the target alive.”
“With you?”
009 sneered, charging directly at Avee!
Avee quickly retreated; however, 009's sweeping kick followed!
A group of Guard Bees instantly tried to intercept but were crushed with a single kick!
Avee, seeing this, extended his hand, slowing down!
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
An invisible light shot toward 009; his movements began to slow significantly!
This was Avee's ability: to slow down life.
Only two in the entire Guard Bee army possessed this slowing ability; one of them being Avee.
Seeing 009's slowed movements, a soldier threw a flexible, snake-like rope!
The rope instantly wrapped around 009, tightening rapidly!
Rip!
009's six arms were restrained, but with a burst of strength, he broke the flexible, snake-like rope with his six arms!
“Don't you know where your ability candies come from?”
009 extended a hand, pointing to his head, “Your so-called candy box, that's my head.”
Avee put one hand behind his back, the other producing a massive stinger.
“Then I'll trouble you to offer another head, because with so many people, one candy box isn't enough.”
Several people behind 009 rushed to join the fight.
“Boss, we'll help you!”
A flurry of attacks.
009's gaze was icy, “No need, just wait above!”
Avee aimed for another slow-down, wings sprouting from his back. He held the stinger, directly attacking 009!
But at that moment, a strange crimson light suddenly radiated across the entire facility!
An inexplicable sense of unease instantly gripped everyone's hearts!
They all turned to the source of the crimson light, seeing a pale man pushing a wheelchair.
The man was Gluttony, and in the wheelchair sat a terrifying middle-aged man!
It was Zero.
The moment they saw him, everyone was stunned.
Because what they saw wasn't Zero, nor a middle-aged man!
In Avee's eyes, he saw Queen Bee!
Queen Bee held a small boy by the neck, coldly looking at her!
“No…”
Avee's wrist trembled; his body involuntarily recoiled!
Experiencing the same was 009 Splitter!
009 Splitter's eyes nearly popped out; his lips trembled, a bone-chilling cold surging through his body!
What he saw was terrifying enough to rival death itself!
He saw Death!
Death carried a massive scythe on her shoulder, a fruit in her hand, looking at 009 with a sardonic smile!
Everyone present was engulfed in profound fear!
They all numbly retreated, only they themselves knowing exactly what they had seen.
Gluttony, watching the horrified Chaos Insurgency and Guard Bees, was confused, “What’s… happening to them…?”
Zero remained silent.
He naturally understood the situation; these people were facing their deepest fears.
This was an ability he gained after his evolution, one called Absolute Fear.
“Everyone harbors a deep-seated fear.”
“As the oldest and most intense human emotion is fear.”
“Fear may be invincible, but how many can truly confront the fears deep within their hearts?”
...
Fear, the demon lurking deep within the heart of all life.
The potion, given by Mei, called 'Ultimate Terror,' and its evolution granted him one ability.
Absolute Fear.
Absolute Fear's effect is that, upon Zero's activation, the beings he sees transform into their deepest fears.
Due to the varying fears of each individual, Zero might appear as different people or objects in their eyes.
For example, if someone fears teddy bears, Zero would appear as a teddy bear to them.
But there’s another possibility.
Like 009; what he saw wasn't strictly his fear, but that which could kill him. Therefore, he feared it because it could kill him.
Observing the fear-stricken crowd, Zero in the wheelchair slowly closed his eyes.
He’d anticipated this situation; 019 The Vermin's betrayal was a significant wake-up call. No one in this world deserved his absolute trust.
For this, Zero had many contingency plans.
Several were rendered useless against the overwhelming might of the Guard Bees.
His only successful contingency was Gluttony.
Zero stationed Gluttony in the armory, anticipating 005's possible intervention and preparing accordingly.
“Sir, what should we do now?”
Gluttony stood behind Zero.
Zero looked at the two factions before him and shook his head.
The Absolute Fear’s drawback was the need for constant visibility; subduing these individuals in one go was difficult.
Subjugating them alive was even harder.
Because Kitsune had almost no one left.
Although some stragglers remained, their numbers were pitifully few.
Zero kept his eyes closed for a long time, feeling utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.
Until Gluttony's voice abruptly pulled him back.
“Sir, what is this Red Mist?!”
Red Mist?
Zero's eyes snapped open. He saw large swathes of Red Mist suddenly pouring into the base!
The origin of the Red Mist was unknown. Visible currents flowed within it, thick like brine, with a pungent metallic odor!
The surviving personnel in the base were stunned by the fog.
The moment the crimson mist touched them, their bodies began to decay and rot!
“This is…”
Plop, plop!
Before he could finish, the personnel's flesh and bones turned into a pool of thick blood, instantly assimilated by the mist!
The Blood Mist seemed to grow stronger as a result!
...
Meanwhile, Zero observed the Blood Mist; it didn't dare approach him.
As if fearing him as well.
But with the Blood Mist's appearance, 009 and the Guard Bees instantly regained their senses!
The Blood Mist obscured their vision; once the terrifying visions vanished, everyone escaped Absolute Fear.
However, what was this crimson mist?
The Guard Bees inexplicably began bleeding from their orifices, their bodies then collapsing, turning into blood and gore!
The Blood Mist seemed to stimulate their superpowers, causing a chain reaction of uncontrolled abilities within their bodies!
In an instant, thousands of Guard Bees disintegrated into blood and gore!
009 quickly retreated; Naira Sorkin frantically used her psychic powers to create a whirlwind, blowing away the Blood Mist before them!
“What is this?!”
“An unidentified Blood Mist; contact is fatal?”
“Retreat!”
No one knew what happened, nor where the crimson mist originated!
It enveloped the sky and desert, like a sandstorm!
The Guard Bees and Kitsune’s survivors died in droves!
Only Zero and Gluttony behind him were untouched by the Blood Mist.
Zero's brain worked at lightning speed; he recalled information from Death, “Red Mist…”
Could it be?
“026: Red Mist?”
As Zero spoke, countless tendrils of the Red Mist twisted and burrowed into Avee's body!
Avee's eyes widened, his mouth opening but no sound emerging; then, her hair and eyes turned crimson.
Countless tendrils of the Red Mist burrowed into Avee's body. Without a word, he walked towards a specific direction.
Seeing his direction, Zero seemed to realize something.
“That’s… the direction of the seal.”
Avee, his eyes bloodshot, ignored Zero.
Zero was about to speak when 009 sneered, approaching him, “Well, well, look who it is. No wonder things felt off; it’s you, Zero!”
“Remember what I said?”
Zero shifted his gaze; 009 instantly covered his eyes.
Indeed, Zero’s Absolute Fear effect was extremely similar to 007 Siren's mental contamination.
One was auditory contamination, the other visual.
After confirming it was Zero's illusion, 009 immediately covered his eyes!
Unexpectedly, Gluttony suddenly launched a punch!
009 felt a fierce gust of wind; he extended five arms, striking towards Gluttony!
But Gluttony’s body instantly underwent Metalization!
Clang!
009's punch left a dent on Gluttony’s body!
Feeling his fist impact against steel, 009 furrowed his brow.
“Metalization, 005?”
Gluttony dispelled his Metalization, but the pain in his stomach made him wince, “Ugh… Familiar?”
Metalization, 005’s ability.
Gluttony, merged with 005, could now use 005's power.
Otherwise, why would he dare to confront 009?
The 005 within Gluttony was also surprised; he hadn't expected Gluttony to be able to use his abilities.
However…
Good use!
Metalization didn't mean immunity to damage. If 009 had crushed Gluttony's head, returning him to his human form would instantly kill him.
That way, he could escape Gluttony’s body!
Gluttony clearly hadn't grasped the core of 005's abilities.
005 could also manipulate metal; he’d return to his human form with his body restored to normal.
Thus, he’d suffer no injuries.
But Gluttony didn't know this.
So, if he foolishly believed Metalization could negate 009’s attacks, he was courting death!
005 thought this, watching 009’s repeated blows land on Gluttony, pinning the Metalized Gluttony to the wall!
“I retract my previous statement; compared to the real 005, you’re far inferior, kid!”
Gluttony, reverting to human form, bled from the corner of his mouth, “If you… kill me now, the real 005 will come out…”
Huh?
009 shifted his gaze, “So, the real 005 is inside you?”
“Yes…”
Gluttony weakly replied.
009 released him, looking at Naira Sorkin, “Restrain him.”
If 005 was inside him, that was indeed troublesome.
Of course, 009 only found getting 005 out troublesome.
After all, that guy was very slippery, like an eel. Capturing and killing him would be difficult.
009 looked at Zero, “Shall we settle the score?”
Watching 009 approach, one hand still covering his eyes, Zero sighed and slowly stood up.
Crimson crystalline blood rapidly formed on his broken arm.
Simultaneously, he removed his blindfold, a blood-red eye sprouting in his empty socket!
Zero brought back something from another world: a pact.
A demonic pact.
This pact, written in sulfur powder and goat's blood.
A trade of souls; upon death, offering one’s soul to the Hell King granted true demonic power!
Thump, thump!
Two enormous, inky black wings burst forth from Zero’s back!
009 punched; Zero caught the blow with his blood-crystal arm!
Thump, thump!
Zero tore off one of 009’s arms, his movements blindingly fast. He unleashed a flurry of kicks on 009 before grabbing his head and slamming it against the ground!
Bang!
Zero spread; without looking back, he rushed out!
Just now, the Blood Mist entered Avee's body.
And he was heading towards the seal’s location. Without a doubt, his target was Sea King’s seal!
Currently, 009 was small; Sea King’s seal was large!
If Sea King was released, the resulting destruction would dwarf that caused by ten 009s!
Seeing Zero flee towards Avee without looking back, 009 got to his feet, his severed arm rapidly regenerating.
“Didn’t expect that old geezer to have a hidden trick…”
009 rubbed his head; the impact with the ground had left him slightly dazed.
However, what was that thing just now?
That crimson mist…
009 pondered for a moment, “I have a bad feeling about this. Take that guy, let's get out of here.”
Naira Sorkin nodded. She held Gluttony down before leaving the base with 009.
The appearance of the crimson mist had drastically changed the situation.
Facing this mysterious fourth faction, 009 felt they should retreat temporarily. A profound sense of unease washed over him.
Currently, Queen Bee had been consumed by the strange crimson mist.
Although they couldn't claim Kitsune's base, that was a minor setback. This battle had undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to Queen Bee's forces.
If they launched a surprise attack on Queen Bee now…
...
Kitsune's base was built upon the Eye of Sahara, beneath the original seal of the Eye of Sahara; Avee had arrived.
In the center of a large circular altar, a Golden Triskele Spear was firmly planted.
Avee reached for the Golden Triskele Spear, when a gust of wind suddenly swept from behind!
Swish!
A slashing sword flew towards him; Avee reacted, dodging quickly!
At that moment, Zero appeared.
With a single grab, the slashing sword reappeared in his hand.
Zero raised the sword, aiming it at Avee, “Who are you?”
Crimson mist emanated from Avee's bloodshot eyes. He didn't answer Zero but charged towards the seal once more!
Zero followed, the two clashing before the seal. Avee's body was cleaved in two by Zero's sword!
Strangely, no blood flowed from Avee's body.
He touched his severed abdomen; Blood Mist spilled forth, the wound closing instantly.
“This body… is too weak.”
Each Guard Bee was at least Second Step.
With the ability-granting candies, their combat power was comparable to 3rd Step.
Previously, they were stronger individually; now, they are stronger as a collective.
With each Guard Bee possessing abilities, their combined strength was roughly equivalent to a mid-Third Step.
But as individuals, even with their abilities, their strength was only at the low-3rd Step level.
Against the low-4th Step Red Mist, this was insignificant.
Avee cracked his neck; a large amount of Blood Mist erupted from his body!
The Blood Mist twisted together, quickly forming a humanoid fog shape!
Avee suddenly lost consciousness, collapsing to the ground.
Zero's grip on his sword tightened.
What would the true form finally look like?
The Red Mist still ignored Zero, continuing towards the seal!
Zero swung his sword again, but it passed straight through the Red Mist, embedding itself in a nearby wall!
No physical form?
Grab!
The Red Mist seized the Triskele Spear, forcefully pulling it out!
“Long awaited.”
Boom!
A tremendous explosion echoed from outside!
The heavens roared!
A massive crack appeared in the sky; countless Fish-Men rained down from above, landing on the desert!
...
Having left Kitsune's base, 009 and his companions turned to see a colossal figure falling from the sky!
The monstrous creature's descent kicked up a massive sandstorm!
Naira Sorkin and the others were stunned.
“The Sea King is free…”
“Thank goodness we left quickly…”
009 watched the enormous monster, touching his lips, “Not good… It's out; those things before…”
Boom!
A tremendous explosion rocked Kitsune's base!
Everything sealed within burst forth!
008 True Ancestor soared towards the horizon; the Archangel awoke; the Dragon emerged from the earth!
Quickly, the strange Blood Mist also emerged from the ground!
Vast swathes of crimson mist enveloped the land; they converged, forming a fog giant even larger than the Sea King!
Seeing these two giants, the True Ancestor, Dragon, and Archangel made no move to engage, scattering to the four corners of the earth.
Red Mist Shino, standing amidst the ruins, looked towards Chino.
Chino also looked at Shino, “Such a magnificent spectacle. Though I’ve witnessed it countless times in my dreams, nothing compares to this moment. Such joy!”
“My dear brother.”
Shino remained silent, coldly gazing upon the ruins beneath his feet.
Chino chuckled, squatting down. He grasped a piece of the ruins, lifting a central fragment of the Eye of Sahara's seal!
“It’s a pity they only witnessed the beginning, not the end of the story.”
“The tremors heaved the earth upwards, launching Atlantis into the sky before crashing it back down.”
“What lay beneath escaped; the priests unleashed a deluge from the heavens, washing away the earth and ruins.”
“I knew the story's ending from the start.”
Chino’s gaze shifted to the sky, “The only regret is that their deaths were too easy.”
“Let’s go, brother. Our turn begins.”
Hearing this, Shino’s massive body dissipated, transforming into a crimson mist that enveloped him.
Chino, swaying the sealed altar in his hand, thrust the entire thing into his chest.
Yes, he absorbed the Eye of Sahara’s seal into his body.
Seeing this, countless Fish-Men prostrated themselves, “Welcome, our lord's return!”
“Welcome, our lord's return!” xN
...
Beneath the ruins of Kitsune's base, in the Eye of Sahara.
A dust-covered figure crawled from the rubble, gazing upon the devastation. Zero crouched, his expression devoid of feeling.
Fate seemed to mock him repeatedly.
Every glimmer of hope was followed by even greater despair.
It seemed the lake didn't care about humanity.
Zero admitted his exhaustion; this time, he was truly weary.
His previous failures had only spurred him onward.
But this time, he had been thrown back to square one.
Kitsune was empty; the monsters had escaped; all previous achievements were gone. Only Zero remained.
Constantly subjected to rapid change, left with nothing, repeatedly collapsing… who could persevere?
“Back to square one again. Nothing has improved…”
“Still, I can't do anything right.”
Zero wiped the dust from his face. This helplessness felt like his childhood.
He sat numbly in the desert until dusk.
Zero slowly raised his head, bathed in moonlight, pulling out his phone.
Ha ha…
“Who says I don't want to be that kind of person?”
Give up?
Naturally… impossible!
Having failed countless times, what’s one more failure?
Having fallen to the bottom, any progress is forward movement!
“Just, one more try!”
Zero dialed a number, “It’s me. Arrange a helicopter; I want to go home.”
“Don't forget you're a wanted traitor.” The voice on the other end said.
“Then consider it a threat.”
“Sigh… Fine. After all, we’ve been friends for so long.”
Zero hung up, looking at the ruins beneath him.
“There are still some things left behind.”
009 had taken the Celestial Beast and the computer, but some of the fragments remained.
...
Asia.
A noodle shop in an unnamed city.
A handsome young man sat in the shop; the noodle shop owner sat opposite him.
“Yang Jian, don’t you think my new necklace is beautiful?”
The owner puffed out her chest, swaying it deliberately in front of Yang Jian.
But Yang Jian's attention wasn't on the owner; his gaze was fixed on the kitchen.
“Boss, did you hire someone new?”
The owner quickly blocked Yang Jian's view, “Ah, it's my younger sister. She's helping out for the summer break.”
Yang Jian tilted his head towards the woman in the kitchen, “Ah, how old is your younger sister?”
The owner leaned over again to obstruct Yang Jian's view, “How old she is is none of your business!”
“No, I was just asking, Boss.” Yang Jian retracted his gaze.
The owner sat back, once again blocking Yang Jian’s view.
Yang Jian frowned, “Boss, what's with all this? I was just looking. Do you think I look like the kind of person who would have bad intentions towards your sister?”
The owner quickly pulled out a pack of Chinese cigarettes, “Don’t say that. Haven't you been craving a smoke lately?”
Yang Jian quickly pushed the cigarettes back, “No, no, no, Boss. It’s still early. Don't do that.”
“I’m just a little hungry. I’ll go take a look in the back.”
Yang Jian stood up; the owner followed, trying to block him.
If Yang Jian went left, she went left; if he went right, she went right.
The two awkwardly stood their ground.
“Boss, it’s really not necessary…”
The owner smiled, “Just tell me what you want to eat; you don’t need to go yourself. I’ll take care of it.”
“Then… a plate of fried noodles?”
The owner just turned to leave when Yang Jian dashed into the kitchen!
“Hey, Yang Jian!”
Yang Jian turned to a young woman.
He saw something, and his heart ached.
This is…
The young woman turned, “You’re… Yang Jian?”
“Yes…”
Before Yang Jian could finish, the owner appeared, standing between them!
She knew what caliber her sister was. In her understanding, there were only two types of boys who’d approach her sister.
Those who liked her, and those who hadn’t met her yet!
Sure enough, Yang Jian had fallen for it.
Her sister was about to speak when a commotion erupted outside!
“What’s that!”
“Waves?”
“Fish-Men?!”
“It’s Fish-Men!”
...
Yang Jian frowned, turning towards the shop's exterior. He found the sky had darkened.
Huh?
Yang Jian wasn't the only one to notice the anomaly; many shop owners rushed outside.
But upon emerging, they were stunned!
A massive tidal wave engulfed the city; a torrential downpour of red water fell from the sky!
Boom!
Buildings in the distance were swallowed and collapsed by the tide!
Countless monsters emerged from the sky, the earth, and the sea, instantly overwhelming the city!
Apocalypse?
That thought arose simultaneously in everyone's minds!
“Am I dreaming?”
Yang Jian's first reaction was to rush back inside, grabbing the owner's sister, “What are you standing there for? Run!”
The owner reacted, “Hey, me!”
“Boss, look after yourself!”
Yang Jian, holding the owner's sister, fled.
His speed was incredible; far beyond that of a normal human.
The city was being swallowed by the red tide; although it hadn't reached them yet, it wouldn't be long.
Yang Jian ran, glancing at his palm.
He had an inverted triangle inscribed there.
“I knew this day would come.”
Indeed, Yang Jian was a player in the ‘Death Game.’
But he was unknown in the game. Although he consistently ranked within the top ten, no one paid attention to those below the top three.
It wasn't until the number one and two players disappeared that Yang Jian started gaining attention.
Unfortunately, he couldn't become the new top player; his current ranking was fourth overall.
Yang Jian's physical abilities were mid-Second Step. His speed was too much for the girl; she quickly couldn't keep up.
“I… I can’t run anymore…”
Yang Jian picked her up, “It’s alright, little sister. I’ll carry you!”
With the girl on his back, Yang Jian moved faster, even showing off some acrobatic feats in front of her.
Until the massive crimson mist appeared!
Yang Jian stopped abruptly!
The city was engulfed in a massive crimson mist!
Those within the mist either transformed into plant-zombie hybrids or were directly dissolved and assimilated by the Blood Mist!
The Blood Mist was expanding at an alarming rate!
The more life it consumed, the larger the mist became!
Seeing the plight of those within the crimson mist, Yang Jian dared not approach!
As he turned, the tidal wave and monsters arrived!
Crimson mist ahead, tidal wave and monsters behind; there was no escape!
“It’s over…”