After a cheerful day exploring Godo City with Alice and the white wolf, Xiao Feng returned to the X Mercenary base.
As soon as he stepped out of the car, Rice approached him, a trace of excitement on his face.
"Xiao Feng, we managed to extract the information—we now know where the Dragon King of the Cult is hiding!"
Xiao Feng raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
"Oh? You actually got them to talk? Well then, where is he holed up?"
Rice replied,
"Northwest of Black Whale City, in an abandoned township. It's no longer a protected zone—should be completely deserted."
Xiao Feng nodded solemnly.
"Good. That means we can strike without holding back…"
But Rice shook his head.
"It's not time yet. From what we've gathered, the cult has thousands of followers scattered across various cities. If we alert them prematurely, wiping them out will become nearly impossible."
Xiao Feng furrowed his brow in contemplation.
"So what are you suggesting, Chief Rice?"
With a slight grin, Rice responded,
"We had a little strategy session. Here's what we're thinking..."
He leaned in and shared the plan in detail.
Xiao Feng listened intently. He found no reason to object—the plan made sense. Especially since there was still someone in Black Whale City who weighed on his heart.
"In fact," Xiao Feng offered, "this task may be best left to me alone."
"Of course, Lin and I will support you."
Xiao Feng shook his head.
"If the cult is as vast as you say, then I believe it's best that you remain here. We've already captured and eliminated several viscounts and counts—surely, their comrades will come seeking vengeance. You and Lin should hold this place down. Perhaps Lin can bring reinforcements, but I'll take on this mission alone."
Before Rice could reply, Alice stepped forward.
"Brother Xiao Feng, I want to come with you!"
Looking at the adorable pout on her face, Xiao Feng couldn't help but ruffle her hair fondly.
"Alice, you are my dearest sister. I won't let you follow me into danger. Besides, we need you here—our enemies are formidable, and this base needs your help."
Alice puffed up her cheeks indignantly.
"Hmph, I bet you're just going to see that woman again!"
Even Rice couldn't help but chuckle—this little girl's jealousy was palpable.
Xiao Feng laughed.
"Well, I am a man, and a man has his needs…"
Alice thrust her little chest forward with defiant pride.
"And I'm a woman too, aren't I?"
With a soft smile, Xiao Feng replied,
"You'll always be my most beloved sister. Now be good, alright? Or your big brother Xiao Feng might get upset..."
Truth be told, had Alice not been Old White's biological daughter, perhaps Xiao Feng might have felt something more. But in his eyes, Old White was like family—so Alice could only ever be his cherished little sister.
Hearing this, Alice huffed and stormed off in frustration.
With a cigarette dangling from his lips, Rice said,
"Ah, such a shame. Alice isn't bad at all—just a bit too young and underdeveloped. Otherwise..."
Xiao Feng kicked him hard.
"Listen up, Rice. I'm warning you and Lin—don't even think about Alice. Lay a finger on her, and I'll skin you both alive."
Rice threw an arm around his shoulder with a laugh.
"Alright, alright, no need to get fired up… Come on, let's get a drink. And as for your suggestion, we'll do it your way. You head to Black Whale City on your own. We'll hold the fort until you're ready, then together we'll crush the Cult of the Dragon."
Xiao Feng cast him a pointed look.
"Let me make this clear—there are a few people in my life who are off-limits. If any of you dare to touch them, I will go to war."
"Oho? Am I one of those few?"
"You?" Xiao Feng scoffed. "You don't even count as one. Maybe half."
"Half?! Just half?!"
"Half is already generous."
———
At dawn the next morning, Xiao Feng drove Lin's sleek sports car toward Black Whale City. His own SUV, which had nearly been cleaved in half, was driven back by Lin to his ramshackle auto shop. With a few tools lying around, Storm got to work repairing it, with Thunder Eye lending a hand. By the time Xiao Feng returned, the rugged beast might be roadworthy once more.
After several hours on the road, Xiao Feng arrived once again at Black Whale City. The wall he had shattered days before had been hastily repaired with concrete—though the damage was still faintly visible.
He parked beneath Kelly's apartment building and made his way up to her door, knocking gently. No one answered.
So he scaled out the stairwell window, circled around, and found her rear window slightly ajar. Slipping inside, he landed softly in her room.
The familiar decor stirred a sense of warmth within him. He helped himself to a bit of food and wine before collapsing onto her bed, inhaling her lingering scent as he drifted into sleep.
Time passed swiftly. Whether before or after the Great Purge, humanity's lifestyle had changed dramatically—but time itself remained unyielding, ever marching forward.
Kelly returned home exhausted from her duties at the Ability Management Bureau. Rubbing her sore neck, she unlocked the door. These days, she was not only busy with the bureau's affairs—her father had also begun grooming her for the corporate world, insisting she study company management. She now often interned at a small branch office of the Braunm Corporation in Godo City.
Starting from the lowest rung, Kelly had taken up the role of salesgirl, hawking Braunm's high-grade firearms. Though the products were superb, their steep prices meant few could afford them—so the pressure on sales had grown heavy.
She closed the door behind her with a weary sigh, kicked off her heels, and peeled off her blazer. Loosening the buttons on her shirt, she stepped into her bedroom. With a practiced motion, she slipped off her white blouse, revealing pale skin and a black brassiere.
Admiring her figure briefly in the mirror, she reached behind to unfasten the clasp. As she tossed the bra onto her bed, she finally noticed the figure lying there.
Startled, she clutched her chest and let out a scream.
"Ah—!"