Chapter 75 - Role Playing the Dark Horse Character

Chapter 75: Slitted Eyes Are All Monsters Qin Tun was on the verge of madness. When he got captured by a human trafficking ring, he thought doom was inevitable. Fortune finally smiled upon him when he encountered members of the Ability Guild, but they showed no intention of rescue. And indeed, Qin Tun chuckled bitterly. Without the tacit approval of the Ability Guild, how could these organizations act so brazenly? He glanced at the unfortunate fellow next to him, who called herself Liu Cheng, displaying a numbness contrasting his own anxiety and fear. As if this person had already died, leaving behind a mere shell existing in the world. It was as though she had long given up struggling. Liu Cheng might be right; they truly had no way of fighting back. Living in Dyed-eye City, Qin Tun understood the nature of the organization he was dealing with. In this district where the Ability Guild operated, any organization daring to run rampant either had connections with the Guild or a strong enough leader. Such as the infamous 'White Mouse.' Qin Tun, just an ordinary person, was not privy to the deeper secrets. All he knew was that this organization's leader was formidable and well-connected. Just like now, guarding him and Liu Cheng were eight ability users. There was no chance of escape. Yet, Qin Tun didn't want to surrender; he had a future he couldn't afford to lose here. "Whatever it takes, even if I become your servant, save me!" he cried out, clinging to the only, albeit insufficient, bargaining chip he had, "I can earn money for you, a lot of money! Just give me a chance!" But the noble figures before him were unmoved, uninterested in the affairs behind them. He was dragged backwards by the ability users, while the noble silhouettes remained indifferent, distancing themselves, leaving this place. Despair seeped into Qin Tun's trembling eyes. Just then. "Are you good at making money?" It was a female voice, slightly rising, nonchalantly, with a touch of whimsy. The sudden voice elicited surprised snorts from the ability users behind. Instinctively, Qin Tun turned to Liu Cheng beside him, only to find Liu Cheng's indifferent, ashen face swiftly lifting towards the back, adopting an attitude contrasting her earlier dejection. It happened quickly, too quickly. In the blink of an eye, everything ended. Clouds drifted, revealing silver moonlight, and the gleam of a blade flashed by like a curved moon, vanishing instantly. "Thud." The restraint behind him disappeared, the ability users pressing them down collapsed, and Qin Tun finally managed to turn completely. He saw someone seemingly facing away, against the moonlight. Black hair, crisp and neat, eyebrows curved, eyes forming a slight arc, squinted. Scarlet patterns flared around her left eye, akin to wings. She wore a high-collared black dress, its slit revealing glimpses of slender, fair legs as it swayed near high-heeled boots, complementing her smile with an indescribable elegance. In her hand, a long blade gleamed. Silver, like tonight's moonlight. At the moment, this pristine surface was tainted with red. Blood dripped along the blade, gathering at its tip. "Plop." A drop of blood fell, her lips curved with a casual smile. She flipped her wrist, swinging the sword to the right, shaking off the crimson. She resembled the coldest, most ruthless assassin, yet her smiling demeanor was like the strongest liquor. Was she talking to me? Qin Tun's nearly blank mind conjured this thought. Trembling, his body couldn't help but quake. That sharp sword seemed ready to lift the next moment, cleaving him in half beneath her smiling visage. Was she saving him? Stop joking! This was clearly a murderous fiend who relished taking lives! A smiling—Asura! "I don't like repeating myself," she said, those curved eyes appearing to gaze at him, "Understood?" Despite not seeing her pupils, Qin Tun felt as though he glimpsed a vortex behind those squinted eyes, sparking terror. Perhaps it was an illusion, but he thought he saw a flash of deep red light, vanishing against the moonlight. "I... I..." His legs buckled, collapsing to the ground, unable to utter a sound. When he was captured, abandoned by the Ability Guild, and during the endless night prior, he had never faced such a sharp blade. Nor had he ever confronted the malice steeped in evil. The tap of high heels on the ground resonated, the Asura's blade tip lowered, stepping towards him. It felt like death was approaching, ready to end his life with a swing under that grinning mask. Qin Tun's throat felt choked, unable to speak a word! Finally, her steps halted. "It seems I can't expect much from civilians," she said with a semblance of regret before turning her arched eyebrows and eyes towards the orange-haired nobles who had turned around since her intervention, "Since Eternal Night adheres to a first-come, first-served basis, I shall claim this organization's assets as my own. You won't object, will you?" "After all, it was the former leader who made agreements with you, not the current one," her tone was casual, yet wildly audacious. Qin Tun felt even more suffocated. Was this Asura provoking the branch leader of the Ability Guild?! He desperately wished he could just pass out! Yet, the orange-haired youth being challenged slowly revealed a smile. Once more, he turned away, seemingly indifferent to the events unfolding here. "Absolutely, that's the rule of Eternal Night," he said, "As long as you can achieve it." "Quite impressive," the Asura responded with a smile. Yet in Qin Tun's eyes, that blood-spattered pale face bore a smile that expanded. But those arched brows and eyes seemed to sink into the shadow beneath her black strands. The blade's glint flickered under the moonlight, while ravens silently soared above them. The severed expression vanished in a flash as the Asura returned to her smiling guise, turned around, genuinely preparing to seek out the 'White Mouse.' Just when she did, "You're saving me," Liu Cheng reached out, grabbing the Asura's sleeve. Qin Tun almost suffocated. Did she realize the gravity of her actions? Couldn't she just let her leave? Yet, the Asura indeed paused. She turned her head, casting her gaze downward. "I'm not saving you," she said with a smile. The sleeve inexplicably disappeared from Liu Cheng's hand as her movements carried the cool breeze of the night and the scent of blood. Yet, the woman who had been indifferent from the start, with a penchant for death, seemed to have moonlight reflecting in her eyes. "You are," Liu Cheng said, "Will we meet again?" Qin Tun no longer focused on Liu Cheng's persistence; he stared at the Asura's retreating figure in terror, praying she would leave quickly. And as he wished, the Asura, already treading into darkness, didn't respond again. He sighed in relief. Ravens cawed, clouds shrouded the moonlight. Red eyes peered from the sky. That was the trio from the Ability Guild who had just departed. Beside the advertising young man, a subordinate-like figure spoke. "I haven't seen that woman in Dyed-eye City before," he said bluntly, "Guild Leader, this person is suspicious." "Do you think she might be the one with the bounty?" the orange-haired young man chuckled at the words, "Do you think that illusionist would come to Dyed-eye City and cross-dress?" "Ruye, there's always a chance," the other orange-haired man said, appearing older, likely the young man's elder. "True in a way," the advertising youth known as Ruye seemed unchanged in his view, "Even if it is the illusionist, it's unlikely they would come here so quickly." "In Dyed-eye City, at least that old lady is a rank SS," saying this, his smile faded. Ravens soared above, vanishing beyond the horizon. ... They couldn't see through her illusion. Knowing this, Li Li felt somewhat relieved. She wouldn't act without purpose; it was rare to encounter nobles during Eternal Night, so she had to do something. At the very least, this encounter informed her that not every Lin noble could see through illusions, exposing her lies. This would greatly aid her future endeavors. She did appear in person, but her probe disguised reality with illusion. And the nobles' conversation confirmed it; they didn't interpret much through her ability but relied on subjective assumptions. Feeling a bit more at ease, Li Li toyed with the long sword in her hand, walking towards the third district. After a few steps, she glanced at her high heels. A mischievous smile gradually formed. Upon receiving Hei Ge's message that he had arrived, An Heyu hurriedly placed the sweets he had prepared onto Hei Ge's table, intending to let Hei Ge have some during their upcoming conversation. After finishing everything, he greeted the members of the Tides branch and went out to meet Li Li. Reaching the entrance, he didn't see the familiar black cloak or dark blue coat. Instead, he saw the back of a person in a long dress. Well-mannered, though cautious, An Heyu first spoke up, "Madam, did you lose your way?" "I can have someone safely escort you home," he offered. As if responding to his words, the figure turned around. An Heyu saw a face that seemed familiar but slightly different. Slitted eyes, smiling, with a red wing-like pattern at the corner of one eye, makeup carrying a familiar flamboyance. Slender but exuding a sharp beauty. Like flowers blooming on bare bones. She smiled, "Really, is that okay?" Something felt off, An Heyu thought. Because her eyes were closed, her features were soft, and coupled with the makeup and pattern covering much of her face, An Heyu didn’t immediately recognize her. Yet he sensed something was wrong, though he couldn’t pinpoint it: "Of course, it's very dangerous here, madam. You should leave as soon as possible." "Dangerous?" the figure asked as if unaware, "Then will you protect me?" At the same time, she moved closer, reducing the distance between them. "...” An Heyu hadn’t expected such a question, and he grew more cautious, "Don't come any closer." "Or I'll kill you," he stated. He watched as the woman in front tilted her head, unclear if she was frightened. "I'm so scared." She spoke, her smile unchanging. But now An Heyu discerned something in her facade. His previously cold expression began to crack. If he wore glasses, they would have metaphorically shattered alongside his expression, like in an anime scene. "...” He seemed to exert considerable effort not to exclaim. In the end, he said, "Stop teasing me." Li Li then opened her eyes, and An Heyu recognized the familiar red. Smiling at him, the playful intent was clear. "Invite me in, Little Red." Her familiar tone made his heart skip a beat. Having her identity revealed, Li Li's appearance began to change, reverting to Hei Ge’s attire. She adjusted her sunglasses, took a couple of steps, and turned to ask the still An Heyu, "Why aren't you moving?" An Heyu wore a thoughtful expression as he spoke, "I'm pondering a question." "Hmm?" Li Li prompted. "Is there anything that you wouldn't dare do?" An Heyu asked earnestly. He couldn’t comprehend how Hei Ge could casually parade in such a guise and tease him! Or perhaps, that's the basic operation for an illusionist? And Li Li answered genuinely, leaving it a mystery, "Guess." Ultimately, no guessing was involved. Li Li followed An Heyu inside and sat at the table he had prepared, greeted by a variety of sweets and a cup of milk tea. An Heyu stood by with the mien of a subordinate, noting her gaze: "I assume you prefer sweet things?" Recalling the events of the day, Li Li was momentarily speechless. She felt An Heyu might have misunderstood, assuming she didn’t eat properly or something... Although, in the manga world, she indeed had poor eating habits. Li Li felt wronged; she ate well in reality, having three meals a day with her roommate bringing food for her. After all, her real-life self couldn’t sustain on perpetual motion. "You made these?" She figured she didn’t need to ask; only a meticulous ‘mother hen’ would put in such effort. Sure enough, An Heyu nodded, explaining, "I used to enjoy baking to relieve stress." No wonder he seemed so adept. Li Li silently praised. Li Li did enjoy small cakes and such, but indulging in sweets late at night gave her a sense of guilt. Yet her curiosity about the taste led her to have a bite before setting the spoon down. It was more a polite acknowledgment of An Heyu's labor. But to An Heyu, it appeared differently. He watched as the black-haired young man before him tasted briefly, then quickly set the spoon down. In the dim light, as the candle illuminated the table, that face was serene. The corner of the man's lips curled slightly, casting a glance at him as if complimenting his craft. But that was all. The gaze then shifted to the Tides member standing before them. The Dyed-eye City representative voluntarily offering intelligence they had gathered while undercover for years to their 'leader.' And the little cake seemed to have fulfilled its mission, quietly casting a long shadow in the candlelight. An Heyu had the impression that the other party wasn't keen on eating but tasted it merely not to let his effort go in vain. No, that was a fact. Looking at the youth listening to the Tides representative, An Heyu felt a strong urge to speak. Like encouraging a good meal, emphasizing the importance of nutrition because lack of it affects health. In the end, he restrained himself. There was still proper business. "The Lord of Dyed-eye City, Lin Ran, an SS-rank Mimic-type ability user," the Tides member reported, "The branch leader, Lin Ruye, Lin Ran's kin, S-rank Mimic-type." "Lin Ran's two cousins, S-rank Mimic-type." "In the thirteenth district, there's a mysterious S-rank, unknown ability type, no one has seen him and lived to tell the tale." "Additionally, the Ability Guild internally has eight A-rank ability users, all under Lin Ruye’s influence," the summary concluded. "Lin Ruye and Lin Ran do not get along, with Lin Ran staying in the Lin noble's highest tower for six years." Additional fragmented information about inter-district relationships existed. But even with this vague data, much could be gleaned. "One SS-rank, four S-rank, eight A-rank," An Heyu summarized, "With our current capabilities, we can’t confront them head-on." That's putting it mildly; realistically, victory is unattainable. Given they only had one S-rank—An Heyu, and counting Li Li as an A-rank, there were the Tides agent, along with two former third district leaders. Dyed-eye City's configuration was indeed a powerhouse of an old noble family. Li Li's index finger twitched, recalling another formidable noble, the Victorious City. She wondered how many beatings Little Corgi endured these days. Li Li felt Yi Ming's beatings were inevitable. “For now, avoiding direct confrontation is wise,” Li Li said sensibly. But earlier, she had boldly declared to the advertising youth, Lin Ruye, her intention to dismantle 'White Mouse,’ giving her legitimate cause to act, so reclining back on her chair, she casually inquired, “Do you know anything about the 'White Mouse' in district one?” “Yes,” the Tides member cautiously replied, "His leader is reputed to be the closest to S-rank, a domain-type ability user, and a member of the Ability Guild." "Any ties to the Lin noble family?" An Heyu seemed to grasp something and pursued the question. "He worked for the Lin family five years ago," the Tides member answered. An Heyu pondered deeply. After their brief meeting concluded, he said to Li Li, “You plan to use the 'White Mouse' leader to gain insights into the Lin family?” Without pretense, Li Li nodded. Indeed, that was her plan. She had anticipated this. Initially, she thought the organization might know some internal secrets, given their apparent closeness with the Ability Guild. But she hadn’t expected them to be so resourceful. “Do you have plans tonight?” Li Li inquired. She rose from her seat, leaving the meeting room. Assuming she had further tasks, An Heyu followed, thought for a moment, and said, "None at the moment." Then he heard Li Li ask, “Do you prefer long dresses or short ones?” Under the glaring hallway lights, An Heyu instantly understood her implication. But if given a choice, he wouldn’t choose either. "Hei Ge," he recalled the recent encounter, earnestly saying, “Even if my identity risks exposure, a mask will suffice. Drastic sacrifices for image transformation aren't necessary, truly.” “Alright, then a short dress,” Li Li responded nonchalantly, acting as if she hadn’t heard, pointing in the direction of district one, “Let’s go, to the 'White Mouse.'” An Heyu: "..." Again, he experienced that strong urge to speak but found himself ultimately speechless. In resignation, he simply requested, “May I at least continue to wear a cloak?” He admitted he wasn't as carefree as Hei Ge; he needed a cloak, something to obscure the short dress. So why was the short dress settled upon anyway?