"As you can see, I don't even have my own clothes anymore, and I'm completely broke. I really can't get anywhere like this."
"So, I'd like to borrow some Dennies."
Ethereals like Zane didn't need Dennies.
But humans like Zane did.
Seeing Zane's beautiful eyes, Zhu Yuan didn't waste words. She pulled out her wallet, kept just enough for her bus fare, and stuffed the rest into Zane's hands.
Dennies came in paper form—if they were all coins, it would be far too troublesome.
"Helping people in need is what the Public Security Bureau is supposed to do!" Zhu Yuan said righteously, then crossed her arms and added with a bit of dissatisfaction,
"Zane, didn't you and the seniors say we're all friends? If we're friends, why are you still being so formal?"
Zane understood what Zhu Yuan meant and could only reply,
"Then, thank you, Zhu Yuan."
"No need! I'm heading off now!" Zhu Yuan smiled with satisfaction, raised her hand to wave goodbye, and ran toward the distant bus stop.
If she delayed any longer, she'd miss the last bus home!
Zane watched her back for a few seconds, then looked down at the Dennies in his hand and smiled softly.
"Such a warm-hearted girl."
"The debt's been repaid. The life-saving favor is settled."
Eight thousand seven hundred fifty Dennies was a cheap price to pay for his life.
But this was Zhu Yuan doing her best to help him without knowing who he truly was, just because of that casual "friend" and her own nature.
From the way Zhu Yuan acted, she clearly had no intention of asking him to pay her back.
In this short time together, Zane had grown to admire Zhu Yuan.
For the public good and the people, resilient and unwavering.
Righteous spirit and pure character.
Tucking the Dennies away, Zane looked around the bustling city. Although Zhu Yuan hadn't asked him anything yet, he would still need to check in with Belle and Wise about his information—and about the two Thieves from the Hollows...
Since he had been given a chance, he would have to head over to the video store on Sixth Street and coordinate with the siblings.
On top of that, the two Thieves who were still in military custody, not yet handed over to the Public Security Bureau, also needed to be dealt with.
Leaving the Public Security Bureau and strolling down the streets, Zane relaxed as he took in the luxurious yet unfamiliar surroundings. Living in the city was indeed different from being in the Hollows.
After all, he had a human soul.
However, after a moment, he frowned slightly.
Wait, how was he supposed to take the bus, subway, or hail a cab in New Eridu?
He had no clue.
Scanning the area, he planned to ask a passerby for help, but when his gaze fell on one spot, Zane's eyes lit up.
Hey, look at that—he spotted a matcha cupcake.
Zane's lips curved slightly. It wasn't an actual cupcake, of course, but a nickname he'd quietly given Corin in his mind: sweet, soft, and just a little flustered—just like a matcha cupcake.
What a coincidence, running into her here.
Maybe... he should go tease her a little?
If a stranger sincerely asked for help, the matcha cupcake would definitely panic, right?
Tch, why did he feel like his thoughts were a little evil...
...
New Eridu, city center.
Inside a private building.
"Heh, Major Xin, you're really in the mood—still have time to enjoy New Eridu's night view?"
The neon lights of the city blended with the eerie clarity of the moonlight, casting a glow on the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, outlining the tall figure standing there.
"The failure of your mission has nothing to do with me."
"Why would I let something so irrelevant affect my mood?"
Standing before the windows, a woman in a black military uniform glanced sideways at the visitor and said calmly.
Her long, pale pink hair fell loosely, and her eyes, matching her hair, carried a faint indifference. Though her appearance was lovely, her demeanor held a cool detachment, which contrasted sharply with her uniform.
But what stood out most was not her looks—it was the pair of white wings folded neatly at her waist, marking her special status.
"Nothing to do with you? This concerns the entire New Eridu! Doesn't the Scepter Army always claim they're here to protect it?"
"Now's the chance—the chance to completely change New Eridu—and you don't care at all!"
"Those Defenders are practically useless! Even with Snake Cage there, they couldn't catch the target!"
The visitor was clearly furious, his angry words spilling out. The luxurious monocle on his shadowed face shook with his rage.
"Now the Hollows have disappeared, the object is nowhere to be found, and even the Defenders are divided. We can't mobilize any forces. So what now?"
"Is the Scepter Army still unwilling to move?"
"Are you just like them, clinging to your precious wings?"
Boom!
Crack—crack—
A surge of overwhelming pressure erupted. Cracks spread across the massive windows, and with a shattering boom, the glass broke apart!
The crashing sounds echoed through the vast, silent room as Major Xin's eyes gleamed coldly.
"Watch your mouth."
"The Defenders are the foundation of both the Old and New Capitals. The Scepter Army is part of that. The army, navy, and air force together protect this place, allowing the Old and New Eridu to stand firm in the world."
"The blood they've shed, the sacrifices they've made, are worth far more than anything the Helios Academy has done—especially your bunch!"
"I haven't cut off your hands reaching into the Defenders only because I'm giving some old geezers face. Don't think I don't know about your dirty dealings with the Financial Federation!"
Major Xin turned, walking step by step toward the man, stopping right in front of him.
"Go back and deliver this message."
"The Defenders aren't anyone's pawns. Neither is the Scepter Army. Drop those delusional fantasies."
Facing Major Xin, the man felt an overwhelming sense of deathly threat. Even knowing that Major Xin wouldn't make a move, he couldn't help but feel a deep fear.
In the end, he could only throw out a threat and leave in a hurry.
"When the great undertaking arrives, you'll regret this."
Major Xin said nothing more, quietly returning to the windows to look down at New Eridu from above.
Silence filled the room.
"You know the fire of Helios must not be extinguished."
"It mustn't fall into the hands of those lunatics from the Helios Academy."
A slightly weathered voice spoke. A figure slowly emerged from the shadows, stepping into the light of the window.
His silver hair gleamed under the neon glow, and he exuded an undeniable authority.
"Old man, I know what's important," Major Xin replied calmly without turning around.
In the old man's blurred vision of neon-lit New Eridu, he listened to Major Xin's words and sighed softly.
"But the fire of Helios must not burn—at least not until the right fuel appears."
This time, Major Xin remained still and silent.
"After the Cretan Hollows vanished, the fire's trail was lost. But I believe... it will appear again."