Originally, using detection Anomaly Power would have sped up the rescue. But for some reason, the spiritual energy at the collapse site was wildly unstable. The detection field kept failing. They had no choice but to search inch by inch.

After rescuing Sinan Ying’s team, the final investigation wrapped up.

Zero deaths. Twelve serious injuries. Forty-six minor injuries.

They still hadn’t found the source of the “powerful spiritual energy tremor” the Family Head mentioned. But many abnormalities had occurred.

Rui Feng’s team encountered Wasteland Beasts. Sinan Ying’s team faced hordes of mountain giants. Other teams reported unusually active monsters.

“So, we can now confirm an anomaly has occurred in the Winteredge Mountains,” Sinan Yuan told the assembled captains. Bruises covered her face. Her left arm was bandaged and slung around her neck, making her look slightly disheveled.

“However, we lack the manpower and technology to investigate further. What happened far exceeds common sense.”

“Shouldn’t the technical staff have finished data analysis by now? Nothing found?” a captain asked.

“Unfortunately, besides the monsters we encountered, no other anomalies were detected.”

“Could someone be targeting the Sinan Family? Provoking the mountains’ monsters to sabotage us?”

“Very likely. That’s my suspicion too. Speaking of suspects… Rui Feng, I specifically placed Liu Ye in your team. Any observations?”

“Based on my observations,” Rui Feng stood to reply, “first, her strength is undeniable. But oddly, her knowledge doesn’t match her power. According to Rui Xin, she’s half-clueless about basic常识. Behavior-wise, she showed no suspicious moves. When I risked my life fighting the Wasteland Beast, she saved me without hesitation. That shows strong loyalty.”

“But it could still be…”

“I know your concern. Yes, I can’t deny the Wasteland Beast encounter might’ve been staged by her—to gain trust for ulterior motives. But I trust my judgment: she’s no villain.”

“Previous investigations were fine until she arrived. Coincidence?” another captain challenged.

“No evidence proves her innocence or guilt. She’s mysterious, but we shouldn’t act rashly. Let’s observe first.” Surprisingly, Sinan Yuan said this.

“Enough about her. If someone’s sabotaging us, they’ve failed for now. Next, they’ll either…”

“Give up, or strike when we lower our guard after returning,” Rui Feng finished.

“Correct. The Barbecue Festival is in two days. Winteredge City will be chaotic. They’ll strike then. Decision: maximize security. Cover every corner of the city. Deploy a detection net spanning the entire area.”

“Yes!”

Inside the Winteredge Mountains, in a forest cabin—

“Damn it, Olga! Why deploy mountain giants!?” Sunny, usually calm, roared. He grabbed the young man—Olga—by the collar and lifted him off the ground.

“Don’t you realize acting early just heightens their vigilance? Stick to the plan!”

“Whoa, chill, bro. I had my reasons,” Olga said, spreading his hands in surrender. A sickeningly flattering smile covered his face, but his eyes stayed icy. “Put me down first, yeah?”

Sunny clicked his tongue in disgust and threw Olga down. Olga calmly straightened his collar and smoothed his hair. He waited until Sunny nearly snapped again before speaking.

“‘Ignoring everything and getting stabbed in the back’ versus ‘only watching the front and still getting stabbed’—isn’t the result identical?”

“…Yes.”

“The investigation blew up. They’ll boost security—but only in Winteredge City. They’re all inside, guarding their surroundings. They won’t expect an attack from outside. City security is useless!”

“You mean…”

“Originally, we’d strike when the Sinan Family relaxed after uneventful probes. Now, we strike while they’re busy tightening city security after this failure. Same outcome. Plus, attacking in the Winteredge Mountains gives us an extra shot at success. Brilliant, no?”

Sunny fell silent. Olga’s words seemed wild at first, but each point made sense. Agreement felt inevitable.

“…Fine. I’ll trust you this once. Disrupt the operation again, and I’ll execute you on the spot.”

“Sure, sure~ But when exactly do we start?”

“Tomorrow.”

“The Barbecue Festival was originally named the ‘Winteredge Ancestral Worship and Auspicious Celebration.’ Centuries ago, local hunter tribes held it. After Winteredge City formed, the festival remained. Roasting hunted monsters during celebrations was an ancient custom. The original name was too long, so now it’s just ‘Barbecue Festival’—simple and clear.”

In the deserted city library, I muttered the book’s description of the festival. Barbecue Festival… for us FFF Brigade members, shouldn’t it be Valentine’s Day?

Since returning yesterday, boredom gnawed at me. Like a kid hyped for a spring outing that ended too soon.

Days in the mountains had awakened my manly (womanly?) bloodlust. Close my eyes, and scenes of slaughtering monsters flooded my mind. My blood boiled nonstop. Did I have a hidden battle-loving trait?

I’d wanted to challenge Rui Feng to a fight. But he was swamped with duties. Everyone in the Sinan Family was scrambling. As a senior member, Rui Feng was overwhelmed. Rui Xin and Mo Xiaohong had their own tasks. And Sinan Ying…

I sighed. Since the mission ended, I hadn’t seen her. Her injuries were surprisingly light. With Spiritual Medicines, she’d healed almost completely. But I didn’t know where she was.

Others said the massive collapse was caused by Sinan Ying’s Anomaly Power spiraling out of control. Hard to believe. When we first met, she joked about blowing up a main house building. I thought it was exaggeration—until I saw the devastation myself.

Flattening mountain peaks and all that… I’d called her power a moe version of Saitama. Now it wasn’t cute at all. If she evolved god-like skills like time reversal, she’d crush Kira himself, man!

Jokes aside. After days together, I considered Sinan Ying a true friend. Friends in distress need care. But how to comfort her about uncontrollable Anomaly Power? Say “it’s fine not to control it”? The situation screamed otherwise. Or start a classic shonen plot—help her train, become sworn comrades? But as someone who mastered Anomaly Power effortlessly, I had zero experience…

Finally, amid swirling doubts, the festival arrived quietly.