Zhi Cheng closed his eyes, unwillingly awaiting death. But after several seconds, no Monsters attacked.
The clamor of battle continued unabated. Just as Zhi Cheng felt puzzled, a crisp, girlish voice rang in his ears.
“Hee hee hee! You two are almost dead, yet still clinging together. Hey, hey—is this what they call showing off love?”
Zhi Cheng snapped his eyes open. Before him stood a girl of about ten, wearing a pure, innocent smile. She had long, glossy black hair, a face as delicate as a doll’s, and emerald eyes gleaming unnaturally. Her black Gothic Lolita dress blended into the night sky, radiating mystery.
At this moment, her innocent smile felt eerily terrifying.
Zhi Cheng knew her identity. The Sixth of the Order of the Holy Temple, the Evernight Witch, Claire Alshavian. He also knew her arrival meant the Eighth, the Acting Law Enforcer, Shirley Estes, was here too.
Sure enough, a white figure darted across his vision. There was no mistake—it was her. Realizing the world’s two strongest had reached this battlefield, Zhi Cheng was certain he was saved.
“Lady Sherry is here!”
“Lady Claire too!”
“We’re saved!”
Cheers erupted from the Soul Force Wielders.
Zhi Cheng said with a bitter smile, complaining, “Seriously, could you hurry up?”
Then he closed his eyes again, holding Meijia as they plummeted downward.
“Seriously, how dare you be so rude. But luckily, I don’t dislike you. Otherwise, you’d end up like these Monsters.”
Claire waved her tiny hand. A dark purple magic circle with intricate spiral patterns appeared beneath them. Their fall slowed instantly, descending gently.
Small wyvern Monsters lunged at Claire from all sides. But she showed no fear, spreading her arms mockingly.
“What ill-mannered creatures. I absolutely despise them!”
Dark purple magic circles erupted around Claire. Wyverns slammed into them and were violently repelled. Countless circles then burst randomly across the battlefield. Black chains shot out, snaring the wyverns. Sensing danger, they flapped wings to escape—but chains bound and strangled them before they fled. Blood mist sprayed, staining the sky crimson. Their dismembered corpses plummeted like discarded scraps.
The Soul Force Wielders’ cheers faded to silence. Only the metallic scrape of chains and wyvern wails remained. Joy on their faces turned to fear. This place was... the Netherworld.
***
Ten minutes earlier.
Inside a military jet sat two girls.
The girl by the window had long, snow-white hair and crimson eyes. Her breathtaking beauty was unforgettable. She wore a white dress with delicate lace and silver accessories, looking solemn yet elegant. Its form-fitting design resembled a battle suit, yet exposed arms and ruffled shoulders made it seem like an evening gown. She was Lin Zixuan, sister of Lin Yichen.
Beside her sat a petite girl with long black hair and deep blue eyes. Her doll-like features, paired with a black Gothic Lolita dress, exuded cuteness and mystery.
Zixuan rested one hand on the window, chin propped on her palm, gazing dazedly at the sea of clouds.
The black-haired girl spoke: “Hey, hey, Sister, what are you thinking about?”
“Nothing much. My home is in the city next to our destination.” Zixuan turned, giving her a gentle smile.
“Really? Can Claire visit your home, Sister?” Claire’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. She leaned her whole body toward Zixuan.
“Hmm...” Seeing Zixuan hesitate, Claire lowered her head, pouting. “If Sister is unwilling, Claire won’t go.”
“Well, after this mission, come visit my home.”
“Yes! Thank you, Sister!” Claire threw herself into Zixuan’s arms, nuzzling like a spoiled child. Zixuan gently stroked her head, wearing a slightly troubled smile. From afar, they looked like inseparable sisters.
Just then, commotion arose among the staff ahead. A young logistics officer rushed over, panicked.
“Lady Sherry, the dimensional rift opened early! Unexpected high-tier Monsters appeared. Our forces are battling the horde! They’ll break through defenses and enter Heavenly Bay City soon!” She naturally addressed Zixuan as Lady Sherry.
Zixuan’s smile vanished instantly. “Sister?” Ignoring Claire’s puzzled gaze, she gently pushed her aside and stood.
“How long until we arrive?”
“S-Still 30 minutes!” The officer flinched back in fear, answering without delay.
Zixuan’s expression grew graver. “Open the aircraft door.”
“Huh?” Before the officer could react, Zixuan headed straight for the door.
“Claire.”
“Yes, Sister!” Claire jogged after her.
“Open it quickly!”
“Ah, yes!” Prompted again, the officer rushed to the cockpit. The door opened swiftly. Zixuan leaped lightly, shooting out like an arrow. Claire followed without hesitation. Their speed was dozens of times faster than the jet.
Claire watched Zixuan worriedly. She couldn’t understand her grave expression. To Claire, home was just a place—easily replaced if destroyed. And the Soul Force Wielders below? She didn’t think Zixuan would worry about them.
“Sister, what are you worried about?”
“Yichen is there.”
!!!
Claire’s deep blue eyes widened. She clenched her fists tightly. She knew Yichen—Zixuan’s most important person. In their chats, Zixuan often mentioned him with such happiness, making Claire immensely envious. Claire admired Zixuan; she wanted to be the one in her heart. But that place was already occupied by Lin Yichen. Hatred filled Claire. A thought occurred, and malice flashed in her eyes.
In less than five minutes, they reached the battle airspace.
“Claire, I leave them to you.” Having followed Zixuan for years, Claire understood without explanation.
“Yes, Sister!” After her reply, Zixuan turned and shot straight upward.
Osgar, the high-tier Monster reigning with a tyrant’s presence, immediately grew alert as if sensing a threat.
“C-Captain! Lady Sherry is here!” Kuang Tian’ao, struggling to hold back Osgar, jerked his head toward Zixuan’s approach at his subordinate’s shout.
Genuine joy filled his heart—but he didn’t forget the battlefield. “Retreat!”
“Captain? Are we leaving Osgar to Lady Sherry alone?” a team member asked anxiously.
“Kid, this is no longer our battlefield! We can’t help, and we might get caught in their crossfire!” The member stood frozen, unable to comprehend. To him, Zixuan was still just a girl—leaving such a Monster to her was wrong.
The captain grabbed his collar, dragging him away forcibly. “Just watch their battle from afar! You’ll understand soon enough!”
