Conscious beings—conscious animals, conscious plants, even conscious microbes.

Thus, there was once such a theory.

Every entity born into this world inherently has its own meaning. But broadly speaking, this hasn’t been fully proven.

Put another way, this theory isn’t like a math formula, replaceable by symbols and numbers. Nor is it like an artwork, carved by human hands.

Their existence merely glorifies human wisdom’s greatness. Simply put, it makes people see this world as so “benevolent”—never abandoning any life.

What a grand conspiracy theory.

History shows wars shattering humanity’s dreams again and again. Lives were devastated; people suffered endlessly…

Countless souls lost in wars—what meaning did their existence hold?

No one knows. No one answers. Politicians label all truths “heart-wrenching tragedies.” They fade into forgotten secrets, vanishing with time.

These things shouldn’t concern anyone. But when humans form groups, complex ties emerge—family, friends, comrades, teachers, even strangers. Then, dropping to the individual level, everyone gets affected.

…

“Still the same as ever… Manager Xu, always spouting nonsense…”

Bai Ming was still lingering on that “respectable” manager’s words.

“Recently, a super arrogant criminal group’s been in City A. They never left. Now their influence covers the whole city. Even the Hero Association hesitates to act—it involves interest issues.”

He pinched his aching nose bridge, recalling Xu Ping’s words.

“He stressed ‘hard to act’ so deliberately… Why tell me that…”

Bai Ming, long severed from the word “Hero,” hated such baseless talk. This era was vibrant yet dark and cruel.

Folks with weird powers coexisted. Evil forces grew stronger; righteous ones dwindled. Greed devoured hearts. Power degraded dignity. Humans turned uglier. Other races rose to dominance.

Tragically, no one noticed—or if they did, no one acted.

So he couldn’t grasp those scrambling into the Hero Association. Calling themselves “Heroes” for petty benefits and fame? Laughable.

Living in a daze—what’s the difference from being dead?

“Well… I’m no hero either. Don’t want to be.”

Crumpling the note in his hand, Bai Ming snapped out of it. He stood before downtown’s department store.

He looked up. The colossal building, like a tower to the heavens, couldn’t fit in his vision. From his angle, it loomed like a majestic mountain peak. He felt like a speck at its base—so insignificant.

Closer inspection revealed gold-trimmed windows and embedded diamonds.

“Holy crap, this is massive!”

Staring at the behemoth, Bai Ming instinctively stepped back. Yes, this was only his second time fearing something. The first was at age thirteen…

“How was this even built… and the cost…”

Like a country bumpkin in the city, he dwelled more on this than his errand.

Money was deeply ingrained. Bai Ming believed money wasn’t evil—it was innocent! Beautiful!

“Did I come to the wrong place…”

Actually, he’d never seen such a towering structure. Calling it a “department store” felt wrong…

“It’s basically a golden vault!”

If the exterior was this lavish, the goods inside must be priceless.

He slipped a hand into his pocket, pulling out his wallet to count the cash carefully.

“I wonder if it’s enough…”

Only a frugal veteran would worry like this before entering.

But he went in. For his sister’s request—he had to grit his teeth.

“Seriously… what kind of day is this… running errands here.”

Remembering the purpose, he realized he didn’t even know why he was buying these things. Bai Ruoshui just said so, and he’d mindlessly come.

“W-well, I’ll go in first…”

Having come this far, he had to check inside.

Steeled himself, Bai Ming stepped in.