Above the tech metropolis, inside an airplane...

"Teacher, we've detected an unauthorized aircraft! Seven kilometers due north!" Ada scanned the radar on her computer. A tiny dot glowed close on the green display.

"That close? So they've been hovering above the hotel this whole time. No wonder we struggled to find them. I hope Tran hasn't gotten mixed up in this." Ford, in a sharp suit, frowned toward the grand hotel.

A quick note: since the hot springs were open-air, no aircraft were allowed within two kilometers. But the minister's dropships didn't know that. So... they got reported to Soul Hunter HQ.

"Don't worry, Teacher. This seems tied to the White Emperor Kingdom. Tran's unlikely to be on their radar," Ada said with a smile.

"Let's hope so. That kid's interesting. I'd recruit him into our Soul Hunter squad if I could."

"But this job is dangerous! People die..." Ada's voice grew soft. "You know how many comrades we've lost."

"Sigh. Someone has to do it. We'll ask his thoughts later." Ford grabbed his walkie-talkie. "Fire phosphor powder at the target, seven hundred meters north."

Invisible hovercraft failed instantly when hit by low-ignition substances—a common battlefield trick.

After the phosphor rounds launched, sparks lit the sky. A massive aircraft materialized.

"They came so boldly? Then they won't leave!" Ford barked. "All units, surround that plane!"

"Roger!"

...

"Your Excellency, don't joke. With your power, why not join us? Once the White Emperor Kingdom is ours, I'll grant you land and crown you emperor..." The minister spoke via hologram.

Tran claimed to be a high school student? No way! What teen could solo his drug-enhanced supersoldiers? If this guy served him, conquering the White Emperor Kingdom would be easy.

"Emperor, huh... Does that mean endless wealth? Parties every night?" Tran actually perked up. His life goal? Pure leisure.

"Absolutely! Countless handsome men will fall at your feet!" The minister stroked his beard. Strange—why would a girl mention wild parties?

"Ew, gross..." Tran's excitement vanished. Just imagining men fawning over him made him gag. "Minister old man, keep those suitors for yourself."

"Huh?" The minister froze, confused.

"Oh, and as emperor, do I handle boring paperwork all day? Manage everything?"

"Yes! To make your nation thrive!"

"Sounds exhausting."

"It is. That's what makes a good ruler!" The minister rambled without thinking.

"Got it. I refuse!" Tran dashed toward Warrior One.

Before Warrior One reacted, Tran grabbed his neck and slammed him down. "What's this? The minister offered you a kingdom!"

"Why would I take such a hassle? My dream is getting rich without working!" Tran declared nonsense with a straight face. Then he knocked Warrior One out with one punch.

Poor Warrior One didn't even pop his drugs before dying. His screen time was worse than the other three.

"What do you want? Aren't my terms enough?" The minister's temple throbbed. His patience snapped.

"Let me get this straight. Your whole plan relies on sacrificing Bai Xing to seize the White Emperor Kingdom, right?" Tran walked over, lifted Bai Xing gently. "I don't care about your empire. But using a beauty like her as a sacrifice? You can go to hell for that."

"So you choose to be my enemy?" The minister's voice turned icy.

"Try me if you're tough enough!" Tran made silly faces, turning the minister's face crimson.

Fed up, the minister smashed his communicator. The hologram vanished.

Hotel staff rushed in, horrified by the wreckage. A manager looked utterly devastated.

"Tran? What are you doing here... dressed like that?" Ada's voice cut through the crowd. She'd arrived at the hot springs. Seeing Tran in just a towel, she winced. "So improper."

"Oh? Senior Ada? What brings you here?" Tran carried Bai Xing toward her. Medics arrived, and he handed Bai Xing over.

"How can you act so calm after this mess? This involves the White Emperor Kingdom—one of the top ten powers! You got dragged in..." Ada sighed. "I thought Princess Bai Xing staying here wouldn't cross your path. How did this even happen?"

"Well, I just wanted a hot spring soak. Then things got weird..."

"Never mind. Come with me first. You can't discuss serious matters half-naked. Soul Hunter HQ will handle the scene. I have questions for you." Ada grabbed Tran's hand and pulled him out.

...

"Damn it! Who is that person? Why ruin my plan?" The minister shattered another communicator in his office. He glared at figures on his sofa.

"Sir, this is simple. We kill her in the tech city. We know her face," said a masked man with twin giant blades on his back.

"A mere civilian fighter? How can they compare to our nation's SS Rank elites?" A man with an afro twirled a gold trinket.

Three others sat silently.

The minister exhaled slowly. He'd gambled hard for Princess Bai Xing—sending four of his fewer-than-thirty modified warriors. All lost.

"You're my last hope against the king. I can't risk you," he said carefully. "And without Princess Bai Xing, we lack her Soul Beast. Our position is weak."

"Then I'll go. I'll bring back the Soul Beast within three days." A white-haired beauty from the silent trio spoke up.

"Bai Yi, are you sure?" The minister tapped his desk.

"Leave it to me. It's been ages since I faced such a fun opponent." Bai Yi smiled.