The living room plunged into deathly silence.

Xu Weiyu finally understood why Raven had warned her not to let The Alliance know her ability could do this. If they found out... she knew exactly what would happen.

This power could rewrite all rules and reshuffle every faction. Once exposed, her protectors would want her alive—but every other faction would want her dead.

Raven’s eyes held a hint of amusement. Xu Weiyu wasn’t completely stupid after all.

She snapped out of her daze and looked up at him. “How do you know all this?!”

Right—that was the real issue. Why did he know her ability so well? He knew details even she didn’t understand!

“My ability tells me,” Raven replied flatly.

Xu Weiyu recalled his power: a snap of his fingers made skulls explode or knees shatter. Yet today, she’d seen him use flames too. Did he have two abilities?

Such cases weren’t rare, but Raven seemed to read her thoughts. He shook his head slightly.

“I do have two abilities, but not what you think,” he said seriously.

“What are they?” Xu Weiyu blurted out.

Raven slowly raised his hand as if to demonstrate. She stayed still, waiting. But his hand only landed on her head, ruffling her hair with a smile.

“Do you really think I’d tell you?”

Xu Weiyu glared up at him, eyes resentful.

Raven quickly pulled his hand back—he hadn’t meant to take advantage, just tease her. He stood up with a soft sigh. “I’ve told you everything now. You must reach S Rank within three months. If you fail…”

“And what then?” Xu Weiyu cut in.

“Are you afraid of death?” he asked suddenly.

“No!” She crossed her arms defiantly.

“Oh?”

Raven stepped closer, fingers poised to snap. Xu Weiyu paled instantly. “Yes,” she stammered.

“Death isn’t the worst thing. Sometimes it’s a relief,” Raven murmured, holding her gaze. Xu Weiyu bit her lip and nodded.

“I should go,” Raven said, heading for the door.

“Wait! I have a question…”

He paused and turned. “Hmm?”

“What’s your goal? Are you with the Dark Organization?”

“What’s a Dark Organization?”

“The ones causing chaos every day!” Xu Weiyu frowned.

“Why would they do that?”

“To disrupt The Alliance’s order!” Her eyes lit up.

“And is The Alliance’s order truly just?”

“That’s nonsense! They treat ordinary people well. They don’t kill lightly. Their rules are solid, and they offer great benefits to ability users,” Xu Weiyu muttered.

“If all Dark Organizations vanished, leaving only The Alliance in power—would the world become peaceful? Would ability users and ordinary people live as equals?” Raven pressed.

Xu Weiyu had no answer.

“If only The Alliance remained, you know the outcome better than I do. The Alliance represents order; Dark Organizations represent chaos. They need each other. When one grows too strong, it’s never good.”

“What about you? After all that talk, do you represent chaos?”

“I only represent myself.” Raven chuckled softly. “Even if I could build a new order or set the ultimate rules—so what? I’m no good at that. I don’t care. What’s the point of having everything if you’re alone? I’d rather stay in the dirt than rule from above. Whether this world is good or bad… it’s none of my concern.”

“I won’t argue with you adults. You all talk big, but in the end, it’s just about who’s strongest. Most Dark Organizations can’t match The Alliance’s power anyway,” Xu Weiyu huffed, stubbornly defensive.

“Do you truly believe that?”

“Believe what?”

“Don’t worry. Within two months, I’ll fight your Alliance’s SS Rank member.”

Xu Weiyu’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “You’ll challenge her? When and where? I’ll deliver your challenge!”

Raven gave her a faintly disdainful look.

“Would you send a challenge to a kitten just out of adolescence?”

“She’s not just anyone! She’s incredibly strong!”

“SS Rank physical-type. Nine Lives Cat. Seven lives left… Funny. Physical-types are my easiest prey. My ability counters hers perfectly. If she’s smart, I’ll leave her a few lives.”

Xu Weiyu froze.

“How do you know everything…?”

“You guessed it. The Alliance has my mole.”

Raven turned to leave. Xu Weiyu suddenly grabbed a trash bag and thrust it into his hands.

“Take out the trash on your way down? Thanks.” She batted her eyelashes, adding a playful pout.

Raven just sighed, took the bag, and left.

Xu Weiyu stood there, watching the door close softly. She tilted her head.

This guy… really was as approachable as her gut had said.

……………………………………………

Early morning.

Lin Ran woke up early. He fed and watered the cat in the corner, then booted up his computer to browse forums.

He was unemployed now.

Su Nisheng had offered him a high-paying, no-effort job—even hinted he could ask for money. But Lin Ran refused. That’d be stupid and pathetic.

Finding a normal job shouldn’t be hard. Factories or construction sites were decent options, though exhausting. He’d considered it briefly, then dismissed it. *I’d die*, he thought.

Times had changed. Real industries struggled. Scrolling through forums and short videos, Lin Ran realized he knew many things. He’d learned whatever interested him over the years, even while slacking off.

Su Nisheng had said he was gifted—naturally talented at everything. Even in sparring, his reflexes and technique kept him undefeated.

Lin Ran opened his closet and found an entry-level camera.

Two years ago, he’d dabbled in photography, shooting portraits for pretty girls. Though not part of any circle, he’d gained minor fame. A set cost around 4k, but it was tedious—mostly dealing with cosplayers and girls wanting keepsakes. Socializing wasn’t his hate, but he didn’t want new acquaintances.

Still, the idea had merit.

He recalled Xu Mo’s weird plan—thankfully nipped in the bud.

*Come to think of it, Xu Zhi is quite pretty too.*

Lin Ran sat at his desk, sketching possible plans on paper. This era was a double-edged sword: beautiful girls got more opportunities but faced more temptations. Then again, who cared? Happiness mattered more.

The world had no “good pants” or “bad pants.” Good pants could turn bad, but bad pants never became good again.

If Xu Zhi had abandoned her principles early on, life might’ve been easier. She could’ve paid her mom’s medical bills by now—she was smart, pretty, and dutiful. Maybe she’d be rich, retired quietly, with no one knowing her past.

Everyone chose their own path. If it didn’t affect you, you had no right to judge.

Just live your own life.

Survive until tomorrow.

Maybe that’s why they became friends… Lin Ran finished his notes. The plan was simple—just needed a bit of luck.

He called Xu Zhi immediately.

“Hello?” Her voice was drowsy, likely just awake.

“Ever thought about being a cosplayer?”

“Huh? Why ask that?”

“I found a path for you. Interested?”

“Mm… what about you?”

“I’ll handle your planning, photoshoots, all that.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Then sure! But why do you need my measurements?”

“For a custom outfit. Photos later. Just wait and research the field for now.”

“Okay… my measurements…”

“Tell me.” Lin Ran grew slightly impatient with her pause.

“I can’t recall exactly~ How about I come over? You measure me properly—from top to bottom. And I’ll measure you… inside and out?”

“I suggest you die.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll check again… I think I’m having a second growth spurt. Ugh, so annoying.”

“…” Lin Ran hung up.