In the bathroom.

Water pooled crimson on the floor. Her skin glowed snow-pale and flawless—no trace of scales remained. The mirror reflected a body blessed by gods, curves flowing like an undulating ink-wash landscape.

But someone couldn’t care less.

Silver Lady knew her master never lacked beautiful women. Yet what did one more matter? She’d watched him entangled with Ink Orange Ice these four years—four years he’d never touched her once.

No scheme she devised ever worked. At best, he’d flee in embarrassment, retreating straight to Ink Orange Ice.

Perhaps intimacy wasn’t what truly mattered.

He treated everyone in the organization kindly, yet quietly planned exits for them all. Whenever someone drew near, he’d gently push them away. As if… he remained utterly alone. Unchanged.

Silver Lady strained to be useful.

So she became SS Rank. Only then could she secure her place beside him when chaos came.

She shut off the shower. Water droplets trembled on her skin as she stepped toward the door. The black-and-white maid dress hung waiting. Slowly, she slipped into it, laced her petite leather shoes, and walked to her office to wait in silence.

……………………

A knock. The door opened. Raven removed his mask and approached.

Silver Lady’s finished dress lay in an elegant box. Lin Ran lifted the lid, glanced inside, then at her. "You worked hard."

"Not at all, Master."

She rose from her chair, the skirt swaying softly. Its low neckline made her chest tremble slightly with each step. Her fingers curled around Lin Ran’s neck; her gaze turned hazy.

"So… my reward?"

"You said it wasn’t hard."

"But Silver Lady hasn’t eaten in two days. Without protein, I’ll die." Her eyes held him, dark and pleading. Seeing no reaction, she understood. She released his neck, sank gracefully to one knee, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

………………………………

"Six PM tonight. The Alliance sends negotiators," Silver Lady murmured, straddling Lin Ran’s lap. His arm circled her waist, her skirt spilling over his thighs. She regretted the design—not split enough. If it were shorter, his hand could slide straight up her bare waist. Soft. Pale. He might enjoy playing there.

"I’ll accompany you."

"Those Alliance minnows don’t deserve your presence. Silver Lady can handle them alone."

"How’s your power control lately?"

"Stable. Soon, I’ll fully settle at SS Rank." She answered truthfully.

Her ability—Silver Demon—blurred physical and special types. When activated, her body transformed into an unknown creature. At B Rank, her hands became silver blades. A Rank granted demon legs. S Rank twisted her torso. SS Rank remade her entirely.

But the transformation wasn’t easy. Greedy for power, she’d devoured too many ability cores. After breaking through, madness consumed her—only slaughter filled her mind.

That day, she killed Raven three hundred and twenty-four times.

Tears streamed as her heart shredded. Silver blades crushed his skull again and again. Cycle after cycle. Rage spent. Reason returned. She became Silver Lady once more.

Her master merely ruffled her hair.

"Told you… don’t gulp power like candy. Disobey me, and you’ll be punished."

"Punish me, Master."

Tears still wet, she offered him a thorn-covered whip.

"Not like that… Hitting you might excite you. So—for one month, you won’t see me."

He turned away without hesitation.

The world collapsed around her.

Now, Silver Lady obeyed. Perfectly.

………………………………

Six PM.

Silver Lady had unified the city’s southern districts. As its de facto ruler, the Alliance sought negotiations—rules, treaties. They dared not move against her, unsure of her true strength. Coexistence was their only choice.

She waited in her office. But the Alliance’s delegation exceeded expectations.

Only three people.

Su Nisheng, the negotiator. Low rank, high intellect. She knew exactly how to curb Silver Lady’s growth.

Behind her stood two guards.

The man in black—codename Inkwell. SS Rank. His power involved darkness; details were scarce.

The woman wore a white Alliance uniform. Her knee-length skirt rode high on her thighs. Hair pinned in a vintage style, eyes calm as still water. A uniquely shaped sword hung at her back.

Her beauty was imperial—empress-tier in ancient courts. Silver Lady knew her alias: Cat Gem.

Nine Lives Cat ability. SS Rank physical type. Seven lives remaining.

Su Nisheng sat opposite Silver Lady. A maid served jasmine tea, its fragrance light and sweet.

Inkwell and Cat Gem remained standing behind Su Nisheng—guarding her, no need for seats.

Su Nisheng placed a file on the table.

"Long time no see, Miss Silver Lady."

"Just Silver Lady."

She lifted her head slowly, offering a gentle smile.

Su Nisheng felt uneasy. The Silver Lady she remembered was cold, arrogant, shadowed by gloom. Why wear this… tacky black-and-white maid dress? Modified, too! Skirt absurdly short… and white thigh-high stockings?

The atmosphere turned surreal.

"I come bearing the Alliance’s terms. Three rules. Would you review them yourself, or shall I read aloud?"

"Read." Silver Lady’s voice was flat.

Su Nisheng showed no irritation. She began reciting the contract clauses.

No illegal activities—especially narcotics. Then casinos, underground fights, flesh trade… Su Nisheng’s voice dropped when mentioning these. Her eyes met Silver Lady’s. An unspoken understanding.

As long as Silver Lady stayed within bounds, these vices were permitted.

A compromise.

Silver Lady rested her chin on her palm, listening quietly. One finger twirled a silver strand of hair. She raised no objections until Su Nisheng paused.

"The final clause, Miss Silver Lady. Consider it carefully."

"Speak." Silver Lady knew what came next.

"All profits… you surrender fifty percent to the Alliance."

The moment the words left Su Nisheng’s lips, Inkwell and Cat Gem tensed. Ready to shield her if Silver Lady attacked.

Silver Lady seemed unsurprised. A faint smile touched her lips.

"On what grounds?"

Her voice turned icy. Pressure thickened the air. Su Nisheng struggled to breathe.

"Before, you took twenty percent. Now I’ve crushed Golden Syndicate—you demand fifty?" Silver Lady scoffed. She looked past Su Nisheng—at the two guards behind her.

"I might have spared you courtesy, Su Nisheng. But I see no sincerity from your side."

"We can renegotiate." Su Nisheng held her ground.

"Negotiation requires mutual respect. Since you lack it…" Silver Lady stood. Her gaze locked onto Cat Gem.

"I hear you have seven lives left?"

Cat Gem’s eyes flicked over her. "What of it?"

"Spare one. Fight me with it." Silver Lady’s smile turned venomous.

"If I win—fifty percent?" Cat Gem’s expression stayed calm.

"If you win, take one hundred percent."

Su Nisheng hesitated one second, then agreed. Cat Gem consented. Silver Lady led them to the fourth floor—a massive underground fight ring. She stepped onto the platform still wearing her maid dress.

Cat Gem stood opposite her. Slowly, she drew the ancient sword from her back. Its blade ignited with condensed energy. Silver light flared in Silver Lady’s eyes. Bone spikes erupted from her shoulders and arms.

Both vanished in an instant. A deafening crash shook the arena.

The fight broadcast on overhead screens. Inkwell watched intently from Su Nisheng’s side, his pupils narrowing dangerously.

Su Nisheng didn’t notice his grin twisting savage, dark energy coiling around his fingertips.