The sinister man’s next target was Angelo. Angelo was in the opposite direction from Lucy’s escape route. Only a few kilometers separated him from the Monster Forest exit. The sinister man chuckled softly. He was sprinting at full throttle this time. Even with his current strength, he wouldn’t catch Angelo without unleashing his top speed.
Angelo didn’t know Lucy was already dead. Seeing the safe outskirts of the Monster Forest ahead, his heart swelled with joy. All he could think about was how to enjoy life after surviving. He’d had enough of the adventurer’s life. Though it brought wealth and overnight riches, it was a constant gamble—living day by day with no certainty.
He’d decided: once he escaped, he’d find a wealthy family to work as their bodyguard. His strength wasn’t exceptional, but it was more than enough for the job. Most adventurers scorned bodyguard work. It was tedious, and the pay paled next to adventuring spoils. At best, it offered a modest living. But it had perks: no Monstrous Beast attacks, no worrying about empty-handed returns or feast-or-famine days.
Truthfully, Angelo hadn’t really planned on taking Nora’s Colossal Sword. He’d just gone along with Lucy’s scheme. Free money was free money—he’d only lifted a finger. That girl Nora was probably still trudging away with Ferrero on her back. But that was fine. An extra target meant higher survival odds for him. He almost felt grateful to Nora.
The Monster Forest exit loomed ahead. His face lit up with pure joy. *It’s good to be alive*, he thought.
Then, in an instant, his expression froze. Panic seized him. He spun to flee—but the sinister man stood right before him. Tripping over a vine, he crashed to the ground. He slammed his fist down, cursing the vine. No time to think—he scrambled up, only to be snatched by the sinister man’s grip.
A cold voice cut through the air: “Game over.”
Angelo shrieked, “Impossible! You used your full strength—you couldn’t have caught me otherwise!”
“I keep my promises,” the sinister man snapped. “This is my current speed.”
Facing death, Angelo spat back, “You should’ve chased Nora first! I’d have escaped by now!”
The sinister man sneered. “Wrong guess.”
Angelo’s shocked “What?” died in his throat. An eagle materialized from the man’s hand and swallowed him whole. The chattering fool had worn out his patience. Now, he craved the taste of that little girl burying her friend.
Angry humans tasted spicy. Sad ones, salty. Fearful ones? Juicy and tender. Happy ones? He’d never tried one. Who’d be happy to be eaten? The unknown thrilled him. What would a loyal girl like her taste like?
The thought made him tremble. Drool dripped from his lips. He transformed into a gust of wind, racing toward her.
Qin Jun sensed Angelo and Lucy fall one by one. Watching the sinister man close in on Nora, he stretched his limbs. Time to teach this arrogant demon a lesson. Playing games was *his* privilege—not some imposter’s.
*How to crush him with flair?* Wait—he remembered he was just a bear now. Bears showed brute strength. Weren’t they supposed to be adorably dumb? He recalled a viral video from his past life: a bear fleeing a warrior’s glare. It had warmed his darkest days. Everyone craved light in the shadows.
He shook his head. That world was gone. He shifted back into a clumsy bear, ready to pounce for a heroic rescue.
Nora had no idea she’d become a hot target. Two predators watched her every move. She was busy digging Ferrero’s grave, oblivious to the danger.
*Uncle Ferrero, don’t blame me. This grave is small, but I’ll go to Baiyang Town. I’ll find your daughter, tell her you were a good man. I’ll grow strong—protect your family. I promise.*
She mourned silently, then steeled herself to run. Survival odds were slim, but she wouldn’t quit. Her burdens had grown: repaying debts, carrying Ferrero’s dream—to return home and live well.
Qin Jun followed her quietly. After three minutes, the sinister man halted. *Why?* He couldn’t be exposed. He’d scouted the Monster Forest—no real threats existed here. Expanding his senses, Qin Jun detected newcomers. He smirked. *More players. No need for heroics. Watching the chaos works too. Bonding with the girl doesn’t require saving her. I’m just a dumb bear trailing her—she can’t complain.*
Figures materialized in the night sky above the Monster Forest, stark against the darkness. They wore elegant black uniforms, each adorned with an emblem: a tiger gently sniffing a rose. *A fierce heart with delicate grace?* No one answered. They were the Empire’s Tiger Corps, sent to fix the broken Barrier. All were elites—the weakest, level 75.
Their leader, a gray-haired man, stood at level 96. At his age, that was genius-level prowess. A black-clad youth, level 75, was the team’s lowest-ranked but most gifted member. Barely eighteen, his potential was terrifying—few could match his talent. Two unremarkable men flanked them: one level 80, the other level 84, both mages. One had a sharp nose; the other, long ears. Just physical quirks.
Then there was the black-clad woman. Mid-twenties, stunningly beautiful, with flowing hair and lively eyes. She’d have driven men wild—if not for her glacial stare and frosty demeanor. An iceberg. Men who approached her vanished. Knowing she was a level 80 mage would’ve scared off suitors entirely.
At the forest’s heart, the silent team finally spoke.
The icy woman’s voice cut first: “The demons escaped. Many will die.”
The leader sighed. “No choice. We must act fast—capture the bloodthirsty ones first, then hunt those hiding among humans.”
The black-clad youth bounced excitedly. “Finally! Real combat! Back home, no one my level challenges me, and seniors won’t spar. So boring!”
The long-eared man chuckled. “Xiao Nan, this isn’t training. Sparring partners held back. Stay sharp. Demons here might overpower even Captain Lede.”
The youth groaned. “Ugh, Big Ears Uncle! Must you lecture *every* time? Exhausting.”
