Six and a half years ago, Apostles descended upon Earth from unknown origins. Within mere months, they seized most of the planet. Yet at humanity’s darkest hour, a Meta Ability user named Emperor Heaven—White Chrysanthemum emerged across the globe. With terrifying, near-invincible power, he annihilated the Apostles and saved mankind. Though later incidents tarnished the world’s savior with scandalous rumors, one truth remained unshaken: he had saved them all—just as he once saved Night Zero.

Five years ago, Emperor White Amaryllis turned himself in. No one knew why. The World Government buried the news; only high-ranking officials knew. Yet none realized how deeply that surrender city haunted Night Zero.

The Apostles’ invasion brought Meta Abilities—and disaster to Night Zero.

Being a Fox Maiden might hold allure in anime worlds, but reality branded her an outcast. Feared. Reviled. Humans always dread the unknown, even when it posed no threat.

The moment the Heavenly Emperor ended the Apostles, Night Zero fell prey to bullies—privileged kids exploiting their connections. *Is the world truly this dark?* she’d wondered then.

Until a boy appeared in her sightline.

Calm. Composed. Eyes that seemed to dismiss everything. He stood not far away—young, fifteen or sixteen, with gentle features. She hadn’t planned to intervene. Hadn’t meant to help him. Yet some lingering kindness in her? Or was it those indifferent eyes that pulled her in? Before she knew it, she’d stopped the thugs. Even threw her pantyhose in their faces—a move she’d never imagined making.

What stunned her more was what followed: the boy began protecting *her*. Those colorless eyes gained a spark of purpose. Only later did she learn he was the world’s savior.

She didn’t know his past. But she knew this: he wasn’t the monster rumors painted. He’d saved her. Saved the world.

That day, Night Zero vowed to save him—the boy who gave her new life.

*Maybe… it was just hero-and-damsel gratitude?* she sometimes mused.

To follow his path, to free him, she awakened her Meta Ability over five years. Became an A-Class Hero. All to rescue Empty City—the boy who’d long lived in her heart.

Five years later, her wish came true.

But harmony shattered when Apostles returned. Empty City had vanished—likely investigating anomalies alone. Now, only she could act!

Celestial Wolf was a fraud. She’d confirmed it the moment he attacked Maxfield.

Vivian tended to Maxfield’s wounds. Hamlet’s surprise strike was easily repelled; he himself was slammed into a corner, dazed. Other teachers either fought or herded students toward exits, clearing the cafeteria floor. Night Zero caught it all in her peripheral vision.

Now she stood before Celestial Wolf. An A-Rank Hero’s strength wasn’t to be underestimated—even here, she ranked among the elite. A-Class Heroes weren’t exactly common.

Crimson hair whipped as her body crystallized.

Her outfit shifted subtly, encasing her in shimmering blue-white crystal. This was her power: amplifying speed, agility, strength. But more crucially… command over wind.

She feinted a punch. Unknown abilities or not, this Apostle radiated A-Rank—or higher—power. She went all out from the start. The fist missed. But twin gales erupted at Celestial Wolf’s sides. Invisible yet brutal, they struck harder than boulders.

*Whoosh!*

Celestial Wolf cratered into the wall. Night Zero’s voice cut through the chaos:

“All S-Class students—or anyone confident in their strength—assist teachers in eliminating Apostles outside! Snipers, grab rifles from the first-floor armory and target airborne threats! Everyone else, evacuate the wounded downstairs. Avoid contact with Apostles!”

She’d shouted the instant he hit the wall.

The cafeteria spanned three floors. Most ate on the second—best food. But the first floor hid weapons behind its dining facade: blades, sniper rifles. Prepared for moments like this.

“Yes!”

Cheng Zhihui, who’d witnessed Night Zero’s strike from nearby, moved first. Others followed as she’d expected. These weren’t the sheltered youth of peacetime. They carried a mission. A resolve forged in fire.

Maxfield hesitated, worried for his father—but seeing no critical injury, he joined the retreat downstairs.

Then—

The unexpected happened.

“You think… *this* stops us?” A voice slithered from the dust-choked crater. “Forget who granted your power? Forget where your strength truly comes from? Let me be clear, minnows—you’re merely the spawn we discarded.”

Smoke cleared. Revealing a figure Night Zero had never seen.

Humanity’s strongest enemy. The one who crushed Hero Headquarters. Who shattered Mira.

The mask finally lifted.