"..."

Roland didn’t move rashly.

He replied with a playful tone,

"I’m still young. Saying things like that could easily make me misunderstand."

"Hmm. Since you can say that, clearly you’re not so easily misled. Though someone else overhearing our talk might’ve gotten the wrong idea."

Tina’s right hand stayed resting gently on Roland’s cheek.

"But what I said remains true. Sasha is merely a pawn."

"I don’t like that term."

"How curious, Roland. Is your attitude toward me submission or defiance? Every time I near your limit, you step back. The moment I push further, you signal me to retreat again."

"Let’s discuss something more practical."

"Very well."

Tina returned to her seat.

"Roland, Sasha is your sister. Not blood-related, yet your bond runs deeper than kinship—correct?"

"So what?"

"Then you’d naturally shield her from danger, wouldn’t you?"

"Theoretically, yes."

Roland followed her lead.

Propping her chin with her right hand, the young lady continued,

"Then, Roland… what if I told you I could solve this problem?"

"Solve it?"

"Transform the Elf completely into a human—keeping only the physique, even the blood becoming fully human. Sasha would never need to fear again, would she?"

Roland froze, disbelief flashing across his face.

"Completely… human?"

"Aini has undergone this experiment for over three years. Has Sasha ever mentioned sensing Elf scent or bloodline resonance from her?"

Each question required no answer; Tina had already mapped every step.

"Until now, it’s all just your word. You understand what I mean."

Roland’s voice turned low and firm.

"I’ll join Clear Sky—but only after seeing proof your claims can succeed."

"Naturally. Tomorrow—yes, tomorrow—I’ll take you to my privately funded bioresearch institute. We’ll bring Aini. Acceptable?"

Tina had arranged everything.

How could Roland refuse?

"With Elves now mortal enemies of the Pure Land, an Elf of unknown origin faces a grim fate. So…"

Tina turned toward the window. Hemp City glowed faintly in the night distance.

"I simply hope kind hearts find a gentle end."

"..."

Here we go again…

Every time, Roland felt toyed with.

Yet each time, seeing her entrancing smile, he nearly trusted her without question.

Perhaps this was what they called a *bewitching woman*.

"Now, my question."

Roland steered back on track.

"Why do you want me to risk my life for you?"

"‘Risk my life’ sounds so crude. We’re partners growing side by side."

"Fine. Call it that."

"Every inheritor of the Celestial Cloud Manual becomes a legend. You know Faust—the Stellar Sword Emperor, border Marshal of the Lis Empire. He embodies the Manual’s mastery, yet claims he’s only glimpsed its edge, not its core."

Roland gave a wry smile.

"Not everyone shines like him. I might disappoint you."

"If so, we’ll handle it then. My creed? Walk the path together. Face hurdles as a team."

Tina stretched luxuriously.

"So, Roland—don’t burden yourself. In this group, rules, talent, strength… none matter most. Only harmony. And honesty."

"Can *you* really say that, young lady?"

"Hehe… Anyway, future Sword Emperor—I’ll keep my hopes high. I trust the God of Martial Deities’ judgment."

...

...

At last, they reached Hemp City—the Lis Empire’s Fifth Ring border metropolis.

Home to Sunny Mansion, a colossal district spanning the Fifth-Fourth Ring junction.

Night had fallen. Too exhausted for dinner, Roland and Sasha had no appetite.

"Why not stay at the mansion tonight?" Tina suggested.

Roland offered a helpless smile.

"My apologies, Miss Tina. Let me return home today to pack. Tomorrow, I’ll move in."

"..."

Autumnwater’s composure cracked—a flicker of shock.

Even he, master of masked emotions, was stunned.

He and Roland had silently agreed: neither would join this strange group.

"So… you’re joining, Roland?" Thuke blurted, then frowned.

"If you’re in, I’ll join too… Wait—does a direct train run to my hometown? Ugh, so tricky."

"After joining, you can dispatch starships anywhere anytime," Tina said plainly.

Thuke’s eyes lit up. "Free?!"

"Absolutely. Lodging, meals, daily needs—all covered."

"Holy wow!! This isn’t Sunny Mansion—it’s heaven!!" Thuke cheered, then turned eagerly to Tina. "Can I join *now*? I swear I’ll train hard and become a Deity within ten years!"

"Hmm. I adore honest children."

Tina’s smile sent Thuke into euphoric spirals.

"She *likes* me!! I’m gonna die!!"

"Ah. I’m dead."

Xue Die stated flatly.

Only then did others notice her.

"So, Xue Die—decision?"

"Give me one day."

A classic delaying tactic. She’d watch others choose first—neutral, cautious, pragmatic.

"Can I stay tonight?"

"Of course. We prepared a luxury gaming hall just for you: designed by twenty pro gaming masters and network programmers. Hope you like it."

Tina’s bombshell made Xue Die’s eyes gleam.

"Miss Tina… you may have made the wisest choice of your life. Depending on my satisfaction… my reply might come before sunset."