If.
I mean, if.
If given another chance to choose, would you spare this world a path to survival?
—
—
Ming Yi suddenly opened his eyes.
He was still on the helicopter. The roar of the engine and the whirring of the rotors outside the cabin were crystal clear.
No morning grogginess clouded his mind—everything felt sharp and lucid.
That androgynous voice still echoed faintly in his ears.
He glanced around. Senior Brother was quietly talking with Kailuo. Kevin and Kapiel huddled near Old Lei, listening and nodding occasionally. Senior Sister, Dandan, and Meryl chatted about something girly. Bailian sat alone in a corner, lost in thought. Xiao Chengcheng and Jin Xuanwen leaned against each other, fast asleep, drool staining both their shoulders.
“You’re awake?” A gentle voice came from beside him. Ming Yi turned to find Akiko smiling warmly.
“I worried the turbulence might bother you, but seeing you all sleep so peacefully… I suppose I overthought it.”
“Actually, I didn’t sleep,” Ming Yi said with a wry smile. *No way I’m mentioning that voice.*
“Mr. Yi… may I ask you something?” Akiko tilted her head slightly. A few strands of hair slipped past her fair neck, resting delicately on her collarbone.
Ming Yi already knew what she’d ask. What surprised him was how long she’d waited.
“What happened yesterday… you saw it all, didn’t you?”
“Mm… I just went for a walk, happened to spot you, and curiosity got the better of me. Sorry—I didn’t mean to follow.”
Akiko shook her head. “Please don’t apologize. Without you, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”
Ming Yi’s cheeks warmed at the memory of her calling him “Lord God.”
“Then… why didn’t you show yourself after saving me?”
“Well… I *was* secretly tailing you. Explaining to Sister Meryl would’ve been awkward. So I slipped off alone… and Miss Akiko kept my secret perfectly, didn’t she?”
He’d rehearsed this reply. A little counterstrike never hurt.
Akiko simply nodded. Just then, a sudden lurch—the helicopter began descending.
“We’re here,” she murmured.
—
—
The chopper settled onto an open field.
Ming Yi stepped out last. Several vintage military jeeps waited nearby. Before them stood a tall woman with black-rimmed glasses, her dark hair neatly pinned back, radiating quiet intellect.
Once everyone disembarked, she offered a polished smile.
“Welcome to Xinbei City—the East Asia Branch of the Liberation Syndicate!”
“I’m Luo Yan, assistant to the Branch Chief and your guide today.”
“Please follow me. The Branch Chief has been expecting you.”
Meryl turned to the group. “Our mission ends here. Time to part ways.”
“Eh? Sister Meryl isn’t coming with us?” Dandan’s voice wavered with disappointment.
“No. We’re a combat squad—plenty of duties await. Just pass our regards to the Branch Chief.” Meryl ruffled Dandan’s hair gently. “Don’t be sad. We’ll meet again.”
Senior Brother stepped forward. “Thank you, Captain Meryl and Loki Squad, for your guidance and care. Until next time.”
Others echoed their farewells.
“See ya, everyone!” Kailuo grinned, waving cheerfully.
—
—
Inside the jeep, Xiao Chengcheng nudged Ming Yi’s arm. “Hey… what d’you think the Branch Chief’s like?”
“Dunno. Probably some stern middle-aged guy. Or a grizzled old man.”
“No way!” Xiao Chengcheng’s eyes sparkled. “Bet she’s a beauty like Miss Luo Yan! Or a super-cute loli! Definitely *not* some pot-bellied uncle.”
“Why?”
“Duh! Ever heard of the ‘First Superior in Another World = Harem Material’ rule? Name *one* isekai where the big boss is a boring middle-aged dude!”
*Yeah, no. Not touching that logic.* Ming Yi gave up. It’d break his brain.
“Stop daydreaming,” Senior Brother cut in calmly. “Look outside.”
Ming Yi blinked. They’d entered Xinbei City.
Xiao Chengcheng plastered his face to the window. “Whoa! It’s just like a normal human marketplace!”
Ming Yi peered out.
Civilization here far exceeded his expectations. Clean, modern buildings of varying heights stood proudly. Compared to the ruined wastelands beyond, this felt like paradise.
Wide streets bustled with pedestrians and sparse vehicles. People wore diverse, well-kept clothing—no signs of scarcity. Shops lined the roads: clothes, daily goods, even chess sets. A functioning economy thrived. *What’s their currency?*
Then he spotted food stores.
*Wait… don’t people here lack hunger? Where does the food come from? Are plants or animals even alive here?*
Ahead, a towering skyscraper pierced the skyline.
“Whoa! So tall!” Xiao Chengcheng gasped.
“Rebuilding from scratch… how long’d this take?” Senior Brother murmured.
“Three years,” Luo Yan called from the driver’s seat. “Xinbei City—from blueprint to completion—took only three years.”
“Impossible!”
“For ordinary people, yes,” Luo Yan replied lightly. “But with Shatterborn? Entirely different.”
“The Corruption Artifact isn’t just for fighting, you know.”
Ming Yi understood instantly.
This world defied old-world logic.
Like Akiko’s See-Through Glasses—far more useful beyond combat.
“You’ll have many questions. Don’t worry. Your academies will provide answers.”
*Academies?* Ming Yi’s pulse quickened.
“You’ll see after meeting the Branch Chief,” Luo Yan added with a mysterious smile.
—
—
The jeep halted before the skyscraper. Inside, minimalist decor—clean lines, no frills—felt like any modern office.
The elevator rose straight to the top floor. Luo Yan opened the door and bowed slightly toward the swivel chair facing away. “Branch Chief, the third-generation newcomers have arrived.”
“Finally~ I’ve been waiting *forever*!” A voice, youthful and playfully petulant, chimed out.
The chair turned slowly.
Ming Yi’s jaw nearly dropped. *Holy crap.*
