The elevated bridge ahead had already been destroyed by that Other, and the express train was slowing down in an emergency.

The train was in chaos. Everyone was shouting for the driver to hurry to the rear cab, switch directions, and get them as far away from the Other as possible.

People were panicking, terrified they’d die here in the next moment. Some of them had even lived through the World War, so they valued their lives all the more.

Amid the commotion, the train’s PA system announced the results of the scan.

“Attention, passengers. Please remain calm. The Other ahead has been assessed as approximately Spirit Rank. Heroes are already on their way. The train is making an emergency stop and will reverse direction as soon as possible. Please don’t worry.”

Others are classified according to the energy reactions in their bodies. After they began appearing, detection devices were installed all over the world, from skyscrapers to ordinary vehicles. These devices aren’t always accurate, but in most cases, they get it right.

Others are divided into six main ranks: God, Demon, Spirit, Nether, Yokai, and Human. The corresponding Hero ranks are O, X, S, A, B, and C. Hero ranks correspond to Other ranks, and the matching rank is the baseline for a Hero taking on an Other. Unless there are special circumstances, it’s generally not recommended to fight one a rank above you.

When they heard that an A-Rank Hero was already on the way to deal with the Other, the panicked crowd fell briefly silent.

Then, all at once, the panic vanished. Not a sound could be heard. Everyone waited for the first person in each carriage to speak—and then they all burst into cheers. They were thrilled, excited. When danger struck, nothing made people happier than a Hero rushing in to save them.

“Haha! A Hero’s coming to save us! You can do it!!!”

“Roar! A Hero! I can’t believe I’m on the same train as a Hero today. What an honor!”

“Where’s the Hero? I have to get a photo with them!”

...

A moment ago, they’d been panicking. Now they were cheering. What a difference.

Shi Ji sat off to one side, listening to them and letting out a mocking laugh. People these days really were strange.

As Shi Ji saw it, the obvious perk of being a Professional Hero was having all eyes on you and earning everyone’s admiration. Plenty of Heroes took advantage of that to do filthy things. Shi Ji needed money, but he’d never do anything like that. Being a Hero brought benefits, sure, but it also brought its share of trouble. Some people enjoyed being admired; it made them feel superior. Others found being surrounded by people a nuisance. It could get in the way of a person who liked a quiet life.

Whenever Heroes came up, Shi Ji thought of the girl who was no longer beside him. He’d only looked at her a few extra times because she was a special General Star Hero. Her beauty had nothing to do with it.

The announcement had said a Hero was already on the way to deal with the Other. Maybe it was her.

“Didn’t expect an Other around Spirit Rank to show up here. That’s a surprise. But it doesn’t seem like her strength alone will be enough. Maybe I should go take a look?”

With that, Shi Ji got up, picked up his things, and headed for the door.

A train attendant happened to be standing by the door. When she saw Shi Ji approach, she asked, “Can I help you with anything, sir?”

She was very polite.

Shi Ji got straight to the point. “Please open the door for me. I need to get out.”

The attendant froze. “Sir, it’s dangerous outside. The train will be reversing direction soon. You should stay on board.”

Shi Ji left the attendant completely baffled. With the situation as it was, she didn’t have time to ask him too many questions.

From the way she put it, Shi Ji could tell the attendant clearly wasn’t going to open the door. He said nothing and kicked it.

...