Who left their last words here?

Chapter 18 The boy is about to make his debut on the world stage.

Amidst the dense cluster of skyscrapers, streamlined sports cars gracefully weave through the bustling traffic on the street.

Leaning against the hard Alcantara-like black seats, feeling the push-back sensation that was different from but similar to that of the four-wheeled mining cart, Bai Zhou looked dazed.

This thing called a "car" must be quite expensive; you can tell by the envious glances people give when you pass other cars.

I'm afraid I could exchange that for countless boxes of Four Delicacies Yi Noodles.

Turning his head, Bai Zhou looked at the "stranger" man beside him.

A neat buzz cut, oversized sunglasses, and a thick cigar...

He looked no different from a vulgar and uncouth nouveau riche, but Bai Zhou knew that he carried an enchanted pistol called "Judicator-300" on his waist, which he could pull out and fire rapidly at the slightest provocation, turning people into sieves. He was an absolute dangerous individual.

Who knows, the silver briefcase marked with a cross might be hidden in the trunk behind him, ready to be pulled out at any time to transform into Iron Man on the street, fly onto a street lamp, and have a passionate hand cannon duel with people.

The flashy white suit couldn't hide the well-developed, muscular chest muscles beneath; perhaps, vulgarity and crudeness were merely a facade for this suit-wearing thug...

"Hooray—"

A deep, sticky sound came from deep in his throat.

Section Chief Liu turned his head, stretched out his chin, and pouted...

A glob of thick phlegm flew precisely to the roadside.

It was done in one go, with great skill.

Bai Zhou: "..."

Okay, it wasn't a pretense.

This guy is the most rude person on the whole street.

The familiar man returned in an instant.

"You managed to catch up, kid."

Section Chief Liu had one hand on the butterfly door, a cigar dangling from his mouth, and his voice was muffled.

"Logically speaking, this period is quite sensitive, and the entire base is under military control, so it's impossible to go out at will."

"But yesterday was just past the Beginning of Autumn, and the Black Box Maintenance Department has its annual holiday at this time every year."

"The major is very magnanimous. Saying that he worships the Blood Cult is not enough to make the department so nervous as to cancel annual leave."

"The Beginning of Autumn..." Bai Zhou blinked.

"The significance of the 24 solar terms in the mysterious world is extraordinary, and you will know this later."

Section Chief Liu gave a brief explanation.
“Every year after the start of autumn, the things inside the black box will quiet down, and the Reflection Ruins will become much quieter, making it possible for people to explore.”

"This hard-won peace will last until the beginning of spring next year, and will reach its biggest peak when it reaches the Awakening of Insects."

As he spoke, Section Chief Liu grinned, "But you'll get used to it. We don't even know if we'll all live to see next year!"

"—So, live for the moment! Young man!"

The Twenty-Four Solar Terms.

Why does it feel like they're exploring the Reflection Ruins like they're farming?

Farming and pest control vary with the seasons, sometimes busy, sometimes idle.

...What's the principle behind this?
While silently memorizing these concepts, Shirazuki gained a new understanding of the dangers posed by the Special Administration.

So, the consistently high annual sacrifice quota is actually almost used up in the first half of the year?
Fortunately, he arrived at the Special Administration Office after the beginning of autumn...

Thinking about it this way, the nouveau riche attitude of Section Chief Liu after his release becomes a reasonable explanation.

"Look at their ignorant and happy faces... They know nothing because we've been secretly bearing the brunt of everything!"

"We've risked our lives for the Federation, and now that we're finally in the city, can't we even enjoy ourselves?"

"...Anyway, everything will be reimbursed by the higher-ups."

—The above are Section Chief Liu's original words.

"Oh, by the way, where are the others?"

Bai Zhou thought of the other people who had traveled with him.

He suddenly thought, "This car is really rubbish! It can only seat two people."

Isn't it better to hold as many people as possible? More people means more excitement.

Section Chief Liu's response to this was:
"Look behind you?"

Bai Zhou turned around and then suddenly opened his eyes wide.

What came into view was a long line of luxury cars!
There are jeeps so big they're like wild beasts, and sports cars as sleek as blades, and in the driver's seat of each one sits a man wearing sunglasses.

Their faces were cold and their posture upright. Their movements were so synchronized that they seemed to have received professional training. Rather than driving, they looked more like top-notch bodyguards on a high-level escort mission.
Arrogant and domineering, reckless and unscrupulous.

—But they are the official elite, they risk their lives for the world, they possess incredibly advanced weapons, and they wield extraordinary and mysterious powers.

If they aren't arrogant, then who is?
However, at this moment.

In the eyes of passersby—

The only convertible sports car leading the entire luxury convoy.
The boy sitting in the passenger seat was the fairest-skinned, youngest, and so out of place that he seemed out of place.

These suit-clad "bodyguards" are probably protecting some unknown young master...

Bai Zhou didn't understand the meaning of those gazes; he only knew that many girls' eyes were about to overwhelm him.

Some of the gazes were so intense they were incomprehensible, as if they wanted to devour him alive.

The convertible Maserati had no hood to cover it up, and a feeling of shame welled up on my face—

Bai Zhou suddenly felt an urge to cover his face.

Seeing this, Section Chief Liu grinned:
"Our branch may lack many things, but we certainly don't lack money!"

"And the major is even more generous than you think!"

"You finally get to go out, so make yourself look presentable. Don't let our Special Administration down!"

High risk means high reward.

Bai Zhou suddenly gained a profound understanding of this statement.

"Temazcal sauna, high-altitude spa, underwater sauna, champagne-infused French cuisine..."

While waiting at the traffic light, Section Chief Liu unscrewed his faded thermos, took a sip of tea that had almost lost its flavor, and recounted the upcoming projects in great detail.

"I have a credit card here, you don't need to worry about the credit limit."

"The only thing you need to worry about is how to spend the money and make yourself happy!"

Bai Zhou blinked her clear eyes.

Surprisingly... I'm really tempted?
Even though I'm still completely unfamiliar with this world, how come I feel like I'm already being corrupted?
suddenly,

The stirring music started playing from Section Chief Liu.

"His eyes were wide like saucers, shooting out lightning-like shrewdness..."

"Ahhh, hahaha Black Cat Sheriff—ahhh, hahaha Black Cat Sheriff!"

Section Chief Liu took out a piece of glass.

Bai Zhou was startled, because this glass was exactly the same as the "forbidden object" that had been used as an anchor point to attract the Special Administration and directly caused the destruction of Wancheng!
On the other side, Section Chief Liu composed himself and spoke to "glass" in the gentlest possible voice:
"Honey, what's the matter?"

"Yes, I know you're writing reports at the base. What's up?"

"What? My daughter is sick! Is it serious?"

Section Chief Liu's expression changed, and his voice rose.

"Okay, I'll go there now!"

After lowering the "glass", Section Chief Liu pressed a button on the car.

A rustling sound came from the speakers, and Section Chief Liu spoke in a low voice:

"Brothers, the plan has changed."

"You guys go ahead and have fun. I need to go check on the boarding school for a bit."

"I got a call from them saying my daughter is sick."

The rustling sound rang out again, followed by a cacophony of replies:
"No doubt about it, boss. Our niece's affairs are our affairs."

"Let's go take a look together. If there's any trouble, we can lend a hand."

"Section Chief, since you've put it that way, what else is there to say... Let's go, let's go together!"

...Section Chief Liu couldn't go against the wishes of the crowd.

Finally, the pale yellow Maserati MC20, surrounded by a convoy, sped off to the boarding school.

……

Hengtan Primary School.

Tinghai is renowned for its strict boarding management and exceptionally high teaching quality.

"It's nothing, just a fever."

The speaker was a young female teacher wearing glasses. She had delicate features, a petite figure, and a round, chubby face that radiated a maternal glow.
"I took her to the infirmary, and she has just recovered from her fever and fallen asleep."

That's what she said, but behind her forced composure, she couldn't help but feel apprehensive inside.

After all, she was surrounded by a group of burly men with serious faces... and a pale-faced boy with a gold chain, whose background she didn't know.

"Thank you so much!"

Section Chief Liu bowed in gratitude, his voice sincere.

"You've always taken good care of this child."

"It should, it should."

The round-faced teacher secretly breathed a sigh of relief and waved her hands repeatedly:

"Liu is usually very well-behaved and I don't have to worry about her much."

"right……"

Upon hearing the teacher praise his daughter, Section Chief Liu couldn't help but grin.

Bai Zhou, however, looked around and asked curiously:

"Excuse me, teacher, I'd like to ask why there are no students in class at this time?"

It was 3 p.m., but when they stood in the corridor of the teaching building, they couldn't see a single student in the classroom.

"Because the school is holding a 'Security Team Enters Campus' event, everyone went to listen to the presentations," the teacher said.

It really is.

Her words reminded everyone that on their way here, colorful banners and slogans were hanging all over the campus—

"Fraud prevention should start with elementary school students."

"Love the Federation, and study hard to build it!"

"Cooperating with the sheriff is the duty of every federal citizen."

And so on.

Meanwhile, the teacher was quietly observing Bai Zhou, who was asking the question.

There's no other reason than that Bai Zhou's presence among these men was simply too conspicuous.

That gold necklace was so dazzling that it was hard to open one's eyes.

Surrounded by a group of burly men, he exuded a simple yet imposing wealth.

...Don't all rich people these days pursue elegance?

Why does this young master have such unusual tastes?

Back to basics?
The teacher was pondering this when she saw Bai Zhou, as if sensing something, looking in her direction.

Like a startled rabbit, the round-faced teacher was startled and hurriedly turned her gaze away.

Then, she coughed twice and glanced at the miniature wristwatch on the inside of her wrist, feigning interest:

"Judging by the time, everyone should be back soon."

—It's quite a coincidence.

Not long after he finished speaking, a commotion arose in the distance.

Enthusiastic students, surrounding several uncles in police uniforms, walked from the end of the corridor.

It seems the outreach was a great success; each sheriff has temporarily replaced the masked monster and Ultraman, becoming the person the children most want to be and the idol they most admire.

— Tied for first place with scientists and astronauts.

The middle-aged sheriff leading the way exuded an inexplicably powerful aura, carrying a thermos cup and radiating authority without raising his voice.

The official rank on his clothes far surpassed that of other security officers.

He frowned slightly when he saw a group of burly men in black suits blocking his way.

But the next second, he slowed down and raised his hand to rub his eyes—

Then, he exclaimed in disbelief:
"...Brother Liu?"

Ignoring the astonishment of those around him, he walked over quickly with a look of delight on his face.

"Do you still recognize me? I'm Xiao Wang!"

"I never expected to see you here!"

People were shocked to discover that the way he held the thermos cup... seemed to bear a striking resemblance to Section Chief Liu.

It's as if it's imitating.

"...Xiao Wang?"

After a long pause, Section Chief Liu finally realized what was happening. "Oh, it's you, from last time..."

He didn't say anything more, but just patted "Little Wang" on the shoulder. "You got promoted, you're the team leader now?"

"Compared to what you've done, I'm nothing."

Captain Wang took out his cigarette case and tried to offer a cigarette.

But when his gaze fell on the excessively young Bai Zhou, he hesitated:

"These are all your...colleagues?"

Bai Zhou: "?"

Why does it seem like I'm involved here?
"Yes." Section Chief Liu nodded in confirmation, "We just happened to be on holiday."

Captain Wang immediately gasped, looking at Bai Zhou with disbelief.

— To do that kind of work in that place.

So young? !
But this incredible feeling quickly turned into profound respect.

He held Bai Zhou in high esteem.

"Heroes emerge from among the young! Young and promising, admirable and remarkable!"

As he spoke, he was about to personally offer Bai Zhou a cigarette.

"No, no, no, I won't touch this..."

Bai Zhou waved his hands repeatedly, unsure of what to say.

He wanted to say that he was just a greenhorn, not a hero.

"Who is this……"

One of the specialists looked puzzled.

“He knows us.” Section Chief Liu gave a subtle wink. “Last time, a security officer assisted me with something; that was him.”

"I see." The commissioner suddenly realized.

That concludes our discussion on riddles.

Bai Zhou thought to himself, "Just as I thought."

Just as Bai Zhou had guessed.

The Special Administration Commissioners cannot reveal their true identities to the outside world; they are an official organization operating behind the scenes.

Mysterious worlds, the Reflection Ruins, and those black boxes... On Blue Star, these are all "taboos" that ordinary people cannot know about.

Only a few individuals within official organizations, such as high-ranking sheriffs, could vaguely know of their existence.

But Shirazuki is an exception.

He was born into the “taboo” from the very beginning, a “taboo native”, and thus he was out of place, unfamiliar and alienated from these “ordinary” people.

—Although, in reality, he was distant from everyone.

You can't completely trust anyone.

The Special Administration saved him, Section Chief Liu treated him well, and Crow was even better.

But he can no longer trust anyone and has reservations about everyone.

This includes Section Chief Liu, and even Ya.

For example, a will, the Golden Pass, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The aftermath of the late-night city scene is like this...

The children's curious chatter brought Bai Zhou back to his senses.

He then realized that he had somehow gathered around him with elementary school students.

A pair of curious and clear eyes scrutinized them, while childish voices whispered mysteriously among themselves:

"Did you hear that? Captain Wang, the great hero, said they are the real heroes!"

"Wow...who are those people? Agents? Special forces?"

"It's Superman, isn't it? A superhero!"

"That young man is so cool!"

"..."

It was kept secret, but not completely.

Is this the style of the Special Administration?
As long as the "mysterious and extraordinary" thing doesn't get known, is that fine?

Bai Zhou turned his head helplessly, thinking to himself, "Teacher, why don't you discipline your students?"

With so many unfamiliar adults around, it's not safe at all. Let's hurry up and take them back to the classroom!

Then, he met the gaze of the round-faced teacher, who was looking at him with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

—Clearly, she was also imagining things.

Bai Zhou: "..."

I want to complain about something, but I don't know where to begin.

A feeling of mixed shame and pride arose spontaneously.

He hadn't actually done anything special; Captain Wang respected him only because of his position.

So, this is the status of the Special Administration Bureau's personnel outside?
Those who don't know them see them as incredibly wealthy and unrestrained.

Those who knew them held them in high esteem.

No wonder the commissioners in Tinghai City are all so "arrogant"...

--not bad.

It was worth it for Bai Zhou to cheat so hard and join the Special Administration Bureau, becoming one of them.

"I suppose you've come here for that matter as well?"

Once the students had all returned to the classroom, the teacher left.

In the corridor, now free of any loiterers, Captain Wang approached and lowered his voice:
"I thought it was just a rumor, but I didn't expect it to even alarm you."

"You are quite professional in this area. If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know."

--major?
Upon hearing this, Section Chief Liu's expression changed.

"...Shall we talk in private?"

……

Bai Zhou had no idea what they were talking about.

Because before the elementary school students left, Bai Zhou went to the restroom.

The empty restroom was very quiet.

The sound of dripping water could be heard; it turned out that Bai Zhou was washing his hands in front of the mirror.

Just then, a pair of dark brown women's leather boots caught my eye out of the corner of my eye.

Bai Zhou raised his head.

Golden light streamed through the window, and in the pristine white space, Crow, clad in a black trench coat, stood tall, knife in hand, his figure blurred by the light.

Feeling vaguely that something was amiss, Bai Zhou blinked.

"The 'luck' ritual worked."

"After going out, your career luck has indeed pointed you in the direction of opportunities."

"Crow said softly."

"What...wait, isn't this the men's restroom?"

Bai Zhou finally realized what was wrong.

"This is not the point of concern!"

The crow straightened its face and said seriously.

"—I smell the stench of the Blood Worship Cult."

"Right here in this school."

“Bye…” Bai Zhou was stunned, then his scalp tingled slightly.

A name that haunts me, a name I know all too well.

However, this was their first encounter outside of the city at night.

...Thinking about it this way,
Aside from the black robe, he seemed to have never encountered a true blood worshipper.

I only knew from the Special Administration that they were vicious and extremely crazy!

"Your chance has come, Bai Zhou."

"An opportunity for promotion," Raven said softly.

“None of your colleagues realize that there are blood worshippers hiding behind the scenes.”

"I thought it was just a normal unusual event at the school."

"But they did inadvertently disrupt the blood worshipper's plans."

"So he decided to go all in."

As if describing a distant and fantastical story, Ya's tone was very calm, but the content sent chills down Bai Zhou's spine.

"Now, your colleagues are stuck in the abandoned teaching building."

"A crisis is coming."

Thus the crow said:
"Only you can step forward."

Bai Zhou shivered: "What should I do?"

"It's very simple."

The crow said slowly,
"Kill him!"

"Kill that blood worshipper, and all the crises will naturally be resolved."

"As for what happened afterward..."

Crow pointed to Bai Zhou's wrist, "Let's just give it to that bracelet."

"I have a solution."

The crow seemed to have made meticulous arrangements.

But the core of the arrangement is—

Bai Zhou killed the Blood Worship Cult member who was so powerful that he could put his colleagues in danger!
...Me?
That was what he originally intended to ask, but in the end he chose to remain silent.

Everyone else may doubt you, but you can't afford to be pessimistic about yourself.

If you actually ask the question, nothing will change.

This not only wasted the crow's teachings but also squandered all the effort of these past days.

Even that fat, white guy from the Void Realm had to laugh at him a few times.

"……Row."

Ultimately, this was Shiraishu's answer.

He glanced at Crow, who stood with his knife, his expression still unreadable.

He looked down at his empty palms.

But he knew that his hands were no longer empty.

He told himself that he was no longer the same person he used to be.

All that training and learning... wasn't it all for this day?

So, when I looked up again,
Bai Zhou's eyes held a newfound calm.

"—Let's see just how powerful the legendary Blood Worshippers are."

Soft whispers echoed gently in the bathroom.
"Then, it would be best to collect some interest from him for the past eighteen years!"

In that instant, Bai Zhou absurdly thought of something...

There's no shortage of bench legs in schools.

"I look forward to your performance."

That's what the crow said.

The "special training" is more than halfway through...

Only she, the teacher who designed the special training program, could know the truth.

Just how strong is Bai Zhou now?

The blade, honed over time, is finally about to be put to the test for the first time.

The young man, who has been working hard, is about to make his debut on the world stage.

Everyone can take their destiny into their own hands.

—As long as he believes he can do it.

……

　To my beloved readers (Please vote for me this new month!):
　　I didn't ask you to keep reading; I just like you.

　　But what's the point of reading other people's books? What's wrong with your concept of a reader? This is only the first book. If you keep going like this, reading one other book a day, by the fourth book, the eighth book, you'll forget about me and eventually never read this book again.

　　As the author, I might have to take control of you, really.

　　(Fake)
　　(Just kidding, let's put on a shield first)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)