Becoming a Shadow in the New World

Seemingly persuaded, Zeta's eyes gradually welled up with tears, and her voice deepened.

"My Lord, if I were to act now for my own desires, and what I did would cause great disaster to the world, what would you think of me?"

"Zeta, don't think of me as so kind. I'm a very easy person. Even if some kind of disaster happens in the world right now and a million people die, it has nothing to do with me (note the character setting, a Shadow-level powerhouse can't be morally blackmailed or threatened).

Also, people should live in the present and move towards the future. Don't be bound by the shackles of the past. I wish you a speedy liberation. (Don't use such a riddle next time; it's tiring for me to translate, although it does sound like something a powerful figure would say.)

"My lord, I understand what you're saying, so... could you wait for me a moment?"

A soft slime-like touch came from behind Cid. Zeta had hugged Cid from behind without him noticing. Zeta's sad voice, tinged with a strange sob, rang in Cid's ears.

"Only after I finish what I'm doing now can I forget the past and truly live."

Wiping away her tears, Zeta forced a smile, managing to compose herself.

"I apologize, Master, for saying some nonsensical things."

After saying that, Zeta walked towards the window, intending to leave.

"Go ahead and make a scene. If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility."

As Zeta straddled the window and was about to leave, a deep voice came from behind him.

Chapter 123 The Promise with Zeta

"My lord, didn't you say you wouldn't care about us anymore? Why are you still willing to protect us?"

Zeta stopped leaning out the window, remained silent for a moment, and then shook his head with a hint of helplessness.

"Ah... that time, don't worry, I didn't mean to go back on my word. It was just a small favor I did for you as your friend, Zeta."

Remembering his previous actions in disbanding the Diablo Games, Sid nodded as if suddenly realizing something; he had almost forgotten about it if Zeta hadn't mentioned it.

“Hey, my lord, you’re really being gentle, but this world can’t function on gentleness alone.”

Zeta gave a wry smile, half sighing and half regretting.

"It's not so much about kindness, it's just helping you out of our friendship."

"My lord, do you remember what you promised me when we last met...?"

"of course I remember."

Sid answered Zeta noncommittally, "How could I forget the Shadow Power Player play I did with Zeta last time we met? A Shadow Power Player who carries the resentment of the whole world, that sounds really cool."

“Then I hope… that you won’t go back on your word when the time comes. I will be the substitute so that this world can be saved. That’s what we agreed on long ago.”

When Zeta said this, he used a kind of... Sid didn't know how to describe it, it was like he was about to die the next second, but the deceased was saying his last words with a smile of no regrets.

"I won't lie to you, and... what is this, Zeta? Is it yours?"

Ignoring the strange feeling Zeta gave him, Sid picked up a bag from the table and asked Zeta a question.

He was curious from the moment he entered the room. In Sid's memory, he hadn't left anything on his desk before leaving, and Asia didn't seem like the kind of person who would barge into his room.

After only one glance, Zeta nonchalantly looked away, focusing her attention on Sid, and only spoke after controlling her emotions.

"The spoils of war, the lord likes these kinds of things, so I thought I'd give them as a gift to the lord."

Startled for a moment, magic surged forth, untying the bag's opening. What met Sid's eyes was a vibrant green banknote, exuding the scent of ink.

Alright, Zeta, well done. As expected of the Seven Kage who understands me best, whether it's cooperating with the Kage's abilities or understanding my preferences, you are undoubtedly number one.

It's decided. From today onwards, Zeta, you are the boss of Shadow Garden.

Just kidding, Alpha, your position is still very secure... Although the main reason is that you've already publicly stated that you're no longer playing the Diablo Order game. Otherwise, as the Shadow in the Diablo Order game, it's normal for you to have the right to change the leader of Shadow Garden.

"Heh, it was a joke from when we were kids. Zeta, you actually remember it. Alright, consider this my reward for helping you. I'll accept it."

As he said this, he used a subtle magical power that Zeta couldn't detect to examine the money bag. Sid estimated that it contained several million Zeni.

After determining the amount in less than a second, he threw the bag onto the table, flipped his right hand, and conjured a wine glass out of thin air.

Zeta reacted quickly, prepared the red wine, and poured it into a glass. This action was very practiced, obviously not the first or second time. While continuing to pour the wine, Zeta spoke.

“The Lord’s teachings to his subordinates are all kept in mind and have never been forgotten.”

"Let's just say that's how it is. Zeta, where did you get this trophy from? The other person was so unlucky to have been targeted by you."

Sid took a sip of red wine and asked the question. He knew Zeta well and knew that the spoils Zeta mentioned must be locally sourced, and that Zeta didn't have the habit of carrying money with her.

"This was taken from a pair of church staff who like to 'meddle'."

"have a finger in the pie?"

Sid stopped what he was doing and looked at Zeta with a puzzled expression. It was the first time he had ever heard Zeta use the word "meddlesome" to describe someone.

"Indeed, it was those church combatants who meddled first. It was because of them that the operation failed and the Diablo Order escaped."

But in a sense, they also said they had been scammed, which is why I didn't physically harm them; I just took their money as a lesson.

Noticing Sid's gaze and his regret, Zeta offered an explanation.

She wasn't lying. The reason she had to come to Sid to accept punishment this time—the failure of the "fishing" plan—was because of that idiot duo from the church.

If it weren't for those two idiots from the church alerting the enemy, how could the Diablo Order have noticed something was wrong, not only making their escape beforehand but also having their bait taken away?

If it weren't for the fact that those two guys were just stupid and hadn't done anything wrong, she would have thrown those two idiots into the sea right now, instead of just doing something as trivial as taking away their activity funds.

"A couple? Church personnel?"

Sid sensed something was wrong. Zeta's description reminded him of the two idiots who were still crying in the living room.

It's just a coincidence, isn't it? With Zeta's ability to hide, those two idiots should have been discovered by Zeta long ago. Zeta shouldn't be so disdainful as to openly provoke them.

"Zeta, how long have you been waiting for me here?"

Despite his thoughts, Sid still asked a question.

"Not long after I arrived, my lord came in."

...Could it really be you?

A slight tremor ran through his eyes as he began to suspect whether Zeta had indeed taken the funds intended for Xenovia and Irina's operation.

“Zeta, tell me what impressed you most about that pair of church members. I’m a little curious about who exactly was so unlucky.”

After a moment of stunned silence, Zeta, though puzzled, still tried to recall the events carefully.

"If I had to pick one that left a deep impression, it would be the blue-haired woman among the church members..."

Sid didn't pay attention to what was said after that; he didn't need to hear it anyway. He only had one thought in his mind.

The case is solved! It really was you, Zeta.

Zeta didn't speak for long, after all, she wasn't familiar with Xenovia and Irina, and only gave them this prank as a lesson because they ruined her plans.

"Oh, I see. It seems alright. Just be careful next time."

Pretending to have been listening the whole time, Sid nodded.

"Yes, then I'll take my leave."

Zeta might have said something else earlier, and upon hearing Sid's words, Zeta misunderstood. She walked to Sid's side, intending to turn and leave, but then listened again, didn't turn back, and said something in a sorrowful tone.

"My lord, don't forget our agreement."

After saying that, he disappeared into the night.

After Zeta left, Sid simply went to the bedside to erase the mark Zeta had left behind, then looked around the room and at the bag on the table.

"What the hell is this!"

The Past of Zeta, Chapter 124

A black figure flew across the night sky and, under the cover of darkness, stopped not far from the entrance of an underground building without anyone noticing.

Not far from the entrance stood a group of women dressed in the same black bodysuits as Zeta, led by a pink-haired woman with a gold hair accessory.

Upon seeing Zeta approaching her after landing, the pink-haired woman took the lead, kneeling on one knee, bowing her head, placing one hand on her chest, and respectfully speaking.

"Lord Zeta."

Zeta showed no surprise at the kneeling crowd, simply waving for them to stand up before looking at the underground structure.

"Victoria, are you sure he's inside?"

"Yes, Lord Zeta, we kept a close watch on him the whole time and saw him walk in with our own eyes. We also learned about the structure of the entire building from the original design drawings kept by the Mitsukoshi Trading Company. The surveillance system was hacked, the escape route was blocked, and other entrances have been ambushed."

"Heh, that's good. Can you fight?"

With golden twin wheels appearing in his hands and assuming a fighting stance, Zeta asked a question.

She didn't say a word, but the sword in Victoria's hand was the best answer.

"Go easy on him, don't cause too many casualties. That guy is still somewhat useful. We need to leave him one or two men, of course, only if we are absolutely certain of success. If there is any danger, then just kill him."

After saying that, Zeta rushed towards the building, with the others following closely behind.

The four orcs guarding the entrance had barely seen Zeta before their throats were slit by a boomerang-like golden wheel, and their heads fell to the ground.

The door opened instantly, and Zeta led the group in, beginning the slaughter.

As she sped along, looking at the fallen orcs, especially those who, like her, belonged to the feline family, Zeta's icy purple, jewel-like eyes flashed with a hint of reminiscence and contemplation.