Bad woman, am I pretending to be bad?

Which area are we responsible for blocking?

"Phew, that's the path leading from the Marais District to the port. Don't worry, not many people escaped to this area; most are ordinary people, and the few extraordinary ones—"

Perhaps worried that Charlotte might feel pressured by participating in a formal operation for the first time, Pederina softened her tone, as if to comfort her, or perhaps to herself.

"I will be responsible."

The girl's words were not unexpected. Melissant had made a deal with her and had explained the process in detail. In that woman's eyes, the lives of others were not worth cherishing; only those with negative value were worth paying attention to.

The people who led the way to this path were deliberately arranged; they not only carried sealed artifacts but were also extraordinary individuals with a focus on the spiritual realm. The Conch Maiden alone would probably not be able to handle them, which was an opportunity left for her.

"Don't worry, although I'm an office worker and not good at combat, I've drunk potions and become a Sequence Nine Beyonder. Under Ms. Z's training, I can still stall for time when dealing with lower Sequence Beyonders."

Pederina patted the heavy musical instruments behind her, a glint of confidence flashing in her eyes.

"It is an extraordinary item, which I named 'Whisper of the Sea Breeze.' Although it is not a sealed artifact, it can affect emotions to a certain extent, thereby weakening the fighting spirit and behavior of others. Everyone in the Arbitration Tribunal is also very close together, so they will come as soon as they notice any movement. Besides, those people may not necessarily be coming in this direction."

The asymmetry of information led to different attitudes. Charlotte was comforted by the seashell girl, but she knew very well that the group of escapees were destined to flee in their direction.

This is Melissand's ability as a 'serpent,' just like in the past when she was not yet an extraordinary being, she was pulled by the strings of fate, and with the former's help, she smoothly sacrificed her life to kill Count Bathory.

Although she was reluctant to admit it, even with the support of the workers, it would have been difficult for her to act as Watson at that time, to awaken the public's wisdom, to unite dissent in the short term, and to overthrow such a powerful nobleman. Melissant's help was like the snowflake before an avalanche, helping her overcome the lack of time and advance the general trend.

Unconsciously becoming lost in the current situation, even being used by others to bring about one's own demise without realizing it, this is undoubtedly a terrifying ability. Like a chess player making a move, even if it does not change the situation but merely assists it, even with many limitations, it is still exceptionally powerful.

Fortunately, once one achieves extraordinary things and gains insight into oneself, the turmoil and pull of the spirit will stir up waves in the ocean of her heart, no longer difficult to detect or leave no trace.

Right now, ripples are spreading in her own spiritual ocean. Thanks to her keen perception and resistance to pollution, she is able to trace back to the source of the influence on herself, namely Melissand.

The only concern is whether that wicked woman is trustworthy. In the short term, given the vested interests, I'm not worried about the deal falling apart, but it's hard to say what will happen in the future.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Charlotte bit her lip slightly, holstered her revolver in the holster on her waist, and feigned a tense and suppressed expression.

"lets go."

Pedeline glanced at the wall clock, her tone becoming more urgent.

"Melvis, I'm leaving this to you."

"Ah."

With a soft murmur, the usually cold-voiced black-haired girl leaned against the doorframe, watching the two leave, while silently praying for their safety.

The carriage was already waiting outside. Once they were seated, the silent middle-aged man cracked his whip, urging the horses to break through the night wind and head straight for the distant streets.

The room was silent. Charlotte and Pedeline sat side by side, the leather seats creaking softly as they swayed. Looking up, they could see the moonlight filtering through the clouds, casting dappled shadows.

"Are you scared?"

Out of concern, even though she herself was trembling slightly, Pederina still asked in a soft voice.

"No, I thought about this day when I joined the arbitration tribunal."

Thoughts drifted. In recent years, the Enlightenment Church had become increasingly active in Hastings. Unlike Melissant's claim of pursuing truth, their slogans in this land were light and salvation, and the breaking of ignorance. However, what they actually practiced were illegal activities. Therefore, in the eyes of the three major churches, restraint and suppression were necessary means. The instructions of the Arbitration Tribunal also prioritized their own safety over the life and death of the enemy.

"We've arrived." The sound of hooves slowed, and the coachman's voice came from ahead.

Charlotte opened her eyes and stepped off the carriage with Pederina.

The street in front of me was narrow and dark, with low brick buildings on both sides, and the walls were covered with old green moss and traces of sea wind erosion.

“We’ll set up an ambush right here.” Pederina took down the instrument she was carrying and played three of its strings.

The deep, melodious music echoed in the air, and as the sudden sea breeze caressed her face, Charlotte could clearly feel the surrounding spirituality being slowly drawn by the music, forming an invisible barrier.

"This is another use of 'the whisper of the sea breeze,' which can shield one's senses from others within a certain range in order to hide one's own existence."

"Ah."

Without saying another word, Charlotte simply touched the stitching of the holster. In her spiritual vision, countless fine, spiderweb-like traces of fate were moving inward from afar.

Time ticked by, the muffled crashing of waves against the reefs like thunder, calm yet brewing storm. It seemed, as Pederin had said, that the Enlightenment pawns had not fled in their direction.

With a sigh of relief, the Conch Girl was about to relax and say a few words to the person beside her when she heard a chaotic cacophony coming from afar.

At the end of the street, several dark figures appeared silently. They were wearing long robes and their steps were hurried and disordered, clearly fleeing.

With a quick glance around, Charlotte had already confirmed the number of the other party—five people. Two of them emanated faint spiritual fluctuations, clearly indicating that they were low-sequence extraordinary beings, while the other three were just ordinary people who had been bewitched.

“As planned, I’ll keep those two extraordinary individuals occupied, Charlotte, you’ll be in charge of intercepting the others.”

Lowering her voice, Pederina tried to suppress her nervousness. Although she had expected a direct confrontation, she was at a disadvantage in terms of both numbers and information. She could only hope that Ms. Z would arrive as soon as possible after a brief delay.

As a civilian employee, she rarely participated in positive actions, and the abilities of the 'poet' category were not suited for hand-to-hand combat.

"it is good."

Charlotte slowly brought the hammer to the ready position. She could see the suppressed emotions in Pederina. After all, her registration information in the arbitration court was that of a legitimate daughter of a family who was forced to come into contact with the extraordinary world due to a sudden event. She had no practical experience and it would be difficult for her to play a role in the subsequent battles.

How can a Rank 9 'Poet' face two unknown Extraordinary Beings and the potential presence of firearms, even if they are currently in poor condition?

The old-fashioned printer in the arbitration tribunal sucked in paper again, leaving clear letter marks on the paper with the ink ribbon. It was a belated reminder: act only when your own safety is guaranteed, and if necessary, abandon the mission and stop getting entangled with the target.

"coming."

The view shifts back, and several dark figures draw ever closer. Their hurried footsteps are particularly clear on the quiet street. Just as they are about to step into the range of the musical barrier, Pederina suddenly plucks the strings of her instrument.

"Om-"

As if a sea breeze were howling, ripples of spiritual energy swept outwards, causing the two extraordinary individuals at the forefront to freeze, as if their movements were bound by something, and their expressions instantly turned blank.

Through the hoods billowing in the air, you can even see their expressions of fear and exhaustion, so realistically portrayed as if they were naturally revealed without any external influence.

Those who enter the game are completely unaware that they have been treated as discarded pawns.

"It's now."

Gunshots rang out suddenly, shattering the silence of the night.

Pulling out the revolver, pulling the trigger, and firing—the whole action happens in the blink of an eye.

The bullet whistled out of the barrel and hit the target with perfect accuracy. Its momentum tore through clothing and shattered flesh and bone, instantly piercing the leader's calf. The man groaned and staggered to the ground, blood quickly staining his trouser leg.

One of the five was to be killed, and it was not emphasized whether their lives would be spared. However, those who survived could always extract more information through conversation, so their plan was to first disable the enemy's mobility.

At the same time, Pederina's fingertips glide lightly across the violin, the music transforming into invisible shackles that bind the limbs of one of the extraordinary beings.

The enemy is in the open, while we are in the shadows. The advantage of perception allows them to take the initiative, but the difference in numbers makes up for this insignificant cost.

Knowing that continuing to flee was pointless, the leader angrily shouted to stop them, not only calming the panic of the lower-ranking members, but also stepping forward and following the flash of light from the gunshot.

"Charlotte, don't worry about me. Focus on dealing with those who are bound."

Sweat beaded on her forehead as Pederina whispered, the dual pressure of maintaining the sonic barrier and restraining the enemy making her feel extremely strained.

The pursuer was clearly not an easy opponent; even though his movements were slightly slowed by the rhythm, he still pressed forward relentlessly. The cracks in the road surface with each step and the howling wind testified to his extraordinary physical abilities.

Gunshots rang out again, and blood gushed from the former's thigh, but the speed did not slow down at all; instead, it further enraged the other party.

The bullet, embedded in flesh, was slowly expelled by the muscle and landed on the stone pavement with a tinkling sound, as if mocking the ineffectiveness of these methods.

In the past, Watson could clear a chest in an instant with his superhuman senses, but Charlotte now lacks such senses and cannot fire instantly to hit a single point. The abilities of the monster and the arbitrator are also inconvenient to use due to the need to conceal their identities.

Before she could think any further, the burly man stomped heavily, heading straight for the Conch Girl. Those extraordinary individuals who could bind others and affect their senses were naturally her first choice.

Her hair was whipped about by the force of the punch, and Pederina's face turned pale. Her sonic restraints seemed to have limited effect on him. "His sequence... might be higher than we expected."

boom.

The brass bullet then pierced the opponent's chest, but the collision of flesh and metal produced a dull, clanging sound.

With such force, Pedeline would likely be seriously injured if struck. Charlotte certainly had her own goals, but losing such a lively little seagull would inevitably cause her some sadness.

and so--

Suddenly drawing her cane, she used the tactic of advancing as a retreat, deliberately positioning herself in front of Pederina, aiming straight for the man's eyes.

Charlotte, being physically weak, naturally lacked the ability to confront those with extraordinary physical abilities head-on, but her experience in combat, or rather, in killing, was quite different.

The sharp, forceful sounds that blasted through the air were an instinctive reaction for everyone. When a foreign object appeared in one's field of vision, it was inevitable to blink or feel a momentary hesitation. But she did not ignore that moment, and so, the gunshots rang out again.

"Uh."

Clutching his bleeding, hollow eye, the man tried to suppress the pain and press on, but the remaining bullets all landed on him.

With her ammunition depleted, Charlotte lost her heightened senses, and her marksmanship could only remain at a basic level. She was unable to fire in one spot, thus crippling Charlotte's mobility by targeting the wound.

The instinct for danger had not left their minds, and at the same moment, stray arrows from afar pierced their skin, leaving bloodstains on their bodies one after another.

They were ordinary people who carried firearms.

The situation was already unfavorable, and as consciousness returned, the enraged man underwent a drastic change in appearance. Not only did several scales grow on his limbs, but his face also became inhuman.

"He's out of control, Charlotte, watch out—"

Before they could finish expressing their worries, a beautiful figure appeared before them. She easily blocked the subsequent heavy punch with her raised arm, as if she were also shielding them from the chill of the night wind.

With her neck-length black hair, composed demeanor, and comforting smile, she turned to look at the two of them, her eyes filled with both relief and reproach. It was Zelena, and it could only be her.

"You've worked hard. There's no need for you to push yourself. I've said before, your safety is always my top priority."

With a snap of her fingers, the man who had just lost control turned into a piece of paper, which landed crookedly between Ms. Z's fingers.

Beneath the curve of her lips, the crisis seemed to have been averted, and nothing could threaten them anymore. But this was not the outcome Charlotte desired, nor was it what Melissant sought.

The sealed artifact being carried is the key to overturning the situation.

A strange whispering sound entered my ears from somewhere, growing louder and louder. Every light seemed to be trembling, every face seemed to be hiding malice, and even the high stars lost their brilliance, becoming incredibly murky.

Click.

As the sound arose, from top to bottom, the entire familiar street peeled away like weathered paint, revealing a decaying scene that had been abandoned for a century.

An unpleasant sensation came from my fingertips and the soles of my feet—it was a large amount of sticky moss.

The world shattered in an instant.

P.S.: I will definitely resume daily updates of 4,000 words after this. Thank you everyone.

Chapter 132 Choice and Longing (4k)

The countless stars faded their brilliance and disappeared, leaving only a strangely laughing full moon hanging high in the sky.

The lamplight flickered and the candlelight swayed, revealing blurry faces through the thin walls. These were not human figures, but rather the pointed snouts and monkey-like cheeks of snakes, rats, and wolves.

Boom——

It was the sound of a string snapping.

The decaying barnacles were intertwined, the tangled seaweed covered the musical instruments, the Conch Maiden's pupils gradually dilated, and fine beads of sweat seeped from behind her ears, sliding down her neck and into her collar—a sign of spiritual overload.

"It's cognitive pollution. Close your senses, shut your mind, and don't look at these things!"

The sea breeze laps against the shore, and the waves carry a long, lonely roar that echoes in the air, like a call or an allure.

Even Zelena was affected by it, and involuntarily gripped her elbow, her knuckles turning white from the force.

“Sealed artifacts…they are carrying sealed artifacts.”

Pederina's voice seemed to come through a thick curtain of water. Her tightly furrowed brows and bleeding earlobes revealed that she was in extremely poor condition. Not only was she unable to maintain the soothing music, but her body was also swaying precariously.

The paper pieces that the out-of-control extraordinary beings transformed into detached from their fingers suddenly burst into flames, and then rose from the ashes with a scorching and rotting smell. In the distance, the three people who were originally bound stiffly propped up their bodies, like cuttings of grass, with fleshy buds spreading from the tears in their clothes, and they rigidly rushed towards them.

boom--

Raise your gun and fire.

As before, Charlotte cocked the hammer, and the remaining bullets in the chamber hit her forehead precisely, exiting through her skull. However, this only made the three out-of-control monsters stiffen for a moment before they pressed closer step by step in a bizarre manner, tearing at flesh and bone.

Physical attacks are not very effective, and reloading will take some time, which is impractical in the current situation, and her companions are also in a precarious position.

As if to confirm her thoughts, the barnacles that had previously only spread on the musical instruments had now climbed onto the skin of the Conch Maiden, dripping a thick, yellowish substance onto her fair neck. This change did not seem to awaken Pederine; she closed her eyelids, as if sinking into an endless dream, with only the blood constantly overflowing from her five orifices telling the story of life's passing.

It wasn't just the former; even though Ms. Z was still conscious and hadn't fallen into a deep sleep, her furrowed brows and grayed limbs depicted her being under control.

She murmured the word 'Bella' under her breath, tears welling in her eyes, as if she were trapped in a nightmare from which she could not wake up—a nightmare of her friend's passing.

Shifting her gaze back to the three-headed monster before her, Charlotte couldn't help but scoff.

It seems that she is the only one who has not yet become lost in this cognitive pollution, losing the ability to think and act.

So, should we use an ordinary human body to deal with most of the monsters that have been unleashed?

Although she knew that this was a predicament that Melissant had set for her, Charlotte still complained inwardly about that wicked lady.

She tilted her head back at the right moment to avoid the wind-blown punches and kicks, but little did she know that the big tree by the street would suddenly collapse and stretch out its bare branches, like withered, claw-like demonic claws, towards her.