No matter what she did, Su Ling could not fall asleep.
She tossed and turned in bed, feeling as if everything that had just happened was utterly surreal.
It was as if she had been possessed, actually doing those things to Sista and showing such an out-of-control expression.
‘…This is just terrible…’
Su Ling buried her face in the covers, her earlobes burning slightly.
However, she also had to admit that the feeling just now… was not unpleasant.
The body heat they exchanged while embracing and the faint fragrance in their breath were completely different from the feeling of being forced before.
Even though her logic wanted to dispel these memories, her body clearly remembered that touch. That warm, soft, and delicate contact made her involuntarily develop a certain sense of dependence and unease.
‘Ah, stop thinking about it!’
Su Ling rolled around on the bed for a good while, and only after the heat on her face gradually subsided did she let out a long breath.
In the end, it was because Sista gave her that Strange Chocolate that things turned out that way. Even if she had lost control and done those things, the other party had no reason to be angry — after all, the source of it all lay with her.
Su Ling lightly patted her cheeks, forcing herself to calm down and prepare for sleep.
Before sleeping, she put on the Pink Bracelet. Tonight, she wanted to try contacting Tii through the dreamscape again.
With a mix of bashfulness and anticipation, she slowly closed her eyes.
—
When she entered the dreamscape again, the scene before her eyes gradually became clear.
Su Ling found herself standing in front of a mill in Valivadan. The mill’s architecture was ancient and sturdy, with mottled stone walls and a waterwheel turning slowly. Clear stream water flowed below, making a gurgling sound.
Not far away, a woman dressed in coarse cloth led a robust ox as she walked slowly past.
It seemed she had successfully connected this time.
‘Tii should be nearby…’
Su Ling looked around and soon saw a familiar figure.
Tii stood on a patch of grass covered in wildflowers, the sunlight pouring over her and coating her in a warm halo. She wore a simple linen dress, and her long hair was draped naturally over her shoulders.
“Tii!”
Su Ling stepped forward quickly, a smile appearing on her face.
Tii turned around, a flash of surprise and joy appearing in her eyes when she saw her.
“Little Su Ling, you’ve finally come. The connection has been a bit unstable lately, and I’ve been waiting for a long time to see you.”
Su Ling took her hand. “Me too. Every time I enter the dreamscape, I hope to see you.”
“How have you been lately? Has that Blood Noble Princess been bullying you?”
Hearing those words, certain images involuntarily flashed through Su Ling’s mind, and her face instantly turned red.
“N-No…”
“Your face is so red? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine! Really, I’m fine! Everything has been quite normal lately!”
Tii was somewhat skeptical but did not continue to press the issue. She simply took Su Ling’s hand.
“Today’s memory is related to the Black Feather Organization. Come with me.”
“The Black Feather Organization? But Tii, am I allowed to know about this?”
Tii gave a soft laugh. “Don’t worry, it’s not some state secret. Besides, I want you to see my past.”
Thus, the two of them set out together on the road toward the Black Feather headquarters.
They passed through bustling markets, crossed winding streams, and walked along quiet forest paths. Along the way, Tii told Su Ling about the background and sphere of influence of the Organization. Su Ling listened intently, the curiosity in her heart growing stronger.
After walking for a long time, they finally came to a high wall.
The wall towered into the clouds, built from massive black stone bricks. It seemed to split the sky itself, giving off a heavy and oppressive feeling.
“This is the Night Tower,” Tii said. “The headquarters of Black Feather. It doesn’t just imprison many controlled people; it’s also the place where they conduct experiments and plan their operations.”
As she spoke, she took a Black Feather Badge engraved with the Organization’s pattern from her pocket. She showed it to the guards, and they stepped aside to let them pass.
“Follow me.”
The two entered a passage.
Inside the Corridor, it was dark and damp. The air was thick with the scent of medicinal chemicals and the cold tang of metal. On either side were tightly closed iron doors, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
“This is the place where I grew up.”
Tii spoke softly as she walked.
After passing through a heavy iron door, the scene before them changed abruptly.
A group of children surrounded them.
They wore gray short-sleeved shirts and had innocent smiles on their faces, calling out “Sister” one after another.
“Sister Phoenix, you’re back!”
A 5- or 6-year-old boy ran over and hugged Tii’s leg.
Tii crouched down and gently rubbed his head.
“Mm, I’m back. Is everyone doing well?”
“Yes! We all missed you very much!”
Several young girls also gathered around, pulling at her hands.
Tii patiently greeted every child, her gaze as gentle as if she were looking at her own family.
Su Ling stood to the side, watching this scene. Her heart felt warm, yet also vaguely uneasy.
After a moment, Tii stood up and said to Su Ling:
“These children are all selected Experimental Subjects. In the future, they will go through a screening process to become Assassins recognized by the Kingdom.”
“Then… what if they aren’t selected?”
Su Ling looked at those innocent faces, her voice tightening.
“They die.”
Tii’s tone was calm.
“The survival rate is only about 3%.”
Su Ling was stunned.
She looked at the children who were still laughing and playing, finding it difficult to imagine the fate they were about to face.
“Do they… do they know?”
Tii shook her head.
“Not yet. The Organization will slowly tell them and let them adapt.”
Su Ling fell silent.
She looked at Tii again, whose familiar face seemed exceptionally heavy at this moment.
Tii’s childhood had been spent in such an environment.
Being treated as an Experimental Subject since she was young, being trained as a killer, and growing up amidst uncertainty and True Danger.
“Tii…”
Su Ling called her name softly and took her hand.
“Hm? What is it?”
“It’s nothing…”
Though she said that, her heart could not settle for a long time.
Just then —
Heavy footsteps echoed from the other end of the Corridor.
Both of them fell quiet at the same time.
A moment later, a figure appeared in their line of sight.
It was a woman who looked to be about 60 years old. She had a thin frame, a cold face, and a dull complexion. Her hair was pulled tightly back behind her head, and she wore a dark robe embroidered with complex patterns. Her aura was solemn and overbearing.
“This person is my Teacher,” Tii whispered.