The night, devoid of stars and a moon, hung over Satellite City like a solid-colored curtain.
In the suburbs of Satellite City, a railcar bearing the emblem of the Human Alliance sped through the desolate landscape.
The residential buildings of the Old District, varying in height, flew past Ye Xingyao’s vision, leaving flickering shadows in her star-blue eyes.
Ye Xingyao watched the scenery of the Old District for a while and shook her head inwardly. After all, she had never lived in the Old District herself. Given its current dilapidated state, she couldn’t understand why the elderly literary masters would feel so nostalgic for such places.
‘Today… I’m so exhausted too…’
The girl sighed in her heart. She shifted her gaze slightly, only to see her childhood friend smiling as she watched her profile. She quickly looked down, avoiding eye contact.
‘I’d better not communicate too much with Xiaoyue right now.’
Ye Xingyao thought to herself.
Even though Yi Shiyue looked like she desperately wanted to chat, the things she had done just now… Thinking about it still made Ye Xingyao feel instinctively shy. ‘Have I really become a bit feminine even in my mentality?’
‘No, no, I shouldn’t think about these things.’
Ye Xingyao tilted her head back, resting it against the uncomfortable cushion of the back seat. She closed her eyes and began to review the information she needed to confirm.
‘Is there any news that is useful to me but cannot be obtained from the Human Alliance?’ Since the Human Alliance had formed a partnership with Hongye Qiu to purge the elves within human society, they would surely communicate any clues to her. There was likely no need to worry about that.
What entities had appeared on the stage of Satellite City since that Friday night?
The Human Alliance, the elves, the Hunter’s Union, the Magical Girl Society, the small team formed around her, and… Monsters.
Aside from those Defective Blood Fiends, there had been no sign of monsters tonight.
Counting those Defective Blood Fiends, this was already the second time a Humanoid Magic Beast had appeared.
During her first encounter with that terrifying Humanoid Magic Beast, she hadn’t been able to discover its talent skill. Later, after she lost consciousness, Hongye Qiu had killed it in one strike, leaving no chance to gather information.
The second time, which was tonight, the Defective Blood Fiends didn’t have talent skills at all… Could there be a connection?
How did these events and timelines relate to her status as a Star Elf?
At this thought, Ye Xingyao felt as though she had found the crux of the problem, yet she couldn’t find a breakthrough to solve it.
Beside her, Yi Shiyue noticed her childhood friend’s breathing becoming steady and gently let her lean against her.
The moment they touched, Xingyao’s body stiffened. It was only after Yi Shiyue stroked her head repeatedly that she gradually relaxed.
‘Since things have come to this, I’ll just sleep for now.’
A voice in Ye Xingyao’s heart spoke.
Drowsiness gradually overwhelmed her. The girl, her clothes stained with blood, rested her head on her lover’s shoulder. Her body went limp as she unconsciously synchronized her breathing.
Soon, her chest began to rise and fall rhythmically, and a faint, steady breath escaped her small nose.
Seeing this, a smile appeared on Yi Shiyue’s face. She tilted her head, pressing her cheek firmly against the hair on top of her lover’s head.
The other three remained silent, afraid to disturb the tranquil atmosphere in the car.
***
“Xiao Yao, wake up, we’re back, okay?”
Ye Xingyao felt a tickling sensation at her waist. She opened her eyes in a daze and looked out the window, seeing the familiar scenery surrounding the Safehouse nearby.
“You guys get out first. If you have questions, ask them now. I’m going to stay here and contact the guys from the Human Alliance.”
Seeing Ye Xingyao awake, Hongye Qiu spoke up to remind them.
After stepping out of the car, Ye Xingyao raised her hands above her head and stretched.
Admittedly, sleep brought on by the dual exhaustion of stamina and spirit was indeed comfortable—if only one didn’t have to wake up.
Under the threatening gaze of Fumier, Mite also got out of the car to get some fresh air.
“What, have you already perfectly transitioned from a Blood Elf lady to a Star Elf lackey?” Mite mocked.
“Is it not allowed?”
A faint smile always hung on Fumier’s face. It seemed Mite’s mockery didn’t bother her at all. Aside from the time Mite had broken his promise to her, no one had ever seen this Blood Elf lolita show any significant emotional fluctuations.
Mite suddenly felt that he couldn’t see through this young girl either.
“If you have something to ask, ask it quickly. I’ll say what I dare to say, but I’ll see if you dare to believe it,” Mite snorted, leaning his back against the car with an air of indifference.
“You should save the messages you’re unsure if we’ll believe for the Human Alliance. I’m sure they’ll have their own ways to debate them.”
Seeing the thorns in his words, Ye Xingyao wasn’t about to give him any face.
“By the way, you don’t need to think about snitching on me to the Human Alliance in exchange for something. They already know about me and the Moon Elf by my side.”
Ye Xingyao spread her hands. If she weren’t covered in blood and needing support from Yi Shiyue, Mite might have actually believed that the person in front of him was an experienced hunter girl.
“I thought about it on the car. The Human Alliance will likely obtain much more information about this incident than I could from my limited perspective. So, what I want to ask you isn’t related to tonight’s events. You don’t need to scheme about how to fool me.”
“I only have one question. Does your research have anything to do with the Humanoid Magic Beast from one week ago? If it does, then tell me in detail.”
Ye Xingyao watched Mite’s facial expressions as she spoke.
When Mite heard the mention of “the Humanoid Magic Beast from one week ago,” his pupils constricted. For a split second, he wore an expression of shock. At that moment, she knew there was definitely an inextricable link between the two.
“How could you possibly know about that Humanoid Magic Beast? The Human Alliance clearly hasn’t made any information public!” Mite raised his voice, questioning Ye Xingyao.
“Because the one who killed that monster was Sister Hongye.”
Ye Xingyao blinked. She looked at him with an impeccable expression, as if she were startled by his reaction.
It was as if she were saying, ‘I was just asking casually, why are you reacting so strongly?’
“Heh… Hehehehe. A Star Elf is indeed not a simple thing…” Mite gave a dry laugh and sighed.
“So, will you answer my question?” Ye Xingyao asked listlessly, twirling a lock of hair at her temple with her finger.
“I’m afraid I have nothing to say. However, even with just my reaction, I’ve probably provided you with plenty of information, haven’t I?” Mite shook his head, looking like he had no intention of saying anything more.
“Then forget it. I didn’t expect to get anything out of you anyway.”
Ye Xingyao waved her hand.
“Xiaoyue, let’s go take a shower. Our bodies are so dirty right now… Oh, and Miss Fumier, would you like to join us?”