Rage and Shame

With nothing else to occupy him, Zane decided to review his current status. As the thought arose, a series of data floated clearly into his mind.

Avenger Rank

Level 1: Assassin

Abilities: Weakness Sensing, One-Strike Extinguish

Ascension Progress: 40%

Next Level: Eradicator

...

His ascension progress had increased by a whole 12 percent, confirming that the Phantom Train indeed was a highly dangerous dark dweller.

From what he had learned over time, apart from the inexplicable 10 percent increase after killing Rex, his ascension progress only grew when he killed dangerous dark dwellers. The first time was when he killed the dog demon, leading to a 4 percent increase.

This time, eliminating the Phantom Train, the increase was three times that of the dog demon.

But that didn't mean three dog demons equated to one Phantom Train. After all, Zane had hunted the dog demon alone, while the Phantom Train was taken down with the cooperation of many.

In other words, if he could hunt a Phantom Train on his own, the increase in ascension progress could be astonishing.

Of course, that was merely wishful thinking.

Glancing back, Zane noticed that Zhou Wang, the obnoxious nuisance, was still there, so he closed his eyes to nap.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Hunger woke him, and judging by the time, it should be night outside the Vortex Gate — dinner time.

Standing up, Zane found the carriage nearly empty. Rosalind and Xun were gone from their seats, and even Zhou Wang was nowhere to be seen, likely gone to the dining car.

With his stomach grumbling, he hurried out of the carriage.

At the same time, Xun walked out of the dining car. Her teacher wanted another drink, so she left early.

Not in a rush to return to her carriage, the recently dined girl stood by a window in the passageway.

Gazing out at the peaceful receding landscape of the interstellar wasteland, Xun was a bit lost in thought.

On her way to the Lighthouse Base, she was just an obscure nurse. But returning to the Bastion, she was an Ascender. Moreover, Rosalind had assured her that she would be granted the status of an upper citizen upon her return.

An upper citizen status meant numerous privileges. Coupled with being an Ascender of the Radiance rank, she'd gain access to more resources.

The long-term implications didn't fully register with her, but just thinking about her father getting treatment and better living conditions for her younger brother brought a pleased smile to her face.

Suddenly, a cough came from behind her.

She turned around as if struck by electricity, only to see Zhou Wang. She had no good feelings for this man and quickly turned to leave.

Zhou Wang hurriedly stepped forward to block her, wearing what he believed to be a charming smile: "Miss Xun, may I have a moment of your time? I have something I wish to discuss with you."

Xun's face was stern, "I don't want to hear it. Please step aside, thank you."

Zhou Wang continued, guilt lacing his voice, "I know I scared you back at the base. But believe me, it was your beauty that overwhelmed me and caused my manners to lapse. So today, I've come to apologize and hope you can forgive my impetuousness."

"Fine, I've heard your apology. Now can you let me pass?" Xun's tone was already impatient, seeing no sincerity in Zhou Wang's eyes.

Zhou Wang maintained his smile, "Besides apologizing, I have a proposal for you, which I hope you will consider."

He proceeded without waiting for her consent, "I believe we are well-suited for each other, Miss Xun. Have you ever considered marriage? Trust me, I'm quite willing to take care of a beautiful and gentle woman like you."

Xun shook her head, "I'm sorry, I haven't thought about marriage."

Undeterred, Zhou Wang persisted, "Then you can consider it. First, I'm a Level 2 Elementalist within the Heart-Core rank, fully capable of ascending to the Stormbringer at Level 5. This is indisputable; many in my family have reached such heights, and I will definitely achieve it."

"Furthermore, my Zhou family has been established for over 60 years, and I am of the fourth generation, still retaining our surname. As you might know, the right to establish a family stipulates that the fourth generation must earn ten thousand contribution points annually to maintain their surname. This, in another way, demonstrates the strength of my Zhou family."

"Therefore, if you agree to marry me, you will have the full support of the Zhous. You will become one of the most brilliant stars of the Bastion. Honestly, such an opportunity doesn't come around very often."

"How about it, Miss Xun? If you agree, I can propose to you right now."

Xun declined without hesitation, "I don't want to."

Zhou Wang was taken aback; this was not going as he had expected. Even if a lower citizen like her had the fortune to become an Ascender, and even one of the scarce Radiance rank at that, she would at most obtain upper citizen rights and privileges. But if she were cherished by a family like his and given resources for cultivation, her prospects would be limitless.

Zhou Wang couldn't understand, what reason did Xun have to refuse?

What right did she have to refuse!

Xun didn't bother to ask him to step aside again; she simply walked past him. But Zhou Wang caught her hand.

"What are you doing? Let go!"

Xun's expression shifted slightly as she saw the frightening look on Zhou Wang's face.

Though Zhou Wang was still smiling, it had become twisted, "You're choosing the hard way! Xun, if I'm not mistaken, your current status is still that of a lower citizen, right? That means I can still exercise the rights of an upper citizen."

Xun's pupils shrank, and she opened her mouth to scream.

A hand suddenly covered her mouth.

Zhou Wang hissed, "I'll see if you refuse after I've cooked this rice into a done deal!"

At that moment, someone entered the passageway, and Zhou Wang and the newcomer both exclaimed, "It's you!"

It was Zane. When he saw what was happening, his face darkened, "What are you doing? Let her go!"

Zhou Wang felt a fire in his chest. He couldn't understand why this white-haired kid always appeared at the worst possible moment to spoil his plans!

His machinations were carefully crafted for this moment.

Zhou Wang had realized that once Xun returned to the Bastion and her Radiance rank was revealed, several powerful families would offer her olive branches, families that were superior to the Zhous.

So he planned to secure her before she reached the Bastion, even resorting to despicable means if necessary.

Like now.

But he hadn't expected Zane to show up again!

"This is none of your business. I'm warning you, don't meddle..." Zhou Wang couldn't finish his warning as Zane's fist grew larger in his view, and then darkness followed as Zane's punch sent him staggering back.

Relieved, Xun gave Zane a grateful look, then shouted a warning, "Watch out!"

In a fit of rage, Zhou Wang activated his star essence. In his hand, an elemental light flowed, forming a gray-white elemental spear.

Zane grunted, his silhouette flickering with a silver glow as he darted to Zhou Wang's side, landing a punch in his side.

Zhou Wang cried out in pain, the spear's light collapsing, his agony scattering his concentration.

Zane swept his leg, knocking Zhou Wang down, and then a kick to the back of his head put him out of consciousness.

As Rosalind walked out from the dining car, she was taken aback by the scene, "What's going on? Xun, are they fighting over you?"