Chapter 71: Origins of the Laughing Infection

Chu Cheng was surprised when he saw Agent Luo turn his arm into a weapon, just like the other guy they were fighting. 

Was this some kind of ability? He remembered that Agent Luo's infection level was high—maybe it was over 100% now, allowing him to awaken these powers.

Luo Yajun felt a bit shaky and his feet were numb. He leaned against the wall for support before sitting down. Casually, he pulled out a cigarette, glanced at Batman standing in the shadows, and offered, "Want one?"

Batman didn't respond, just stood silently in the dark.

Luo didn't mind. He lit his cigarette, taking a deep drag, savoring the moment. "Cheap brand, but I got used to it.

Old Brooke's favorite and Funny thing is, I used to hate smoking.

I couldn't stand seeing others do it. I argued with old Brooke about it all the time. He said tobacco taxes fund important stuff, like education and healthcare.

Smokers are heroes, sacrificing for the greater good. Can you believe that?"

Leaning against the wall, Luo Yajun took another puff, a small smile on his face. "He didn't listen, though.

His wife, she was a real sweetheart, always scolding him about smoking. She made the best burritos, stuffed with meat, potatoes, and just the right sauce.

She'd invite me over for dinner, and I'd always have seconds. You won't find better burritos anywhere now. Never again."

He fell silent, just smoking. The cigarette burned down quickly. He flicked it away and lit another.

"They had a daughter, too. Six years old. You wouldn't believe how perfect she was. An angel, really. I went to her birthday party once.

She smeared cake on my face, got scolded by her mom, but kept making faces at me. I made faces right back at her."

He laughed softly, the memory warming him. "They were like family to me. I never had that before, just work and missions.

But being around them, I started to understand what a family could be. In that little girl's eyes, I saw the future—the kind of future we all hope for."

Luo Yajun's voice grew quieter as he took another drag. "Then, after Brooke was gone, I saw her again. That bright, angelic look was gone.

Her eyes were just empty, filled with a darkness that wouldn't go away. It broke me. For the first time, I couldn't see the future anymore. It was like everything I believed in just shattered."

He looked at the body lying nearby, the head blown to pieces. "I thought I'd moved past it, but this... this guy made me realize I was wrong. I created this monster."

Luo Yajun turned to Batman. "Have you ever lost someone like that? Someone so important to you that when they're gone, it feels like there's a huge hole in your heart that'll never be filled? And the worst part—you feel like it's all your fault."

After a long pause, Batman finally spoke, his voice low and hoarse. "I understand."

Luo Yajun chuckled, a cigarette hanging from his lips. "First time I've heard you talk directly. Funny, I never thought I'd share this with anyone. But maybe it's because of what happened.

After that, I almost gave up. The future I could see was gone. I was just drifting, looking for fights, searching for a grave to call my own. But deep down, I'd already lost sight of what I was fighting for.

Maybe that's how this demon was born, the one hiding behind a fake smile, acting like he knew everything, when really he was just scared and useless."

He took another drag, the smoke curling around him. "Those old, evil things are good at bringing out the worst in us, making us create our own demons. I used to think I could face anything, look the devil in the eye and say I wasn't afraid. But I was wrong.

Sometimes, what we're up against is beyond anything we can fight. You can't just shoot the darkness away."

Luo Yajun paused, then continued. "I never thought I'd say this, but I think you understand. That's why you're here, right?"

"Yes," Batman replied, his voice barely more than a whisper from the shadows. "That's exactly why I'm here."

Luo Yajun laughed, a long, genuine laugh. "I get it now. You know, I couldn't see the future for a long time, but lately, I feel like I can see it again. It's not what I expected, but it's something. And it's thanks to you and your amazing team."

He paused, looking around. "So, wherever you are, I just want to say three things…"

But when he turned around, he realized he was alone in the dark alley. Batman had already vanished into the night.