Vol-2: 084. Between the Mirror

084. Between the Mirror

Whether as a [Redemption] series mentor or as a C3 Luka-type cosmic human, Gretorvo's personality, strength, and potential made him an ideal teammate.

This was why, despite receiving invitations from the noble Beitiao Clan, Li Aozi chose to seek out the Akaban Squad.

"I want to speak with your leader."

"The captain isn't here, and besides, we have nothing to discuss with a Red Arrow man."

"Really?"

Li Aozi's eyes glowed with runes, allowing him to clearly see everything and everyone in the tavern. He calmly said:

"Then I suppose the woman sitting by the second window to the left, leaning against the blue curtains, holding a can of beer with instant noodle cups scattered on the table, isn't your second-generation leader—Lady Mirror, correct?"

Clang!

Two short blades without handguards were drawn immediately. The two Akaban Squad members' expressions darkened:

"You're spying on us."

"It seems we can't let you leave."

Li Aozi remained unfazed, having already anticipated this situation.

Normally, this would require a series of prerequisite tasks, gaining the trust of an Akaban Squad member through a letter of recommendation to eventually meet Lady Mirror.

However, Li Aozi was too lazy for such a roundabout approach. He simply bought a set of clothes, let [Charisma] lead the way, knowing they wouldn't actually attack him.

"Think whatever you like, but I've truly come with good intentions."

This task was difficult to trigger, so Li Aozi adopted a casual tone, half-jokingly, half-seriously saying:

"Gretorvo•Night Song, as an international volunteer, helped you resist the full firepower of an entire army. Yet some of you remained silent, not even daring to plan a rescue mission. Spreading this story will surely break the hearts of those who support your cause."

"Hey, you—"

"What gives you the right to comment on us..."

The two guards were flushed with anger but still couldn't find any justification to attack the Red Arrow man in front of them.

The overwhelming power of [Charisma] somewhat distorted their perception. To them, even laying a finger on someone like Li Aozi would be an intolerable crime.

The more they suppressed their anger, the more deeply Li Aozi's words sank into their ears, echoing continuously in their minds, probing their conscience.

"Gretorvo•Night Song, an outsider, faced even greater pressure and discrimination than any of you. He blocked bullets and artillery with his body. Not only are you ungrateful, but you also lack the courage to even mention his name?"

"Of course, you lack courage. After all, becoming outlaws is the fate of all rebels. If you stop here, you'll turn into nothing but thugs and bandits, becoming the very terrorists that Prime Minister Park Jeong-sun's government hopes for—is that really what you want?"

"Just one crackdown, and you're already this cowardly? Is this really the most progressive student army in Tianhuan? How laughable. But then again, if you had more courage and wisdom, you wouldn't have lost this badly."

Li Aozi's words were a mix of praise and criticism. On one hand, he belittled their strength, while on the other, he complimented them as a progressive group, different from other organizations. It skillfully shifted the focus to why they had failed in their struggle.

At this point, there was no need to say more. The Akaban Squad members would step forward to explain themselves.

"Stop bullying these young people."

A low, hoarse female voice rang out.

In the next moment, Li Aozi found himself facing... himself.

He turned his head slightly, seeing countless reflections of himself layered over one another. His [Eye of Truth], which could see through everything, now only reflected his silver-grey, rune-inscribed eyes.

Real.

Li Aozi raised his hand.

Countless Li Aozi reflections raised their hands simultaneously, their fingertips converging at a single point.

Crack————

The sound of glass shattering echoed, and the entire world was sliced apart and fragmented into irregular pieces.

[Entering combat mode, assessing...]

[Based on your level, you can view the following information about your opponent:]

[Name]: 'Xia Jianjing (Narrow mirror)'

[Race]: C3-'Luka'-type Cosmic Human

[Gender]: Biologically female (no gender identity)

[Age]: 28

[Template]: Combat Specialist NPC (50% increased damage output)

[Faction]: Tianchihuan•Akaban Squad•Military Corps

[Overall Level]: lv.60

——[Primary Class]: [Assassin] lv.40.MAX

——[Secondary Classes]: [Revolutionary] lv.10; [Esper] lv.10;

[Health Points]: 1700/1700 (Healthy)

[Energy Points]: 6900/6900

[Attributes]:

Strength——69

Dexterity——93

Constitution——17

Charisma——16

Will——15 (14)

[Status]:

Alcoholism——[Will] attribute -1

[Talents]:

Racial Talent•War Seed——C3-'Luka'-type cosmic humans possess terrifying war potential. Upon entering combat, their primary attribute is increased by 10%.

Class Talent•Assassin's Creed——Burst equals speed, speed equals burst. For every 1 point added to the [Strength] attribute, an additional point is added to the [Dexterity] attribute.

Gamma-Level Advanced Effect: The [Dexterity] attribute is tied to your critical hit rate. For every 10 points exceeding 100 Dexterity, it converts into 0.03 critical hit.

[Skills]:

[Transcendent Physique]——As a Gamma-tier elite, your physical abilities are undoubtedly extraordinary. From cells to your entire body, your constitution has surpassed that of ordinary humans. Damage from low-level targets is only 80% effective (includes physical piercing, spell penetration, and true damage).

[Heron Style•Annihilation Stance]——As an [Assassin], you walk a sinister and ruthless path. In close combat, your attack speed is increased by 200%, and you can parry any projectiles with your weapon (except for light weapons).

[Aether Affinity]——C3-'Luka'-type cosmic humans can passively absorb a portion of aether from their environment to slowly restore stamina and energy.

[Esper Ability]:

[Boundary Waltz]——A severely flawed Omega Energy ability is labeled as Esper Ability, lacking further development potential but unleashing greater destructive power than non-Omega abilities, both for others and yourself.

Ability Description: Creates and alters a mirror world within a certain area. You can teleport and change positions through mirrors or shatter the mirror world, subjecting all enemies within the range to unavoidable repeated slashing attacks, dealing up to [Charisma] attribute * 30 true damage.

This ability bypasses all checks and cannot be dodged.

Every time you activate the ability, regardless of duration, you lose 10% of your current maximum health.

Lifespan reduced by 50 years.

[Tier]: Gamma-tier (unstable, will drop after Esper Ability fades)

I was pissed off. Not sure about this afternoon, so I'll just send out the saved draft for now.