You Play Dirty, Huh?

As the people of ARK City and the Fourth Squad watched in astonishment, the black mist that had blanketed the city and surrounding sea area was swept away by a fierce wind, vanishing without a trace.

The sudden disappearance of the mist allowed those who were still conscious to witness a scene that seemed like a divine miracle—the sea... in the sky.

They were amazed, yet also filled with awe and a touch of unease at this miraculous sight.

Of course, compared to the citizens in the safe zone, certain individuals, who would have to clean up this mess later, had even more on their minds.

"...Do you remember what I just said?"

MEI's faint voice echoed in Jiang Qiao's ear. Even without seeing her, the tone alone conveyed her exasperation and displeasure.

"You mean about Vill-V wanting to have a chat with me?"

[Wendy] blinked, playfully sticking out her pink tongue—activating this body's built-in skill, playing dumb.

"No, I think I also want to have a chat with you now."

The girl's voice was laced with a hint of gritted teeth. To make the always rational MEI so irritated, one could only imagine.

I told you not to make too much of a scene, and you pull this?!

The Herrscher of Wind's sudden "revival" was already a headache, and now this blatant display—such a huge commotion, even if other countries were blind, they couldn't possibly be unaware!

MEI was certain that while Jiang Qiao was busy, several satellites of various types had already appeared over this sea area.

Fortunately, Vill-V was in charge of this aspect.

With her personality and abilities, she must have immediately taken action to cover things up after discovering the anomaly.

Besides, MEI also had Prometheus leave her station...it would be such a waste to halt production. Oh well, she could roll some crystals while helping Vill-V with the cover-up.

"Ehehe."

"...Was it really necessary to make such a big fuss?" MEI sighed.

She knew Jiang Qiao shouldn't be the overly flamboyant type. If he did this, there must be a reason.

"Beep."

"Doctor, an unidentified individual has sent an email."

Prometheus, working overtime like a Rhodes Island donkey, experiencing the joys of human "blessings", raised her expressionless face and reported.

The next moment, MEI opened the data—it was a report on this operation that Jiang Qiao had compiled and transmitted using some special methods.

She immediately saw the information about the black mist of decay.

"Alright."

MEI rationally examined the data and had to admit that, from the perspective of an 'epidemic,' this method of eradicating it from the root was extremely efficient.

After all, the essence of the black mist of decay was a transmissible 'epidemic.' After contact, it would spread to other people and the environment along with the carrier, just like 'Ebola' or 'smallpox.' In terms of infectivity, it was even stronger than both.

Because humans were now all parasitized by the Dominance particles, this also meant that they all carried trace amounts of Honkai energy—and although this amount was extremely small, it was enough to provide fertile ground for the black mist of decay to 'multiply'.

And because the black mist of decay also contained the power of creation, from the perspective of 'biological evolution,' the organisms infected by it would undoubtedly pose a considerable threat.

Wendy's wind wall protected the people of ARK City, preventing them from inhaling excessive mist and dying on the spot, but the wind wall also propelled the black mist, originally confined to ARK City, towards the surrounding sea areas.

Upon discovering this, Jiang Qiao, after taking control of [Wendy], immediately took countermeasures—he chose to eradicate it completely!

The diffused black mist, the black mist integrated into the seawater, and even the black mist within ARK City, were all restrained by this Molting power, losing the possibility of spreading.

In MEI's view, this was undoubtedly the right thing to do.

If this thing really spread, humanity would be truly finished.

Project Avalon restricted human consciousness but couldn't heal human bodies.

Thinking this, MEI couldn't help but feel fortunate for her decision to blockade the sea areas around ARK City at the first moment of the incident and notify Jiang Qiao.

If this had been someone else, foolishly rushing in...it would have been a huge problem.

For example...hmm, it was a good thing they sent 'Elysia'.

"Regarding the citizens, do you need me to send someone over?"

MEI, in a much better mood, returned to the main topic.

Other transmission routes had been almost eliminated, so the remaining sources of transmission were naturally the citizens and soldiers of the Fourth Squad who had been infected by the black mist of decay. They were also carriers of the 'epidemic' and had to be dealt with properly.

"Leave it to me."

Jiang Qiao's reply was as reassuring as ever. Even though MEI, now in work mode, was more accustomed to looking at things rationally, she still couldn't help but feel relieved upon hearing this.

She didn't ask him how he planned to handle it, because based on Jiang Qiao's past behavior, he would never disappoint them.

The communication ended. The emerald girl, leaning against the sky, her snow-white skirt fluttering in the wind, her bare jade feet, marked with Honkai symbols, tapping the air, [Wendy] teased the crystal in her hand, which contained a large amount of black mist of decay, water, and gas. Sensing something, she flew towards a certain direction.

As the overflowing black mist dissipated from ARK City, the wind wall that protected and enveloped the people disappeared. In a certain part of the city, he landed gently, his bare, white feet touching the ground without picking up a speck of dust.

What came into Jiang Qiao's sight was a girl leaning against a corner—particularly conspicuous in this deserted city block.

Dark blue hair, a baby face, not unfamiliar to him.

This 'Blue Wendy' of the Previous Era was now like a sleeping baby, lost in peaceful slumber.

She was the Herrscher of Death who had triggered this disaster.

This body's girlish playfulness prompted Jiang Qiao to bend down and poke the Previous Era Blue Wendy's slightly chubby cheeks with his index finger—hmm, in terms of feel...it was indeed comparable to the future Blue Wendy.

Of course—including nutrition.

From afar, an A-cup, up close...

Probably about the same as this body.

Subconsciously squeezing his own headlights, [Wendy] shook his head, then started to get down to business.

Although playing with the sleeping Blue Wendy was quite interesting, the moment he thought of the future Blue Wendy's rather 'unhealthy' sleeping posture, Jiang Qiao instantly lost interest.

The current priority should clearly be to deal with the people in the safe zone.

Every second, there was a chance that a lucky individual would GG due to organ failure.

And the Blue Wendy in front of him could save them.

Through the act of checking the headlights—Jiang Qiao was certain of this.

Within the girl's body, there was indeed the hidden power of decay and creation of the Herrscher of Death.

"Then, please lend me this body."

"Ten seconds without a response, and I'll take it as your consent."

"10, 9, 8...1!"

Clearly—Blue Wendy had no objections. Her baby-like sleep indicated her complete agreement.

The next moment...

The girl slowly opened her eyes, revealing beautiful, ocean-blue eyes.

And opposite her were bewildered emerald eyes—

"This face...is it mine?"

The newly awakened Seele looked at her own face in a daze. She subconsciously thought it was Wendy—because the two looked surprisingly alike, with only differences in color, and even their personalities had a high degree of overlap. Seele had a very favorable impression of this friend she met through chat software.

After all, with her timid personality, she didn't have many friends to begin with.

But...this wasn't right! Seele remembered that Wendy's hair was black on the outside and red on the inside, while hers was black on the outside and blue on the inside...this face in front of her, no matter how she looked at it, looked like herself!

"Good."

While Seele was confused, the rising [Seele] spoke in a milky, soft, girlish voice, full of satisfaction.

Just as Jiang Qiao expected—there was indeed something he needed in this body.

As the initial carrier of the black mist of decay, [Seele] was a genuine Herrscher of Death.

But because Jiang Qiao had blocked Cocoon's plans several times, the now-wiser Cocoon didn't mold Seele into the 'puppet Herrscher' that had traumatized Kevin, but simply used her as a vessel to release and utilize her powers.

This made this Herrscher of Death's power particularly weak...well, not exactly weak, but her Herrscher core was 'inverted'—meaning she didn't have the ability to draw Honkai energy from imaginary space.

But...

"This power is the real deal."

Black and white shimmers flickered in his slender hand. The surrounding withered and decaying plants were revived. As Seele watched in surprise, [Seele], feeling the power of death and life, curved the corners of his lips into a smile.

Although the manifestation of the effects had changed, he could feel that, aside from the imaginary singularity, which was easily blocked by him, being removed by Cocoon, the power of this core was no different from the Black Abyss White Flower.

Oh...the drawback was probably that, because there was no imaginary singularity to provide energy, this thing couldn't unleash a massive burst like the original Herrscher of Death.

This was also why the black mist of decay, which could originally reduce things to ashes in an instant, was so weak now. In order not to be blocked, Cocoon had to seal the wall, but sealing the wall resulted in insufficient Honkai energy and reduced strength. Hence, the black mist of decay, which seemed more like a 'Herrscher kryptonite,' was born.

It could be said that Cocoon had gone to great lengths in targeting the Herrscher of Origin.

"Um, this...what's going on?"

Seele's soft voice sounded in his ear—she clearly had no idea what was happening. There was a version of herself standing in front of her, and her own appearance seemed somewhat unfamiliar, uh...or rather, she seemed to have turned green?

"You don't remember anything?"

"Uh..."

Facing Jiang Qiao, who had 'Seele's' face and was talking to her, Seele, the original owner, felt it was bizarre, but upon hearing these words, she still tried to recall, but to no avail.

She only remembered shopping with Wendy...shopping...and then...

She couldn't remember!

Unfortunately, the backup storage of memories—Seele's head, was currently in Jiang Qiao's hands...or more accurately, Jiang Qiao was using it.

Although the original owner could somehow still use it, Seele, whose head was buzzing, obviously couldn't understand this.

[Seele] sighed—it would be simpler to just directly extract it from this body...oh well, it wasn't something worth worrying about.

He briefly explained it to Seele.

The latter's expression was full of disbelief.

Then, she touched her lips... AAAAH!

"Alright, let's go find Wendy."

"Eh—"

Seele wanted to say something, but in the next moment, she was swept into [Seele]'s arms.

In a princess carry.

At this moment, the Previous Era Blue Wendy's face instantly flushed red.

Wait, why the sudden hug?! And it's my own body hugging me!

Seele's mind was spinning—No response.

Jiang Qiao, carrying Blue Wendy, flew back to the safe zone.

And this happened to fall into Elysia's sight.

—Although at first, the filter of senior and hero made them admire her, when they actually worked with her...she seemed a bit...useless.

Not exactly useless, but...she seemed a little unintelligent.

Especially the squad members who had interacted with 'Elysia' before were even more puzzled—how could Senior Elysia become so much weaker after just a short while?

Before, she was full of confidence and organized, but now...Elysia wasn't good at clerical work!

Perhaps the only thing she could do was distribute food to the citizens and discipline a few unruly individuals.

Well, overall...at least as far as Elysia herself was concerned, she felt her role was still quite significant.

It was called—maintaining social order!

Matters that could be solved with force should be dealt with without thinking, because thinking...gave her a headache!

So—I'll leave it to you! Bad Jiang Qiao!

Adhering to this style of action, Elysia decided to see how Jiang Qiao was doing.

But the first thing she saw was...

Bad Jiang Qiao being held in another woman's arms? And it was a princess carry?!

Elysia was stunned when she saw the green-skinned Blue Seele being held by [Seele].

Th-Th-This! Y-Y-You... Bad Jiang Qiao, you play dirty, huh?!

Elysia was working hard on serious matters, while he was lying in another woman's arms?!

Did he enjoy it that much?!

Looking at [Wendy]'s flushed cheeks, Elysia pouted. I, Elysia, haven't even been hugged like that!

Her mood could be described in two words—furious.

"Jiang~ Qiao~"

"Hmm?"

[Seele], who had just landed while carrying Blue Wendy, raised an eyebrow, looking at Elysia, whose expression was very amiable but whose cheeks were particularly puffed out, somewhat puzzled:

"Is something the matter?"

"Ah..."

Seeing that it was [Seele] who responded, and not [Wendy], Elysia's expression immediately became awkward.

Th-Th-This...she got it wrong.

So the one being held was the bad Jiang Qiao.

That's right, how could bad Jiang Qiao be held by someone else?

It was a misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding resolved—continue being angry!

Although misunderstanding Jiang Qiao made Elysia a bit embarrassed, she could easily find new reasons to be angry.

After all, the [Seele] in front of her was clearly Jiang Muer's new skin, new toy!

Just like with Wendy before, this bad guy went out for a while...and now with this girl...

Elysia, the professional punching bag, started fuming. [TN: An anime trope where one character is usually frustrated by another character but tolerates it]

"Where's Wendy?"

"She's handling things with the other squad members."

"Is that so... Forget it, then I'll leave her to you." [Seele]'s eyebrows twitched slightly, and then he gave instructions to Blue Wendy.

"Huh?"

Elysia's eyes widened—You flirt with the girl, and now you want me, Elysia, to deal with the aftermath?!

Y-Y-You, you bad guy, what do you take me for?!

No way! Absolutely not!

The pink-haired Fat Woman decided to fight this bad guy to the end.

She would say no to bad Jiang Qiao!

"Thank you, Elysia."

The girl said softly.

The next moment.

"Fine, but this is the last time!"

Elysia pouted, muttering somewhat reluctantly.

There was no helping it, who told bad Jiang Qiao to have such an important task...

I'll endure it!

[Seele] smiled, then ascended to a higher vantage point.

A gentle, warm white light shone on the girl's body.

Although this neutered power couldn't be self-sustaining, for Jiang Qiao, who came prepared, this clearly wasn't a problem.

Accelerating cell death, accelerating the dispersion of molecular gaps—the death of decay.

Rewriting the blueprint of life, repairing the loss of life—the life of creation.

This was the power of the Herrscher of Death.

The girl standing high above looked down at the crowd affected by decay, slowly revealing her pale wrists, and gently swiped across them.

A trickling sound echoed in the air.

Elysia, who had been watching from behind, widened her eyes at this scene, then walked over nervously.

"Jiang Qiao...you..."

"It's alright, Elysia."

The girl's expression was calm as she looked at the flowing blood.

Unlike other Herrschers, for the Herrscher of Death, blood was an excellent material for exercising her power, because blood symbolized vitality, and the Honkai energy contained in the Herrscher of Death's blood far exceeded that of other Herrschers.

This was also why the Black Abyss White Flower had a special rated power that needed to be activated with blood.

The blood dripped, lingering in the air, and transformed into a huge blood clot floating—that was already more than half of the blood in her body.

Slowly lowering her hand, [Seele], brimming with vitality, slowly opened her mouth and softly chanted:

"—White Flower, Holy Blood Liberation..."

At this moment, the blood clot exploded.

Spreading throughout the entire shelter.

Amidst the bewilderment of the people, fresh branches sprouted from the decaying ruins of the city, new buds emerging from the soil.

Pure white flowers bloomed beside everyone.