Chapter 31: A New Name

Wang Zhan chatted casually with Alina for a while. As always, she was lively and talkative. If she were a secretary in real life, she'd likely thrive in the role.

In the afternoon, Alina went to the children's shelter to teach.

Wang Zhan, having nothing better to do, lowered his viewpoint to listen to the workers chatting. Their conversations ranged from the peculiar hobbies of the upper class to who ate more during a meal and even the heroic deeds of Talulah!

Focusing on the infected gathered in the camp, Wang Zhan noticed Yi Yi, wearing a monocle, seated proudly in the center of the group.

"Even a massive mobile city was split in two by the overwhelming forces of these two warriors! At the edge of a cliff, the two paragons of strength exchanged knowing smiles..."

Smack! Yi Yi slapped his thigh, startling the infected. He widened his eyes dramatically and said, "FrostNova conjured a mirror of glacial ice in her hand. She spoke coldly, 'If you can melt this crystal, I'll allow you to meet my father. As for whether he'll let you join the guerrillas, that depends on your abilities.' Talulah responded decisively..."

It felt just like a scene out of a fantasy novel.

Listening to this, Wang Zhan became increasingly curious about Talulah's Originium Arts. Could she really tear apart a mobile city?

But tales spread by word of mouth tend to exaggerate. Perhaps the protagonist herself could provide a more accurate answer. However, Talulah might modestly downplay the truth… Asking Alina would likely yield a better response.

Storytelling was certainly a cost-effective form of entertainment. Wang Zhan checked the decree system: the first law in the entertainment branch was about building an arena. While it wouldn't lead to deaths, injuries seemed inevitable.

Maybe he could suggest it to Mu Ye? Wang Zhan noted it down for later.

By evening, Wang Zhan, following his usual routine, powered up the Generator. Everyone knew it was time to clock out. The hunters emerged from their tents and, under the gaze of others, casually headed toward the northern exit.

Enli, satisfied with his new clothes, wound up his lantern, which emitted a warm light. He felt a comforting warmth on his stomach.

He glanced toward the Generator, where faint lights flickered like fireflies over the snowy plains. Everyone had their hunting gear ready.

"Hey, what are you spacing out for?"

Sasha's voice snapped Enli out of his thoughts. The boy, with his cold expression and youthful face illuminated by the lantern on his chest, looked at him impassively.

"Sasha..."

"I've changed my name," Sasha replied calmly. "Call me Faust from now on."

Enli paused before laughing. "Faust? That's a good name." Still, Enli suspected Sasha didn't fully understand its significance; he likely just saw name-changing as a big deal.

"Attention, everyone! I have an announcement!"

The lanterns stopped moving, and the hunters turned their eyes to the two standing at the canyon entrance.

Wang Zhan's curiosity was piqued. What on earth was Enli planning now?

Standing at the exit, Sasha had a sinking feeling. This fool wasn't going to—

"Sasha has changed his name! From now on, he's called—"

Before Enli could finish, Sasha kicked him in the shin. There was no need to loudly declare a name change; people would adjust over time naturally!

"Ow—Faust!"

The group laughed at Enli's antics and continued heading north. "Faust, nice to meet you."

Faust? So the story was progressing according to the game after all. Or was it just a coincidence?

"Changing names is a good thing..."

Though why it was good, the infected paused for a moment and couldn't say.

They didn't understand what name-changing meant to Faust. Talulah had told him that if he didn't pick a name, others would keep calling him whatever they liked... Changing his name was a way to protect himself.

But on a deeper level, Sasha thought, perhaps it was simply a way to bid farewell to a tragic childhood.

Things were different now. Everything was about to change.

Under the Generator's light.

Wang Zhan watched as people passed Faust, offering their blessings. Those unsure what to say even handed over their hidden food supplies.

Wait—someone was hoarding food?!

Still, since it was given to Faust, Wang Zhan decided to let it slide this time. He made a mental note to discuss this with Alina later.

If Sasha had changed his name, then surely Eno had as well.

It wasn't long before Wang Zhan found Alina. Sasha stood in front of her.

"You want to change your name?"

Alina seemed a little overwhelmed by the day's events... though, to be fair, it wasn't much—just emotionally impactful.

"Yes, I want to be called Mephisto."

Alina gently touched Sasha's cheek with sympathy. "Why do you suddenly want to change your name?"

"Because Sasha changed his."

Alina was silent for a moment. Sasha had already told her, and she'd approved of the name Faust. "And you? Do you truly want to change your name?"

"Sasha won't be mad at you over this," Alina said, sensing Eno's hesitation. He often hid his thoughts despite having his own opinions. "Tell me your real feelings, okay?"

Eno cautiously looked into Alina's eyes. They were warm and kind—nothing like those of the cruel, madwoman he once knew. He thought to himself how beautiful such eyes were.

"I think the nightmare is finally over. We're no longer homeless. We eat well, live warmly, and dress warmly. It's like a dream."

Far better than hiding in sewers with Sasha.

Sasha tried hard to smile, tilting his head back to keep tears from falling. Wang Zhan found it both amusing and heartbreaking.

Alina pulled Eno into her arms, letting him lean against her shoulder. "Don't worry. With me, Talulah, and Mr. Generator here... the nightmares of the past will never catch up to you."

"I want to leave behind my experiences in the mobile city," Eno said, stepping back. His smile was still there, though Alina's shoulder was damp from his tears. "I want to be called Mephisto."

"Alright, let's go tell Talulah. How about that?"

Their next stop was the workstation. By this time, work was almost done.

Through the small window in the door, Talulah saw Alina standing outside, holding what appeared to be Eno's hand.

"Talulah," Alina said, looking cheerful despite the redness in her eyes, "both Eno and Sasha have changed their names."

Talulah smiled. "That's a good thing. What are you crying about?"

"I'm not crying," Alina retorted, though she quickly wiped at her eyes with her sleeve. "I just..."

"I understand. No need to explain," Talulah replied, a hint of mutual understanding in her tone.

She crouched to meet Eno's eyes. "What name would you like to go by?"

"Mephisto."