The Lovely Ladies

"One down."

Zane glanced at the remaining two armed helicopters, then continued down the road.

With one helicopter shot down, the other two hesitated in the air, clearly intimidated and unsure whether to pursue.

"Reporting in—target is equipped with a high-speed physical anti-air weapon. Requesting new instructions!"

While the helicopters wavered, Zane had already disappeared into the shadows.

When he emerged again under the streetlight, his mask was gone, and the sack he had been carrying had vanished.

The sound of sirens still echoed. The aerial units had stalled due to the threat, but the ground forces clearly weren't letting up.

Getting away wouldn't be easy.

Scanning his surroundings, Zane suddenly caught sight of three high school girls. His gaze landed on one of them—and his eyes lit up.

There was a way.

"Who knows? She said she had something to do today—probably helping out at her family's shop. Business has been booming the last couple of weeks."

Ruby crossed her arms and puffed out one cheek. Her short golden hair exuded youthful energy.

"Yeah, lucky she didn't come. Otherwise she'd be stuck being disappointed with us. We only came near the Hollows to see the commotion..."

Monna sounded a bit regretful. At her age, curiosity was natural—especially with how popular the "Fire Pickers" were online.

"No idea what happened, but it sure caused a scene over there..."

As her two friends chatted, Ellen silently sucked on a lollipop. But when the sound of sirens reached her ears, her brows knitted slightly.

"Security officers seem to be heading this way. Let's get out of here—I've got a bad feeling about this."

She made the suggestion, and the other two agreed. Just as they turned to leave, a figure appeared ahead.

Zane smiled faintly, gave a small bow, and spoke.

"Lovely ladies, I'm a street magician. Might I offer you a little performance?"

"It would be my greatest honor to perform for you. Please don't refuse me—otherwise, it would be the regret of my life."

Ruby and Monna blinked at him, then smiled. Ruby spoke up first.

"Haha, what a unique way to start a conversation! Are you really a street magician? You don't quite look the part."

A glint of curiosity flashed in her eyes, her brows arching in amusement.

Monna chimed in too.

"Yeah! Aren't magicians supposed to dress all formal, with a top hat and a mysterious vibe? You don't look like that at all..."

Clearly, both girls found Zane likable despite the sudden approach.

Ellen, however, watched him with a trace of doubt. She was sure she hadn't seen him before.

Shouldn't street magicians be roaming around looking for people to perform for?

Unlike her carefree friends, Ellen had seen more of the world—her perspective was sharper, more cautious.

Seeing the group chatting happily and Zane making no sudden moves, she didn't interrupt, but quietly kept her guard up.

"The Public Security Bureau's vehicles are over there. Looks like this place isn't ideal for a performance. Let's move on."

Zane, noticing the officers starting to seal off the area, offered the suggestion.

Ruby, Monna, and Ellen had no objections.

Soon, the four approached an officer. The girls identified themselves as students, while Zane presented his citizen ID.

Since the Masked Fool was known to be male, the three girls were quickly let through.

"Officer, I'm with them. You can't treat people differently just because I'm a guy," Zane said, feigning innocence.

The officer turned to ask the girls.

From Ruby and Monna's perspective, Zane had just joined them, so of course they considered him part of the group. But the officer wasn't easily convinced and pressed them for how long they'd been together.

Just as Ruby and Monna were about to answer truthfully, Ellen's expression suddenly changed. The lollipop in her mouth stopped moving.

She stared at Zane—at the warm smile on his handsome face—and felt the faint pulse of Ether energy aimed directly at her.

A threat. Clear and unmistakable.

Ellen understood immediately. She quickly tapped her friends and stepped forward.

"We've been together the whole time."

Ruby and Monna looked confused but didn't question it—Ellen didn't look relaxed.

Hearing this, and seeing no suspicion in Zane's ID, the officer let him pass. But as they brushed shoulders, the officer muttered coldly,

"Kid, grow a spine. Taking three high school girls out late at night? Not exactly responsible behavior."

Zane paused, then understood.

He'd been mistaken for some sleazy guy luring girls out for a night stroll.

Totally innocent, but still took the hit.

Still, since it got him through, he didn't care.

Moments later, the four had distanced themselves from the blocked area. Zane performed a few dazzling little tricks for the girls.

For someone adept at manipulating multiple types of elemental energy, these sleight-of-hand tricks were effortless.

Yet the spectacle still amazed them. Even Ellen's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"Thank you."

Zane bowed slightly, expressing his thanks to the girls for watching and enjoying his performance.

Ruby's cheeks turned a bit red. Handsome, polite, and good at magic—what wasn't to like?

Monna, standing beside her, looked excited too. Maybe not catching the excitement at the Hollows wasn't so bad after all. If they hadn't been here, they wouldn't have met Zane.

Just as the two were about to say something more, Ellen suddenly nudged Ruby and said,

"Hey, I'm almost out of candy. Can you go grab some from that store?"

"Oh, and Monna, go with her. Get some snacks you like. We're pulling an all-nighter to watch those tapes, remember?"

Ruby and Monna exchanged a glance, then smiled knowingly. Ruby nodded and headed off toward the store. Monna leaned in and whispered into Ellen's ear.

"Haha, I always thought you were cold to everyone, Ellen. But it looks like you've got a soft spot for Zane too."

"It's okay, you know. If you like him, just say so. After all... we're best friends!"