Chapter Thirty-Seven: Vanquishing the E-Class Fiend

Xiao Feng gazed in astonishment at the werewolf's chest, where an eerie fissure had begun to form. The line grew steadily, widening like a wound torn open by some unseen force. The beast's thick hide slowly peeled apart, revealing the sinews beneath. It was clear—Alice's telekinetic power was prying the monster open with delicate, yet terrifying precision.

He could scarcely believe it. That such a frail girl possessed such formidable mental strength was beyond his comprehension.

Moments later, the creature's ribs—thick and imposing—became visible. Standing before the towering three-meter-tall werewolf, Xiao Feng did not hesitate. He drove his weapon, the Blood Ghost, deep into the monster's chest.

Boom. A single shot rang out. The beast's body convulsed violently with the impact.

He racked the bolt, chambered another round, and fired again. Boom. Another crimson burst erupted from the werewolf's back.

One shot followed another—five in total—before the creature's mighty frame finally succumbed. It ceased its thrashing and collapsed backwards with a thunderous crash, lifeless at last.

Exhausted, Xiao Feng cast a weary glance at the remaining beasts. He worked the bolt of his rifle, the weight of slaying over a hundred G-class monsters now crashing down on him in full.

The Blood Ghost's recoil was brutal—its destructive power far exceeded standard firearms, but at a cost. Prolonged usage exacted a punishing toll on his body.

With a final exertion, he dispatched the last few beasts. As he stared at the slowly fading life in the werewolf's eyes, a weary smile crept across his lips. "You b*st*rd… d*mn you." With those words, darkness overwhelmed him. He collapsed backwards, unconscious.

"Xiao Feng!" Ivy cried out in alarm. She hadn't expected him to faint so suddenly and utterly.

She rushed forward and caught his falling body in her arms.

Panting, Alice asked in concern, "What's wrong? What happened to Brother Xiao Feng?"

"He's passed out… probably from sheer exhaustion. We must get him back quickly!" With surprising strength, Ivy hoisted Xiao Feng onto her back and began heading swiftly toward Godo City.

Alice clung to the hem of Ivy's coat, following closely behind.

"Will he be alright? Why did he faint?"

"I think he's just exhausted. The strain and tension were too much. Without him, it's dangerous for the both of us—we must get to safety, quickly!"

Yet Alice reached for the Blood Ghost in Xiao Feng's limp hands, pulled the bolt, and loaded a fresh round. "I am not a burden."

Through the desolate wasteland cloaked in night, Ivy trudged onward with Xiao Feng on her back. Behind her, Alice carried the heavy sniper rifle, relying on her closeness to Ivy to keep pace despite her blindness.

Xiao Feng's arms dangled over Ivy's shoulders, swaying with each step.

Eventually, his hand inadvertently brushed against Ivy's chest—and lingered.

Startled, Ivy glanced down at his hand. Her brows furrowed slightly as she felt a faint pressure—his fingers gently squeezing. She turned her head to look at his face. Still unconscious. Was he pretending, or merely acting on instinct? Either way, her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

Slowly, Xiao Feng began to awaken. The sensation of something soft and warm in his palm was the first thing he noticed. Without thinking, he gave it another squeeze.

A sharp yelp followed. Ivy shrieked and angrily tossed him to the ground. "What the hell is wrong with you?! You've gone too far!"

Jolted fully awake, Xiao Feng blinked in confusion. "Huh? What are you two doing here?"

"If it weren't for us, you'd be werewolf chow by now!" Ivy snapped, rubbing her chest with a wince. "And what were you thinking, grabbing so hard? That hurt!"

Realization dawned on Xiao Feng, and his expression turned crimson. "I… I don't know what I did…"

"What happened?" Alice asked curiously.

Now visibly irritated, Ivy replied, "Since you're awake, walk on your own. Let's get you back to camp—this place is far too dangerous!"

Xiao Feng stood and took the Blood Ghost from Alice, inspecting it carefully. "What were you two thinking, coming out so late? Are you insane?" Then, as if remembering something critical, his eyes lit up. "Wait—the werewolf's magic core! Did either of you collect it?"

"No, I was in a rush to get you out. I didn't stop to collect it."

He fell silent in thought. "That core… might be just enough to pay for Alice's eye treatment." His voice turned resolute. "I need to go back for it."

"No!" Alice cried. Though deeply moved, she couldn't bear the thought of him risking his life again. "It's too dangerous!"

"I have to. Wait here for me—" But he paused, hesitating. "No, I can't leave you alone either. Come with me." He reached out and gently took Alice's hand, leading her back toward the estate.

Watching Xiao Feng hold Alice's hand stirred a flicker of jealousy in Ivy's heart. With a quiet huff, she drew her customized pistol and followed behind them.

—

Meanwhile, in the distant city of Lancer, in a smoky bar, Kelly sat alone with a drink, her mood still soured. She wore the same sultry black leather outfit, exuding danger and allure. Countless men stole glances at her with barely veiled desire.

But not one dared approach—not with the military-issued sidearm strapped to her thigh, unmistakable proof of her status as an Alliance officer.

At that moment, a man in a black suit approached, a wine glass in hand. He had long golden hair—unlike White's unruly curls, his locks were sleek and straight, tied into a small braid at the nape of his neck. His features were striking, the visage of a refined gentleman. Clad in a flawlessly tailored suit, he moved through the room with unhurried grace, drawing every female eye in the bar.

Women clad in flirtatious silks and seductive glances watched him with rapt attention.

Such men were a rare sight in this brutal world.

Eventually, a provocatively dressed woman stepped into his path, exposing ample cleavage. "Hey there, handsome… got any plans for tonight?"

The man didn't even glance at her. Staring past her at Kelly's silhouette, he replied coolly, "Get out of my way."