Chapter 45: The Night Raid

Xiao Feng and the rotund Brada returned to the hospital, handing over the remaining sixty thousand Alliance coins to Old White—thus finally settling the outstanding cost of Alice's surgery. When Xiao Feng tossed the money over, his careless manner made it clear: such a sum no longer held meaning for him. These days, a single night of hunting could earn him tens of thousands. What were a few coins to a man like him?

After all, in his heart, he cherished Alice deeply. To have such a sister—Xiao Feng would face death without regret.

Old White stared at him, astounded. "You little rascal, where did you get so much money?"

"Last night's earnings," Xiao Feng replied nonchalantly. "Just take it. Alice still needs plenty more for the eye replacement."

Old White's sharp, hunter's eyes didn't miss the bruises darkening Xiao Feng's chin, or the blood still faintly lingering. "You fought someone, didn't you? Who did this to you?"

Xiao Feng smiled faintly. "No one important, Uncle. Don't worry about it. Stay with Alice. I'm heading back for some sleep—hunted all night without rest. I'm off."

Old White seized his arm, speaking with quiet resolve. "Wait until Alice's surgery is done. Whoever laid a hand on you—I swear I'll make them pay. I'll knock out every last one of that b*st*rd's teeth. Just leave it to me, alright? Don't do anything reckless. Give me a few days." He looked at Xiao Feng as if seeing his own son wounded—his heart clearly ached.

"I know, I know. I'm fine, really. Don't worry," Xiao Feng chuckled softly. "I'm dead tired." He yawned, then turned to Alice. "Little Alice, be strong, alright? Just a few more days, and you'll see the world again."

Alice lay in bed and beamed. "Brother Xiao Feng, listen to Papa, okay? Don't go causing trouble. Wait for my eyes to heal—then we'll deal with those jerks together!"

Xiao Feng grinned. "Alright. I'll be waiting." He gave her cheek a gentle pat and turned to leave, Brada trailing behind him.

They drove a battered jeep back toward the camp. As they rumbled along, Brada couldn't contain his curiosity. "Xiao Feng… are you an Ability Wielder?"

Xiao Feng shook his head slowly. "I'm not even sure myself... do I count?"

"But if you're not, how can you be so strong? You took down that guy in the suit like it was nothing! If they hadn't been two, either one would've lost to you in a one-on-one!"

Xiao Feng merely smiled and said nothing more.

Back at the camp, he collapsed into his dorm bed and sank into sleep. Hours passed, and night once again draped its velvet cloak across the sky. Awakening, Xiao Feng rose, assembled his weapon—"Blood Ghost"—and slung it over his shoulder before heading out.

As he passed the basketball court, Rice emerged from the shadows, cigarette glowing in the dark.

"Kid, where do you think you're going?"

"Boss Rice? Still awake? I'm just heading out to hunt—bag a few beasts, earn some coin." Of course, Xiao Feng didn't mention his true purpose: revenge against Carrie and Kerry.

Rice chuckled. "Don't lie to me. You're going after those two Ability Wielders, aren't you? I'm telling you now—you can't touch them."

Xiao Feng's dark hair danced in the cold night breeze, brushing across his eyes. "Why not? Am I just supposed to swallow the humiliation of that beating?"

"If a beating were the end of it, I'd gladly take one myself. They may not be invincible, but do you know who stands behind them? The entire Alliance. You could kill them—but do you think the Alliance would let it go? They'd never tolerate a rogue Ability Wielder like you. Take down two Rank-3s and they'll send Rank-4s, Rank-5s. What then? Can you beat a Rank-5? A Rank-6 or Rank-8? Let it go. You didn't suffer a serious loss."

Xiao Feng sneered. "So I'm just supposed to take it? I'm your subordinate now—your little brother. I get beaten and not only do you not help me, you block me from taking revenge?"

Rice clenched his cigarette between his teeth and grabbed Xiao Feng's collar. "Don't you lecture me. In my mercenary group, I protect every one of my brothers. Even the new ones. Do you realize if I hadn't shown up when I did, they'd have taken you? Right now, you'd be locked in a cell in the Alliance's capital. And you know what they'd do? At best—life imprisonment. At worst—they'd cut you open, piece by piece, to see what makes you special. You'd wish you were dead."

Xiao Feng gave a bitter smile. Of course, he knew Rice was speaking the truth. "Fine, fine—I'll go hunting. And if you're worried, come with me. Alice's surgery still needs a fortune."

Rice lit a new cigarette. "I'm not going. Too d*mn late—I need sleep. But I'll send Turner with you. I'll rest easier knowing he's with you."

"No need for Turner. We don't get along. I'll go alone." Xiao Feng turned to leave.

"D*mn it, fine! I'll come. You never give me peace. Let me grab my coat. We'll take the truck. Earlier we go, earlier we're back."

"Didn't your big brother invite you for drinks?"

"Just seeing Pierre pisses me off. I wouldn't share a drink with that b*st*rd if he begged me. I'll get the truck and the guns. Wait here."

Xiao Feng laughed. "Sure. I'll wait."

As Rice walked off, Xiao Feng lifted his gaze to the sky. The starlight spilled across the heavens, each shimmering point a mystery he couldn't name. His pupils dilated, and the stars seemed to glow even brighter, even more beautiful.

Once Rice had disappeared into the distance, Xiao Feng dashed toward the perimeter wall, whispering under his breath, "Wait for you to hunt together? Yeah right. Like I'd bring you along."

He reached the western edge of the compound, scaled the wall with practiced ease, and dropped silently to the other side. After a quick scan of his surroundings, he picked a direction and sprinted into the night.

Moments later, Rice arrived at the basketball court, truck engine growling, a machine gun resting on the passenger seat. He glanced around—no sign of Xiao Feng.

With a growl, he slammed a fist into the steering wheel. "That little b*st*rd—he tricked me!"