Night fell.
On Misaki Bridge, Fang Li and Shana walked in the direction of the residential area with steps indistinguishable from those of ordinary people.
Naturally, the two did not walk side by side.
Fang Li strolled leisurely as if taking a casual walk, appearing carefree.
Shana, on the other hand, marched with powerful strides that seemed painful, emitting a thoroughly displeased aura.
Sensing the footsteps behind her, Shana didn’t turn around but continued to vent her frustration internally.
(He’s truly a hateful guy!)
This sentiment had crossed Shana’s mind countless times.
However, despite being so hateful, this person had provided Shana with considerable assistance, making her increasingly infuriated.
Simultaneously, Shana felt that she didn’t truly hate Fang Li.
Because…
(He’s reliable…)
While appearing laid-back most of the time, he remained calm and decisive during battles.
Despite looking nonchalant, his suggestions were always incisive, accurate, and concise.
There was no mercy in him against his enemies.
There was direct criticism in the face of mistakes by comrades.
Most importantly, beneath the seemingly weak human form, there hid a strong and resolute heart.
All these factors contributed to Shana finding Fang Li not hateful.
So, in Shana’s eyes, Fang Li actually shone a bit.
However…
(I don’t know why, but this person just makes me so mad!)
Despite having so many ‘not hateful’ qualities, Fang Li’s unfathomable ability to provoke anger led Shana to the conclusion that Fang Li was hateful.
These completely different emotions left Shana in an unfamiliar state of frustration. Her steps naturally gained some force, conveying her emotions distinctly.
Of course, even if she were to die, Shana wouldn’t admit that Fang Li’s embrace today had made her feel warm.
Not wanting to admit this fact was also one of the reasons Shana felt so infuriated.
In this situation, it seemed even Alastor could clearly sense Shana’s anger, maintaining silence throughout.
Only Fang Li, seemingly oblivious to everything, suddenly uttered a line.
“By the way, when are you leaving here?”
Shana’s steps abruptly halted.
“Leaving?” Shana, as if not expecting this question, reacted a bit slowly.
“Leaving Misaki City,” Fang Li also stopped, but his tone remained casual. “Next, the ‘Bal Masqué’ should target this place to get the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) in my hands. Aren’t you planning to…”
Before he could finish the sentence, Shana interrupted directly.
“I’m not leaving!”
The overly certain words seemed to startle Shana herself.
Fang Li raised a brow and asked, “Because of the Flame Haze’s duty?”
“Ye… yes.” Shana composed herself, her tone returning to normal. Frankly, she said, “I’ve said it before; if the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) falls into the hands of Crimson World Denizens, it will cause significant trouble, let alone if it falls into the hands of an entity like the ‘Bal Masqué.’ If a Denizen group uses it recklessly, then this world is done for.”
Upon hearing this, Fang Li shrugged and said, “I knew you would say that.”
Having spoken, Fang Li resumed his pace, as if surpassing Shana, continuing to move forward.
Shana immediately caught up.
However, this time, it was Alastor who spoke up.
“Aren’t you planning to leave this city?” Alastor said to Fang Li, “Forgive me for being straightforward, but your staying here is not a good thing for this city.”
This was the truth.
Currently, Fang Li was like a delicious cake, constantly attracting the arrival of Denizens, especially those from large groups like the ‘Bal Masqué.’
And undoubtedly, the arrival of these Denizens had only brought harm to Misaki City, so it was no good.
If things went awry, the humans in this city might be devoured recklessly by the Denizens, leaving none alive.
If that happened, Fang Li would be implicated in the suffering of the people in this city.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Fang Li didn’t turn around, not even changing his tone in the slightest, speaking calmly, “But, I think it’s better to stay.”
“Stay? Why?” Shana was puzzled.
“Why not leave?” Alastor asked more directly.
In such a situation, Fang Li’s voice slowly echoed.
“From ancient times to the present, there will always be places that seem destined to become the center of turmoil, attracting the arrival of different entities, turning into arenas of conflict.”
“Misaki City is such a place,” Fang Li said with absolute certainty, “This has already become the center of conflict. Even without my presence, even without the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child), it would still attract the arrival of various entities.”
“I believe you can feel it too.”
“The air here has always carried the scent of gunpowder.”
Upon hearing this, Shana fell silent, and Alastor remained silent as well.
Fang Li’s words had no factual basis.
However, as Fang Li had mentioned, both Shana and Alastor had a feeling that this city indeed carried an unusual atmosphere.
That atmosphere, like the borders frequently becoming battlefields, had a scent of gunpowder that others couldn’t perceive.
Therefore, Shana and Alastor agreed with Fang Li’s words.
Misaki City would undoubtedly become a battlefield.
And it was destined to be so.
“After all, Friagne once planned to launch the City Devourer Spell here, devouring a large population, and creating a large number of Torches. Even if it eased the distortion of the world to some extent, it was only a partial relief.”
Fang Li continued, “The distortion here has long reached an undeniable level. Even without me, without the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child), just relying on this distortion, it would still attract various people, right?”
Perceiving distortion, Flame Haze would absolutely rush over.
And the Crimson World Denizens were a bunch of troublemakers, driven by their respective goals, they would throw themselves into it like bees attracted to poisonous flowers.
In the past, there were examples in history where a large number of Flame Haze and Crimson World Denizens gathered due to such circumstances, ultimately leading to massive wars.
For example, the battle where Alastor’s former contractor perished was an outcome of this nature.
“So, instead of leaving, it’s better to stay and prepare.”
Fang Li smirked.
“We’re going to have quite a few visitors coming next.”
This statement quickly proved to be true.
…
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