I, Herrscher Slayer

A Parting Gift from a Disciple

This... forget it. He was leaving anyway, so a hug was no big deal. It was just like saying hello. Didn't Mei hug him earlier too? As long as I treated it normally and didn't overthink it, it was nothing, right?

Fu Hua had intended to push Shen Gonglin away, but that thought surfaced in her mind instead. She sighed softly, then raised her arms and gently placed them on Shen Gonglin's back. He was only going out on a mission, so why did this feel like a life-and-death farewell? Even if they encountered danger, with Shen Gonglin and Kiana's strength, nothing serious should happen. She had taught him martial arts, after all—consider it a master's special treatment for her disciple.

Click.

That faint sound sent ripples through Fu Hua's already calmed heart once again. The Valkyrie felt a sudden looseness across her chest, and immediately knew what had happened. She released Shen Gonglin and grabbed his collar, her jade-green eyes utterly lifeless. Shen Gonglin really should just be killed. She didn't have a disciple like this. Leaving him alive would only bring disaster upon the nation... and chaos to the common people.

The hug was one thing, but why were his hands so dishonest too? If there weren't so many people around, she really wanted to shatter his skull with a Heaven-Splitting Strike. This bastard could even undo the ties of her bra through her clothes. What was the point of keeping a disciple like this?

"Uh... if I said I didn't do it on purpose, that it was just instinctive, would you believe me?"

With Fu Hua gripping his collar, Shen Gonglin grew a little flustered as he looked into those dead eyes. Heaven bore witness—he really hadn't done it on purpose this time. When his hand touched that knot, it seemed to move on its own. Only after it was done did Shen Gonglin seem to realize what he had done. This really wasn't his fault. It had to be instinct. Even Shen Gonglin himself was amazed by that technique. Could it be that, before he lost his memories, he had actually been a pervert?

Impossible. The instant the thought emerged, Shen Gonglin firmly rejected it. This only counted as being good at undressing people. It had absolutely nothing to do with being a pervert.

"Take a guess."

With her clothes in the way, the bra underneath would not fall off just yet, leaving Fu Hua free to deal with Shen Gonglin. This guy really had been coveting her. She could not relax her guard around him even slightly. Fu Hua fiercely pinched Shen Gonglin's cheek. What instinctive behavior? This had obviously been premeditated! Shen Gonglin, she had seriously underestimated him!

It seemed that bras with tied straps were still not secure enough. She could not dress this lightly when Shen Gonglin was around either. But with her size, it was difficult to find bras with suitable clasps... It seemed St. Freya's lingerie shop was simply inadequate. It had not considered the needs of all its customers at all!

"I'm sorry, okay? Want me to tie it back for you?"

As Shen Gonglin spoke, he reached out to help. Realizing what he intended to do, Fu Hua hurriedly stepped back. Was this guy truly unafraid of death, or did he think she was merely joking? She really would strike him—she would beat him half to death.

"Don't move. Stay at least one meter away from me."

Unable to make any large movements, Fu Hua held her head high and pushed out her chest, using friction to keep her bra from slipping down. Today was truly not a suitable day to teach Shen Gonglin a lesson. Just wait, you bastard. When you come back and I teach you the other Four Aggregates, you'll suffer for this!

"Hm? What's wrong, Class President...? All right, Kiana, you've hugged enough, haven't you? You should get going. Be careful on the way, and take good care of Shen Gonglin."

The commotion on Fu Hua's side caught Mei's attention. She helplessly patted Kiana's shoulder, telling her to let go. Since they had already said goodbye, they should get on the road soon. If they kept dragging things out, it would never end. It was a pity Bronya had gone shopping and had no time to come over, but that was fine. Shen Gonglin and Kiana would return sooner or later.

"Roger! I'll definitely take good care of him... Huh? Shen Gonglin, what happened to your face? Did some bug bite you?"

Having replenished herself with enough Mei energy, Kiana was full of vigor. She hoisted Shen Gonglin's enormous pack onto her back and tossed her own small backpack to him. Then she noticed the mark on Shen Gonglin's face. This guy had wonderfully soft, tender skin—one light pinch would leave a red mark. But it had not been there earlier.

"Yeah, a bird pecked me. Well then, Mei and Class President, we're off. Tell Bronya that when I get back, you all have to give me gifts."

Shen Gonglin waved, concealing the issue with his face as he winked at Fu Hua. Fu Hua, however, showed no appreciation whatsoever and simply ignored him. Prepare gifts for him? By rights, he should be the one bringing them gifts when he returned from outside. Of course, it was not that Fu Hua wanted Shen Gonglin to bring her anything. This idiot simply understood nothing at all!

Could that really not have been intentional?

"Let's go, Class President. We should head back too... Class President?"

As Shen Gonglin and Kiana's figures gradually vanished from sight, Mei withdrew her gaze and prepared to return with Fu Hua. Yet Fu Hua stood there without moving for some reason. Suspicion immediately flashed through Mei's violet eyes. What was wrong with the Class President? Could she not bear to part with Shen Gonglin? Mei had found it strange from the start. When had Shen Gonglin and the Class President become so close? They had gone out to breakfast together that morning, and they had even hugged goodbye just now. Hadn't the two of them fought before? How had their relationship become this good?

There was definitely something fishy going on here.

That familiar feeling again, as though some strange thought were sprouting from the depths of her heart. Mei shook her head and flung those odd thoughts away. What was wrong with her? Why had she started overthinking everything ever since Shen Gonglin woke up? Could there be something wrong with her body recently?

"Wait, Mei. Help me with something first. I really can't go inside like this."

After looking around and confirming that no one was nearby for the moment, Fu Hua awkwardly pulled Mei behind a tree. With her clothes on, it was truly difficult for her to handle this herself. She could only ask Mei for help. She could not possibly walk back to the dormitory like this. Something would definitely go wrong.

"What is it, Class President? What do you need help with?"

"...This."

Mei looked curiously at Fu Hua. The Class President actually needed someone else's help? What could possibly stump her...? Oh, this sort of thing really was a little difficult alone. But the question was, how had the Class President managed to get this undone?

"Class President, what happened?"

Standing behind Fu Hua and tying the straps for her, dexterous Mei quickly solved the problem. It would have been better if she had not asked, because the moment she did, Fu Hua's expression darkened again.

"Who else could it have been? It was all that guy's fault!"

That guy... meant Shen Gonglin?

Mei looked in the direction Shen Gonglin had left, narrowing her eyes once more. He was with Kiana. Nothing would happen, right?

A Bad Premonition

"Okay, this will do. We can pick up the luggage again when we come back. Mei really went overboard—was she worried the two of us would have it too easy, bringing so much luggage? Since we're on a mission, we should obviously travel light."

After depositing the large bag of luggage at a supermarket, Kiana smugly shook the key in her hand. Now, she and Shen Gonglin each had a small backpack. Pots, pans, and the like were just dead weight. All they needed was to stuff their backpacks with enough food.

"Yeah, that's the one thing I agree with you on. Kiana, you did the right thing."

Shen Gonglin nodded, while quietly making up his mind to report Kiana to Mei as soon as they returned. This girl had even stored away his comics. Aside from the clothes on their backs, the two of them were left with only two backpacks full of snacks. Though Kiana looked as though she had everything planned out, Shen Gonglin still felt a little uneasy, to be honest.

"Hehe, Shen Gonglin, just relax when you're traveling with me. So how are we going next? By plane or high-speed rail? Headquarters is really far from here, and we'd have to transfer several times. The academy's aircraft would be the fastest, but then it wouldn't feel like a trip. So, what are we taking? You choose, Shen Gonglin."

Unaware that Shen Gonglin had already started planning how to screw her over the moment they left the academy, Kiana turned and asked for his opinion. She was delighted to finally be outside the academy again after so long. And with Shen Gonglin beside her, she was even happier!

"Hmm... let's take the high-speed rail. We're not in a hurry, right? I'd like to see the scenery along the way too."

After thinking it over, Shen Gonglin decided to keep his feet on the ground. For some reason, he did not want to choose a plane. No matter how much he thought about it, he could not figure out why. But at times like this, trusting his instincts could not be wrong. Better not tempt fate.

"Great, then we'll take the plane. Let's go!"

A mischievous smile appeared on Kiana's cute face, and her blue eyes gleamed with the light of a successful scheme. Did this guy really think she had been asking for his opinion? Hehe, Kiana had no intention of choosing the way he preferred. Whichever one he disliked, she would choose that one. Besides, the mission briefing recommended traveling this way too. In short, flights would be reimbursed, while any other method would have to be paid for out of mission funds. As a trainee Valkyrie, Kiana was responsible for all the funding and planning for this mission. Since she was in charge, how could she possibly pass up the chance to pocket some extra money?

The money saved this way could be spent freely on food. At the academy, her allowance was tightly controlled by Auntie. She had finally found an opportunity!

And so, Kiana dragged Shen Gonglin toward the airport like an unleashed wild dog. Shen Gonglin, pulled along like a rag doll, helplessly rolled his eyes. He knew this girl was unreliable. They had barely left the academy gates, yet Shen Gonglin was already starting to feel that coming out with Kiana might not have been a good choice after all.

"What's wrong? You're not still mad just because I didn't follow your choice and took the plane, are you? Come on, give me a smile. If you really can't, I can smile for you... Hey, look at me. I'm smiling so cutely, and you won't even glance at me?"

On the plane, Kiana leaned over the armrest and gave Shen Gonglin an adorable smile. But he did not appreciate it at all. He had been like this ever since they boarded, leaving Kiana at a loss. She had not offended Shen Gonglin, had she...? Well, maybe a tiny bit. But he did not need to stay angry for so long, did he? She had been coaxing him for ages. Why was he still ignoring her?

"Mm-hm, cute, cute... Kiana, don't you have a bad feeling about this?"

The seat was comfortable enough, but Shen Gonglin could not sit still. It felt as though an ominous sensation were spreading from deep within him. Was this a sixth sense? Was something bad about to happen? So concerned was Shen Gonglin about the feeling that he even crawled under the seat to take a look. There was no bomb there, though. So what was going on? Could a murder be about to occur on this plane?

Unable to shake the strange feeling, Shen Gonglin turned to Kiana. Was he the only one who felt this way?

"A bad feeling? No way. I don't feel anything at all. Maybe you're just overthinking it, Shen Gonglin. How about we switch seats? You can sit by the window and look at the scenery. Maybe that'll make you feel better."

Kiana was puzzled by how serious Shen Gonglin sounded. A bad feeling? It was probably just because he was thinking too much. She was older than him, and she had promised Mei before leaving that she would take good care of him. So, being unusually considerate this time, Kiana unfastened Shen Gonglin's seat belt and traded seats with him. Looking at the scenery outside should help him relax a little, right?

"Oh, Kiana. Thank you."

Shen Gonglin nodded and switched seats with Kiana. Yet for some reason, after switching, the unease in his heart only intensified. It was as though every cell in his body was telling him to flee this place. The overwhelming anxiety made him instinctively clutch Kiana's hand. Only that gave him the slightest sense of calm.

Tsk... what was with this guy suddenly grabbing her hand? Was he trying to take advantage of her naturally?

Kiana's entire body stiffened when Shen Gonglin took her small hand. But just as she was about to snap, she felt the damp sweat in his palm. What was wrong with him? Infected by Shen Gonglin's unease, Kiana also began to feel that something was off. Could something really be happening?

"Don't worry. With me here, no matter what danger comes up, I'll protect you."

Kiana squeezed Shen Gonglin's paw in return, then patted her chest with her other hand as she promised him. There was nothing to fear. No matter what danger they faced, she would protect Shen Gonglin. Even if the plane exploded, it would be fine!

"Ah... thanks."

Normally, Shen Gonglin would definitely have made a snarky comment, but this time he nodded at Kiana gratefully instead. This girl did have a reliable side after all. His opinion of her improved a little.

Attention, passengers: the plane is about to take off. Please turn off your phones and fasten your seat belts.

At that moment, the announcement sounded through the cabin. After a slight jolt, the plane began taxiing. Watching the scenery outside speed past faster and faster, Shen Gonglin swallowed with difficulty. He turned toward Kiana, wearing an expression on the verge of tears.

"Kiana, I think I know what I'm scared of."

Afraid of Heights

"Huh? What are you afraid of—"

Kiana turned toward Shen Gonglin, but before she could finish speaking, her vision blurred. A large mass slammed directly into her face. Shen Gonglin sprang from his seat and wrapped his arms tightly around her head. What was going on?

"I'm fucking afraid of heights!"

His arms locked around Kiana's neck, his legs hooked behind her back, and Shen Gonglin let out a bloodcurdling scream. By then, the plane had completely taken off. Shen Gonglin felt as though his heart had risen into the air along with it. His hands and feet clutched even tighter. He was like some unlucky person drowning in water. With his mind completely blank, the only thing Shen Gonglin could do was hold Kiana tightly in his arms.

No wonder he had been so restless. Every cell in his body had been warning him about this. Shen Gonglin was afraid of heights.

Afraid of heights?

With Shen Gonglin hugging her head tightly and blocking her entire field of vision, Kiana froze after hearing his wails. Was this guy joking? The plane had taken off, and only now he was saying he was afraid of heights? Why had he not said so earlier? And fine, he was afraid of heights—but why was he holding her so tightly? Was he trying to drag someone down with him before he died? This guy was definitely trying to kill her. If she did not fight back, he would suffocate her to death.

Kiana desperately tugged at Shen Gonglin's back, already feeling her lungs protesting. But a person's potential in desperate circumstances was truly terrifying. Kiana was exerting all her strength, yet she could not peel Shen Gonglin off. This guy had completely lost his senses. Aside from meaningless shrieking, he could no longer hear a word anyone said!

"Um, passengers? You're disturbing the other travelers. Could you please quiet down?"

A flight attendant came over to Shen Gonglin and Kiana, hesitantly offering that gentle warning. The entire cabin was watching them. The two of them were affecting everyone else. She had seen people afraid of heights before, but never anyone this afraid.

"W-wait a moment... I'll try. I'll do my best to make him quiet down."

After great difficulty, Kiana finally managed to free her head and greedily gulp down air. She gave the flight attendant a strained smile. Shen Gonglin was still clinging to her neck and screaming. She could not let him keep shouting. Otherwise, people would think she was some kind of kidnapper. Bringing him along really had been asking for trouble. They had only just set out!

Using all her strength, Kiana tore Shen Gonglin off herself. She wrapped both arms around his waist and forced him to sit still in her lap, then covered his mouth with one hand. Stop screaming already! If he kept this up, even she would have no idea what to do.

"Um... do you need help?"

Watching Kiana struggle to restrain Shen Gonglin, the flight attendant suddenly thought of Beauty and the Beast... no, Beauty and the Cute Beast. Did he have some kind of condition? He looked like such a cute boy, so why was he acting this way? He was struggling so desperately—could this white-haired girl be a bad person? Otherwise, why would he fight so hard?

"N-no, it's fine. He's just not used to flying for the first time. I'm really sorry for causing trouble."

Feeling Shen Gonglin still struggling in her arms, a vicious thought crossed Kiana's mind. She carried Shen Gonglin over to the window seat, then pressed his head against the window. In times like this, one had to fight poison with poison. Mei would never be able to do something like this. Only Kiana could. Yet the move had an immediate effect.

The ever-increasing height outside the window continuously assaulted Shen Gonglin's heart. His fear of heights finally erupted to its limit. Kiana felt the force of his struggles gradually weaken. When she looked again, Shen Gonglin's purple eyes had gone completely blank. Great, problem solved.

Holding the utterly terrified Shen Gonglin, Kiana gave the flight attendant a huge smile. Her method really was the most effective. Look, Shen Gonglin had gone completely quiet now.

"...If you need anything, please call for me at any time. I'll do everything I can to help."

The flight attendant gave Shen Gonglin a deeply sympathetic look and slowly walked away. Even after leaving, she kept watching him. She could not shake the feeling that this girl had kidnapped the boy. Seeing him like this made her sympathize with him. Poor thing.

"So you're afraid of heights, huh? Hehe, I never would have guessed, Shen Gonglin."

Kiana chuckled softly into Shen Gonglin's ear, feeling that she had discovered another of his weaknesses. This fear of heights could be put to good use. Look at how limp he was now. Could she not do whatever she wanted to him?

"I swear, once I get off this plane, I'm going to strangle you to death. Literally strangle you to death."

Though frightened half to death, Shen Gonglin could not resist opening his eyes to look outside. His entire body had gone numb from fear, leaving him sprawled weakly against Kiana. Everything was Kiana's fault. Shen Gonglin stared at Kiana with vacant eyes. She was still laughing. At a time like this, she was laughing instead of trying to comfort him. Why had he come out with her? Fu Hua, Mei, even Bronya—every one of them was better than Kiana.

"Mm-hm, I'm so scared. Shen Gonglin, look, look! That cloud looks like cotton candy."

Kiana was completely unafraid. She excitedly pointed out the clouds beyond the window to Shen Gonglin. Though he knew she was up to no good, he still could not stop himself from turning to look. Naturally, a wave of dizziness hit him immediately. He wanted to faint but could not. He wanted to close his eyes, but could not stop himself from wanting to open them. His body was weak, and he could not even move somewhere else. What kind of torture was this? Shen Gonglin admitted that he was reaching his limit.

"Can't you act like a human being? Are you seriously planning not to do a single thing that resembles normal human behavior?"

Shen Gonglin was genuinely about to cry. This girl had an arm around his shoulder, forcing him to look out the window with her. Her lovely figure pressed against him, yet Shen Gonglin had no mood to enjoy it. There was no helping it. Even someone as mighty as Shen Gonglin had no way around this. At the same time, the grudge-holding Shen Gonglin added another entry to his mental ledger for Kiana. Just wait. Once the plane landed, she was finished!

He would definitely get revenge. The flames of vengeance burned fiercely in Shen Gonglin's heart. He had never been the type to accept being bullied!

The Difference Between Boys and Girls

Not acting like a human? He had been the first one to act inhumanely, had he not? He had bullied her so much, and she was only getting the tiniest bit of revenge. If he could not take it, then he should not have bullied her in the first place.

Kiana became a little angry at Shen Gonglin's words. If anyone was not acting like a human, Shen Gonglin had started it. When he woke up, he had not treated her kindly at all. She had cared for him for so long, and the moment he woke up, instead of thanking her, he zapped her with electricity. Then he went on taking advantage of her in all sorts of ways. Though this girl was carefree, she held grudges too. She still had not forgotten Shen Gonglin groping her chest. Now that she had caught an opportunity, how could Kiana let it go?

"Hehe, is that so? Since you put it that way, I won't act like a human either. Shen Gonglin, do you remember what you did to me?"

Kiana leaned close to Shen Gonglin's ear and spoke. Shen Gonglin immediately turned back in shock. In Kiana's blue eyes, all he could see was malice. What he had done to her... which thing did she mean?

"Hmph, I knew you forgot. Then I'll make your body remember, Shen Gonglin. Let me tell you, this is what they mean by a gentleman taking revenge—even ten years later isn't too late!"

Feeling like some chivalrous hero settling old scores, Kiana grinned wickedly and extended her sinful hands toward Shen Gonglin. This girl did not even intend to spare boys. Hugging Shen Gonglin from behind put her in the perfect position for what she was about to do. Kiana placed her hands squarely on Shen Gonglin's chest. This was called karma!

"Mm... Kiana, you're actually a pervert, aren't you?"

Shen Gonglin stared at the two pale, soft hands covering his chest, then after a long silence, looked helplessly at Kiana. How should he put it? Shen Gonglin felt nothing else at all. Boys and girls experienced this sort of thing differently. If a man groped his chest, Shen Gonglin might feel disgusted, but if it was a white-haired beautiful girl... he felt absolutely nothing.

So looks really did matter. Shen Gonglin had never denied that he was drawn to pretty faces.

"Huh? Why are you reacting like that?"

Shen Gonglin's response was completely different from what Kiana had expected. In her imagination, Shen Gonglin should have died of embarrassment by now. What was with this reaction? Kiana was still a girl, after all. She was simply too innocent when it came to this sort of thing.

How could boys and girls possibly react the same way to such matters? For example, Shen Gonglin could go out bare-chested, but could Kiana?

"It's because your technique is terrible. Watch me. This is how you're supposed to grope someone's chest."

Shen Gonglin held grudges, and whenever he had the chance, he got revenge on the spot. His interaction with Kiana had temporarily distracted him, making him forget his fear of heights and return to his usual self. Kiana had started it, so it was perfectly normal for him to retaliate, right? The idea that grudges should not endlessly breed grudges did not work on Shen Gonglin. No matter what, he could not be the one losing out!

Besides, her chest-groping technique was unbelievably bad. It was so bad Shen Gonglin could barely stand watching it. She had merely placed her hands on his chest. Since he could not stand it, he had to teach Kiana. This sort of thing required a professional.

Perhaps Shen Gonglin's earlier weak state had lowered Kiana's guard. Even after he said that, she did not react. What did chest-groping technique even mean? Did this sort of thing require skill? And so, beneath Kiana's eager, inquisitive gaze, Shen Gonglin's paws landed precisely on the girl's full, perky chest—and, far too shamelessly, gave it a squeeze.