Insanely Spicy Hot Dog

Messer City was not particularly famous within the Federation, though it was fairly notable in Mihuang State.

Aside from its long history, the reason was that each of its districts had its own distinct character.

The bustling Midtown naturally needed no introduction. The most famous banks and companies in southern Mihuang State all had offices there, while Midtown Avenue was hailed as the premier shopping paradise in southern Mihuang State.

Then there was the Bronx District. Though it was filthy and rundown, packed with refugees, overrun by gangs and thugs, and filled with illegal buildings piled atop one another like an anthill, its harshly stratified law of the jungle gave it a peculiar kind of beauty.

As a result, it had become a favorite filming location for movie companies shooting dark-themed films.

But to the impoverished residents living in the Bronx District, that so-called peculiar beauty was in fact the truest and cruelest depiction of their lives. Merely struggling on was difficult enough; one more step forward might send them plunging into the abyss.

Fortunately, the political and economic situation was stable now. So long as no great upheaval occurred, families like Sally's could still keep themselves fed and clothed.

Further on was the Newton District now before Tang Qi.

Beloved by all kinds of artists, it was not widely renowned, yet it held considerable importance in artistic circles beyond the public eye.

Tang Qi strolled slowly down the street. The old buildings on either side were covered in all manner of graffiti, some of it refined enough to approach artistic standards. The shops lining the street were also decorated quite tastefully.

But as night fell, this place naturally could not remain brightly lit like Midtown Avenue. One shop after another closed, and darkness began swiftly swallowing the district.

Tang Qi showed no sign of urgency. He continued wandering about like a curious high school student.

As he did so, Tang Qi rapidly built up his understanding of the Newton District while silently memorizing the layout of every street. A map gradually took shape in his mind.

Unlike a map on paper, he had personally traversed these routes. Should any sudden mishap occur, escaping would be much easier.

This wasn't a game!

In the Real World, a hunter could become prey in an instant.

That was the lesson Tang Qi had learned from his encounter with the Misfortune Witch.

For a rookie who had only just entered the supernatural world, no amount of caution was excessive.

Before the Newton District fully entered the late hours of the night, Tang Qi passed a small plaza where the crowd was gradually dispersing.

Teenagers with skateboards slung their bags over their shoulders, laughing and joking as they left arm in arm. Couples embraced one another and departed in hushed whispers. The old men playing chess had packed up their teapots and boards as well, swaying unsteadily toward home.

Those who had yet to leave included a bearded street artist sketching a portrait for his last customer, an elderly woman packing up her stall of little art trinkets, a young girl playing the violin, and a down-and-out magician pestering a couple with tricks in hopes of earning a few more Weller...

The atmosphere was extremely harmonious.

Tang Qi quickened his pace and bought an Insanely Spicy Black Forest Hot Dog from a red food truck called the Mexican Fire Dragon that was about to leave.

While it was still steaming, he headed into the alley across from the small plaza and quickly stuffed it into his mouth.

Ha~!

Terrifying heat surged forth, wrapped around the salty fragrance of Black Forest Ham, the soft warmth of a fried egg, and the mingled aromas of caramel, onion, and sage.

Like rushing lava, it bombarded Tang Qi's taste buds. Before the chill of early night could settle upon him, it was driven away by the explosive heat.

"Awesome. I'd heard Newton District's hot dogs were delicious, and they really live up to the name. Ninety-nine Weller was absolutely worth it."

Tang Qi muttered through mouthfuls of hot dog as he strode into the dim alley. He looked like a high school student who had remembered to head home after wandering around, except the route he had chosen seemed rather poor.

But here, no one seemed to care.

Only when he stepped into the alley, swallowed the last bite of hot dog, and let out either a burp or a faint sigh did Tang Qi finally move his thoughts and touch that place with his mind.

"Buzz~"

A sensation like burning skin swiftly appeared on the back of Tang Qi's hand, then immediately vanished.

But when he looked down, a strange mark was slowly emerging upon what should have been fair skin. Gray-black lines traced themselves bit by bit beneath the surface, forming a blood-like backdrop and a pair of curved antlers... an ominous aura rushed toward him.

Whoosh!

A chilly wind rose from every direction. The sudden shift in weather made the small plaza become deserted even faster.

The food truck sped away. The magician, who had finally earned fifty Weller by taking advantage of the couple's impatience, hurriedly packed his things and left. The young violinist remained graceful, though her steps quickened slightly, and she even helped the elderly woman with her stall.

The artist also swiftly removed the sketch from his easel and handed it to the brown-haired beauty before him. After collecting the money, he likewise hurried away.

The sketch was beautiful, and it was clear the artist possessed real skill. Yet the brown-haired beauty was disappointed. Watching his retreating figure, she thought regretfully, Didn't he notice my hint? I even gave him my phone number. God, he's so charming. The perfect one-night stand.

The artist clearly sensed the beauty's reluctance behind him.

Yet he felt little attachment. On the contrary, he was far more eager about the figure that had already disappeared, nearly roaring in his heart, That aura... so alluring. I have to get it. I must get it. I can become stronger.

The artist had an excellent appearance: a handsome face and attire full of artistic flair. It was no wonder he held such enormous appeal for beautiful women.

But now his steps were disordered. He was so eager that his attractive features had begun to twist.

Clang!

As he rushed into the alley in pursuit, a small silver knife appeared in the artist's hand. Judging by the dried bloodstains on its handle, it clearly was not the first time it had tasted blood.

The artist gripped the knife and charged into the alley at nearly a run, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

He seemed to already see himself plunging the knife into that high school student's back. Amid splattering blood, he would obtain that treasure radiating such an alluring aura and embark upon a path to greater strength.

"Normally, you wouldn't be my target. But after I kill you and become stronger, I can enjoy more beautiful bodies without having to work so hard hiding from those uniformed rats. Come on, give me the treasure."

"Ah~"

"Bang!"

The artist saw the high school student's face, but not in the way he had imagined. At the very least, it should not have been like this: his hands were instantly twisted by another pair of hands, and a hard knee viciously slammed into his abdomen.

The tremendous force made his stomach spasm. The sound of cracking bones announced that both his hands had been broken.

What made his eyes widen in terror and disbelief was that those powerful hands directly seized his own hand and drew the knife across his throat.

With a slap, his body was thrown to the ground. His slit throat made blood bubble out with every breath, quickly spreading into a huge pool beneath him. Amid the mess, the artist clutched his throat with both hands like a fish struggling on the shore.

"So weak?"

Tang Qi frowned as he looked at the artist on the verge of death, confusion in his voice.

If the Special Interface had not appeared before his eyes the next moment, Tang Qi might even have suspected that he had killed a person rather than the inferior aberration he wanted.