The Fifth Wish (Five Thousand Words)

The eighth Branders died at the hands of the Aberrant Creature Legion, and a large number of Aberrant Creature began to develop autonomous enhancements.

The seventh and sixth Branders were surrounded and devoured, and five individuals in the Branders Legion have already revealed astonishing auras.

The fifth, fourth, and third Branders were devoured, and the Rabbit Boss looked up and sighed with satisfaction.

At the same time, Yang Jia completely let go. She seemed to have realized something as well. She retreated and came outside the battlefield. She coldly looked at the only remaining Branders besides herself. He had become a taboo monster. His body was emitting terrifying ripples of power, which caused tremors to rise in the surrounding town, as if the whole world had sunk into the ocean.

An ocean of spiritual power.

The undercurrents are turbulent, the invisible vibrations seem to shatter the very power of thought within the human brain.

Having devoured six Branders in succession, the power of the Aberrant Creature Legion has experienced a frenzied surge in a very short period of time. They are insane, bizarre, and excited; for any outsider, this is an indescribable nightmare.

However, the Branders became more powerful as their numbers dwindled.

These two remaining Branders unleashed unimaginable power at this moment.

The initial Branders were swarmed and devoured by the Aberrant Creature legion. However, this one individual displayed power sufficient to contend with the entire Aberrant Creature legion. The shockwaves from the endless Enhancement Element and branding power even engulfed this area that the original inhabitants of Black Gate City had designated. Meanwhile, the others had quietly withdrawn from the battlefield.

"That's about it."

With his insightful abilities, Xiao Xiao observed the battle and had already analyzed the outcome of the next five minutes.

If Yang Jia hadn't intervened, this Branders would have died at the hands of the Aberrant Creature legion.

However, these Aberrant Creature, or rather their clients, will also lose all their function upon the death of this person.

Because if this person dies, Yang Jia will become the only one Branders.

At that time, this Aberrant Creature army, regardless of what power it gains by devouring the Mysterious Source, will be able to...

They would all be instantly put far ahead of Yang Jia.

At that time, whether they are cleared out by Yang Jia with one hand or Yang Jia is hurt by them, it is not what I want to see.

Therefore, at that time, they had to withdraw from the battlefield.

As for the outsiders in Black Gate City, they could have withdrawn from the battlefield by now.

Long before the eight Branders appeared before them, it was time for the Black Gate City's stranger companions to withdraw from the battlefield. It must be admitted that the Black Gate City companions had made great progress. Whether it was Ruan Ruan, Little Four, or the Serpent Sisters, Red Eyes Ling Ping, Old Zhou Under the Bridge, etc., they had all reached the strength of veteran knights, or even lords.

Even so, they were no match for the fully Branders.

Forcing oneself to participate in such a battlefield, regardless of how much of a contribution one can make, could very well result in a pointless death.

Mister Ye. Ye was different from the others; his abilities surpassed those of everyone else in Black Gate City.

However, even facing the Branders at this moment was already somewhat difficult for him.

The order to withdraw from the battlefield was transmitted into everyone's minds through Xiao Xiao's Lord Pact ability, which surprised them all.

"The show is about to begin, but you want us to leave?"

Ruan Ruan's expression changed Ruan Ruan. She glanced at Yang Jia, who was now standing outside the battlefield with a cold expression. She knew that Yang Jia was the focus of everyone's attention in Black Gate City this time. And now, it seemed that the crucial moment was about to be reached, that perverted Chairman Xiao actually wanted us to leave?... I know I can't be of much help now, but can't I watch the show?

Feeling quite resentful, she stepped on a nearby trash can that was quietly moving. "Are you really leaving?"

"What else can we do but stay?"

Little Four's face peeked out from under the trash can, waving the cards in his hand. "We've collected enough information cards..."

"Although the little princess and I didn't manage to kill twenty."

"But we found thirty information cards..."

"..."

"You don't care about Jiajia-jie at all?"

Ruan Ruan was clearly a little angry. What time is it? Little Four still only remembers picking up cards?

Just like me, I didn't pick up a single one!

"Concern is useless..."

Little Four reached her hand out of the trash can, moved her little legs that were Ruan Ruan stepping on the lid, and said:

"Actually, you just wanted to stay and watch the fun, right?"

"It's very dangerous..."

"..."

"Have I become so weak that I can't even watch the show?"

Ruan Ruan's expression was slightly blank, and she felt a mix of sadness and resentment.

At the same time, he said indignantly, "I didn't come here just to watch the show; I came here because I was worried about Jiajia-jie and our chairman!"

"Oh..."

Little Four lifted the trash can and slowly moved it away, while kindly reminding:

"If you're just here to watch the fun, you don't necessarily have to stay!"

"Find a place to stabilize your phone, and you can take a picture later and look at it again, it'll be the same..."

"..."

Ruan Ruan suddenly realized what was going on and hurriedly looked for a suitable place around her.

Meanwhile, the others were much more obedient than Ruan Ruan and Little Four. The Serpent Sisters were the first to cooperate and walk out, followed by a group of dogs. It's unclear how they chose them, but these dogs were not only all female, but also all robust and round, with thick and long tails. In the distance, the three-headed hellhound was watching, its mouth practically watering...

Red Eyes Ling Ping and Old Zhou Under the Bridge were already debating whether to return to the battlefield. Upon receiving Xiao Xiao's order, they immediately felt relieved and hurriedly turned to leave, thinking with a sigh, "Our new president is really good; he's very considerate of the veteran employees..."

Even Mister Ye, there is no need for him to withdraw from the battlefield.

For it, as long as the location is within the Black Gate City area, whether it retreats or not makes little difference.

The preparation went exceptionally smoothly, which put Xiao Xiao at ease, though he looked at Yang Jia with some curiosity.

She actually stopped, completely unconcerned about her companion being attacked?

Indeed, the more Branders die, the more advantageous it is for her. But as Branders, would the Mysterious Source secretly controls her really want to see the other Branders disappear one by one? If these Mysterious Source are truly conscious, would they really want to see a single Branders, a special being who can control all their power, emerge? And sit idly by while the Emperor's identity is born?

He was somewhat curious about this, but after looking closely at Yang Jia, he couldn't discern anything from her face.

All that could be seen was that Yang Jia was unusually calm at this moment, with her eyes lowered, as if she was having an internal conversation.

"You really want me to help him?"

Xiao Xiao was right. Although Yang Jia was silent at this moment, the internal struggle was extremely turbulent and intense.

Her situation was unique; the Aberrant Creature legion dared not attack her. However, she didn't actually need to just stand silently to the side. She could have attacked Xiao Xiao or helped her companion to prevent herself from fighting alone. But she simply stood there quietly, letting countless thoughts rise and fall in her mind, piercing her will like steel needles.

"Whether it's helping him or escaping, I will agree as long as you give the corresponding instructions."

"But for the Branders, there is only one absolute command."

"..."

It was as if she was talking to another version of herself inside her.

To outsiders, the Mysterious Source had already taken control of them, even hiding in their minds, but they themselves were unaware of it. For example, the murderous intent they felt towards Xiao Xiao under the influence of the Mysterious Source was, in their own perception, simply a strange, inexplicable hatred for Xiao Xiao, an impulse to kill Xiao Xiao at all costs and take back his heart...

The inner self can influence her to do many things, or it can command her to do one thing.

However, she can control the power of influence with her own reason.

I want to do such a thing, but I can resist doing it.

A command is an absolute influence of will; she is obligated to do it.

The command to "kill Xiao Xiao" falls into this category.

However, two absolute orders cannot exist at the same time. Therefore, if the other self in her heart forcibly orders Yang Jia to help that teammate, then killing Xiao Xiao will no longer be so absolute. Yang Jia will then have her own choice in this matter.

This is also why Yang Jia was able to remain silent at this time.

Human thought is complex and chaotic, and even the Mysterious Source cannot completely control it.

Therefore, the final result will surely come.

"It's time to prepare my weapons..."

Xiao Xiao wasn't sure to what extent Yang Jia's consciousness had been distorted at this moment, but he had a clear understanding of the current situation.

He would eventually have to face Yang Jia in a formal confrontation.

Moreover, judging from the current situation, the opponent he is about to face will be the most powerful Yang Jia.

Yang Jia, who controls all the power of the branding.

But this wasn't something he found hard to accept.

Killing the Mysterious Source is arguably necessary, just as the Hell Organization did when they lured it to the Mysterious Source through faith, cut off its connection with other places, and killed it in the minds of the town's residents. They are doing the same thing, only this time the town is replaced by Yang Jia.

So, all that's left to consider is one last question.

How to kill Yang Jia?

In reality, there was only one card left.

Moreover, Xiao Xiao was not arrogant; he only summoned this trump card when the fight began.

Even before the penultimate Branders died, he had already silently summoned it in his heart:

"Hello?"

"Record Player Miss..."

Are you free now?

"..."

"Clang, clang, clang..."

A burst of music, seemingly both joyful and gloating, began to play. Xiao Xiao could vaguely sense that something in his spiritual world was gently floating to his side. From a practical standpoint, this was merely a feeling he had sensed something, but in the deeper world of strangers, it was as if he saw a delicate and elegant figure slowly drifting down in front of him.

Having previously visited Night's End City, it was confirmed that I was unable to summon Record Player Miss outside of the Black Gate City area.

But now, this area belongs to Black Gate City, so of course Record Player Miss wouldn't be absent.

Therefore, Record Player Miss is different from other Enhancement Element; she is bound to Black Gate City.

Hello, welcome!

Special Item Name: Wish-Granting Record Player

[Rank: Class A]

[Note: Please use your imagination, but don't ignore the logic of reality, to express your Xiao Xiao wish. As long as you are willing to pay the corresponding points, your wish will come true within the sound of a song!]

[Wish Amount: 10,000 points/wish]

[Note: I absolutely love their businesslike style!]

[...]

[...]

"It seems a bit stingy..."

Xiao Xiao thought to himself silently, but a smile unconsciously appeared on his face as he murmured to himself, "It's so nice to see you."

The Record Player Miss remained silent, only the cold, glowing wish amount remained.

"Has the official business been reduced to the point where they're not even willing to give a heads-up?"

Xiao Xiao thought to himself, but his smile remained unchanged as he asked, "Is the amount of each wish 10,000 points?"

"If my wish is smaller, can I get a discount?"

"..."

The Record Player Miss remained silent, only the words "business as usual" faintly gleaming in her eyes.

"Oh well..."

Xiao Xiao glanced at Yang Jia from afar, pondering silently for a long time. Finally, he slowly raised his head and said:

"Then I'll choose a simpler wish first..."

"I want to become the ruler of the world!"

"..."

Record Player Miss: "..."

"What's wrong?"

Xiao Xiao asked with slight curiosity, "Didn't you say that any wish could be made?"

The problem I'm facing now is how to deal with Yang Jia, whose strength is about to enter a high-level field that no one understands. So, if the Wish-Granting Record Player is really that magical, then I should become the master of the world and easily solve her problem, right?

After a long pause, amidst his surprised expression, a line of text slowly appeared below the Record Player Miss's introduction. "Such a simple wish! You really want it to come true? Please read the wishing details carefully; it only lasts for the time it takes to sing one song! There are many ways to make you the master of the world within the sound of a song, believing you possess the power to solve everything..."

"But after you wake up from the dream, you still have to face the sad reality!"

"..."

"You can do that?"

Xiao Xiao frowned deeply. Sure enough, anything related to wishes or dreams was prone to pitfalls.

"So..."

He paused for a moment, then tentatively asked, "I wish that I could possess city-level power for the duration of a single song?"

"?"

The Wish-Granting Record Player fell silent again.

After a while, a specific line of text slowly lit up in the introductory materials:

Note: Please use your imagination, but don't ignore the logic of reality, to make your Xiao Xiao wish. As long as you are willing to pay the corresponding points, your wish will come true in the sound of a song!

"I've already used my imagination, why should I consider the logic of reality?"

Xiao Xiao was somewhat helpless, thinking to himself, "It's a special item for granting wishes, yet it requires me to abide by the logic of reality..."

"Isn't this a bit of a scoundrel's act?"

"..."

Although he said he was not convinced, he had already vaguely understood the working principle of the Wish-Granting Record Player.

Perhaps, the Record Player Miss simply represents a kind of power? The so-called wish is essentially a kind of exchange, only this exchange deprives the individual of ownership, giving them only the right to use a song's time, and then the power is taken back.

Moreover, the price isn't low each time you rent it!

Whether or not they could sense Xiao Xiao's thoughts, they vaguely felt that the music in the background had become much more cheerful.

It was as if a girl was giving Xiao Xiao a mischievous and difficult look.

"Then I understand..."

Xiao Xiao nodded slowly, already having a well-thought-out plan in mind.

At the same time, he sensed an unprecedented surge of power emerging on this battlefield, like a nuclear bomb suddenly appearing in the ravaged battlefield. Power that should not have appeared on this battlefield suddenly converged madly on a certain individual. Some special being, simply by being there, was already emitting a terrifying light.

Above Xiao Xiao's head, the Eye of the Seer suddenly rolled and looked sharply at Yang Jia at this moment.

Just then, Yang Jia suddenly opened her eyes and looked coldly at Xiao Xiao.

At that very moment, Xiao Xiao took a deep breath and then spoke in a deep, resonant voice:

"I wish for the highest-level defensive weapon currently available in Black Gate City!"

"I wish for another weapon, the highest-level offensive weapon currently available in Black Gate City!"

"I wish again and again for the highest-level binding weapon at the very front of Black Gate City!"

"I pray again and again, please let Black Gate City protect our team members and prevent any casualties!"

"..."

In an instant, the three wishes seemed to trigger a change in the entire city, and Black Gate City suddenly became like a vast ocean in the night.

Even the Record Player Miss seemed quite surprised.

She just seemed to be deliberately making things difficult for Xiao Xiao, forcing him to spend points, but in fact...

... She was deliberately making things difficult for him, trying to make him look distressed.

She had thought that Xiao Xiao would find a loophole to use 10,000 points to accomplish something worth tens of thousands of points, but she never expected that Xiao Xiao would be so forceful this time. He actually made four wishes in a row within the limits allowed by the Wish-Granting Record Player. Within the rules of the Wish-Granting Record Player, that meant he had spent 40,000 points. He only had less than 100,000 points in total...

Unexpectedly, Xiao Xiao wasn't finished yet, and slowly began to speak:

"The fifth wish..."

"... I hope that for every wish I make, there will be a corresponding invoice, with the amount written as 20,000 points for each wish."

"..."

"?"

The Record Player Miss was truly dumbfounded this time.

Xiao Xiao looked up at Yang Jia, who was slowly walking towards him, and chuckled softly:

"This is official business, after all, and Yang Jia is a member of Dante Organization."

"Now that things are over, I still need to get reimbursed for the points from Dante Organization..."