The Youth Must Appear Before the World

Between the dense, towering skyscrapers, a streamlined sports car wove elegantly through the heavy flow of traffic.

Leaning back against the stiff, black Alcantara suede seat, Bai Zhou felt a sense of acceleration that was different yet similar to the four-wheeled mine carts he was used to, his expression dazed.

This thing called a "car" was likely quite expensive; he could tell just by the frequent, envious gazes cast by others as they overtook other vehicles.

It was probably worth more boxes of Four-Flavor Instant Noodles than he could count.

Turning his head, Bai Zhou looked at the "stranger" beside him.

A neat crew cut, oversized sunglasses, and a thick cigar...

He looked no different from a vulgar, boorish nouveau riche, yet Bai Zhou knew that tucked at his waist was an enchanted handgun named "Arbiter-300," a weapon that could turn a person into a sieve with a burst of rapid fire at the slightest provocation—he was an out-and-out Dangerous Element.

Perhaps the silver-white briefcase marked with a Cross was hidden in the trunk behind them, ready to be pulled out at any moment so he could transform into an Iron Man, fly up to a streetlamp, and engage in a passionate cannon duel.

The flashy white suit could not hide the well-trained, muscular chest beneath it; perhaps the vulgarity and boorishness were just a disguise this Suit Thug wore for the outside world...

"Hrr-ptoo--"

A low, viscous sound emerged from the depths of his throat.

Section Chief Liu turned his head, jutted his chin, and pursed his lips...

A mouthful of thick phlegm flew precisely toward the side of the road.

The action was fluid and highly practiced.

Bai Zhou: "..."

Fine, it wasn't a disguise.

This man was simply the most uncouth person on the entire street.

The familiar man was back, just like that.

"You're a lucky kid to have caught this."

Section Chief Liu rested one hand on the butterfly door, his voice muffled by the cigar clamped in his teeth.

"Normally, things are quite sensitive lately, and the entire base is under military control; it's impossible to leave as one pleases."

"But since End of Heat passed yesterday, the Black Box Maintenance Department gets its annual vacation at this time every year."

"The Major is generous, saying the Blood Worship Cult isn't enough to make the Department cancel our annual leave."

"End of Heat..." Bai Zhou blinked.

"The Twenty-Four Solar Terms have extraordinary significance in the Mystic World; you'll understand in the future."

Section Chief Liu offered a brief explanation.

"Every year after Beginning of Autumn, the things inside the Black Box quiet down, and the Reflection Ruins Realm becomes much more dormant, making it accessible for exploration."

"This hard-won peace will last until Beginning of Spring next year, reaching its peak eruption at the Awakening of Insects."

As he spoke, Section Chief Liu grinned, "But you'll get used to it; it's not even certain if everyone will live until next year!"

"--So, carpe diem! Kid!"

The Twenty-Four Solar Terms.

Why did it feel like their exploration of the Reflection Ruins Realm was just like farming?

Farming to prevent pests, busy or idle depending on the changes of the four seasons.

...What was the logic behind that?

While silently noting these concepts, Bai Zhou gained a new understanding of the dangers of the Special Management Department.

So, the consistently high sacrifice quota every year was actually mostly used up in the first half?

It was fortunate that he had arrived at the Special Management Department only after Beginning of Autumn...

Thinking of it this way, Section Chief Liu's nouveau riche attitude after coming out now had a reasonable explanation.

"Look at their ignorant and happy faces... they know nothing, all because we are holding everything back in the shadows!"

"We risk our lives for the Federation; can't we enjoy ourselves a little after finally making it into the city?"

"...Anyway, everything is reimbursed by the higher-ups."

--The above was Section Chief Liu's original words from just a moment ago.

"Oh right, where are the others?"

Bai Zhou remembered the others who were supposed to be with them.

He suddenly felt that this car was truly trash; it could only seat two people in total.

Shouldn't it be the more people, the better? There was safety and liveliness in numbers.

Section Chief Liu's response to this was:

"Why don't you look behind you?"

So Bai Zhou turned his head, and then his eyes widened abruptly.

What came into view was an entire, long-stretching motorcade of luxury vehicles!

There were Jeeps as exaggeratedly large as beasts, and sports cars as sleek as blades, with a man in sunglasses sitting in every driver's seat.

Their expressions were cold and their postures ramrod straight, their movements so uniform it was as if they had undergone professional training; rather than driving, it looked more like they were top-tier... bodyguards executing a high-level escort mission?

Arrogant, domineering, and unscrupulous.

--But they were elite members of the Authorities, they risked life and limb for the world, they possessed incredibly advanced weaponry, and they wielded extraordinary, mystical powers.

If they weren't allowed to be arrogant, who else would have the qualifications to be?

However, at this very moment.

In the eyes of the Passerby--

In the lead of this luxury motorcade, the only convertible sports car, The Youth sitting in the passenger seat, who looked so fair-skinned and young that he seemed completely out of place, Was likely some young master from who-knows-where, being protected by these suit-wearing "bodyguards"...

Bai Zhou did not understand the meaning behind those gazes; he only knew that the stares of many girls were about to drown him.

Some gazes were even so intensely scorching that they were hard to fathom, as if they wanted to swallow him whole.

The open-top Maserati didn't even have a roof to provide cover, and a sense of shame rushed to his cheeks--

Bai Zhou suddenly had the urge to cover his face.

Seeing this, Section Chief Liu grinned:

"Our branch might be lacking in many things, but we are certainly not short on money!"

"And the Major is even more generous than you might think!"

"It's not easy to get out for a trip, so perk up; we can't lose face for our Special Management Department!"

High risk meant high reward.

Bai Zhou suddenly had a profound understanding of this phrase.

"Temazcal steam bath, high-altitude spa, underwater steam bath, champagne French cuisine..."

During the gap while waiting for a traffic light, Section Chief Liu unscrewed his faded Thermos with a "creak-creak" sound, took a sip of tea that had been steeped until it was almost tasteless, and began to list the upcoming itinerary like a connoisseur.

"I have a credit card here; don't worry about the limit."

"--The only thing you need to worry about is how to spend the money and make yourself happy!"

Bai Zhou blinked his clear eyes.

Was he actually... quite tempted?

He was clearly still very much a stranger to this world, so why did it feel like he was already about to be corrupted?

Suddenly, Passionate music erupted from Section Chief Liu.

"Eyes wide like copper bells~ shooting out lightning-like shrewdness..."

"Ah-ah-ah, ah-ha-ha Black Cat Detective♫--ah-ah-ah, ah-ha-ha Black Cat Detective♫"

Section Chief Liu pulled out a piece of glass.

Bai Zhou gave a start, because this glass was exactly the same as the "Forbidden Object" that had originally served as an anchor to draw in the Special Management Department, directly leading to the shattering of Evening City!

On the other side, Section Chief Liu composed his expression and spoke to the "glass" in the gentlest voice possible:

"Honey, what is it?"

"Mm-hmm, I know you're writing reports at the base, what's wrong?"

"--What? Our daughter is sick! Is it serious?"

Section Chief Liu's expression changed, his tone rising.

"Alright, I'm heading over now!"

Putting down the "glass," Section Chief Liu pressed a button on the car.

A static sound came from the speakers, and Section Chief Liu spoke in a low voice:

"Brothers, the plan has changed."

"You all go ahead and have fun; I need to make a trip to the boarding school for a moment."

"They called and said my daughter is sick."

The static sound returned, and a cacophony of replies came through:

"Say no more, Boss, the little niece's business is our business."

"Let's all go over and take a look; if there's really an issue, we can lend a hand."

"Section Chief, since you've said as much, what else is there to say... Let's go, we're all going!"

...Section Chief Liu could not sway the will of the group.

Finally, this goose-yellow Maserati MC20, surrounded by a motorcade, sped toward the boarding school with Gale Speed.

Hengtan Elementary School.

It was famous throughout Tinghai for its strict boarding management and exceptionally high teaching quality.

"It's nothing serious, just a fever."

The speaker was a young female teacher wearing glasses. She had delicate features and a petite frame, her round, baby-faced cheeks radiating a teacher's glow that bordered on maternal.

"I've already taken her to the infirmary; she just broke her fever and fell asleep."

Though she said this, behind her forced exterior, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation.

After all, surrounding her were a group of stern-faced, burly men... and a pale-faced Youth wearing a Golden Necklace, whose background was unknown.

"Thank you so much for the trouble!"

Section Chief Liu bowed in gratitude, his voice sincere.

"Please continue to look after this child in the future."

"It's only right, it's only right."

Secretly exhaling in relief, the Round Face teacher waved her hands repeatedly.

"Student Liu is usually very well-behaved; I rarely have to worry about her."

"Is that so..."

Hearing the teacher praise his daughter, Section Chief Liu couldn't help but grin.

Bai Zhou, standing to the side, was observing his surroundings and asked with some curiosity:

"Teacher, I'd like to ask, why are there no students in class at this hour?"

It was three o'clock in the afternoon, yet as they stood in the corridor of the Teaching Building, they couldn't see a single student in the classrooms.

"Because the school is currently hosting a 'Public Security Team Visits Campus' event, and everyone has gone to attend the lecture," the teacher explained.

That was indeed the case.

Now that she mentioned it, everyone remembered that on their way in, the campus was covered in colorful banners and Slogans—

"Anti-fraud starts with elementary school students."

"Love the Federation, study hard to build the Federation!"

"Cooperating with Public Security Officer uncles is the duty of every Federation citizen."

And so on.

On the other side, the teacher was quietly observing Bai Zhou, who had asked the question.

There was no other reason; among these men, Bai Zhou's presence was simply too abrupt.

That Golden Necklace, in particular, was so dazzling it was hard to keep one's eyes open.

Surrounded by a crowd of burly men, he possessed a kind of unpretentious, overwhelming opulence.

...Don't rich people these days usually pursue elegance?

How is this young master's taste so unique?

Has he returned to simplicity?

The teacher was muttering to herself when she noticed Bai Zhou seemingly sensing her gaze and looking toward her.

Like a startled rabbit, the Round Face teacher jumped, hurriedly averting her eyes.

Then, she coughed twice and pretended to check the miniature Wristwatch on the inside of her wrist.

"Calculating the time, everyone should be coming back soon."

—As luck would have it.

Not long after her words fell, noisy sounds drifted over from the distance.

Enthusiastic students, surrounding several uncles wearing Public Security Officer uniforms, walked over from the end of the corridor.

It seemed the lecture had been a great success; every Public Security Officer uncle had temporarily replaced the Masked Monster and Ultraman to become the people the Children most wanted to be and their most admired idols.

—Tied for first place with Scientists and Astronauts.

The middle-aged Public Security Officer walking at the very front carried an inexplicably powerful aura, holding a Thermos and exuding an air of authority without even needing to be angry.

The rank on his uniform was significantly higher than that of the other Public Security Officers.

Seeing a group of men in Black Suits blocking the path from afar, he frowned slightly.

But the Next Second, he slowed his pace and raised a hand to rub his eyes—

Then, he exclaimed in disbelief:

"...Brother Liu?"

Ignoring the astonishment of those around him, he walked over quickly with a look of pleasant surprise.

"Do you still recognize me? I'm Little Wang!"

"I never expected to see you here!"

Only then did the people around them realize with shock that the way he held his thermos... seemed somewhat similar to Section Chief Liu.

It was as if he were imitating him.

"...Little Wang?"

After a long moment, Section Chief Liu's expression shifted to one of sudden realization. "Oh, it's you. Last time..."

He didn't finish his sentence, merely patting "Little Wang" on the shoulder.

"You got promoted? You're a Captain now?"

"Compared to the work you people do, I'm nothing."

Captain Wang pulled out a cigarette case, intending to offer a smoke.

But when his gaze landed on the overly youthful Bai Zhou, he hesitated:

"Are these all your... colleagues?"

Bai Zhou: "?"

How did I get dragged into this?

"Mm." Section Chief Liu nodded affirmatively from the side. "We just happened to be out on leave."

Captain Wang immediately sucked in a cold breath, his gaze toward Bai Zhou filled with disbelief.

—Doing that kind of work in that place.

So young?!

But this disbelief quickly transformed into profound respect.

He looked at Bai Zhou with solemn reverence.

"Heroes emerge from the youth! Young and promising, truly admirable, truly impressive!"

As he spoke, he moved to personally offer Bai Zhou a cigarette.

"No, no, I don't touch that..."

Bai Zhou waved his hands repeatedly, not quite knowing what to say.

He wanted to say that he was actually just a raw recruit, and certainly no hero.

"Who is this..."

A Commissioner looked on with a puzzled expression.

"He knows about us." Section Chief Liu cast a subtle glance. "Last time, a Public Security Officer cadre assisted me with some work; it was this one."

"I see." The Commissioner nodded in sudden understanding.

The riddle-like conversation ended there.

Bai Zhou thought to himself that it was just as he had expected.

Just as he had guessed before, the Commissioners of the Special Management Department could not reveal their true identities to the outside world; they were an official organization hidden behind the scenes.

The Mystic World, the Reflection Ruins Realm, and those black boxes... on Blue Star, these were all "taboos" that ordinary people were not permitted to know.

Only a select few within other official organizations, such as the upper echelons of the Public Security Officers, could vaguely know of their existence.

But Bai Zhou was an outlier.

He had been born inside the "taboo" from the very beginning; he was a "native of the taboo," and as such, he felt out of place and alienated from these "ordinary" people.

—Though, in truth, he was alienated from everyone.

He could not fully trust anyone, either.

The Special Management Department had saved him, Section Chief Liu treated him well, and Ya was beyond reproach.

Yet, he was unable to truly trust anyone, keeping reservations about everyone.

Take his Last Will, for instance, or the Golden Pass, or the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The aftereffects of Evening City were like this...

The curious chatter of children reaching his ears pulled Bai Zhou back to reality.

Only then did he notice that, at some point, they had been surrounded by elementary school students.

Pairs of curious, clear eyes scrutinized them, and their childish voices whispered mysteriously among themselves:

"Did you hear? The great hero Captain Wang said they are the real heroes!"

"Wow... who are those people? Secret agents? Special Forces?"

"It must be Superman, a Superhero!"

"That young big brother is so cool!"

"..."

It was kept secret, yet not entirely kept secret.

Is this the style of how the Special Management Department does things?

As long as "mysterious and extraordinary" matters aren't exposed, anything goes?

Bai Zhou turned his head helplessly, thinking, Teacher, why don't you manage your own students?

With so many strange adults here, how unreliable—hurry up and take them back to the classroom!

Then, he came face-to-face with the Round Face teacher, who was eyeing him with a mix of awe and curiosity.

--Clearly, she had also imagined something in her head.

Bai Zhou: "..."

He wanted to retort, but didn't know where to start.

A feeling, half-shame and half-pride, welled up within him.

He hadn't actually done anything; Captain Wang respected him only because of his status.

So, is this the kind of status people from the Special Management Department hold outside?

Those who don't know them see them as wealthy and imposing, bound by no taboos.

Those who do know them hold them in solemn reverence.

It's no wonder the Commissioners in Tinghai City are all so "arrogant"...

--Not bad.

It was worth Bai Zhou cheating with all his might to join the Special Management Department and become one of them.

"Presumably, you are also here for that matter?"

Once the students had returned to the classroom and the teacher had left, Captain Wang approached in the now-empty corridor and lowered his voice:

"I thought it was just a rumor; I didn't expect it to alarm even you."

"You are more professional in this regard; if there is anything you need us to cooperate with, just say the word."

--Professional?

Hearing this, Section Chief Liu's expression changed.

"...Could we step aside to talk?"

Bai Zhou did not know what they discussed.

Because before their conversation, while the elementary students were still present, Bai Zhou had gone to the restroom.

The empty restroom was deathly quiet.

The sound of trickling water echoed as Bai Zhou washed his hands in front of the mirror.

At this moment, a pair of dark brown women's leather boots appeared in the corner of his eye.

Bai Zhou looked up.

Golden light shone through the window into the Pure White space, where Ya, draped in a Black Trench Coat, stood tall with a blade, her figure hazy in the light.

Feeling vaguely that something was wrong, Bai Zhou blinked.

"The 'Luck' ritual has taken effect."

"Stepping out once, and your Career Luck has indeed pointed you toward an opportunity."

Ya said softly.

"What... wait, isn't this the men's restroom?"

Bai Zhou finally realized what was wrong.

"That is not the point worth focusing on!"

Ya stiffened her face and said solemnly, "--I smell the stench of the Blood Worship Cult."

"Right here in this school."

"Blood..." Bai Zhou froze, his scalp beginning to tingle.

A name that haunted him like a ghost, the most familiar name of all.

Yet, this was his first encounter with it outside of Evening City.

...Thinking about it, Aside from Black Robe, he seemed to have never encountered a true member of the Blood Worship Cult before.

He only knew from the Special Management Department that they were heinous and exceptionally insane!

"Your opportunity has arrived, Bai Zhou."

Ya said softly, "The opportunity for promotion."

"None of your colleagues realize that a member of the Blood Worship Cult is hiding behind the scenes."

"They still think an ordinary anomaly has appeared in the school."

"But they did, by blind luck, disrupt that Blood Worship Cultist's plans."

"And so, he has decided to burn his bridges."

As if describing a distant, illusory story, Ya's tone was extremely calm, yet the content made a chill run down Bai Zhou's spine.

"Right now, your colleagues are pinned down in the abandoned Teaching Building."

"A crisis is imminent."

Ya spoke thus:

"Only you can step forward."

Bai Zhou shivered: "What do I need to do?"

"It's very simple."

Ya said slowly, "Kill him!"

"Kill that Blood Worship Cultist, and the crisis will naturally be resolved."

"As for the aftermath..."

Ya pointed to Bai Zhou's wrist, "Just pin it on that Ring."

"I have a way."

Ya seemed to have already made meticulous arrangements.

But the core of the arrangement was—

Bai Zhou had to hack to death the Blood Worship Cultist who was powerful enough to trap a group of his colleagues in danger!

...Me?

He had originally wanted to ask this, but in the end, he chose silence.

Everyone else can look down on you, but you cannot do so yourself.

If he really asked it out loud, nothing would change.

It would be a waste of Ya's instruction and a waste of all the effort he had put in these past days.

Even that white Dead Fatty in the Ruin Realm would mock him for it.

"...Fine."

In the end, this was Bai Zhou's answer.

He looked at Ya, who stood holding a blade with no discernible emotion, then looked down at his own empty palms.

But he knew these hands were no longer empty.

He told himself that he was no longer who he used to be.

All this training and learning... wasn't it for this very day?

And so, when he looked up again, there was a hint of calm in Bai Zhou's eyes.

"--Let's see just how formidable these legendary Blood Worship Cultists really are."

The soft whisper echoed slowly through the restroom, "And it would be best if I could collect some interest on these past eighteen years from him!"

In that instant, Bai Zhou absurdly thought of one thing...

The one thing the school had no shortage of was Bench Legs.

"I look forward to your performance."

Ya said this.

The "special training" had progressed more than halfway...

Only she, the Teacher who designed this special training, knew clearly

just how strong Bai Zhou was now.

The blade, honed for so long, was finally about to be tested for the first time.

The Youth who had shed so much sweat was about to make his debut before the world.

Everyone can hold their fate in their own hands.

--As long as he believes he can do it.