New Weapon: Light and Shadow Harmony (First Update)

The din of the crowd and the clinking of wine glasses faded from his ears like a receding tide.

A group walked through a deep corridor adorned with various abstract paintings.

Walking slightly behind, the attendant secretly sized up Bai Zhou, wondering if this was the mysterious owner of the restaurant, spoken of in hushed tones, or perhaps a relative?

--He was dressed casually, the top two buttons of his white shirt undone, and his ill-fitting trousers bore mud stains that wouldn't brush off.

One might suspect he'd just returned from transplanting rice seedlings in the fields.

But perhaps, this was the true mark of a big shot, one who had returned to simplicity.

The one driving the Maybach might just be the chauffeur...

Someone in swim trunks and flip-flops, with a jangling bunch of keys at their waist, could very well be the real young master!

And now, walking on the plush carpet, passing by masterpieces acquired at auction—

this mysterious man's eyes were vacant, his expression distant, as if he couldn't be bothered.

Yet, he would occasionally flash a strange smile, his intentions inscrutable but his aura undeniably menacing.

--Oh no!

The attendant's heart skipped a beat, wondering if he'd offended him.

"..."

Bai Zhou tried to maintain a smile in front of them, hoping not to embarrass Ya...

But his smile was so stiff it inexplicably exuded a hint of killing intent.

--In truth, he wasn't thinking of anything in particular, just unaccustomed to being the center of so much attention.

...Was this also within Ya's expectations?

Was that why she hadn't come along?

It seemed to be the same when he was at the Special Management Department.

Even though people hid everything about the mystic world behind the scenes, they always felt superior and loved being the center of attention.

Bai Zhou was different.

For now, at least, he still preferred the feeling of quietly accumulating wealth.

Rats were good, rats lived longer and ate more.

--Since ancient times, the wisdom of rats had been continuously applied by people.

"Tap..."

Finally, the manager led Bai Zhou to a dark wooden door that blended seamlessly with the wall.

The door was decorated with ornate and intricate patterns, featuring a star entwined with thorns, and above it, the words "L'Étoile Voilée."

--Meaning Veiled Star.

Or perhaps, a star covered by a veil.

The manager carefully took out a brass key, turned the lock, and pushed open the wooden door.

"Welcome, our eternal VIP!"

As the wooden door slowly swung open, a silver-gray private room came into view.

The aroma of incense mingled with the scent of aged wood, filling the air. One wall was a massive one-way floor-to-ceiling window, while on the opposite wall hung a huge painting—

depicting a black crow rendered in wild and romantic brushstrokes.

Bai Zhou gazed at the crow in the painting, a sudden emotion stirring within him.

So, today he had actually walked through the city where Ya had lived, visited the restaurant Ya frequented, and sat in the private room that once belonged solely to her...

experiencing Ya's life?

What would she like to eat? What would she think or do while sitting in the private room?

What role had she played in this city in the past? Was she famous?

...The mysterious Ya rarely spoke of her past.

--But this time, a sliver of Ya's iceberg seemed closer than ever before.

"The owner of this painting, or rather, the true owner of this private room."

Bai Zhou looked at the manager and asked tentatively:

"In your impression, what was she like?"

"Huh? Her..."

He opened his mouth, but suddenly stopped.

The manager's eyes showed confusion, but it quickly disappeared.

--Finally, he looked at Bai Zhou with great doubt:

"The owner of this private room..."

"Isn't it you?"

"Although this is our first meeting, I have admired you for a long time."

He said with deep emotion, "Before you gave the secret code, I couldn't believe my ears."

"This private room has finally welcomed its true owner for the first time."

"...?"

Bai Zhou steadied himself and looked at the manager, "Are you... new?"

"What?"

The manager's face flushed slightly, suspecting Bai Zhou was questioning his professionalism.

"I took over as the manager of this establishment fifteen years ago... What makes you say that?"

"No, it's nothing."

Bai Zhou waved his hand, quickly apologizing.

But his heart grew solemn.

--This is impossible!

Crow would never have not been here; when she mentioned the restaurant, she recommended dishes very skillfully.

That wild crow painting was the best proof.

Bai Zhou could even imagine her in the spacious private room, with her back to the huge crow painting, elegantly and expressionlessly savoring "Handmade Wandering Cherry Blossom Low-Sugar Snow Mochi."

As for why it was "Handmade Wandering Cherry Blossom Low-Sugar Snow Mochi"...

It was naturally because it was the most advanced and fancy food Bai Zhou knew of at the moment.

But...

The manager seemed to have no impression of Crow, as if he had never seen her.

Or as if Crow had never existed...

Just like the Major from the Special Management Department.

He thought he had touched the tip of the iceberg of the truth, but upon getting closer, he realized it was an even thicker fog.

A haze of doubt enveloped Bai Zhou, which he temporarily suppressed in his heart.

"Our establishment is famous for its signature French Cuisine from the Western Federation, incorporating creative improvements by contemporary head chefs..."

Listening to the waiter's eloquent introduction and looking at the menu entirely in French, Bai Zhou nodded expressionlessly.

Yeah, he couldn't understand any of it.

But he understood one thing:

That the head chef was highly skilled, adept at all sorts of ingredients, and possessed the ability to turn rotten things into magic.

In Bai Zhou's understanding... he could do anything!

Even shoe soles would taste good!

So, with a "snap"--

Bai Zhou closed the menu and began to order:

"Then..."

"Let's start with a bowl of Hu-La Soup."

When he was nervous and tired, a bowl of invigorating Hu-La Soup was just what he needed.

Things he used to dislike and resist, he suddenly missed now.

"...What?"

The waiter's pen paused as he recorded the order, thinking he had misheard.

"Is that not allowed?"

"It is, it absolutely is!"

The waiters shook their heads in unison.

They all looked up at the Mysterious Man before them with solemn respect.

Sitting in the most secluded private room in Tinghai, using expensive Silver Cutlery, and having a renowned French Cuisine Head Chef personally cook...

All just to drink a bowl of Hu-La Soup?

Big Shots were truly unfathomable!

"Aren't these people leaving yet..."

Bai Zhou's expression was blank, a hint of annoyance showing.

The Attendants, always ready to pour tea and water with their attentive service, were instead a burden to Bai Zhou.

With them watching...

How could Bai Zhou retrieve the "Pocket Money" hidden in the private room?

Fortunately—

Bai Zhou's worry didn't last long. Suddenly, the sound of a crowd's commotion and exclamations came from outside...

Faintly carrying the sensitive word "fire."

"--A guest is on fire!"

From the manager down to the Attendants, Everyone's face changed drastically.

A fire outside, why didn't the alarm trigger—

No, it wasn't a fire outside?

--What do you mean a guest is on fire?!

"Whoosh..."

The Attendants rushed out to help.

"Hoo."

Bai Zhou finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Though he didn't know what had happened.

It had solved his predicament!

He immediately closed the door and checked his surroundings.

Bai Zhou cautiously lifted the tablecloth and looked at the dark oak floor beneath his feet.

"At the seam of the floor beneath the table leg, there was an inconspicuous, tiny scratch that looked like it was made by a chair leg."

Recalling Ya's instructions, Bai Zhou began to search around.

"Aim at that scratch and tap it hard three times."

"Then move half a finger's width to the left, find another scratch, and press down hard."

Bai Zhou, half-crouching, carefully followed each step.

At the same time, he kept an ear out for any movement outside.

"Click—"

With a mechanical whirring sound, the floor tile at the scratch suddenly sprang upwards.

A box, topped by the floor tile, popped out.

Here it comes!

"Thump, thump..."

Bai Zhou's heart raced.

With a "click"—

The box opened.

The items buried here for who knows how long finally saw the light of day.

Among them were six pieces of equipment.

...A folded Black Thin Trench Coat.

It seemed to be the same style as Ya's.

Its function was to stay warm in winter and cool in summer, requiring no washing, and it could transform into a Paraglider by activating its built-in mechanism when necessary.

...A rather flashy-looking Electronic Watch.

It kept precise time and contained a ritual; it would automatically change Time Zones in the Reflection Ruins Realm.

...A simple Silver Necklace and a pair of Gold Wire Black Frame Glasses.

When used together, they reduced one's presence and allowed them to appear as another inconspicuous Passerby in electronic surveillance.

...And a Black Folding Umbrella, as straight as a dagger.

It has mechanisms, usable in both sun and rain.

Five items, each with its own clever use, truly the best tools for killing and escaping at night.

--But it's not over yet.

"..."

Bai Zhou's heartbeat slowed by half a beat.

His gaze was drawn to the last item.

A handgun.

It was a large revolver, but its lines were as smooth as a golden sculpture, the body crafted from a special black stone that seemed to absorb light, presenting a black deeper than shadow.

Covering the grip was a warm white, like fossilized ivory.

On this white base, strange, interlocking black and white piano keys were carved.

Black and white, the contradictory intersection of light and shadow, formed a subtle harmony.

...Strangely, it had no hammer, nor could the cylinder be opened.

--Because it was an Extraordinary Weapon.

[Light and Shadow Harmony]!

"The 'Executioner-300' is decent, too bad you're not a sharpshooter and have no bullet supply."

Before leaving, Ya introduced Bai Zhou to the equipment in the "Pocket Money":

"Standard issue iron blocks from the assembly line won't help you... you need some special items not on the records."

"--[Light and Shadow Harmony], an Extraordinary Weapon that chooses its owner."

"Every time you play the 'Piano Key', it's a mastery of the balance between light and shadow."

"But be warned, it will constantly drain your willpower to replenish ammunition..."

"Only those with strong enough will can play the music!"

"..."

Reaching out to touch the warm revolver grip, Bai Zhou vaguely felt a living, breathing rhythm.

The moment his fingertips touched the "Piano Key"--

"Ding dong!"

A scorching sensation of absorption came, and Bai Zhou's ears seemed to "hear" the deep and pleasant echo of a piano.

The sound lingered.

...Until the unique scent of the firearm faintly reached his nose, Bai Zhou vaguely snapped back to reality.

Then...

He looked down at himself, his gaze sweeping over the six pieces of equipment in the box, and let out a soft breath.

"Where's the restroom...?"

What was he waiting for?

--Now, it was time to change.

"Whoosh--"

Carrying the box, Bai Zhou had just walked out of the private room when he heard the clamor of the crowd outside.

Then, he saw in the center of the crowd, a...

A Maiden who looked about the same age as Bai Zhou, perhaps even a little younger.

Objectively speaking, she was definitely a delicate and cute beautiful girl, but her attire was inexplicably mismatched with her inherent temperament.

Specifically, it was like a schoolgirl who had stolen her Mom's evening gown to wear.

She was youthful and radiant, yet she deliberately acted mature... that was probably the feeling.

And she seemed to be alone, surrounded only by attendants, looking quite strange and pitiful.

--But none of that mattered.

What mattered was, The reason the diners were all looking at her and whispering...

The reason the anxious attendants were all gathered around her...

--was because this Maiden was breathing with her mouth open, spewing fire!

Genuine fire!

Not only that, but even part of her hair was burning!

It was like a Hiccuping Little Fire Dragon.

Smoke and flames, with continuous exclamations.

"What a burning girl!"

Bai Zhou, who was passing by, was also dumbfounded.

Was it her who successfully helped him out of his predicament and drew away others?

Bai Zhou was very confused...

Could it be that Extraordinary individuals could now openly perform special abilities in front of people?

However, upon closer inspection, the girl didn't seem to be an Extraordinary.

So, did the so-called "creative French Cuisine" on Blue Star also include "eating fire"?

Fortunately, he had ordered Hu-La Soup...

Bai Zhou felt a surge of respect for this brave girl who dared to "eat fire."

But he had no intention of meddling or investigating further.

... "I can't waste the time the 'Super Burning Beautiful Girl' bought for me!"

Carrying his suitcase, Bai Zhou hurried to the restroom.

Unfortunately, in such a high-class restaurant, the private room did not have a restroom.

Perhaps it was due to its early construction, or perhaps because the special private room was reserved solely for Bai Zhou.

... Fortunately, the main hall restroom was completely empty at the moment.

How could it be called a high-class restaurant?

Even the restroom carried a refreshing scent of floral black tea.

Finding a stall and closing the door, Bai Zhou began to change.

Rustling sounds.

Soon, Bai Zhou, dressed in the Special Management Department's Suit Uniform, disappeared.

... Bai Zhou, now wearing a trench coat of the same style as Ya's, made a brand new appearance.

He probably wasn't suited for the heavy formality of a suit; after changing into the trench coat, he seemed like a completely different person.

At least, Bai Zhou felt much more relaxed.

"..."

Finally, with a wristwatch on his wrist and a revolver at his waist, Bai Zhou

slowly put on his Gold Wire Black Frame Glasses in front of the narrow, closed door of the restroom.

Picking up his black umbrella, he couldn't wait to go to the mirror to see what he looked like now.

He opened the small door of the restroom.

... And then, he decisively closed it again with a "snap."

"?"

Cold sweat inexplicably broke out on his forehead, as if he had seen something terrifying standing outside the door.

But he then pondered in the restroom for a moment, inexplicably glancing at the stall beneath his feet.

Something was wrong?

So, Bai Zhou opened the door again.

"..."

The "Hiccuping Little Fire Dragon," with scorched hair, wearing an ill-fitting evening gown, squatted by the door, crying profusely.

She also pouted and raised her hand, drawing circles in the air in front of the tiles, cursing someone, clearly feeling wronged.

Only in the restroom could she cry in secret...

The girl had always felt this way.

At this moment, a gust of wind blew from outside, and the Neon Lights from the street next door cast their glow inside.

The hem of a fluttering trench coat appeared before her.

The girl looked up in surprise.

A handsome youth in a black trench coat and a high-end wristwatch, wearing gold wire glasses, stood expressionlessly before her.

Like a killer.

His trench coat was sharp, his expression cold, standing with an imposing air, more inscrutable than the passing wind.

Yet his demeanor inexplicably drew people in, and the light from above shone upon him--

Like a little sun.

Warm and cozy.

...The girl's eyes blinked as she sized up Bai Zhou.

She suddenly felt her wronged and sad mood inexplicably improve quite a bit.

When crying loudly, when calling for help, would someone come to save you?

Such beautiful dreams, "Super Burning Fire Dragon Girl," she hadn't had since she was ten.

--But this expressionless, mysterious man in black who descended from the sky, When did he arrive?

It should... also be a dream, right?

She vaguely felt something was wrong.

...But no matter how she thought about it, she couldn't figure it out, her eyes blinking.

"Um..."

It wasn't until Bai Zhou remained silent for a long time, his necklace swaying twice at his neck.

This trench coat man, who mysteriously appeared before the girl's eyes, Turned his face away, lowered his gaze, and faintly reminded her:

"--This is the men's restroom."