Ark Simulator: Don't I Have No Physical Form?

The teller's fingertips trembled slightly the moment they touched the business card. Ash noticed her Adam's apple bob, clearly because of Su Rui's movement.

"Yes, of course!" The teller hurriedly pressed the call button. "Please come with me to the VIP room..."

As soon as the Oak door to the VIP room closed, Su Rui looked around somewhat boredly. He loosened his tie and pulled a tablet from his suit pocket. "The security system has been upgraded, but it makes no difference to me."

Ash had already checked the entire room. "The air conditioning vents lead directly to the vault corridor, but only allow us to pass through slowly."

"Perfect timing." Su Rui unbuttoned his suit jacket, revealing the blue glow of a miniature device tucked inside. "The Inner Guard has a new toy. Come to think of it, they do research too. This thing is called a ' Hummingbird '."

Ash frowned. "The airflow here is too strong."

Su Rui smiled and pressed a hidden button on his wristwatch, causing the VIP room lights to flicker. Taking advantage of the momentary lapse in power, three mechanical Hummingbird flew out from his sleeve and disappeared into the vents along with the air conditioning vents.

Twenty minutes later, when the bald bank manager appeared with two armed guards, Su Rui had already transformed into an elegant business elite. A copy of the Financial Times lay on his crossed legs, and the steam from the red tea beside him fogged his glasses.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." The manager's fake smile was like an ill-fitting mask. "Regarding the B-7712 safe..."

Su Rui gently set down her teacup; the clinking of the porcelain made the manager's eyelids twitch. "I guess you just received a communication from the Petrov Family's lawyer?"

Dark sweat stains seeped from the back of the manager's suit. "The situation has... changed somewhat..."

Ash's hand was already on the holster, and Su Rui gently patted the back of her hand to soothe Ash.

Then Su Rui suddenly laughed out loud, pulled a magnetic card from her briefcase, and pushed it over. "Can this solve the change?"

The Double-Headed Eagle Badge on the magnetic card instantly turned the manager's face ashen. This was a royal decree freezing assets, usually meaning that a nobleman was already on the guillotine list.

The manager might not know what had happened, but he at least knew that this was no longer his responsibility.

The temperature in the vault corridor was ten degrees lower than in the lobby. Su Rui's leather shoes stomped on the bulletproof glass floor, the sound of her footsteps completely absorbed.

As the manager trembled as he entered the third password, Ash suddenly pressed down on Su Rui's shoulder—in the shadows at the end of the corridor stood a tall figure in an inner Inner Guard uniform.

"It seems Talulah is still worried," Su Rui sighed.

The Inner Guard stepped forward, the Silver Wolf emblem on his chest gleaming blue in the cold light. "His Majesty said you would at least attempt to break three locks."

Su Rui shrugged. "I'm in a hurry to eat lunch."

The moment the B-7712 safe was opened, a bitter smell of some kind of chemical wafted out. Su Rui put on gloves and pulled a sealed metal cylinder from under a pile of bonds. As he turned the combination lock on the cylinder, a viscous sound of liquid sloshing inside could be heard.

"A biological sample?" Ash asked.

Su Rui held the metal tube up to the light to examine it. "Worse than that." He pointed to a barely visible engraving on the tube. "See this caduceus symbol? A product of Rhine Lab Black Laboratory."

The manager suddenly lunged to grab it, but Ash a swift chop to his carotid artery. Taking advantage of the moment, Su Rui retrieved the data chip transmitted by Hummingbird, inserted it into his wristwatch, and read, "Sure enough... Petrov's family uses this to control the boards of three small pharmaceutical companies."

And it seems this person also took the money.

Volume 10, Chapter 622: Vanished Forever

After opening the metal safe, Su Rui put away the lead-sealed sample and was about to touch the sealed document when suddenly hurried footsteps came from outside the corridor—the sound of boots hitting the marble floor, the clanging of metal, and muffled curses in a Northern Ursus accent.

Ash's hand was already on the gun handle, his gaze turning towards the doorway.

"Don't be nervous." Su Rui didn't even look up, continuing to flip through the documents. "The Inner Guard will handle it."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a sickening metallic tearing sound rang out in the corridor, followed by several short screams. Ash his head slightly and glimpsed a tall, dark figure through the crack in the door— the Inner Guard's sword wasn't even drawn; he merely swept it horizontally from the scabbard, sending the leading private soldier flying backward and crashing into the wall with a dull thud of bones shattering.

The remaining private soldiers clearly hadn't expected to run into the Inner Guard here. In the chaos, someone raised his gun, but before he could pull the trigger, his wrist was twisted by some invisible force— the Inner Guard ' Originium Arts, like an unseen hand, crushed his wrist bones.

"Keep two," Su Rui ordered without looking up, her finger lightly turning a page of the document. "The rest... are up to you."

The Inner Guard didn't answer, but the commotion in the corridor immediately changed. The previously sharp, murderous sounds suddenly subsided, replaced by several precise, calculated strikes— Ash heard the cracking of dislocated joints, someone being pressed to the ground, a painful whimper escaping their throat.

In less than ten seconds, everything fell silent.

The door was pushed open, and a tall figure of Inner Guard stood in the doorway. A deep, steady mechanical voice, hidden beneath his mask, said, "Six survivors, two of whom can still speak."

Su Rui closed the file, casually handed it to Ash, and then slowly took off his gloves and walked towards the door. Ash followed behind him and saw the private soldiers lying haphazardly in the corridor—most of them were already motionless, only two were forced to kneel on the ground, their faces pale, blood seeping from the corners of their mouths, and their eyes filled with fear.

Su Rui crouched down to meet one of them at eye level, her dark eyes behind her gold-rimmed glasses carrying a gentle smile, "Who sent you?"

The private soldier's lips trembled, as if he wanted to stubbornly shut up, but the next second, the Inner Guard's fingers gently touched his shoulder. With just this simple touch, the private soldier's body convulsed violently, as if he were being pierced by some invisible electric current.

"I... I'll tell you!" he cried out in despair, "It's... it's Count Petrov! He... he said you can't get your hands on the things in the safe..."

Su Rui gave a soft "Oh," as if he had heard something interesting. He stood up, brushed off non-existent dust from his knees, and turned to look at Ash: "It seems the Earl is in a greater hurry than we thought."

Ash coldly glanced at the private soldier on the ground. "Should we take him back for interrogation?"

Su Rui shook her head, took a handkerchief from her suit pocket, and wiped her fingers. "No need, the Inner Guard will handle it."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Inner Guard raised their hands, and the two private soldiers suddenly stiffened, then collapsed as if all their strength had been drained away—they were not dead, but they had clearly lost consciousness.

"Let's go." Su Rui put her gloves back on, smiled at Ash, and said, "We have more important things to do."

Ash glanced at the end of the corridor; the figures of the Inner Guard had silently disappeared into the shadows, leaving only a few unconscious bodies. She withdrew her gaze and followed Su Rui's footsteps.

"You knew they would come?" she asked in a low voice.

Su Rui's lips curled into a slight smile, "The rule of Financial Street —the more valuable something is, the more people will try to grab it." He paused, his voice so soft it was almost a soliloquy, "However, whether you can actually grab it is another matter entirely."

Although Su Rui found the strategy guide online, that didn't stop him from improvising.

Su Rui glanced casually at the private soldiers forced to kneel on the ground, a cold glint flashing in his black eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses. He slowly removed his gloves, his long, slender fingers lightly brushing away non-existent dust from his suit sleeves.

"These small fry..." Su Rui's voice was as soft as if he were discussing the weather, "You guys handle it." He casually waved his hand at the Inner Guard, his movements as elegant as if he were conducting a symphony.

Ash noticed the ring on his ring finger gleaming coldly under the light—it was their prize from the casino the night before, yet now it inexplicably carried a chilling aura.

A deep, mechanical voice came from beneath the Inner Guard's visor. "Count Petrov's side..."

"Ah, that guy." Su Rui suddenly laughed, a chilling smile curving his lips. He turned and walked to the window, the lights of Chernobog flickering in his eyes. "Since even exile couldn't teach him to behave..."

A bolt of lightning suddenly flashed past the window, illuminating half of his profile. Su Rui's voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, yet it seemed to instantly lower the temperature in the entire room.

"Then let him disappear forever."

Ash saw the Inner Guard nod slightly, a cold glint flashing in the Silver Wolf emblem on his chest. She knew that this simple gesture meant that Ursus would lose another ancient noble family.

Su Rui put her gloves back on, her fingertips gently tracing Ash's cheek. "What? Do you think I'm too cruel?"

Ash grabbed his wrist, feeling the steady pulse. "You've wanted to do this for a long time."

Stepping out of the vault, the hustle and bustle of the Financial Street gradually faded away. Ash grabbed Su Rui's wrist and pulled him into a secluded café. The copper bell on the door rang crisply, and the warm aroma of coffee wafted out. In the corner, a deep red velvet sofa formed a semi-enclosed space, and candlelight flickered gently in the glass dome, casting the shadows of the two people on the wall.

"Sit," Ash commanded curtly, lightly scratching his palm with his fingers.

Su Rui raised an eyebrow, but obediently sat down, his long legs crossed, the fabric of his suit trousers gleaming delicately under the light. He was about to speak when Ash straddled his lap, his knees against the sofa, trapping him between himself and the backrest.

"So soon?" Su Rui chuckled, his fingers naturally resting on her waist, his fingertips gently caressing her through the fabric of her trench coat.

Ash didn't answer, but simply reached out and took off his gold-rimmed glasses, casually placing them on the table. Without the lenses obscuring his vision, Su Rui's amber eyes shone brightly in the candlelight, carrying a hint of playfulness and indulgence.

"The suit suits you well," Ash whispered, his fingers starting from his tie, tracing upwards inch by inch, past his Adam's apple, and finally pinching his chin. "Especially when you're giving orders in it."

Su Rui paused slightly, then smiled and said, "So you like this style?"

Volume 10, Chapter 623: Have some coffee

Ash didn't answer, but instead lowered his head and kissed her.

Su Rui's fingers tightened instinctively, gripping her waist, but this only resulted in her pressing down even harder.

The background music in the café switched to a languid jazz tune, the deep bass masking their intertwined breaths. Ash's cool fingertips touched his warm collarbone, and she felt satisfied as she sensed his momentary tremor.

"Ash..." Su Rui whispered between breaths, his voice already a little hoarse, "This is a public place..."

"So?" Ash's canine teeth gently rubbed against his earlobe, feeling his muscles tense instantly. "Afraid of being seen?"

Su Rui's Adam's apple bobbed, a sly glint in her eyes. "I'm afraid you won't be able to control yourself."

Ash narrowed his eyes, his fingers suddenly sliding down, precisely unbuckling the belt buckle on his suit trousers. The soft clinking of metal made Su Rui abruptly grab her hand: "Wait—"

"Too late." Ash's voice carried a triumphant glint, his other hand already slipping under the hem of his shirt, his nails lightly scraping against his abs. "You should have expected this from the moment you started attracting me in this outfit."

Su Rui's breathing became erratic, a faint blush rose to his cheeks, and even the tips of his ears turned pink. He tried to maintain a composed expression, but Ash knew his body's reactions all too well—his tense thigh muscles, his accelerating heartbeat, and the deepening color in his eyes.

"... You win." He finally sighed in surrender, resting his forehead on her shoulder. "Let's go back to the hotel, okay?"

Ash chuckled softly, finally stepping back slightly, but the moment he breathed a sigh of relief, Ash suddenly bit his tie and yanked it hard—

"Why don't we do it here?" her voice was seductive. "Anyway, your suit... is 'business-like' enough."

Su Rui's pupils dilated slightly, then she smiled helplessly, "You really are..."

He couldn't finish his sentence because Ash kissed him again. In the flickering candlelight, their shadows overlapped on the café's glass, reflecting a private moment undisturbed. Su Rui's suit jacket had already slipped off, her shirt collar was wide open, and Ash's trench coat had been tossed aside at some point.

When the waiter politely knocked on the booth door to ask if they would like a refill, Ash simply replied coldly, "No need." Su Rui buried her face in the crook of her neck, her shoulders trembling slightly—it was unclear whether she was trying to suppress a laugh or something else.

After the waiter left, in the dim light, Ash had already pressed him down onto the soft leather sofa. Su Rui's back sank into the sofa back, and his gold-rimmed glasses were hanging crookedly on his nose from the tugging.

"Wait—" His protest was silenced by Ash's lips.

The kiss of Ash was like a premeditated siege; Su Rui could clearly feel the oppressive force hidden between her lips and teeth. It wasn't just simple desire; it was more like a way of asserting some kind of dominance—just like her usual style, using the most direct method to break down all his defenses.

When her teeth grazed his lower lip, Su Rui's breath hitched. The slight stinging sensation reminded him of the last mission when she felt the same pain accompanying her every movement, yet strangely reassuring. He instinctively gripped the sofa armrest, his knuckles turning white, as if that would hold onto the last shred of his sanity.

"You..."

His voice caught in his throat. As Ash's fingertips brushed against the side of his neck, Su Rui suddenly realized that her heart was pounding wildly. The perfect restraint she usually maintained was crumbling under her touch, just like the tie that slipped off at that moment, soft yet irresistibly declaring surrender.

The mark she left on his Adam's apple was still burning hot. Su Rui tilted his head back, belatedly realizing that his fingers were already deeply embedded in her hair. This realization made his breathing even more erratic—his body had made the choice before his mind. The ashes of her Ash were wrapped around his fingers like countless tiny chains, dragging him into a deeper descent.

"Ash..."

His voice trembled as he called her name, the last syllable almost breaking. The sound of the wind outside the window suddenly became clear, reminding him that the world outside this space was still turning. But at this moment, all that remained in Su Rui's senses was the warmth of her fingertips and the deafening pounding of her own heart. All the vigilance that had been taut for years, all the self-control that she had been so proud of, turned to Ash in her wandering palm.

Her deliberately lowered voice was like a feather brushing against your eardrums. Su Rui looked at her fingers and suddenly realized she had already lost this game.

The force with which he grabbed her collar betrayed too much emotion; all the unspoken compromises melted away in this gesture tinged with annoyance.

"... I'll deal with you when we get back."

The threat was utterly intimidating; instead, the hoarse voice made it sound more like a plea for mercy. Ash narrowed her eyes; she was all too familiar with this kind of bluffing. Like a wounded beast baring its teeth, yet unable to conceal the dependence in its eyes. Her fingertips traced his burning earlobe, silently declaring victory.

Ash softly, leaving a noticeable kiss mark on his collarbone before slowly and methodically straightening his clothes. Su Rui slumped on the sofa, panting, his gold-rimmed glasses askew, looking as if his bones had been removed.

When the waiter's footsteps sounded outside the door, Ash had already resumed his upright posture. Only Su Rui's disheveled hair, reddened earlobes, and the faint outline of her collar remained.

Su Rui leaned lazily against Ash's chest, his fingertips slowly and methodically straightening the crumpled collar of his shirt. His gold-rimmed glasses sat askew on his nose, and his amber eyes behind the lenses held a hint of satisfaction and complaint.

"You went too far..." he muttered softly, his fingers gently tracing the teeth marks on his collar. "This suit is very expensive."

Ash chuckled softly, running his fingers through Ash's hair, gently smoothing his disheveled bangs. "I thought you wore it so I would tear it."

Su Rui snorted but didn't argue, simply pressing the service bell on the table. A waiter quickly knocked and entered, politely asking what she needed. Without even looking at the menu, Su Rui ordered a double-layered chocolate lava cake and a caramel macchiato with triple the syrup, adding at the end, "And a cream waffle, please."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "So hungry?"

Su Rui glanced at her sideways. "Who do you think caused this?"

Ash's fingers slid down the back of his neck, gently pressing on his sensitive spine. Su Rui immediately tensed up, almost bouncing off her arms.

"Stop it..." he protested in a low voice, his ears already red. "I have to meet someone later."

Ash chuckled, but didn't tease him any further. He simply let him lean on his shoulder, idly twirling the ends of his hair with his fingers.

The cake and coffee were served quickly. Su Rui eagerly scooped up a spoonful of lava cake, the rich chocolate sauce flowing from the center. He squinted his eyes in satisfaction, like a cat that had stolen some cream. Ash watched as a bit of chocolate smeared on the corner of his mouth, reached out and gently wiped it away with his thumb, then deliberately licked it off in front of him.

Su Rui's ears instantly turned bright red, and she almost choked on her coffee. "... You did that on purpose."

Ash rested her chin on her hand as she looked at him, a mischievous smile in her grey-blue eyes, "What? You won't let me touch you, but you won't even let me look at you?"

Volume 10, Chapter 624: I Just Eat

Su Rui lowered his head and devoured his cake, pretending not to hear, but his flushed earlobes and slightly upturned lips betrayed him. Ash's fingers tapped lightly on the table, her gaze falling on his loosened tie, then sliding to the faint red mark on his collarbone—the mark she had left earlier, bitten rather hard in the dimly lit cubicle.

Su Rui seemed to notice her gaze and glanced up at her. "What are you looking at?"

Ash reached out and gently tapped his collarbone with his fingertips. "Leave a mark."

Su Rui chuckled, but didn't flinch, simply stirring her coffee slowly. "Whatever."

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting long shadows on the table. Su Rui's suit jacket was draped over the back of her chair, her shirt sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing her well-defined forearms. Ash's trench coat was casually tossed aside. The two of them lounged lazily in the corner of the café, seemingly oblivious to the hustle and bustle outside.

After finishing the last bite of her pancake, Su Rui sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to Ash: "... Sit a little longer?"

Ash's fingers gently pinched the back of his neck. "Whatever you want."

Su Rui smiled with his eyes closed, sunlight falling on his eyelashes and casting dappled shadows. Ash looked at him, then suddenly leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.