Spicy Shredded Chicken

Edward stood where he was, lost in thought.

He repeatedly weighed the abilities Malkis had mentioned, considering their potential value.

He had to admit that if used properly, the abilities to create fear, absorb fear, create illusions, and bewitch others could indeed become powerful aids in this terrifying world.

However, demons had always been exceedingly cunning. He knew he could not let down his guard around Malkis so easily.

At that thought, Edward unconsciously clenched his fist. His gaze instantly sharpened like an eagle's, carrying a strong warning as he spoke coldly, his voice seeming to freeze the air. "Behave yourself in my house! If you dare try anything funny, you'll regret it!"

How could Malkis dare defy him in the slightest? She hurriedly nodded and bowed, her face full of fawning smiles as she replied ingratiatingly, "I understand, Master. Don't worry, I'll behave myself."

Only then did Edward turn around, intending to return to his room to sleep. But after taking just two steps, he heard Malkis cautiously speak behind him. "By the way, Master, um..."

Edward was already somewhat tired, and he turned back impatiently, asking in an unfriendly tone, "What is it now? Stop dragging your feet!"

A trace of hesitation flashed across Malkis's face, as if she were struggling with something. But in the end, she gathered her courage and said, "Master, could you call me by my full name, Malkis? After all, I'm still a demon with dignity. Being called 'Jisi' is really..."

The corner of Edward's mouth curled upward into a teasing, wicked grin. He deliberately drew out his words. "All right, Jisi." With that, he headed toward his room without looking back, leaving Malkis standing there helplessly.

Malkis watched Edward's retreating figure, a wave of sorrow rising in her heart. She could not help muttering, "My demon life is nothing but darkness..." Helplessly shaking her head, she dragged her heavy steps to the bed, plopped down, and fell into thought.

She was a dignified demon, someone of standing even in the Demon Realm, yet now she was being completely controlled by this human brat. It was truly hard for her to accept.

But whenever she recalled the mysterious and powerful Purification Power in Edward's hands, fear rose within her, and every thought of resistance was instantly crushed. She did not dare make the slightest move.

Meanwhile, after returning to his room, Edward did not even take off his clothes before collapsing onto the bed. Before long, steady breathing could be heard.

Early in the morning, before the sunlight had fully pierced through the gaps in the curtains, Sarah's anxious shouts suddenly rang out from outside the room. "Edward, Edward, wake up! You're going to be late for school!" Her voice was like hurried drumbeats, pounding against Edward's eardrums again and again.

"Oh, Mom, let me sleep a little longer." Edward kept his eyes tightly shut, his entire body lazily sunk into the bed. His voice was thick with sleepiness, as though every word weighed a thousand pounds.

Sarah was not having any of it. She raised her voice, authority that brooked no argument in her tone. "Edward, get down here now. Don't make me..." Before she could finish, Edward's somewhat hurried voice came from inside the room. "I'm already up!"

At that moment, Edward stood before the bathroom mirror, tidying his slightly messy hair while studying his reflection.

The longer he looked, the more pleased he became. He could not help smiling smugly and muttering to himself, "Mm, pretty handsome. Still, compared to the readers in front of the screen, I'm just a tiny bit lacking."

Then he picked up his toothbrush, squeezed on some toothpaste, and began brushing. White foam gathered at the corners of his mouth, and amid the swishing sounds, he kept brushing while quietly thinking.

Yesterday, he had drawn the Ox Talisman and also gained control of Purification Power. At the very least, he should have some ability to protect himself now.

But this terrifying world was full of danger. Those things alone were far from enough. It seemed he still needed to keep drawing prizes. Maybe he would get something even more powerful and gain another layer of security in this world.

Just as Edward was admiring himself in the mirror, Sarah's increasingly urgent calls came from downstairs again. "Edward!"

"Okay, I'm coming, Mom!" Edward did not dare delay any longer. He hurriedly dressed himself in a fluster, then rushed downstairs for breakfast like a gust of wind.

The moment he entered the living room, he saw his father John sitting leisurely on the sofa, engrossed in the newspaper. Sarah smiled warmly and said gently, "Edward, breakfast is on the table."

"Okay, Mom." Edward answered as he hurried toward the dining table.

Edward plopped down beside the table. His gaze swept over the bread, fried eggs, milk, and sausages. It was the same unchanging food again, and he could not help sighing inwardly.

At that moment, John put down his newspaper, raised his head, and looked warmly at Edward. "Son, has everything been going well at school lately?"

Edward's mouth was stuffed full, his cheeks puffed up like those of a little hamster. He answered indistinctly, "Same as always, Dad. You know, even if I don't go, I'm still first in the whole school."

After saying that, he deliberately muttered in a profound tone, "Ah, the loneliness of being invincible," with a teasing smile on his face.

John smiled helplessly and joked, "You little brat, quit talking nonsense and get yourself to school!"

Sarah also smiled and shook her head, her eyes full of affection. She handed him a cup of hot milk and scolded fondly, "You child."

Edward took the milk and drained it in a few gulps. The instant it went down, his expression suddenly changed. It was as if he had remembered something extremely important. He slapped his forehead and cried anxiously, "Oh no, Mom, where's Jisi?!"

Sarah had been watching Edward with a smile, but hearing that, her face filled with confusion. "What Jisi?"

Only then did Edward realize he had misspoken. He hurriedly covered it up. "Oh, oh, I meant my sister Lily. I said the wrong thing by accident."

Sarah gently shook her head and said helplessly, "Don't give your sister such strange nicknames. She went to school early this morning. Unlike you, always dawdling around."

Edward smiled helplessly. After saying goodbye to his parents, he headed out.

Just as he reached the door, he ran into his friend Frank. Frank looked excited as he waved a poster in his hand. "Edward, look! Hell Orchestra is coming here! Let's go together this weekend!"

(Frank—Cat and Mouse Game)