After surviving the tragedy at the Old Capital Metro Hollow, Cass abandoned his original research path and spent several years developing the A-grade W-Engine, Guardian Angel.
But just as he completed his breakthrough, the Notoriety Ethereal known as "Train Engine" suddenly vanished, and the Hollow entered a period of dormancy.
With no hope for revenge, Cass fell into despair.
Once hailed as a genius researcher, he plummeted from grace, becoming a failure in the eyes of others and was even dismissed from the W-Engine Research Institute.
Until a few days ago...
When he saw a post on a forum announcing the sudden revival of the Hollow, the fire of vengeance sparked once again. He became determined to recover Guardian Angel.
Sam Li spoke coolly, "Even if that W-Engine can block a full-power strike from a high-tier Ethereal, you'll die right after. What kind of revenge is that?"
Cass smiled. "Mr. Sam Li, I won't lie to you. Guardian Angel actually has two skills. The first is to block any attack, shielding the wearer from even the most overwhelming blow. But it also has a second, hidden skill—Full Power Strike. It reflects the blocked attack back at the enemy. That means even an ordinary person could take down a powerful Ethereal..."
Without that second skill, it would just be a one-time-use shield.
But with it?
The W-Engine's tactical value skyrocketed—capable of turning the tide in a critical moment, even changing the outcome of an entire battle.
It wasn't some defective engine.
It was a rare gem—capable of both offense and defense.
Its only flaw: single-use.
Cass lowered his head. "I didn't mean to hide it from you, but... I need to kill that Ethereal. If I make it back, I promise I'll repay you properly."
His face was full of guilt.
He knew that no matter what he said now, it wouldn't change the fact—his odds of surviving were slim.
Suddenly...
Siren lights flashed nearby.
Cass's expression shifted to panic. "Mr. Sam Li, I'm out of time. Thank you for helping me find the engine. Goodbye..."
There was no time for farewells.
Fearing arrest by the Public Security Bureau, Cass ducked into an alley and slipped away through the back routes toward the Hollow.
Behind him, Sam Li remained in place, calmly holding his songbird cage as he watched Cass walk toward death.
That's right.
In his eyes, Cass was walking to his grave.
But Sam Li didn't rush to follow.
Instead, he turned back to Sixth Street for a cup of coffee at Master Tingman's place.
After finishing his drink and telling Master Tingman to put it on the Hare's House tab, he casually made his way toward the Old Capital Metro Hollow.
The Hollow was on the northern outskirts of New Eridu.
Far from the city, tucked away in the outer ring, it was one of the most remote Hollows around.
During its years of dormancy, it had been thoroughly scavenged by Hollow raiders. Nowadays, hardly anyone visited.
Sam Li didn't hail a cab. He planned to walk, birdcage in hand.
But the further he walked from the city, the bleaker things became.
The skyscrapers vanished. The clean streets faded. The advanced neighborhoods were gone.
Regret crept in—maybe he should've called a cab after all.
After entering the outer ring, it felt like he had stepped into a forgotten era.
The surroundings were barren.
In the distance, he saw towering cacti, some as high as ten meters...
Rolling hills...
And far off, the Hollow itself.
At the base of the mountains, some remnants of human structures could still be seen.
But everywhere else?
Either wastelands or ruins.
It was a post-apocalyptic landscape, a jarring contrast to the high-tech glow of New Eridu's city center.
The outer ring stretched vast and wide.
In short, everything beyond the city limits was considered the "outer ring," and far outside New Eridu's official jurisdiction.
It wasn't just chaotic...
There was always the risk of sudden Hollow disasters erupting at any moment...
There was a saying among agents: "Never underestimate the outer ring—sometimes it's scarier than the Hollows themselves."
Not that Sam Li was scared.
If he ran into bandits? That might just make things more fun.
He figured Cass should be close to the Hollow by now, so he picked up his pace.
Just then—
The roar of a truck engine and a blaring horn echoed behind him.
Sam Li turned around.
A beat-up cargo truck was barreling toward him, slowing down before pulling up beside him.
"Hey, old man—where you headed? Want a ride?"
In the cab—
A blonde girl yawned, one hand waving lazily while her feet rested on the steering wheel. She stared at Sam Li with a drowsy expression.
Her driving posture was... unique.
Sam Li had never seen anything like it.
And she just called him... old man?
That stung. Did he really look that old?
The girl, still laid-back, said, "Uncle, it's dangerous walking alone out here. Need a lift? Don't worry—I won't charge you any Dennies."
Sam Li wasn't about to refuse. "Thanks..."
He opened the door and took the passenger seat.
The girl yawned again. "Careful, don't step on my axe."
She gestured for him to stand, then pulled a massive axe out from under his feet.
"Don't worry. It's not for you."
Sam Li: "..."
No matter how he looked at it...
This girl was clearly no ordinary truck driver.
Her outfit, the decorations in the cab, the axe—it all screamed outer ring gang member.
She gave him a quick glance. "You've got nothing but a birdcage and you're walking through the outer ring? Should I call you gutsy or just clueless? Judging by your clothes, you're from the New Eridu metro area, right? Next time you head out here, bring a weapon."
Sam Li nodded. "Thanks for the tip."
The girl started the engine. "By the way, where you going?"
Sam Li said calmly, "The Hollow."
The girl blinked in surprise. "What for? That place's been acting weird lately. My boss said it's waking up again—probably a Notoriety Ethereal lurking there."
Sam Li replied flatly, "Helping a client kill an Ethereal."
The girl raised her brows. "You're an agent?"
Sam Li nodded. "Sam Li, from Hare's House. If you need anything, come find me."
The girl yawned again. "Ohh... a pro agent. Wait—Hare's House? Isn't that the one people talk about on the forums? Weren't you guys accused of, like... every crime imaginable? Arson, theft, betrayal, robbing clients?"
Sam Li was speechless: "..."
It had only been a few days.
The rumor mill had already pinned a whole rap sheet on Hare's House.
The girl chuckled. "You don't look half as bad as they say. Name's Piper Wheel. Just call me Piper. Hold on—we're rolling."
...