—A Herald.
Huang's words had been prophetic.
Gao Yang had imagined facing his "family" in battle—but not like this, and certainly not with his beloved little sister.
A quick scan of the street showed fewer than ten people. Even if only a third were beasts, that meant three enemies—an impossible fight.
And according to Huang, a Herald's cry could alert every beast within a kilometer. That included those still "sleeping" in nearby buildings.
Conclusion: Unless he and Qing Ling could teleport, they were dead.
Gao Yang gave up. There was no escape.
"Run," he told Qing Ling. "I'll buy you a few seconds."
Qing Ling didn't move—but she didn't attack either.
His sister didn't transform. Instead, she stomped toward him with that infuriating, know-it-all stride...
Wait.
Could it be...?
"You got a girlfriend without my permission!" Xin Xin jabbed a finger at his chest. "You promised I'd get veto power!"
"And you took her to a love hotel!"
"Are you—are you into BDSM now?!" She stamped her foot, pointing at Qing Ling's bandaged wrist.
Qing Ling tugged her sleeve down and looked away.
"It's not what you think—"
Thank god. A false alarm.
Gao Yang could've wept with relief.
Xin Xin wasn't done. She whipped out her phone. "I took photos! Posted them! Everyone will know! School will expel you! Mom and Dad will disown—"
Gao Yang snatched her phone and tossed it to Qing Ling. "Delete them."
"Done."
"Give it back! You can't erase evidence!" Xin Xin lunged, but Gao Yang held her at arm's length by her forehead.
"What's wrong with you?" He rolled his eyes.
Qing Ling wiped the photos from every folder before returning the phone. "Handle this yourself." She was too exhausted for family drama.
"Got it."
Ten minutes later, Gao Yang and Xin Xin sat in a McDonald's.
Morning sunlight bathed his sister in a golden glow, her lolita dress ruffling as she pouted over her soda. At that age—not quite a child, not yet a woman—she radiated a contagious energy that slowly eased Gao Yang's tension.
"You promised to see my new dress last night!" Her voice cracked. "I waited forever!"
"I'm sorry." He meant it.
"It's wrinkled now!" Tears welled up. "And my face is puffy! I look best at night!"
Gao Yang pinched her cheek. "You're always pretty."
"Prettier than your girlfriend?"
"Obviously."
"If we both drowned, you'd save me first?"
Gao Yang paused. Qing Ling would probably say, Save your sister. I'll keep swimming.
"You. Every time."
"Pinky swear!" She hooked his finger.
8:00 AM. Shishan District No.15 High School.
As Gao Yang reached the gates—already late—a familiar red sports car pulled up.
Oh no.
Wang Zikai was arguing with the P.E. teacher.
"I quit quitting! I want to learn!"
"You're expelled," the teacher said weakly.
"Knowledge is light!" Zikai spotted Gao Yang and sprinted over. "Bro!"
"I told you to stay home."
"I can't! Knowing I'm the Chosen One—it's too hype!"
"Lower your voice." Gao Yang sighed. Qing Ling was right—this idiot was a liability.
"Hey, where's my superpower? Shouldn't I be OP?" Zikai looked like an overeager puppy.
"Your energy's still awakening... These things take time."
"True! Oh! What's my mission tonight? Give it now! I'll crush it!"
"Night missions... require night."
Zikai slung an arm around him. "Then let's school!"
By evening, Gao Yang was exhausted. Zikai had the attention span of a golden retriever. Finally, Gao Yang invented a "meditation technique" to shut him up.
During second study hall, Qing Ling cornered Gao Yang in the hallway. "Roof. Now."
The moment the rooftop door closed behind them, Qing Ling got straight to the point. "Your sister?"
"Handled."
"Keep watching. Some beasts are clever."
"I will." Please let her just be a Lost One.
Wind whipped Qing Ling's hair across her face. "I know Zikai's your friend. But he's a beast."
Here it came.
Moonlight vanished behind clouds, shrouding Qing Ling in shadow. Her voice left no room for debate:
"After class, lead him somewhere quiet. I'll kill him."
Gao Yang met her gaze. "What if I refuse?"
Qing Ling didn't hesitate. "Then I kill you too."