"Oh~ a little girl?"
The man in the flamboyant suit glanced lazily at Fu Hua, his cane tapping the ground as he sized her up.
"Heh, yes, miss. Can we help you? We're just humble merchants passing through."
Fu Hua's gaze didn't waver. Her eyes locked onto the pale-haired girl lying unconscious among the crates.
"Merchandise?"
"Ahaha, well… rumor has it there's a military lab nearby. This one's probably one of their test subjects. Once she hits the black market, she'll fetch a nice price."
He chuckled, clearly proud of his "business acumen."
But he wasn't stupid. A lone girl wandering into a Hollow like this? She was either backed by a syndicate… or terrifyingly strong.
He hoped it wasn't the latter.
"I want her."
"Ah… well, miss, she's not exactly cheap."
"Then let's call it a favor. Hand her over."
"That's a bit—"
"Hey! You little brat, don't push your luck!"
One of the cave thugs—clearly not the brightest—grabbed an iron rod and charged.
Fu Hua's eyes narrowed. Her aura shifted.
CRACK.
One punch.
The thug's helmet shattered like glass.
But he didn't fly—he spun midair like a ragdoll caught in a cyclone, slammed into the ground, and didn't get back up.
Blood pooled beneath his broken helmet.
Silence fell like a curtain.
The loudmouth from earlier swallowed hard, sweat beading on his brow.
Fu Hua stepped forward, voice calm but cold.
"I said, let's be friends. Don't make me ask again."
"N-No problem! Take whatever you want! She's yours, no charge!"
The suited man waved frantically, panic in his eyes.
That helmet was reinforced alloy. She'd crushed it with a single blow.
Fu Hua reined in her killing intent and walked over.
She knelt beside the white-haired girl, untied the ropes, and gently lifted her.
"That one's still breathing. If you move fast, he might live."
Without another word, she turned and walked toward the exit.
The girl stirred in Fu Hua's arms, voice barely a whisper.
"Thank you… for saving me…"
"Don't speak yet. Rest. You're safe now."
Fu Hua found the nearest hotel, booked two rooms, and carefully laid the girl on the bed.
She studied her for a moment.
"Silver Squad, most likely. But not Anby…"
She'd seen chatter on the RopeNet—this girl wasn't unknown.
Rumors from the Cunning Hares' side had mentioned someone matching her description.
"I'll grab some medicine and food."
After making sure the girl was stable, Fu Hua checked the time and opened her phone.
Red Kite: The documents are secured.
Red Kite: Can I deliver them this afternoon?
Shepherd: ?????
Shepherd: Already?! How are you this fast?
Red Kite: Heading to the drop point now. Be ready.
Shepherd: Okay okay! I'm on my way!
Fu Hua glanced once more at the sleeping girl, then slipped out.
Later that day, at the handover point, Shepherd stared at the documents in awe.
"You're… incredibly efficient. I'm impressed. Let's work together again sometime."
"Mm. I'm open to it."
He handed her a card.
"Your payment. All loaded. Password's the last six digits of your ID."
"Got it. Thanks. I'll be going now."
"Take care, Miss Red Kite."