Forbidden Research and Unexpected Encounters

“Have you heard?”

“In this world, human life can be divided into two phases.”

“The first spans from the moment of birth to the peaceful end of one’s days.”

“The second, after death, beyond the mundane world, is to continue enjoying eternal life with family and friends…”

“I’m not here to discuss myths,” Yao Jing interrupted impatiently.

“What I want to know is why ‘Vampirification’ was terminated.”

“Because it was ordered to be prohibited.”

Facing Yao Jing’s skepticism, the old director did not even furrow his brow.

“You’re playing coy. Is there anyone here with more authority than you? Old man, you’ve quite the talent for comedy.”

As an elder who had watched the younger generation grow up, Director Chen’s relationship with everyone was less like a superior and subordinate, and more akin to a grandfather raising his grandchildren.

Thus, even when faced with Yao Jing’s sarcastic jibes, his expression remained calm.

“I am merely the Director of the Supervisory Bureau, not an emperor who can overshadow everything.”

“Heh heh…”

Yao Jing scoffed. The so-called Outer Realm Alliance was merely a loose ‘United Political Entity’ formed under pressure from the Association and public outcry.

The many cities that joined were no different from their previous independent self-governance.

Under such circumstances, for the head of an organization like the Supervisory Bureau, which wielded formidable military power, to claim he wasn’t an emperor would be met with widespread ridicule.

“Do you still not understand?”

Seemingly weary of his junior’s obtuseness, the old director sighed, finally intending to end this tiresome charade.

“No, if you don’t tell me, how am I supposed to know?”

“It was a notice from the Association, prohibiting the continuation of ‘Vampirification’ research.”

“Why prohibit it, and how did they find out?”

Yao Jing’s first reaction was that someone had tipped them off.

His mind raced, sifting through suspects, quickly settling on a certain grey-haired rascal.

‘Could it be that damned girl?’

“There’s no need to be so suspicious. There’s nothing we can hide from the Association when they want to know something.

The pressing issue now is how to accommodate that group of ‘vampires’.”

“Old man, you’re a high-ranking official, after all. Haven’t you considered doing something in private? This order from the Association is quite unreasonable, isn’t it?

We’ve already found a way to cure ‘Bloodthirst Syndrome’; are we just supposed to abandon it?”

“…….”

“Or perhaps we could simply contact some people to pressure the Association? Like the Heroes?

Or, even more drastically, directly reveal that we have a cure but are being forbidden from researching it by the Association, inciting public outrage…”

“Say no more. It’s useless.”

“How can we know if it’s useless without trying?”

Watching Yao Jing’s impassioned demeanor, the old director recalled his own glorious past, when he, too, had been so spirited and ambitious…

“Tap, tap, tap.”

The old director tapped the table, signaling Yao Jing to quiet down.

“Your suggestion is entirely pointless. Don’t be so quick to refute me; you possess too little information, which prevents you from truly grasping the current situation.”

“Firstly, unlike the Outer Realms, which fight amongst themselves, the Inner Realm, having experienced the Great Migration, possesses a cohesion far beyond your imagination.

Your ‘public opinion’ approach simply won’t work.”

“As for the Heroes…”

The old director paused, then, meeting Yao Jing’s expectant gaze, he said, “To outsiders, the Association is an organization established to manage and regulate ‘Heroes’.

In reality, the opposite is true; the Association only exists because the ‘Heroes’ require a mouthpiece.”

“If you consider me an emperor of Dongchuan, then by that standard, those ‘Heroes’ are absolutely worthy of being called the dictators of humanity.”

“Tsk.”

With the conversation having reached this point, Yao Jing finally understood the old man’s meaning.

If they wished to continue ‘Vampirification’, the obstacles they faced were the Association’s Heroes, truly the strongest ‘humans’.

After a moment of silence, Yao Jing suddenly spoke:

“What exactly are those Heroes? Normal people shouldn’t possess such immense power, should they?”

“Their existence… you rascal, trying to trick information out of me? Have you grown a bear’s heart and a leopard’s guts?”

Yao Jing grinned cheekily.

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

“Let’s conclude our discussion on this matter and move on to the next topic.”

After a flurry of keyboard clicks, the large screen displayed a map of the entire Dongchuan region.

As the mouse dragged and zoomed, it finally settled on a tall building.

“The ‘Inducement Plan’ has failed. The remnants of the vampires, rallied by their leader, are converging here—at ‘Shenghai Tower’.

It seems they intend to fight to the bitter end.”

“Are we to wage war within the city?”

“Delay breeds unforeseen complications. We cannot afford to drag this out any longer.

I hereby fully appoint you as the supreme commander of this operation. The various departments will be notified today, and you will arrange the operational timing yourself.”

“……Understood. I’ll go make preparations immediately.”

Yao Jing turned and walked towards the door, but the old director called out to him:

“Little Yao, wait.”

Under Yao Jing’s puzzled gaze, the old man’s wrinkled face twisted into a stiff smile.

“Don’t push yourself too hard. Look at you, you’re already growing white hairs.”

A tremor went through Yao Jing’s heart as he pushed open the door.

****

“Alright, alright, I know, I won’t forget. You’re so annoying.”

After hanging up the phone, Liu Yu rolled restlessly on Villy’s lap.

A light but firm rap landed on her head, producing a crisp sound.

“Be quiet. I’m combing your hair.”

“Ow, that hurts.”

Liu Yu clutched her head and said, “I need to leave school for something.”

“Where are you going?”

“Uh… to my friend’s place!”

“Really now…”

Villy looked suspicious.

She had vaguely overheard words like ‘money’, ‘time’, ‘place’, and ‘work’—terms that certainly didn’t inspire confidence.

‘Could it be that this girl took out an online loan she can’t repay, and now they’re coming after her, demanding she work illegally to settle the debt?’

It wasn’t that she worried Liu Yu would get into trouble; given the abilities she’d displayed, no one could harm a single hair on her head even if she openly robbed a bank, let alone welch on a debt.

However, that was no excuse for her to stray at such a young age.

If she dared to take out an online loan today, she might rob a bank tomorrow, and the day after, she’d probably declare herself queen.

‘I absolutely must correct her behavior before she goes astray.

Otherwise, if I bring back a delinquent punk to meet my white-haired mother-in-law, I might just be beaten to death on the spot.’

As if seeing that grim future unfold, Villy instantly perked up, pressing down on Liu Yu’s head with increased force.

“Let go of me!”

“Tell me, where exactly are you going?”

“Are you my mother? Why are you so nosy?”

Liu Yu grumbled, but was startled by Villy’s serious gaze.

“I found a part-time job, and if I’m late, I’ll be fined.”

‘Who would believe a lazy girl, who detests work, saying she’s going to work?’

Despite her disbelief, Villy released her hold.

She understood the principle of ‘too much is as bad as too little’; if she controlled her too tightly, Liu Yu would rebel eventually.

Villy asked, “What about your afternoon classes?”

“Who cares?”

Liu Yu’s expression was nonchalant.

Skipping class felt good for a moment, and continually skipping class felt continually good.

As long as Roza didn’t catch her in the act, she would even dare to hide at home and play games.

Donning her mask and sunglasses once more, Liu Yu said goodbye and vanished in a swirl of dust, leaving only Villy sitting there.

‘What a forgetful little airhead.’

Tucking the hat Liu Yu had left behind into a spatial box, Villy contacted Hoshino, intending to visit the club he had mentioned.

‘As for Liu Yu’s opinion…’

‘If she deceives me, can’t I deceive her?’

A vision of the ruffled, grey-haired girl seemed to appear before her eyes, and Villy set off cheerfully for the meeting point.

****

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, is there something wrong with my eyes lately?”

Pan Jun took off his glasses, wiped them with a tissue, and put them back on.

His mind was in a turmoil.

‘First, a few days ago, I almost thought Liu Ling had won a resurrection match, and today I saw a grey-haired girl on the road who looked suspiciously like Vanguard.

In a few more days, will I be seeing my deceased mother?’

“Teacher Pan, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine. Let me continue showing you around. Where would you like to see next, Teacher Wu?”

“You’re older, so just call me Little Wu. I heard Teacher Pan is from the Inner Realm?”

“That’s right…”

The two continued their conversation, strolling through the campus.