The Worsening Condition

Is it getting worse?

In the cramped rented room, the gray-haired girl lay against the wall, exhausted. Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a pallid glow on her face, evoking a sense of pity in anyone who saw her. After deactivating the [Flesh Dog], apart from her right arm, which was already without sensation, her left eye’s field of vision had noticeably blurred. In short, she was likely developing nearsightedness.

‘Could it be because of that move?’

Recalling the [Gaze Slash] she had used against that nasty b*tch of a vampire, Xiu Lan couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. [Shadow] is a double-edged sword. While it harms others, it also harms the user. This power, gained from the mysterious monster [Flesh Dog], grants her abilities beyond the realm of common sense, while also burying hidden dangers within her body. The longer she uses it, the more irreversible damage she inflicts on herself. Weakened limbs, impaired vision, and various ailments found during her school clinic visits…

Unfortunately, she can’t escape this power.

Wait a moment… What would happen if she completely suppressed [Shadow]? Suddenly, a daring thought crossed Xiu Lan’s mind. She tried to expel all the [Shadow] from her body, returning it to the unknown location of the [Flesh Dog]… but failed. No matter how many times she commanded it, some [Shadow] remained motionless within her.

…She doesn’t understand.

Thankfully, she isn’t the type to dig deep into the unknown. Since she can’t find the answer here, she doesn’t dwell on it. Instead, she turns to face the mirror, focusing on something else.

‘Hmm… it seems to be like this…’

The black shadows begin to flow, but this time, they don’t transform into a black coat for disguise. Instead, they coalesce into a sword in front of the girl’s right hand. Unlike the usual fluid-like shadow sword, this one resembles a real, tangible weapon. The sword is a dark red color, with rows of jagged teeth along both sides, and a tightly shut eye in the middle of the hilt and blade, giving it an eerie, menacing appearance.

‘Sigh… it’s scary just to look at it.’

The mere act of gazing at it induces fear, and paired with the unknown creature’s eye, it’s a true magic sword. This is another skill that suddenly appeared in her mind.

…Strange, why does her memory keep pulling up these bizarre things lately?

Xiu Lan decides to call this form of herself [Draw Sword]. Entering this mode, she seems to become incredibly strong. As for how strong, her answer is: she doesn’t know. Without a suitable opponent, it’s impossible to gauge her own strength. After all, for Xiu Lan now, the regular [Flesh Dog] is enough to handle most troubles. This new form is just an overflow of power, not entirely useless, but currently unnecessary. Moreover, entering [Draw Sword] mode disables [Shadow]’s disguise ability, meaning… she has to fight with her true face. If her appearance is exposed… just thinking about it is a hassle. It’s best not to use this move unless absolutely necessary.

During this reflection, the girl glances at the clock hanging on the wall, only to realize there’s less than half an hour left before school starts. Remembering Rosa’s warnings from the day before, she quickly commands the magic sword to revert to shadows, swiftly transforming into Liu Yu. With dark circles under her eyes, she yawns and opens the door.

‘You know what they say… even if you’ve saved the world, you still have to go to school.’

‘You don’t know, do you?’

‘No, I don’t.’

Interrupting Old Zheng’s spell prematurely, Xiu Lan instinctively leans away. As Liu Yu, she can’t freely manipulate Shadow. For a girl who just experienced a fierce battle and still feels the aftershocks, this lack of control is unsettling. So, whenever anyone approaches, she automatically keeps her distance.

‘Cough, cough.’

Not only was his topic interrupted, but he was also being avoided by his classmate. Even for him, this was frustrating. So, Old Zheng takes out a bill and slaps it on Xiu Lan’s desk, his eyes hinting that today’s friend fee is settled.

Expecting the bill to be quickly taken, he was surprised to see it remain on the desk for a long time. Just as he was about to ask, a shy and subtle voice speaks up:

‘Um… could we do an electronic transfer?’

‘Payment received, 50 yuan.’

‘…’

‘You know, starting today is the enrollment day for the Combat Class.’

‘I don’t know. Quick, tell me about it.’

Xiu Lan dramatically reads the lines, her tone exaggerated.

‘It’s said that taking someone’s money means taking on their troubles. Since I’ve taken the money, I don’t mind being a compliant companion.’

This is too half-hearted, brother. Already tired of the boy’s shameless job ethics, Old Zheng lowers his voice and asks tentatively:

‘I remember your mom is a senior student in the Combat Class…’

‘How many times do I have to tell you, Rosa is not my mom…’

Weakly correcting Old Zheng’s mistake, Xiu Lan tilts her head and sees a familiar figure entering the classroom, heading straight toward them.

‘What are you looking at?’

Old Zheng turns, only to see a tall, black-haired girl with a graceful demeanor. If the school had a popularity ranking, he would have voted for her without hesitation… Wait, why does she look so flat? Never mind, he takes back what he said.

‘Sorry to interrupt your conversation…’

The girl skillfully takes Xiu Lan’s hand: ‘Can I borrow Liu Yu for a moment?’

‘Huh?’

Could it be… is this boy’s spring coming? But who would be interested in someone like Liu Yu? Is she just looking for an ATM? But he doesn’t have any money, just a poor kid… Watching Xiu Lan leave with the black-haired girl, Old Zheng falls into thought.

‘Excuse me, what’s your name, and what do you want with me…’

‘I’m Villy, idiot.’

Annoyed, Villy gives the boy’s head a playful tap, her eyes fixed on… his chest?

‘W-what are you doing?’

Startled by Villy’s intense gaze, Xiu Lan instinctively covers her chest.

‘What are you talking about? I can’t understand a word you’re saying.’

‘Hmm?’

Villy feels around the boy’s upper body, but there’s no bulge… ‘You… you… you’re shameless!’

Looking at the boy’s head, which is already steaming like a machine, Villy decides not to tease her further.

‘Um…’

The black-haired girl straightens her posture and says: ‘I’m planning to enroll in the Combat Class. Are you interested in joining me?’

In the hallway of the school building, the occasional breeze ruffles the girl’s hair, and her eyes, filled with hope, deeply impress Xiu Lan.

‘…I…’

Xiu Lan hesitates, wanting to say she has no interest, but those hopeful eyes make it impossible for her to refuse. So, she agrees: ‘Okay.’

…

…

The destination isn’t as crowded as she expected. In front of a blue tent with a Combat Class sign, a bespectacled senior lies in a chair, playing with his phone. The files are scattered on the ground, with no sign of being picked up.

‘Is this really the enrollment office?’

Xiu Lan rubs her eyes, looking confused. Unlike the crowded scene she imagined, the office is shabby and secluded, with barely any students passing by. What’s going on?

Hearing the voices, the senior quickly sits up, grabs a handful of files, and puts on a business-like smile: ‘Welcome, this is indeed the Combat Class enrollment office.’ He emphasizes: ‘One hundred percent genuine.’

‘Is that so…’

Something feels off about his smile, and Xiu Lan instinctively moves behind Villy.

‘Hello, I’m here to enroll in the Combat Class.’

Unlike Xiu Lan’s hesitation, Villy directly states her purpose.

‘Please provide your student ID.’

‘Here.’

As Villy registers, Xiu Lan idly browses the forum. Since being beaten up in front of the Vanguard’s building, she’s developed a rebellious streak, and during every unsealing period, she frequently posts on various threads, becoming a well-known electronic pet on the forum. It’s quite an achievement.

A post catches her eye: ‘Do you think vampires are real, or are they just a cover-up by the Regulators to clean up the Thirsters?’ As a firsthand witness of the event, Xiu Lan decides to share her opinion and clear the names of the Thirsters.

[79464: Of course, they’re real. That night, I fought vampires all night. Wow, the numbers were insane, like a zombie apocalypse.]

[DDD: Really? Spill some insider info, big brother.]

[Resident Cat: Wow, bro, share some pics.]

Rarely receiving such attention on the forum, Xiu Lan feels invigorated, her spirits soaring. With a smug smile, she flips through her photo album, finds a picture, and slowly taps the send button.

‘This one will do.’

Operation failed, unable to post.

‘….?’

[Morning Star: I thought it was some hunter bragging, clicked on the post record, and it’s 79464. How did you get out so fast, Big Potato? Come out and do some work.]

[Admin (Diablo): Post banned.]

[Haha, Big Potato’s quick, but lately, I don’t see many hunters. Used to have some chit-chat on the forum.]

[Morning Star: Recently, the Black Blood types near Thebes have become active, and hunters from various places have been dispatched to assist in the cleanup.]

[Thebes… I hear the religious atmosphere there is strong, with complete temples still standing, often conducting sacrifices to… a Sun God?]

[In this day and age, who still believes in gods? It’s a bit funny. Even with the Black Blood types at their doorstep, these people don’t come out to defend.]

[While I don’t want to comment on others’ beliefs, joining a cult now seems like joining the national army.]

[I think you religious fanatics and cults are one and the same, equally stupid.]

[Strong attack.]

[Talking about it, won’t there be another war soon?]

[Big brother, tell us more about the insider info.]

…

…

I’m mad.

Xiu Lan grips her phone tightly, staring at the screen. That familiar ID and avatar… it’s definitely that ID that always argues with her.

[Morning Star], right…

Just you wait, once I’m unbanned, you’ll see. None of you will escape my wrath!

Tap, tap, tap.

The black-haired girl pinches Xiu Lan’s cheek: ‘Don’t daydream, it’s your turn.’

‘Me?’ What’s going on?