Having emerged from that peculiar space, I found myself brimming with excitement. Even the sunlight felt remarkably pleasant today.
As for the reason behind my elation…
Firstly, there was the exhilarating surprise of surviving a close call. Only by truly experiencing such a moment could one grasp its profound relief. It felt akin to finishing a last-minute assignment just before the deadline.
Secondly… I seemed to have become rich! How much was it again?
Just then, the uniformed woman approached, a radiant smile gracing her face.
“Congratulations, Miss Ye Menghan,” she began, “You have triumphed in a game that was almost impossible to win. We truly apologize for placing you in such danger.”
I scratched my head.
“Well, I suppose I should also thank you for the newly added rules,” I replied. “Otherwise, I truly might have perished in there.” I didn’t hold it against them, though. Everyone has their own difficulties, after all. Even if they hadn’t intervened, those in the Divine Realm would likely have found other ways to kill me.
The uniformed woman offered a slight bow, respectful yet not subservient.
“It is a great honor to receive your forgiveness, Miss Ye,” she stated. “Regarding your prize of 30 million Wing-Broken Coins, how would you prefer to receive it?”
“Can it be converted into Divine Realm currency?” I asked. After all, Wing-Broken Coins were of little use to me; converting them to the currency of the Divine Realm would be far more practical.
She nodded.
“That is certainly possible,” she confirmed, “However, we will need to charge a 10% handling fee.”
10%… that was 3 million! My composure threatened to shatter.
“Alright then…” I conceded.
She smiled faintly.
“After deducting 30% for personal income tax and the 10% handling fee, the remaining 63% converts to 7.64 million Faith Coins at the current exchange rate,” she explained. “Would you prefer it transferred to your card, or in cash?”
A card? I didn’t seem to have one.
“Um, cash, please…” I decided. Since I possessed a personal spatial dimension, storing 7.64 million shouldn’t pose any significant issue.
She nodded politely.
“Please follow me,” she said, “Such a large sum isn’t particularly safe in this location.” With that, she turned and led me further inside.
The corridor was refreshingly clean and spacious, with a few potted plants here and there, creating an exceptionally comfortable ambiance.
We continued until we reached the end of the corridor, entering a room that resembled a vault. Only then did the uniformed woman shake her head.
“My apologies, Miss Ye Menghan,” she began, “I truly couldn’t speak freely outside. The truth is, they intended for you to die here, and I was meant to lure you into this very place for the deed.”
I gasped. If this woman truly harbored murderous intent, I would have been dead long ago.
The uniformed woman lowered her head, a look of helplessness on her face.
“My name is Wei, and I am a mage,” she revealed. “I know you are part of the Wing-Broken. Honestly, I support your cause.” Wei sighed, then continued, “However, due to various circumstances, I am compelled to stand against it.”
I nodded mutely, urging her to continue.
“Never return to places allied with the Divine Realm again,” she warned. From the vault behind her, she retrieved several large chests.
“Here is your money; take good care of it. By the way, do you have anything sharp?”
From my spatial dimension, I produced a fruit knife. It was an old relic from my time on Earth, which I once used for opening packages and the like.
She took the fruit knife, twirling it a few times in her hand.
“Come here,” she beckoned.
I stepped forward, stopping before her. She measured my height with her gaze, then took my hand and made a couple of gestures, before nodding.
Just as I wondered what she was doing, she suddenly plunged the knife into herself three times in quick succession. Utterly stunned, I found myself splattered with her blood.
“Alright, now run! It would be a bit troublesome for me to let you go unharmed later. My apologies for splattering you with blood, *cough*,”
“What are you apologizing for in this situation?!” I exclaimed, pressing down on her wounds, intending to activate [Divine Art: Heal].
She interrupted me.
“Are you trying to make me stab myself again?” she asked, a wry smile on her face. “Though I won’t die, the pain is still quite real, you know.”
“But, but…” I stammered, attempting to speak further, but she gave me a gentle push.
“Run, you little fool!” she urged.