Although everyone had long been prepared, witnessing a comrade fall before their eyes was a grief no one could instantly shake off. Even the usually stern female captain remained silent for a long ti.
Standing alone at the edge of a high-rise, she gazed down at the increasingly dilapidated city, lost in thought.
It wasn’t until a young female team mber approached, speaking with reverence as she reported the situation.
"Captain."
"This operation has successfully eliminated all wraiths. Our squad lost one mber and has another severely injured."
The beautiful captain gave a slight nod.
When she turned around, her face had regained its usual resolute expression.
"Continue monitoring the surroundings—not a single mont of laxity is allowed. After confirming no wraiths remain, follow protocol to report progress to headquarters and arrange compensation for the fallen and treatnt for the wounded!"
"Additionally."
"Starting today, a curfew will be enforced here. Wraiths roam at night—no one is permitted to leave their hos without authorization!"
The surviving team mbers imdiately saluted in acknowledgnt.
"Yes, Captain!"
Behind her, the female team mber pulled out a communication device, swiftly transmitting photos from the scene.
Everything proceeded in an orderly manner.
After enduring repeated losses, the team had grown more composed, suppressing personal emotions in favor of duty, prioritizing the protection of civilians above all else.
Only when they took off their uniforms did they beco themselves again.
But clad in these black uniforms, they were the city’s guardians—the last line of defense for countless households, never permitted to retreat even a single step.
Yet.
The situation seed to be worsening.
Tonight, another comrade had fallen, and only by the skin of their teeth had they managed to secure a sliver of peace.
What would tomorrow bring?
How much longer could they hold out in the future?
A wave of unease crept into the beautiful captain’s heart as she stared blankly at the city’s nightscape.
Suddenly!
A figure caught her eye!
The captain froze, her gaze sharpening as she focused intently.
There was indeed a man strolling down the long street, dressed plainly, carrying two bags in his hands, looking utterly carefree and nonchalant.
Frowning deeply, the captain imdiately sprang into action!
Her teammate, though unaware of what had happened, hurried after her.
By the ti they reached the street, $2he young man hadn’t gone far. He appeared to be just an ordinary citizen, his leisurely pace only adding to their exasperation.
The captain strode forward, calling out to him.
"Excuse ."
Wu Tao turned around in confusion, his appearance entirely unremarkable.
"What’s up?"
That single question.
Nearly made the female teammate’s temper flare up!
What’s up?!
While they were risking their lives to protect civilians, this guy couldn’t even care less about his own, wandering around at night like it was nothing—did he have no respect for the fallen warriors?
Compared to her fiery temper, the captain remained far more composed.
Taking a deep breath, she fixed him with a stern gaze.
"It’s too dangerous at night. A curfew will soon be enforced—you should avoid going out alone after dark. Understood?"
Wu Tao only grew more puzzled.
He hadn’t sensed even the slightest hint of danger, not a one-in-a-million chance. After racking his brain, he couldn’t figure out what he’d done wrong.
"What danger?"
"I don’t feel anything threatening at all..."
Only when the topic of staying indoors ca up did Wu Tao’s expression turn resolute.
"Not going out isn’t an option."
"If I don’t co out to buy things, that’s when things get dangerous!"
He quickly glanced at the bags in his hands, relieved to see the talisman paper still intact.
His nonsensical words and actions made the two won’s hearts sink.
Even the captain couldn’t help but frown.
This man was truly ungrateful—she had co to warn him personally, yet it made no difference. He clearly had no grasp of the situation and might end up in trouble.
But clad in her black uniform, the captain couldn’t simply ignore him. She couldn’t let a civilian die on the streets if she could prevent it.
After studying him for a mont, she restrained her tone and asked,
"Sir, where do you live?"
"If it’s no trouble, we can escort you ho."
Wu Tao was taken aback—were people really this kind nowadays?
Had the world beco so warm and bright?
After sizing them up, $2eeing the two won exuding an air of righteousness and posing no threat, he cheerfully agreed.
"Sure."
With a tilt of his chin, he gestured ahead.
"My place is just up there. Thanks."
The two won nodded and accompanied Wu Tao ho.
At first, $2hey remained vigilant, scanning their surroundings at all tis.
But seeing Wu Tao’s utterly relaxed deanor, the female teammate couldn’t help but mutter under her breath.
What kind of nerves did this guy have, strolling around at midnight without a care in the world, treating his own life like a joke?
What a character.
The more she observed his laid-back attitude, the more she felt like she was witnessing sothing extraordinary.
Leaning closer to the captain, she whispered,
"Boss, do you think this guy might have a screw loose? Like, he doesn’t even understand the concept of death?"
The captain shot her a glare but didn’t respond.
The teammate awkwardly stuck out her tongue and lowered her voice further.
"Uh..."
"He doesn’t seem ntally challenged, though."
"But tonight’s the Blood Moon—every citizen was notified in advance. Anyone with half a brain knows to stay hidden. How does he dare to wander around like this? Is he not afraid to die?"
Seemingly irritated by the questions, $2he captain shot her another look and replied coldly,
"Don’t overthink it. Since we’ve encountered him, we’ll just take him ho. That’s our duty fulfilled."
The teammate nodded in admiration.
"Yes, Boss!"
Indeed.
As the captain said, whenever they encountered civilians, they had to fulfill their duty to protect them. Greater power ca with greater responsibility—this was the ethos of a true Sky Cultivator!
Perhaps it was this very principle that allowed the captain to achieve perfection, with not a single failed mission to her na.
Just as the teammate was lost in admiration, $2uddenly!
Several figures flashed across the rooftops on either side!
Even if only for a split second, it was impossible for people like them to miss it!
The captain halted abruptly.
The teammate also tensed, frantically looking around!
What she saw next made her face pale in horror.
These wraiths weren’t like the usual ethereal ones—instead, they bore a distinct crimson hue!
This unnatural color signified slaughter.
It ant these wraiths had taken human lives—at least ten or more—to manifest such an aberration. These wraiths weren’t just vicious; they were far more powerful!
Almost the instant she recognized the wraiths’ eerie glow, $2he captain and her teammate pressed back-to-back, their expressions grave!
"Find a corner and stay out of sight!"
The captain shouted at Wu Tao.
Facing wraiths like these, she had no choice but to take them seriously.
Slowly drawing the sword at her waist, her eyes burned with killing intent!
The teammate also braced herself, sweat nearly soaking her gloves before the fight had even begun!
The next mont, $2n aura of death erupted as they threw themselves into battle at full strength!
Though outnumbered, the captain’s extraordinary combat prowess and their seamless teamwork allowed them to hold their own against four or five crimson wraiths!
The fierce battle raged for several minutes, leaving the long street in ruins!
Fortunately, they managed to barely eliminate the bloodthirsty fiends!
As they caught their breath and turned to call for Wu Tao, they realized the young man was nowhere to be seen.
The two n's expressions changed instantly. Without a mont's rest, they gasped for breath and sprinted forward, scouring the entire street—yet the young man's figure was nowhere to be found.
As dawn approached, they reluctantly gave up the chase.
"Captain, he's probably..."
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