Chapter 4: A Stage About to Rise in Grandeur

[Killed "Lust-Seeker", gained 530 Spirituality]
[Gained "Small Life Essence" ×5]

Zhou Yan slowly withdrew his right fist, only to see black butterflies emerging from the lower half of the Black Knight's corpse. Just like the previous one, they flew toward him, oblivious to the danger.

This time, there was no one like Qi Yu to claim them. Zhou Yan simply crushed the black butterfly, watching its body dissipate into specks of eerie light. It gave him no opportunity to touch it and learn its information.

'It must be some kind of conceptual creature. It seems to take shape and fly out after the host is killed, then seeks a new host to parasitize,' Zhou Yan speculated silently.

As an Order Traveler, he was naturally unafraid of being affected by such "Calamity-Causing Creatures." But if other powerful individuals were to kill such monsters, could they withstand the subsequent parasitic butterflies? If they couldn't, would they too eventually transform into new monsters?

However, Zhou Yan remembered Qi Yu. Clearly, there were people among humans with the resistance to survive such encounters; even after being parasitized, instead of being consumed by desire, they became "Suppressors," possessing abilities derived from the monsters and capable of absorbing the black butterflies to neutralize their own erosion.

In that light, while this Calamity Realm was a massive hidden threat, there was at least a glimmer of hope.

Zhou Yan shook his head and crouched down to touch the Black Knight's remains.

[Lust-Seeker (Desire of Unrequited Love)]
[Type: Host of the Butterfly of Extreme Desire]
[Description: Transformed into a higher-tier slave of desire by the Butterfly of Extreme Desire due to repressing desires even more profound than those of ordinary Desire-People; possesses greater physical strength and the ability to manipulate "Desire Matter."]
[Rating: 0-Star, Tier 3]
[Attributes: Physique 38, Agility 31, Spirit 20]
[Note: I was the one who arrived first...]

'So the Lust-Seeker is Tier 3. I wonder if the "Great Desire-Seeker" mentioned in the mission is the next step up? I wonder what tier that is...'

He stood up; ordinary Tier 3 monsters no longer interested him. He had only come out tonight to act as a vigilante and test the power of his new form. That was why he had unleashed almost his strongest attack against a mere Tier 3 Black Knight. While using a cannon to kill a mosquito was a bit wasteful, it had given him a general understanding of his new form's performance.

In two words: Superb!

Zhou Yan had previously estimated his "Limit State" explosive power to be equivalent to a Physique value of roughly 500. After testing it tonight, he realized his estimate was off. This Shuten-doji material was truly worthy of being "1-Star" grade, possessing power far beyond any material he had used before.

First, the direct attribute bonuses were more than double those of his previous strongest form, the Locust Armor. Beyond that, the new form provided three powerful techniques—one more than the "0-Star" materials offered. Each technique had a much higher cost than the lower-tier ones, but their performance was undoubtedly extreme.

If the Locust Armor’s "Locust Fury Kick" provided a bonus of nearly 100 points of Physique when unleashed, the new form's "Ghost Fist" not only provided a bonus of nearly 150 points of Physique, but was also strengthened by the "Demon Power" he injected into it, manifesting as a spectral strike. With the technique’s own bonus and the extra reinforcement of Demon Power, the total impact could reach nearly 200 points of Physique. Combined with his own base Physique of about 200, it amounted to the kinetic destruction of a powerhouse with 400 Physique. Moreover, beyond the kinetic damage, the subsequent explosion of Demon Flames caused synchronized energy damage, which was just as powerful.

Then there was his status technique, "Ghost God Manifestation"—the effect was simple: it significantly boosted his three main stats upon activation, by about 100 points each. This alone was far superior to the Locust Armor’s "Blood Mist Mode." Furthermore, Zhou Yan discovered a hidden effect: in this state, his efficiency in drawing upon the Demon Power stored in his胧 (Oboro) Mark was greatly increased, and consumption was drastically reduced. Combined with the effect of his new path, "Candlelight," the dual optimization meant that even without replenishing his reserves, he could maintain the state three times longer than before, with effects at least twice as potent as his base self.

In summary, this super-fusion form, named "Tyrant Ghost God," was an "Demon Power-specialized form" that was already strong on its own but became even more formidable when he utilized his Demon Power.

As for the technique "Frenzy Walk," which he hadn't used in this battle...

Zhou Yan stood up, ignoring the chaotic scene and the mother and daughter he had saved.

*Frenzy Walk!*

Zhou Yan dashed, transforming into a blur and vanishing from the spot instantly. In the distance, police sirens began to wail. On an utility pole at the corner of the blood-stained plaza, a security camera adjusted its angle, faithfully recording everything that had transpired.

***

In the central business district of Desire City, on the glass curtain wall of a modern building, the letters "H&H" were displayed.

On the sub-top floor of the building, in a spacious private room filled with fitness equipment, gaming consoles, and a pool table, everything looked high-end. On one of the walls, a screen was playing a looping video: The Black Knight raised its greatsword to strike, only to be kicked away by a streak of red armor falling from the sky, followed by being obliterated by a single punch from that terrifying red armor.

A few meters from the screen, a slightly decadent-looking young man with dark circles under his eyes crouched on a sofa, watching the projection in silence.

"Very impressive," his voice was soft, listless. "This kind of exaggerated power is simply not something an infected person could achieve. Even with the infinite potential of someone like Qi Yu, I fear they would need to reach the 'Extreme Desire' level to attain such an effect."

"If only this person could join our 'Truth'..."

As he muttered to himself, his phone lit up. Without him making any movement, the screen a few meters away switched, projecting the image of a man in a suit, wearing a mask and a top hat.

"Pope..." the young man with dark circles looked at the masked figure on the screen. "What business do you have with me so late?"

"Hehehe," the masked man known as the Pope let out a low laugh. "Justice, nothing special. I just wanted to inform you that the 'stage' you need has been prepared. I also wanted to ask when you intend to act."

"The day after tomorrow," Justice confirmed firmly. "At twelve noon the day after tomorrow, the Truth Association will officially make its debut under the eyes of the public."

His dark-circled eyes stared straight at the masked man. "Perhaps you don't know, but there are several incidents of Desire-People going on rampages in Desire City every single day. Many citizens no longer trust the Federal Government's explanations. If our Association makes a successful debut, we will immediately gain a massive following."

The masked man replied: "I sincerely wish you success, and I look forward to our future cooperation, playing a positive role in helping humanity adapt to such disasters."

The young man with dark circles said, "I hope that is truly what you think."

The masked man on the screen chuckled, and the connection cut off.

The young man named "Justice" crouched on the sofa, his expression unreadable.

"Pope, what is your true objective..."
"Can Qi Yu really be used for my purposes..."
"And that terrifying figure in red armor... who exactly is he?"

***

Zhou Yan did not know his performance had been recorded by a hacked camera. Minutes later, he returned to the apartment where he had been staying. He had already deactivated the eye-catching Tyrant Ghost God form.

The apartment was fully furnished; aside from a layer of dust, it was move-in ready. Sitting on the sofa, Zhou Yan reviewed the information his Malice Locust had monitored from Qi Yu.

'Qi Yu intends to take a day off tomorrow... and spend the whole day at the H&H "Truth" headquarters to discuss the debut performance for the day after tomorrow?'

Zhou Yan stroked his chin, speculating on the likelihood that this "Truth" organization's event was one of the "Major Events" mentioned in the [Order] mission. Regardless, to avoid alerting the enemy, he would remain in the shadows and find a way to capture the key figures involved.

As he thought, a flash of inspiration struck.

'Judging from what "Justice," the leader of the association, said, he is still actively recruiting "Suppressors" like Qi Yu to bolster the organization's strength. Is it possible...'

Zhou Yan smiled and made a quick decision. He focused his mind and issued a command he had been holding back.

[Summon Fate-Gear User]
[Order Traveler, you can currently summon the Fate-Gear User "Oboro." Confirm summon?]
[Confirm]

The next second, an illusory magic circle appeared before Zhou Yan. A massive amount of light gathered and condensed, instantly forming a familiar, captivating figure. Amidst the swirling, strange light, metallic armor identical to Zhou Yan's base Fate-Gear form appeared on her beautiful body.

The girl standing before him suddenly regained the spark of life in her vacant eyes. She saw Zhou Yan, her pupils trembling as she spoke in confusion.

"Yen... no, Lord Zhou Yan?"

She paused, looking around, and realizing she was in an unfamiliar place, she immediately recalled the situation explained in the "invitation" Zhou Yan had given her. A look of realization dawned on her face. "I understand, Lord Zhou Yan. We are no longer in the Genroku Kingdom, are we?"

Zhou Yan smiled and nodded. "That's right, Oboro. Long time no see."

The girl beamed a bright, beautiful smile at him. "Not at all! For Oboro, it feels like it was only a breath ago that I was with you, my Lord!"

She said this looking at him with eyes full of longing. Zhou Yan felt a stir in his heart; he remembered the Fate-Gear User feature description—those who agreed to become his Fate-Gear Users had their consciousness paused and were recorded in his exclusive Hall of Heroes, only awakening when summoned again. It seemed that since Oboro had made the pact with him in the Hundred Demons world, her consciousness had been paused, which was why she felt no sense of a long separation.

This setting was quite nice. While for Zhou Yan some time had passed, for Oboro, who loved him loyally, they had never been apart.

Oboro looked down at her body, noticing the metallic armor, and was surprised. "Lord Zhou Yan, this armor is...?" She then began to touch it, feeling anxious. "My Lord, my clothes and my sword... they seem to be gone..."

[The Fate-Gear User automatically wears "Lesser Fate-Gear," possessing 60% of the Order Traveler's Fate-Gear attributes and circuits.]

The [Order] notification explained the situation to Zhou Yan. He smiled at the girl. "Oboro, this is Fate-Gear. It can make you stronger. If you aren't used to this form, you can use your intent to change it into whatever you need."

"Understood, my Lord! I understand!" The girl nodded obediently. The next second, the metallic armor on her body transformed into the soft kimono she wore daily.

"Oh!" Oboro was immediately amazed by this magical function, letting out a cute sound. She quickly began experimenting, changing the materials and styles of her Fate-Gear, having the time of her life.

Zhou Yan smiled at her carefree joy and didn't stop her. As for her original clothes and weapon, he quickly realized the reason—obviously, the "Demon-Cutter" and her clothing were products of the original Calamity Realm and were not permitted to be brought out.

However, regarding a "weapon," a thought occurred to him. He raised his hand and grasped the air, and the Karma Lotus Calamity Sword appeared at his call.

"Oboro, come here." He called the girl, and she obediently stopped her transformation and walked over to sit in his lap. Zhou Yan hugged her gently and handed her the sword. "Oboro, your Demon-Cutter couldn't be brought back. Use this sword for now."

Oboro took the sword obediently and asked hesitantly, "My Lord, if you give the weapon to me, what will you do?"

"Do not worry." Zhou Yan smiled, pulling her slender waist closer. "For me now, lethality is no longer a necessity..."

"Understood." The girl nodded. She shifted uncomfortably in his lap, a shy, hesitant look in her eyes as she looked at him. "My Lord, are we going to practice Onmyodo now?"

*Hiss!*

Zhou Yan took a sharp breath. This little Fate-Gear User was quite proactive. Very well, business could wait until tomorrow morning. Since she wanted to practice, he wasn't one to keep secrets; he would teach her well!

Deep in the night, the moon was bright and the stars sparse. Tonight, some were sleepless, and some were weaving conspiracies. Meanwhile, the incredibly clever and self-taught Oboro fully exploited the various mimetic uses of the Lesser Fate-Gear, leaving her loyal Traveler-lord in awe.

***

The next day, around noon.

At the entrance of the H&H building in the bustling CBD of Desire City, Oboro, wearing her hair in a bun and having mimicked her Fate-Gear into jeans and a white t-shirt, carried the sheathed Karma Lotus Calamity Sword. She took a deep breath and walked into the building. A tiny black locust rested on her shoulder, helping to calm her nervousness.

She walked straight to the front desk and spoke in a language she had never spoken but somehow understood perfectly. "Hello, I need to go to the Truth Club on the 28th floor."

Obviously, the "automatic translation" function possessed by the Order Traveler was also available to the Fate-Gear User.

The receptionist looked suspiciously at the hilt of the sword on Oboro's back. The image of a teenage girl carrying a strange sword was a bit jarring, making the receptionist wonder if she was a cosplayer or some other enthusiast.

She nodded slowly. "Alright, please wait a moment while I call to confirm."

"When you notify them, please mention that I am here for the 'Justice Debut'," Oboro said seriously, recalling Zhou Yan's instructions.

"Understood." The receptionist nodded, more convinced than ever that this was a chuunibyou girl. It seemed a young man had just said the same slogan; perhaps this "Truth Club" was just a club for chuunibyou kids.

Just then, her phone connected. A calm male voice came through: "Front desk? Is something the matter?"

"Yes, sir," the receptionist said quickly. "There is a lady here who wants to go to your club, saying she is here for the 'Justice Debut'."

There was silence on the other end for two seconds. Before the receptionist could confirm again, the voice returned: "I see. Please have her come up to the 28th floor."

The receptionist acknowledged the order, hung up, and looked at Oboro. "Alright, miss, please follow me; I'll grant you elevator access."

"Thank you, that's kind of you." Oboro nodded calmly and followed the receptionist into the elevator. Why was an ancient person not surprised by the elevator? Naturally, it was because Zhou Yan had already taken her on one that morning.

'Lord Zhou Yan told me that no matter what happens, as long as the locust doesn't move, everything is normal. I shouldn't panic.'

Watching the elevator doors close and ascend, she glanced at the motionless locust on her shoulder and braced herself. 'Oboro, don't be afraid. As the Lord's Fate-Gear User, I cannot disgrace him!'

Soon, the elevator stopped and opened. The girl composed herself, walked out with a cold expression, and followed the signs down the hall to a large door. A camera above the door turned to face her, and a gender-neutral voice came from the speaker.

"Stop. Who are you, and why do you know that password?"

Oboro raised her small face and looked coldly at the camera. She didn't answer but said faintly, "I am here only to witness the debut of 'Truth' on behalf of my Lord, and to provide you with assistance if necessary. If you do not need it, I shall leave now."

She stood there quietly. The speaker didn't reply; the scene fell into silence. After about ten seconds, she felt the locust on her shoulder move.

She immediately said coldly, "It seems the Truth Association does not require my Lord's assistance. Then, goodbye."

She turned cleanly and headed toward the elevator.

"Wait."

The voice from the speaker sounded again. At the same time, the closed door began to open.

"You may enter."

Oboro paused, turned slowly, and walked toward the door. On the surface, she was as cold as frost, but in reality, her heart was pounding wildly.