Chapter Four: The Grim Reaper

Dressed in pink pajamas, Tao Lu hugged her blue-nosed elephant plush and hopped onto the bed, her face radiant with comfort. This was an exceptionally luxurious and refined villa, where plush toys of all shapes and sizes adorned every corner, as if it were a grand exhibition of dolls. It seemed that, over countless years, there was not a single company-made toy missing from this collection.

Lying on the bed, Tao Lu opened the search engine on her optical computer and typed in Xia Yan’s name. After a brief moment of thought, she added “Convict.” Quickly, all information about Xia Yan appeared.

It was a program created by a rather unique group with ties to the Convict Prison, called “Convict Survival Tournament.” The first prize was a “Genetic Serum.”

“So ruthless…” Tao Lu was shocked as she read the rules. Out of a hundred participants, only a handful would survive, and only the champion would receive the “Genetic Serum.”

“A single bottle of Genetic Serum officially costs one million credits.” Tao Lu shook her head. “But since it’s monopolized by the Earth Federation, the price is artificially inflated, while the production cost is very low. I suspect it doesn’t even reach fifty thousand, perhaps not even ten thousand.”

“These people, fighting desperately and slaughtering each other for this overpriced Genetic Serum, are truly pitiful.”

She carefully examined Xia Yan’s records.

The thirty-seventh Convict Survival Tournament had taken place just over two months ago. Xia Yan was the winner, and only two survived.

“Ah, there are related video recordings—not the whole event, but some of the combat scenes.”

Curious, Tao Lu opened the videos. Among them was a collection dedicated to Xia Yan, compiling the battle segments from start to finish.

“That girl—is she his lover?” Tao Lu was surprised when she saw Su Zhu, for they were both young, yet so naturally entwined in affection.

“Well, that makes sense. Convicts only live to thirty; at fifteen, it’s as if they’ve aged beyond fifty.” Tao Lu gave a bitter smile.

She continued reading.

Xia Yan fell unconscious.

“When a convict’s vitality fails, they can briefly faint or even die…” Tao Lu knew this well.

Days passed, and Xia Yan and Su Zhu endured till the end, facing several crises, including Xia Yan’s bouts of unconsciousness.

Yet, time and again, they survived.

During this, Tao Lu felt infected by their struggle; she clenched her fists, urgently hoping they would live.

“This man is incredibly strong!”

When Brook appeared, Tao Lu was astonished. His speed was remarkable, surpassing even the limits of ordinary humans.

“Hmm, they actually joined forces.”

Seeing Xia Yan and Ding Li unite, she smiled. No wonder they won—the two had teamed up.

But suddenly, she remembered only two survived; her expression darkened.

“That burly man among the three is also formidable. And the hawk-nosed fellow… all very strong,” Tao Lu sighed. “To win under such circumstances is nearly a miracle!”

She saw Xia Yan join Antoine’s group, witnessed the desperate pursuit, and Xia Yan’s use of Antoine to deal with Brook, ultimately winning the battle.

Tao Lu felt exhilarated, her mood soaring. They had won, survived—three people together… three?

Why were only two left in the end? Were they attacked by mutants?

A sense of foreboding crept into her heart.

If one were to liken this to a story, Tao Lu had always imagined Xia Yan as the protagonist. In this journey, she found Xia Yan not truly wicked—he never maliciously attacked innocent convicts, and rarely initiated conflict until necessity forced his hand. He was loyal and compassionate, imparting a warmth to those around him.

When she saw Su Zhu draw a dagger, staring at the unconscious Xia Yan with a troubled expression, Tao Lu felt dread.

She hurried through the pages.

Xia Yan awoke, and fell in love with this woman…

Tao Lu found it ridiculous. She clearly intended to kill him, merely hesitating, and yet he fell for her!

How foolish—she could bare her fangs at any moment; how could he trust such a person so easily?

Yet Tao Lu realized she viewed it all through an omniscient lens.

At the end, Tao Lu found herself weeping uncontrollably, unable to wipe away her tears.

This man, too, was so pitiful—betrayed by the one he loved most, sinking into a dead, silent despair.

Though he had gained his freedom, his heart was covered in thorns, riddled with wounds. No wonder he looked at her with such aversion and distrust.

...

Three days later.

Xia Yan walked across the plaza within the institution, his expression subtly alert, sensing something unusual.

It felt as if someone were secretly watching him.

Just an illusion.

“Xia Yan…”

Not far away, Gu Yue’er waved and ran over with a bright smile.

No matter the occasion, Gu Yue’er always looked so serene, radiating the best of humanity. Seeing her, Xia Yan felt his mood settle.

“Yue’er, why are you running in such a hurry?” Xia Yan asked with a smile.

“I have some tasks to carry out soon, so I wanted to say hello when I saw you.” Gu Yue’er was cheerful. “Xia Yan, you’re amazing—joining the institution as a transfer member.”

“It’s nothing!” Xia Yan shook his head. “Will the task be dangerous?”

“Not at all. My partner, Sister Wei Guo, is incredibly skilled—she’s awakened her abilities. I’ve never seen her falter in any mission, and she treats me very well.”

Gu Yue’er sniffed playfully. “She’s even better than you!”

“Just be careful.” Xia Yan waved to her.

“Don’t worry!” Gu Yue’er ran off toward her destination.

Watching her retreating figure, Xia Yan felt a touch of emotion—this girl becoming an ability user was truly remarkable.

Suddenly, his ears twitched.

“Did you see her? That’s the rumored… Death God.”

“She’s the Death God? Really?”

“Yes, and she looks quite beautiful…”

Xia Yan’s hearing was excellent; he could discern voices from dozens of meters away—three members were speaking.

Death God? Gu Yue’er?

“Apparently, every institution member who partnered with her has died—three, including two ability users!”

“Yeah, she hasn’t been here a year, and nearly every month or two, her partner dies. That mortality rate is terrifying.”

“Anyone paired with her is doomed. Even ability users aren’t spared!”

Xia Yan shook his head, dismissing their conversation as he made his way to the third floor of the main building, toward Lyon’s office.

Standing outside, Xia Yan knocked.

“Come in, Member Xia Yan.” Lyon greeted him with a slight smile, his silver hair flowing elegantly.

Xia Yan entered and saw Tao Lu was also present.

“Please, have a seat,” Lyon said with a smile. “Regarding the matter three days ago, I need an answer from both of you.”

“Well,” Xia Yan replied, “I also feel we’re not quite suited as partners. It’d be best to choose someone else.”

He had promised after that trial to help Tao Lu find a new partner; this was his responsibility.

For Xia Yan, completing missions quickly to earn enough money was paramount. Tao Lu was a strong ally, and he respected her choice, even if it delayed him a bit.

“I see,” Lyon nodded. “Perhaps your personalities don’t match; I’ll consider other options.”

“Wait…” Tao Lu interrupted, visibly displeased. “Do you have suitable candidates?”

“Certainly. There are some promising choices, though it will take time to arrange,” Lyon replied with a smile.

“Stronger than me?” Tao Lu stared at him.

“Well…” Lyon’s expression turned odd. “I can’t guarantee that, Member Tao Lu—your requirements are rather demanding.”

“Then there’s no need to change partners. I don’t want to be saddled with dead weight,” Tao Lu scoffed. “Since you’re my superior, you should put yourself in my shoes. If your so-called promising candidates aren’t stronger than me, they’ll only be burdens. If something happens, will you take responsibility?”

“This tone—I’m really not used to it!” Lyon sighed, glancing at Xia Yan with a peculiar look. “So, Member Xia Yan, what’s your opinion?”

Although he remained courteous, disgust flickered in his eyes. These two annoyed him immensely—their personalities were unheard of.

“No opinion,” Xia Yan said, glancing at Tao Lu.

“Good. From today, you are official partners. Based on your strength, I’ll assign appropriate tasks. If you’re eager, you may accept missions proactively.”

“What exactly are these tasks?” Xia Yan inquired.

“Member Xia Yan, you really know nothing!” Lyon laughed. “In our Ninth District, Fuxiang City, many areas have unstable spatial zones. These unstable spaces may connect to others, creating spatial rifts.”

“You know about demons, right? Demons come from alternate spaces. So, part of your job is to clear out demons from these rifts. Another part is to deal with mutants in the wilderness. As for other tasks, there are countless types—you’ll understand in time.”

“What happens if you refuse to carry them out? I’m not just some obedient soldier!” Tao Lu sneered.

“The institution assigns tasks based on your abilities—they won’t be too dangerous. Completing missions earns contribution points, which can be exchanged for various items,” Lyon explained. “In short, missions earn rewards, but repeated refusals mean you’ll be dismissed from the ability training institution.”

“Understood. We won’t refuse,” Tao Lu replied, clearly annoyed with Lyon. “May we leave now?”

“Feel free,” Lyon smiled.