Chapter Ten: Freedom

For some, the meaning of life is to seek happiness. For others, it is to pursue strength. Still, others believe the purpose of living lies in chasing hope.

A thousand people may hold a thousand different ideas, for this is their freedom.

Yet there are always those who do not possess such freedom. For them, it could be considered misfortune—or perhaps a peculiar kind of luck—but the fact remains: they are without liberty.

This girl had short green hair and a beautiful face, her eyes resolute and bearing a heroic grace. Yet, the murderous aura she exuded eclipsed her refined features.

She gripped a pair of short weapons in both hands—whether they were daggers or short swords, it was unclear. After the battle, the mutated corpse of a level-four creature lay on the ground.

The sole purpose for her desperate struggle was to become stronger, to make herself more valuable, to live up to the trust and expectations of her elders.

These pieces trained for the game could easily outshine ninety-nine percent of the institution’s management in terms of talent; genius was too mild a word for them—monstrous might be more fitting.

It was only logical: to be chosen by the purebloods, one must possess exceptional aptitude, else it would be incomprehensible.

Yet, beyond individual talent, their loyalty mattered even more.

This girl was among the best; even Emilia believed that though she was human, her devotion to the demon clan rivaled, if not surpassed, that of their own chosen pieces.

“Is it a communication?” The green-haired girl swiftly activated her optical brain, connecting with the source.

She was startled—the person contacting her was Lady Vivi herself. Puzzlement and surprise flashed across her face. Was she truly worthy of such attention, for Lady Vivi to reach out to her directly?

“Number Seven, return to the Lost City. You will be assigned a task,” Vivi’s tone was stern and serious, the authority of a commander evident. She was entirely different from her usual persona in the manor, nothing like a housekeeper or maid now.

“Yes.” The green-haired girl did not inquire about the reason; she immediately prepared to return to the Lost City.

“Wait for me in the Lost City. I will take you to Lady Emilia’s manor,” Vivi added.

The green-haired girl was utterly astonished, then overwhelmed with joy. She had not expected to be granted permission to enter Lady Emilia’s manor—this was the most fervent wish of every resident in the demon clan’s territory. She would pay any price for it, even her own life.

Such was her blind devotion, making her the perfect piece: she could sacrifice life, dignity, everything, for Emilia.

No matter the request, no matter how harsh, even if it meant rushing headlong into destruction, she would not hesitate; she would give everything.

When she returned to the Lost City, it was Lily who received her and brought her to Emilia’s manor. However, she was only allowed in the first-floor reception room, and Emilia did not appear. This left her anxious and slightly disappointed, though she understood it was reasonable.

Lily seemed to read her thoughts. “Number Seven, how could Lady Emilia meet someone as insignificant as you? If she spent her time that way, she’d never have a single day of rest.”

The green-haired girl nodded solemnly, “You are right, Lady Lily.”

Lily handed her a dossier and spoke gravely, “Your mission is detailed here. Simply put, you are to go to the Free Zone, carry out the task, and monitor this human.”

“A human?” The green-haired girl was confused. She glanced at the information—Xia Yan—and was suddenly shocked. This human had died over a week ago; his death had been notorious, well-known to all, even to her.

Yet, she was to carry out a mission with a person who was supposed to be dead.

Impossible—utterly impossible.

Fear clouded her face. The corpse of this human had been taken away by Lady Emilia herself. If he was still alive, then—

She dared not believe her own suspicion; it would be a desecration to Lady Emilia, an offense more terrible than death.

“It was Lady Emilia who saved him,” Lily said with a wry smile. “Apologies—I don’t know the reason either. When it comes to this human, Lady Emilia grows somewhat obsessive. But as her subordinates, all we can do is obey her every command.”

The green-haired girl was terrified; she too felt uneasy. Why would Lady Emilia do this—send a human from District Nine on a mission? This was beyond her comprehension.

But refusal was not an option. Her life existed solely for Emilia’s sake; if Emilia commanded her to die, she would do so without hesitation.

“I understand. I will comply,” the green-haired girl nodded.

“If you perform exceptionally on this mission, Lady Emilia might grant you an audience—but only maybe. You know her temperament; no one can promise you anything,” Lily said with a bittersweet smile. “Rest here for the night, but only on the first floor. Tomorrow morning, you will depart together with that human.”

“But Lady Vivi, how am I worthy to stay here?” Though she was only allowed on the first floor, the green-haired girl was still anxious and uneasy. This was Lady Emilia’s manor.

If she could meet Emilia, she would die without regret, but to reside here—she felt utterly unworthy. In truth, not even the other purebloods were allowed to stay here; Lady Emilia’s moods were unpredictable, and she would never permit outsiders to live in her manor.

Aside from Lily, no one had ever been heard to stay overnight in this place.

Was she to be the second?

“I don’t want you to stay here either, but there’s no other way. We can’t risk exposing your information; there may be spies from other factions outside,” Lily said calmly. “But trust this: we believe in you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be entrusted with this mission.”

“I will do everything in my power to complete the task,” the green-haired girl pledged.

“From today, you must change your name. You can’t be called Number Seven anymore,” Lily said seriously. “From now on, your name is Banner.”

“Banner Seven?” The green-haired girl was puzzled.

“Ahem, it’s a name Lady Emilia picked off the cuff,” Lily replied with a wry smile. Emilia hesitated for a second before naming her, and even Lily had to admit—Emilia had no talent for naming.

“Yes, Lady Lily. From now on, I am Banner,” the green-haired girl replied, her joy evident upon learning that Emilia herself had chosen her name, leaving not a trace of complaint.