Lin City — Underground Bar
The bar pulsed with chaos. Deafening music, swirling smoke, and the scent of alcohol filled the air. It was a haven for the wild and the reckless.
Dressed in her firework-inspired outfit, Lin Yunyi stepped inside, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"So this is what nightlife looks like… wild."
She wandered through the crowd, absorbing the atmosphere, until her gaze landed on a lone figure in the corner—a Black Robed Man, shrouded in mystery.
He didn't belong to the chaos. He was the eye of the storm.
A Shadow informant.
Without hesitation, Lin Yunyi approached and sat across from him.
"Hi there," she said sweetly.
The man didn't look up. "Didn't order a girl like you. Leave before I make a move."
Lin Yunyi's lips curled. "Oh my, are Shadow agents always this cold? I was hoping to become a killer~"
That got his attention.
He raised his head, eyes narrowing as he studied her.
"You want to join Shadow? You need the resolve to kill. You look like a freshly Awakened student. Can you handle this?"
Lin Yunyi snapped her fingers.
A summoning space opened beside her. Firefly—Stellar Hunter "Sam"—emerged, flames licking at her heels.
Bronze Five-Star aura radiated from her.
"A Summoner?" the man muttered, clearly surprised.
Most Summoners called forth beasts. This girl summoned a mech.
He stood and gestured. "Follow me."
Shadow Stronghold — Hidden Warehouse
They slipped past the bar's chaos and into a warehouse. The man reached into a hidden compartment. With a rumble, a secret passage revealed itself.
"We're here."
They descended into the dim corridor and entered a deeper hall.
Mysterious figures moved about—every one of them an Ability User.
A Shadow stronghold.
"Ruo Shuang," the man called to a woman at the front desk. "New recruit. Give her the rundown."
Ruo Shuang wore a red cheongsam, her silver badge gleaming. Her beauty was sharp, her aura lethal.
"You're the newcomer?" she asked coolly.
"Yes," Lin Yunyi replied, unfazed.
"She's a Summoner. Her beast's a mech. I think she's got potential," the man added.
"Thanks for the compliment," Lin Yunyi said with a smile.
Ruo Shuang's eyes flickered with interest. "Every Shadow killer needs a title. It's how employers identify you for missions. Have you chosen one?"
Lin Yunyi didn't hesitate. "Masked Fool."
Ruo Shuang raised a brow. "Special meaning?"
Lin Yunyi slipped on her fox mask. "No meaning. Just call me that."
There was no "Masked Fool" in this world yet. But there would be.
"Alright."
Ruo Shuang tapped at her terminal, then handed Lin Yunyi a bronze badge.
"You're officially a Shadow killer. Ranks go: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, King. Complete missions to rise. But beware—Administrators are always watching. Employers pay well, but the job is dangerous."
"For now, you can accept missions here or log into Shadow's dark web using your badge."
Lin Yunyi nodded. She understood the rules.
"Any missions available now?"
Ruo Shuang paused. "There's one. Tough for a newcomer. Want to hear it?"
"Go ahead."
"Bronze Rank commission. Target: Zhao Fanshan. Male, 37. Manager at Haichuan Group. Bronze Four-Star, Beast-type Ability—likely wolf-based. Under Administrator protection. That's why no one's taken it."
"How much?"
"250,000 yuan. If no one bites soon, the price will rise."
"I'll take it."
Ruo Shuang blinked. "You're sure?"
But Lin Yunyi had already made up her mind.
Not just for the money.
The System chimed in:
[Mission triggered]
[Accepted: Shadow bounty mission]
[Target: Zhao Fanshan]
[Note: Multiple parties involved. Something big is brewing. Might as well enjoy the chaos.]
Reward: Wandering Guide (Beginner) ×15, D-Rank Spiritual Artifact — Plum Rain Longsword