Apocalypse Base, Command Center.
When William pushed the door open and entered, Lia was standing in front of the light screen, frowning as she handled something.
Hearing footsteps, she turned her head, a flash of surprise in her eyes.
"William? Back so soon? How was it over at the Training Room?"
"It was alright."
William said flatly.
"I died ten times."
Lia: "..."
She stared at William for three seconds, confirming he wasn't joking, and her mouth twitched slightly.
Your definition of "alright" is truly unique.
William didn't respond, just walked over to a sofa on the side and sat down, rubbing his temples.
"Lia, from today on, put more effort into the daily management of Tianqi."
Lia was slightly startled.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean..."
William looked up, a calm light flickering in his dark red eyes.
"You're more suited for this position than I am."
Lia froze.
"You..."
"Don't misunderstand."
William waved his hand.
"It's not about shirking responsibility, nor is it about being lazy. It's just..."
He paused, seemingly organizing his words.
"The base at the Trading Platform is finished and needs someone to oversee operations. Intelligence exchange, resource allocation, diplomatic contact... these things are more appropriate for me to handle over there."
"As for the daily management of the Tianqi headquarters, you've done very well during this time. Much better than I expected."
Lia fell silent for a few seconds.
She thought about the work she had taken over recently—dispatching supplies, assigning tasks, handling disputes, and coordinating various departments.
At first, it was a chaotic mess, but gradually, she found that she actually enjoyed this feeling of being in control of everything.
And William was indeed more suited to utilize his strengths at the Trading Platform.
"Alright."
She finally nodded.
"I'll take care of the headquarters."
"As for the Trading Platform,"
She paused, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Don't let the Leader down."
William stood up and straightened his collar.
"Don't worry."
He walked to the door but suddenly stopped.
"By the way."
He turned back to look at Lia.
"Has the Leader finished her evolution?"
Lia shook her head slightly.
"Not yet. There hasn't been any movement from the Back Mountain."
William was silent for a second.
"When she comes out, tell her..."
He thought for a moment and suddenly smiled.
"Forget it, it's nothing."
"A monster like the Leader doesn't need to hear anything from me."
"She knows what she wants better than anyone."
He pushed the door and left.
Lia watched his departing back and shook her head, feeling a bit bewildered.
"Two monsters."
She muttered under her breath.
"One evolving, one self-torturing."
"What did I do to deserve being stuck in such a Factions..."
She looked back at the light screen, but a smile involuntarily tugged at the corner of her mouth.
Tianqi is getting better and better.
...
Deep inside the Back Mountain Cave.
Stalactites on the Cave ceiling occasionally dripped water, making crisp tapping sounds that added an eerie rhythm to the silent space.
Lilith stood in the center of the Cave, her crimson vertical pupils narrowing slightly as she gazed at the three massive objects resting quietly before her.
bloodline egg.
Three of them. Each was as tall as a human, deep dark red in color, their surfaces covered in complex bloodline patterns that pulsed slightly like the blood vessels of a living creature.
Through the semi-transparent shells, something could be seen faintly wriggling, growing, and taking shape inside.
They emitted a faint crimson glow, as if demons were being nurtured within.
Lilith tilted her head slightly, a hint of confusion flashing in her four vertical pupils.
"Three..."
She whispered to herself, her youthful voice echoing in the empty Cave.
"The skill description last time said only two. Why is there an extra one?"
With a thought, the system panel unfolded before her eyes.
In the skill column, the description for [bloodline egg] was clearly visible: 2 bloodline eggs can be nurtured every month.
"It's still two."
Lilith frowned slightly.
"No change at all."
She was silent for a few seconds, her four vertical pupils staring at the three blood eggs as several thoughts flashed through her mind.
Had the skill evolved? Or had the number increased because her level had risen?
Or perhaps...
Was it some deeper change she hadn't noticed yet?
"Forget it."
She pulled back her thoughts, her crimson vertical pupils returning to their usual calm.
One more or one less makes no difference.
They're going to be used anyway.
With a wave of her small hand, the three bloodline eggs vanished into thin air, stored into the System Inventory.
At the same time, the simple casual clothes she was wearing began to flow and transform.
The Ever-Changing Rubik's Cube quickly reorganized into her signature black and red gothic military uniform based on her will.
A wide trench coat, a chilling silver bat badge, a neat pleated skirt, and black military boots wrapping her calves.
Lilith adjusted the brim of her cap, her four crimson vertical pupils beneath the brim looking out toward the exit of the Cave, toward the direction of Tianqi.
The two vertical pupils on her forehead slowly closed and finally disappeared without a trace.
Behind her, two slits opened in her smooth, fair skin, and a pair of dragon wings with a wingspan of about four meters suddenly unfurled!
The dragon wings flapped gently.
In the next instant, her petite figure took off, tearing through the air and racing toward the direction of Apocalypse Base!
...