[Flower Scale Armor – Evolution Level: 100%. Evil Intent Collected: 45.]
Li Chengyi frowned as he sensed the latest stats from the Flower of Malice. No surprise—those "evil thoughts" were likely all from Meng Dongdong.
Though he didn't know exactly what psychological shift she went through, it must have resulted in the complete dissipation of her hostile intent.
"So… permanent coma or death both count as 'cleansing' evil intent, huh? That simplifies things a lot."
He continued walking through the tree-lined paths of his apartment complex, mentally reviewing the final scene with Meng Dongdong.
"Modified…?"
That was what she muttered before collapsing.
"Did she think I'm a cyborg?" Li mused.
But modification like that wasn't something an average person could afford.
Basic prosthetics were common and cheap. But cybernetic enhancements required massive resources, constant maintenance, and the kind of neural firewalling only the biggest corporations could support.
Even corporate giants were hesitant to invest in cyborgs these days.
"So why did she think I was one?"
According to memories from his previous self, he'd never even seen a real cyborg. Supposedly, they all had synthetic skin that made them indistinguishable from humans—unless they activated their modifications.
Li eventually dismissed the thought.
With a boss like Sindra watching his back, he didn't need to worry about much—just gather enough evil intent and push the Flower Scale Armor to its next breakthrough.
From being nearly shattered in his first fight with the monster, to sustaining only minor damage the second time, the armor's evolution had clearly worked.
He returned home. His sister was already in her room. His father, Li Zhao, was filling the kettle with water. His mother, Feng Yurong, was at the table picking stems off green beans.
But something felt… off.
"What's going on?" he asked, still in a good mood. He had a solid grasp on how to collect evil intent, and he'd found new clues about the Dead Zone. Meng Dongdong's death even bought him another month of prep time.
So it was odd to walk into a house full of long faces.
"Nothing," his mom forced a smile. "How's work? You've been going out early and coming back late—any progress?"
Li changed shoes at the doorway.
"I've found a job. Salary's decent—just over 10,000. It's tough though. Lots of fieldwork."
He deliberately lowballed the number, to keep some funds under the radar—for flowers and evolution materials.
"Ten thousand? That's great!" Feng Yurong's eyes lit up. "Doesn't matter if it's hard—just do your best and learn as much as you can. Hard work pays off!"
Still stuck in the old ways… Li didn't argue. He just nodded.
"Of course, I'll work hard."
"What's the company? We can help ask around, see if it's stable," his father added, looking relieved.
"Hongjin Biomed."
Li pulled out his phone and showed them his employment contract, company licenses, and some product listings.
Sindra had gone to great lengths to make the front company look real—it even had actual products, a working online store, and decent revenue.
The two parents searched for it online, and were quickly satisfied.
"Make sure you keep this job," his mom said, eyes glowing with pride. "This could be your future."
Li was halfway to his room when he remembered the odd vibe earlier.
"Something happened, didn't it?"
His father's face darkened.
"Let your mom explain," he muttered, disappearing into the kitchen.
Feng Yurong sighed.
"It's your sister. She lost her certification slot."
"…Didn't we pay already?"
Li was stunned. His sister had been aiming to become a "Machinist"—an elite certification that cost tens of thousands just to apply.
"Yes, and now we don't know what's going on. She won't talk—just throws tantrums."
Ten thousand gone, just like that.
Li fell silent.
He didn't think much of his sister, but his parents reminded him of the ones from his last life. Kind and honest.
They'd always treated him as their own.
"I'll help once I get paid," he said quietly.
"You barely make anything. Just take care of yourself first," Li Zhao called from the kitchen.
"Yes, don't worry about us," his mom added. "We'll manage. Just don't make us worry."
They still saw him as a kid—unlike how they treated his sister.
"Got it. But if anything comes up, tell me."
Later that night, Li told them about his business trip. His mom immediately began packing, sorting his clothes based on the climate where he was going.
By 11 p.m., everything was ready.
That night, Li fell asleep deep and peaceful, drifting off while thinking about Flower Words and Dead Zone clues.
He hadn't slept so well in years.
The next morning.
🎵 "The world is beautiful... Air of the past, breath it in and it shatters... Smile through the sorrow, there's already too much pain..." 🎵
It was an old song—"Beautiful World"—by Huang Bin, a second-tier singer. Gravelly, weathered vocals. The kind that turned ordinary stories into melancholy ballads.
Li had set it as his ringtone.
He reached for the phone.
"Mr. Chengyi?" a deep voice greeted him. "This is Song Ran. The boss assigned me to accompany you to Tiamog. I'm outside your building."
"You're here already? Give me ten minutes."
Li jumped out of bed, washed up quickly, grabbed his wallet and ID, and ran out the door.
His dad was slicing fruit in the living room. "Heading out," Li said.
Outside, a rugged black SUV was waiting.
The rear was open-frame, like a utility truck. Boxy headlights, mesh grille, colorful graffiti on the side.
"Hop in," said the man in the driver's seat.
"Right."
Li tossed his luggage in the back and took the passenger seat.
"Kinda cramped."
"Works just fine," Song Ran replied.
Li took a moment to size the man up.
Built like a tank, arms as thick as some people's legs. Black tee with random blue scribbles. Pale skin, sharp features—probably mixed race.
Buzz. The car started and pulled onto the road.
"The boss said I'm to assist with everything. Keep a low profile—we're stretched thin out there," Song warned.
"No worries. I'm weak anyway—can't show off even if I wanted to."
Song glanced sideways.Weak? Survived three Dead Zone runs? Yeah, right.
"Drive's about three hours. Nap if you want."
"Just us two?"
"There'll be some local employees. Don't mention Dead Zones. They're outsiders."
"You Floran?" Li asked.
"My dad was."
"…And?"
"He's dead. My mom ditched me. Boss raised me."
"…Right. Sorry."
"Don't be. It doesn't bother me anymore. We don't live for the past."
"Got it."
They lapsed into silence. Song Ran focused on the road.
"When we stop for charging, grab snacks or hit the restroom. We won't waste time."
"Understood."
Li closed his eyes, resting in the passenger seat.
He could see why they drove. It wasn't about comfort—they had to transport gear too.
He had two pistols, three mags, and a full tactical vest on him. Definitely not something you'd take on a plane.
[🚗 Chapter End – Character Deepening + Journey Begins]Li's heading to Tiamog. But what will he discover there?New clues… or new horrors?💬 Drop your theories and don't forget to follow this book for more!📚 Add to Library now!