In the encampment of the X Mercenary Corps, Rice was busy assembling a team to hunt down more magic beasts—an essential means for them to earn their keep and simply survive.
Since Xiao Feng had been absent, it had become increasingly difficult to organize successful expeditions. And when it came to beasts ranked E and above, simply throwing more manpower at the problem was no longer a viable strategy.
Rice missed the boy terribly—Xiao Feng's presence had made everything faster, safer, and more efficient. Without him, even the simplest hunts felt perilous.
This time, Rice frowned as he gathered nearly fifty mercenaries. Their target: an E-rank Rhinoceros-Horn Beast. He had once arrogantly led just over a dozen men on such a hunt, and the results had been disastrous.
Of the thirteen brothers he took with him, seven had perished, four were gravely wounded, and one had never been found.
This time, he wasn't taking any chances. He came equipped with more men and heavier firepower—only then did he dare entertain the idea of slaying the beast.
Just as the preparations were complete, a black SUV roared into the camp, screeching to a halt before them.
Rice glanced at the man in the driver's seat, then burst into hearty laughter. Of all the lunatics who'd dare drive like that into the mercenary compound, only one came to mind—Xiao Feng.
Cigar clamped between his teeth, Rice slowly walked over to the vehicle, circling it with curiosity, admiring every detail of its design and hardware. From the moment he laid eyes on it, he had fallen in love. The bold silhouette, the rugged edges—this was a machine built for men.
Xiao Feng stepped out, now clad in a sharp black jacket, matching trousers, and polished leather shoes. His long black hair was neatly styled, partially veiling his brow, and his dark, determined eyes gleamed with defiance. A pack was slung across his back, alongside a sleek, black alloy blade—the very same weapon once wielded by the Masked Man. Inside the pack was his beloved Blood Demon Sniper Rifle.
He was clearly pleased to see Rice again—relieved, even, that they had made it back safely.
Rice, meanwhile, could hardly contain his excitement. His golden goose had returned!
He took a puff from his cigar and asked, "So, how have the past few days treated you? I never thought you'd make it back on your own. How in the world did you escape Black Whale City alone? And this SUV—it's the latest model from Braun Motors, isn't it?"
The ever-enthusiastic Rice was already treating the SUV like it was his own, launching into a lecture about its performance and features.
Xiao Feng chuckled and tossed him the keys. "Here, take it for a spin. But don't you dare scratch it. If you break it, I'd have to sell you off piece by piece to pay for the damage. I'm going to check on Old White and the others."
At that moment, Xiao Feng was lethal to the hearts of every woman who laid eyes on him. The dismissive way he treated Rice only amplified his magnetism.
Rice, overjoyed, clutched the keys like they were treasure. Though Xiao Feng now had the means to earn a fortune, affording a vehicle like this was still no easy feat. It had, in fact, been lent to him by Kelly.
Kelly had ultimately chosen not to return to Godo City with him. She remained behind at the Bureau's Second Branch.
Xiao Feng entered White's room. "Uncle, I'm back."
The old man was packing. "Good. I knew you'd be all right."
Alice walked over, beaming. "Brother Xiao Feng, you look so handsome. You're dressed so... dangerously!"
Xiao Feng laughed warmly. "What are you worried about?"
"What if some other girl steals you away? You're my Xiao Feng!" she said with sincere resolve.
He grinned at her adorable pout. "All right, all right—I'll always be your Xiao Feng, forever."
Then he turned to White. "Uncle, why are you packing?"
"I was planning to take Alice back to Protected Zone 64 to see her mother... I didn't know you'd return today, so I didn't mention it. Want to come with us?"
Xiao Feng hesitated—not because he didn't want to go, but because of the havoc they had caused in Zone 64. Their escape to Godo City was no accident; returning now could be dangerously premature.
"Uncle, we can go—but not like this..."
"I know. But Alice misses her mother."
And White, though he didn't say it, clearly missed a certain beautiful woman as well.
"Yes," Alice chimed in, "I miss my mom. And I want to show her that I can see again. She'll be so happy..."
Faced with her pleading eyes, Xiao Feng could only surrender. "Fine. Give me a moment to prepare. We'll drive."
White smiled. "All right."
Xiao Feng went out, and with Rice, drove into the city. They met with the arms dealer Glass and stocked up on sniper rounds. Upon returning to camp, Turner, Ivy, and Bran appeared.
Xiao Feng stepped out of the vehicle, gave them a cool glance, and smiled charmingly.
Turner was taken aback. The transformation in Xiao Feng was unmistakable. This was no longer the bullied boy from before—he had become a man.
Ivy's gaze was filled with longing. Xiao Feng was the first man to ever move her heart, and now she was even more certain she had made the right choice. She longed to leap into his arms then and there, but with Turner and Alice both present, she restrained herself.
Turner disapproved of her closeness with Xiao Feng, and Alice—well, she was fiercely possessive.
Still, Ivy hadn't changed. Her sultry eyes gleamed as she whispered, "Xiao Feng... do you even know how handsome you are right now? I can hardly control myself... I just want to throw you down."