Arriving at the city gate in a van, we faced an immediate battle with no prep time. Several Nightmare Beasts were escaping, and we couldn’t let them pass, so we sprang into action. I, never one to waste Mental Energy in such situations, casually released dozens of Gear attacks, pretending to do my part. But if any Nightmare Beast mistook me for a weak link and targeted me, I wouldn’t let it slide. After quickly dealing with the beasts, Qi Huang, hand on hip, stared at the corpses in disbelief: “Nightmare Beasts are escaping at the city gate?” The gate was the most heavily guarded part of a city. Unlike ancient walled cities, modern ones only had a large wall at the gate. If Nightmare Beasts could escape here, what was happening elsewhere? Was the city already overrun with escapees? A guard with sharp hearing overheard and answered: “You don’t know the situation inside. There are too many to stop. These few slipped through because I saw reinforcements coming and told the others to ease up, leaving them for you.” Logic suggested rest, but the city’s situation likely left no time for it. “The latter, of course!” As expected, the guard directedPredictor Response: directed us to fight immediately, waving to a staff member to open the gate while warning: “When the gate opens, a ton of Nightmare Beasts will rush out. You’ve got to stop them all.” It might be tough for others, but not for Class S. Ai Baozhu activated Gorgeous Domain, a pale pink halo expanding from her, quickly forming a pink barrier. The domain wasn’t large but tall—nearly ten meters—enough to block most Nightmare Beasts trying to escape over the top. Besides defense, Gorgeous Domain prevented entry or exit, especially against weaker enemies who struggled to breach Ai Baozhu’s ability. However, its strength depended on her Mental Energy and the area covered. A larger area weakened it, so after reinforcing the height, she couldn’t strengthen the coverage. Ensuring the range could cover the gate’s small opening, Ai Baozhu cautioned: “Don’t open the gate too wide—stay within my ability’s range.” The guard gave an “OK” gesture, and the gate opened a small gap for two or three people. Instantly, a dense swarm of Nightmare Beasts rushed out like lightning. Even prepared, Ai Baozhu hadn’t expected so many. The impact paled her face, draining her Mental Energy rapidly. But retreat wasn’t an option—she pushed forward. Luckily, the others weren’t freeloaders, slaughtering beasts in front to ease her burden. Low-level Nightmare Beasts were nothing to us now. Even Feng Lan could kill a few barehanded, let alone Attack Track users like Si Zhaohua and Qi Huang, who greatly reduced her pressure. Finally, we all entered, and Si Zhaohua shouted: “Close the gate!” As it shut, Ai Baozhu’s legs buckled, but Qi Huang caught her, then looked at the others: “Baozhu can’t fight. Someone needs to take her to the hotel.” We’d been told our lodging location beforehand. Any safe place would do, but the government’s spot was pre-cleared and more convenient. The escort needed two qualities: the ability to protect them both safely and not being a main combatant. With Nightmare Beasts flooding the streets, joining the fight was urgent. Sending Ai Baozhu back would take time, so a less critical fighter was ideal. “I’ll do it,” I volunteered boldly. “You know I’m not great at group attacks.” In theory, my Destiny Gear wasn’t suited for group attacks. Using gears, even in large numbers, weakened my control, making wide-range attacks difficult. Using my fate-altering ability consumed too much Mental Energy for group attacks, typically targeting strong enemies instead. But that was just “in theory.” I was never one to follow norms. I could use my ability for devastating group attacks, rivaling any group-attack ability user. If many in Class S hadn’t seen me snap my fingers and wipe out a horde of Nightmare Beasts, they might’ve believed my excuse. “You’re not embarrassed saying that?” Li Shu looked at me, as if out of pure curiosity. Wu Mingbai gave a mocking smirk: “When have you ever seen him embarrassed?” Unfazed by their combined jabs, I kept my innocent expression: “Actually, I don’t have to go, but if I don’t, one of you will. I thought you’d all rather stay here than escort Ai Baozhu back.” Their reaction was twofold: part wanting to call my bluff, part genuinely tempted. Li Shu coughed: “Actually, I could take her…” Before he could finish, I cut him off: “Can you safely get her back?” The Illusion ability didn’t offer much protection, especially with so many Nightmare Beasts around. Li Shu couldn’t help but retort: “And you can?” His ability wasn’t great for protection, but mine didn’t seem to offer any either, did it? I wasn’t fazed: “If I’m taking the job, I’ve got the tools.” “I can too.” Just when I thought I had no competition, Wu Jin raised his hand, a dark horse out of nowhere. At that, I shot him a look of silent betrayal, condemning this “traitor.” Wu Jin quietly avoided my gaze and volunteered: “I can make low-level Nightmare Beasts not attack us.” With his Succubus ability, low-level Nightmare Beasts had no resistance to his charm, ensuring a safe trip to the hotel. As for why Wu Jin wanted the role, his reasons differed from Li Shu’s and mine. Though he could be useful here, he didn’t enjoy fighting. Plus, he felt I could contribute more than him. Rather than let me slack off comfortably, he’d take the spot. Thinking this, Wu Jin couldn’t hide a slight smile. I’d screwed him over plenty before—time for him to return the favor, right? “Wait a second!” I said, clearing nearby Nightmare Beasts with gears to make space, racking my brain for a counterargument. “I think…” “No problem with that,” Li Shu interrupted with a grin. Turnabout was fair play—this time, I was the one cut off. The others, fed up with my constant slacking, couldn’t stop me usually, but now they had a chance: “Yeah, yeah! We think Wu Jin’s perfect for it.” They all watched with glee, backing Wu Jin. But I knew the decision wasn’t theirs. I turned to Ai Baozhu, whispering: “I’ve got plenty of embarrassing photos to share. Let me take you, and I’ll give you Si Zhaohua’s for free.” Ai Baozhu’s eyes lit up. She knew I often snapped photos of others training or fighting while slacking. Even on missions, I didn’t miss a chance. My phone was a notorious treasure trove of embarrassing shots, often used to blackmail people into doing my homework. Everyone gritted their teeth but coveted them. “Deal!” Ai Baozhu agreed instantly, then announced loudly, “I want Su Bei to take me.” “You can’t fall for his bribes,” Lan Subing whispered in protest, “especially that kind…” Though I spoke softly, at such close range, ability users’ hearing caught every word. But they all knew they’d likely fall for the same temptation. Who could resist their companions’ embarrassing photos? Unlike them, Si Zhaohua was livid, giving me a fake smile: “Why don’t you show me those embarrassing photos of me?” “It’s for your mental health,” I replied righteously. “Alright, no more chat. I’m taking the injured back.” I bowed, extending a hand like a gentleman: “Miss Baozhu, shall we?” Fearing Si Zhaohua might stop our deal, Ai Baozhu nodded regally, placing her hand lightly on my wrist: “Let’s go.” We hurried off under the piercing gazes behind us. My claim to protect Ai Baozhu was genuine. I maxed out our luck with my ability and used an Invisibility Charm, easily avoiding most Nightmare Beasts. Any that stumbled into us, I dispatched effortlessly. With this double protection, our journey was like a leisurely stroll, letting us observe Suqi City’s situation. During last semester’s final exam, we’d experienced a campaign in an Illusion. The streets were similarly filled with Nightmare Beasts, ability users fighting them, some sniping or supporting from buildings. The skies were vibrant, with flying ability users battling flying Nightmare Beasts, occasionally swooping low, forcing us to duck for cover. But this was different from the exam. With powerful ability users as the main force, students like us had less burden. In the exam, I had to resolve the campaign myself, far harder. My extended Mental Energy sensed multiple High-Level Nightmare Beast auras. Over the years, their strength had grown. Campaigns once had one or two High-Level Beasts controlling things, but now I sensed four or five in this small city, not counting those I missed. Though humanity was advancing—better ability understanding, structured ability world, and training systems—in my view, our progress lagged far behind the Nightmare Beasts’. This was why Manga Consciousness was so urgent. At this rate, in a decade, humanity would fall behind completely. For now, the balance held. I saw many injured ability users being swiftly removed by those with special abilities. But every heavily injured or Mental Energy-drained ability user had taken down countless Nightmare Beasts. The hotel was far from the gate, meaning we’d pass the city center’s Different Space entrance. This was why Ai Baozhu needed an escort. She could handle low-level Nightmare Beasts alone, even with low Mental Energy, as their goal was escaping, not fighting. But the city center had mid- and High-Level Nightmare Beasts. If they saw her weakened state and attacked, it’d be trouble. With my protection, our top-tier luck avoided most risks. Closer to the center, the ability users and Nightmare Beasts grew stronger. The library area was a dazzling display of powerful abilities, colorful and devastating. Even with luck, we had to dodge carefully to avoid collateral damage. “Want to stay here?” Ai Baozhu asked, having recovered some Mental Energy. Seeing the ability users fight, she added thoughtfully, “You could join them.” My ability was versatile, capable of one-shotting High-Level Nightmare Beasts and dealing group damage to low-level ones. But for cost-efficiency, I was better against High-Level Beasts. Low-level ones could be handled by anyone, but few could take on High-Level ones. Ai Baozhu figured she could make it the rest of the way alone past the library. Rather than waste my time escorting her, I could stay and contribute more. It’s worth noting we weren’t fighting for free. Though it was an ability user’s duty, it was also a job, like police catching criminals for pay. Killing a low-level Nightmare Beast earned 100 yuan, a mid-level one 1,000, and a High-Level one a whopping 100,000. Major contributions to ending a campaign could earn national commendations. Once, an ability user who saved many lives received a rare living first-class merit. Killing Nightmare Beasts in campaigns fulfilled ambitions, showcased strength, earned money, and brought honor. So, despite knowing I liked to slack, Ai Baozhu wasn’t sure if I wanted to shine in this campaign. But asking me was like playing a piano to a cow. I pointed at myself, surprised: “Me?” Realizing her intent, I chuckled and shook my head: “I don’t need to.” I’d earned enough money from recent missions. Honor didn’t matter to me. If I couldn’t create a way to eliminate Nightmare Beasts, humanity would eventually perish, rendering any honors or kills meaningless. But if I succeeded in my task from Manga Consciousness, I’d have the greatest honor—saving the world. Other honors paled in comparison. “What do you need, then? Or rather, what do you want?” Ai Baozhu asked, intrigued, not entirely giving up on recruiting such a powerful ability user for her family. Knowing my true desires might help her succeed. What I wanted? I paused in thought. Saving the world was something I had to do, a deal with Manga Consciousness for my revival—not truly what I wanted. Opening a hardware store was something I wanted, but before that, I had a cliché wish: “To travel the world.” I wanted to travel the world after everything was done, success or failure. Ai Baozhu blinked. It was a common wish, but she hadn’t expected it from me. And it was something I could do myself, needing no help. She pouted helplessly, saying no more. We soon passed through the chaotic city, reaching the hotel—a small safe zone with an ability-user-only visible Barrier, likely from a Defense Track user. After verifying our identities with the guard, we entered. The safe zone was cramped, with four to a room instead of individual ones. Fortunately, roommates were usually acquaintances, avoiding awkwardness with strangers. After dropping Ai Baozhu off, I stepped out of the safe zone to a secluded spot, ensuring no ability users were following, and called out: “Come out.” I’d sensed a familiar energy fluctuation upon deactivating my Invisibility Charm at the safe zone’s entrance. Sure enough, the Black Nightmare Spider emerged from behind a building: “You’re finally here.” It was the fourth day of the campaign. Since the safe zone was established, the spider had stationed underlings to wait for me, only for me to show up today. Yesterday, it even suspected I was ditching it. “I had to follow government arrangements,” I said casually, not mentioning I’d prepared other backup locations and might’ve skipped it. The spider, eager to move on, asked: “When do we start our deal?” “Tomorrow,” I said humanely, not planning to spring trouble on Jiang Tianming’s group right after arriving. “We’ll head out at seven tomorrow morning. Send a few low-level Nightmare Beasts to lure us over. I’ll assist from the shadows to keep them on track.” Seeing no intent to back out, the spider relaxed: “No problem. Don’t forget our deal—no unrelated people.” I gave a half-smile: “Why don’t you tell me what traps you’ve got planned for us?” The spider laughed awkwardly, dodging: “You’ll see tomorrow.” It had clearly prepared thoroughly, determined to crush these budding ability users. But I didn’t know the specifics. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹~𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮~𝚗𝚎𝚝 Though certain the protagonist team wouldn’t fall to this, I couldn’t help worrying—not for them, but the campaign. As the saying went, seeing the small reveals the big. Small details could hint at larger shifts. Though a High-Level Nightmare Beast, the spider seemed marginal among them, likely sent as a vanguard before the campaign. Yet, it was confident it could take out our strong group without alerting the Ability Government’s defenses. The importance of intelligence in war was undeniable. With Feng Lan’s warning, the government knew Suqi City would be a battlefield and prepared extensively. Yet, the Nightmare Beasts were still scheming under their noses. The hidden implications were chilling. On the surface, the campaign seemed balanced, even favoring humans due to the Nightmare Beasts’ focus on escaping over killing ability users. If ability users infiltrating the Different Space closed the Close Point, victory was assured. But after realizing the issue, I had a gut feeling the campaign wouldn’t end so easily. Jiang Tianming’s group returned that evening, and I heard Manga Consciousness' prompt: “King of Abilities has updated.” “You haven’t gone out since getting back, have you?” Li Shu, assigned to the same dorm, asked with mock concern. “Too tired from today?” Mu Tieren, missing the sarcasm, added: “Maybe he ran into danger escorting Baozhu.” Si Zhaohua clarified: “Baozhu said they were lucky and didn’t encounter anything.” Knowing it was a jab, I rolled my eyes: “Making it through without incident is a skill, you know.” I sat on my bed, opening the manga on my phone. The update set up the campaign’s outbreak, with earlier plot padding, then our tasks in non-main battlefields before being forced to the main one for a major event. The chapter was mostly setup for the unknown campaign events. But one part shocked me—my contact with the Black Nightmare Spider was in the manga! [The manga didn’t show exactly what I was doing, just me arriving in Suqi City, then cutting to a dark space where a shadowy figure appeared: “What do you want, coming here to find me?” My smile carried a wild edge, my upper face shadowed, looking vaguely sinister: “Don’t be so tense. I’m here to bring you some results.”] Readers were stunned, comments flying. “That shadow… doesn’t look human?” “I knew Su Bei wasn’t ordinary! There’s definitely more to him!” “This filter makes him look like a villain.” “Su Bei’s a villain confirmed.” “Argh, Su Bei’s about to slip up!” While readers were confused, manga me was equally baffled. The plot cut off there with no further related content. Why was this scene necessary? I didn’t get it. Was it because it involved the protagonist team? I’d done things behind the scenes before, like taking the fruit that awakens abilities in the mine, and the author never included it. Scenes involving me without witnesses usually weren’t drawn, likely because I wasn’t an author-created protagonist. But this time, the author included this skippable moment, giving me an uneasy feeling. As a Destiny-type ability user, I trusted my instincts. I asked Manga Consciousness: “Why did the author draw my meeting with the Black Nightmare Spider?” After a fifteen-minute wait, having finished the manga, Manga Consciousness replied: “Maybe because it might be useful?” I wasn’t fooled, sneering: “You used ‘maybe’ twice in one sentence.” One “maybe” was uncertain enough—two meant it had no confidence in its words. Either it was brushing me off or lying. Which was Manga Consciousness? After a pause, it said: “…The author’s choices aren’t up to me. But as long as you avoid further contact with that Nightmare Beast, they can’t pin anything on you.” Even stranger—why would the author want to pin something on me? My unease grew, but I didn’t press further. Manga Consciousness clearly wasn’t being honest, just placating me. Asking more was pointless. I knew it would only tell the truth under pressure with solid evidence of something amiss. Checking the forum, my popularity had sparked discussion about the scene. Most didn’t guess specifics, but many grew more suspicious of my villainous role. Keeping my doubts to myself, I lay down, closed my eyes, and fell asleep. The next morning, we set out to clear Nightmare Beasts. In the main battlefield of Suqi City, there were no specific tasks—just kill any Nightmare Beasts on sight. No need to count kills for money; special ability users would tally them later. Within half an hour, I spotted Dodder Nightmare Beasts among the crowd. Their plant-like forms and odd movements stood out among animal-like Nightmare Beasts. “Look at those?” Mu Tieren pointed, frowning. “If I’m not mistaken, those are Dodder Nightmare Beasts, right?” Though average academically, Mu Tieren was solid on ability-related knowledge. His reminder jogged others’ recognition. Ai Baozhu exclaimed: “I remember Dodder Nightmare Beasts are a key ingredient for beauty pills! So rare, and we found them here!” She missed the point, but others didn’t. Jiang Tianming frowned: “Dodder Nightmare Beasts need a High-Level Nightmare Beast to survive. If they’re here, there’s one nearby.” Mu Tieren nodded: “Right. Should we check it out?” With our numbers, killing a High-Level Nightmare Beast was doable. Compared to mindlessly killing low-level ones, hunting a High-Level one was far more interesting. Unlike their eagerness, Jiang Tianming analyzed calmly: “Our mission is to eliminate low-level Nightmare Beasts. Plus, we don’t know if that High-Level Beast is already fighting other ability users. Rushing in could cause trouble.” His logic made them hesitate. But I couldn’t let them give up. I cut in sharply: “Dodder Nightmare Beasts are pack creatures.” Meaning the High-Level Beast likely had more than these few Dodders, possibly many. Going after them didn’t conflict with our mission, and if others were fighting the High-Level Beast, we could take out the Dodders. Ai Baozhu, already eager, chimed in: “Yeah, yeah! There are plenty of ability users handling things here. Let’s check it out—it won’t affect anything.” Qi Huang, Mo Xiaotian, and others preferred fighting a High-Level Beast over mundane tasks. Though Jiang Tianming’s logic had swayed them, my excuse reignited their enthusiasm. Jiang Tianming, sharp as ever, looked at me suspiciously: “Why are you so keen on going?” Before I could respond, Si Zhaohua offered a reason: “He can’t slack off here.” Killing low-level Nightmare Beasts was low-skill but relentless, leaving no room to slack. It was just Ai Baozhu’s Gorgeous Domain and scattered attacks—safe but boring. Otherwise, Qi Huang and the others wouldn’t be so eager. Saved from explaining, I snapped my fingers with a smile: “You get me.” Ultimately, with everyone’s insistence, Jiang Tianming naturally relented. He also preferred fighting a High-Level Beast but had been held back by reason. The Dodder Nightmare Beasts, cunningly, led us toward their lair after catching our attention. Both sides moved fast, soon arriving at the shopping center. Unlike my last visit, the outside was now crawling with low-level Nightmare Beasts, though fewer than elsewhere, hinting at something special. “Looks like the High-Level Nightmare Beast is in there,” Jiang Tianming said, scanning the large mall, trying to pinpoint its location from outside. Mo Xiaotian, less cautious, said excitedly: “Let’s go in!” “Wait,” Jiang Tianming stopped him. “Two stay outside. If we’re not out in two hours, get backup.” Though a High-Level Nightmare Beast was unlikely to be a threat to our group, caution was wise. If it was exceptionally strong or there were multiple, we could be in trouble. The ones outside would be our safety net. It was a necessary precaution, and everyone nodded. But who would stay? Wu Jin raised his hand first, with a valid reason: “My ability’s not suited.” His Succubus ability worked on all Nightmare Beasts, but he wasn’t yet strong enough to charm High-Level ones, making him less useful here. Li Shu raised his hand next: “Same.” He shot me a smug look, as if gloating over beating me to the role.