A chill wind brushed past as I sat atop my parents’ apartment building, sinister laughter echoing around me.
“Our offer is pretty good, Ethan Zhang. Think it over—though I doubt you need to. Once the Dark Banquet activates this time, the next one won’t come for over a century. A hundred years isn’t much for you, and Rachel Lan will be able to live peacefully. Only we and those Hades Circle bastards know this intel, maybe not even Uncle Mo and the others. Only the Guide knows, and of course the Underworld behind him. They won’t let the Dark Banquet or anyone else get their hands on this instinct. I swear on my life.”
I hummed in response. The Beggar wasn’t lying. Those from Hades Circle would never betray Rachel Lan, maybe not even Uncle Mo and the others know. Only the Guide is aware, and the Underworld behind him. They won’t let the Dark Banquet or anyone else obtain this instinct.
For now, Rachel Lan is safe. My thoughts grew sharper, my heartbeat steady, like a calm lake. Losing my emotions might be a blessing for me, though maybe Rachel Lan will be sad for a while. But I’ve lost the ability to love her. What does love even feel like? I can’t answer, can’t know.
“I’d never lie to you. We’re nothing like those Wraithshade types. We can really get Rachel Lan off the Dark Banquet List. All you have to do is sign this agreement—then our contract is set. We won’t ask you to do anything beyond your ability. In fact, our boss values you, wants you on our side. You’ll have powerful backing. The Immortality Society won’t be cocky for long; we just don’t care to deal with them right now.”
The Beggar’s offer sounded tempting. Right now, I had no reason to refuse.
“It’s all for Rachel.”
I muttered quietly. Instantly, a document swirling with black mist appeared before me, and a pen materialized in my hand.
The Beggar raised both hands, grinning.
“I’m not using any power, Ethan Zhang. You’re signing this contract of your own free will. Heaven and earth bear witness. Sun and moon bear witness. Gods and spirits bear witness. Yin and yang bear witness.”
Excitement gleamed in The Beggar’s eyes as he extended a hand, his presence radiating an unsettling hunger.
“On behalf of Nightfall, I welcome you, Ethan Zhang. Go ahead and sign.”
I looked at The Beggar in confusion as his laughter rasped through the gloom, echoing with malice.
“Nightfall?”
“Yes, yes. The Dark Banquet has split into three sinister factions: Duskfall, East Cemetery, and our own Nightfall. Each vies for the coming abyss. Your arrival tips the balance in our favor.”
I picked up the pen, its weight cold in my hand, and began to write, a sense of dread creeping over me.
“Ethan...”
A shout tore through the night sky. My eyes widened in shock—it was Earthly Soul, dragging Rachel Lan along. The Beggar’s look of disgust was visceral, his face twisted with contempt.
“Don’t stir up trouble at a time like this.”
With a whoosh, The Beggar vanished, his form blurring as he flew towards the newcomers—like a shadow drawn by malice.
“What are you trying to do?”
I asked. The Beggar laughed softly.
“I won’t hurt them. Shadow Bind...”
Suddenly, the Earthly Soul and Rachel Lan landed not far behind me—unable to move. I stared at them in shock. Their shadows had vanished, and their shadows now lay under The Beggar’s feet. His own shadow pinned theirs, leaving them helpless.
“You bastard...”
The Beggar burst into laughter.
“You’re pretty tough in this dimension, kid. But in a higher one, you’re nothing.”
Earthly Soul kept trying to do something, but it was useless.
“Remember, kid, your shadow is part of your body. If your shadow is hurt, your body gets hurt too. I advise you not to use your instinct—it won’t work.”
The Beggar laughed again. I stared at Rachel Lan, expressionless, as she gasped for breath.
“Ethan, listen to me...”
“Little girl, Ethan Zhang is signing this contract willingly to protect you. Don’t be ungrateful. Shut up.”
Rachel Lan kept calling out, but no sound came from her throat. The Beggar’s shadow on the ground covered Rachel Lan’s shadow’s mouth. I looked over at The Beggar.
“I’m only making sure you sign with peace of mind. Once you’re done, I’ll let them go. But if you break the contract, I won’t be so nice. That instinct matters to us, but it’s not essential.”
The Beggar threatened me. I gripped the pen again, but a sweet fragrance filled the air—a slender hand snatched the pen from my grasp and snapped it in two.
“You bastard.”
The Beggar stared in disbelief at Sylvia Blue, who was munching on an apple.
“So this is what sweet and sour tastes like. Not bad.”
With a sudden motion, Sylvia Blue froze. The Beggar’s shadow stretched out, and a third hand appeared, clutching Sylvia’s neck.
“Maybe I’m no match for you in that other world. But wherever there’s light, there’s always shadow.”
Sylvia Blue yawned, giggling. Suddenly, she kicked The Beggar in the face with a loud bang, sending him flying. He stared at Sylvia in shock, his face pale, frozen in midair. I saw Sylvia’s shadow move—it pinned The Beggar’s shadow, instantly freeing Rachel Lan and Earthly Soul’s shadows.
“Ethan.”
Rachel Lan rushed over. The Beggar stared at Sylvia in astonishment.
“Impossible... Your darkness level...”
With a whoosh, Sylvia was already in front of The Beggar, reaching out a hand. A black stream appeared, twisting wildly—the power of darkness.
“The darkness I dwell in is deeper than yours.”
With a buzz, The Beggar vanished before my eyes. The contract in my hand crumbled into black fragments and blew away in the wind. Rachel Lan threw herself at me, hugging me tightly. I felt her grip, but inside, I was calm.
After a while, I pushed Rachel Lan away and stood up, looking at her coldly.
“I have nothing left to give...”
A sudden warmth. My eyes widened—a soft heat pressed against my lips. After a long moment, Rachel Lan released my neck, her cheeks flushed as she bowed her head.