John Chou sat cross-legged on the ground, arms folded, wearing an expression of helplessness as he recounted everything Pan Ming had done throughout the day to the three humanoid figures.
On the left side of the sealing formation sat a man with long hair, fair complexion, dressed casually and with an air of nonchalance. He occasionally glanced at John Chou—his name was Ronan Wu.
“Xiao Rong, how did you find this place?”
“Mr. Brown, you’ve already made such a big scene—do you really think you can keep it hidden? John, you...”
“You brat, how many times have I told you not to call me that?”
Ronan Wu burst out laughing and looked over at John Chou.
“Alright, alright, Boss John, is that enough? Should I go tell the others you’re here?”
Ronan Wu spoke with a childlike innocence, while John Chou held his forehead with one hand.
“Mr. Brown, can you get rid of this kid?”
Mr. Brown sighed helplessly.
“Alright, Xiao Rong, let’s talk business. The young master recently...”
“You three have instincts, don’t you?”
Suddenly, Ronan Wu approached the three humanoid figures. Each of them clutched their foreheads—just a moment ago, Ronan had extended a finger and lightly tapped each of their foreheads.
“Sharp as ever, Xiao Rong. These three do indeed possess instincts.”
Mr. Brown spoke as Ronan Wu turned to look at John Chou.
“So what should we do? If you say the word, I’ll go take care of that golden-faced man right now—it’s not impossible.”
John Chou looked at Ronan Wu with a serious expression and shook his head.
“Forget it. There’s something I need you to do.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Let me deal with those annoying flies.”
“Xiao Rong, the Immortality Society is still hiding a lot—don’t rush in...”
Ronan Wu waved his hand.
"Mr. Brown, with your abilities, taking care of those guys would be easy. After all, even back then, I could beat John Chou, but I never managed to beat you."
Mr. Brown let out an 'oh,' scratching the back of his head.
"Did we fight before? I don't remember."
Ronan Wu pointed to his own head.
"In my mind, I've always been thinking about how to defeat you, Mr. Brown. Even now, I can't come up with any reason I'd be able to beat you. I miss the old days. When will we get everyone back together and make this boring world lively again?"
John Chou rested his chin in his hand, smiling quietly as he watched Ronan Wu.
"Xiao Rong, enough with the nonsense. Get to work."
"So what is it you want?"
John Chou gave a mysterious smile.
"It's going to be dangerous. If you're not careful, it'll be the end of you."
"Ah, Jian, if you ask, I'd go to hell for you."
As Ronan Wu spoke, he floated up. John Chou sighed helplessly.
"Be careful. Looks like you already know what I want you to do."
"Yeah, I'll figure out something for the Dark Banquet."
A faint green glow lit up beside Ronan Wu, and in an instant, he vanished. Mr. Brown looked up and laughed.
"He's still the same as before. That puts me at ease. Can't believe that kid stayed out of trouble for centuries, actually keeping his promise to the Young Master."
At that moment, John Chou looked troubled, staring at the three humanoid entities. After a long while, he stood up.
"I really admire whoever came up with this idea."
"Can we really become human?"
“Rufina, so, you've become their guardian now?”
Mason Payne smiled gently, joking as he spoke. Rufina Howard let out a soft hum, her face full of sweetness.
"Is this what being lovestruck feels like?"
At that moment, the White Peacemaker said something. Rufina Howard blushed, quickly clapping a hand over his mouth.
"That's not for you to say."
So, Rufina Howard spent every day in joy, playing wildly with Mason Payne by her side.
The Three Mimics watched from the side, visibly confused.
"Is Mason Payne really just acting? He seems genuinely happy."
Deathbane Wraith muttered.
"I can't understand it. Human behavior... Even though he's deceiving Rufina Howard."
The Gray Humanoid Entity remained silent, watching Rufina Howard with clear dissatisfaction.
"Xiao Hui, don't think too much. Once our bodies are complete and we eat her, we'll become human and naturally understand her state."
Late at night, Rufina Howard lay on her bed, exhausted. She realized there was nothing left to worry about with The Three Mimics, and decided it was time to leave.
"You should leave now."
The sudden words startled Rufina Howard. She looked at the Gray Humanoid Entity emerging from the wall, quietly gazing at him.
"Why do you want me to leave? At least give me a convincing reason."
The Gray Humanoid Entity moved to the bed and stared at Rufina Howard.
"What would a good person do in this situation?"
Rufina Howard giggled, reaching out her hand. The Gray Humanoid Entity placed his hand in hers.
"You want to be a good person!"
The Gray Humanoid Entity nodded.
"It's beautiful, you know. The glow that all the good people I've seen give off."
Then the Gray Humanoid Entity told Rufina Howard everything, including the plan for the three of them to eat her.
"Really? That's quite the story."
"Aren't you afraid?"
The Gray Humanoid Entity asked, and Rufina Howard nodded.
"Very much. Sometimes, when you say things like that, Mason Payne looks at me with a completely different expression. It's terrifying."
"Then you should go. Even if you can't become human, that's fine."
The Gray Humanoid Entity sat at the head of the bed. Rufina Howard shook her head.
"It's my first time, you know. First time ever loving someone. People say love blinds you to everything. I've been so happy lately."
Joy radiated from Rufina Howard's face, genuine and heartfelt. The Gray Humanoid Entity watched quietly, reaching out to touch her cheek.
"When people are happy or sad, it's different! Why is that?"
"I've decided. I'm not leaving."
Rufina Howard stood up, pulled back the covers, dressed, and opened her door. She looked serious as she knocked on Mason Payne's door next door.
"What's wrong, Rufina? It's so late."
Mason Payne gazed at Rufina Howard with calm affection.
"You're with the Immortality Society, aren't you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Mason Payne smiled as Rufina Howard pointed at the Gray Humanoid Entity.
"He told me everything."
With a whoosh, the White Peacemaker and Deathbane Wraith appeared, immediately grabbing hold of the Gray Humanoid Entity.
"Xiao Hui, you idiot, how could you tell her? Now she knows, and we..."
"Even if you want to become human, you don't have to eat me, do you? I know my bloodline is special, but I won't let you have it. Mason Payne, you bastard."
With a sharp slap, Rufina Howard struck Mason Payne across the face. He stared at her in shock.
Mason Payne said nothing. The gentleness vanished from his face, replaced by a cold, sinister look.
"I'm not running, and I'm not afraid. Even if my bloodline is special, I won't let anyone control my life. My life is mine to choose. Everything that's happened these past days—was it all fake in your eyes? Was my love for you all a lie? Answer me."
Rufina Howard demanded, her voice strong. Mason Payne looked at her quietly, shook his head, and placed a hand on her head.
"It wasn't all fake. Some of it was real. That wastrel called Mason Payne met Rufina Howard, the two fell for each other, and walked this path together. But as a member of the Immortality Society, everything was for the plan. It was fake."
Rufina Howard sneered, then turned to face the three Mimics.
"You three—since I was the first to interact with you, and gave you consciousness, I'll take responsibility for you. But you are not allowed to eat me. I wasn't born to be part of anyone else's plan."
Rufina Howard spoke, then turned, looking at Mason Payne.
"Alright, the plan will change for now. I won't let them eat you. I'll go back for a while—you stay here."
Mason Payne walked out of the room, passing by Rufina Howard. A small hand grabbed the corner of his shirt.
"I've never met a girl like you—so naive it's almost foolish. Still, it's nice, meeting you."
"Same here. Pretty unlucky, really. My first love, and I end up with a man as two-faced as you."
"Are you crying?"
Deathbane Wraith watched Rufina Howard, tears streaming down her face, while the other two Mimics gathered around her.
"I'm not crying. I won't regret my choices. I'm just a little sad, that's all—after all, I just got my heart broken."
In that moment, Rufina Howard smiled through her tears. She was still crying, but she was smiling.