I stared blankly at that metal cabin—it looked like something from a ship. Ethan Zhang, Earth Soul, was inside, the true culprit behind my current state.
Dawn was breaking, and the sun was about to rise. Entity 001 should be back soon. I was worried about Earth Soul, but strangely, I couldn't sense his presence. My powers were nearly stripped away, but my perception remained. Even though he was only a few dozen meters away, I couldn't feel the Earth Soul at all. It seemed he had a way to hide all his powers—otherwise, facing someone like Entity 001, he couldn't possibly hide in a heap of trash.
"Are you behaving yourself?"
A delicate, slightly sharp voice sounded in my ear. I immediately turned my head as two hands wrapped around me—Entity 001 buried her face in my fur, rubbing against me. She yawned, then sat directly on my back. I lay on the ground, closed my eyes, and ignored her.
"Oh, I totally forgot yesterday! You wanted to know about the Blood Jade, right? Let me tell you..."
"No need. I don't want to know anymore. When will you turn me back to normal?"
Entity 001 looked at me in confusion, then giggled and patted my head.
"Relax. Just keep me company. When this world is about to be destroyed, I'll turn you back myself."
Entity 001 kept mentioning the world's destruction, which piqued my interest. Earth Soul must be anxious now—he really wants to know about the Blood Jade, but I definitely won't ask for him.
"When exactly will that happen?"
"I don't know, but it should be soon—probably within this month!"
I immediately stood up, but Entity 001 knocked me back down with an 'Ouch!' I looked at her and spoke right away.
Let me go. I have something important to do.
Entity 001 immediately stood up, pouting.
No, I won't let you go.
I recalled what Earth Soul told me before dawn, but I had no intention of lowering myself to this woman, nor did I plan to please her. My eyes stayed fixed on the Violet Heart Pendant at her chest.
I'll go get you something to eat. You really don’t eat much—you’d better finish it quickly. Lately, there’s been less and less food out here that Saints and humans can eat.
Entity 001 left quickly—I couldn’t even tell how she moved, her presence vanished without a trace. I glanced at the chain, walked over, picked up the fruit, and ate it. I looked at the metal cabin, but Earth Soul showed no sign of movement.
Looks like he won’t come out during the day. All I can do is keep waiting. Today’s weather is scorching—the sun blazes overhead. I can only lie in the shade, panting with my tongue out. My fur feels like a furnace, and I’m unbearably hot.
The heat made my head spin, and I gradually lost consciousness. Suddenly, a chill snapped me awake. I opened my eyes wide—there was a small iceberg before me, and Entity 001 stood atop it, grinning at me.
Hot, huh? This should cool you down.
I let out a weak sound as a wave of coolness hit me. I dragged myself over to the iceberg and started licking it, the cold instantly snapping me awake.
All better now? Not hot anymore, right? Hehe.
Suddenly, I realized something and stood up, pushing Entity 001 away. She was treating me like a pet. I stared at her in silence.
I'm not your pet, and I never will be. Even pets don't always do what you want, kid.
I said, and Entity 001's smile vanished.
Don't lecture me. Are you trying to make me angry?
I made a sound, then pressed my paw on her shoulder.
Can you tell me? The real you.
Entity 001's expression turned stormy. She pushed my hand away, hunched her body, and retreated a little, pretending to be angry.
No.
No subtle expression escaped my eyes. Whether happy or sad, Entity 001 just now showed a hint of unease and loss, though she quickly recovered. I said nothing more and lay back down in the shade. Entity 001 came over, sat on my back as if it were natural, crossed her legs, and started fiddling with something.
Telling you is pointless. Even if you knew, so what? Heh. My real self has long lost everything—hope, love, courage, family, friends—everything that could be lost is gone.
Is that so?
I muttered gloomily, then asked.
Did you really lose it all? Or are you just running away?
I thought of my old self and the people I'd met. The girl in front of me reminded me of a classmate from before—I used to just watch from the sidelines.
When she first started middle school, she was mature and attractive. Boys from the neighboring class would come to see her. She was a good person, but because of her relationships with boys, other girls grew jealous and tried everything to exclude her.
I couldn't stand it and spoke up, but after school, I was dragged out and beaten along with her. It's strange that I remember this now.
Later, my cousin saw me in that sorry state and quickly gathered people to help me get revenge. But I couldn't feel happy. The girl disappeared—rumor was she transferred schools. I don't know the details, but I remember her crying alone in the classroom, her desk soaked because someone poured water on it, ruining all her books.
[Skip: Meta note not relevant to the narrative.]
That girl was a bit like Entity 001—the sadness she just showed was the kind of helpless sorrow where you can do nothing but endure, not even wanting to fight back.
Let me tell you a story.
As I spoke, Entity 001 sat down, leaning against me with her head tilted, watching me.
Okay, okay!
I began telling the story of that girl. After a while, I finished.
Oh? What happened to her afterward?
I shook my head.
I never saw her again after that day. My classmates said she transferred schools.
Suddenly, Entity 001 burst out laughing.
If it were me, I'd just die and become a vengeful ghost, then kill those bullies.
I swallowed hard and made a sound, looking at Entity 001. There was a hint of malice in her eyes, but it quickly turned to a barely noticeable sadness.
You couldn't do it, could you?
I stared blankly at Entity 001. She looked flustered.
Exactly because you couldn't do it, those things you desperately wanted to do—those things called faith—slowly died. And that's why you exist here.
Entity 001 immediately stood up, hands behind her back, bounced away, then turned around and made a face at me.
I don't know what you're talking about. I left your food over there—make sure you eat it! I have things to do, so that's it for today.
Entity 001 walked a few steps, then suddenly turned to look at me and asked a question.
What's your name?
Ethan Zhang.
The sky was darkening again, and the sun had set. In the distance, a commotion arose—Earth Soul crawled out from the metal cabin, looking well-rested, his face wearing a faint smile as he approached.
Still the same, always poking at others' pain. When will you finally give up this twisted little hobby that could get you killed at any moment?
Hmph, whatever. I don't know when you became like this. Forget about the Blood Jade.
I replied stubbornly. Earth Soul walked up to me, grinning wickedly.
I'm here for the Blood Jade. Even if you won't help me, I'll find a way to get it myself.
I quietly sized up Earth Soul—now I could sense his power again.
How are you going to get it? You can't use your full strength either, can you?
It's true I can't use my power, but it's not the Four Guardians or the Forsaken I'm dealing with. When this world is on the brink of destruction, all truths will come out, and the Blood Jade will appear. If I can tap into my innate abilities then, I can snatch the Blood Jade in an instant.
Earth Soul wasn't lying—he really does have power, and in this world that's about to collapse, it's to his advantage. He possesses an ability called 'End Ember.'
Looks like you understand. Out of old friendship, I'll help you escape. Just don't interfere with my business, and I won't interfere with yours. Deal or not?
Why so stubborn? You know the Blood Jade holds the soul of the Ghost Ancestor—it's enough to shake...
Earth Soul suddenly burst out laughing, cutting me off.
Enough to shake the world. It doesn't matter if it's the living or the dead—against such overwhelming power, no one stands a chance. So isn't it better to grab it early, before anyone else can?
I didn't plan to keep arguing with Earth Soul. He has his beliefs, and I have mine.
If you threaten this world...
Then we'll be enemies. I saw it coming a long time ago. Little Grey still remembers that place, back when we were born in the pond—right from the start, it was decided. You were drawn to people, I hated people, and Little White was indifferent.
I made a sound and nodded.
After a while, Earth Soul was sweating profusely. The surroundings had already been leveled, a mass of trash blown away, exposing the ground beneath.
Why do you know the moves of the Eternal Life Society?
Just as you thought, Ethan Zhang.