Chapter 13: Sorrow Arises From Within
Night Lan started to look forward to it.
But before the Magician could start his performance, he slightly paused as if someone had notified him.
The Magician’s expression quickly turned disappointed and to Night Lan, he regretfully stated, “I’m sorry, I suddenly have something to do right now and may not be able to perform for you. Could this show possibly be postponed to our next meeting? If possible, that is.”
Night Lan scratched her little head.
“Well, in that case, there’s no help for it. We’ll have to do it another time when we meet next.”
The Magician was moved deeply.
“Thank you. I will come find you.” With that, the Magician turned and left.
Night Lan breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed.
So, this older chap isn’t such a bad guy after all.
She had thought he might’ve been a kidnapper when he had asked her to go with him earlier.
He really is quite an amazing magician~
“I’m really great, chatting so long with a stranger, I would have never dared back then…”
Muttered Night Lan.
At that moment, her communication device suddenly rang—it was Zero Meow calling.
“Senior Zero Meow?”
“Night Lan, are you still in the car?”
“No, I went out for a walk.”
“What!?” An outraged yowl, “A greenhorn like you dares to stroll around where the Star Eclipses appear? That’s dangerous! Don’t you know Night Watchers and Star Eclipse triggerers are enemies? If they spot you, you’re doomed!”
Zero Meow was clearly upset, even forgetting to say ‘meow’.
After all, it was her who had brought Night Lan out, and any mishap would mean serious repercussions. But more importantly, she wouldn’t forgive herself and would beat herself up for ages.
“Guh, sorry.”
Hearing how livid Zero Meow was, Night Lan caved in quickly.
No matter what, when a girl’s enraged, it’s best not to argue—she might get even angrier.
This lesson was something Night Lan had picked up online, though in real life, it hardly mattered.
“I‘m heading back now!”
“Hmph~ Move faster, meow. Our Night Watcher support is almost here. There’s a bit too many Star Eclipses showing up this time; better watch your step. If I return to find you not in the car, it won’t just be about dinner.”
It could be about two extravagant feasts.
“Meow meow~”
Then, the connection cut off.
Night Lan retraced her steps, but before she could use her speedy escape skills, she bumped into someone cornering.
“Meow~”
Sorrow arose from within for Night Lan.
Why is this day filled with people collisions!
Argh!
Fortunately, the person held her, preventing her from falling down.
Before she could get a clear look at the person, Night Lan hurriedly bowed to apologize.
“I’m sorry, truly sorry! I was running too fast and didn’t see the road, please forgive me!”
“Don’t worry, I forgive you. I don’t dislike polite children. Please raise your head, and there’s no need to repeat that apology.”
The voice was gentle, indicating the person was nice.
Night Lan lifted her head to find there were two figures standing before her.
One was a smiling man partially hiding behind a mask, while the other was a mysterious gentleman wearing a top hat and black suit.
They were precisely the Fraudster and the Gentleman.
The Gentleman smiled kindly saying, “If you’re in a hurry, kindly ignore us. Making mistakes when rushing is normal. Your politeness pleases me. It’d be wonderful if everyone was like you.”
“Don’t praise me, I’m getting embarrassed…”
Covering her somewhat flushed face, Night Lan found being praised by strangers slightly awkward.
Never before had she been showered with such compliments. She wasn’t the type to easily get inflated either.
The Gentleman nodded: “Humility is also a form of etiquette. Since both parties have matters, let’s part ways for now. I hope we’ll meet again. Goodbye.”
“Okay okay, goodbye.”
With those two mysteriously departed, slowly disappearing into the crowd.
Confusion set in for Night Lan, as they felt somewhat similar to Mr. Magician.
“Forget it, forget it, let’s get outta here first.”
Shaking away her quirky thoughts, Night Lan slinked back.
…
By the time Night Lan got back near the hover car, Zero Meow was already waiting.
“Hmm…”
Zero Meow angrily stared at Night Lan with fierce tiger-like fangs ready to bite. There was a playful, but menacing vibe, very cute indeed.
Night Lan found herself charmed by it.
But there was no time to be silly; Zero Meow looked like she’d pounce and bite the living daylights out of her next second.
Oh no.
Quickly, Zero Meow walked up to Night Lan and started poking her soft cheeks repeatedly.
“I can’t believe you! Realize what you did wrong?”
“Meow~ I shouldn’t have wandered aimlessly…”
Totally baffled, Night Lan couldn’t understand why this young-looking loli could be so domineering when she was the elder one in reality.
Is this what it means to be a Night Watcher?
“Anything else?”
Zero Meow looked as angry as ever.
Puzzled, Night Lan replied, “What else?”
“Do you think my live stream is dull? Are you thinking I’m useless, unable to even touch a Star Eclipse core?”
“Mhmm!”
Admitting it, she’s incredibly brave!
Zero Meow poked the cheek even faster.
“You don’t know anything. At least three Star Eclipses appeared in Wan Yu Square, two of them tricky to deal with on the second level. Going there would be pointless unless I find the third one, which is the task of other Night Watchers. You thought it was just wandering around?”
“Wah, wah, wah!”
“Even cuteness won’t save you. When we return, I’ll teach you the ropes of being a Night Watcher, starting with some basics.”
Weakly raising her hand, Night Lan said,
“I think I still need more practice. Look how young I am; surely the organization wouldn’t let kids take missions, right?”
To fish for something, Night Lan abandoned propriety and played the naïve card.
Zero Meow fell silent, deep in thought and muttered softly, “Guess so too.”
After all, she wasn’t an official member, just an occasional sneak-in.
When found by other Night Watchers, they could only shrug, as they had no real hold over her.
So, she gradually adapted to the situation, learning to take it in stride.
Any reprimand?
Nothing too harsh.
Zero Meow could usually wiggle out of many minor punishments with her cuteness, much easier than dealing with the loli-loving Night Watchers!
Yes, she thrived on being mischievous.
Swiftly, Zero Meow snapped out of it.
“Tasks and basics are different matters. Knowing basic stuff doesn’t mean you’re fit for tasks. So there’s no connection at all.”
Night Lan was enlightened, “Right.”
Just then, Zero Meow received a notification: the two Star Eclipses in the second layer had vanished, and all surrounding Star Eclipse energy signatures had dissipated, as if planned.
“Bloody Tragic Shadow Theater, causing trouble akin to a Super Nova!”
“What is it?” Curious, Night Lan asked.
“Not much. You won’t understand anyway. Let’s just go back.”
“Okay.”
And with that, the scene faded.
