«The Creator is missing, the whole city is in despair»
The city was descending into chaos for unknown reasons.
Min Zhizhou became aware of this.
Yet, he had no clue what was causing it.
Gazing at the street from afar, he seemed to catch a glimpse of the apocalyptic scene he was all too familiar with.
The street vendors had stopped calling out their wares; children who had been playing joyfully now stood frozen, their faces filled with confusion and helplessness; elderly men in the middle of a chess game had all put down their pieces.
Every face was shrouded in gloom, even despair.
Min Zhizhou was no stranger to such despair. He had seen it countless times on the faces of those who knew their fate was sealed as they were hunted by the Nightmare Beasts.
What happened? Why did everything change so suddenly?
Min Zhizhou couldn’t understand. In just an instant, the entire city had turned into a dead zone.
He had been quietly sorting garbage, but now, he put down his work and wandered through the city, trying to find the cause of this abrupt transformation. Yet, all he found were people wearing the same empty expression. No matter how he asked, no one responded, as if their souls had been stripped away.
Strangely, the streets were eerily empty. All the vehicles had vanished without a trace. The city remained as dazzling and vibrant as ever, the sun still shone brightly, and the bustling metropolis showed no visible signs of change—except for the fact that all life had seemingly disappeared, turning it into a ghost town in the blink of an eye.
“Gone, gone! The City Lord is gone! The City Lord is gone!”
Suddenly, a child’s shrill cries pierced the silence, making the eerie stillness around them even more unsettling.
“He’s gone! The City Lord is gone! We’re going to disappear! The city is going to be destroyed! It’s going to be destroyed!”
A desperate, muttering voice drifted from the side. Min Zhizhou turned his head and saw a young girl in a beautiful floral dress kneeling on the ground. She clutched her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.
“What happened? Can you tell me?”
Min Zhizhou quickly walked over to her, trying to get some answers.
The girl lifted her head, her teary eyes hollow and lost, brimming with despair. “Darkness is coming. We have nowhere left to survive.”
Min Zhizhou couldn’t comprehend her words. The sky was still bright, there were no Nightmare Beasts in sight, and the city remained peaceful and intact—no different from usual. So why had everyone fallen into such sudden despair?
Then, out of the silent streets, a mechanical roar rumbled from afar, growing louder as it approached. A motorcycle shot out from the street and sped straight toward Min Zhizhou.
Before he could react, the bike screeched to a halt in front of him.
A stunningly handsome boy sat astride the motorcycle. His delicate features were fully exposed before Min Zhizhou, his windswept hair in disarray. Yuan Zhiran’s eyes were filled with unease, but when he glanced at the nearly hysterical girl beside them, he simply said to Min Zhizhou, “Get on.”
Min Zhizhou didn’t understand what was happening, but he immediately rose from the girl’s side and climbed onto the back seat of the motorcycle.
The boy’s expression was dark. The black mist around him seemed almost tangible. Min Zhizhou knew—this was definitely not the time for questions.
Sitting on the back seat of the motorcycle, Min Zhizhou kept his eyes on the people passing through the town. They either sat or stood as if they had lost their anchor, but all of them seemed devoid of will. The soul of the once-thriving city he loved had been drained in an instant.
“Min Zhizhou.”
As the motorcycle sped forward, Yuan Zhiran’s voice carried through the wind, reaching Min Zhizhou’s ears.
“If I ask you to lead us into the Nightmare Beast Forest now, how confident are you in finding the people who were lost inside?”
The moment he heard those words, a possibility flashed through Min Zhizhou’s mind, sending a chill through his heart. Could it be that the City Lord had entered the Nightmare Beast Forest?
“I can take you in and I can share all of my experience with you, but…” Min Zhizhou’s expression grew increasingly grave. “I can’t promise to find anyone inside the Nightmare Beast Forest. There is no sense of direction in that place.”
Even now, Min Zhizhou still had no idea how he had managed to leave that forest and arrive in the city back then.
Realizing the implications of this, he looked at the passing figures on the streets in shock. There had been no announcements, no broadcasts—so how did the entire city know that He Fang had disappeared?
Min Zhizhou couldn’t comprehend it. He was willing to do anything for this city, but not for He Fang specifically. He Fang was just a City Lord. If he was gone, another one would take his place.
The next City Lord could be He Fang’s designated successor, the city’s most capable leader, or even someone chosen by vote. A new City Lord could be selected at any moment—so why was everyone reacting as if this were the end of the world?
Then, suddenly, a memory surfaced in Min Zhizhou’s mind.
A true miracle of the Creator.
And in that fleeting moment of realization, a thought took shape.
Could He Fang be irreplaceable?
“We don’t know much about the Nightmare Beast Forest,” Yuan Zhiran’s voice trembled. His normally clear androgynous tone was now hoarse.
“We must enter the Nightmare Beast Forest immediately to search for the Creator’s trace. We need you to provide us with as many clues as possible.”
“I understand.” Min Zhizhou said. Even though he harbored doubts in his heart, he would not go against the highest-ranking military officer in the city at the moment.
“I’ve already had the research institute prepare armor for you at the front lines and the convoy is ready. We’re just waiting on you before we enter the Nightmare Beast Forest.” Yuan Zhiran’s slender figure was right in front of Min Zhizhou. He could see the boy’s fragile nape—was he trembling? Or was it just the vibrations of the motorcycle creating an illusion?
Min Zhizhou knew that today was He Fang’s first flight test. Could it be that the aircraft had gone out of control and entered the Nightmare Beast Forest?
When Min Zhizhou saw the fleet of vehicles, he immediately understood Yuan Zhiran’s plan to search for He Fang.
Countless vehicles were lined up in parallel at fixed intervals, advancing in a straight line. This way, the entire convoy could maintain its direction without straying or getting lost.
People inside the city weren’t susceptible to being parasitized by Nightmare Beast seeds, so this method—like a mountain search-and-rescue operation—was feasible.
But…
“If the city lord is still in the aircraft, observation from a higher vantage point is necessary. If we’re only using cars, it might be difficult to track him.” Min Zhizhou said.
“I know.” Yuan Zhiran reached up to half-cover his forehead and turned to look at the surrounding crowd. “I know. But if we do nothing…”
Min Zhizhou immediately grasped the unspoken meaning in Yuan Zhiran’s words. The overwhelming despair spreading among the city’s people made the urgency of the situation clear.
“Why is it like this?” Min Zhizhou simply couldn’t understand. He felt heartache for that child—so young, yet trying so hard to use his meager strength to bring hope to this city. But why was it that only He Fang could achieve this? Why couldn’t anyone else?
And what about the future?
What would happen when He Fang grew old and passed away?
Min Zhizhou had yet to find the right words to ask when a researcher in a white lab coat approached with his armor. Almost instinctively, he asked, “Where is Zhu Yan?”
Yet before his words had fully landed, he clearly saw everyone around him freeze at the mention of that name. A deeper sense of unease settled in his heart.
The lightweight armor wrapped around his entire body. A beast-faced cloak and weapons against the Nightmare Beasts were fully equipped. The crisp metallic clangs echoed clearly at the vast edge of the city, where the eerie silence was almost suffocating.
“Everyone, get ready.” Yuan Zhiran mounted his motorcycle, while Min Zhizhou took the passenger seat of a car that was clearly from within the city.
The driver, at a glance, was just an ordinary resident. But his expression was lifeless and deeply solemn—ice-cold, even. His eyes held a faint trace of ferocity.
Min Zhizhou frowned. This was just a regular citizen, yet he exuded the air of a mercenary who had walked through the gates of life and death.
“Move out!”
The moment all the vehicles hit the gas pedal, a massive plane suddenly flew out from the pitch-black boundary of the Nightmare Beast Forest, directly above them.
The deafening roar of the plane’s engines immediately shook the entire long line of vehicles.
Everyone stared wide-eyed, disbelief in their expressions as they gazed at the plane emerging from the darkness of the Nightmare Beast Forest. Their mouths hung open. For a long while, no one spoke.
This was likely the only plane in the entire city. People raised their heads, watching through the car windows as the plane slowly flew away from them, its silhouette gradually disappearing, leaving them silent for a long time.
“Is… the city lord… did he come out on his own?” Min Zhizhou asked, removing his beast-faced mask.
At that moment, he looked back and saw the driver in the front seat freeze for a second. There was no trace of the murderous aura Min Zhizhou had felt earlier. The driver was simply an ordinary resident, scratching his head, looking at Min Zhizhou with a confused, innocent expression, clearly unsure of how to handle the situation with the passenger in the front seat.
Min Zhizhou’s emotions were complicated. He subconsciously opened the car door and got out. As he did, he noticed the driver let out a quiet sigh of relief and then gave him a somewhat goofy smile, looking incredibly simple and down-to-earth.
Min Zhizhou: “…”
After getting out of the car, Min Zhizhou felt a little awkward. He had gotten used to living in the city, where everyone wore ordinary clothes. He had long since stopped wearing armor, but now, fully armored as he was, he felt completely out of place compared to the people around him. He looked like a complete… outsider.
Min Zhizhou walked over to Yuan Zhiran’s side. The incredibly handsome Minister of the Armed Forces stood with his head held high, gazing at the plane that had already flown far off. His originally dark, brooding eyes were now as clear as if washed by fresh spring water, glowing with the brightness of countless rays of sunlight. The despair that had been there before was now replaced with hope.
“Minister… what should we do now?” Min Zhizhou asked. It was clear that He Fang had come out, so did that mean their suddenly assembled team would be disbanded? Could he finally take off this armor?
Yuan Zhiran immediately snapped back to his senses and made a call to confirm that He Fang had indeed returned. Only then did he notify everyone that they could disband.
The once orderly convoy, waiting for commands, instantly scattered like a flock of startled birds. Min Zhizhou looked at Yuan Zhiran, who was leaning against his motorcycle, hands covering his face, at a complete loss.
He could hear Yuan Zhiran’s muffled sobs. It was obvious that He Fang’s sudden disappearance had placed an enormous psychological burden on him. Now that the tension had finally lifted, his emotions erupted all at once.
Min Zhizhou wanted to comfort him, but just as he stepped forward, Yuan Zhiran wiped his face with his hand, revealing his overly stunning features. Crystal-clear tears clung to his long, thick eyelashes, his jade-white cheeks were flushed with emotion, and his delicate little nose was slightly reddened from rubbing.
Min Zhizhou: “…” This level of beauty was honestly kind of terrifying.
“Let’s… let’s go back.” Yuan Zhiran suddenly swung a leg over his motorcycle and wiped his tears away with his sleeve. “The Creator seems to like you. Since the creator finally made it back, he’ll definitely want to see you.”
Min Zhizhou, who had never known he was so favored by the city lord: “…” This had to be a misunderstanding.
If possible, he would very much prefer not to be especially favored by the city lord.
Every time someone mentioned how much He Fang valued him, others would gnash their teeth in frustration. Even though the exquisitely beautiful young man before him didn’t seem to harbor any resentment, just in case, Min Zhizhou figured it was best to remain humble. Otherwise, given the sheer strength of the people here, if he really ended up offending someone, he probably wouldn’t survive.
“I think the city lord would much rather see you,” Min Zhizhou racked his brain for a flattering remark. “After surviving a disaster, people always want to see something beautiful to soothe their nerves. And you… well, you look quite good.”
Yuan Zhiran blinked and let out a cold snort. “Don’t try to flatter me. I don’t fall for that.”
Min Zhizhou: “…” It wasn’t his intention to flatter, but this was really difficult for him.
Yuan Zhiran pursed his vividly red lips. “But you’re quite good at reading people. I’d say you’re a piece of rotten wood that might actually be worth carving.”
“…” Min Zhizhou suddenly realized—this was probably Yuan Zhiran’s way of returning the compliment. “…Thanks.”
“Hurry up and get on.” This time, Yuan Zhiran’s tone was completely different from when he had asked Min Zhizhou to ride with him before. It was clear that his mood had vastly improved.
Min Zhizhou wanted to take off his armor before getting on, but Yuan Zhiran’s obvious impatience made him give up on that idea. He simply climbed onto the motorcycle behind him.
As he looked at the other’s slender waist in front of him, Min Zhizhou chose to grip the rear handle of the motorcycle instead. He knew his armor wouldn’t actually hurt Yuan Zhiran, but with such a delicate-looking person, he couldn’t help but worry that he might accidentally hurt him.
Feeling a little out of place, Min Zhizhou turned his gaze to the streets. The residents who had previously been drowning in despair, looking as if the world was on the verge of ending, were now completely different. Not a trace of hopelessness remained. Their expressions were calm, some even filled with renewed enthusiasm for life, chatting and laughing with their companions as they walked along the road.
He even saw the young girl in the beautiful floral dress—who had been sobbing uncontrollably earlier—now standing by the roadside, buying an ice cream. She held the vibrantly colored treat in her hands, her eyes shimmering with excitement, looking completely overjoyed. If not for the slight redness at the corners of her eyes from crying, Min Zhizhou might have thought he had mistaken her for someone else.
Although he had long noticed that there was something unusual about this city, seeing this again only deepened his doubts.
This city was strange.
So strange that it defied explanation.
And he had never truly belonged here.
Meanwhile, outside the Weapon Development Facility where the aircraft was returning, everyone had already received word that the experiment was wrapping up. The institute director, who had been standing aside with a cold expression, suddenly grabbed Zhu Yan.
In just a few short hours, Zhu Yan’s demeanor had changed drastically from his initial composed aloofness. Now, his head was slightly lowered, his expression masked by an indifferent facade, but beneath it lay a deep sense of confusion—like a lost child with no sense of direction.
“Everyone, take your positions immediately and prepare to welcome the Creator’s return. Zhu Yan, fix your expression and fulfill your role as an NPC,” the institute director ordered sharply.
Zhu Yan furrowed his brows slightly, then slowly lifted his gaze, regaining the look of someone who took immense pride in his own creations. But deep in his eyes, an endless desolation remained hidden.
—
Only now did He Fang truly understand just how destructive Chong Xiao was.
His record-keeping speed could barely keep up with Chong Xiao’s rate of destruction. Every time the other found a Revival Nightmare Plant, he would lift his gaze in He Fang’s direction and pause for two seconds.
If not for those brief moments, He Fang probably wouldn’t even have enough time to mark Chong Xiao’s coordinates.
