NOVPUBWith her legs spread wide, subtle sounds hinted at Nine’s unmistakable arousal.
Clearly, she was drenched. The damp, salty aroma in the air was accompanied by her sultry moans.
Daniel frowned slowly, "What are you doing?"
He couldn’t believe that Nine wasn’t aware of the high-risk creatures lurking within the mall. What was her game?
Licking her finger seductively, Nine replied with a teasing glint in her eyes, "Oh, come on! With me posed like this, what else could I be hinting at? Of course, I want you to... take me... Ahh~"
Truth be told, Nine’s captivating appearance, voluptuous figure, enticing attire, and moans could easily cause a man’s pulse to race.
Add to that her subtle, mystical allure, and it seemed near impossible to resist.
Yet, Daniel’s unique ability rendered him immune to such temptations.
He spoke coolly, "Knowing it doesn’t work on me, why waste the effort?"
Nine’s expression shifted ever so slightly, "I hadn’t expected that immunity to be truly your ability."
After the last time when Daniel had unexpectedly snapped out of her charm, she had speculated that perhaps his ability played a role.
However, she was hesitant to believe that someone could resist not just her allure but potentially other negative effects, including the inherent fear, confusion, and malevolence the monsters themselves instilled in humans.
Such a talent seemed almost too powerful.
In the blink of an eye, Nine recomposed herself, addressing Daniel seriously, "Daniel, join us. Compared to the Investigation Bureau, we can offer you so much more."
Daniel paused, "You all?"
Nine flashed a wickedly charming smile, "Rebirth."
"We believe that the chance for humans to evolve a second time is a divine gift," she began, the weight of her words filling the space.
"Since the Industrial Revolution, humanity has grown arrogant and complacent. Politics, wars, infighting, the reckless squandering of Earth’s resources—all symptomatic of a race stuck in its own hubris."
"The Divine detests it all. Hence, history was altered, birthing the Evolvers—beings transcending humans, to reshape and renew human society."
"We are the vanguard, the chosen few of this rebirth, destined to replace the foolish humans of the old era."
As Nine proclaimed this, the frivolity that once danced on her face was replaced with fervent zealotry.
She resembled someone brainwashed by a cult, displaying a blend of ignorance and arrogance.
Daniel, watching Nine intently, asked with genuine curiosity, "What can you offer me?"
A glint of hope sparked in Nine’s eyes, sensing his potential interest.
"Power. The two special auction items you acquired should testify to our organization’s capability."
Indeed, both the creature’s offspring and the unheard-of Spiritual Artifact cartridge were things even the Investigation Bureau did not possess.
The fact that such items were in the hands of a relatively unknown civilian organization hinted at powers that perhaps exceeded Daniel’s expectations.
Nine continued confidently, "Moreover, we can help enhance your strength, in our unique ways." Her tone grew more intense on the last words.
She paused momentarily, choosing not to elaborate further, then shifted gears,
"We’re not like those from the Investigation Bureau. They think too highly of themselves. Becoming Evolvers, yet rather than pushing their limits, they seek to protect the naive masses."
"We are the rightful rulers of this world. To let the average humans exist, without annihilating them outright, but instead allowing nature to take its course—that’s the mercy we Evolvers bestow."
"Guarding them is the most foolish act one could ever commit," Nine stated firmly. "You should consider it—joining Rebirth is the wisest decision for you."
Daniel responded without hesitation, "No need for contemplation. I’m in."
As he spoke, Nine was already framing her response, "There’s no rush to decline, I’ll give you time to consi... What?"
She was taken aback, caught entirely off-guard.
She hadn’t expected Daniel to agree so swiftly. Was he bluffing?
With a hint of disbelief, she pressed, "Do you realize that joining Rebirth is tantamount to betraying the Investigation Bureau?"
Daniel shrugged nonchalantly, "Doesn’t matter. I just recently joined the Investigation Bureau anyway. It’s just a temporary switch of allegiance."
Still puzzled, Nine inquired, "Do you even understand what Rebirth stands for?"
"Isn’t it just a bunch of lunatics trying to elevate themselves above others?" Daniel remarked casually.
Nine’s face contorted in anger upon hearing Daniel’s belittling comment about her organization. "You’re playing games with me!"
Daniel raised an eyebrow, "How am I toying with you?"
"Aren’t you all a group of madmen? I have a penchant for the unconventional. If you aren’t, then sorry, I won’t be joining."
Nine was left speechless, momentarily lost for words.
Daniel’s refusal to join? But he clearly agreed.
Daniel’s commitment to join? Yet something felt off.
She was utterly bamboozled, mainly because he had been too swift in his decision.
Internally, she rationalized, "In the end, Mr. Doug desires Daniel’s ability. We’ll ascertain it and then pull him into the organization. Whether he’s genuinely on board doesn’t matter to me."
After a moment of silence, Nine spoke up, "Given the circumstances, I will need to administer a test."
"A test for what?" Daniel countered.
"To determine if your ability truly renders you immune to all negative effects," Nine explained.
"But hasn’t that already been established?" Daniel replied. "You’ve tested me twice."
Nine’s expression turned stern, "That doesn’t necessarily prove anything. There’s a possibility you’re mentally unstable or perhaps you aren’t attracted to women."
A shadow crossed Daniel’s face.
You’re the one who’s not normal. Your entire lineage is warped, he thought.
He was well aware that after experiencing countless deaths, his psyche had changed, drifting toward a chilling detachment.
Yet, when it came to his sexual orientation, he was confident it remained as it was initially.
Nine stood up, and Jack, who had been lying on the floor, followed suit. "I assume the Investigation Bureau sent you here to probe into the monsters present?" she ventured.
Daniel remained silent.
Nine continued, "We’re the ones who lured that creature here."
At her revelation, a subtle change flickered across Daniel’s expression.
Was it possible that the Rebirth organization had the means to control even monsters?
Nine noted Daniel’s reaction with satisfaction.
"We haven’t been able to find any records on this particular creature. We only know that it has the capability to manipulate living beings and humanoid entities."
It dawned on Daniel, "You want to see if I can withstand that monster’s attack?"
Nine snapped her fingers in affirmation, "Exactly."
"I look forward to witnessing your performance," she added with a sly grin.
"I’ll be waiting outside for the good news."
With that, Nine, accompanied by Jack, exited the restroom.
Inside, only Daniel and Jennifer remained.
Seeing that they were finally alone, Jennifer cautiously stepped out from the bathroom stall, sticking close to Daniel.
To her, he had become a symbol of safety amidst the chaos.
Daniel checked the time on his phone before asking, "How did you get in?"
Without hesitation, Jennifer replied, "To aid in your investigation, all entrances and exits except for the main door have been sealed. However, there’s a concealed exit in the CEO’s office on the top floor that connects to the building’s external emergency staircase."
Daniel responded, "Lead the way. I promise you, I’ll make sure you get out of here alive."
Jennifer’s eyes widened with surprise.
"Really?" she asked, recalling that Daniel had been initially hesitant to bring her along.
What changed his mind?
Daniel explained sincerely, "Yes, really. Initially, I intended to personally handle that creature. But now, it seems I might not have to. All we need is a safe route out."
Although Jennifer didn’t fully grasp Daniel’s implications, the assurance that they would be leaving together filled her with a newfound sense of security.
...
Outside the mall, three military transport vehicles were parked prominently at the main entrance.
Dozens of fully-armed soldiers stood in formation in front of the vehicles.
Inside, barrels filled with pungent gasoline were visible.
This was Daniel’s plan: to set the superstore ablaze.
Alex and Brooks had employed this tactic before, with notable success.
Julia issued a command to everyone present, "Attention all! Your assignments have been given. I expect reports of task completion from all teams within five minutes!"
"Understood!"
"Understood!"
The collective voices of the soldiers rang out in perfect unison, echoing with unwavering determination.
Each person grabbed a barrel of gasoline, rushing into various parts of the mall to drench the surroundings.
The mall, inherently a fire-prone location, didn’t require them to venture too deeply.
Once the entrance and exterior walls were soaked in gasoline, the preparations were complete.
In just three minutes, Julia received reports from each action team over the radio.
Mike, filled with apprehension, queried, "Daniel’s still inside. Are we sure about lighting it up?"
Julia cast a solemn glance towards the mall, then resolutely declared, "We must trust him. All teams, ignite!"
Boom!
In an instant, the gasoline was set ablaze.
Towering flames burst forth, and in the blink of an eye, the exterior of the entire mall was swallowed by the roaring inferno.
Next, the interior followed suit.
The flames at the entrance charged inward, reminiscent of a ferocious beast on the hunt.
Nine, who had just reached the entrance, was forced to retreat by the scorching waves of heat.
