Chapter Sixty-Five: The Silver Flash Squad

“What should we do with these people?” Wendy had tied everyone together and forced them to the ground. “Each of them bears a mark.” She rolled up one man’s sleeve, revealing a black tattoo to Xie Liu—two symbols, a lightning bolt and a fist, interlaced.

“Ask them who the leader is,” Xie Liu said, rubbing his forehead. In that moment, he almost wished Franny were here; she’d spare him the trouble of interrogation.

No one opened their mouths; they all seemed stubbornly tight-lipped. All eyes glared at Xie Liu with hatred. He sneered, “What? Not a single one among you is willing to talk?”

“You lackey of the elites, I’d rather die than tell you!” a boy, not looking very old, spat the words at him. Xie Liu raised an eyebrow and pointed at the boy. “You, step forward.” Wendy dragged him out and set him before Xie Liu.

Xie Liu slowly drew the short dagger from his breast, pressing the cold blade lightly against the boy’s cheek.

“You don’t look old. Are you even twenty yet?” Xie Liu circled him a few times, sizing him up. “Do you want to live? If so, tell me your leader’s name and where he’s hiding.”

“Never! Kill me if you dare! You city guards aren’t allowed to kill—our leader said so. You don’t dare, you—” His words broke off as the dagger pierced his chest.

“You… you can’t…” The boy’s eyes shifted from shock to despair. Xie Liu’s voice was icy. “Yes, the guards can’t kill at will. But we’re the Hunting Squad. We don’t need permission to kill you.”

The boy collapsed in a pool of blood, his body still trembling. Xie Liu’s stab had not killed him outright, but at this rate he would bleed out. “If you don’t want him to die, speak up,” Xie Liu said, pointing at the convulsing boy, glaring at the rest.

In that moment, his eyes glimmered deathly silver in the night. The group hesitated, silent, until a girl tied at the back finally cried out, “Please—don’t let him die. I’ll talk, I’ll say everything!”

“Don’t you dare!” roared a burly man at her side, struggling to intimidate her. Xie Liu curled his lip, reversed the dagger, and plunged it into the man’s chest.

The woman’s scream was one of utter despair as blood splattered. Xie Liu leaned in, his voice cold, “I didn’t allow you to speak.” With a twist and a flick, blood arced through the air. The man’s body trembled; he tried to shout, but strength drained swiftly from him. Within a minute, his head sagged, and he was silent.

“You’re a devil!” the girl wailed. Xie Liu shook his head, wiping the blood from his blade. “When you butchered Takeuchi Yuko, did you ever consider that you were worse than the devil?” He set the clean blade on her shoulder, tilting her chin up with the edge. “Speak, if you wish to live.”

“I’ll talk! I’ll talk!” she blurted, clearly terrified. Xie Liu nodded, then turned to Wendy. “Take a few people and question them separately. If their answers don’t match, skin them alive.”

Wendy frowned, not entirely agreeing with Xie Liu’s methods, but at this moment, she had no choice but to comply.

…

Xie Liu watched as the guards loaded the prisoners into armored transport vehicles. He rested his hands behind his head. “The mission’s done. I’ve sent the leader’s address to the guards. By now, the arrest team should be on their way.”

Wendy couldn’t quite fathom the man before her. Usually, he seemed like the boy next door—harmless. Yet anyone who underestimated him paid the price. “Ah, what a relief,” Xie Liu said, rolling his shoulders. Suddenly, Wendy asked, “Xie Liu, what do you think of the city council’s meeting? Are the high-ups really making the right decisions?”

Xie Liu froze. Under Wendy’s tense gaze, he bowed his head in thought. For reasons she didn’t understand, she found herself desperate to hear his opinion.

His silence was brief; he soon looked up. “It’s not a question of right or wrong, but of interests. Ordinary people want more freedom and comfort, and that means encroaching on the world of the extraordinary. No one wants to share their slice of the pie. That’s all there is to it.”

“As for my opinion…” He stroked his chin, thinking for a long while. “I agree with the leadership’s approach. I was once powerless myself, and I know what it’s like to feel inferior. But that’s no reason to blame the world for being unfair. The powerless don’t lack ability because of injustice—they lack it because they’ve given up. A good life isn’t a gift from the heavens, but something you have to fight for yourself.”

“But the city’s actions are far too extreme—they forcibly drove the powerless out of the main district, which is why there’s been collective protest.”

Wendy studied him in the lamplight as he spoke with conviction. His seemingly youthful face held a maturity few could comprehend. “Sometimes I wonder, Xie Liu, are you truly the same man who once fought desperately for Angel, defying everything?”

“Back then, you were wild but radiant. Now, you’re nothing like that.” Wendy shook her head. Xie Liu paused at her words, then smiled wryly. “Perhaps both are me. A person is never limited to a single side.”

“What do I look like now?” he asked. Wendy sighed and shook her head. “Now? You look like a cunning merchant.” Xie Liu stared for a moment, then broke into laughter. “Who knows?”

…

Snake Fang staggered out of a burning building, supporting a man with a scarred face. Both were covered in blood. After walking several dozen meters, the scarred man collapsed to his knees, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

“Snake Fang, I can’t go on. Go on without me.”

“Leader, no! I can’t leave you behind. You swore you’d lead us, defeat the supernaturals, make those bastards kneel!” Snake Fang sobbed, his hands stained with his leader’s blood. “Who was it? Who betrayed us?”

“It doesn’t matter now. What matters is you survive. You must reach headquarters, find the Grand Leader, tell him—we have not surrendered.” The scarred leader spat more blood. “Snake Fang, remember, our Iron Fist exists for the powerless. As long as we live, we’ll pummel those supernaturals and their smug faces.”

“But, Leader, you…” Snake Fang tried to protest, but the scarred man shoved him away. “Go!” he roared with his last strength. “They’re already here.”

No sooner had the words left his lips than the flames behind them seemed to freeze, then twist into a spiraling cord. From the fire strode a woman in black, her face beautiful but devoid of warmth, standing amidst the flames and staring coldly at the two men.

“The Flame Enchantress, is it?” The scarred man sneered. The woman was stunning, but her face held not a trace of a smile or warmth; unlike the raging fire, her presence was as chilling as eternal ice.

“The Flame Enchantress of the Silver Flash Squad—truly formidable.” He sneered as the long-legged beauty in black stockings emerged from the flames. Only now could he see her clearly—fiery red hair, as beautiful and deadly as her flames.

Her jet-black eyes burned with fire, yet her gaze was cold, like a flawless painting bereft of highlight. Her red lips parted. “Surrender—and you will live.”

The flames behind her gathered obediently, forming a pair of blazing wings at her back.

“Surrender. Sister Tita won’t harm you,” said a white-haired, red-eyed girl stepping out from behind the Flame Enchantress, her concern evident as she looked at the wounded man.

The scarred man’s pupils contracted at the sight. “So even the Miracle Princess, Angela, is here. That means the Rose Swordmaiden can’t be far behind.” As if in answer, a string of silvery laughter rang out from the rooftop above as the flames vanished. He looked up to see, at the edge of the ruined building under the moon, a slender dark figure sitting, violet eyes glowing in the night.

“So you know my name—the Rose Swordmaiden?” The laughter was crisp. Wendy turned, her short hair tousled by the wind.

“Anyone else?” The scarred man shrugged off Snake Fang’s support and stepped forward, seeing Xie Liu’s shadowy figure appear beside Wendy. Xie Liu rubbed his brow, weary. “Why did I have to come along with you?”

Wendy laughed. “The capable must bear more.” Before she finished, the wind stilled. Unbeknownst to them, a girl in white arrived behind Xie Liu, as if borne by the breeze.

Her black hair billowed though there was no wind. She lifted her sword, pressing it to Xie Liu’s neck. “Sister Wendy, is this wretch trying to get close to you? Should I kill him or just castrate him?”

“This is Sayo Mochizuki,” Wendy told Xie Liu. “Our squad’s Wind Maiden.”

Xie Liu turned to see a pair of green eyes, swirling like the wind. The girl seemed young, but instinct told him not to treat her as a child.

“Excellent. The Rose Swordmaiden, the Miracle Princess, the Flame Enchantress, the Wind Maiden… All of Silver Flash Squad except for the Mind God, who’s already gone to headquarters. You’re all here.” The scarred man clutched his wounded belly—he’d been injured by the Wind Maiden’s razor gale from the shadows.

Wendy stood tall, drawing her violet lightsaber. “You missed one, but that’s not your concern. Surrender—we won’t kill you.” The four members of the Silver Flash Squad stood before the scarred man, Wendy at the fore, her sword pointed at his chest.

He sneered, his gaze settling on the lifelike rose on Wendy’s badge. “Said to be the strongest below level ten. You flatter me.”

Sayo Mochizuki stepped forward. “Sister Wendy, why bother talking? Just break his limbs and drag him away.” She hovered in the air, her badge swinging with her clothes—a bellflower emblem.

“They say every member of Silver Flash Squad has a flower representing her. I’m honored to see them all today.” The scarred man motioned for Snake Fang to leave. Snake Fang clenched his fists, unwilling but knowing he had no choice. As he turned to go, Tita’s blazing wings exploded, forming a blade of fire that blocked his escape.

“I didn’t permit you to leave,” Tita said, her voice flat.

“Fine, fine.” The scarred man sneered, looking at Tita’s badge. “A rose with thorns.” The rose on her badge glistened in the flames. He turned to Angela. “And you—the last one. What’s your flower? You’re the princess of this fantasy city.”

Angela’s eyes filled with sorrow. She shook her head slightly. “Please surrender. Don’t hurt any more innocents.”

“Innocents?” The scarred man laughed bitterly. “There’s no such thing among you supernaturals.” With that, he tore open his shirt, revealing a body covered in scars and rigged with countless explosives.

“Snake Fang, run!” he bellowed. Snake Fang’s eyes brimmed with tears as he turned to flee. “Stop him!” Wendy shouted. Xie Liu leapt down from above. “Careful! Those are directional charges!”

No sooner had he spoken than the explosives detonated, sending shrapnel and shockwaves directly at Wendy and her team.

“Sayo!” Wendy cried. Sayo nodded. “I’m on it, Wendy!” She stepped forward, waving her hand—a fierce gale arose, forming a wind wall before them.

The blast and shrapnel were held at bay. Tita advanced, her fiery wings swelling with the wind, incinerating everything before her.

When the smoke cleared, everyone—including Xie Liu—stood unharmed. When all was still, they saw the scarred man, drenched in blood, give a final, bitter smile and collapse onto the charred earth.

“Hang on!” Angela cried, rushing to his side. Xie Liu tried to stop her, but Wendy held him back. “It’s fine. If he knows the Miracle Princess, he won’t harm Angela.”

“You’re badly hurt, don’t move,” Angela said, kneeling beside him, pressing her small hand to his body. “I’ll heal you, just stay still.” Green light shimmered from her palm.

The scarred man forced his eyes open, gazing at Angela’s anxious face. He managed a weak smile. “Miracle Princess—just like the legends. Wonderful.”

“Why… why couldn’t I have met someone like you back then…” His final breath was a sigh, his gaze lingering on the badge at Angela’s chest.

“Iris…? Truly… wonderful…”

From a distance, the others watched Angela kneel in silence. Wendy shook her head. “He’s dead.”

Xie Liu nodded. There was no joy in this victory. In this turmoil, there was no justice, and no victor. “That Snake Fang escaped—we’ll have to step up the search.”

Wendy agreed. “Alice and the others will handle it. Our work here is done. Let’s go home.” Xie Liu nodded. “Alright, I’m ready to leave as well.”

“So soon? Won’t you come by for a while?” Wendy invited. Xie Liu shook his head. “No, I’m not in the mood. I’ll head back tonight.”

Seeing his resolve, Wendy didn’t press further. Then she recalled something. “You should come, though. Miyuki and the others are still at my sister’s house. You’ll want to leave with them, right?”

“Alright, I’ll call them.” Xie Liu agreed after a moment’s thought.

Just then, Tita spoke quietly. “Mission complete. I’ll take my leave now.” With that, she spread her flaming wings and swiftly departed.

Sayo, seeing Tita leave, pouted. “Tita is always so cold. Sister Wendy, I’m off too!” A gust lifted her lightly to the rooftop, and in a moment she vanished from view. Xie Liu watched them go, marveling, “I must admit, your squad is full of true masters.”

“Of course.” Wendy grinned. As Angela returned, looking dejected, Wendy patted her head. “Don’t be sad, Angela. You did all you could. For him, dying for his cause was enough.”

Angela nodded quietly, sneaking a glance at Xie Liu before quickly looking away. “Let’s go home.”

…

Snake Fang ran madly, heedless of the blood streaming from his nose. He ran until he collapsed into the darkness. “Leader, how can I avenge you?”

As if in response, a figure stepped from the shadows. “Do you want revenge?”

“Yes—more than anything! But what can I do?” Snake Fang sobbed. After witnessing Wendy and her team’s power, all his bravado had been ground to dust.

“Our base—over thirty people, gone in less than a minute! All dead!” He could never forget the carnage when the first wind struck. If someone hadn’t shielded him, he’d be nothing but a smear of flesh.

“They’re all gone.”

“We can help you take revenge, but we’ll need your cooperation,” said the man in the darkness.

Snake Fang looked up, finally seeing the man clearly—a young man with white hair and a face as hard as chiseled stone. He sneered, radiating absolute authority.

“Who are you?” Snake Fang wiped the blood from his nose.

The white-haired man’s lips curled faintly. “My name is Ace. I’m with the Special Alliance.”

“You’re with the Special Alliance!” Snake Fang recoiled in shock. “You—you—” He turned to flee, but exhaustion from his escape overtook him. He fell, struggling to crawl away from Ace.

“What are you afraid of?” Ace asked, amused. He squatted before Snake Fang. “Do you still think you belong to Fantasy City?”

Snake Fang ceased struggling.

“Think about it. What you’ve done, and what the supernaturals have done—do you think reconciliation is possible?” Ace’s voice was low. “There’s no turning back. You want revenge, don’t you? Why not cooperate with us?”

Snake Fang’s eyes widened as he stared at the man, torn. Cooperation with the Special Alliance meant irrevocable opposition to the city. But what other choice did he have?

He clutched a small pendant—a gift from a girl who had shielded him in the storm’s first moments.

He had nothing left.

“Alright. I’ll work with you…”

A slow smile spread across Ace’s face as he looked toward the city’s glowing lights. “Deadeye, I can sense your presence. I’m looking forward to our next meeting.”