Chapter 392

"Are you doubting me?"

Thus 【1】 "Are you doubting me?"

Suishui Gongping felt he had suffered an unprecedented insult; his loyalty to his superiors is evident day and night, and aside from the first few, the remaining twelve zodiac selections were all found by him.

Translate: "Hayami Kohei felt insulted as never before; his loyalty to his superiors is evident day and night. Aside from the first few, all the remaining twelve zodiac selections were found by him."

His loyalty to his superiors is evident day and night, and aside from the first few, the remaining twelve zodiac selections were all found by him.

Thus 【2】 Hayami Kohei felt insulted as never before; his loyalty to his superiors is evident day and night. Aside from the first few, all the remaining twelve zodiac selections were found by him.

Speaking with the not‑so‑smart lion before him, he felt he could die of frustration.

Translate: "Talking with this low‑intelligence lion in front of him, he felt he could die of anger."

Thus 【3】 Talking with this low‑intelligence lion in front of him, he felt he could die of anger.

"Move out of the way! I need to report to my superiors immediately what happened this afternoon." said Suishui Gongping.

Translate: "\"Move aside! I need to report to my superior immediately what happened this afternoon. \" Hayami Kohei said."

Thus 【4】 "Move aside! I need to report to my superior immediately what happened this afternoon." Hayami Kohei said.

"Impossible. Right now you're a suspect; no one can be let go until we figure out who leaked the barrier information."

Translate: "\"Impossible. You're a suspect now; no one can be let go until we figure out who leaked the barrier information. \""

Thus 【5】 "Impossible. You're a suspect now; no one can be let go until we figure out who leaked the barrier information."

After downing the whiskey in his hand, Rikujin Hou stood up and looked down at Suishui Gongping.

Translate: "After downing the whiskey in his hand, Li Shenhou stood up and looked down at Hayami Kohei."

Thus 【6】 After downing the whiskey in his hand, Li Shenhou stood up and looked down at Hayami Kohei.

He didn't need to do anything; just standing before Suishui Gongping, the shadow cast by the light was enough to envelop him.

Translate: "He needed no action; merely standing in front of Hayami Kohei, the shadow cast in the light was enough to envelop him."

Thus 【7】 He needed no action; merely standing in front of Hayami Kohei, the shadow cast in the light was enough to envelop him.

Facing Rikujin Hou, who is nearly two meters tall with muscles bulging enough to tear his clothes, our civilized Principal Suishui finds it hard to cope—this is like the size difference between a gorilla and a monkey.

Translate: "Facing the nearly two‑meter tall, muscle‑bulging Li Shenhou who could even tear his clothes, our civilized person Principal Hayami Kohei found it somewhat hard to cope—this was like the size gap between a gorilla and a monkey."

Thus 【8】 Facing the nearly two‑meter tall, muscle‑bulging Li Shenhou who could even tear his clothes, our civilized person Principal Hayami Kohei found it somewhat hard to cope—this was like the size gap between a gorilla and a monkey.

With such a size difference, Rikujin Hou only needs to throw a powerful punch to send Suishui Gongping slamming into the wall, unable to be pulled away.

Translate: "With such a size difference, Li Shenhou only needed to throw a powerful punch to slam Hayami Kohei against the wall, where he couldn't be pulled down."

Thus 【9】 With such a size difference, Li Shenhou only needed to throw a powerful punch to slam Hayami Kohei against the wall, where he couldn't be pulled down.

Watching Rikujin Hou completely block the passageway, Suishui Gongping could no longer endure; his nerves had been tense since he woke up, and now he faced suspicion and cold treatment.

Translate: "Hayami Kohei could no longer tolerate the Li Shenhou blocking the passageway so tightly; originally, after waking, his nerves had been constantly tense, and now he also faced suspicion and cold treatment."

Thus 【10】 Hayami Kohei could no longer tolerate the Li Shenhou blocking the passageway so tightly; originally, after waking, his nerves had been constantly tense, and now he also faced suspicion and cold treatment.

The fear that had been spreading from deep within his heart turned, upon encountering Rikujin Hou's actions, into an uncontainable rage.

Translate: "The fear that had lingered from the depths of his heart, upon encountering Li Shenhou's action, all turned into uncontainable rage."

Thus 【11】 The fear that had lingered from the depths of his heart, upon encountering Li Shenhou's action, all turned into uncontainable rage.

Don't try to understand someone whose fear is just on the edge; they often seem fine, but a small action can trigger their emotions and cause them to lose reason.

Translate: "Don't try to understand a person on the edge of a fear emotion; such people often seem fine, but a small action can often trigger their emotions, leading to loss of reason."

Thus 【12】 Don't try to understand a person on the edge of a fear emotion; such people often seem fine, but a small action can often trigger their emotions, leading to loss of reason.

Black mist erupted around his body, and he swung his staff fiercely at Rikujin Hou's head.

Translate: "Black mist erupted around his body, and he swung the metal staff in his hand hard at Li Shenhou's head."

Thus 【13】 Black mist erupted around his body, and he swung the metal staff in his hand hard at Li Shenhou's head.

A gale swept over the bar, bringing a strong whooshing sound.

Translate: "A fierce wind swept over the bar, bringing with it a strong whooshing sound."

Thus 【14】 A fierce wind swept over the bar, bringing with it a strong whooshing sound.

Currently, Suishui Gongping has disappeared, replaced by a Libra resembling a humanoid cockroach, its stellar fragments turning into a pale white powder.

Translate: "Now Hayami Kohei has disappeared, replaced by a humanoid cockroach‑like Libra, whose stellar matter shattered into pale white fragments."

Thus 【15】 Now Hayami Kohei has disappeared, replaced by a humanoid cockroach‑like Libra, whose stellar matter shattered into pale white fragments.

Its pupil burst with intense red light that kept flashing, and its crimson single eye shone with hatred.

Translate: "Its pupil burst with intense red light that kept flashing; the crimson single eye shone with hatred."

Thus 【16】 Its pupil burst with intense red light that kept flashing; the crimson single eye shone with hatred.

Looking at the staff rushing toward his forehead, Rikujin Hou's black hair at the back fluttered wildly in the wind, a faint cold smile crossed his rugged face—is this even an attack? Don't underestimate him.

Translate: "Looking at the metal staff swinging wildly toward his forehead, Li Shenhou's black hair at the back of his head was disheveled by the gale, a cold smile flickered on his rugged face—is this even an attack? Don't underestimate him."

Thus 【17】 Looking at the metal staff swinging wildly toward his forehead, Li Shenhou's black hair at the back of his head was disheveled by the gale, a cold smile flickered on his rugged face—is this even an attack? Don't underestimate him.

"Clang!"

Translate: "\"Clang! \""

Thus 【18】 "Clang!"

That blow, capable of shattering rock, Rikujin Hou merely raised his arm to block; the staff struck his arm, producing a metallic clang.

Translate: "That blow, capable of shattering rock, Li Shenhou merely raised his arm to block; the staff struck his arm, producing a metallic clang."

Thus 【19】 That blow, capable of shattering rock, Li Shenhou merely raised his arm to block; the staff struck his arm, producing a metallic clang.

Rikujin Hou also possesses immense cosmic energy within him, and besides, Libra's abilities are more supportive; such an attack cannot harm him.

Translate: "Li Shenhou likewise possessed vast cosmic energy within him, and besides, Libra's ability is more supportive; such an attack could not harm him."

Thus 【20】 Li Shenhou likewise possessed vast cosmic energy within him, and besides, Libra's ability is more supportive; such an attack could not harm him.

"What a feeble attack; your power is utterly useless." Its claws tore the air, it opened its mouth, laughing, with golden fire flickering in the lion's eyes.

Translate: "\"What a feeble attack; your power is utterly useless. \" Its claws tore the air, it opened its mouth and laughed, golden fire flickering in its lion's eye."

Thus 【21】 "What a feeble attack; your power is utterly useless." Its claws tore the air, it opened its mouth and laughed, golden fire flickering in its lion's eye.

Overcome by hatred, the Libra felt a tremendous force surge through its staff; even if it went berserk, as a Libra it could never match a Leo.

Translate: "Libra, blinded by hatred, felt a tremendous force surge through his staff and explode outward; no matter how berserk he became, as a Libra he could never match Leo."

Thus 【22】 Libra, blinded by hatred, felt a tremendous force surge through his staff and explode outward; no matter how berserk he became, as a Libra he could never match Leo.

Its curved claws, glowing with golden arc light, pierced the staff, leaving deep bone‑visible wounds on the Libra's body, with sparks flying.

Translate: "The curved claw, trailing a golden arc, broke through the staff, leaving a deep bone‑visible wound on Libra's body, with sparks flying."

Thus 【23】 The curved claw, trailing a golden arc, broke through the staff, leaving a deep bone‑visible wound on Libra's body, with sparks flying.

The Leo swung its claws, sending the Libra's body flying, then grabbed it and slammed its back against the door facing the street.

Translate: "Leo swung his claw, sending Libra's body flying; with a casual grab, Libra's back slammed into the door facing the street."

Thus 【24】 Leo swung his claw, sending Libra's body flying; with a casual grab, Libra's back slammed into the door facing the street.

The wooden door was completely shattered by the spinning Libra, yet it didn't even injure the Leo.

Translate: "The wooden door was completely smashed by the spinning Libra, and it didn't even injure Leo."

Thus 【25】 The wooden door was completely smashed by the spinning Libra, and it didn't even injure Leo.

The last image seen by the Laplace Eye was the Leo constellation joined together, roaring: 'Ho!'—that was the lion's roar.

Translate: "The last message seen by Laplace's Eye was Leo constellation joining together: \"Roar! \"—that was exactly the lion's roar."

Thus 【26】 The last message seen by Laplace's Eye was Leo constellation joining together: "Roar!"—that was exactly the lion's roar.

Its massive white body shattered the threshold; its pure silhouette flickered in the moonlight like a true beast, exuding a solemn, mighty aura so powerful that even the surroundings fell silent.

Translate: "That white, mighty body stepped over the threshold; its pure silhouette flickered in the moonlight like a true beast, exuding a solemn, murderous aura—its overwhelming pressure even silenced the surroundings."

Thus 【27】 That white, mighty body stepped over the threshold; its pure silhouette flickered in the moonlight like a true beast, exuding a solemn, murderous aura—its overwhelming pressure even silenced the surroundings.

Whether the Libra is a traitor is still uncertain; maybe it is, maybe not. In any case, we should first beat it half‑to‑death and let the higher‑ups decide.

Translate: "Libra still wasn't sure if he was a traitor; maybe he was, maybe not. In the end, we'll let the superior decide, but first we have to beat him half to death."

Thus 【28】 Libra still wasn't sure if he was a traitor; maybe he was, maybe not. In the end, we'll let the superior decide, but first we have to beat him half to death.

This guy often shows up unannounced beside him, especially when he plans to work alone—suddenly someone appears in his home without any greeting.

Translate: "This guy often shows up beside him without warning, especially when he intends to work alone; suddenly someone appears in your home without any greeting."

Thus 【29】 This guy often shows up beside him without warning, especially when he intends to work alone; suddenly someone appears in your home without any greeting.

Those eyes can lock onto your position at any moment, like a surveillance camera constantly watching you; the Libra's behavior has already provoked everyone's anger, so even if he isn't a traitor, this beating is unavoidable.

Translate: "Those eyes constantly lock onto your position, like a surveillance camera always watching you; Libra's behavior has already provoked public outrage, and even if he isn't a traitor, this beating is unavoidable."

Thus 【30】 Those eyes constantly lock onto your position, like a surveillance camera always watching you; Libra's behavior has already provoked public outrage, and even if he isn't a traitor, this beating is unavoidable.

The Leo hooked Suishui Gongping's collar and dragged him indoors like a dead dog; the fine suit fabric scraped the ground with zero‑distance friction, turning the once grass‑stained clothes into utter ruin.

Translate: "Leo hooked Hayami Kohei's collar and dragged him indoors like a dead dog; the fabric of his expensive suit rubbed against the ground with zero‑distance friction, and the clothing originally just stained with fodder was now completely ruined."

Thus 【31】 Leo hooked Hayami Kohei's collar and dragged him indoors like a dead dog; the fabric of his expensive suit rubbed against the ground with zero‑distance friction, and the clothing originally just stained with fodder was now completely ruined.

For someone he despises, the Leo sparing his life is already great mercy; who cares about clothes or not?

Translate: "For someone he despises, Leo sparing his life is already great mercy; he doesn't care about clothes or lack thereof."

Thus 【32】 For someone he despises, Leo sparing his life is already great mercy; he doesn't care about clothes or lack thereof.

"Who's in there! Get out!" the Leo suddenly turned its head, spreading its claws toward the surging shadows at the road's end, and the unconscious Suishui was simply thrown to the ground.

Translate: "\"Who's in there! Get out! \" Leo suddenly turned his head, claws spread toward the surging shadows at the road's end, and the unconscious Hayami was just thrown onto the ground."

Thus 【33】 "Who's in there! Get out!" Leo suddenly turned his head, claws spread toward the surging shadows at the road's end, and the unconscious Hayami was just thrown onto the ground.

The shadows began to wriggle—no! Someone is there, walking toward us.

Translate: "The shadows began to writhe—no! Someone was there, walking toward this place."

Thus 【34】 The shadows began to writhe—no! Someone was there, walking toward this place.

The Leo saw clearly that it was just an ordinary person, likely a tourist drawn here by the noise.

Translate: "Leo saw clearly that it was an ordinary person, likely a tourist drawn here by the noise."

Thus 【35】 Leo saw clearly that it was an ordinary person, likely a tourist drawn here by the noise.

One person was holding food, probably bought on a whim from a shop in Kyoto.

Translate: "One person was holding food, probably bought on a whim from a shop in Kyoto."

Thus 【36】 One person was holding food, probably bought on a whim from a shop in Kyoto.

He was eating while curiously looking this way; the streetlights, damaged by the recent attack, flickered on and off, and under that wavering light the Leo was cracking his knuckles.

Translate: "He was eating while curiously looking this way; the streetlights, damaged by the recent attack, flickered on and off, and under that intermittent glow Leo was cracking his knuckles."

Thus 【37】 He was eating while curiously looking this way; the streetlights, damaged by the recent attack, flickered on and off, and under that intermittent glow Leo was cracking his knuckles.

Even if it's a tourist, we can't let him go; this battle must stay secret, for if he saw a monster and called the police, it would cause trouble—this isn't the Heavenly River.

Translate: "Even if he's a tourist, we can't let him go; the fight must stay secret, for if he saw a monster and called the police, it would be trouble—this isn't Heavenly River."

Thus 【38】 Even if he's a tourist, we can't let him go; the fight must stay secret, for if he saw a monster and called the police, it would be trouble—this isn't Heavenly River.

In the Heavenly River, even if monsters roam the streets and attack students at will, it's no big deal; those who dissent are simply made to disappear or killed outright.

Translate: "In Heavenly River, even if monsters roamed the streets and indiscriminately attacked students, it wouldn't matter; those who disobey would simply be made to disappear or killed outright."

Thus 【39】 In Heavenly River, even if monsters roamed the streets and indiscriminately attacked students, it wouldn't matter; those who disobey would simply be made to disappear or killed outright.

Star disciples can overstep any bounds in the Heavenly River; even if they impulsively set fire to that rundown school building, it's fine.

Translate: "Star Disciples can overstep bounds in Heavenly River however they like; even if they impulsively set fire to that rundown school building, it's fine."

Thus 【40】 Star Disciples can overstep bounds in Heavenly River however they like; even if they impulsively set fire to that rundown school building, it's fine.

The rumors about monsters in the Heavenly River aren't recent; they've persisted for over a decade, yet the police haven't shut down the school—all thanks to the chairman's supernatural abilities and his behind‑the‑scenes influence.

Translate: "The rumors about monsters in Heavenly River aren't recent; they've persisted for over a decade, yet now the police haven't shut down the school—it's all thanks to the chairman's supernatural abilities and his efforts pulling strings behind the scenes."

Thus 【41】 The rumors about monsters in Heavenly River aren't recent; they've persisted for over a decade, yet now the police haven't shut down the school—it's all thanks to the chairman's supernatural abilities and his efforts pulling strings behind the scenes.

But in Kyoto, getting involved with the police plus the void above this place might make someone realize something.

Translate: "But in Kyoto, getting involved with the police plus the void above this place might make someone realize something."

Thus 【42】 But in Kyoto, getting involved with the police plus the void above this place might make someone realize something.

More importantly, as a bodyguard for Wagō Kōmei, Rikujin Hou cannot let the chairman, because of his connection, temporarily choose another resting place or simply return to the Heavenly River; this isn't about using superpowers—it's a matter of pride.

Translate: "More importantly, as the bodyguard of Wo Wang Guangming, Li Shenhou cannot let the chairman, because of his connection, temporarily choose another resting place or simply return to Heavenly River; this isn't a matter of supernatural power, but of face."

Thus 【43】 More importantly, as the bodyguard of Wo Wang Guangming, Li Shenhou cannot let the chairman, because of his connection, temporarily choose another resting place or simply return to Heavenly River; this isn't a matter of supernatural power, but of face.

As the ruler of the Heavenly River, the pinnacle of human evolution, he would flee from Kyoto at the sight of police; even if Wagō Kōmei could accept it for his ideals, Rikujin Hou himself would never allow this to happen.

Translate: "As the ruler of Heavenly River, the pinnacle of human evolution, if the police forced him to flee from Kyoto, even if Wo Wang Guangming could accept it for his ideals, Li Shenhou himself would not allow this to happen."

Thus 【44】 As the ruler of Heavenly River, the pinnacle of human evolution, if the police forced him to flee from Kyoto, even if Wo Wang Guangming could accept it for his ideals, Li Shenhou himself would not allow this to happen.

Therefore, anyone who sees its likeness must learn to keep quiet.

Translate: "Therefore, anyone who sees its likeness must learn to keep quiet."

Thus 【45】 Therefore, anyone who sees its likeness must learn to keep quiet.

The Leo leapt from the ground, its bent claws flashing as it moved at high speed, as if several golden blades had appeared behind it.

Translate: "Leo leapt from the ground, his bent claws flashing as he moved at high speed, as if several golden blades had appeared behind him."

Thus 【46】 Leo leapt from the ground, his bent claws flashing as he moved at high speed, as if several golden blades had appeared behind him.

It lunged through the air like a hunter after an antelope, its momentum suggesting it wanted to devour that person alive as its dinner.

Translate: "It lunged through the air, like a hunter after an antelope, its momentum seeming to want to devour that person alive as its dinner."

Thus 【47】 It lunged through the air, like a hunter after an antelope, its momentum seeming to want to devour that person alive as its dinner.

But as it drew nearer, its claws—capable of slicing steel—were about to pierce the innocent traveler's heart when the person looked up; his eyes, as dark as the surroundings, suddenly blazed like a brilliant sun.

Translate: "But as it drew nearer, the claw that could cleave steel was about to pierce the innocent traveler's heart when the man looked up—his eyes, black as the surroundings, suddenly blazed like a brilliant sun."

Thus 【48】 But as it drew nearer, the claw that could cleave steel was about to pierce the innocent traveler's heart when the man looked up—his eyes, black as the surroundings, suddenly blazed like a brilliant sun.

In the Leo's eyes, the blazing gold filled his entire perception, preventing him from seeing the person's face clearly; all he could make out was the white sleeve drifting in the wind beneath the gold, and the hand reaching out from within the plain white robe.

Translate: "In Leo's eyes, the dazzling gold occupied his entire mind, preventing him from seeing the person's face clearly; he could only see the white sleeve, hidden beneath the gold and drifting in the wind, and the hand reaching out from within the fitted white robe."

Thus 【49】 In Leo's eyes, the dazzling gold occupied his entire mind, preventing him from seeing the person's face clearly; he could only see the white sleeve, hidden beneath the gold and drifting in the wind, and the hand reaching out from within the fitted white robe.

Leo should have easily killed the ordinary person who accidentally saw the monster, and dragged the comatose Libra by the roadside into the room, but when it swung its blade, it felt such an exciting power.

It's him! It's that person who defeated me appearing again! This time, I won't lose again! Leo's power in mid-air surges once more; it can imagine the upcoming scene: this person will, at the moment the attack ends, turn into Leo again, exchange a few moves with Leo, and finally decide the winner—maybe he wins, maybe Leo wins.

But none of that matters; Leo only wants to feel that wild Leo power again—just a little more, and it could unleash the hidden power within, the power of a supernova, which needs a strong opponent.

"Sorry, I'm in a hurry." He spoke slowly, "This time I won't play with you."

Jiang Xia watched as Leo leapt up from mid-air, descending with the force of thunder and Mount Tai, those bright eyes showing no emotion, calmly gazing at it. Clearly looking up from below, yet their positions seemed to have suddenly swapped—the antelope about to be pounced on gazes at Leo in mid-air, as if looking down on a tiny ant.

Click!

The intangible domain expanded rapidly, its surface shimmering with sharp-edged lines; its boundary merely enveloped the Leo in mid-air and then stopped. The Leo enveloped by this power felt nothing unusual.

The curved blade was just a hair's breadth from the white garment, but a miss by a hair's breadth can lead to a thousand-mile error.

Jiang Xia walked straight ahead down the road, and the Leo's body blocking the way simply sprang aside on its own.

Leo's silver-white markings on its body trembled violently; it wanted to cry out, its sharp teeth slightly bared, but it could make no sound.

The air seemed to turn into concrete, pouring directly over its entire body; not only could it not move, its body was emitting cracking sounds, yet it could do nothing now, like a living stone sculpture.

Jiang Xia stepped over the already dilapidated threshold, sat casually on the barstool, tapped the table, and said to the already stunned bartender: "Give me a whiskey."

"All right, sir." The bartender immediately understood Jiang Xia's meaning, made no extra movements, and skillfully took out a glass, put in crystal-clear ice cubes, and poured the whiskey.

Jiang Xia picked up the glass, lightly tasted the icy sensation dancing on his tongue, and praised the bartender: "The taste is good, your skill is excellent."

"Thank you for the praise." The bartender bowed slightly; all he needed to do now was satisfy this customer's request and then wait for the person in charge to appear.

Halfway through his drink, Jiang Xia suddenly remembered something, placed his thumb on the joint of his middle finger, and lightly snapped his fingers, producing a softer sound.

The Leo that had been suspended in midair suddenly felt a pang of panic, but also didn't know what had happened.

Meanwhile, the cracks that had been continually splitting on its body were faintly emitting light, and then a dazzling explosion instantly engulfed the immobile Leo.

With a thunderous roar, sky-shaking flames shot upward, and the all-consuming blast blew the already battered Leo's body into fragments.

The body of Stand God Roar fell from the air, landing beside the already unconscious Hayami Kohei, and both lay flat.

Outside the bar, Jiang Xia had just finished the last sip; the flames spewing from the explosion affected no one, and even the sound of the blast was merely like a firecracker popping once.

His control of power was quite good; amidst the revelry in Kyoto and the crackling of fireworks, it only felt like some special fireworks.

Even the impact merely kicked up a brief gust, blowing the white ribbons scattered outside the bar like willow fluff.

At that moment, the bartender who was wiping glasses also saw Stand God Roar collapsed on the floor; his body trembled slightly, then he turned away, trying not to look at the customer in front of him.

"Another drink, don't be afraid, you're not a monster." Jiang Xia said.

He did understand, because according to Hayami Kohei's memories, this bar actually belonged to Wo Wang Guangming, and this seemingly ordinary bartender also knew a bit about Star Disciples.

So this place is actually the Heavenly River's Kyoto branch, after all it's a place with a void, and Wo Wang Guangming having holdings here is completely normal.

But precisely because he knows, the bartender is afraid.

The obvious big shot sitting before him—even Wo Wang Guangming's direct subordinate Stand God Roar has no ability to resist in front of this person—doesn't that make the situation clear?

What if the customer gets angry, feels dissatisfied, and just blows this place up—what then?

Although he knows about the Constellation Switch, he himself is just an ordinary person; if a fight broke out, he wouldn't survive.

He is just an ordinary person, yet terrified of death; risking his life for a little money is hardly worth it.

"All good." Although the bar was scared to death, the bartender's hand holding the bottle steadier and steadier, soon the transparent glass was filled again with clear whiskey.

"Give me one too, the same as this customer's." At that moment, the door handle at the end of the bar turned; a man in a black suit with a red tie, hair slightly graying, pushed the door open and walked out, saying to the bartender who was pouring:

"Master Wo! All right, I'll have it ready right away!" The bartender, upon seeing this old man, felt as if he had seen a savior, and his tense body relaxed at a visible speed.

"Thank you, help me bring Libra and Leo upstairs; you can leave today, and there will be a bonus later." Wo Wang Guangming took the glass and nodded at the bartender.

Wo Wang Guangming's tone and actions were impeccable, as courteous as a noble.

"Understood, Master Wo." The bartender bowed respectfully, then went out the door and lifted the fallen Stand God Roar and Hayami Kohei.

After the bartender finished his task, the two men's drinks were also about finished.

"What should I call you?" Wo Wang Guangming turned to the young, somewhat excessive face beside him and initiated conversation.

"Call me Jiang Xia."

"I thought we wouldn't meet until the day the Dark Nebula opens; Leo's actions are indeed somewhat rough, but his heart is good." Wo Wang Guangming set down his glass.

"If he weren't human, he would already be dead the moment he chose to fight me; but I also don't need to strike him—he won't last many days, and if defeated once more, he'll die from his body bearing too much cosmic energy." Jiang Xia said, "You're the same—once you fail, your body will collapse."

"Haha, exactly, this is the side effect of human evolution. There's no way; for us ordinary folk, if we want to meet the ruler of the universe we can only choose this method." Wo Wang Guangming laughed, "But I'm also fortunate—I heard the universe's voice and got an opportunity."

"How about it, want to go with me?" Wo Wang Guangming asked.

"Maybe," Jiang Xia said, "looking at your efficiency, your method's side effects are too great, it doesn't meet my requirements; trading life for opportunity carries a similarly high cost." He added, "Everyone will die, including yourself."

"But you won't just watch the opportunity slip away—what do you want?"

"It's simple: your twelve Constellation Switches." Jiang Xia glanced at Wo Wang Guangming with a half-smile, "Once you've gathered them all, I'll come to reap. Of course, I'll first witness your failure, after which the switches will be ownerless."

Jiang Xia spoke those horrifying words with an utterly innocent expression; if anyone else dared say that in front of Wo Wang Guangming, they'd be pierced straight through by Sagittarius' unstoppable arrow.

"I don't think I'll lose; Kamen Rider poses no threat to me, only you." Wo Wang Guangming's eyes instantly turned crimson, "Your power is the obstacle blocking my path to the universe."

"That's true as well; after my student's failure, only I, the teacher, come to clean up the mess." Jiang Xia smiled, "The faster you gather the switches, the greater your chances against me; drag it out a bit and I won't even need to lift a hand."

Libra's memories certainly contain plenty of good things.

Wo Wang Guangming pondered for a long time, sighed: "I thought you would become my companion, but now there's no way; I once truly held hope, but now we must cross swords."

"What's the big deal?" Jiang Xia shook his head and chuckled, "My appearance should have pointed you toward a clear path, so you wouldn't be grasping at empty air facing a hidden enemy. Today's drinks are on you, how about that?"

"Fine, next time we meet we'll be enemies." Wo Wang Guangming clinked glasses with Jiang Xia decisively.

(End of chapter)