Who left their last words here?

Chapter 46 A New Weapon: [Light and Shadow Harmony] (First Update)
The noise of the crowd and the clinking of glasses faded away like the tide.

The group walked through a deep corridor adorned with various abstract paintings.

Walking to the side and behind, the waiter secretly sized up Bai Zhou.

I wondered if this person was a relative of the restaurant's legendary, elusive owner?

—The man was dressed casually, with the top two buttons of his white shirt undone, and his ill-fitting trousers covered in mud that couldn't be wiped off.

It made one suspect that he had just returned from planting rice seedlings in the fields.

But perhaps, this is what it means to be a truly great person who has returned to simplicity.

The person driving the Maybach might just be the driver...

Wearing baggy shorts and flip-flops, with a bunch of keys jingling around his waist, he might just be a real playboy!

And now, walking on expensive carpets, passing by masterpieces returned from auction—

The mysterious man, however, had an empty gaze and seemed lost in thought, too indifferent to pay any attention.

But he would sometimes reveal a strange smile, his intentions unclear yet his murderous aura palpable.

--broken!
The waiter's heart skipped a beat, wondering if he was holding a grudge.

"..."

Bai Zhou tried to keep smiling in front of them, hoping not to embarrass Ya...

However, because the smile looked too stiff, it inexplicably seemed somewhat murderous.

—Actually, he wasn't thinking about anything; he was just not used to being the center of attention.

...Could this have been within the crow's expectations?
So that's why she didn't come along?

It seems that was the same when he was in the Special Administrative Region.

Although people keep everything about the mysterious world hidden behind the scenes,

Yet they always feel incredibly superior and enjoy the feeling of being the center of attention.

Bai Zhou is different.

For now, he still prefers the feeling of making money quietly.

The hamster is doing well; it lives longer and eats more.

Since ancient times, the wisdom and philosophy of rats have been continuously applied by people.

"clatter……"

Finally, the manager led Bai Zhou to a dark wooden door that blended seamlessly into the wall.

The door is decorated with an ornate and intricate pattern, a star entwined with thorns, and the words "L'toile Voilée" written above it.

—meaning hidden star.

Or perhaps, stars veiled by a veil.

The manager carefully took out a brass key, turned the lock, and pushed open the wooden door.

"Welcome, our forever valued guest!"

As the wooden door slowly opened, the silver-gray private room came into view.

The aroma of incense mingled with the scent of ancient wood, filling the air. One wall featured a huge one-way floor-to-ceiling window.
On the other wall, a huge painting hangs—

A black raven is painted with wild and romantic brushstrokes.

Bai Zhou looked at the crow in the painting.
A sudden feeling stirred within me.

So, today he actually walked through the city where Crow lived and visited the restaurant Crow frequented.
Sitting in the private room seat that used to be hers alone...

Did you experience the life of a crow for a while?
What does she like to eat? What does she think about and do when she's sitting in the private room?
What role did she play in this city? Was she famous?

...The mysterious crow rarely speaks of its past.

—But this time, it's just the tip of the iceberg regarding crows.
It seems like I'm getting closer to myself than ever before.

"The owner of this painting, or rather, the true owner of this private room."

Bai Zhou looked at the manager and tentatively asked:

What is your impression of her?

"Huh? She..."

He opened his mouth, but suddenly stopped.

The manager's eyes showed a hint of confusion, but it quickly disappeared.

In the end, he just looked at Bai Zhou with deep confusion:
"The owner of this private room..."

"Isn't it you?"

"Although this is our first meeting, I have long admired you."

As he spoke, he was filled with emotion.

"I could hardly believe my ears before you gave me the code."

"This private room is finally welcoming its true owner for the first time."

"...?"

Bai Zhou looked at the manager with a focused expression. "You're... new here?"

"what?"

The manager's face flushed slightly, suspecting that Bai Zhou was questioning his professionalism.

"I took over as manager of this store fifteen years ago... What makes you say that?"

"No, it's nothing."

Bai Zhou waved his hand and quickly apologized.

But a sense of awe settled in his heart.

--This is impossible!
Crow couldn't have never been here before; when she mentioned the restaurant, she even expertly recommended some dishes.

That wild raven painting is the best proof.

Bai Zhou could even picture her in a spacious private room, with her back to the huge crow portrait, elegantly and expressionlessly savoring the "Handmade Cherry Blossom Low-Sugar Snow Mochi".

As for why it's called "Handmade Cherry Blossom Low-Sugar Snow Mochi"...

Of course, this is because it's the most fancy and high-class food that Bai Zhou currently knows of.

but……

The manager seemed to have no recollection of crows, as if he had never seen them before.

Or perhaps the crow never existed at all...

He is exactly like the major in the Special Administration.

I thought I had gotten close to the tip of the iceberg of the truth, but when I got closer, I found that it was actually a much thicker fog.

A cloud of doubt hung over Bai Zhou, but he suppressed it in his heart for the time being.

"Our restaurant is renowned in Tinghai for its signature French cuisine from the Western Federation, incorporating creative innovations from our contemporary chef..."

Listening to the waiter's incessant introduction and looking at the menu which was entirely in French, Bai Zhou nodded expressionlessly.

Well, I don’t understand it at all.

But he understood one thing:
That is, the chef has superb skills, is good at cooking all kinds of ingredients, and has the ability to turn the rotten into the magical.

According to Bai Zhou, it means... anything is acceptable!
Even shoe insoles taste good!

Then, "snap!"—

Bai Zhou closed the menu and began ordering:
"Then..."

"Let's start with a bowl of spicy soup."

When you're feeling stressed and tired, a bowl of spicy soup is just the thing.

Things I used to hate and resist, I suddenly miss now.

"……what?"

The waiter paused as he wrote down the menu, thinking he had misheard.

"Can't you?"

"Okay, that's great!"

The waiters all shook their heads.

They all felt a sense of awe and respect for the mysterious man before them.

Sitting in the most mysterious private room in the entire Tinghai restaurant, using priceless silver cutlery, and having a renowned French chef of immeasurable value personally cook for you...

Just for a bowl of spicy soup?

Great figures are indeed unfathomable!
"Aren't these people leaving yet...?"

Bai Zhou remained expressionless, somewhat troubled.

The waiters' attentive and thoughtful service, serving tea and water at any time, was actually a burden for Bai Zhou.

With them watching...

How can Bai Zhou retrieve the "pocket money" hidden in the private room?
Fortunately-

Before Bai Zhou could dwell on his troubles for long, a commotion and gasps suddenly erupted from the crowd outside…

It vaguely carries the sensitive word "fire".

"—A guest is on fire!"

From managers to waiters,
Everyone's expression suddenly changed.

There's a fire outside, why didn't the alarm go off?

No, it's not a fire outside?
—What do you mean by "the guest is on fire"?!
"Crash..."

The waiters all went out to help.

"call."

Bai Zhou was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Although I don't know what happened.

But they were out of trouble!

Close the door immediately and check the surroundings.

Bai Zhou carefully lifted the tablecloth and looked at the dark oak floor beneath his feet.

"There is an inconspicuous, tiny scratch at the seam of the floor under the table leg, which looks like it was made by a chair leg."

Recalling the crow's words, Bai Zhou began searching everywhere.
Quietly.

“Aim at the scratch and tap it three times.”

"Move half a finger's distance to the left, find another scratch, and press it firmly."

Bai Zhou, half-squatting on the ground, carefully and meticulously followed the instructions.

At the same time, he kept a close eye on what was happening outside.

"Click——"

With a mechanical whistle, the floor tile at the scratch suddenly bounced upwards.

A box protruded from the floor tiles.

coming!

"Thump, thump..." Bai Zhou's heart beat faster.

With a "click"—

The box opens.

Items buried here for who knows how long have finally seen the light of day again.

There are a total of six pieces of equipment.

...a folded black trench coat.

It looks like the same style as the crow.

Its function is to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, and it is easy to keep clean without washing. When necessary, it can be transformed into a paraglider by activating the built-in mechanism.

...a rather flashy-looking electronic watch.

Precise timing, with an internal ceremony, automatically changing time zones within the Reflection Ruins.

...a simple silver necklace and a pair of gold-rimmed black glasses.

When used together, they reduce their presence and can appear as an inconspicuous passerby in electronic surveillance.

...and a black folding umbrella, straight as a short knife.

It has internal mechanisms and can be used in both sunny and rainy weather.

Each of the five items has its own ingenious use, making them the perfect tools for a murder and escape at night.

But it's not over yet.

"..."

Bai Zhou's heart skipped a beat.

His gaze was drawn to the last item.

A pistol.

It is a large revolver, but its lines are as smooth as a golden sculpture. The gun body is made of special black stone, which seems to absorb light and presents a black that is deeper than the shadows.

The handle is covered with a warm, white material, like fossilized ivory.

Against this white background, the black and white piano keys are strangely carved.

The interplay of black and white, light and shadow, creates a subtle harmony.

...Strangely, it had no hammer and no way to open the magazine.

—Because it is an extraordinary weapon.

【Harmony of Light and Shadow】!
"'The Arbiter-300' is alright, but unfortunately you're not a sharpshooter and there's no ammo supply."

Before leaving, Crow and White Boat introduced the equipment included in their "pocket money":
"The standard iron blocks from the assembly line won't help you... You need some special items that aren't on the records."

"—【Light and Shadow Harmony】, an extraordinary weapon that chooses its master."

“Every time the ‘key’ is played, it is a mastery of the balance of light and shadow.”

"But be careful, it will constantly drain your willpower to replenish its ammunition..."

"Only those with unwavering will can compose a masterpiece!"

"..."

As Bai Zhou reached out and touched the warm, smooth grip of the revolver, he vaguely sensed a living, breathing rhythm.

The instant his fingertips touched the "piano keys"—

"Ding dong!"

A burning sensation came over him, and Bai Zhou vaguely "heard" the deep and melodious echo of a piano in his ears.

The lingering sound resonated around the beam.

...until the distinctive smell of the firearm itself faintly reached my nose,
Bai Zhou only then came to his senses.

then……

He glanced down at himself, then his gaze swept over the six pieces of equipment in the box, and he let out a soft breath.

"...Where is the restroom?"

What are you waiting for?

—Now, it's time to change clothes.

……

"Wow—"

Carrying his suitcase, Bai Zhou had just stepped out of the private room when he heard the commotion of the crowd outside.

In the center of the crowd was a girl who looked about the same age as Bai Zhou, or even a little smaller.

Objectively speaking, she is definitely a delicate and lovely young woman, but her clothing and appearance are inexplicably out of sync with her temperament.

Specifically, it's like a schoolgirl stealing her mother's evening gown to wear.

She's clearly young and beautiful, yet she pretends to be mature... that's probably the feeling.

Moreover, she seemed to be all alone, surrounded only by waiters, which looked rather strange and pitiful.

But none of that matters.

Importantly, the diners watched her and whispered among themselves.

Anxious waiters surrounded her!
—Because this girl was exhaling air from her mouth while her breath was coming out in flames!

Real flames!
Not only that, even parts of her hair were on fire!

—Just like a little fire dragon breathing.

Smoke and flames filled the air, and screams of alarm rang out.

"What a fiery woman!"

The passing white boat was also dumbfounded.

Was it she who successfully extricated herself from the predicament and attracted the other person away?
Bai Zhou was very puzzled...

Does this mean that extraordinary individuals can now openly perform their special abilities in front of others?
However, upon closer inspection, the girl does not seem to be an extraordinary person.

It looks more like ignited alcohol or something...

So does the so-called "creative French cuisine" here also include "eating fire"?

Ordering spicy soup is still the better choice.

While feeling fortunate, Bai Zhou also felt a deep respect for this girl who dared to "eat fire".

But he had no intention of meddling in other people's business, nor did he have any intention of finding out the truth.

—We can't waste the time that the "super-hot girl" bought for him!
Carrying the suitcase, Bai Zhou hurriedly went to the restroom.

Unfortunately, such a high-end restaurant didn't have a restroom in its private rooms.

Perhaps it was because it was established too early, or perhaps it was because the special private rooms were reserved only for Bai Zhou.

Fortunately, the lobby restrooms are now completely empty.

That's why it's called a high-end restaurant.
Even the restrooms had a refreshing aroma of floral and fruity black tea.

After finding a spot and closing the door, Bai Zhou began changing his clothes.

Rustling.

Soon, Bai Zhou, an A-level wanted criminal dressed in a suit and uniform from the Special Administration Bureau, disappeared.

—The White Boat trench coat, the same style as the Raven trench coat, makes its debut.

He probably isn't suited to heavy formal wear like a suit; when he puts on a trench coat, he looks like a completely different person.

At least, Bai Zhou felt much more relaxed.

"..."

Finally, Bai Zhou put a watch on his wrist and a revolver on his waist.

Then, facing the narrow, enclosed door of the toilet, he slowly put on his gold-rimmed black glasses.

—Now, even if a major were to pass by in person,

They might not even recognize him as their number one wanted criminal at first glance!

He picked up the black umbrella, eager to go to the mirror and see how he looked.

He opened the small door to the toilet.

--Then,
He then decisively turned it off with a "snap".

"?"

Cold sweat inexplicably broke out on his forehead; he felt as if he saw some terrifying presence standing outside the door.

But then he pondered for a while in the toilet and glanced at the toilet stall under his feet for no apparent reason.

its not right?
So, Bai Zhou opened the door again.

"..."

The "Little Fire Dragon" with its singed hair, dressed in an awkward evening gown, squatted down by the door, tears streaming down its face.

She pouted and raised her hand to draw circles on the tiles in front of her, as if cursing someone, looking utterly aggrieved.

Only in the toilet can I secretly cry...

The girl always thought so.

Just then, a gust of wind blew in, and the neon lights from the neighboring street shone in.

The hem of a trench coat fluttered in the wind as it appeared before her.

The girl looked up in surprise.

A handsome young man in a black trench coat and an expensive watch stood expressionlessly in front of her, wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

Like an assassin.

His trench coat was imposing, his expression was cold, and he stood there with a dashing air, more enigmatic than the passing wind.

Yet his demeanor somehow made him inexplicably approachable, as the sunlight streamed down upon him—

Like a little sun.

warm.

...The girl blinked as she looked at the white boat.

She suddenly felt that her feelings of grievance and sadness had inexplicably improved a lot.

When you cry out for help, will anyone come to your rescue?
She stopped having such a dream, the "super-fiery fire dragon girl," when she was ten years old.

—But this mysterious man in black, who descended from the sky with a blank expression,

When did it come?

It must have been... a dream too, right?
She had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

...But she couldn't figure it out no matter what she did, and kept blinking.

"that……"

Bai Zhou remained silent for a long while, then the necklace around her neck swayed twice.

This trench coat-clad man, who appeared out of nowhere and mysteriously in the young girl's eyes,
She turned her face away, lowered her eyes, and softly reminded him:

"—This is the men's restroom."

(End of this chapter)