Starting from the Collapse World, I became the behind-the-scenes boss

Only a minority of people are able to overcome their fears and bravely fight against them.

"Does it still hurt?"

Looking at the blood-stained patch on the boy's gloves, Raven felt a pang of guilt.

In a sense, they were both kindred spirits, burdened with similar fates and pasts.

"what?"

Shihen was somewhat taken aback by the sudden concern shown to him by the raven.

Is this guy lusting after me?

Shihen immediately became alert.

Noticing the wariness in the boy's eyes, Raven shook his head and smiled wryly, offering no explanation.

For people like them who walk in the shadows, sudden kindness is harder to believe than inexplicable hostility.

But it doesn't matter, she's always been very patient, especially with her prey.

Chapter Two: In the Night

“Natasha, Natasha Ciola. That’s my name.”

With a gentle smile, Raven readily revealed his real name.

Looking at the female bartender in front of him, the young man frowned, clearly hesitant, but after a few seconds he still chose to speak: "Shihen".

Although he didn't know why the other person's favorability had suddenly increased, he at least understood the principle of reciprocity.

"A newcomer..."

After carefully examining the boy, Raven was certain that she had never heard his name before.

Of course, a name doesn't tell you much; after all, who doesn't use alternate accounts these days?

She herself has dozens of code names, and "Raven" is just one of the most frequently used ones.

Most importantly, the raven could not find any human figures in its memory that matched the characteristics of the time traces.

Moreover, the boy's eyes were very pure, indicating that he hadn't been in the shadows for long and hadn't yet grown into a seasoned veteran like her.

"It's just that the world hasn't had a chance to sing my name yet," Shihen said nonchalantly, without a trace of shame on his face. "Things like being number one on Charon's list will be mine sooner or later. I'm just temporarily giving it to Senior Xiora."

Raven raised an eyebrow: "Is that so..."

Charon's Register is a list that documents notorious assassins in the underworld.

Although the rankings are affected by the number of tasks completed and the success rate, those on the list are generally not weak, and the name "Raven" has been at the top for five years.

Of course, this list is actually meaningless, because the truly powerful individuals who are skilled at controlling Honkai energy are not on it.

The truly capable people have already gone ashore; who would be so foolish as to become an assassin?

Even though she topped Charon's list under the name "Raven," the strength represented by that name was far from Raven's true limit.

The so-called Charon List is essentially just a bunch of ignorant people indulging in self-deception.

However, in another sense, the Charon List is still very useful.

With the added popularity of Charon's List, Raven usually receives excellent commissions, which is why she occupies five spots in the top ten list, making money five times faster than others.

"of course."

Faced with Raven's flippant questioning, Shihen remained resolute.

Raven waved his hand: "Do whatever you want with this, just don't delay me from making money."

Judging from the boy's strength, the title "Raven" might not be able to hold onto Charon's top spot on the list.

But it's alright, at worst she can just move the positions of her other smaller accounts forward, and the money won't come out much slower.

“And…” Raven said slowly, his eyes narrowing, “Just call me Natasha, I’m not that old yet.”

Although she has a high status and seniority in the underworld, she is still young.

"..."

Shihen glanced up and down at the raven and then fell silent.

Although... Raven is at least half a cycle older than him.

It's fortunate that Shihen didn't get involved in the underworld early on, otherwise he could proudly say that he grew up listening to the legend of the raven.

"Hey, are you thinking about how you're going to die?!"

The raven immediately bared its teeth.

"Sister Natasha!"

Shihen immediately spoke.

Let me state upfront that he is by no means admitting defeat.

He simply hit it off with Raven at first sight and wanted to recognize her as his older sister; it had absolutely nothing to do with being afraid.

Nodding in satisfaction to the boy, Raven tossed the pistol, which had already been released from its safety, back into the cabinet.

"Getting back to the point, what brings you here to my sister's place?"

In a good mood, Raven went straight to the point and started talking about the tunnel.

Since the young man came here as a visitor from the underworld, he certainly didn't come just to ask for a drink; he must have other motives.

His fingertips gently traced the surface of the wine glass. After hesitating for a few seconds, Shihen slowly spoke: "...Sister Natasha, do you know who Gray Serpent is?"

Raven's expression changed slightly.

“It seems that Sister Natasha already knows.” Shihen revealed a knowing smile and continued, “About a month ago, I met an information merchant who told me that as long as I come here, I can find the truth of the world.”

Shihen thought for a moment and then took out a palm-sized card from his pocket.

"snake……"

Raven's pupils constricted when he saw the card the boy handed him.

On the metallic black card, a silver-gray ouroboros was clearly printed.

“Sister really does know where this card came from.” Noticing Raven’s reaction, Shihen’s smile deepened. “I searched many places before, but I couldn’t find any trace of this card.”

Although everything related to the underworld is inherently secretive, and ordinary people would rarely encounter it in their lifetime without specifically seeking it out, the World Serpent organization is exceptionally well hidden.

Shihen strongly suspects that Gray Snake suffers from persecution complex.

"Did Gray Serpent send you to find me?"

Staring intently into the boy's dark eyes, Raven's voice involuntarily took on a hint of oppression.

The fact that the boy came here of his own volition, and that he came at the instruction of the gray snake, were two completely different things to her.

"He only provided the coordinates for the Raven's Nest bar."

Shihen shook his head slightly.

Biting her lower lip with her pearly teeth, Raven suddenly remembered something.

Gray Serpent had mentioned to her a month ago that a new member would be joining the organization soon, and asked her to keep an eye out for him.

To the raven, this was undoubtedly an extremely unusual thing.

She didn't need to worry about the recruitment of ordinary members, and the onboarding assessment of important members was always handled by Gray Serpent. It shouldn't be her responsibility to do such things.

But as a diligent worker, Raven accepted the task without much thought.

Although in reality she didn't have much power to refuse.

After receiving the mission, Raven waited and waited, but he never found anyone qualified to join the organization, and gradually he forgot about it.

Now, looking at the warm and gentle young man before her, Raven knew in her heart that he was undoubtedly the newcomer Gray Serpent had mentioned.

Moreover, in terms of strength, Shihen also meets the requirements of the World Serpent.

Now, a very obvious question is facing Raven: should Time Mark be brought into the World Serpent family?

The fact that the boy was chosen by Gray Serpent speaks volumes about his potential; he is destined to become a high-ranking member of the organization.

But the World Snake is never a good place!

Rooted in the shadows of the world, World Serpent is a truly evil organization, the kind that, once exposed, will be nailed to the pillar of history and remain infamous for eternity.

Even though Raven had been in the organization for a full twelve years, she never felt much of a sense of belonging to the World Serpent. She stayed in the organization simply because she was used to the place.

Others would rather avoid him than he could, yet Shihen actually wanted to jump in on his own?

If anyone else wanted to join World Serpent, Raven wouldn't hesitate for a second, since there's a hefty bonus for recruiting, especially for high-level talents like Shihen who could become an organization leader.

But... looking into the boy's clear, bright eyes, Raven couldn't bring himself to invite him to join the World Serpent Organization.

Why do you want to know the truth about the world?

Taking a deep breath, Raven asked in a calm voice.

"Why?" Shihen tilted his head, looking somewhat puzzled. "If I had to say, it's because the truth of the world is right there."

Although the world under the sun is indeed beautiful, once we have glimpsed a corner of its true nature, who can extricate themselves and convince themselves to live under that false peace?

Whether it's fear or curiosity, those who have witnessed the breathtaking scenery of the abyss will inevitably be drawn to that darkness.

Coincidentally, Shihen also possesses the ability to find the truth.

"But sometimes, ignorance is not a bad thing."

The raven shook its head.

When people know nothing about the world, they can still live in what they believe to be hope.

But once the truth of what is called Honkai is realized, all that remains in this world is despair.

"Perhaps," Shihen said noncommittally, "but I still want to know the truth."

Burying your head in the sand might offer some reassurance, but those monsters won't let you go just because you're weak, will they?

Even though the world seems prosperous at the moment, Shihen knows very well what's going on.

In just a few years, a catastrophe known as Honkai will sweep across every corner of the world, turning it into a complete hell.

"But……"

Seeing the boy's stubborn gaze, Raven wanted to say something more, but a hoarse, deep voice suddenly interrupted:

"It seems I arrived at a bad time."

No, you came just in time.

Turning his gaze to the masked man appearing on the projection screen to the side, Shihen couldn't help but admire him, and a sunny and friendly smile appeared on his face: "It's been a long time, Mr. Gray Snake."

"Long time no see, Mr. Shihen. It's a pleasure to see you here." The gray snake on the screen replied politely. "It seems that compared to other places, we [snakes] are more appealing to you."

As he spoke, the gray snake's gaze toward the boy grew increasingly satisfied.

From the moment he noticed Shihen, he had been keeping a close eye on the boy's every move.

He watched as the boy fought and struggled alone in that chaotic and dark world, gradually approaching the truth about the Collapse that had been hidden by a coalition of various forces.

Ultimately, just as the other party was about to uncover the truth, Gray Serpent preemptively contacted Shihen before the other organizations, extending an invitation to him as the "Serpent."

Even after obtaining the clue about the snake, the boy did not become impulsive. Instead, he remained cautious and meticulous, spending a month carefully verifying the information before finally choosing to enter the Raven's Nest Bar.

With formidable strength and a prudent mindset, such a person is clearly destined to be associated with the snake.

The Gray Serpents have made their decision: their world serpents need talents like Shihen!

"As long as [the snake] can give me the truth I want."

Despite the gray snake's eagerness, Shihen remained remarkably calm.

"Believe me, Mr. Shihen, the truth that [Snake] gives you will definitely satisfy you." Looking at the boy on the other side of the screen, Gray Snake chuckled in a low voice, "Moreover, as long as Mr. Shihen is willing to join us, [Snake] can even grant you any wish."

"Is it possible to bring the dead back to life?"

Shihen raised an eyebrow.

Gray Snake: "..."

What's wrong with young people these days? Can't they make some more realistic demands?