Vol. 5 Chapter 15: Alliance

Chapter 15: Alliance

The black mist on the bridge began to spread, as if hiding something unknown within. Surrounding the bridge were riot police, their legs trembling under the oppressive fear field. Despite this, they held their riot shields and guns, warily eyeing the encroaching black mist and retreating continuously.

These police officers' resolve could be considered strong. Under the fear field of Dark River, they had to undergo periodic willpower tests. If they failed, their deepest fears would surface. With time, these tests became increasingly difficult to pass. Eventually, when the black mist condensed into a human face, one officer's spirit finally broke. Failing the test, all his past fears surfaced—from the fear of bleeding and thinking he would die when he fell as a child, to the fear of nearly dying in confrontations with criminals. These memories engulfed him.

"Ah!" The overwhelmed officer fired his gun, the bullets wildly shooting out, injuring more people and spreading further fear. They were only human, and it was already commendable courage for them to stand against such an unknown mythical being.

The black mist enveloped them, the chaotic sounds gradually fading, as if drowned in the mist. The distant onlookers became even more terrified. Being directly killed would have been better; being silently engulfed by the black mist was far more frightening.

"I told you, evacuating the crowd was enough. There was no need to face the black mist directly," Old Hu said while retrieving tools from his car, also stuck on the road. He called the new police chief, his tone no longer friendly. "Tell them to retreat. Staying here serves no purpose and will only result in needless deaths."

"Are they crazy? We told them to just help evacuate the crowd, yet they still charged forward," Bing Bing complained, wrapping herself in another coat as she looked at the pitch-black mist.

"Captain, Xiao Zhang, Zheng Long, and Meng Xi are coming our way. How did they know our location?" Xiao Mi, equipped with some instruments, glanced at them and asked Old Hu, "Should we avoid them or meet them?"

"They probably have some special ability," Old Hu nodded, indicating his understanding. Glancing at the ordinary people retreating, Xin Le Xiang said, "Let's meet them. They haven't committed any crimes, and they seem to have given up on becoming gods. Their goal is likely to join us in seeking revenge against Fu Bin."

"And we do need their help to deal with the Fear King and Fu Bin," Old Hu said, looking at the defiant Bing Bing. "Your ability should only be used at critical moments. It affects you and could disrupt our plans."

"And don't use those gadgets recklessly. Understood?" Old Hu instructed Xiao Mi, who touched the four rings on his left hand and nodded.

Old Hu then turned to see three masked people quickly approaching. He smiled and said, "You're Xiao Zhang? You're Zheng Long? So, you must be Meng Xi. Let me introduce myself, I'm Old Hu, and—"

"I don't care about your name or your department," Xiao Zhang interrupted, his heart sinking. They had information about him and his companions and were trying to assert dominance in the collaboration. Xiao Zhang interrupted to prevent falling into Old Hu's rhythm, which would hand over the initiative.

"I don't know how much you know about the Mask Battle, but you see the situation now. The so-called Fear King is rampaging, and as capable citizens of Yue Country, we're here to help. That's all," Xiao Zhang said.

"And afterwards, help us capture the fugitive Fu Bin?" Old Hu laughed, then became serious. "The situation is urgent. Let's not discuss irrelevant matters."

At that moment, Xiao Mi whispered something to Old Hu, who nodded and continued, "Our Great Yue Dynasty has specific regulations for superhumans. You can learn about that later. For now, we need to deal with the Fear King. According to our latest intel, Fu Bin and his men are heading towards the Fear King. So, regarding our... cooperation, let's agree on three terms."

"First, we eliminate the Fear King. Everything else can be discussed later!" Old Hu said seriously, looking into the eyes of the three opposite him. "We'll deal with your god masks and seven deadly sins after."

"If there's no objection, let's go." Old Hu clutched his stomach, coughed, and led the way towards the black mist-covered bridge. Bing Bing glanced suspiciously at the three, then hurriedly followed. Xiao Mi nodded at them before also following.

"Damn Fu Bin, how much information did he leak, putting us at such a disadvantage, and now he plays the hero?" Xiao Zhang fumed. Despite knowing their superpowers weren't unique, gaining them had fostered a sense of superiority over ordinary people, fueling his anger at Old Hu.

But they had to follow. They understood Old Hu's point—dealing with the Fear King was paramount. If they didn't keep up and Fu Bin and his team defeated the Fear King, Fu Bin's reputation would soar. There were already online supporters of Fu Bin, viewing him as a vigilante. If he triumphed over the Fear King and redeemed himself, eliminating him would become even more challenging.

Realizing this, Xiao Zhang and his companions reluctantly headed towards Wujiang Bridge, bracing for the inevitable battle.