Vol. 4 Chapter 10: Gathering

Chapter 10: Gathering

Zheng Long led Shao Zhang to a hidden hideout just outside Leping City, a secluded cave they used to gather as a group of delinquents. The cave had two tattered sofas, some basic living supplies, and even a spring water bathroom.

After taking turns cleaning themselves up, they slumped down on the sofas. Zheng Long frowned, stuck his finger in his mouth, and coughed up a large blob of black blood. Meanwhile, the cracks on Shao Zhang's skin were slowly healing, thanks to the shadow magic.

"That guy has another mask," Shao Zhang suddenly said, catching Zheng Long's attention. "After this incident, he'll likely recruit help too. If we want to kill him, we need more allies. I know where to find another mask."

"He's unnaturally strong. His mask is different from ours. I suspect he knows things we don't. We need to figure that out," Zheng Long, though a delinquent, wasn't dumb under the influence of the mask.

"I've already got some leads," Shao Zhang pulled a note from his pocket and handed it to Zheng Long. His flames of anger inherited the fire ability from the flame species, damaging living beings but sparing inanimate objects.

"Our masks came to us mysteriously, right? Around the same time," Shao Zhang said confidently. "And today, among the items I received was this note."

"Our battle's location? Someone's secretly aiding... no, provoking us. They want us to be at odds!" Zheng Long quickly understood. "That person might be monitoring all mask bearers."

"Come out, we've already guessed your presence," Shao Zhang called out. A shadow assassin, unmasked, emerged from the cave's darkness, only to be greeted by a ball of black flame.

The shadow assassin dodged the flame, grinning mischievously. As more hosts activated their masks, the shadow assassins' intelligence had significantly increased, each developing unique personalities.

"Is this how you greet your guide?" the shadow assassin teased, ignoring Zheng Long's scowl and sitting on the sofa. "Are you mad I didn't save your little lover? Sorry, I was occupied."

"There are seven divine masks, representing the seven deadly sins. Shao Zhang, you embody wrath. Zheng Long, you embody pride. As for me, I have nothing," the shadow assassin feigned sadness but continued seriously, "We shadows are the masks' keepers, releasing them to chosen individuals periodically."

"But this time, a mistake occurred. One of our kind was recognized by a shadow mask," the shadow assassin explained. "He took all the divine masks, prematurely initiating the mask battle."

"The mask battle is a ritual. The winner, who collects all the masks, can evolve beyond human, becoming what you'd call a god," the shadow assassin shared the backstory Lu Li had prepared. "One mask, the black one, carries a special ability as it nearly succeeded in the last mask battle."

"And this shadow chose to aid that person. To correct this mistake, I was sent to help you," the shadow assassin added, then lamented, "I wish I had a mask too, to become the new world's Kami-sama!" [TL: basically God]

"Enough. If collecting all the masks can make one a god, why do you release them? And where are the previous gods?" Shao Zhang demanded, staring down the shadow assassin.

"Fine, fine. You're hard to deceive. Don't look at me like that," the shadow assassin relented. "The ritual never succeeded. The closest was the last time."

"The mask battle must follow strict procedures and has a high failure rate," the shadow assassin continued. "The mask bearers must be powerful enough to gather sufficient 'nourishment' for the final transformation. You're not ready yet."

"That's why my kin let the Sloth mask user kill you. To cultivate stronger hosts," the shadow assassin explained. "We tried isolating hosts last time, but they couldn't awaken their abilities despite intense emotional distress. That's not how gods are made."

"So that bastard has three masks now?" Shao Zhang concluded, turning to Zheng Long. "Our shared goal is to kill him. Let's find the other mask bearers to help us."

Zheng Long agreed, glaring at the shadow assassin. "You're our guide. We need more information on developing our mask abilities."

Meanwhile, Fu Bin entered a psychological counseling office, remembering the shadow assassin's words. The seven deadly sins were almost complete, but the Sloth mask needed a new host. Determined to become the world's righteous god, Fu Bin needed all seven masks for the ritual to succeed.

As he pushed open the office door, he heard moans. Inside, a woman dressed in tiger-print leather, wielding a whip and candles, was beating a naked, masked fat man. Fu Bin's target was this dominant woman.

Days passed. Lu Li, having reviewed mask bearer information, watched his three subordinates gather before him. Lilith's body transformation was complete. With a wave, Lu Li recalled them into their respective masks. The next mission awaited.