The Divine and Demonic Embodiment Walking Among Us

"What are you doing? This is a banquet, not an arena. Gao Bo, cease this at once!" 

As the three of us were embroiled in a fierce clash, Fei Sihir returned from discussions with the higher-ups of the mercenary corps, only to find the chaotic scene before her. With a commanding voice, she intervened to halt the escalating conflict.

Though the Wolf King was reluctant to relent, I could not protect him this time. I allowed him and Gao Bo to be swept away by the whirlwind Fei Sihir conjured, which sent them crashing out of the hall. The foresight granted by my role as a Timekeeper allowed me to withdraw in advance, sparing me from the tempest's wrath. Hearing their anguished cries, reminiscent of Jack's, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as they evidently collided with the same wall.

Noticing my evasion of her whirlwind, Fei Sihir cast a lingering glance in my direction, though she likely attributed my luck to mere chance, unaware of my peculiar abilities. This third vice-captain of the mercenary corps exuded an air of authority, and without dwelling on the earlier chaos, she pressed her hands down to restore order in the banquet hall. She announced with a resounding voice, "Today, our Demon-Slaying Mercenary Corps welcomes seven new companions: Jin Pingnan and Wen Chihu!"

Two formidable-looking men stepped forward as Fei Sihir introduced them. The exquisite beauty then glanced at me and continued, "Wang Lin, the Wolf King, Baijing Zhenfu, Jack, and Guan Ling!"

I casually raised my hand in acknowledgment, casting different glances at Baijing Zhenfu and Jack as they entered the hall. 

We were all seasoned warriors, accustomed to the trials of battle, and thus did not display much excitement. Only Guan Ling, the spirited girl, leaped up in joy, letting out a loud squeal. Fei Sihir offered her a reassuring smile before proceeding, "This is the first time in our corps' history that we are recruiting so many male members. Therefore, we will temporarily adjust the personnel arrangements."

"Meishu! You will be responsible for this new combat team. Gu Ya Li, assist Meishu with logistics and training. Gao Bo, you will lead them."

In the recently returned hall, a dashing man, disheveled and appearing quite wasteful, protested against this appointment more vehemently than the Wolf King and I combined. "I refuse to lead a bunch of impulsive fools on an expedition! They don't even know what an interdimensional mercenary is; how can I guide them?"

Before Fei Sihir could respond to Gao Bo's objections, the repugnant Yu Lian interjected loudly, "Vice-Captain, since Gao Bo is unwilling, allow me to take the lead! I would gladly train these novices."

Damn it! Is he still not disheartened? This insufferable man's gaze kept drifting toward Guan Ling. I was not the type to exhibit restraint in the face of such provocations, and I erupted in anger.

Fei Sihir furrowed her brow, silencing all dissent as she declared, "Gao Bo's leadership is an order from the corps that cannot be contested. Yu Lian, you have led two rookie teams, and all three of your missions ended in failure. I will not appoint you as a leader again."

Indeed, this ugly man was no good! Yet, he sought to eliminate me, which would prove quite challenging. Not out of arrogance, but as a Timekeeper, my foresight was infallible; attempting to scheme against me was futile.

Casting a malevolent glance at Yu Lian, I thought, "If you were to become the leader, I would undoubtedly find a way to turn you into a skeleton soldier."

Though Gao Bo was filled with reluctance, he understood that Fei Sihir's orders were not to be disobeyed. He shot me and the Wolf King a venomous glare before turning back to mingle with the French woman.

With Gao Bo's sweet talk, the French woman seemed to forget our midnight rendezvous, charmed by this dandy, and they engaged in flirtations, oblivious to their surroundings. 

I muttered to myself, "Indeed, she is fickle and promiscuous." However, the French are renowned for their romantic inclinations, often clashing with the traditional values of a five-thousand-year-old culture, so it was not entirely surprising. 

Moreover, I held no affection for that French woman, and my internal grievances quickly dissipated. After Fei Sihir made her announcement, she encouraged everyone to revel in the festivities, while she herself exited the banquet.

As the host, her departure prompted many who had already set their sights on potential partners to leave in pairs. Among them, two couples were undoubtedly heading off to indulge in their own pleasures, while a trio of men left together, leaving me puzzled as to why they appeared so lascivious.

In our group of ten, few found each other agreeable. Baijing Zhenfu harbored even greater disdain for Jack than the Wolf King did, as his aspirations had been usurped by Jack. Though his resentment was palpable, he exhibited far more self-restraint than the Wolf King, merely coldly stating, "Wait for me in the restroom later," before dropping the subject. Meanwhile, the loathsome Yu Lian lingered, wearing a nauseating grin as he attempted to converse with Guan Ling. Meishu and Gu Ya Li were hardly polite in their demeanor toward him, clearly aware of his dreadful reputation. I was tempted to unleash the Necromancer's Yellow Dragon Cannon upon him, but Guan Ling clung tightly to me, making it inconvenient to act.

Hmph! I shall allow you to live a moment longer; when the time is right, I will deal with you.

Meishu, too, was at a loss, suggesting we retreat to the private club within the venue. 

Annoyingly, Yu Lian insisted on following us, ignoring Gu Ya Li's barbs as if they fell on deaf ears. Just as we left the banquet, I could no longer contain the murderous intent brewing within me. I was about to shake off Guan Ling and topple this detestable scoundrel when the silver symbols on my hands suddenly pricked painfully, causing me to flinch. Yu Lian's grotesque visage twisted before my eyes, morphing into a refined gentleman, ten times more suave than Gao Bo, exuding an air of nobility.

Mostima! 

This name, impossible to articulate, rolled on my tongue as I struggled to suppress my impulse, ultimately swallowing the syllables. Beneath Yu Lian's facade lay Mostima, a being I deeply feared.