**This is a natural question.**
As a human, Fang Li's performance was exceptionally outstanding, far beyond what could be explained by the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) alone.
However, Fang Li didn't feel the need to explain.
"If I remember correctly, the mission of Flame Haze is to maintain the balance of the world, subduing the rampant 'Denizens.' Therefore, the act of subduing is just a means to an end," Fang Li diverted the topic, saying, "As for who I am and why I possess power, that seems to have nothing to do with the balance of the world, right?"
The implication was clear; Fang Li was telling Shana and Alastor that this question didn't fall within the Flame Haze's jurisdiction.
"Or do you think my power has distorted the world?" Fang Li said with a faint smile. "If that's the case, then I'll honestly explain it to you."
Upon hearing this, Alastor fell silent.
On the other hand, Shana, after a slight pout, surprisingly agreed with Fang Li's statement.
"You're right. Why you possess power has nothing to do with the Flame Haze's mission, and we have no reason to inquire about it."
"Let's get back to the topic of the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child). How did you obtain that Treasure Tool?" Shana asked straightforwardly.
Generally, Treasure Tools are created by Crimson World Denizens. This kind of power is either controlled by Crimson World Denizens or Flame Hazes. For a human to possess a Treasure Tool is a rare occurrence.
"If you were a Mystes, it wouldn't be surprising," Alastor said. "However, you're just a human, so it's a bit strange."
The term Mystes refers to a type of Torch. This is a Torch that houses a Treasure Tool within its body or is used by a Crimson World Crimson Lord to store special power. This type of Torch, just like any other Torch, burns out with the consumption of Power of Existence, acting as a mobile treasury.
So, if Fang Li were a Torch, then possessing a Treasure Tool wouldn't be strange. However, Fang Li being just a human made it perplexing.
"But that's not the point," Fang Li sighed. "Regardless of how I obtained the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child), it has nothing to do with you, right?"
With these words, the room suddenly fell silent.
Alastor had completely stopped speaking, and it wasn't clear whether he was expressing dissatisfaction with Fang Li or harboring other thoughts.
Shana, on the other hand, stared intensely at Fang Li, meeting his gaze directly.
The silent atmosphere gradually became overly heavy.
Fang Li and Shana locked eyes, seemingly attempting to discern something from each other's gaze. The collision of their gazes didn't spark any flames but made the surrounding atmosphere increasingly weighty.
After a while, Shana spoke.
Not to Fang Li but to her own contractor.
"Alastor, what do you think?"
Alastor didn't answer immediately; it seemed like he was also contemplating something.
After a while, Alastor said, "Our mission is to subdue 'Denizens' that cause distortions in the world. Since someone has already taken up this mission, we don't need to be too persistent."
What Alastor wanted to convey was quite apparent.
In reality, there was more than one Flame Haze in this world, not just Shana alone.
**Moreover, Flame Hazes, due to their contracts with Crimson World Crimson Lords, trade their past, present, and future existence as the cost. Their own time has completely stopped, and as long as they don't die in battle, there is never an issue of natural death.**
With this in mind, it's not strange for Flame Hazes to encounter each other while targeting the same prey. However, Flame Hazes usually become Flame Hazes for their individual purposes.
Most of them do so out of hatred, stemming from losing someone close to them due to Crimson World Denizens, and then forming contracts with Crimson World Crimson Lords.
In addition to differing action policies, when Flame Hazes encounter each other, cooperation is unlikely, and conflicts, even serious ones, are possible.
Given this, if it were a different Flame Haze, encountering Fang Li in such a situation might have led to an immediate confrontation.
Unfortunately, Shana is different.
Shana didn't become a Flame Haze out of hatred. She only formed the contract because she was raised to be a Flame Haze. Therefore, Shana just needs to abide by the mission of the Flame Haze.
In other words, since someone is already responsible for the job, Shana can easily delegate this responsibility. That has been Shana's approach in the past.
Regrettably, this time, Shana denied Alastor's suggestion.
"If the opponent is that 'Hunter,' even if this human possesses formidable power, it won't necessarily avoid the possibility of failure," Shana asserted with an unquestionable tone. "So, Alastor, let's continue monitoring here. Moreover, other 'Denizens' might show up here, considering that the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) is here."
Alastor fell silent once again.
Shortly after, Alastor responded, "In that case, let's continue staying in this city."
Subsequently, Shana's course of action was decided.
In this situation, Shana stood up directly, looked down at Fang Li, and said, "I will monitor you nearby. If you encounter Friagne and can't defeat him, I will intervene at that time."
Leaving these words, Shana didn't wait for Fang Li's response. She walked towards the balcony and, in one leap, jumped down.
Watching this scene, Fang Li felt like he had resolved a troublesome matter and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Anyway, the problem is finally resolved."
Next is to find Friagne.
...
On the other hand, although Shana left Fang Li's apartment, she didn't go too far. Instead, she sat down on the rooftop of a building where Fang Li's room was visible.
Alastor's voice came from the pendant.
"To act impulsively against that human, that doesn't seem like you."
That's right.
Acting impulsively.
Although Shana provided that reason, the real reason she was unwilling to leave was simply acting on impulse.
Shana was aware of this herself.
Watching Fang Li cooking instant noodles in his room as if intending to fill his stomach that way, Shana spoke with a voice devoid of emotions.
"I just find him hateful, that's all."
...