By the time Fang Li emerged from the restaurant, nearly half an hour had passed.
The table full of exquisite dishes Watson had prepared was clearly meant for Fang Li.
Naturally, Fang Li took advantage of the opportunity, enjoyed the high-quality food, and then left the restaurant.
Afterward, Fang Li headed straight back to Academy Island.
On the way, he could hear people discussing the events from the previous day.
Specifically, the widespread power outage across Tokyo and the incident where the Sky Tree was struck by a massive falling thunder.
Since the incident was not something that could be publicly disclosed, citizens only assumed it was a regular weather mishap and did not panic.
Such an event also couldn't be reported to Butei High.
If it had been a normal incident, Fang Li might have received a substantial reward for resolving it.
However, this was merely the prologue to the Far East Warfare, an event that couldn't be publicly acknowledged, so Fang Li regrettably missed out on the potential earnings.
"Thinking about it, my finances seem to be in trouble now," Fang Li mused as he walked back to his dorm.
Having been active as a Butei for over a year, Fang Li had accumulated quite a bit of savings.
However, preparing for the I-U incident had depleted his funds entirely, as he spent it all on Butei ammunition, and the remaining amount was used to stockpile more ammo and even modify his Glock.
In other words, since then, Fang Li's finances have been in the red.
As for his meals, recently, Fang Li had been relying on Shirayuki's cooking and had become so short on cash that he couldn't even afford a meal.
"In other words, I've been living off Shirayuki lately?"
Upon this realization, Fang Li silently expressed his gratitude to Shirayuki.
And, as he thought about it, "It's time to find a way to earn some money…"
Just as he was leisurely contemplating this, Fang Li suddenly noticed a slight flicker in his peripheral vision and stopped in his tracks.
At almost the same moment, Fang Li sensed a familiar aura hurriedly fleeing.
Fang Li immediately turned around and looked behind him.
He then saw, in a small corner by the roadside, a figure hiding there, but a strand of hair was protruding out.
That strand of hair ended in a Tatsumaki-like shape and was golden in color.
Simultaneously, a corner of a jet-black Gothic loli dress was also visible from the corner.
"..."
Fang Li squinted his eyes.
As a Butei, tracking skills were essential to learn.
Therefore, Fang Li had to say this from a professional standpoint.
"Your tracking skills are really poor, Hilda."
As soon as these words were spoken, the strand of hair and the corner of the dress in hiding twitched simultaneously.
After a moment, the vampire girl slowly emerged from the corner.
"Have you discovered me?"
Dressed in a black Gothic loli outfit and holding a parasol, with a demonic beauty about her, the vampire girl spoke with an arrogant smile.
"Truly worthy of the man who defeated the great Dracula Clan. Although I'm very reluctant, recognizing others' achievements is the stance a noble should take. Here, I'll honestly acknowledge your perceptiveness."
Her words, akin to saying "Being discovered isn't my fault but is yours for being too outstanding," were indeed full of points to critique.
At least, the elegant and noble aura of the aristocratic young lady from last night, although it hadn't entirely disappeared from Hilda's presence, had given others a slightly subtle impression, adding a touch of cuteness to the demonic beauty of this vampire girl.
Thus, Fang Li looked at Hilda and said, "It seems you're not here for revenge."
Upon hearing this, Hilda was about to respond, but when her gaze met Fang Li's, her charming face immediately flushed, and she awkwardly turned her head away.
Seeing this, Fang Li couldn't help but feel puzzled.
What kind of game is this Ojou Sama playing?
Hilda's reaction seemed to touch upon her pride.
"D-Don't look at me like that, it's really rude," Hilda said somewhat indignantly while placing one hand on her hip. "I… I do want revenge, but since I've already been defeated by you, according to the rules of the battle, if the defeated survives, they are obligated to surrender or join the opposing camp. Otherwise, how could Tamamo possibly release me?"
The fundamental purpose of the battle was the contest and distribution of power.
Apart from rare treasures, talented individuals were also a target of contention.
Since Hilda, as a member of Grenada (servant), had been defeated by Fang Li, it was only natural according to the rules for her to join Deen and become a member of a faction within Deen.
"So…"
Hilda cleared her throat with a feigned formality and said,
"Starting today, I'm your subordinate. You'd better take responsibility for me, Gun Magician."
The statement left Fang Li completely stunned.
"Huh?"
After a moment, Fang Li let out a bewildered exclamation.
In response, Hilda hurriedly defended herself.
"This… This is unavoidable! I didn't want it either! But the rules are like this! I have no choice!"
"That's right! I have no choice!"
Hilda's charming face, however, was tinged with a hint of pink, giving her a shy and hesitant appearance.
This performance left Fang Li at a loss for words.
The situation was so absurd that Fang Li couldn't help but be speechless.
"Aren't you always disdainful of humans?" Fang Li said. "Why would you pledge allegiance to me?"
Moreover, although the rules state that the defeated are obligated to join the opposing camp, this is similar to surrendering, and if one is unwilling, they can completely refuse.
Even if the consequence of refusal is death, given Hilda's pride, it would be better for her to die than to submit to a human.
How could someone like Hilda willingly choose to obey and even be under his command?
While Fang Li was pondering this, Hilda surprisingly retorted.
"You're different."
Hilda's tone began to take on a reverent quality.
"Others might not know, but I do. You may be a human, but there is a very noble presence within you."
What she was referring to was already clear without needing any further speculation.
Precisely, the power of the strongest True Ancestor residing within Fang Li.
(End Of This Chapter)
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