Lin Yi stopped for a moment to calm himself before fully getting into character.
"Why do you say that?" he asked, curious.
"You don't seem like someone who enjoys going to bars based on how you look. Is this your first time here?" Rize Kamishiro playfully asked, swirling the ice cubes in her glass with a smile.
"More or less," Lin Yi replied. Since he had crossed over, it was indeed his first time in a place like this. He pretended to feel a bit sad as he spoke.
"Can I share my story with you?" he continued.
"Of course, I promise to keep it between us," Rize Kamishiro replied, her smile growing as she playfully flicked her hair.
"What should someone do if the person they like has done many wrong things? Should they go along with it or try to change them?" Lin Yi asked, keeping his head down.
"If I were in your shoes, I would try to change them and hold them accountable for their mistakes. Indulging them would only harm them, and they might resent you later on," Rize Kamishiro responded, her voice filled with empathy as she reached out to touch his head.
"Do you really think that, Miss Kamishiro?" Lin Yi asked, looking up.
"Absolutely," Rize Kamishiro replied without hesitation.
"Thank you, Miss Kamishiro. With your advice, I feel much better," Lin Yi said, raising his glass. "Cheers to you."
They clinked their glasses together.
Rize Kamishiro quickly finished her drink, leaving an enticing mark on her lip.
"This place is too noisy. Are you interested in going somewhere else for a drink? The atmosphere there is great," she suggested.
Lin Yi stayed silent for a moment, making Rize Kamishiro think he didn't want to go. But then he spoke up.
"At least we're friends now, and we got to know each other today. I'd love to have a drink with you," he clarified.
"Then let's go," Rize Kamishiro said, her smile showing her happiness. She even took the initiative to hold Lin Yi's hand.
It must be said that Rize Kamishiro's hand felt soft and smooth when held.
The two of them left the bar.
"I'll call a taxi," Rize offered.
"No need, I came here by car. I'll drive," Lin Yi proudly declared, looking at Rize Kamishiro's joyful expression as he showed his car keys.
"I didn't expect a young man like you to be wealthy. You don't look down on me for working in a place like this, do you?" Rize Kamishiro playfully asked.
"Why would I? Miss Kamishiro earns money through her own efforts. There's nothing to be ashamed of," Lin Yi replied casually.
They got into the car, with Rize Kamishiro sitting in the passenger seat. The Quinque was already in the trunk, placed there by Lin Yi.
"Where would you like to go for a drink?" Lin Yi asked as he started the car.
"Do we really need to choose a specific place? Or do you just want to drink with me?" Rize Kamishiro propped up her chin, giving Lin Yi a sidelong glance.
"Of course not. I'm extremely happy to get to know you," Lin Yi replied excitedly.
"How about going to my house?" Rize Kamishiro suggested. Without waiting for Lin Yi's answer, she continued, "I'll give you directions."
The car picked up speed. It was late at night in the 20th district, and there were few vehicles on the road, making for a smooth ride.
After driving for a while, it became clear that they were heading away from the city.
"Are we there yet, Miss Kamishiro?" Lin Yi asked with concern. "Living so far from the city and commuting every day must be tough for you."
"I usually take the last train to work and then rest at nearby hotels or bars until dawn before taking the bus back. But now I have you," Rize Kamishiro explained.
They continued driving, already on the outskirts of the 20th district.
"We're almost there. Let's park by the roadside. There aren't as many rules in the suburbs as in the city," Rize Kamishiro directed.
"Okay," Lin Yi complied.
As soon as Lin Yi turned off the engine, Rize Kamishiro eagerly approached him. They embraced each other, their skin touching.
Rize Kamishiro was wearing a thin dress, and through the fabric, Lin Yi could feel her soft body. One of Lin Yi's hands slid over her back, through her hair, and rested on her neck, gently caressing it.
"We're on the roadside, aren't we rushing things?" Lin Yi remarked.
"What's the difference? There's no one around on this road anyway. Don't you think it's more exciting this way?" Rize Kamishiro countered, leaning her head on Lin Yi's shoulder. At that moment, her seductive expression turned extremely cold.
In the dark night, a pair of crimson eyes opened, and sinister veins spread along her eye sockets. The pungent smell of flesh almost made her lose control. Her red lips parted, saliva flowing.
"Ah!"
A sharp and miserable scream echoed through the dark night, despite the car's excellent soundproofing.
Rize Kamishiro screamed in pain.
In the next moment, the driver's door was blasted open, and Lin Yi rolled out of the car. His face had specks of blood, but it wasn't his own.
"Boom!"
Another loud bang followed as the entire luxury car was torn in half from the inside, under a terrifying force.
Rize Kamishiro leaped out from the wreckage. Four slender and agile kagune extended from her waist, resembling spider legs, supporting her in mid-air.
She still had a look of confusion and anger on her face.
She couldn't understand where she had gone wrong. She had just prepared to make her move, but Lin Yi had punched her in the abdomen before she could act. The force was tremendous, breaking several of her bones.
And Lin Yi showed no mercy. After breaking her ribs, he threw another punch that nearly snapped her neck.
If she hadn't regained her senses and immediately activated her regeneration ability, he might not have spared her.
"Why are you in such a hurry, Miss Kamishiro? This car is quite expensive," Lin Yi remarked, dusting himself off as he realized he had underestimated Rize Kamishiro's regenerative abilities. For a powerful ghoul like her, even fatal injuries could be healed quickly.
It was unrealistic for him to rely solely on physical attacks to defeat her.
Casually, he walked toward the wreckage of the car. The vehicle was twisted and deformed, as if it had been in a severe accident.
Due to damage to the fuel tank, gasoline was leaking out, and fierce flames were spreading from the car along the ground.
Lin Yi grabbed the severely distorted rear hood of the car with one hand. With a strength beyond that of a human, accompanied by the sound of metal twisting and colliding, he forcefully tore off the hood.
Then, he took out Jörmungandr.
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