Sleep, wakefulness, and the routine of Thursday arrived, with frequent discussions about the meteor shower on the way to work.
"I've already reserved the tickets. Let's go together after work tomorrow, okay?"
"Sure."
Today, the Psychological Rehabilitation Department was quite relaxed with no much work, and the daytime passed smoothly.
When the evening glow once again descended, A city remained bustling and peaceful. The figures of sequence game players faintly appeared on the horizon, fleeting through the city.
The wind from Dongying brushed past a high platform in A city, causing the long crimson scarf to flutter high, guiding the way home.
Clad in black and gold, the Masked Rider with sturdy arms overlooked one of Z country's most prosperous cities, proudly displaying his title of "Rank 62 in A Tier" to the world.
"I haven't come to find you, yet you've come on your own."
Withdrawing his gaze from the cityscape, Evil Annihilation first turned his head slightly, then turned his body to face this mysterious competitor.
The rosy glow fell on the cloak of "Shadow," causing it to appear somewhat restrained. However, Alister, currently, didn't care about such things and continued to gaze at A city.
"The evening glow is beautiful, but admiring it alone, don't you feel lonely?" Alister asked casually.
Although the grand meteor shower was predicted to occur tomorrow night, A city was already under the full surveillance of the Seventeenth Bureau. Engaging in unauthorized fights would undoubtedly result in serious consequences.
Thus, Alister knew that Evil Annihilation wouldn't act. Those permitted to enter Z country by the Seventeenth Bureau should be far-sighted enough not to cross the official bottom line recklessly.
Upon hearing this, Evil Annihilation turned back again, facing away from "Shadow," and once more overlooked the evening glow of A city.
After a couple of seconds, he finally spoke deeply:
"Lonely? As an A-tier player leading the world, who among us isn't lonely?"
Having experienced countless life-and-death games, crossing numerous ability boundaries, and ultimately ascending to A-tier, becoming one of the world's top existences...
Friends and enemies alike gradually faded away, leaving only oneself walking alone.
The orange-yellow afterglow of the setting sun divided the sky into two, sweeping across Evil Annihilation's armor, extending his silhouette until it reached the ground beneath "Shadow," where the darkness shrouded.
"True," Alister inserted his hands into his pockets and calmly approached Evil Annihilation's side.
The warm breeze brushed under the dark hood, making his black eyes appear even calmer. "Regarding tomorrow night's meteor shower disaster, what are your thoughts?"
After a moment, Evil Annihilation stared into the far distance, where the Ji Corporation's building was located, and spoke profoundly:
"Disasters and conspiracies, there's nothing to say about them."
Most of the beautiful scenes seen by the world are just superficial layers hiding hardships. As a lawful player, one's responsibility is to act when necessary and resolve the issue, nothing more.
Then, it was Evil Annihilation's turn to ask:
"So, what will you do during tomorrow night's meteor shower?"
"When my peace is disturbed, I will act accordingly," Alister turned to gaze at Evil Annihilation's side armor, "However, the world is full of unpredictable factors, so—"
A ray of orange brilliance refracted off the surface of the modern buildings, sweeping across one side of "Shadow" and lifting a group of birds into flight.
"—if you find yourself helpless, try turning around. Perhaps the shadows will be in front of you?"
"Helpless? Hahaha!"
However, Evil Annihilation laughed wildly and unreservedly, as if he hadn't been this arrogant for a long time. A hint of red glow ignited on his mask.
He declined "Shadow's" invitation to negotiate, saying, "I don't need anyone's help, nor will there ever be a time when I need assistance. I have long formed an alliance with solitude."
Facing the pressure in Evil Annihilation's gaze, Alister didn't inquire further and responded as if nothing had happened, "You are the first person I've met who is so stubborn as to ignore all variables."
Evil Annihilation spoke with a hint of grandeur, "Of unknown origin and unknown strength, you are also the first person I've encountered."
"I believe we will have a chance to fight," Alister revealed the future as such, then vanished into the shadows, disappearing from sight.
Evil Annihilation stared at the spot where "Shadow" disappeared for a moment, then turned his gaze away. He continued to overlook A city's evening glow, watching the flow of cars on the bridges, and his thoughts returned to the summer nights of the past.
...
...
Upon arriving home, Alister encountered Ji Yi, who had just finished her official duties, at a roadside food stall.
As the personnel department minister of the Ji Corporation and also a sequence game player, she was a capable career woman.
— "Rank 3552 in B Tier."
The way she openly displayed her sequence title, recognized by the authorities and with prestige, was truly enviable.
Alister's current strength still didn't permit him to display his sequence title. Maybe in the future, when he formed an invincible combination of abilities, but that was something to consider later. He didn't think too much about meaningless thoughts.
So, pretending to be an ordinary person, Alister ignored the fact that he was a representative player and greeted her, "Good evening, Minister."
Ji Yi, dressed in a professional outfit, didn't show surprise and simply patted the table, motioning for Alister to sit.
Thus, at a roadside food stall, a handsome teenager and a formidable career woman sat face-to-face, a scene that could be called an odd painting.
"Order one more serving of snacks, please," Ji Yi said, wiping her mouth with a tissue before looking at Alister with concern. "How was your experience at the Psychological Rehabilitation Department these past few days? Are you getting along well with Luorou?"
"The environment is excellent, and Luorou is quite cheerful," Alister spoke truthfully, "But is it really appropriate to give me such a high salary?"
After all, the work there could be said to be non-existent, and a monthly salary of thirty thousand was indeed a bit exaggerated.
However, Ji Yi looked Alister in the eyes and said calmly, "As I've said, capable individuals should be given suitable positions. This position was created by me, and a salary of thirty thousand is there for those who are capable enough to compete for it. In the end, I will only choose one person."
Exhaling a breath, Ji Yi's tone changed as she said, "But there is something I need to apologize for. Half of the reason for Himizuki-sama's temporary assessment of you was because of me."
"Understandable. Everyone has times when they overlook things," Alister supported his chin. "But having such an outstanding person like me undergo extra assessment is truly disheartening, Minister."
Upon hearing Alister's joking-like words, Ji Yi smiled and then showed an approving expression. "You are indeed outstanding. I admit that Himizuki-sama's temporary assessment of you was unnecessary. I used to have a hard time remembering the dense employee regulations myself."
Ji Yi was genuinely surprised when she heard that the new employee in the Psychological Rehabilitation Department had memorized the entire employee regulations. Who would remember all the regulations on their first day of work?
Perhaps it was luck, or maybe it was truly being well-prepared. Either way, both were part of one's abilities.
While chatting, the boss brought the signature snacks to the table, Ji Yi treating Alister to dinner, the cost being seven dollars.
"Minister, you're generous," Alister said politely, picking up his chopsticks.
Ji Yi sighed lightly, watching the beautiful young man enjoy the food, and couldn't help but think that occasionally doing this after work wasn't a bad idea.
"Does it still suit your taste?" she suddenly asked.
"Mhm."
"I see..." Ji Yi mumbled to herself.