I am a former Flame Chasers

Midnight, Ryan squatted on the hotel roof. Through the skylight, he could see the closed changing room.

Eden was indeed obedient, not hiding, still maintaining her daily routine, and he had inadvertently obtained the camera position that paparazzi dreamed of.

There were countless paparazzi in the world who wished to squat in such a place. With just a slight closing of his eyes, he could 'see' an elegant long dress glide over fair and smooth skin, lace-edged coverings supporting mountains, temporarily freeing them from the shackles of gravity, profoundly illustrating what it means to have a broad mind, high mountains and deep valleys.

Judging from the feedback, the 'depth' was even greater than Aponia's? This defies common sense!

Ryan expression changed, and he fell into a state of research, then gently patted his face.

'I'm being assimilated by the playboy Coleman. How can I use my authority to do such things, but there's one thing I don't want to be assimilated by him.'

As Ryan thought, the corner of his mouth twitched. He subconsciously looked at the high-end restaurant across the street. There was a window there, and a man wearing an elegant silk dress, but with muscles that could burst it, made a gesture at him, making Ryan killing intent surge.

Hold it, hold it. It was just something I said casually. That John was like that originally; he was famous even within the Fire Moth.

All those dark and profound fantasies were just jokes, but the other party was real.

"Lieutenant Colonel John leave request has just been approved. It's your responsibility for not informing me in advance." Mei voice on the phone was very cold, as if he could see the smile at the corner of her mouth: "And you were talking nonsense, and people took it seriously."

"Wasn't that just to fob off Eden agent? And I originally wanted to say a philosopher, I just feared Eve wouldn't understand."

"Aren't you a doctor of psychology? When did you get a philosophy degree?"

Tsk, too lazy to explain to a weakling like you.

Ryan knew that 'philosophy' couldn't be explained to outsiders, so he changed his wording: "How was I supposed to know he was responsible for protecting Eden? Logically, shouldn't Hua be responsible for this?"

"Because the last concert is in Australia, the Southern Shenzhou Branch applied for support, and I showed you the relevant documents, you even signed them."

Ryan was speechless, thinking carefully for a while, unsure if it was true or false, but he could hear the amusement in the woman's words.

"Mei... you're not retaliating against me for dumping all the work on you, are you, or are you helping Kevin vent his anger?"

"Not at all. I especially love my work. Work makes me happy."

"Hey, I'm your superior, tell me the truth!"

"Listen to me, Ryan, as a Major, Coleman doesn't have the authority to have headquarters recall another high-ranking MANTIS. You can't destroy the entire plan because of personal likes or dislikes. That's very irresponsible." Mei chose to escalate the matter, and after a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, she hesitantly asked:

"One more thing, are you really interested in Kevin..."

"Nonsense! Of course it's fake!"

Beep beep beep.

After a slightly irritable sound, only the busy tone remained on the phone. Mei, who had finally stolen half a day of leisure and just returned to Spring Sakura Villa, was expressionless, raising her phone, but the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth betrayed her.

"You all heard that, right?"

Hahahahaha.

Everyone in the living room burst into laughter. Kevin directly sprayed his drink, Pardofelis rolled around on the sofa holding her stomach, and even Aponia covered her mouth, her shoulders trembling.

"Ryan actually has such a cute side! I can't take it, I have to write this in my diary and take it out to read when I'm unhappy later." Elysia immediately cleared away the psychological shadows from the simulated battle, turning to look at Mobius by the door.

"Just laugh if you want to. It's hard to hold it in."

"What's so funny about such a prank? Aren't you afraid he'll come back to settle accounts?"

Mobius maintained her cold demeanor with all her might, because she knew that Mei was a cunning woman, and there might be a hidden camera in the living room, recording the group's wild laughter and holding it against them.

So she had to hold back, but this time he was tormented quite badly, so some debts could be offset.

She actually breathed a sigh of relief. A small notebook was almost full, and thanks to Mei, she could finally cross some things off.

But... I still can't help it.

"Pfft, that guy deserves it."

The cold exterior instantly melted, and Mobius also started laughing. Then, seeing everyone turn to look at her simultaneously, she straightened her face again.

"What are you looking at? I just suddenly thought of something happy."

Tch, this platypus is so uncooperative.

"Speaking of hidden identities, I remember the incident on Twilight Street." Pardofelis suddenly remembered something and blurted it out, then quickly covered her mouth.

"You mean the pseudo-Herrscher incident, right? I found a document in the database." Mei turned to look, opened an instrument, and projected a blurry image.

A white-haired, red-eyed girl held a scythe, running wildly under the moonlight, her movements graceful and alluring.

"This must be his disguise. So that's what the pseudo-Herrscher looked like. So Ryan has this kind of interest."

Pardofelis was about to nod when she felt something strange in the living room and quickly shook her head like a rattle.

"Don't talk nonsense, I don't know anything! It wasn't me who said it at all!"

This attempt to cover up fooled no one. Kevin couldn't help but twitch his eyes, and Elysia showed an appreciative expression, already imagining her dressed up like a miracle in her mind.

Only Mobius could no longer hold back, raising her hand and laughing wildly: "Hahaha, he really has problems! I knew there was something fishy about him deliberately concealing the Twilight Street incident. So the suspicious point is here! Everyone must keep this secret and reveal it at the crucial moment!"

As she laughed, she suddenly covered her mouth, because Mei was staring at her, revealing a meaningful smile.

Damn it, I fell for it too. This woman is so sinister, I'm no match for her."

"Alright, that's enough idle chat." Mei ended the topic with precision, clapping her hands lightly.

"I've selected some MANTIS to form a provisional brigade. The possibility of their members being infiltrated is the lowest. Kevin, you'll be the captain. Let Vinal be the vice-captain; he has more command experience." Suddenly brought up to work, the white-haired youth didn't immediately come to his senses, saying in surprise,

"First, assemble a brigade, Mei, you mean to..."

"Yes, to cooperate with Ryan operation. Don't contact me to avoid exposure. Everyone else, continue with preparation work." Mei lifted her chin,her expression becoming sharp, completely different from when she was joking just now.

 "This is the first time Elysia concept will be put into practice. Let's greet the world with a Herrscher blood."

That woman must be using public affairs for personal revenge. I should've known not to mess with Kevin. I really can't beat her at mind games.

Ryan hung up the phone, seeing the cold, clear full moon, feeling a bit isolated and helpless.

Forget it. With Elysia around, my sense of authority isn't much to begin with. Let them laugh if they want.

He simply gave up trying to cure it. Those few people were more like friends than subordinates. Putting on a bossy attitude would only make him uncomfortable. To put it in high-EQ terms, letting Mei vent also helps with work efficiency.

Mei might be scheming, but she's never sloppy in her work. Having her support from behind gives him peace of mind.

With this distraction, Ryan original suspicion also relaxed. His gaze swept across the street. Even late at night, a large crowd still gathered.

There were at least a hundred paparazzi, and several hundred fans waiting for autographs. From the wiretaps, the opponent's infiltration had reached Eden side. The reason for not acting yet was still due to Honkai energy adaptability.

'The Herrscher needs to gather more. And that John is strange; he seems to be intentionally clinging on. Even if he had entangled with Coleman before, it's a bit too deliberate.'

Ryan stroked his chin. Besides Eden, he was suspicious of everyone; evidence didn't matter at all.

Two more days. Since the Fire Moth had already dispatched 'Coleman,' if they didn't act now, the success rate would only get lower.

As an experienced fisherman, Ryan chose identities carefully. Too strong, and the Herrscher would consider it a losing deal. Too weak, and it wouldn't be effective. Moreover, the intelligence department identity was just right; investigating traitor incidents was their responsibility.

Since it was about investigating traitors and protecting key targets, there was no issue of the Herrscher identity being exposed. There was no evidence to begin with; it was all Ryan hypotheses.

"Ryan, I'm changed."

A clear female voice came. Ryan stretched his head to look and saw Eden had changed into a light purple, thick gauze nightgown. The style was very conservative, and its loose fit covered her graceful figure. The red bow on her chest was still quite cute. If he hadn't subtly probed with his authority earlier, he would have truly been fooled.

"Hmm, I haven't seen any problems on my side either." He silently landed, pointing towards the door: "Did those organizers come looking for you again just now?"

"I declined. I must listen to the professionals' advice, but they're quite persistent; they've come several times."

"Then list them as suspect targets, and have Prometheus analyze their movements for a week."

Ryan was very decisive, which made Eden pause for a moment, then cover her mouth and laugh: "You're truly professional. No, as the person at the pinnacle of power in this world, coming specifically to protect me, it sounds like a dream."

"Because you have the value for me to do so."

"Reputation?"

"More than that."

Eden couldn't think of the reason, and didn't bother to. She sat in the high-backed chair, crossed her long right leg, and yawned lightly.

"I'll sleep in the guest room." Ryan was quite observant.

"It's still early."

"Then let's chat?"

"Do we even need to chat?"

The artistic young woman truly spoke subtly. If her eyes hadn't drifted to the piano by the wall, Ryan wouldn't have understood her meaning.

Testing me, huh? Fine, I'll show you what I've got.

Being with Eden, Ryan felt very different. Not only did he not swear, but he also became more artistic, somewhat like the saying 'who keeps company with wolves will learn to howl.'

To be honest, before seeing that document with the Fire Moth logo, Ryan genuinely wanted to be an artistic youth, using his past life's knowledge to show off and pick up girls.

Now, after all the twists and turns, he's back to square one.

Ryan sat down, his fingers caressing the keys. The feeling was both strange and familiar. Even without mentioning his past life, in this life, before he was ten, all his skill points were allocated to art.

"I've held swords for too long; it feels a bit unfamiliar. You're a master pianist; I'll just make a fool of myself." (Note: Play Mariage d´amour-Richard Clayderman)

Ding ding ding...

Clear piano sounds played with dancing fingertips, transforming into pieces of music that drifted under the lonely moonlight.

"Such warm piano music." Eden eyes slowly widened. She watched Ryan, dressed in a suit, play with his eyes closed, becoming increasingly surprised.

It was a new piece she had never heard before. Although the playing was a bit rusty, the piece itself was of extremely high quality.

She had originally thought Ryan would choose a classic piece to practice, but she didn't expect him to bring out a new work. Yes, it was new. Eden had all human piano pieces in her mind; she couldn't be mistaken.

"A very warm and happy melody, filled with rich emotions, very suitable for playing at weddings or similar events."

Her fingertips gently tapped the back of the chair. Eden was completely immersed. As an extremely emotional artist, she had little interest in power and felt a sense of weariness towards killing. Only talent could make her look up to someone.

Undoubtedly, in her eyes, Ryan was an extremely talented kindred spirit. She felt the cold moonlight become warm, and the room, filled with music, radiated happiness. Gradually, Eden face flushed with happiness. She seemed to see newlyweds laughing, the blessings of friends and family, and the fragrance of flowers.

When the last piano key resonated, she reluctantly opened her eyes, her slightly tipsy gaze fixed on Ryan.

How could listening to a piano piece make one blush? Are artists all this terrifying?

Ryan was stunned. Although he could also understand the meaning of music through listening, he couldn't get as immersed.

"What's this piece called?"

"Uh, 'A Dream Wedding'."

"Indeed related to a wedding. I knew every note was filled with aspirations and blessings for the future." Eden truly was an expert; she could grasp the artistic concept of an unfamiliar piece. She cupped her slightly warm face. "Did you compose this?"

As the saying goes, one lie needs countless lies to cover it up. Ryan couldn't say it was someone else's, so he nodded thick-skinned: "That's right, it was something I composed in my youth."

It was him after all. To have such a level in his youth.

Eden believed him immediately. If a piece of this caliber was done by someone else, it would have long since taken the world by storm.

'If not for Honkai, perhaps in art, he and I could have contended for an entire era, like two beautiful flowers vying for brilliance.'

Eden had no doubts, because artistic creation is pure talent, something that cannot be measured by academic qualifications or experience. And thinking a bit more, Ryan had dedicated a large portion of his energy to combat, to be so multi-talented, he seemed even stronger than herself.

"If you were purely an artist, I can hardly imagine your achievements. At least one more jewel would be added to the crown of civilization. That piano piece just now was undoubtedly the work of a master."

Over the top. This is really over the top. If I copied Mozart or Beethoven, what would you praise then?

Ryan felt his thick skin flush slightly, but looking at Eden somewhat adoring gaze and considering her identity, he subtly puffed out his chest.

Being a plagiarist feels really good.