I am a former Flame Chasers

A thousand words condensed into a single 'thank you.' For Ryan, that was enough.

He leaned on the railing, looking at the rolling river below the bridge. The gunshots gradually died down, knowing that the muscular cross-dresser had torn the enemies to shreds.

Eden was currently calming her agent and expressing her resolve, but for the safety of the audience, she would have everyone stay at home and watch the live broadcast.

"That's right, I'll go on stage alone. Major Coleman and Lieutenant Colonel John will be responsible for my safety. There will definitely be no problem."

"What's the point of that? What about the tickets that were sold?"

"Refund all of them. I no longer care about money; I just want to make a small contribution to humanity, even if it's only symbolic."

Unrelated to money, this was more like Eden declaration of war. If Honkai disrupted her just once and she retreated, many people would be disappointed. As the jewel of civilization in this era, she could not retreat, nor did she want to.

"Eve, you know I'm more than just a singer. The soldiers fighting on the front lines love me, the farmers in the fields love me, and the survivors hiding in the ruins love me. And I must respond to that love; that is my responsibility."

"If it were only for safety, why would I hold a global tour? Why would I choose Donggong on the edge of the protected zone? Isn't it because I want the millions of people who love me to know that I am always with them, always fighting in my own way, and will never back down even in the face of life-or-death crises?"

Every word from Eden radiated determination. She had her own pursuits, already transcending money and honor.

This was a price, and also an obligation.

"I understand, Miss Eden. I will convey your wish immediately. But how will the Fire Moth coordinate?" The agent took a deep breath, her voice filled with admiration.

Eden was not a penniless refugee; on the contrary, she possessed everything.

Immense wealth, widespread renown, a goddess-like appearance, extraordinary talent. And she did not use these to live a peaceful life, hiding behind the scenes and uttering platitudes. Instead, she stepped forward, standing with the suffering.

If she wanted to live, she would surely be among the last few humans to die.

"Major Coleman will coordinate, and Donggong City will also issue a curfew. Then there will be a global live broadcast. It's going to be a grand performance, truly something to look forward to. Also, I won't be returning to the hotel tonight."

"Wait, Miss Eden..."

She ignored her agent's anxious voice, hung up the phone directly, then walked over to Ryan with a smile.

"It's settled."

"Eden, you're playing a bit big." Ryan stared at her intently, shaking his head slightly: "This is very much like a provocation; the Herrscher will take it more seriously. Are you truly not afraid of death?"

The current Herrscher has a brain. Eden is essentially maximizing her value to inject a strong dose of confidence into humanity, which has been somewhat apprehensive lately.

She's not an ordinary person; saying she gets 'a hundred responses to a single call' is even modest. Logically, after something like this happens, she should hide and be strictly protected. Yet, she chooses to step onto the high platform and confront fear directly.

This, of course, disrupted the Herrscher psychological warfare plan and delivered a heavy slap to Their faces.

"You agreed to my headstrong request, so of course, I must return the favor and allow your plan to proceed smoothly." Eden stretched, leaning against the railing. "And you said you don't trust anyone. By doing this, I should dispel your doubts, right?"

Eden cannot possibly be controlled by the Herrscher. She can act anything, hide anything, but she cannot act against her own interests.

Boosting human morale offers no benefit to Them at all.

"You're more professional than me in propaganda warfare, and it's also an important part of war. Hope is more important than anything." Ryan forced a smile, then quickly perked up. "My luck is good. I have Mei helping with affairs, Elysia helping to unite the Flame-Chasers, and you helping to rally the call. I don't need to painstakingly accumulate prestige anymore."

"Only through unity can we survive; you said that yourself."

"Hahaha, that's right. No one is the savior, everyone is the savior." Ryan laughed heartily. He had indeed done many things, but not everything. Even Pardofelis, that lazy bum, helped in this era.

"Alright, then let's work together to make this perfect. And remember, besides me, don't trust anyone else."

"Including him?" Eden pointed to the distance, where the muscular strongman was rushing over with his people, his narrow skirt slightly torn.

"Of course."

John, dressed in women's clothing, was not affected. He stepped onto the bridge and laughed: "Ah, you! You didn't even help, just ran off with the big star."

"Can't help it, my mission is to protect Eden." Ryan showed a cynical smile, strode forward, and embraced the other man tightly, patting each other's backs.

"Thanks, brother."

"Heh, will you give me a chance later?"

"Then you have to be as beautiful as Eden, otherwise I can't take it."

"Alright, once this is done, I'll go back and ask Mobius for ideas."

His voice was sincere, making Ryan lips twitch. He pushed the other man away as if electrocuted, then saw that resentful look, and subconsciously took half a step back.

"If only your gentleness could last longer." John pursed his lips, becoming a little more serious. "Those monsters are troublesome. They really did enter an Overload Transmutation state. One pounced on me and self-destructed. Luckily, reinforcements arrived."

They can self-destruct too?

Ryan eye twitched. A self-destruction in an Overload Transmutation state would be quite powerful. He then looked at the other MANTIS who came with John.

Six in total, exactly a squad, all wearing the uniform of the Fire Moth.

"Local garrison squad?"

"No, I brought them from the Australian branch. The local garrison squad controls the outer perimeter. The Southern Shenzhou branch's forces are a bit insufficient; you know, Dr. Mei is re-planning."

"Yeah, all the people have been pulled away. Good thing we can handle this little turmoil." Ryan yawned, looking uninterested. "No latest orders from above?"

"Yes, to cooperate with you and protect Miss Eden well."

This was indeed an order from Central Command. In the current situation, it was impossible not to use a high-ranking MANTIS.

"Then let's continue. The concert will proceed as usual tomorrow. Call the local branch to handle security."

"Still holding it?"

"Anyway, there's no order to forcibly take her away." Ryan glanced at Eden, who was enjoying the view on the bridge, and lowered his voice: "A beautiful lady's opinion must always be taken into account, right? She owes me such a big favor, she has to repay it, right? What's a little risk if I can taste the flavor of a big star?"

Extremely vulgar, much like when he told Ryan to fight for 'lust.' Several MANTIS showed expressions of disgust and anger. John was also stunned for a moment, then forced a wry smile.

"You're truly no different from before."

"Don't underestimate a warrior of lust! I've always been very firm."

"If I underwent surgery to look like Miss Eden, becoming such a radiant angel, would I have a chance?"

"Ah, well, that's a bit difficult, but I'm very interested."

As soon as he spoke, John eyes immediately lit up. Several warriors simultaneously retreated, showing expressions of admiration. To be this lecherous, he was truly a man.

"Then you go arrange it first. I'll take Miss Eden to the safe house for one-on-one key protection. Remember to keep it a secret for me."

"Wait a..."

Before anyone could react, he had already returned to the bridge. Amidst the girl's surprised cries, he picked her up by the waist and walked off, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

"Lieutenant Colonel, are you sure this is protection?"

It didn't look like protection at all; it was clearly a flower thief forcefully abducting a beauty. And seeing Eden not struggling, it couldn't help but make people feel that times had changed. Could it be that bad men were more popular?

The Lieutenant Colonel, who usually enjoyed harassing them, seemed very silent, gazing for a long time in the direction they left, as if very regretful. After a long while, he finally turned around and forced an awkward smile.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Hurry up and get things done so I can go find Dr. Mobius for surgery!"

Ryan jumped across the river in one go, stopping on the opposite rooftop. He made sure no one was around before putting Eden down, then saw her strange gaze and felt a bit embarrassed.

Damn it, you playboy, if you had just behaved, would I need to act this sleazy?

Coleman was hit by friendly fire while lying down. Fortunately, Eden applauded, making the awkwardness vanish.

"Truly perfect acting. Even I was fooled. I can't even tell which one is the real you."

She indeed felt very strange. After spending several days with Ryan, she still found it difficult to describe this man.

Gentle or cruel? Frivolous or serious?

"Like a contradictory spiral, making it impossible to grasp the truth. No wonder he can control the Fire Moth."

The flattery was still perfectly placed and subtle. Ryan thought to himself that he had already restrained himself enough; that Major was even more terrifying.

"You're a professional; it's good that you understand. I can't help it. Lieutenant Colonel John and Major Coleman used to be teammates, and I'm afraid of exposure if I stay with him for too long."

"So there's no safe house at all?"

"No, as long as you're by my side, anywhere is a safe house."

Very confident, but Eden didn't refute. She already saw it: this man's strength was secondary; his mind was terrifyingly meticulous. Then she looked at the unfinished building's rooftop and found it novel instead.

The tiles were full of cracks, weeds and vines were everywhere, and there was some trash in the corner. Normally, on the night before a concert, she would be busy with activities, elegantly dealing with various dignitaries, and then resting in a luxurious room, preparing to enjoy cheers and applause.

But now, she was on this rooftop that resembled a ruin. The city had undercurrents, and countless monsters lurked within. In Ryan view, this was an event that even he needed to take seriously.

Suddenly, she felt a little nervous.

She glanced at the man making a call in the distance, holding her hands to her chest.

And a little excited.