Zane pressed his hand to his forehead and sighed helplessly.
It was clear now—there was no shortcut. He would have to go back to fighting for the kill after all.
A flash of green entered his field of vision and quickly grew larger—Qingyi came running toward him, looking worried.
As they got closer, Zane was about to greet her, but Qingyi quickly covered his mouth and pulled him behind the ruins of a building.
"Shh—"
They exchanged a glance. Qingyi pressed a finger to her lips, signaling him to stay silent, then slowly let go of his mouth.
After a few moments, the terrifying sounds faded. Qingyi peeked around the corner, then let out a breath of relief.
"You almost gave me a heart attack! Do you have any idea what that thing was? And you still dared to go toward it?!"
Qingyi placed her hands on her hips, frowning as she scolded him. She had sensed the disturbance earlier and knew dangerous Ethereals were near.
"Good thing I got here in time."
When she saw Dead End Butcher and Zane face to face, her heart practically stopped—she was genuinely worried.
Even if an android technically didn't have a heart, the emotions were the same.
Seeing Zane's innocent expression, Qingyi couldn't keep scolding him. She sighed and waved her hand helplessly.
"Alright, alright, the danger's over. From now on, stay close to me while we're in the Hollows. By the way, where are your companions?"
Zane looked at Qingyi, feeling warmed by her concern, though he also felt regret about Dead End Butcher escaping. But more than anything, he was curious.
"Senior, how did you find me?"
If it had just been a coincidence, Zane would have simply continued his attack—after all, Qingyi hadn't seen him transform and wouldn't have made the connection.
But the way Qingyi had come straight to him, without any hesitation, felt like she had a clear target.
"Ah, you mean this."
Qingyi grumbled a little at Zane no longer calling her "Master," but seeing his confusion, she decided to explain.
She reached out and tapped his chest. Before Zane could even react, a small electronic device appeared in her hand.
A Public Security Bureau tracker.
Zane's expression darkened.
When had that been put on him? And how had he not noticed?
He still didn't fully understand the mystery behind human-to-Ethereal transformations.
It wasn't just a matter of Ether crystal armor—it was a true transformation between two living forms.
He liked that his clothes stayed intact—it was very convenient.
But how was the tracker still intact too?
Shouldn't the Ether energy from his transformation have destroyed it?
Was it because he had gotten so good at controlling Ether that the energy naturally dissipated instead of destroying anything?
Maybe the energy was absorbed into himself, leaving only the Ether crystals affected?
Had becoming more skillful actually backfired?
Looked like he would have to keep this in mind from now on.
Seeing Zane's changing expression, Qingyi realized she might have crossed a line.
She stuck out her tongue with a guilty look.
"Sorry! I couldn't exactly ask what you were up to, and it's almost impossible to find anyone in such a big Hollow."
"Really, really sorry! It was just this once, promise!"
Zane listened to her earnest apology and couldn't stay mad.
She had meant well—and in her eyes, he was someone who needed protecting.
When he finally relaxed, Qingyi let out a sigh of relief.
"A gentleman doesn't hold grudges, right? Don't be mad. Trust me, your master wouldn't do anything bad to you. If you want... I can make it up to you?"
Zane shook his head. He wasn't angry—it wasn't a big deal.
It had just taught him a lesson.
As for Dead End Butcher, if he calculated the time, Phaethon should have already met up with Nicole and the others.
Once they cleared up the misunderstanding and started moving, the fool's men would have blown up the tracks and Nekomata would be negotiating solo.
There wasn't much time before they'd be forced into a direct confrontation.
Dead End Butcher was only getting a few extra minutes of life.
"Zane? Zane?"
Lost in thought, Zane snapped back when Qingyi waved her hand in front of his eyes.
"Little disciple, don't tell me you're scared after seeing Dead End Butcher just now?"
Qingyi stared at him curiously.
"Senior, I was just thinking about something and got distracted."
"Actually, Senior, there's something important I need to tell you!"
"Oh? What is it?"
"Senior, you were investigating Vision Industries, right? While you were gone, I didn't stay idle. I uncovered something big."
"My companions are rescuing civilians who haven't evacuated yet. Senior, I need your help—and the Public Security Bureau's help."
Zane looked seriously at Qingyi. Of course, he hadn't personally investigated anything—but thanks to his "connections," he knew a lot.
He then explained everything he knew about Vision Industries' shady dealings.
"What?!"
After listening, Qingyi's face darkened. Even someone as composed as her couldn't hide her anger.
Zane had no reason to lie.
Saving costs by blowing up civilians and the subway together—
It was simply unforgivable.
Even worse, there was no official oversight on the project—
There were officials colluding with business interests inside the Public Security Bureau itself!
"Senior, my friends can't hold out much longer. We need Public Security's support."
"Understood."
Qingyi nodded. She immediately planned to report the matter—it was urgent.
She was about to pull Zane along with her when he refused.
"Senior, I can't leave. I have to stand with my companions."
"This is something I must do!"
Seeing the determination in Zane's eyes, Qingyi was momentarily stunned, but then smiled faintly.
"There's someone just like you in the Criminal Investigation Special Task Force. Maybe you two would get along."
"Alright, I respect your decision. But protect yourself. I'll be back."
Qingyi turned and left. Watching her go, Zane felt even more confident about his "acting" skills.
Still, the next problem was: how to reunite with Hare's House.
He remembered the original plan involved the explosive train.
While he didn't know exactly where Hare's House was, he knew where the train was.
Since they had split up, Belle was probably controlling Eous to head there.
With a decision made, Zane immediately set off toward the explosive train...
...
Lightning flashed and rain pounded down.
"The little grunts have all scattered."
Nicole held her briefcase, glancing around.
"They're coming..."
Anby said quietly beside her.
"The monster?"
Nicole turned to Anby. Her sixth sense was rarely wrong.
"The theme song."
"Huh?"
"In movies, before the final battle, they always play the villain's theme music first."