You and Zhao Ming exchange a quick glance. She nods subtly, slipping silently behind Jia De.
You keep the mysterious killer engaged, your instincts screaming that she holds crucial answers. "Don't kill me! I can order it to sit!" you cry, feigning panic with a trembling voice, hands raised in a defensive gesture. Miraculously, the "dog" hears your command and obediently sits.
Jia De seizes the moment, lunging with her slender sword. The blade pierces the creature's body, but the wound heals at a visible rate, closing seamlessly as she withdraws her weapon.
Her flamethrower's fuel tank is empty—she'd have burned you and the creature to ash otherwise. Unable to kill it, capture it, or leave empty-handed, Jia De is cornered.
Faced with an unkillable beast, she has no choice but to listen to you.
"Ladies," Jia De says, shrugging with a shift in tone, "how about we work together? Especially you, redhead, behind me." She suddenly points upward. "Truth is, my partner's been watching you from up there for a while."
You glance up. Perched on a high pipe or beam, a figure in star-shaped goggles aims a sniper rifle, its barrel trained coldly on you.
"We're just hired mercenaries," Jia De continues, dangling a tempting offer. "We don't kill innocents—usually. Besides, only our boss knows the way out of this hellhole." She extends an olive branch. You look to Zhao Ming, who sighs reluctantly but nods in agreement. You turn back to Jia De.
"We have two conditions," you say, your voice steadying. "First, guarantee our safety. Second, tell us everything you know." You press your dagger to your own throat, gripping the handle tightly, heart pounding with resolve despite the desperate act.
Bang!
A gunshot rings out. A bullet rockets toward your knife-wielding hand.
In a flash, the "dog" transforms into a humanoid figure—retaining its golden ears and crimson eyes—and catches the deadly bullet with ease. Several more shots follow, vanishing into its palm.
It gently but firmly lowers your hand, stepping in front of you protectively. Its warm smile toward you shifts to a ferocious snarl as it faces Jia De and the sniper.
"What's your partner playing at?!" you demand, glaring at Jia De.
She doesn't flinch. "Just 'preventing a suicide,'" she says, her eyes glinting with intrigue as she studies the now-humanoid guardian. "Well, that explains why I couldn't kill it. Quite the 'unexpected bonus.'"
"You've seen her loyalty," you say, tracing a finger along your throat, your gaze sharp. "One word from me…"
Jia De's eyes spark with interest, her lips curling. "Smart girl. Alright, ladies, let's make this a proper partnership." She sheathes her sword and extends a hand.
You meet her gaze coldly. "Cooperation, sure. Handshake? Pass."
Zhao Ming rushes to your side, gripping your hand tightly. "Are you okay?" she asks, her voice laced with worry. Your heart skips, cheeks flushing as you stammer, "I-I'm fine."
"This way, everyone," a calm female voice calls. Jia De's partner has set up a ladder, waiting above. "No elevator?" you ask.
Jia De bursts into laughter, her tone teasing. "Guess why I cleared this floor so thoroughly?" You, Zhao Ming, and the humanoid Jin Mao shoot her identical looks of disdain. One by one, you climb the ladder.
On the second floor, the sniper removes her goggles and mask, revealing clear orange eyes and a youthful face. Her gray-blue tactical outfit contrasts sharply with Jia De's flamboyant style.
"I'm Ying. She's Jia De," the orange-eyed girl says calmly, introducing herself. You and Zhao Ming share your names—Yu Yan and Zhao Ming. Ying's gaze shifts curiously to the humanoid creature clinging to you.
"And her?"
Staring at its shimmering golden hair, you blurt out, "Jin Mao!" The creature beams, wrapping you in an enthusiastic hug. Well, it seems this bizarre being is officially "Jin Mao" from now on.