Nine Star Burden

Chapter 93: Untitled

Flashback to a few minutes ago.

Fluctuating rays of therapeutic light fell on Second Last’s burned and shattered body while she laid in the huge pit, enjoying the cold wind.

When Second Last’s fingers trembled slightly, she gradually regained her consciousness and was greeted by a sense of warmth that resembled the comfort of being in the hot spring water, instead of the icy cold gust of wind.

The sacred light of Blessing lasted for a long time, radiating bursts of menace over her.

When the crisp and sweet sounds of Bell filled the air from time to time, her mangled flesh began to heal gradually, awakening her senses.

The gloomy pair of eyes opened slowly and she felt like she was wandering alone in a wonderful and dreamy paradise. However, all that could be heard were ghostly wails and the sounds of fighting.

The focus in her gloomy eyes was slowly restored and she tried her best to move her head while murmuring in agony.

Am I still alive?

How can I still be alive?

Those were the thoughts that surfaced in her mind after the last explosion.

But, why am I still alive?

As the therapeutic light faded, the crisp and sharp pain passed through her limbs. Second Last gritted her teeth and winced in pain.

A slightly gaunt and weak figure was battling countless strong and menacing White Ghouls in front of her.

Blood was flowing continuously out of his arm and his mangled flesh was flailing about in the cold wind.

His torn clothes revealed his injuries and his dislocated shoulder that was almost ripped off was just hanging loose.

In an instant, the woman heard some footsteps beside her and the soft moaning of the menacing beast.

Second Last tried her best to turn her head around, only to see two White Ghouls approaching rapidly. She propped herself up, but her hands seemed to be defying her.

She could bear with the pain.

The most terrifying bit was the numbness that caused her to lose control of her own body.

The White Ghouls continuously approaching suddenly changed direction and dashed towards the person in the distance. She wondered, Is he running away? Is he trying to escape the pit?

Has he finally given up?

But… there are plenty of White Ghouls near the edges of the pit.

The sudden crisis was temporarily removed. She saw the White Ghoul grabbing Jiang Xiao’s ankle, after which Jiang Xiao’s figure shattered.

It turns out to be an illusion?

The Star Technique, Decoy?

He…

Second Last got up painstakingly and turned around to see that Jiang Xiao was still covered in blood and trying to put up a fight.

There were a few more wounds on his body, and even though he still looked extremely pathetic, he did not give up.

Despite facing enemies who were likely impossible to defeat, he was still continuously trying his best to kill them or stall for time by delaying their attacks.

Another phantom rushed out and led the two White Ghouls away while the crisp and clear sounds of Bell rang again from afar. It then dashed out and treated Jiang Xiao’s body.

His cold body that was exposed to the freezing wind basked in the warm sunlight as if he had been hiding in a greenhouse. The bright ray of medical light bounced around and continuously healed her wounds.

As she stared quietly at Jiang Xiao who was being torn apart, a warm and fuzzy feeling filled her heart again.

It never occurred to her that she would feel warm again because of a child.

It had been a long time since she was taken care of in such a manner.

Be it the warm ray of medical light or the fact that he had protected her lifeless body, it had been a long time since she felt that way.

Ever since her teammate got expelled for defying the rules, she never felt that warm ray of medical light again.

Besides, she had become a Guardian a long time ago, and it had been a long time since she was protected by someone.

Before she could even warn Jiang Xiao to be careful, a White Ghoul appeared and pinned Jiang Xiao down. She then struggled and climbed up, wondering if Jiang Xiao was in pain or comfort as he limped forwards.

During the long and slow process, she saw a ray of light being cast on the White Ghoul’s body.

Such a battle tactic…

How creative.

It’s been hard on you, Medical kid.

The stiff White Ghoul which had its throat cut by Jiang Xiao was turned over and she finally heard its roar. Next, she heard the sounds of blood getting swallowed.

This freshman kid probably shouldn’t be experiencing such a battle.

Second Last finally caught up, and before the other White Ghoul pierced Jiang Xiao’s chest, she grabbed its ankle and flung it out.

Second Last saw the blood-stained face and the gaze that was full of horror, completely resembling her old self.

She slowly leaned forward and extended her hand. “Luan Hongying.”

Jiang Xiao reached his blood-stained hand out and held it tightly. “Jiang Xiao.”

Ring-ring-ring…

The crisp and melodious sound of Bell rang again and shuttled back and forth between their bodies. Jiang Xiao couldn’t care much and once again used another Skill Point.

–

Star Power Upgrade! Stardust Stage Level 9!

Skill Points: 2.

–

His body was filled with Star Power again. Jiang Xiao knew that his carefree days would not be for long. Once he broke through the Stardust Stage and entered the Nebula Stage, he would require 10 Skill Points to upgrade by one level. It would then be hard for his body to be filled with Star Power.

The two rays of Blessing landed again and Jiang Xiao moved, hiding behind Second Last.

He was at ease about going all out and risking his life to save another.

Second Last’s body became numb again, but this time it was a refreshing numbness that soothed her senses. She couldn’t help murmur and quiver in pleasure.

She said in a hoarse voice, “You’re a student.”

Jiang Xiao initially wanted to hide behind her, only to realize that there were two White Ghouls behind him. He had no choice but to press his back against hers.

Unfortunately, he could not press his back against hers because she was way taller than him. Hence, his behavior looked rather amusing.

Jiang Xiao answered, “Jiangbin High School.”

Second Last said, “Your father is Han Cheng.”

Jiang Xiao paused and said, “Yes.”

Second Last ordered in a hoarse voice, “Follow me from now on.”

Jiang Xiao asked with a frown, “What do you mean?”

Second Last stared at the group of White Ghouls along the edge of the big pit and quickly snapped back to reality. She had already designed a route that she would take to reach the White Ghouls in her mind.

Second Last said, “With your qualifications and willpower, you’re just wasting your time by staying in school.”

Jiang Xiao did not like the way that she seemed to be commanding him.

Then, she said in an austere voice, “I thought you guys belonged to a strict and disciplined team. I thought that you were a proper soldier.”

“Hang in there for 20 seconds,” Second Last said while limping forward.

Jiang Xiao was flabbergasted.

Hang in there for 20 seconds just because I’m a guy?

We’re on the battlefield and you’re still playing such games with me?

I, ugh… Sis, I give up. You continue pushing forwards, alright?

I won’t say anything else. Hurry and come back…

I won’t! Say! That! You’re! Traveling! With! The! Ball! Anymore!

Hurry!