Chapter Sixteen: On the Eve of Expedition

Typhon said, “I’ve heard Michael mention you several times. For a newcomer to cause such a stir is truly rare.”

I replied, “I am convinced that the Black Coffin is the ideal place for me, as it holds endless opportunities for someone with my talents.”

Typhon laughed. “Well said! Though the world has fallen, humanity is not yet extinct. The Black Coffin is one of our few remaining strongholds. Naturally, we wish to recruit the gifted, to bring more exceptional people to our cause.”

She was, in truth, the queen of the Black Coffin—so powerful that even the governor approached her with caution. I needed to demonstrate my eloquence and intelligence, to leave an indelible impression within mere minutes.

I said, “I have crossed mountains and lakes, witnessed both natural and man-made disasters. If the Black Coffin wishes to explore the frontiers, I am the best candidate—no one knows the ruins of San Francisco better than I. Just grant me a measure of authority, and I will deliver flawless results.”

Typhon smiled. “You’re quite bold to make demands. These days, there are many with ambition, but few who truly deserve it.”

I lifted my chin and replied, “An ambitious man? No, I am not. In these chaotic times, someone must stand up and sweep away the evil that plagues us.”

She smiled once more. “I beg your pardon, but someone over there is calling me. Please excuse my abrupt departure.”

I saw no one beckoning her. She was simply looking for an excuse to leave. Still, I was not discouraged; I believed this brief conversation was enough for her to remember me.

Lamia said, “Typhon oversees the entertainment and commerce of the Black Coffin, which has little to do with us Rangers. If you want opportunities from her, you’ve approached the wrong person.”

I whispered, “Isn’t that perfect? Working for her is surely better than venturing outside and risking my neck.”

Lamia asked, “Then why did you say you wanted to ‘stand up and sweep away evil’?”

I replied, “It was just talk. I have no intention of actually doing so. All I want now is a peaceful life—all I care about is making money.”

Lamia sighed. “Seeing you so motivated brings me some comfort, but you need to be cautious. Missouri, Typhon, and Maizong are locked in open and secret struggles. They have no patience for fence-sitters.”

A chill ran through me. I realized I could not remain indecisive, at least not for long. But Michael seemed to be someone who could offer little help.

I mingled among the crowd for some time, unable to distinguish between the blooded and the ordinary folk. According to Lamia, the blooded were but a small minority. How could one tell them apart? She said it was of no consequence.

After the exhibition, Michael’s manservant stopped us. “Mr. and Mrs. Longinus, the Marquis requests your presence.”

When we arrived, Michael was still in his study, but he was not alone. Le Gang was there, as well as a woman I did not recognize. She had long golden hair, dressed with daring elegance, her figure striking, her youth radiant, her gaze sharp—like those spoiled heiresses who know nothing of the world’s dangers.

The statue was still concealed behind Michael’s crimson veil of blood. Without looking at us, he said, “Longinus, have you ever heard of the Eastern Lord Cao?”

I asked, “Which Lord Cao?”

Michael explained, “Lord Cao was an ancient sovereign in the East. One day, he came into possession of a portrait. The woman in the painting bewitched his soul. He asked his men, ‘Who is this woman? Where is she now?’ They told him, ‘Across the sea to the southeast lies the kingdom of Wu, ruled by two sworn brothers. The woman in the painting is the wife of one, and she has a sister, equally beautiful.’”

The golden-haired girl laughed. “Michael, get to the point!”

Michael continued, “Obsessed, Lord Cao led a vast army, built ships, and launched a thousand-mile campaign against Wu. In the end, not only did he fail, but he suffered defeat, losing countless soldiers—and barely escaped with his life. Longinus, what do you think of this tale?”

I thought for a moment and answered, “At least Lord Cao tried.”

Michael’s voice trembled. “Yes, at least he… tried.” His eyes could not leave the statue. He murmured, “There were two sisters.”

A sudden sense of dread came over me.

The golden-haired girl said, “My brother is nearly mad with his desire to collect all the statues, especially after today’s successful exhibition. He can think of nothing but finding the other two, so he can show them off again.”

Michael burst out, “You don’t understand! Possessing only one statue is worse than having none at all! I must have all three—I cannot tolerate an incomplete collection.”

At last, he looked at me. “Longinus, my friend, the one I trust most—may I beg a favor from you, pitiable though I am?”

I replied instantly, “No!”

Michael protested, “Why not?”

I answered, “Because I know exactly what you’re plotting.”

He reached out his hand. “Come now, have pity for me—we are friends, are we not? All you need do is pay a visit to the San Francisco Museum. The statue must still be there, protected by a mysterious power. Only you can break through it.” He waved those worn photographs before me; he must have caressed them a thousand times.

The golden-haired girl’s eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. Le Gang still wore his indifferent smile.

I said, “Fine. If you want me to go, I want two million gold credits—not a penny less.”

The girl burst into laughter. “Truly your reputation precedes you—a man who values money over his life! You dare bargain with us?” Only then did I notice her elongated canines—she too was blooded, a sufferer of the rabid thirst.

Michael said, “But you must understand my situation. All my money has gone into acquiring museum pieces.”

I was even more annoyed. “You take things from me for free and give your money to others? And you call yourself my friend? The cost of your daily luxuries would feed and clothe my whole family for thirty years!” Lamia seemed about to intervene but held back.

Michael did not seem angry. He widened his eyes and said, “Those luxuries? But those are essential expenses!”

I tried to fathom Michael’s thinking. In his mind, money was one thing, friends another. Giving money to friends was unthinkable, but not buying jewels and finery was also unthinkable. The two were clearly distinguished in his mind, with logic all his own. I wondered how the governor had managed to spoil him into such a fool.

I composed myself. “Then, allow me to refuse. I’ve only just escaped a vile kidnapping with my life and am still recovering from my wounds. The Marquis Le Gang can attest to that. I truly don’t think I’m fit for travel right now.”

Suddenly, the golden-haired girl lunged at me. She was as swift as Le Gang, displaying astonishing agility, grace, and fluidity.

Lamia tried to grab her, but she slipped past. Her hand shot toward my throat, her skin glinting silver in the light.

I unleashed my psychic blade, forming the “Iron Lotus”—a shadowy barrier between us. Her strength was not great, and she was stopped.

She gasped, “Larsen Bane.” Shocked, she instantly withdrew. Had she not, I would have struck her with the Hand of Glory.

I said, “It’s not Larsen Bane—just a psychic blade. What is this Larsen Bane you speak of?”

Le Gang explained, “It was once a branch of our bloodline, but it has long since vanished in the river of history. You are not one of us, yet you possess the rare ability to command the power of shadow.”

He gestured to the golden-haired girl. “Bella de Levani—Typhon’s adopted daughter, and thus a distant relation of ours.”

Bella said, “We’re more like neighbors now.” She shook hands with me and Lamia. Her palm was icy cold. As her hand touched mine, I saw her extend her long nails, which startled me, but she merely scratched me lightly and laughed softly. “You’re remarkable. Marrying so young—what a waste.”

I replied, “A waste? No, not at all. I consider myself most fortunate.” Though she seemed young, her words and manner marked her as a consummate seductress straight out of a novel—and I had no wish to become her prey.

Bella said, “Michael’s devotion to his cultural endeavors is admirable. I, too, am fascinated by the bloody, mysterious Maya triptych. Fine, I’ll pay your price.”

I asked, “Two… two million?”

Bella said, “Yes, twenty million in credit. But I have one condition.”

I would have agreed to anything—for twenty million, I had nearly died for Faga before.

Bella declared, “I’m going with you.”

She was no frail damsel—there was likely little danger in the museum. This was hardly an inconvenience.

I said, “That’s no problem.”

Lamia turned to Le Gang. “Sir, then I—”

Le Gang shook his head. “You know the rules. You’re husband and wife—one of you must remain in the Black Coffin.”

I couldn’t fathom such an absurd rule. Was it to prevent defection? In the vast wastelands of the apocalypse, where could we possibly escape?

Lamia frowned, biting her lip and gazing at me with regret.

She was not the jealous type. She was worried Bella would have me for her next meal.

I whispered to her not to worry. She kissed me, and I kissed her in return.

Bella sighed. “Don’t flaunt your affection in front of me. I have the softest heart—such displays will bring me to tears.”

Le Gang said, “I’ve already requested Yune’s deployment from the governor. This will be Yune’s trial voyage. You are not only to visit the San Francisco Museum, but also collect supplies along the way.”

I was astonished—I hadn’t expected the mission to be so formal. “But sir, look at me—I’m skin and bone, hardly fit for manual labor.”

Le Gang replied, “A squad of Rangers will accompany you. This operation is under the governor’s direct orders.”

Eager to make my mark, my heart leapt with joy at the significance of this journey. Had I known, I might not have tried to extort money from Michael.

Lamia asked, “Are all of them our people?”

Le Gang said, “Maizong is contributing half the force. They want to share in the use of Yune, so they have no choice but to cooperate. We have reached an agreement—don’t worry, this time they will not play any tricks.”