Lin Xian calmly leapt down from the rooftop.
In front of him stood a giant mutant rat, nearly two meters tall—towering over an average human.
Its body was massive and muscular, covered in thick, matted black fur. Its eyes glowed red like burning coals—utterly horrifying.
Its grotesque appearance could make anyone shudder.
The mutant rat turned its head, locking its hate-filled gaze on Lin Xian.
Without hesitation, it lunged toward him at an astonishing speed.
"Hmpf..." Lin Xian exhaled sharply, narrowing his eyes.
With a swift movement of his hand—
Clank!
Golden chains appeared from the void, floating around him in mid-air.
The ends of the chains morphed into sharp blades, glinting under the sunlight, ready to pierce.
Despite its massive size, the mutant rat was fast.
It dodged some of the incoming chains with surprising agility.
But several blades found their mark, stabbing into its flesh, tearing it apart. Blood gushed like a fountain.
The rat let out a sharp screech, filled with fury and pain.
In a blind rage, it charged even faster.
Lin Xian remained calm, his eyes focused.
He controlled the golden chains masterfully, launching wave after wave of deadly attacks.
Suddenly, one of the chains shot up from beneath the rat, wrapping tightly around its leg.
The sound of clashing metal and creaking chains filled the air.
The giant rat stumbled, losing its balance and tumbling forward.
Lin Xian stepped back a few paces, his breath slow but steady.
The chains still hummed faintly in the air, accompanying his steady footsteps.
The battle wasn't over yet.
---
Letnan Lian stood on the same rooftop, her breath still ragged after being saved.
Her eyes remained locked on the masked man with the golden chains.
Her heart raced—a mix of fear and awe.
She watched as the man descended calmly to face a new threat: the massive mutant rat.
Letnan Lian couldn't speak. She could only hope this man was truly strong enough.
When the giant rat charged at the masked man, she held her breath.
Everyone's lives—including hers—depended on this battle.
"This is insane…" Lian muttered under her breath,
Her eyes unblinking, tracking the movement of the golden chains as they stabbed, struck, and wrapped around the rat's legs.
When the rat stumbled, she felt a glimmer of relief.
But she knew it wasn't over yet.
She raised her weapon, ready to assist if necessary. But deep in her heart,
She already held a deep sense of respect and admiration for the mysterious man.
At the same time, a question arose in her mind—
Who was he?
Women are often drawn to those stronger than themselves.
Letnan Lian didn't realize that curiosity is often the beginning of a woman's fall.
It's not always love at first sight—but curiosity that grows deeper over time.
---
The moment the mutant rat fell, Lin Xian did not let the opportunity slip.
More golden chains burst from the void, shooting forward and wrapping around its legs, arms, and torso until its entire body was nearly covered.
The rat screeched, thrashing wildly in an attempt to break free.
But the chains tightened around it like a python squeezing the life out of its prey.
Lin Xian watched coldly.
Then slowly clenched his fist.
In response, the chains constricted further—digging deep into its flesh and snapping its bones.
The sickening crunch of breaking bones mixed with the mutant's final cries.
Crack—Crash—SKREEEEE!!
Lin Xian then willed the chains to drag the mutant's corpse into his personal void.
---
Letnan Lian witnessed the brutal scene unfold before her eyes.
Yet strangely, she didn't feel fear or disgust.
Instead, her heart pounded uncontrollably, and her cheeks burned.
Meanwhile, her squad members were still struggling against the swarm of smaller mutant rats.
Lin Xian immediately moved to assist them.
Within thirty minutes, thanks to Lin Xian's help, they cleared the area.
But the victory came with heavy losses.
When the battle ended, Letnan Lian descended from the roof, staring in horror at the lifeless bodies of her comrades.
None survived—except for her, saved by Lin Xian.
When the giant rat attacked earlier, it had sent their armored vehicle flying, hurling Letnan Lian away.
The vehicle overturned, trapping the rest of the team.
Surrounded by mutant rats, they were torn apart alive.
Everyone wore a grim and mournful expression as they looked upon the corpses.
Especially Letnan Lian, who stared blankly at one of her fallen comrades—
A man who used to greet her as "senior."
He often talked about his wife and beautiful daughter back home.
He used to tease others for being single and even tried to set some of them up with women.
Now, his body was wrapped and placed in another vehicle—to be returned to his grieving family.
Letnan Lian stood still, head bowed.
Her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, drawing blood.
Tears fell silently from her eyes.
Lin Xian had been watching her from a distance.
He felt a twinge of sympathy.
He approached and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You did your best…" he said softly.
Letnan Lian turned around, her eyes red and misty.
She looked up at the masked man and wiped away her tears.
"Sorry... I must look pathetic to you," she said with a forced smile.
Lin Xian glanced at her, about to respond—
But then came a sudden roar in the sky.
Patatatatatata—
The rapid beating of helicopter blades echoed above them.
Lin Xian frowned, sensing their arrival.
He turned, preparing to leave.
But Letnan Lian grabbed his hand and said,
"Hey… You're really talented. Why don't you join the government? You'd be welcomed."
Lin Xian gently brushed her hand away and replied,
"I'm not ready to join anyone yet. But you can rest assured—I'm not your enemy."
With that, he turned and walked away without waiting for her reply.
Letnan Lian gave a small, bitter smile but didn't try to stop him.
With his strength, he was in a league far above her.
Forcing anything would only leave a bad impression.
As Lin Xian's figure slowly disappeared into the distance, Lian called out,
"Hey, masked man! My name's Lian Yue! I hope we meet again someday!"
He didn't respond, but his silhouette faded into the shadows.
For some reason, her heart felt empty.
---
Elsewhere, Lin Xian heard her call and smiled faintly behind his mask.
"Lian Yue… I'll remember you."
And then he vanished into the darkness.
Moments later, the military helicopter landed, strong winds whipping through the air—
Tossing Lian Yue's ponytail as she stood silently,
Her beautiful, heroic face glowing in the dusk.