Monsters Die When Killed

’Has the flower fairy been discovered?’

As this thought crossed his mind, he immediately began scheming for a way to warn the flower fairy to hide or to tell her to leave quickly. But as luck would have it, as if sensing something, the flower fairy—who had been staying upstairs all this time—quietly flew down the stairs and peeked curiously toward the door.

To his dismay, Chen Zhicheng realized that the professor had also seen the flower fairy.

"Officers... may I ask, what is this about..."

Forcing a smile, his heart pounding with anxiety, Chen Zhicheng didn’t know what to do. He could only cut in, blocking the five people at the door. Behind his back, he was frantically gesturing for the flower fairy to leave quickly.

But the professor just smiled and sighed softly. "Mr. Chen, there’s no need to worry."

"We did come here specifically for this Flower Fairy of yours—or flower fairy, rather—but we have no intention of harming either of you."

A moment later, both parties were seated at the table.

"Don’t look at us so nervously. Worry muddles the mind, Mr. Chen. Think about it, why would we take your partner away?"

The professor, who introduced himself as Zhang Fucheng, placated the obviously overwrought Chen Zhicheng. The middle-aged professor’s voice was calm as he looked up at the flower fairy perched on the man’s head, his tone soothing. "You must understand. Fairy-type creatures like the Flower Fairy won’t trust just anyone. It takes a special kind of person to earn their trust. Not only do we have no intention of taking her, we don’t have the ability to ’abduct’ her, either."

"In fact, we came here merely to confirm your partnership and have you sign this contract."

By now, Chen Zhicheng had finished reading the contract before him. The contract was simple: it was a guarantee that the flower fairy would not go around causing trouble or disturbing others. If his flower fairy partner did do something wrong and caused damages through her mischief, then he would be responsible for the compensation.

"But, Professor Zhang, I don’t quite understand why..."

But it was precisely because it was so simple that Chen Zhicheng was a bit confused. "This contract has no real restrictions or consequences—this is what I planned to do all along!"

’If the flower fairy breaks something, it’s not like I can make her pay for it, can I?’

"No." Professor Zhang shook his head, refuting the notion. "The contract is a formality, a statement of intent. We trust that you and your fairy partner will not cause harm—but for a ’potential Transcendent,’ this attitude of ’obeying the law’ and ’respecting Order’ is of the utmost importance."

As he spoke, Zhang Fucheng leaned forward, his tone serious. "You have to understand, Mr. Chen, this world has already begun to change."

To this, a still-dazed Chen Zhicheng could only nod subconsciously. "Ah, I know..."

After a moment, Zhang Fucheng settled back into his seat. His tone remained as calm and serious as before. "Therefore, the Zhengguo Government does not want any ’possible Transcendent’ to harbor any resentment. After all, in this era of change, who knows if you might become a powerful Transcendent in the future?"

"Even if you don’t, we wouldn’t make any rash moves. There’s an old story about ’paying a thousand gold for horse bones’ to show sincerity. Though it might sound a bit blunt, you don’t quite qualify for that level yet. But even if it’s just to ensure that you and the many future Awakeners feel a sense of loyalty toward our country, we would absolutely never do the kind of thing you’re imagining."

Chen Zhicheng opened his mouth but was speechless for a long moment. As he felt the flower fairy on his head seemingly tugging at his hair, he answered dazedly, "Yes, I know..."

Professor Zhang seemed satisfied with Chen Zhicheng’s attitude. He nodded and said sternly, "Therefore, you must do more, not just for yourself, but for your companion as well. Mr. Chen, you must know that a flower fairy, or a Flower Fairy, is an Elf born from the Essence Qi of grass and trees. They are benevolent by nature, the friendliest kind of Spirit Monster."

"It is your responsibility to take good care of this type of non-human, who is extremely friendly towards humans. If you cannot fulfill your responsibility, even if it brings about negative consequences for you and your flower fairy partner, we will step in to fulfill it for you."

With that, Zhang Fucheng took out a white form and handed it to Chen Zhicheng. "In a few days, go to the location at this address. The Hongcheng Security Bureau will test your Talent—your Talent should be plant-related. Otherwise, your overflowing Spiritual Qi wouldn’t have been able to nurture a Flower Fairy."

"That’s about it. We have extensive experience in caring for small Extraordinary Creatures. You can also attend the training classes offered by the Security Bureau. Don’t betray the trust she has placed in you. Here is a manual on caring for plant-type Spirit Monsters. Remember to read it carefully so you don’t make your partner uncomfortable."

"Oh, and if you don’t mind, you could consider joining the main Security Bureau—we’re currently short on potential Awakeners like you, with both Talent and a kind heart, to care for the various Spirit Plants and flora that might appear... Trust us, joining the government is definitely the right choice."

"Yes... I know." As he took the booklet, Chen Zhicheng’s voice trembled.

"Eee-yah!"

Just then, the flower fairy seemed to sense Chen Zhicheng’s turbulent emotions. She suddenly stood up angrily and made several sharp gestures at Zhang Fucheng, letting out a series of indignant "Eee-yahs!"

"Hello there."

But why would Zhang Fucheng—a professor, and formerly a High-level Mage—care about the anger of a little Flower Fairy? He just smiled at the flower fairy, revealing a set of bright, white teeth in greeting.

’Subduing Demon Fiends with a Dharma Form of Fury is reserved for actual Demon Fiends. Who would get angry at an adorable little thing like a fairy?’

"...Thank you all so much."

Finally, having calmed down, Chen Zhicheng let out a long breath. A sincere smile spread across his face as he stood up and bowed deeply to the middle-aged man before him.

"I understand everything now... Thank you all so much."

"Thank you so much for giving me a new choice."

"There’s no need to thank us."

But the reply he received was, "If you are willing to join us and choose to protect our shared world, then it is we who should be thanking you."

At that moment, however, tears were already streaming down the face of the bowing Chen Zhicheng. Large droplets rolled onto the table, though it was unclear if they were tears of bitterness or of joy at finally being acknowledged.

"Really, thank you so much."

—The Spiritual Energy Revival, a world in flux, brings impermanence.

In the darkness, shadows stir. The stars are in disarray, and Demon Fiends awaken.

Life is like a grain of sand in the sea, sinking and floating at the whims of the tide. The future is uncertain, and no one knows which path to take.

But in the light, goodwill born of Order still spreads.

Just as the human heart is not entirely selfish, there will always be something that brings warmth to oneself and others, something that allows people to choose to believe in hope, to hold fast to their Beliefs and desires, and to walk the path they wish to walk.

—In this new era, may everyone hold hope in their hearts—

—End of Volume One: The Awakening of Spirits—