Chapter 32: Maiden's Heart

Judith certainly didn't need anyone's supervision. After bringing Liwei and Yasha to their destination, she returned to her own residence to rest. As a hunter affiliated with the Clover Branch, her job nature dictated that she had to stay in foreign territories for extended periods. However, her substantial income enabled her to afford a residence in the Clover Community.

Liwei and Yasha followed a woman named Cai Yutong towards the back of the hall. Cai Yutong had a bobbed haircut that was smooth and glossy. Her delicate facial features made her look charming and cute. She spoke in a warm and gentle tone, occasionally giving off an endearing and cute vibe.

During their casual conversation, Liwei learned that Cai Yutong was a student of Mars. Despite being only seventeen years old, she possessed remarkable strength. She had completed extreme training, handled six C-rank missions independently, cooperated in fifteen C-rank missions, and even assisted in a B-rank mission. Her age, strength, and achievements were truly astonishing. Liwei could sense a threatening aura from her, making him believe that this seemingly delicate girl might be more formidable in battle than figures like the vampire Konstantin or Zhang Zongming.

Despite his intuition, Liwei found it hard to believe. Cai Yutong's appearance did not match that of a skilled warrior; she seemed more like a girl-next-door.

People were truly not what they seemed.

They reached the fourth floor of the branch, designated for guest rooms. After escorting Yasha to her room, Liwei's room was at the end of the corridor, marked with the number 425. He entered and turned to express gratitude to Cai Yutong, who was still at the door.

Waving her hand, Cai Yutong smiled with narrowed eyes, "No need to thank me, Liwei. You've had a tough journey. Take a shower and rest soon. By the way, I heard that you, Mr. Liwei, were sent by District 17 for training at headquarters. We might be classmates during that time."

"You'll also participate in the training?"

"Yes, of course. Such a good opportunity can't be missed. I'll be heading there with a few other colleagues from the branch in three months. We should be in the same batch, right?"

"Yes, if nothing unexpected happens, we should be in the same batch."

"Then, please take care of me when the time comes."

Watching Cai Yutong leave, Liwei closed the door and examined his room. It wasn't large or luxurious, but the facilities were above standard. A comfortable mattress, a carpet on the floor, decorated walls behind the bed, and warm lighting provided a pleasant atmosphere, surpassing the accommodations of a star-rated hotel.

After a shower, standing by the window and looking at the brilliant lights of the upper district, Liwei once again marveled at how much better this was than Eileen's rundown tavern. Unfortunately, this wasn't his place. After settling the matters related to this mission tomorrow, it would likely be time for him to return.

At this point, Liwei hadn't forgotten that escorting Yasha to the Clover Branch this time was a B-rank mission. The major share of the mission rewards would undoubtedly go to Judith. Throughout the journey, she was the real combat force, while Liwei played the role of a driver, dealing with a few skeleton party members. Liwei had no complaints about Judith taking the lion's share; after all, that was the agreement.

However, even the reward for assisting in the mission was a significant wealth for him. According to Eileen, on this trip, he could at least obtain a C-rank evolutionary liquid, and perhaps some additional gains.

That was what he looked forward to the most.

With this thought in mind, Liwei lay down on the comfortable bed, ready to rest.

In a half-awake state, he heard a faint knocking on the door.

His basic alertness still intact, Liwei woke up instantly.

"Who is it?"

No response from outside.

Frowning, Liwei reached for the handle under the pillow, asking again, "Who's out there?"

Finally, Yasha spoke, "It's me."

Liwei relaxed, placed the gun back, stood up, opened the door, and saw the girl in sleepwear, looking a bit embarrassed, holding a pillow.

"It's late, do you need something?"

Yasha's face blushed slightly. She lowered her head, speaking softly, "I... I can't sleep. Mr. Liwei, do you have time? Can we talk?"

Liwei sighed silently, rubbing his forehead. He initially thought something had happened, but it turned out the girl couldn't sleep.

Seeing Liwei's expression, Yasha became even more embarrassed. She said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Liwei. I disturbed you with my impulsiveness. I'll go back to sleep."

"Never mind." Liwei stopped her and said, "Since I'm already awake, and it's not like I have much sleepiness at the moment, come in."

Sitting on the sofa by the small coffee table, Liwei asked, "What do you want to talk about?"

Yasha felt a bit awkward, regretting her impulsive behavior. Earlier, she had tossed and turned on her bed, unable to sleep despite being physically and mentally tired from the day's journey. On a whim, she knocked on Liwei's door.

She just wanted someone to accompany her, but facing Liwei in person, she didn't know what to say.

Rolling his eyes, Liwei poured two glasses of water and handed one to Yasha. He then asked, "Do you have something on your mind?"

"Um..." Yasha nodded and asked, "Mr. Liwei, what do you think of Wisdom City?"

"Thoughts?" Liwei found it strange that Yasha would ask this, but after thinking for a moment, he answered, "I think it's a great city."

That was his honest opinion. In the new era, despite advancements in various aspects, there was still a considerable gap in productivity compared to the modern society he had experienced before—commonly known as the old era. Additionally, the overall environment of this era, with the existence of evolved beings and supernatural powers, was harsher compared to the safe and stable old era.

In such a vast city as Wisdom City, the fact that it stood upright was nothing short of a miracle. Regardless of the hardships faced by the people in the lower districts, under the protection of towering city walls, the efforts of hunters, sentinel forces, and the New God Cult, at least personal safety was guaranteed.

Indeed, the common workers worked tirelessly for meager wages, destined for a life of poverty. But without the protection of this massive city, even the current standard of living would be uncertain.

So, he considered it a great city.

Listening to Liwei's words, Yasha said, "Yes, it is a great city. Founded by the previous kings, guarded by generations of heroes. But now, it is in a dire state, riddled with wounds. It needs to restore its former glory; it needs healing."