"Don't forget to return Kuro to me tomorrow. In case you don't want it to see something, cover it with a towel. Ah, I forgot something."

Bing Shi went inside again and returned with a squished mouse plushie, "Kuro's toy. Do you know the saying? Who needs love when you have a dog? In my case, a snake. Thank you for revealing information about Sharkie," she patted Kuro's head and waved at the stunned Ziek, "Good night."

As the door closed, Ziek was left standing there, still holding the snake and the plushie, "..." His mind was a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts, and he couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of confusion, amusement, and something else he couldn't quite put into words.

"What a hell of a night," he muttered to himself, his lips curving into a small smile. He turned and walked away from Bing Shi's tent, feeling a bit lighter than before.

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Bing Shi's excitement bubbled within her, a rush of joy and relief washing over her as she considered the implications of Ziek's revelations. She savored the moment, her heart dancing with the possibilities that lay ahead. With renewed energy, she picked up her cup of cold ramen and slurped the noodles, her appetite returning.

The fear that the HQ might have placed Xuan Mu into a reincarnation cycle, or even worse, exploited his past knowledge against her, gnawed at Bing Shi's thoughts. The notion that they could potentially hand over his memories to an unknowing stranger (like how Ziek received the old Ren Han's memories) felt like a sinister specter looming over her.

It was a thought that brought a shadow to her happiness, a reminder that her life was far from free of complications. But...despite these uncertainties, she still believed that Ziek was just an unwitting pawn tossed into this whirlwind of chaos against his will.

Observing Ziek's attitude, she could tell that Xuan Mu wouldn't appear easily. How could a few memories overthrow a person? Especially a stubborn boy like Ziek? Also, what would be the point of all these missions? She was sure that the moment she slagged off, the HQ would punish her by taking him away.

Still, it felt nice to know that Xuan Mu's soul was nearby, or his memories, or whatever part of him — it brought a sense of connection that eased her heart to some extent.

As tears streamed down her cheeks, a genuine, bittersweet smile graced her lips. It's fine; she went through worse before. The image of a healthy Xuan Mu sleeping inside ZIek resonated in her mind. It was a far cry from the memory of Xuan Mu bedridden and mute in a hospital room.

With her noodle bowl emptied, she wiped away her tears and reached for her tablet. The device illuminated her face in a blue glow as she delved back into planning her missions.

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Ziek settled onto the bed, laptop before him, and Kuro perched in his lap, "Is it possible to build a similar system like you?"

(Kuro): It's possible, but without infusing it with EP and HQ's approval to possess a body, you'll be unable to use it.

"Can Bing Shi see me? What is she doing right now?" asked Ziek. He didn't know if Bing Shi was irresponsible or not. She was telling him all of these secrets for free. Was she not afraid that he'd take advantage of it? He doubted it. There were still many things he didn't know about her.

(Kuro): Only if she wants to. She's currently working on a mission.

He picked up his phone, "Do you think she is pretty?" he questioned Kuro, his thumb flicking through pictures, landing on one that showcased Bing Shi in a less flattering moment.

Kuro nodded enthusiastically.

(Kuro): My host is the prettiest.

Was this snake face blind like its host? How could she say that her boyfriend, covered in acne, was the most handsome man on earth?! When she showed him that man's picture during his puberty, he couldn't recognize him at all! And worst of all, he was becoming one of them! Dammit, why did he find her chubby side cute?!

If it were a different time, he might have considered Fu Lian's offer. But now? He couldn't be bothered at all! Bing Shi was turning his life into a whirlwind of confusion and feelings! She was so... argh!! He couldn't stop thinking about her, and it was driving him absolutely nuts!

After amassing sufficient knowledge, Ziek instructed Kuro to withdraw, "You should return to your host."

Kuro tilted its head.

(Kuro): Why?

Ziek leveled Kuro with a deadpan stare, his expression saying it all, "You're well aware of why."

Kuro covered its mouth with its tail, a mischievous giggle bubbling forth.

Ziek's lips twitched with amusement as he tossed Kuro and its plushie out of his room. A grin lingered on his face as he shut the door and started to undress. Slipping out of his clothes, he stretched out on the bed and went through the things she loathed.

"She doesn't like to be courted?"

"She doesn't like surprise gifts?"

"She doesn't like to cook?"

"She doesn't like to wash the dishes?"

"She doesn't like children?"

.

.

.

That girl really knew how to make a man run for his money. If he didn't have a better understanding of her, he might have been put off entirely by her laundry list of dislikes.

Satisfied, he stowed away his phone and let his eyes drift close.

She would be free in two years.

But would he still be the same person in two years?

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

["Kuro, exploration time ♪♫."]

Kuro picked up the mouse toy with its mouth, its movements fluid as it slithered through the ship's narrow hallway.

Eventually, Kuro halted before a massive set of steel double doors. Slithering inside, Bing Shi's eyes widened in awe at the breathtaking scene before her.

The moon's gentle light filled the expansive indoor greenhouse through rooftop windows. Rows of vibrant vegetables and delicate petals adorned the fertile soil—a thriving tapestry of life.

Abundant vegetables like carrots, cabbages, and herbs flourished. Small heating tubes snaked among towering crops, nurturing plants like cucumbers, eggplants, and tomatoes.

Dwarf fruit trees in ceramic pots added to the scene, bearing apples, pears, oranges, and more, infusing the air with a sweet fragrance.

At the heart of it all, a pond sprawled like a miniature lake, its surface adorned with blooming lily pads. A wooden bridge arched over the pond, allowing a view of the lively fish that darted through the water beneath.

Bing Shi couldn't help but marvel at the sight, her thoughts echoing in her mind, 'Where did he find living animals?!'

Because this world was contaminated by the virus, most animals went into extinction during the trial. Wind-pollinated crops like wheat, rice, corn, rye, barley, and oats, were agriculture, which was unable to thrive without worms. Humans were forced to take the bee's and worm's job — pollinating the crops and oxidizing the soil.

The only ecosystem, which didn't require any care and thrived beautifully during this disastrous Apocalypse were trees and weeds in the forests and woods, which were slowly killing the abandoned cities.