28: Taming the Yandere, Shadow Guardian

Captains Quarters.

The heavy alloy door slowly closed, completely cutting off the noise from the outside world.

The room was very quiet.

There was only the slight humming sound of the climate control system running.

Gu Pingsheng sat on the large leather sofa, holding a glass of red wine that had just been aerated.

The wine was scarlet, leaving alluring arcs along the walls of the crystal glass.

He did not drink.

He just quietly watched the small, thin figure standing before him.

An An.

She had taken off the oversized black hoodie and changed into clean loungewear (prepared by Alice).

Although the clothes fit well, they still looked a bit loose on her.

She lowered her head.

Her hands were clasped together, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

Her body was still trembling slightly.

She was like a child who had done something wrong and was waiting for punishment from a parent.

"Sit."

Gu Pingsheng pointed to the chair opposite him.

His voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority.

An An's body stiffened.

She did not sit.

Instead, with a "thump," she knelt directly on the carpet.

"I... I'm sorry..."

Her voice was very small, as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

It carried a distinct hint of crying.

"I... I didn't mean to hide it from you..."

"I just... I just wanted to protect you..."

Gu Pingsheng raised an eyebrow.

He put down his wine glass and leaned forward slightly.

His gaze was like a torch, scrutinizing the girl kneeling on the ground.

"Protect me?"

"In what capacity?"

"Classmate? Friend? Or..."

"Shadow."

An An suddenly looked up.

In those eyes that were originally timid and evasive, a heart-palpitating flame was now burning.

It was paranoia.

It was fanaticism.

It was that kind of resolution to betray the whole world for the sake of one person.

"I am your shadow."

She said eagerly, speaking very fast, as if afraid that Gu Pingsheng would not believe her.

"It has been... it has been that way for a long time."

"When we were at school... I was always watching you."

"When you were eating, when you were in class, when... when you were sleeping in the library..."

"I was there."

"I was right there in your shadow."

Gu Pingsheng was stunned for a moment.

This... this was no longer a simple crush.

This was a stalker!

And a stalker who had awakened a top-tier assassin talent at that!

Just thinking about it made his back feel cold.

But strangely.

Gu Pingsheng did not feel fear.

Instead... there was a hint of inexplicable pleasure.

In this apocalypse where order has collapsed and human hearts are treacherous.

What could be more reassuring than a lunatic who knows everything about you, is still devoted to you, and is even willing to become a shadow to protect you?

"So."

Gu Pingsheng looked at her, the corners of his mouth curling into a playful arc.

"You don't need a title?"

"You don't need supplies?"

"You don't even need to move into this luxurious Captains Quarters?"

"I don't need them!"

An An shook her head vigorously.

There was not a trace of greed in her eyes, only pure longing.

"I don't want anything."

"I only want... I only want to stay by your side."

"Even if it's in your shadow."

"As long as I can watch you... as long as I can block blades for you... I will be very happy."

As she spoke, she actually started to smile.

That smile.

How should I put it?

It was a bit twisted.

A bit morbid.

But also damn sweet.

It was like a spider lily blooming in a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.

Gu Pingsheng was silent for a moment.

He stood up.

He walked to An An.

He looked down at her from above.

An An subconsciously shrank her neck and closed her eyes.

She was waiting.

Waiting for judgment.

Or... expulsion.

After all, no normal person would like being stared at by a perverted stalker, right?

However.

The expected reprimand did not come.

Above her head, there was a warm sensation.

It was Gu Pingsheng's hand.

He was petting her head.

His movements were very light.

Very gentle.

Just like comforting a frightened kitten.

"Silly girl."

Gu Pingsheng's voice came from above.

It carried a hint of helplessness, and a hint of doting.

"Since you want to be a shadow, then be one."

"However."

"My shadow cannot be so shabby."

An An suddenly opened her eyes.

She looked at Gu Pingsheng in disbelief.

Tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

"You... you're not driving me away?"

"Why would I drive away a good blade?"

Gu Pingsheng smiled.

He withdrew his hand.

He flipped his palm.

A cloak shimmering with silver light appeared out of thin air in his hand.

【shadow cloak (Brilliant Silver · Legendary)】

The flowing silver light seemed like living liquid, changing into various shapes in the air.

It exuded a cold, mysterious, yet powerful aura.

This was the artifact he had just critically struck using the 【Hand of God】.

He had originally intended to use it himself.

But now it seemed.

It had a more suitable owner.

"This is..."

An An's eyes widened.

As someone who had awakened the shadow talent, she had a natural sensitivity to this kind of dark-attribute equipment.

She could feel it.

The power contained in this cloak was simply as vast as the sea!

If she wore it...

Her strength would definitely increase several times over!

"It's yours."

Gu Pingsheng tossed it casually.

The cloak landed lightly on An An.

"Put it on."

"From now on, you are my shadow guard."

"As long as I am not dead, you exist."

"Whoever dares to touch me, you kill them."

"Do you understand?"

An An tremblingly reached out and touched the cloak.

The cold touch made her feel burning hot all over.

This is... a gift?

This is a gift he gave her?

And it's such a precious, such powerful artifact?

"I... I understand!"

An An nodded vigorously.

She grabbed the cloak and draped it over herself.

"Hum—"

The moment the cloak was on her, a black mist suddenly burst out, wrapping An An entirely within it.

The next second, the mist dissipated.

An An's figure disappeared along with it.

Completely disappeared.

Not even a trace of aura was left behind.

Even Gu Pingsheng's perception, which had been enhanced by 【Hand of God】, could barely detect her presence.

Only the shadow on the ground seemed a bit deeper than usual.

"Very good."

Gu Pingsheng nodded with satisfaction.

This was the power of Legendary-grade equipment.

Combined with An An's A-rank talent, she was now definitely the most terrifying assassin at this stage.

Even if that tyrant were resurrected, he probably wouldn't be able to block her backstab.

"Come out."

Gu Pingsheng said calmly.

"Swish—"

The air distorted slightly.

An An's figure reappeared.

She was wearing the shadow cloak (which had now automatically turned into a black hooded cloak style).

She looked even more mysterious and dangerous.

But on her face, there was a silly smile.

It was the kind of smile that only a child who had received a piece of candy would have.

"Thank you... thank you, Master..."

she called out softly.

This time, it sounded incredibly smooth and natural.

As if she was born just to call out this "Master."

Gu Pingsheng smiled.

Just as he was about to say something.

"Beep beep beep—!!!"

A burst of urgent alarm sounds suddenly broke the silence of the Captains Quarters.

It was the highest-level communication request.

It came from Gu Nian.

Gu Pingsheng frowned slightly.

He walked to the console and connected the communication.

On the screen, Gu Nian's face, which was usually calm and rational, now carried a hint of anxiety.

"Captain!"

"Something happened!"

"Look at the regional channel!"

"Someone is openly provoking us!"

Provocation?

Gu Pingsheng narrowed his eyes.

In this No. 9527 novice area, there was actually someone who dared to provoke him, the overlord who had just taken the first kill and topped the reputation rankings?

Interesting.

"Put it through."

Gu Pingsheng said calmly.

"Yes!"

The next second, the regional chat channel interface popped up on the huge holographic screen.

In the pinned position, a blood-red, bolded message was flashing frantically.