30: Chapter 30 Negotiation

Mia did not answer the question. Instead, she slowly raised her hand and lightly flicked her finger—the ink bottle on the desk suddenly burst, and the ink floated in the air like a living thing, condensing into a pitch-black spike in her palm. She had actually easily mimicked Gao Ming's skill.

"Gao Ming's soul... in a sense, is still alive," she said leisurely. "If you want to know what an undead spirit full of Envy can do, I don't mind letting you meet him to experience it for yourself. Oh, by the way, he's also a pervert who particularly enjoys using Mimicry to become a charming woman like you, killing them and then taking their place."

He Xi's expression finally changed. He Xuan shook his head at her, signaling that there was no need to make things so tense.

She wasn't afraid of Mia's anger, but she feared the unknown—she clearly remembered in the mission files of the Eden Marketplace that from the last three-person exploration team, only one beautiful female agent returned alive. It was said that her personality changed drastically after returning, from dignified and elegant to hot and sexy, and she disappeared a few days later.

The file only mentioned the "Mirror Maze" but never mentioned an "Undead Evil Spirit." This meant Mia possessed more information than she did, and even knew of dangers she was unaware of.

"...We indeed underestimated the difficulty of the mission." He Xuan pulled He Xi behind him and stood behind the office desk opposite Mia. "A compensation plan is already being drafted; you may state your conditions."

"Three things." Mia withdrew her hand, and the ink scattered back onto the desk without a single drop spilling. "First, I want an item that allows me to form a squad with anyone, regardless of their faction."

He Xi's pupils contracted slightly: "Do you know how rare that kind of thing is?" Instantly, she received a flick to the head from He Xuan.

"Rare, but not non-existent," Mia said indifferently. "I am only responsible for stating the requirements; you are the ones who have to solve them."

"...Fine," He Xuan responded. "The second item?"

"Second, I need 'Blood Rose seeds'—the kind that can grow into a black rose." Mia narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you don't have any."

He Xi's fingers clenched into a fist under the table: "Where did you learn about that?"

Mia smiled and said nothing.

The secrets of the Coordination Office were not secrets to Mia, given the memories she had obtained from the Crimson Queen's cerebral fluid.

"Third..." Mia's fingertip lightly brushed her tear-drop mole, appearing a bit hesitant. "I haven't decided yet. I will seek help from the Coordination Office when necessary—though obviously not the kind of help provided by the bizarre files I received today."

The burly captain gave a bitter smile, his finger tapping on the office desk Mia had damaged, as if weighing the costs and benefits. "Very well. I will report your mission performance tomorrow morning. As long as it isn't too outrageous, the Coordination Office will help you within its capabilities. However, handling certain high-risk incidents will also require you to provide compensation."

Mia shrugged. "I'm in no hurry. Your terms are fair; if it exceeds expectations, we will provide appropriate payment."

She took Tuaner's hand and turned elegantly to leave, but paused by the full-length mirror near the door. She used her left hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and looked at the two seemingly fragile girls in the mirror, both covered in battle-damaged clothes. "Oh, by the way, Vice-Captain He Xi."

He Xi looked up.

"The next time you use such underhanded tricks on us..." The corners of Mia's mouth curled up slightly. "I wouldn't mind adding a new grave to my Nightmare Cathedral. Hmm, I'll give you the center spot. After all, you are our leader."

Her shadow distorted for a moment under the light, vaguely taking the shape of a cathedral's spire.

He Xi's face darkened completely. Flames condensed and then dissipated in her hand.

He Xuan glanced at her and tossed a folder to her. "Since the matter was botched, go clean up the loose ends. Write a beautiful merit report for Miss Mia and Miss Tuaner. Also, don't provoke them in the future. Between enemies and subordinates with personality, I still prefer the latter. Do you want me to apply for funds to renovate the building again?"

Walking out of the Coordination Office, Tuaner couldn't wait to open the mobile app and flip to the mission settlement email:

[Mission Settlement: Mirror Maze — Evil Spirit in the Mirror]

[Mission Difficulty: A+/S-]

[Completion Grade: S-rank]

Mission Reward Points: 80,000 (To be sent to the Adventurer via Guild Reward mode within Paradise Lost)

Extra Rewards (S-rank Standard):

1. [Slightly Used Squad Creation Token]: Ignores factions to establish a permanent squad relationship with any Adventurer. Squad members cannot harm each other. If a member dies in battle, squad members can consume a large amount of their own attributes to attempt a resurrection; covers the cost, but doesn't guarantee survival. (Currently limited to 3 people, upgradeable, requires points and special items)

2. [A Small Bag of Low-Quality black rose Seeds]: Only and exclusively capable of growing black roses with special abilities of Rank B or below (not limited to one type)

3. [Blood Contract]: The Coordination Office promises to assist the Adventurer in handling one mission with a difficulty no higher than S-, or grant an A-rank item (Currently inactive)

Tuaner let out a whistle: "Wow, we hit the jackpot this time. Good thing I listened to you and didn't just charge in, kill that evil woman, and tear down their building."

Mia patted Tuaner's head dotingly and said, "Captain He Xuan is alright; don't get into a dead end with He Xi in the future either."

She gently rubbed the heavy, pitch-black squad token with her fingertips. It was engraved with ancient, thick patterns and felt very substantial.

[Do you wish to use the item [Slightly Used Squad Creation Token]?] (This Life Support System is surprised to find that someone seems to have tampered with this thing? Interesting.)

[Target Selected: Tuaner]

[Squad Created Successfully!]

[Current Squad Size: 2/3]

Tuaner blinked, suddenly feeling her Succubus Tattoo grow slightly warm—it seemed an invisible mental link had formed between her and Mia.

"This way..." Mia said softly, "even if you die in the future, I can pull you back from hell."

Tuaner was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up: "For such a romantic contract, shouldn't there be a celebration full of ritual?"

Before Mia could answer, Tuaner threw her arms around her neck. She planted a deep, affectionate kiss on Mia's lips, her eyes looking soft enough to melt.

After the kiss, Mia's face was flushed red, and she was a bit overwhelmed.

"You are definitely the most innocent Succubus in history. Today is a beautiful full moon night, how about... coming to my house tonight? I'll help you brush up on the blind spots in your knowledge?"

At a distant street corner stood a powerful figure dressed in casual clothes, smoking alone. From under his hoodie, wolf ears with a notch were visible, adorned with two silver earrings.

They were burning him, blood gushing out and then healing, then bleeding again. He ignored it completely. His phone rang, "Hello? He Xuan? What is it? You said you found me two teammates? And you gave away the Squad Creation Token I pawned to you? And it's a freaking righteous Succubus girl duo? I'm a werewolf! Not a stupid dog!! You better wait for me!!" The phone was crushed with a snap. A gust of wind blew past, sweeping toward the Coordination Office; the street corner from a moment ago was now empty...