Talking with the Bug Fiend was different; there was a high likelihood of combat, and not just any combat—but one involving a monster. This made Xavi feel a bit tense. <br><br> <br>Tense but not afraid—his life and his soul belonged to the Buyers Club 66. There was basically nothing in this world that could take that away. <br><br> <br>However, as the club's owner, Xavi had not lived for centuries. The majority of his emotions still belonged to a human, and that was why he felt nervous. <br><br> <br>As for not being afraid… well, once you can't die anymore, what's there to fear? <br><br> <br>Xavi and his father, driven by a strong sense of justice, were very different types of people. Yet, over the years, Old Luo's frequent sayings had etched themselves deeply into his mind. <br><br> <br>Old Luo had said: "Don’t flinch. Confront head-on." <br><br> <br>… <br><br> <br>Holding the Heckler & Koch .45 that You Ye had already prepared, Xavi immediately chambered a bullet. Both hands grasped the gun firmly, with the muzzle tilted downward. <br><br> <br>You Ye, on the other hand, seemed much more relaxed. Perhaps she didn’t even take the upcoming Mantis Entity seriously. She stood there casually, no different from how she usually appeared. <br><br> <br>The Bug Fiend, however, looked worse for wear. Its black trench coat trembled slightly as if shaking. Seeing this, Xavi moved a step closer, positioning himself in front of the Bug Fiend. <br><br> <br>At this moment, the trio stood with their backs to the riverbank. Before them and on both sides lay the forest. If the Mantis Entity were to appear, the river route would unquestionably pose the most difficulty for it. <br><br> <br>Suddenly, a sharper screech pierced the air. Simultaneously, a shadow darted out from the forest on the left side, leaping through the mist-shrouded moonlight! <br><br> <br>Before Xavi could react, You Ye had already stepped forward into the night. Two metallic clangs abruptly echoed in the still air. <br><br> <br>When the crescent moon emerged from behind the clouds again, Xavi noticed a telescoping black Iron Stick in You Ye’s hand. Meanwhile, under the moonlight, there now stood a fourth figure… no, rather, a fourth monster. <br><br> <br>"Who are you?" <br><br> <br>A sinister voice came from ahead. Xavi focused hard and found his vision becoming unusually sharp. <br><br> <br>The Mantis Entity stood with its legs slightly apart, but its arms hung straight down, its fingers tightly pressed together—yes, fingers. <br><br> <br>What Xavi saw was unmistakably a young man with a slightly pale complexion and delicate, complete facial features. To an average person, he might even seem quite handsome. <br><br> <br>He wore a casual, deep-blue pinstripe suit jacket with matching pants. If not for his peculiar stance, he could almost pass as a competent fashion model. <br><br> <br>However, the menacing expression on his face ruined what could have been a favorable first impression. <br><br> <br>Hmm, the Mantis Entity's style was clearly different from that of the Bug Fiend. <br><br> <br>Xavi even thought this more closely aligned with the image he’d always imagined when picturing a monster's arrival. <br><br> <br>"Mr.… Mantis, is it? If possible, I’d like you to leave," Xavi carefully chose his words. "Currently, this... friend is under our protection. If you wouldn’t mind, could you leave this evening?" <br><br> <br>Starting a fight without reason was foolish. When a situation could be resolved without bloodshed, fists were unnecessary. That was in line with modern social thinking—not to mention, it helped earn trade currency effortlessly! <br><br> <br>Buyers Club 66 also had clear regulations—disclosing the club's existence freely was forbidden, particularly in adversarial situations like this one. It was even more critical not to brandish the club’s name recklessly. <br><br> <br>As You Ye had once explained, while many knew of Trafford or had heard the rumors, far more were oblivious. There was no need to enlighten those in ignorance unnecessarily. <br><br> <br>The waters behind the club ran deep—far deeper than Xavi could ever hope to understand anytime soon. After all, its existence predated even You Ye’s centuries-long service. <br><br> <br>The maid doll probably only knew what she had overheard during her past few hundred years serving the previous owner. That former owner might’ve occasionally mentioned certain things, but considering he’d been a middle-aged recluse content to spend entire days listening to music boxes in his room, Xavi suspected much of You Ye’s "knowledge" was spiced with her personal flair. <br><br> <br>As Xavi fell victim to his habitual daydreaming, the Mantis Entity made its move. <br><br> <br>"Hmph." <br><br> <br>With a mocking smile, the Mantis Entity’s gaze passed over Xavi, landing squarely on the Bug Fiend at the back. "I was wondering why you dared show yourself again. So it’s because you found two helpers. But, little one, do you think that will let you escape the grasp of someone like me?" <br><br> <br>The Mantis Entity took a step forward, its expression growing ever more sinister. <br><br> <br>The Bug Fiend, instinctively terrified, retreated and stammered in terror, "Y-you… stay away!!" <br><br> <br>The Mantis Entity laughed boisterously. "A pathetic runt, not even fifty years old. Did you think I’d find you special? If bigger monsters hadn’t been scarce in the mountains these years, leaving me with no proper meals, do you think I’d bother with scum like you, a mere Greenhorn?" <br><br> <br>It snorted coldly, continuing, "Your mother—she was delicious, you know. That scream of hers still echoes in my ears! Do you remember it? Ha! Back then, she sacrificed herself to save you, thinking I wouldn’t notice you buried under the dirt. What a joke! I let you go only so you’d grow up and fatten up for my feast! Now, thinking back to your mother’s screams as I tore her apart makes me so excited! Tell me, how should I eat you, hmm? Like back then, when I devoured her? Should I rip your arms off first or twist your head off? You remember, don’t you? Your mother’s head was the first to go!" <br><br> <br>"Stop… STOP!!! AHHHH!!!" <br><br> <br>With a shrill scream, the Bug Fiend lost all reason and charged past Xavi toward the Mantis Entity. However, its clumsy body betrayed it, and Xavi instinctively stuck out a leg, tripping the Bug Fiend to the ground. <br><br> <br>"Wow, Mr. Mantis certainly excels at provoking rage. Even as a bystander, I’m starting to think not bringing out weapons initially was a mistake," Xavi shook his head. "Get up. You’re under our protection. If our guests have to fight their own battles, it reflects poorly on us, don’t you think?" <br><br> <br>"I…" <br><br> <br>The fall seemed to jolt the Bug Fiend back to its senses, its fear mounting as it realized the Mantis Entity's intent. <br><br> <br>"Nosy fools! I’ll eat you first!" the Mantis sneered before leaping high into the air. <br><br> <br>While airborne, its pale hands suddenly extended, shredding its sleeves as its arms transformed into deadly mantis scythes. Those scythes slashed downward with terrifying force. <br><br>)
