I’m Really Scared
Chapter 181: Under the Snow

Everyone exchanged bewildered glances, and Tang Zhi and Chen Yunpeng even dropped their sunflower seeds on the ground.

—The two had not only been idle chatting but also secretly munching on sunflower seeds. However, since the battle was over, no one was paying them any mind.

Tang Zhi felt deeply shocked: "Is this for real? 'Drone Bee One' ran to Liaoshen? That's quite a run, he must have crossed half of China... We've been searching like headless chickens, and he just abandoned 'Death Hive' and took off."

He clicked his tongue in amazement: "Do you think the members of 'Death Hive' would hate him if they knew about this, or would they still be loyal?"

Chen Yunpeng was equally at a loss for words, his gaze vacant as he muttered: "Isn't the point that Guan Shan killed him?"

Only then did Tang Zhi come to his senses, his eyes widening: "Damn, Guan Shan again? Wait... how could it be a coincidence he was in Liaoshen? Did he predict 'Drone Bee One' would go there?"

"Wait... that's not the main point. 'Drone Bee One' is A-level! Guan Shan was said to be at most C-level, right? Even if 'Drone Bee One' is a 'Brain Domain Developer' Esper, his combat power should be at least B-level. Otherwise, why would an A-level be sent to assist?"

"Could it be that Guan Shan is actually... Damn!"

Tang Zhi inhaled sharply, nearly biting his tongue but still unable to calm his nerves.

The more he thought about it, the more surreal it seemed.

Although Guan Shan's lack of energy response made judgment difficult, his combat history was evident, suggesting a level close to B-level C-class.

"Could it be... he's already at B-level?!"

Tang Zhi mulled over it, concluding this was the only possibility.

But this was ridiculous!

When they first encountered Guan Shan, he struggled against C-level Tao Luo. Now, in less than two months, he could kill an A-level Esper. This upgrade speed... is it even reasonable?

Are you sure this is an Esper's upgrade path and not a pay-to-win mobile game?! While Tang Zhi wrestled with Guan Shan's rapid power escalation, the more perceptive individuals focused on why Guan Shan happened to be in Liaoshen and managed to kill 'Drone Bee One.'

Of all the places in China, these two enemies coincidentally met there. It had to be intentional.

And since 'Drone Bee One' wouldn't run to his death...

The masked A-level Esper chuckled: "This guy is really interesting. I heard he's a journalist... Could this identity actually give people buffs?"

The A-level Esper stroked his chin thoughtfully: "Maybe I should get a job as a journalist too. Perhaps those elusive criminals would just come to me."

Xia Lei smiled noncommittally.

His face remained impassive, but his mind raced, considering whether Guan Shan had coincidentally encountered 'Drone Bee One' or if it was orchestrated by someone named 'Shen Dinghua.'

His intuition leaned towards the latter. Someone with such a strong desire for control wouldn't leave an unstable element.

On the other hand, she didn't intervene herself, suggesting she might be training Guan Shan.

Reflecting on 'Death Hive's' downfall, the turning point seemed to be when Zhao Hong and his wife, as experimental subjects, inadvertently dragged Guan Shan into their trap...

Perhaps, to eliminate the threat of 'Death Hive' to Guan Shan, a behind-the-scenes manipulator led Guan Shan to destroy 'Death Hive.'

This logic sounded absurd but fit the sequence of events surprisingly well.

As the only insider, Xia Lei saw much more than the others.

Unfortunately, he couldn't reveal this. Otherwise, he might end up spending the night at a fast food joint.

The A-level Esper suddenly turned to Sun Han: "But you only mentioned 'Drone Bee One' died. What about Lü Yongsi?"

'Drone Bee One' claimed his real name was Lü Yongsi, a name known to some and used by others in 'Death Hive.' However, no records matched this name, suggesting it was an alias. Thus, 'Drone Bee One' remained his common designation.

Sun Han was surprised by this distinction, knowing it only from Guan Shan's account. But it seemed this masked Esper also knew.

Given the A-level Esper's rank, this wasn't surprising. She replied honestly: "'Drone Bee One' committed suicide. Investigation revealed his body was fully mechanical, controlled via a consciousness transfer device using 'Queen Bee' blood. Guan Shan said his real body might be in Yingzhou."

The A-level Esper raised an eyebrow: "Did 'Drone Bee One' say this, or does Guan Shan have such an ability?"

Sun Han answered: "Guan Shan used a Panspirit Object that allowed monitoring through the target's gaze but could only be used once."

This was Guan Shan's cover story. In reality, the Eyeball Cluster was reusable, while 'A Kiss from Red Lips' was single-use.

Realizing his numerous abilities and Panspirit Objects could attract unwanted attention, he opted for this explanation.

—Despite 'Death Hive's' downfall, it was best to keep a low profile.

The A-level Esper pondered before addressing Xia Lei: "In that case, my task here is done. Thank you for your help, Xia senior."

Xia Lei remained unfazed by this title, his expression calm. He whispered, "Thank you for your assistance, 'Under the Snow.'"

"…"

The A-level Esper visibly flinched, struggling to control his expression: "I lost, can we not mention that? I go by 'Zero Point' now."

Xia Lei chuckled, adopting a paternal tone: "Didn't you choose that codename? I think it sounds nice, 'Under the Snow'... quite poetic. Does it have special meaning?"

Stop! Please! 'Zero Point' trembled with embarrassment, internally screaming: "Do you expect me to admit it's from a Japanese anime character I liked as a teenager, and I used her name as my codename?!"

Youthful mistakes...

He was just a high schooler when he awakened his powers, and in a fit of adolescent whimsy, chose that name.

Luckily, codenames could be changed.

Otherwise, he might have jumped off a building by now!!!

'Zero Point' sighed in despair: "No special meaning. I'm leaving now. Don't contact me for a while, Xia guide."

He fled, embarrassed and hasty.

Xia Lei, puzzled, wondered what he'd said wrong to make the young Esper flee.

—

"Done."

Guan Shan, satisfied with his report, reviewed his gains.

This time, he acquired two materials and two items, three of which were scavenged from 'Drone Bee One.'

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