Heroes Return

"..." Dai Lisi glanced at him, then put the plant back into the flowerpot, and then got up and pushed open the door next to her.

"Kuhuhu, really! We clearly left operation instructions, but those guys who went into the ocean didn't believe us! In the end, we still released those three hundred-plus guys, but there are still two hundred and ninety-nine left! Kuhuhu, including me, that makes three hundred. Speaking of which, why didn't anyone believe the operation instructions we left?"

“No one will believe it.” Delis, carrying a potted plant, walked into the corridor with Alice.

"Kuhuhu, society these days really lacks trust! That's why we should have less scheming and more fun!"

Although there were many people in the corridor, it was eerily quiet. This was because everyone there was a dead person dressed in a mage's robe. Besides the numerous corpses, the walls, ceiling, and floor were covered in graffiti, completely destroying the ancient and mysterious atmosphere of the place.

"Kuhuhu, I've already paid my tuition here! I wonder if I'll get a refund?" Alice said with a smile, looking around at the scene. "But these guys' games this time are really interesting! Why don't we join in, Alice?"

“I will always follow you,” said Delis, holding a potted plant.

"Kuhoo! Our Delis is definitely cutest when she's a girl!" Alice smiled at Delis. "If I were a man, I'd definitely be eyeing you!"

"...Impossible."

"Kuhuhu, you really have no sense of humor! But whatever, let's join this game together! Let's join the Ivan Extermination War as nobles of District O! It's the first time I've ever fought three hundred versions of myself! Just thinking about it makes me excited! And maybe that guy will come this time too!"

"Are you planning to go undercover?" Daisy asked.

"Kuhuhu! Of course we're not undercover agents!" Alice said with a smile. "This time, we're representing justice to eliminate those evil Ivans! Kuhuhu!"

"Why?" Delis tilted her head and looked at Evan, puzzled.

"Kuhuhu! Because one Ivan is enough to operate in the world!" Alice's lips curled into a beautiful smile at this moment: "And because of their reckless actions, many of the things I arranged have been destroyed! Really, I was about to reap a huge reward, but instead, the Holy City has been occupied by them."

So you're planning to take revenge?

"Of course not for revenge! Kuhoo! I'm just having fun! This kind of sudden, unpredictable disruption is my style, and I'm incredibly excited right now!" Alice said cheerfully as she walked forward. "A world without Zero as an opponent is so boring! And if you want to find an opponent other than Zero, the most fun thing in this world is playing against yourself. So this time, I'm definitely going to participate in this game, kill all the Ivans, and become the victor!"

"Are you planning to kill all of Ivan?"

"Kuhuhu, it seems you don't understand at all! No matter the outcome of this game, in the end there will only be one Ivan left! A super Ivan who hasn't made any mistakes! Even if I don't participate, the other Ivans will fight to the last one and then come to fight me! Kuhuhu! Just thinking about it makes me excited!!"

"I don't quite understand!"

"Kuhuhu, just remember that this was a lot of fun." Alice said, skipping and hopping out of the castle-like building filled with dead people.

Chapter VII

In the small town closest to the Holy Capital, all the townspeople have vanished. Because Ivan has taken over the Holy Capital, everyone has left, fearing for their lives.

At this moment, two groups of uninvited guests entered the team one after the other.

"It seems the people from Sector O have arrived first." Leng Yan floated in the air, looking down at the people dressed in all sorts of gothic clothing, and a disdainful sneer appeared on his lips.

Compared to the superheroes flying in the sky, the heroes of Area O are dressed in a style reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

While the Hero Association members were watching them, the heroes in Area O below also saw these people from the Hero Association.

“I suppose you must be from the Hero Association?” A blond young man stepped forward and performed a standard knightly salute, then his sharp eyes turned to the superheroes who had flown over first.

Then, a large number of shuttles came from the horizon.

"It's been a long time, Knight Reinhardt." Captain Justice greeted the blond young man warmly as soon as he landed.

"It's a pleasure to see you all here. It has indeed been a long time, Captain Justice. And this must be Mr. Cold Flame! I often see you on the news."

"Hello." Leng Yan greeted Rhine symbolically as their eyes met. Behind them, all the superheroes walked over one after another.

"Reinhardt, are you leading the team this time?" Torus asked as he approached. "Speaking of which, what is the Great Sage's opinion on this battle? Why haven't we seen him this time?"

“The Great Sage is no longer in this world,” Reinhardt said with a sorrowful expression.

"Are you kidding me? Something happened to our mentor?" The Master of Miracles, who had just appeared beside them, immediately showed an incredulous expression: "Do you know what you're saying? Our mentor doesn't seem to have any enemies at all, and he's a person with great strength and profound wisdom. How could he possibly be dead?"

“I’m sorry, but something really happened to him.” Reinhardt shook his head.

"What exactly happened?" Leng Yan, who had been silent until now, suddenly asked.

“Just half an hour ago, we confirmed that all the mages and 720 students in the entire Magic Research Institute have perished! This includes the Great Sage himself.” Reinhardt, his face grim, pulled out a holographic computer. Tragic images flashed before the eyes of the Hero Association members.

"It was Ivan who did this!" Seeing the scene unfolding before him, the Master of Miracles lost his usual composed and elegant expression. Instead, his face contorted with extreme rage: "He actually dared to insult his mentor like that!!"

“In fact, the Magic Research Institute wasn’t the only organization to be massacred,” Reinhardt said solemnly. “According to reports, the vast majority of forces in Sector O were attacked by Ivan. This even included the dark forces; for example, the headquarters of the Dark Cult we’ve been searching for and the Dark Temple of the necromancers were both massacred. And in the entire Sector O, in less than a day, no fewer than ten major families were wiped out. Moreover, their patriarchs were all made into the same form as the Great Sage.”

"Is that why you only sent so few people this time? Shouldn't there still be quite a few families and organizations that haven't been wiped out by Ivan?" Leng Yan looked at Reinhardt with great interest.

Facing Leng Yan's gaze, Reinhardt felt uncomfortable: "In fact, quite a few things have happened while you were on your way here."

"What exactly happened? Judging from their attire, why are only your Knights of the Round Table and the Temple of War here? Aren't the others just people who are dependent on your families?" Torus looked puzzled after carefully examining the heroes from Sector O.

"Hmph! Why bring up those cowards?" A man completely encased in golden armor stepped forward and said coldly, "There are very few people left in Sector O who dare to fight Ivan! And all of those remaining are here."

"Is that you, Forrest? I remember there should be quite a few courageous families in the entire O district! What happened to turn them all into cowards?" Torus looked at Forrest in confusion.

But Forrest merely stepped aside slightly, then pointed behind him and said, "Look for yourselves! The courageous people who initially issued the statement to unite and take down Ivan are all there now."

When everyone in the Hero Association looked in the direction he pointed, they were all stunned. Before them stood a Christmas tree that didn't appear very tall. But the colorful lights decorating it gave it an indescribable terrifying appearance.

Because those colored lights were actually all the heads of the patriarchs of various powerful families in District O, and the eyes of those heads were all sewn shut with steel wire. Each person had a large colored light bulb stuffed into their mouth, emitting a dazzling array of colors.

"The entire O district has been turned into a complete mess by those Ivans in just one afternoon," Reinhardt said with a serious expression. "The last time Ivans came to O district, they caused a huge tragedy, but this time they've sent three hundred!"

"Hmph! No matter how many come, I will wipe them out completely today." Leng Yan sneered, "If you are also afraid of Ivan, you can go back."

“I will not go back! I have sworn in the name of my knighthood that I will surely defeat that demon!” Reinhardt slammed his fist on his chest.

“I won’t go back either. This is already a war to the death!” Fores said angrily.

While these people were talking, Lin Jie seemed to have nothing to do. Of course, he wasn't entirely idle, as he had just escaped Anya's advances. For Lin Jie, a woman who could be sweetly embracing you one second and then stabbing you in the heart the next was simply unbearable. Constantly having to guard against her was just too much trouble.

By this time, everyone had arrived in the town. Seeing the SS-class heroes at the front discussing something, Lin Jie made his decision. After disembarking, he didn't go to find Dong Xiaoye, who had come with him. Instead, he searched for a secluded exit in the town, as Lin Jie didn't intend to act with the Hero Association. After all, their opponent this time was Ivan, and Lin Jie didn't believe the association members could handle three hundred Ivans. Therefore, he planned to act alone, taking out the Ivans while the others were outlining their battle plan.

Thinking of this, Lin Jie immediately slipped into a small alley.

Lin Jie originally planned to transform into Zero's form after entering the alley, then quietly leave to deal with the Ivans alone. However, upon entering the alley, Lin Jie saw a girl huddled in a corner like a frightened rabbit.

"Philishia! Why are you here?" Lin Jie asked in surprise as he looked at the girl in front of him.

"Huh?" The girl raised her head, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Lin Jie with a cute expression: "Teacher... Waaah... That's great! Teacher, I was so scared!! There are so many people outside."

As the girl spoke, she suddenly pounced on Lin Jie's side and grabbed his arm, refusing to let go.

"Speaking of which, why are you here, Felicia?" Lin Jie looked at Felicia with some surprise. Before coming, Lin Jie had heard that students were not allowed to participate in this mission.

“Teacher… I’m originally from Area O! My family is also involved in this Evan extermination campaign! And because I’m the third daughter of the family, I was forced to come and represent the family in this campaign! Waaah… But being with so many people all at once… I’m so scared!! It’s so good to see you, Teacher… Waaah…”

"Hasn't your fear of strangers improved a lot?"

"That was at school with my classmates... Waaah... But the people outside look so scary... Waaah. Teacher! Please, let me stay by your side! You're so amazing, Teacher!"

Faced with Felicia's pleading yet adorable expression, Lin Jie finally gave in and abandoned his plan to travel alone away from the crowd.

Just then, a boy dressed in a mage's robe suddenly appeared in the alley: "Found you, Felicia! Didn't I tell you not to wander off? Ah! Teacher! Why are you here!"

"Huh?" The moment Lin Jie saw the boy, he recognized him: "Harry! So you've come! Are you also from a noble family in District O this time?"

“Teacher! I came here to avenge my friends at the Magic Research Institute,” Harry said sadly. “I used to live at the Magic Research Institute… Teacher! Could we accompany you on this mission?”

"I can't believe I've run into you two brats here! What a nuisance! Fine, you two can stay with me this time!" Lin Jie scratched his head. He had originally planned to go alone, but unexpectedly, he'd been stuck with these two kids.

Lin Jie and the two students chatted as they walked out of the alley. Felicia's initial fear lessened considerably upon encountering Lin Jie. Perhaps it was the strength Lin Jie displayed on the academy island that gave her a sense of security.

“Darling, I’ve finally found you.” As soon as Lin Jie stepped out of the alley, Anya’s voice came from across the street: “Ah! Following the scent and intuition was definitely the right choice.”

"Are you a dog?" Lin Jie looked at Anya with a bit of annoyance.

"Teacher! You just broke up not long ago! I didn't expect you to find someone new so quickly?" Harry looked at Lin Jie and Anya with some surprise.

"Huh? Darling, did you pursue other women before?" Anya's eyes suddenly lost focus, then she looked at Harry: "You were teasing me the whole time, but you went and confessed to other women? So, who is that woman? Can you tell me who she is? Hehe?"

"..." Harry was too frightened to speak by Anya's expression. For some reason, he felt a terrifying sensation.

"What do you mean 'teasing you'?! You were just chasing me and hitting me back then!!!"

chapter eight

"Honey, who exactly is that philandering cat?" After questioning Harry for a while, Anya once again turned her gaze to Lin Jie.

"I've already told you not to call me 'darling'! We've only met twice! And I have no intention of having that kind of relationship with you at all." Lin Jie decided it was better to be clear with this kind of woman sooner rather than later: "Although I don't know why you mistakenly thought you liked me, I need to make it clear! Don't call me 'darling,' we have nothing to do with each other."

“Okay, darling, we really don’t have anything going on right now.” Anya smiled at Lin Jie. “But we’ll be together forever soon. Darling!”

Although she maintained her smile, a terrifying red light suddenly flashed in Anya's hand. Then, she thrust the giant sword formed from blood-red energy towards Lin Jie's chest. However, just as the giant sword flew towards him, Lin Jie vanished from his spot.

"Ugh, darling, can't you just let me prick you a little?" Anya said coquettishly to Lin Jie, who appeared behind her after her attack missed, "If I had just stabbed him, we could have been together forever."

"A normal person would be dead after being stabbed once! And who would just sit around letting you stab them with a big sword for no reason!"

"Darling, you're so stingy! But you look delicious too."

"And please, please stop calling me 'darling'!"

"OK, dear."

The scene between the two of them left Lin Jie and his two students dumbfounded, especially Felicia, who, like a frightened rabbit, ran to the corner and crouched down, trembling, as Anya made her move.

"Kuhuhu, I never expected to see you here!" A girl wearing a black gothic Lolita dress appeared next to the group, accompanied by a cute girl in a green dress.

"It's an honor to see you again." The girl in the green dress politely greeted Lin Jie.

"Alice? Why are you here too?" Lin Jie recognized the girl the moment he saw her.

“Kuhuhu, I am, after all, the head of the Elaine family, so of course I have to participate in this expedition.” Alice smiled at Lin Jie, “Besides, I seem to have interrupted your intimate moment, Kuhuhu!”

"Are you sure what we just did was intimate? Besides, I have nothing to do with this woman."

"Huh? Why are you explaining this to me, Mr. Lin Jie?" Alice smiled and looked at Lin Jie. But the next second, she was pulled aside by Delis, who was standing nearby. As she dodged, a blood-red greatsword flew past the girl.

"Kuhuhu! What a unique way to greet someone!" Alice, who had been pulled aside, showed no surprise whatsoever. Instead, she wore an elegant smile: "Kuhuhu, Mr. Lin Jie, the people around you are indeed quite special!"

"What are you suddenly trying to do? Do you want to kill someone?" Seeing that Anya was still planning to attack, Lin Jie could only grab Anya's wrist.

"I don't know why! I really dislike her! Darling!" Anya said, her face flushed. "I smell a scent on her that I hate! Darling, can you let me go and let me kill her?"

"How is that possible!" Lin Jie said, controlling Anya.

"Kuhu, this is quite an unexpected development!" Alice smiled as she looked at the people around Lin Jie. "Since this young lady dislikes me so much, then I'll take my leave. Goodbye!"

Alice bowed to Lin Jie and then walked away with the little girl beside her.

However, at that very moment, the SS-class heroes, led by Leng Yan, were discussing their next course of action.