Daziel looked at the four words "One Person, Thousand Roles," and his eyes instantly lit up.
At first glance, this skill didn't seem to directly translate into combat power. But the potential to use this skill for all sorts of tricks was simply incredible. In the future, for matters he couldn't personally handle, he could completely rely on this skill, transform into someone else, and resolve things easily.
Ahem, of course, there shouldn't be any harming others involved. After all, Daziel wouldn't do anything too outrageous!
Thinking of this, Daziel couldn't help but a satisfied smile touched his lips. In high spirits, he raised his hand and gently patted the already asleep Sparkle, who was slumped limply beside him. Her head was tilted, looking quite adorable.
In a way, this kind of exquisite experience was perhaps something only a little brat like Sparkle could enjoy.
"Well done, you little brat. Without much effort, your Corruption Value rose so quickly. It truly pleases me."
At this moment, Sparkle's consciousness was already hazy, her eyes slightly narrowed, seemingly unaware of anything again. Her body was limp as if her bones had been removed, completely losing support, only able to sprawl like a puddle of mud on the bed.
However, compared to yesterday, Sparkle's condition was clearly much better today. At least when she was awake, she could respond to Daziel and react appropriately.
"..."
Sparkle responded vaguely, her voice as thin as a mosquito's buzz, almost inaudible.
March leaned over, blinking curiously, her tone carrying a hint of confusion. "Eh? Daziel, what's this Corruption Value you keep mumbling about? This is the first time I've heard of it. Is it related to that pink thing on our stomachs? What's my Corruption Value?"
Daziel glanced at March, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly as he spoke teasingly. "You? You were the first to follow me. Your Corruption Value was maxed out long ago. Do you even need to ask?"
Hearing this, March froze instantly. A trace of panic appeared on her previously playful face. "Eh? Maxed out? Then... then doesn't that mean my brain is already broken? No wonder... sometimes I inexplicably get strange ideas..."
Daziel scratched his head, explaining somewhat awkwardly. "Uh, well, it's hard for me to say, but it seems like even before your Corruption Value was completely maxed out, you were already... hmm, your cravings were terrifyingly intense, even before we did anything..."
After all, back then, March had made quite a mess under Bronya's desk. That kind of track record wasn't something a normal person could achieve.
Hearing this, March immediately became displeased, her cheeks puffing up cutely like a little pufferfish. She put her hands on her hips and retorted righteously, "What are you saying? How could that be... Was I... was I really that exaggerated before?"
Daziel shrugged, a noncommittal expression on his face. "Hard to say... Perhaps it's all the influence of the meme! It's not little March's fault..."
Herta also walked over, her purple eyes similarly flashing with curiosity. "Daziel, what about me? I've been by your side for a few days too, right? How's my Corruption Value increasing?"
Daziel carefully sized up Herta, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Lady Herta's Corruption Value... is unexpectedly low, not even 50%. Maybe because it's transmitted through the puppet, uh, it lacks a bit of essence? Should this be called... loss during energy conversion?"
"What? Are you already eager to get your hands on my real body?" Herta chuckled lightly.
"No, no, no! I didn't say that. Although you did promise me, there's no rush, I'm really not in a hurry." Daziel quickly waved his hands.
"Hmph, at least you know your place." Herta snorted coldly upon hearing this, an expression of taking it for granted appearing on her face. "Oh? So, this Corruption Value is related to the brain? As a genius of the Genius Society, I can maintain a clear and rational mind at all times, so it's normal for it to rise slowly, right?"
Hearing this, March immediately became unhappy, her willow-like eyebrows standing on end, her tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction and grievance. "Lady Herta... Does that mean... because I'm stupid, it rises quickly? That's too much! How could you say that about me..."
Herta glanced at the puffed-up March, her tone still calm but carrying an imperceptible hint of pride. "Don't misunderstand. I wasn't talking about you. I was talking about this little girl wearing a mask who thinks she's clever."
As she spoke, Herta even extended a finger painted with purple nail polish and poked Sparkle's delicate little face, who was lying limply on the bed.
Seeing this, Daziel hurriedly waved his hands in front of the two, changing the subject. "Alright, alright, stop! Since it's come to this, let's sleep first... So much happened today, I feel a bit tired."
As soon as March heard the word "sleep," she became anxious, grabbing Daziel's arm and protesting coquettishly. "Wait! You had your fun with Sparkle, and now you want to just leave and sleep? What about Lady Herta and me? We've been busy helping you out with so much..."
Herta also nodded slightly, agreeing with March's words, her tone leaving no room for doubt, carrying a hint of command. "Exactly, don't think about slacking off! Hurry up and pay your dues!"
Daziel instantly felt a headache coming on and quickly begged for mercy. "Spare me... Do you know how many trips I made today? Five trips to the Four Heavenly Kings, two trips here for Sparkle, one of which lasted a full two hours, and Jingliu just came by once too..."
March didn't listen to any of Daziel's explanations at all, becoming even more energized. She put her hands on her hips, puffed out her chest high, and said righteously, "Stop making excuses! Didn't you just say my cravings were intense? Well, they're intense right now, so what?"
Herta also took a step forward, standing in front of Daziel, adding coldly and concisely, "Cut the crap, let's get started, don't waste time."
Looking at the two women before him, who looked like hungry wolves eager to squeeze him dry, Daziel couldn't help but sigh towards the heavens. A cry of utter helplessness cut through the charged atmosphere in the room. "Aiyo! What kind of bad karma is this..."
Starlight sprinkled down from the galaxy like silver threads, gently penetrating the gaps in the curtains, scattering finely into every corner of the room. The air was still filled with a lazy sleepiness, as well as the faint scent left behind after last night's romantic activities.
Beep beep beep!
The alarm clock rang.
Daziel's eyelids fluttered, and he slowly opened his drowsy eyes. What greeted him was the familiar starry sky ceiling of March's room. He turned his head, his gaze falling on March beside him. The girl's sleeping face was peaceful, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows below her eyelids, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned.
Daziel smiled, feeling that this scene was quite beautiful. However, this thought hadn't lasted three seconds in his mind when he heard March muttering—
"Just... just do me a little longer... please, your body can handle it anyway."
Daziel's mouth twitched slightly. He gently pushed her shoulder, urging her, "Wake up, wake up, March. It's time to get up and help with the big clean-up today."
Herta's puppet didn't need sleep; its energy core drove it to operate tirelessly. Hearing Daziel's movements, her purple eyes immediately lit up. "Is it morning already here..." she murmured softly.
March groggily rubbed her sleepy eyes, her pink cheeks still carrying the afterglow of last night. She mumbled as she sat up, her pajamas slipping down, revealing her fair shoulders and neck, complaining with a hint of cute petulance. "Eh? What time is it? Besides, didn't Herta say she was going to borrow some robots from Asta to help?"
Herta walked to the window, pulled open the curtains, and the scattered starlight from the galaxy instantly flooded the room. "I've already told Asta, but dispatching cleaning robots takes time. It will take two or three days for them to be delivered." She turned around, her purple eyes calmly watching March. "Waiting for the robots might be too late."
Daziel sighed helplessly, pointing at his phone screen. "No choice. I've already ordered a large batch of home appliances online. Topaz specifically arranged for logistics to deliver them by noon. They're large pieces of furniture. If they pile up in the train car's corridor, it will affect others. We should clean out the storage room today."
Most of March's sleepiness was dispelled, but she still pouted her lips somewhat reluctantly. "What's the big deal? If we leave it there, Pom-Pom won't blame us."
Daziel walked over to her and gently patted her head. "Be good. It's never wrong to be diligent. Besides, if we finish cleaning up early, we won't have to squeeze into your room anymore. Get up quickly. I still have to make a trip to Belobog today to discuss the aftermath with Bronya."
Hearing Daziel say this, March's expression finally became a bit more serious. She slowly lifted the covers and climbed down from the soft, large bed. Her gaze swept around, finally landing on the still sleeping Sparkle.
Sparkle was still curled up in the same position as last night, her breathing light and even, her chest rising and falling slightly, seemingly sound asleep. A mischievous smile touched March's lips. She tiptoed to the bedside, reached out, grabbed Sparkle's blanket, and yanked it off sharply.
"Little brat, why are you still sleeping? Get up! The labor reform we talked about is starting!" Her voice carried the unique energy of a young girl.
Sparkle woke with a start, looking blearily at the furious March before her, a trace of confusion on her face. "Ngh... What are you doing... It's so early, so noisy..."
"What am I doing? Working, of course!" March stood with her hands on her hips, looking like an arrogant supervisor. "Daziel needs to clean the room, even I got called over, so you have to help too!"
Only then did Sparkle fully wake up, her consciousness gradually returning. She rubbed her sore waist, memories of last night flooding her mind like a tide, causing her cute little face to instantly flush red. She looked resentfully at the triumphant March, then glanced pitifully at Daziel standing nearby, her voice carrying a hint of coquetry. "Last night, Sister March, you held me down so tightly, and then let Brother Daziel bully me so ruthlessly, using so much force. I feel like my body is about to fall apart now, aching all over, my bones feel like they're breaking, and you're still dragging me up to work? Do you have any humanity? Is this how you torment people?"
"Hehe, can't be helped. Who told Daziel to always bully me? I can only come bully you to get back at him." March giggled triumphantly, not feeling guilty at all. Instead, she puffed out her chest righteously and said teasingly, "Besides, I don't think you're losing out either. You looked so satisfied yesterday. You can't just think about the good stuff. Hurry up and get to work, don't try to slack off..."
Sparkle pouted, knowing she was in the wrong, and could only reluctantly struggle to get out of bed. Her movements were slow and stiff, each motion seeming to pull at sore nerves throughout her body, clearly showing the lingering fatigue from last night's intense activity. "Seriously... Just know how to bully me because I came later..."
"No, no, no, it's not because you came later." March corrected, "It's simply because you did bad things. Bad girls who do bad things must be punished severely."
Daziel watched the two women bickering, shook his head helplessly, took out a few sets of brand-new cleaning uniforms Pom-Pom had given him, and handed them to the three. "Alright, alright, stop arguing. If you keep arguing, we won't get anything done today. Change into these first, work is more important."
The few of them changed into the matching cleaning outfits. The blue and white uniforms looked rather unique on them, especially with the masks on. Daziel briefly assigned tasks and began directing everyone in the big clean-up.
He didn't disturb anyone else on the train, nor did he plan to let Jingliu out to help clean. Firstly, Jingliu and Daziel only had a cooperative relationship; she wouldn't necessarily follow his orders and probably wouldn't be willing to help with chores like cleaning. Secondly, Jingliu's mental state wasn't stable. Letting her out to work might cause some kind of trouble.
Unexpectedly, the group's efficiency was surprisingly high. Herta's puppet truly lived up to the name of genius, showcasing astonishing talent even in cleaning. Her machine-like precision and tireless drive made her the most reliable one, her movements precise and swift, meticulous, leaving no corner untouched.
Although Sparkle complained incessantly, as if she had suffered a great injustice, she didn't slack off when it came to actually working. Various housekeeping skills came naturally to her – dusting, organizing items, cleaning floors – every action was skillful and smooth. Since she was good at role-playing, it was normal for her to have picked up various life skills.
In comparison, March seemed rather clumsy, either knocking over buckets of water or bumping into furniture, sometimes tripping over the broom, sometimes unable to find the cleaning cloth, making Daziel shake his head repeatedly.
March also realized she seemed to be outmatched, especially in front of Daziel. She felt a bit embarrassed, her heart sour and somewhat annoyed. The girl's competitive spirit was thoroughly ignited.
She quietly approached Sparkle, and catching her off guard, pinched the tender flesh exposed at Sparkle's waist – the pink pattern there was almost complete now.
"Hiss—!" Sparkle sucked in a sharp breath of cold air, grimacing and glaring at March. "Sister March, what are you doing? I... I didn't do anything wrong...!"
March lifted her chin proudly, looking at Sparkle with a slightly teasing tone. "Nothing wrong, but you look cute!"
Sparkle stomped her foot in anger, her little face flushed red. Just as she was about to retaliate, Daziel's voice interrupted. "Alright, stop fooling around, work seriously!"
After Daziel spoke, the two glared at each other, then turned their heads away and continued to work hard.
Thanks to their combined efforts, the room soon looked brand new, radiating new vitality. Every corner became clean and tidy, and the air seemed filled with a fresh scent. The originally somewhat crowded room became spacious and bright, large enough to accommodate more than ten people living together.
The train itself would infinitely expand anyway. Now with several more people, it was reasonable for Daziel's room to get a bit bigger, right?
Besides the e-sports room, living room, study, and washroom that were originally part of the plot, he had specifically set up a special room for Jingliu and potentially other female characters who might join in the future – the confinement room.
The style of the confinement room was drastically different from the rest of the rooms. Cold iron bars and separate cages occupied most of the space, chains hung on the walls, and there were even specially designed slots suitable for placing fire pokers.
Sparkle curiously examined this strangely styled room, her brow slightly furrowed, a peculiar look in her eyes. "Aiyo, Brother Daziel, why do I feel... you set up the room like this targeting me? You're not going to make me sleep here tonight, are you?"
Herta stood aside, glanced at her, her purple eyes showing no emotional fluctuation. "We won't stop you if you want to go."
Sparkle instantly felt a chill, her delicate little face stiffened immediately, and she quickly waved her hands, saying with a forced laugh, "Let's forget it... Sister, I'll be honest, please let me go."
The washroom was also expanded. A huge circular bathtub was placed in the center, easily three or four times the size of a normal bathtub, large enough to accommodate several people bathing at the same time, even swimming in it wouldn't be a problem.
March looked at the renovated washroom with satisfaction, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned. "Not bad, not bad, such a big bathtub, bathing will definitely be very comfortable in the future... But Lady Herta's puppet doesn't seem to need bathing, right? Senior Jingliu probably won't want to bathe with us either, hehe, doesn't that mean most of the time it'll be me and Daziel washing together..."
Hearing this, Sparkle immediately became unhappy and jumped out to protest. "Hey, hey, hey! What about me? Don't I get a share? I'm Brother Daziel's girl too!"
March slanted a look at her, her tone contemptuous. "You? Of course, you have a share. But, well, you don't have the qualification to sit at the table. You can only serve us while we bathe, and then go wash yourself in the shower over there, understand? Little maid?"
Sparkle was so angry her willow-like eyebrows stood on end, her little face flushed red, pointing at March and protesting loudly. "Protest! I strongly protest! March, I think you're the bad woman, you're going too far! Brother Daziel, you... you have to stand up for me! Look at her, bullying me again!"
Daziel felt a headache coming on watching the two about to start arguing again and quickly intervened. "March, be careful. If Lady Herta isn't watching, you can't beat Sparkle. Masked Fools have plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Bully her less, be careful she trips you up, then you'll be crying."
March stuck out her tongue and made a face at Sparkle. "Hey, just scaring her. How could I be that bad? Besides, I'm not afraid of her..."
...
Herta glanced coldly at March, adding meaningfully at the right moment, "Sparkle isn't the type of woman who gets easily scared, nor the type who yields after a bit of torture..."
Sparkle immediately seized the opportunity, flashing Herta a triumphant 'you understand me' look. "Exactly, exactly, Sister Herta finally understands me, unlike some people, hmph!"
Herta's expression remained unchanged as she stated flatly, "Therefore, my suggestion is to continue increasing the intensity. Treat her like last night again for a few hours tonight, make her submit completely, only then can future troubles be avoided."
The smile on Sparkle's face instantly froze, her mouth twitched, and her triumphant smile instantly became uglier than crying as she let out a weak question. "Sister Herta, you... what are you saying?!"
Daziel really couldn't stand the chaotic harem drama unfolding before him anymore. If he stayed any longer, he felt he would eventually be driven crazy by these women. "Um... I've already arranged with Bronya in advance to discuss the aftermath of this incident. You guys just stay here obediently for now."
Hearing Daziel was leaving, Sparkle immediately put on a pitiful expression, pulling at Daziel's sleeve coquettishly. "Aiya, is Brother Daziel leaving again? When brother isn't here, the sisters will definitely find ways to bully me again, I'm so scared..."
Daziel glanced somewhat helplessly at Sparkle, ignoring her act of playing pitiful. He turned his head, his gaze falling on Herta. "I'll leave things here to Lady Herta. Contact me anytime if anything comes up."
Herta nodded slightly, "Go and come back soon. There are enough people here already, don't casually bring back any more women, otherwise, I might not be able to manage." Her words were still stated in that cold manner, yet carried an imperceptible warning.
With Herta present, Daziel indeed felt much more at ease. At least the situation wouldn't spiral out of control. After all, Herta's strength and status were undeniable, making her the most suitable person to suppress these women with their various schemes.
"Don't worry, I won't." Daziel sighed helplessly, "Although I won't be squeezed dry, but... it's tiring!"
With that, he hastily left the room, leaving March, Herta, and Sparkle behind to continue their intricate palace infighting.
...
Belobog, Qlipoth Fort.
The biting cold wind howled like countless icy blades, carrying fine ice crystals, lashing against the glass floor-to-ceiling windows of Qlipoth Fort, making faint tapping sounds.
Daziel stood alone before the wide window, his deep gaze sweeping across the empty and solemn square, patiently waiting for his meeting with Bronya. The appointed time had already passed, yet Bronya's figure had still not appeared.
His fingertip lightly touched the communicator screen. Daziel hesitated slightly, wondering if he should make the call to ask why.
Just then, a faint sound came from nearby, breaking the momentary silence and attracting Daziel's attention. He followed the sound, his gaze penetrating the biting wind. The iron gate of Qlipoth Fort was slowly opening inward, emitting a heavy and slow grinding sound.
Bronya's figure finally entered his sight, appearing in his field of vision. And in her hand, she was pulling a purple ribbon, seemingly from someone's clothes. Daziel only needed a moment's thought to understand whose clothes it was... Seele was here too. Was it to settle the score for what he did yesterday?
Thinking of this, Daziel's brows furrowed slightly, doubt rising rapidly in his heart like the climbing chill.
"Come quickly, Seele. Didn't we agree? Don't back out again." Bronya's cool voice carried an imperceptible firmness, as if suppressing some complex emotion.
Seele's figure slowly materialized from the shadows behind Bronya, as if emerging from her "Illusory Veil" technique. Her cheeks were faintly flushed, but her eyes flickered uncertainly, carrying a trace of shyness, unease, and an inexplicable expectation.
Daziel grew even more confused, his gaze shifting back and forth between Bronya and Seele.
Bronya finally faced Daziel, her expression solemn and serious, her tone steady with a hint of apology. "Mr. Daziel, thank you for saving Belobog three times. But I, as the Supreme Guardian... have indeed failed in my duty. Regarding Seele's matter, I deeply apologize."
She paused slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her silver eyes, then continued, "I assured you that no one on the list would obstruct your work, yet unexpectedly Seele..."
Bronya's words paused again, as if something difficult to say was stuck in her throat, making it hard for her to speak.
Daziel quickly waved his hand, interrupting Bronya's words, his tone sincere, carrying a hint of self-blame. "No, Bronya, I am the one who should apologize."
He recalled everything he did to Seele in the lounge. The memories flooded back like a tide, bringing a trace of embarrassment and guilt. Honestly, he didn't want to do such things, but he had to play the villain and do bad things to Seele.
"No! The fault is mine. I failed to control my emotions. It was clearly a matter concerning Belobog's safety, yet I was so willful... After what happened yesterday, I kept feeling I did wrong. I couldn't sleep all night, my mind filled with regret." Seele suddenly became agitated upon hearing this, her speech quickening. "Daziel, I came today to apologize to you. If you're unhappy... just punish me a few times. I remember you have a fire poker, right? If you don't punish me, I'll keep hating myself so much I won't be able to sleep."
After finishing her words, Seele made an unexpected move. She suddenly took a step forward and grabbed Daziel's hand. She looked at Daziel eagerly, then turned around, facing away from him, and slightly bowed her body.
Seele's attire was simple to begin with, just a few casually placed pieces of purple cloth making up her clothes, partly for ease of combat. Now, with her back to Daziel, it seemed even more direct.
The air seemed to freeze instantly, time slowed down abnormally, and all surrounding sounds disappeared, leaving only the howling wind and their slightly rapid breathing.
Daziel looked at Seele before him, stunned. He was momentarily speechless, his mind blank, completely unprepared for the situation to develop like this.
It was only then that Daziel noticed that because she leaned towards him, the shapely curves honed by years of training became even more pronounced due to the slightly intimate gesture.
Whoa, nice. So this was Seele's resolve?
______
🌟 WE DID IT, WANGSHENG FAMILY! We're +50 on Patreon! 🌟
The Director is OVERJOYED – thank you so much to each and every one of you for making this possible! 🥰 To celebrate this incredible achievement, a special gift: YOUR 10 BONUS CHAPTERS are now live! Go check them out!
And the journey continues! Our next big goal is to
Reach 75 amazing supporters! And yes, the reward will be epic again: 10 more brand-new chapters, all at once! 🤩
👻 Want more?
100 powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone! 5 reviews = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone!
Growing Wangsheng family and unlock even more exclusive content! ✨
Join us: 👻 patreon.com/Walnutchan 👻