The bullet tore through the air with a piercing shriek.
Like a searing meteor, it slashed a brilliant, fleeting trail of light across the utterly silent, ink-black canvas of the night sky.
Instantly, the Blade Noble's form stiffened violently, its motion freezing as if time itself had solidified around it.
Then a bizarre and dazzling spectacle unfolded, crystalline structures, clear and glittering like ice, began blooming from its chest.
These crystals spread at a speed visible to the naked eye, surging like a raging tide across its body, engulfing every part.
This sudden, bizarre transformation made everyone on the scene stop dead in their tracks.
"The Echo... it's frozen?""No, that's... crystallization!""This... this ability is—"
One of the Fisalia men was the first to recover his senses.
"My, my. The Fisalia family really can't behave, can they? Pestering my employee this late at night. If I, as the employer, were to turn a blind eye, wouldn't it chill the hearts of those who serve the family?"
A young woman descended gracefully from the night sky, her bearing one of refined nobility. A sweet, clear smile graced her lips.
Her flawless face, her movements, her tone, her demeanor, all harmonized into a presence that felt untainted by the world's grime, quietly blossoming amidst the clamor of the mortal realm.
That was it. Peerless elegance.—Carlotta Montelli.
That was the young woman's name.
Abandoned orphan, descendant of a fallen branch, the much-watched young lady, the efficient executor... in Ragunna there were many rumors about her.
People called her by different titles and held varying opinions of her. But one thing was undeniable: this young lady of the Montelli family was far from the simple, harmless figure the world might perceive.
Ray's eyes widened slightly, his lips parting as he stared at the slender figure before him.
That unique crystallization ability, that noble and elegant bearing...
Could it be...?
"Boss?"
The word left Ray's lips almost without conscious thought.
Hearing it, the young woman ahead merely tilted her head gently. Her clear, water-like eyes held a glint of approval.
"You performed quite admirably," she said, her voice as soft and pleasant as a spring breeze. "Even when faced with a formidable opponent, you showed not a hint of fear."
"That courage and resilience are truly commendable."
"Yes, once this matter is properly concluded, be sure to provide me with your employee ID number. I shall arrange for a salary increase as a reward for your merit."
With that, Carlotta shifted her gaze toward the Fisalia men; her tone cooled considerably.
"Although my grandfather has repeatedly instructed me to avoid unnecessary conflict with the Fisalia family..." she began. "This time, you are the ones who have overstepped and provoked me."
"If I were to ignore this, the dignity of Montelli would be compromised."
"Therefore—"
Her expression turning stern, she slowly raised her slender arm, a finger pointing directly at the four unwelcome guests before her.
Instantly, crystals coalesced at breathtaking speed in her palm. In the blink of an eye, they formed into a uniquely designed pistol, cold and gleaming, resting ready in her grasp.
"In the name of Montelli, I shall show you the meaning of Radiance!"
Her words still hung in the air as, with a motion swift as thunder, Carlotta's delicate finger pulled the trigger.
A look of mingled gloom and panic instantly clouded the faces of the Fisalia men.
They had never dreamed that what was supposed to be a simple kidnapping of an insignificant clerk would unexpectedly draw Carlotta into the fray.
But now the situation was like an arrow loosed from a bow, unstoppable, with no room for retreat. Even if it meant staking the honor and dignity of the Fisalia name, they had no choice but to stand their ground and fight.
The remaining Blade Noble charged, only for Carlotta's shot to strike it square between the eyes. The entire Echo crystallized in an instant.
Without hesitation, Carlotta fired another shot. The crystallized form of the Blade Noble shattered with a resonating crack, exploding into a shower of glimmering, translucent fragments that danced in the air before finally dissolving into faint tendrils of frequency, vanishing into the vast world as if they had never been.
"And now, it's your turn."
With the echo of the final gunshot, the last Echo fell into nothingness. Carlotta turned the pistol's muzzle toward the four remaining men.
"Naturally, I won't be so crude as to simply take your lives. The game between families follows its own established rules and protocols."
"Until we ascertain your purpose, you shall be guests in the Montelli family's... 'accommodations' for a while."
A meaningful, chilling smile curled on her lips.
Before the Fisalia men could even process their shock, several sleek black luxury sedans glided to a stop at the end of the street. Their doors opened, and a group of people in matching uniforms, armed with various weapons, poured out. They moved with trained efficiency, swiftly encircling the Fisalia men, leaving no avenue of escape.
"Miss Carlotta."
A man in a sharply pressed uniform stepped forward steadily, stopping before Carlotta and offering a slight, polite bow.
"Your response was quick," Carlotta remarked, rubbing her slightly cool fingertips. "These men are from the Fisalia family. Their intent is unclear, but they attempted to abduct one of our employees."
"Take them away. Find out what they were after." She paused, then added, "No one is to release them without my express authorization."
"Oh, and one more thing..."
At this point, Carlotta suddenly turned her back, falling silent for a moment as if deep in thought. After a pause, a faint, subtle smile quietly appeared at the corner of her mouth.
"If the Fisalia family comes asking for them, tell them I won't release a single soul unless Cantarella herself comes to see me."
"Understood, Miss Carlotta."
The man gave a serious nod, then turned with a stern expression to issue orders to his subordinates. "Take them into custody!"
Though the Fisalia men were filled with bitter resentment and unwillingness, faced with the crackle of stun batons, they had no choice but to swallow their anger and submit, being efficiently loaded into the waiting vehicles by the well-trained team.
The engines started, and the cars soon disappeared around the corner of the street, leaving only a faint wisp of exhaust that dissipated almost instantly.
The entire process had taken only a few minutes. The once clamorous street returned to its quiet state.
"Well, problem solved."
Carlotta gave a light stretch, a lazy satisfied motion, and her tone became relaxed and pleasant.
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze settling on Ray; a gentle smile touched her lips. "By the way, what's your name?"
Ray was momentarily taken aback. It took him a second to respond, and he quickly answered with honest deference. "Ray."
"Ray..." Carlotta repeated softly, tilting her head a little, a look of mild curiosity in her eyes. "Judging by the name, you don't sound like a local."
{A/n: MC name is actually Duanmu Yan. It sounds similar to names from Huanglong (a nation in the game), and yes, Wuwa is Chinese game. I changed the name of mc because it felt a bit awkward.}
But she quickly set aside this curiosity, her face blooming into a relaxed smile once more.
"Not that it matters. Many families obsess over so-called bloodline heritage, but we Montelli place greater value on a person's ability and character."
"Speaking of which, your performance tonight was quite commendable. Would you care to join me for a late-night snack? Consider it a reward for your courage. My treat."