Chapter 3: The Price of Power

Humans who seek to harness the power of magical creatures must be prepared to pay a price, and the result is Mo Qiu’s current condition—corrosion syndrome.

The underlying cause stems from the uncontrolled surge of magical energy within the body, while the human frame is not as resilient as that of magical creatures. Consequently, various debilitating symptoms often arise, causing immense pain.

Mo Qiu’s face, which resembles a porcelain doll, contorted with agony. Veins bulged beneath their pale skin, threatening to burst at any moment.

The pain spread towards their heart, and if the symptoms were not halted, Mo Qiu would perish in the dim room, their body decaying until discovered by others.

In a previous life, Mo Qiu had witnessed many suffer from the torment of corrosion syndrome, using this very affliction to instill fear in others. Now, experiencing the pain firsthand, they finally understood the desperate pleas of those who begged for release.

This dual torment of body and mind was almost too much for Mo Qiu, who prided themselves on their resolve. The magical creature recruiters, who had praised the benefits of joining the Empire and embracing magical power, had failed to mention such a dire consequence. It was as if they were a white demon enticing someone to become a magical girl.

Mo Qiu gritted their teeth, shifting their body onto the bed. The blood vessels in their neck pulsed, ready to burst with a spray of vibrant blood.

For another, this might have been a fatal situation, but Mo Qiu had studied magical creatures. They were beings that fed on the extreme emotions of humans, not necessarily negative ones, but any emotion that reached its peak was their delight. Directly attacking humans and inducing fear was the simplest and most direct method.

If the magical energy was the cause of the turmoil, then it must be calmed using the ways of magical creatures themselves.

Hunting others was too troublesome and carried the risk of self-destruction. Mo Qiu, however, was capable of providing the extreme emotions needed.

What emotion could reach its peak the fastest? Fear? Happiness? Or anger?

The answer lay within Mo Qiu, though they were reluctant to act. Yet, with no other options, it was a necessary choice.

‘Is this my leg? It’s so long, so white.’

Mo Qiu felt a strange sadness, their trembling fingers recoiling upon touch.

‘No time for sentimentality, Mo Qiu. Act now, or you’ll lose your life.’

‘Don’t you have a grand deception to complete? Bai Chen’s pure heart is still waiting for you to ensnare it.’

Mo Qiu bit their lip, determined to press forward!

(Scenes omitted)

After lying for what felt like an eternity, the thunderstorm outside began to subside. The sound of raindrops hitting the air conditioner unit echoed in Mo Qiu’s ears.

They lifted their hand, finding the dampness had dried. Rising from the bed, they noticed it was still wet.

Taking a deep breath, Mo Qiu vowed to try another method the next time the syndrome struck.

Leaving the room, Mo Qiu entered the living area, suddenly feeling a wave of hunger. Deciding to eat something, they boiled water and prepared instant noodles, sitting at the table as the aroma wafted from the bowl.

The allowance from their parents had yet to arrive, so this meal would have to suffice. The tantalizing scent teased their senses, and their empty stomach growled in response.

‘So this is how consuming that emotion can be.’

Mo Qiu patted their stomach, reaching for an extra spicy chili sauce. Opening the jar, they scooped a generous amount into their noodles. Then, adding a packet of thirteen-spice blend, they stirred vigorously.

The broth turned a frightening shade, deeper than molten lava, and the aroma of spices filled the room. Mo Qiu took a bite, unperturbed.

‘Not enough spice,’ she muttered, but the jar was empty, forcing her to accept the lackluster heat.

After finishing dinner, Mo Qiu returned to their room. Turning on the light, the sudden brightness stung their eyes, momentarily disorienting them.

Catching sight of a mirror in the corner, Mo Qiu’s gaze remained fixed on the reflection.

‘Is this who I am now?’

The girl in the mirror had long, straight black hair, delicate features, and a shirt that accentuated her curves. The hem of her nightgown grazed her thighs, revealing toned calves and delicate feet.

‘With this body, could I easily charm Bai Chen?’

Mo Qiu traced their cheek, a bold idea forming. They had seen many men lose their wits over a beautiful face, unable to think clearly, even in their final moments.

If Bai Chen was the same, perhaps the path to victory would be simpler. Creating an opportunity to be alone, pushing him to the limit, could quickly capture his heart.

Despite their reluctance, Mo Qiu couldn’t deny the allure of their new form. As for smiles and expressions, a few adjustments would suffice. It was only the lifeless eyes that remained unchanging, and Mo Qiu hoped Bai Chen wouldn’t mind a face that held no emotion, even in the throes of ecstasy.

Thinking of ecstasy, Mo Qiu recalled the overwhelming sensation, quickly shaking it off.

‘No, this approach won’t work. A one-night stand is too fragile; Bai Chen could easily be stolen by another woman once he grows tired.

True affection requires time and nurturing. Conquering a pure-hearted virgin was merely a game, even for someone like Mo Qiu, who had never experienced love in their past life. With a meticulous plan, success was assured.

Mo Qiu lay on the damp bed, lost in thought, remembering it was newly purchased.

‘Is there a way to reach the peak without getting wet?’

Mo Qiu knew what they were considering, yet used all four limbs to climb onto the bed.

Lying on her back, facing the mirror, Mo Qiu’s lips pressed tightly together. The toys ordered online were due to arrive soon, likely tonight.

‘This is just an experiment, yes, an experiment.’

Mo Qiu repeatedly reassured themselves.

‘It’s part of the plan.’

Reflecting on this, they could act with confidence.

‘What is Bai Chen doing now? Is he thinking of me after our breathtaking encounter? A pure-hearted virgin meeting a kind-hearted beauty, he must be smitten.’

Mo Qiu trusted no one but herself.

(Scenes omitted)

****

Meanwhile, on the other side of Fengling City, Bai Chen, having just finished a shift, sat next to a colleague, whispering:

‘Remember, don’t be afraid of what I’m about to tell you.’

‘Trust me, I’m a professional, I won’t be afraid, or laugh… unless I can’t help it.’

Bai Chen stroked his chin, his voice trembling:

‘I met an unusual girl recently. She licked my fingers and even offered herself to me. Do you think I was set up by a seductress?’

‘…Pfft!’