Chapter 35: The Wicked Twins and the Unraveling Truth

The moment Black Mirror pushed open the door and stepped into Rainbow’s basement, she was met by several sharp, ink-dark tentacles. They darted towards her throat, heart, and head, each strike aimed at a vital, potentially fatal point.

‘Compared to their last encounter, this creature’s attacks have grown more agile and ferocious,’ she mused, simultaneously retreating a step. She deftly sidestepped the tentacles lunging for her head and throat, then raised a hand to seize the one targeting her heart. With a mere tug, she ripped it free from Wen Qiusheng’s form.

Yet, its durability remained as abysmal as ever. She squeezed the tentacle in her grasp, assessing its texture. Only the very tip of the attacking end retained adequate sharpness and rigidity; the greater portion felt like glue just beginning to set, provoking an instinctive wave of revulsion.

Her initial impulse had been to send the ill-intentioned young man flying against the wall with a kick, following up with a few more to ensure he learned his lesson. However, a single observation made her retract her leg: she had noticed Ji Lanxin sitting nearby, a bewildered and slightly frightened expression on her face. Evidently, the young woman was just as taken aback by Wen Qiusheng’s sudden, aggressive outburst, now appearing utterly at a loss.

As for Rainbow, who sat on the sofa, adopting Black Mirror’s likeness while idly swinging her legs and tapping the air, she had been subconsciously dismissed.

The past two days, coinciding with the semi-annual inspection, had left her utterly drained, both physically and mentally. The arduous task of compiling reams of data, all while trying to decipher her superiors’ unspoken intentions, only to have to rework and rebind everything into towering stacks for a myriad of trivial reasons, had taken its toll. At this moment, she had no desire to invite further complications.

Having transformed his arm for the ambush, Wen Qiusheng, upon realizing Black Mirror had no intention of retaliating, dutifully reverted his limb to its normal state and settled beside Ji Lanxin, all under her anxious gaze. Despite this, he still faced Black Mirror with the wary, sulking demeanor of a guard dog.

‘Given he’s still lively enough to throw such a tantrum, it seems Rainbow has been looking after him rather well,’ Black Mirror mused.

“Oh, come on, Xiao Qiu, be a gentleman. Just look at our poor Xiao Jing, so pitiful. Can you really bear to bully us?” Receiving no response from Black Mirror, who had settled beside her, Rainbow grew even more audacious. She threw an arm around Black Mirror, pressing her cheek close, her restless hand stroking Black Mirror’s back. “What’s wrong, Xiao Jing? Did your exam go poorly? Was your confession rejected? Or perhaps you were harassed by some bald old man at the company? Why such a dispirited look?”

“If you can discern it, then don’t use my face to utter such superfluous words in that frivolous tone.”

Having freed herself from Rainbow’s embrace, Black Mirror pressed her back firmly against the plush cushion, entirely negating any chance of Rainbow’s further antics. Simultaneously, her attention settled upon the two young individuals seated in chairs before them.

Following Wen Qiusheng, Ji Lanxin had now also been located. Of the “cockroaches” Rainbow had spoken of, only one remained. Much like Wen Qiusheng, observing Ji Lanxin solely through the lens of a Corrupted Body revealed no discernible abnormalities; she bore no cocoons akin to those Ye Xiaoshuang once possessed, nor did she emanate any overtly anomalous magical energy. Only someone like Wen Qiusheng, fresh from employing his Corrupted Body powers, could detect the lingering remnants of such magic at this proximity.

They did not appear to possess the awareness to deliberately suppress their magical energy; more likely, this was a characteristic they themselves didn’t fully comprehend.

It was precisely because they spent most of their time indistinguishable from ordinary people that Black Mirror had initially regarded Rainbow’s lead about Wen Qiusheng with skepticism. Not until she personally witnessed Wen Qiusheng employing his Corrupted Body powers to inflict some grave “pranks” on unsuspecting passersby, all while under her covert surveillance, did she definitively confirm his connection to a Corrupted Body.

What she hadn’t anticipated, however, was that upon her revealing herself, this impetuous individual would brazenly transform and unleash chaos, utterly heedless of the risks of being observed by others or captured by surveillance cameras. This outburst ultimately drew unwanted attention and the interference of magical girls.

Consequently, during discussions on how to extract Ji Lanxin, and factoring in the high probability of the Magic Supervision Department initiating an operation, they ultimately relied on Rainbow’s impeccable disguise and diversion capabilities. Ji Lanxin was swapped out right under the Magic Supervision Department’s very eyes, successfully brought to this location without a single ripple of unnecessary chaos.

The operation had been a resounding success, yet it was certain to heighten the Magic Supervision Department’s scrutiny of such incidents. Future endeavors would undoubtedly encounter far greater resistance. Considering the bleakest scenario, it was even possible the Magic Supervision Department had already located and apprehended the last remaining individual.

‘No matter,’ she decided. ‘Better to focus on the immediate concerns at hand.’

“Alright, now that you’ve had your touching reunion, I trust you both have a clearer understanding of your current predicament, don’t you?”

At her words, Wen Qiusheng and Ji Lanxin’s expressions subtly shifted. Since Ji Lanxin’s return with Rainbow the previous night, the two had indeed conversed, and had also listened to some recordings Rainbow had procured from the Magic Supervision Department. Despite Wen Qiusheng’s vocal skepticism, he had, in truth, already come to terms with the reality of their surveillance by the Magic Supervision Department.

When juxtaposed against an uncertain future, their present squabbles indeed seemed rather inconsequential.

“Yes, we know. So what? Are we expected to thank you monsters?” Wen Qiusheng raised a hand, shielding Ji Lanxin behind him, adopting a defiant “come at me” stance. “Even without your interference, we could manage these affairs ourselves. Don’t you dare underestimate us, don’t assume you can simply… Oh, ow, ow! Stop pinching me, stop it, you old hag!”

“Could you possibly stop making things worse? Who asked for your protection? If it weren’t for your childish tantrum, insisting on a fight, would we even be in this predicament?” Ji Lanxin maintained a strained, unconvincing smile. Despite Wen Qiusheng’s pleas for mercy, her hand remained clamped tightly on the fleshy part of his waist. She knew this was his vulnerability, and that he, consumed by guilt, would never retaliate against her. Thus, she subtly intensified the pressure.

Half of her actions stemmed from a desire to punish him for his hurtful words and for abandoning her; the other half sought to compel him into quiet submission. She harbored no wish to be protected by anyone, to be underestimated by anyone, or to be perceived as a burden by anyone.

It wasn’t until Wen Qiusheng convulsed and slumped helplessly into his seat that the young woman finally withdrew her hand, but not before delivering one last, sharp squeeze. Wen Qiusheng’s volatile temperament rendered him utterly incapable of productive communication. At this juncture, even for their own benefit, it was far more prudent for her to engage with the two Corrupted Bodies herself.

For now, she would strategically feign weakness and cooperate, observing their reactions and gauging their true boundaries.

Concealing her subtly clenched hands behind her back, she forced herself to meet Rainbow’s and Black Mirror’s gazes. “I am willing to comply with your demands,” she stated, “but we also hope to receive your protection and a certain degree of support.”

Her initial attempt at feigned weakness failed to elicit the desired response. Black Mirror’s reply was stark and direct: “Protection? What precisely does this ‘protection’ you speak of entail? Moreover, do you genuinely believe that Corrupted Bodies are capable of offering you such a thing?”

“Regarding that question—”

“Oh, come on, Xiao Jing, don’t be so hard on them. It wouldn’t do to scare the children further,” Rainbow interjected, nudging Black Mirror’s shoulder with her elbow, a subtle cue for her to ease up. “Though I admit, I’m a little hurt myself. I truly believed the meticulously prepared meals each day would have earned us at least a modicum of your trust. Alas, were my dishes simply not palatable?”

“Ah, of course not…” Ji Lanxin hastily waved her hands, denying the implication with utmost speed.

“Is that so? Well, that’s good, then, that’s good,” Rainbow affirmed with a satisfied nod. Yet, she swiftly appended, “However, if even this approach fails to appease you, then I may have to contemplate an alternative method.”

The response was akin to being unexpectedly pricked while caressing something soft, catching one completely off guard. Ji Lanxin’s expression, which had just begun to relax, instantly sharpened with a new edge of wariness.

“You’re the one frightening her now. If you intend to employ a gentle approach, then commit to it fully; don’t squander my face.”

“Oh?” Rainbow’s eyes suddenly narrowed, the upward curve of her lips barely concealing a mischievous glee. “So, Xiao Jing, it seems you’ve become aware that ‘I actually look quite lovely when I smile,’ haven’t you?”

“…I’m leaving.”

“Ah, no, no, no! It was just a small jest! I only wanted you to relax a little, didn’t I? I’ll reflect, I absolutely will reflect!” Though only paying lip service to reflection, Rainbow reached out, seizing Black Mirror just as she prepared to rise, effectively keeping her in place. This scene, resembling twin sisters bickering, made it impossible for Ji Lanxin to maintain her serious demeanor any longer.

In any event, the somewhat strained and tense atmosphere had, to some degree, been diffused.

Once both parties had settled back into their respective seats, Rainbow, taking the lead, initiated the conversation. “Before we delve into more serious discussions,” she proposed, “how about we ease into things with a relaxed chat? For instance, we haven’t formally introduced ourselves to one another yet, and I believe now presents an excellent opportunity.”

Observing Ji Lanxin’s nod of assent, Rainbow extended her index finger, pointing first to herself, then to Black Mirror. “To demonstrate our sincerity,” she declared, “we shall introduce ourselves first.” She cleared her throat, then rattled off her pre-prepared lines in a single breath: “Listen closely, for we are the Wicked Twins of Jingping City! Monster sisters, born from horrific experiments that defied all human morality! Forbidden creations, forged by the unholy union of magic and science! Pitiful puppets! Cursed chimeras!”

Utterly heedless of Black Mirror’s progressively darkening expression, Rainbow continued her animated recitation of the entirely fabricated backstory. “Fates intertwined, enmities unbreakable,” she dramatized, “we were conceived from the same drop of blood, born from the very same mirror. We are two brushstrokes rending a pristine canvas, yet destined never to truly coexist. We rely on each other, yet are fated to draw swords in this agonizing spiral, loving and slaying each other in turn.”

“My poor, pathetic, yet adorable sister, you are the shadow, the void, the embers of darkness; while I am the refraction, the lingering light, the colorful lie. If we must devour each other to become whole, then after tomorrow, I shall perish, and you… you shall be reborn.”

“When the final light recedes, will the reflection still exist? That answer, you must bear witness to for me.”

“…”

Ji Lanxin, clearly struggling to keep pace with Rainbow’s chuunibyou-esque (TL Note: A Japanese slang term referring to a ‘middle schooler syndrome’ where one indulges in grandiose delusions, believing they possess special powers or hidden knowledge.) monologue, nodded in a half-comprehending manner. Beside her, Wen Qiusheng, mouth agape and eyes wide with a ‘pupil earthquake’ (TL Note: A Chinese internet slang term describing a sudden widening of pupils due to shock or realization.), seemed utterly captivated, lost in his own imagination and unable to extricate himself.

Black Mirror, meanwhile, had simply given up on trying to understand.

“This glib-tongued person is Rainbow, and I am Black Mirror, completely unrelated to her. That’s all.”

Compared to the impractical fantasies spouted by Rainbow, the truth was often stark, uninteresting, and straightforward.

“Simply put, if you omit what I just said, then it’s exactly as Xiao Jing explained,” Rainbow remarked, utterly unfazed by the merciless debunking. “We discovered you children, whose circumstances seemed rather unusual, within the city. Out of concern, we ‘invited’ you here, hoping to understand the specifics. Although Xiao Jing’s methods might have been a tad forceful, please believe that we harbor no ill intentions ourselves.”

It was quite a shift, from labeling them as “cockroaches” invading her home to now adopting a friendly demeanor, eager to close the distance. Black Mirror remained silent; whatever Rainbow’s true intentions, Black Mirror largely agreed with her approach. With one playing the ‘good cop’ and the other the ‘bad cop,’ it would indeed be easier for Rainbow to earn their trust.

Ji Lanxin glanced at Wen Qiusheng, who still wore a sullen expression beside her. She knew that the two individuals opposite them were incredibly dangerous Corrupted Bodies, unlike anything she had ever encountered. To truly trust them felt like a pipe dream. However, smooth communication didn’t necessarily require mutual understanding and trust. There was no need for her to display her skepticism; for now, simply responding methodically would suffice.

“Perhaps you already know, but my name is Ji Lanxin, and this is Wen Qiusheng. We are both sixteen years old and currently attend Yuying Middle School in Jihai City. For various personal reasons, we came together to Jingping City…”

Ji Lanxin calmly divulged the information. While corroborating some of Wen Qiusheng’s details, she also provided additional insights, such as their respective family backgrounds and the reasons for leaving Jihai City. Through this intelligence, the narrative of their journey became more complete.

Wen Qiusheng’s decision to run away from home stemmed from an inability to endure the familial pressure. Many parents wished for their children to become dragons, but from the descriptions, his parents had made this adage the core theme of their household. Every major and minor detail of daily life revolved around this sentiment, even influencing Wen Qiusheng’s school life.

Being expected to succeed could certainly provide motivation, yet when that expectation became increasingly burdensome, the omnipresent pressure gradually distorted and warped many aspects of life, often without the person involved even realizing it.

The more one gives, the more one desires in return, and the more one feels entitled to that return. People often fall into this seemingly logical pattern of thought, never noticing that there is no inherent connection between the two.

Wen Qiusheng’s purpose in running away was straightforward: anywhere would do, he simply wanted to escape far away—from school, from family, from everything in his past life. This was his chosen method of retaliation against his family.

Though, judging by the current circumstances, all his actions seemed more like a form of self-punishment.

When it came to her own situation, Ji Lanxin’s description became significantly more concise. She merely stated that she couldn’t bear her mother, who had fallen into a pyramid scheme and was self-destructing beyond recovery, and thus wanted to get some fresh air. Her tone was unexpectedly calm when she spoke of this, as if recounting an event entirely unrelated to herself. However, from her unconsciously clenched fists during the narration and her lowered gaze when mentioning her mother, it was evident she was not as detached as she claimed.

Regarding the origin of their Corrupted Body abilities and the third person who accompanied them on this journey, Ji Lanxin initially seemed disinclined to volunteer the information. However, sensing Rainbow’s continued gaze, filled with encouragement and hope, she hesitated for a moment before finally relenting slightly.

“I presume you’re interested in why we became Corrupted Bodies, or rather, the source of this ability. But on that matter, neither Wen Qiusheng nor I can truly provide a good answer.” She nervously looked up, observing Rainbow’s and Black Mirror’s reactions. Seeing no overt responses, she breathed a slight sigh of relief and began to search through her memories.

“If Wen Qiusheng claims he knows nothing about it, then he actually isn’t lying to you. For him, this power probably appeared as if he’d eaten a meal, slept, and then suddenly acquired it. That day… it truly seemed to happen just like that.”

She pulled her phone from her pocket, opened her photo album, tapped on a picture, and handed the phone to Rainbow.

It was a group photo of three people, seemingly taken during a meal in a room. A small table was laden with snacks, drinks, and several takeout containers of barbecue. Wen Qiusheng, occupying the central portion of the frame, was gnawing on a chicken wing; near the edge was a slightly older boy with a friendly, steady demeanor, caught by the shutter pouring a drink into Wen Qiusheng’s cup, though his eyes were directed at the camera. Finally, closest to the lens was Ji Lanxin, who must have taken the picture with her phone, one free hand forming a ‘V’ sign.

The three appeared vibrant and relaxed, clearly a group of close friends.

This photograph revealed information about the last person, but neither Rainbow nor Black Mirror focused too much attention on the boy. This single photo alone couldn’t explain much, so Rainbow returned the phone to Ji Lanxin, gesturing for her to continue.

“His name is Liu Tianze, and he’s also our friend. He’s two years older than us,” she began, pointing to the boy in the photo. “He and I have known each other since childhood. His family runs a restaurant near the middle school, and business is usually quite good.”

“He’s a very mature and caring person. We often used to play together. He had excellent grades in high school, but later, for some reason, he didn’t go to university and stayed home to help out.”

“A while ago, Wen Qiusheng and I were both feeling down due to some personal issues, so that day he suggested we all have dinner together to relax. We each brought some food and drinks, he ordered some barbecue, and we held the gathering at his place.”

“Then, that day…” Ji Lanxin’s voice gradually faded, conflicting thoughts colliding in her mind, causing her to hesitate several times. Some words, if left unsaid, could be dismissed as mere speculation, but once spoken, they would become accusations.

“Nothing special happened that day. We just had a normal meal, and then I went home, slept, and when I woke up in the morning, I felt an indescribable sense of unease in my body.” At this point, Wen Qiusheng suddenly interjected, forcibly shifting the narrative’s primary perspective to himself. He raised his left arm, waving it at the Corrupted Bodies before them, then rapidly transformed it into a viscous liquid that pooled at his feet.

“When I was washing up that morning, I discovered my hand had changed into this appearance.”

He then, without prompting, offered his conclusion: “Most likely, the takeout we ate that day was problematic. Even then, I thought those grilled gizzard skewers weren’t very fresh.”

In response, Rainbow and Black Mirror exchanged glances, offering their respective assessments.

“…The more time you waste, the more passive you will become.”

“Oh, is that how it was? So, did you complain to that takeout place? Quickly tell me the name; I want to avoid it too.”

Clearly, Wen Qiusheng’s eagerness to explain in this situation only served to prove he was trying to cover something up, and his skill at concealment was, to put it mildly, abysmal. His and the Corrupted Bodies’ reactions, however, solidified Ji Lanxin’s confidence in voicing some thoughts she had kept hidden in her heart.

Some matters, it had become clear, could not simply be ignored.

“While I can’t be one hundred percent certain,” she paused, then continued, “I believe what made us this way… must have been an incense.”