Chapter Fifty-Eight: Insect (1) — The Darkening and the Flower

The lights suddenly dimmed, and under the influence of illusion magic, the entire hall was plunged into a pitch-black night. In this world, there were no stars or moon; night truly meant utter darkness, the kind where nothing could be seen without light.

Clusters of glowing orbs slowly rose, each shaped like a natural sprite, lively and adorable little figures playing and frolicking, bringing a delightful scene to life.

"Hmm, I should have brought Pixie to witness this," Zhao Tianhe thought, poking the glowing sprite beside him. His finger passed right through—it was nothing more than a ball of magic energy.

"What do you think? The Nature's Blessing Projector is impressive, isn't it?" Mark, standing nearby, said with pride. "It’s a brand new venue magic tool developed by our branch. Beautiful, right?"

Zhao Tianhe nodded, still maintaining his distant demeanor.

There was really no need for such aloofness. Mark’s approach was simply because Zhao Tianhe was a member of Saint Rose Port’s living layer and had come across his records. After Zhao Tianhe’s talents awakened and were reported, the Dungeon Association’s Hero Management Division had specifically consulted Rogue Town, gathered extensive details of his performance, and ultimately upgraded what was originally an F-grade qualification to S+.

In simple terms, the Dungeon Association saw in Zhao Tianhe the potential to enter S-grade and above dungeons, so they arranged for Jeros, one of the best graduates with S-grade qualifications, to sign a contract with him.

Having seen his records, Mark naturally understood that Zhao Tianhe was destined to become a significant figure. Every S+ hero wielded immense influence over society and the economy; their rise or fall could rival the fortunes of a Holy Council member nation.

On the runway, the lights converged as several staff manipulated floating magic tools to create dazzling effects of sound and light.

One after another, models—some elegant, others flamboyant—walked the stage, presenting designers’ creations with the grace honed by training.

"Ladies and gentlemen, behold Master Branniel’s latest collection this year, Golden Eye. Its design concept is..." An elf man with a goatee explained before a crystal sphere, which presumably served as a recording device.

"Though this is Master Branniel’s personal showcase, all the models invited are veterans of the annual national expo—like Betty, the Northern Elf who just walked, and this one, uh..." The goatee paused, for the next model was unfamiliar to him.

He wasn’t expected to know her—Artoria was here as a part-timer.

‘Average build, top-tier appearance, never heard of her...’ The goatee watched Artoria step forward with remarkable poise and relaxation, sensing something was off. ‘She doesn’t seem to bear any trace of training. Solo appearance, closing the show...’

Indeed, she had received no training.

Artoria was clad in a silvery white bikini with a metallic sheen, its left strap attached to a feathered shoulder guard of the same material. Half a skirt concealed her left thigh, two slender silver chains connected her chest and lower garment.

She strode forward with head held high, and the lighting crew, apparently following instructions, switched the lights to bright daylight, flooding the entire runway. The music around was silenced; the audience instinctively ceased their chatter.

Bright sunlight gleamed on Artoria’s swimwear, casting shimmering reflections. Her confident, steady steps and cool gaze swept across the hall, as if she were inspecting the crowd rather than merely modeling swimwear.

The once lively venue fell into sudden silence. Zhao Tianhe, watching Artoria gaze down upon him, swallowed nervously, feeling a strange sensation.

‘What’s going on? Why does her face seem so familiar...’ Zhao Tianhe regarded Artoria’s fiercely guarded, commanding expression, surprised like everyone else, yet also struck by an inexplicable feeling.

Artoria stopped at the front, hands on her hips, scanned the crowd once more, then turned and walked back.

"Wow... Amazing! I can’t breathe!" The goatee was first to speak after a long pause.

He stood up, conflicted yet excited, shouting, "Everyone! I’ve never seen such a powerful beauty, such presence! So cool! This swimsuit, called Huntress, was made for her! It is the armor of a warrior, the attire that best suits a strong woman! Let’s applaud this unknown beauty!"

"So cool!" "Encore, encore!" "Step on me!" "Hit my face, Queen!" "Let me kneel before you!" "I love the darkness!" The audience, men and women alike, turned into fervent fans, faces flushed as they shouted.

Zhao Tianhe heard the last comment and drew a sharp breath, suddenly realizing what was happening with Artoria’s expression.

‘She’s turned dark?!’

The original Artoria could be classified into four major types, with all others being derivatives: the original Blue Saber, Black Saber, White Lancer, and Black Lancer.

The Lancer versions represent her fully matured form, but Black Saber is simply Artoria’s darkened state, the main difference being the absence of her signature ahoge.

And the Artoria who had just appeared on the runway—did not have the ahoge!

‘No way... Could it be that she was so shy about taking this part-time job that her darker personality emerged unconsciously?!’ Zhao Tianhe was stunned, and a little moved.

"And now, this showcase..." Tears of excitement streamed down the goatee’s face as he prepared to announce the successful conclusion, but a staff member approached to remind him there was one more model.

"Another? Let it go; that last one was the peak. It’s best to end on a high note," the goatee advised, frowning, but the staff’s resolve was firm—this was Master Branniel’s direct instruction.

"Alright, alright." The goatee nodded, lacking enthusiasm—he doubted anyone could surpass Artoria’s performance.

It must be said, Artoria’s aura was crucial, but the lighting and atmosphere played a significant role. Her entrance, with the stage suddenly illuminated and music silenced, stunned everyone and complemented her presence perfectly: radiant and dignified, the King of Knights.

To design a setting that highlighted each individual’s temperament in such a short time was a vital skill, and Branniel’s team had many talents.

The next moment, the lights dimmed, gentle music and the sound of waves filled the air, and a soft, radiant glow accompanied a figure slowly approaching.

Ere walked out with serene composure, instantly drawing all eyes. Her waterfall-like golden hair cascaded behind her, flowing with her steps. Her translucent skin contrasted beautifully with the dark swimsuit, her stride natural and effortless yet imbued with a unique charm.

‘Hmm, I can’t see the crowd—it feels reassuring,’ Ere thought as she followed the light forward, a genuine smile appearing on her face. ‘This money is so easily earned.’

For others, it was hard to say, but Zhao Tianhe was moved to tears, barely restraining himself from rushing forward, yet feeling it would be sacrilege.

Ere walked naturally to the front, legs apart, left hand on her hip, tilted her head with a smile, then turned and returned.

The lights returned, and thunderous applause erupted. The goatee was the most animated, stomping on the table with both hands raised, clapping vigorously.

"Like a blossom blooming in the deepest, darkest underworld, frail, beautiful, and resilient..." The goatee wiped his tears, summing it up. "Such indescribable allure—if only my wife could wear it, even a tenth, no, a hundredth of that charm would let me father another child."

‘These folks really know how to play... But it’s no wonder; Ere and Artoria’s unique and striking presence, and that elven woman’s centuries of experience—how could she not make use of it?’ Zhao Tianhe wasn’t surprised by their performances, though excitement was inevitable.

The venue’s magic faded, light returned, and Branniel and Mark stood on stage, giving speeches, promoting their magic tool sets, and fielding interviews.

Though some asked for the identities of Artoria and Ere, the answer was surprising: both were part-timers, and contract restrictions forbade revealing their names.

"Gugu~~ So dazzling, so adorable..."

A low-frequency voice reached Zhao Tianhe’s ears.

His hearing was acute, but he wondered why he instinctively filtered this sound from the surrounding noise.

‘Was that the crisis sensed by my sixth sense?!’ Zhao Tianhe’s heart tightened as he began to pinpoint the source.

Much like a quality police dog can sniff out contraband from tons of cargo, Zhao Tianhe’s superhuman hearing could locate a specific voice amid chaos.

In fact, he could do a police dog’s job as well.

The result of his search furrowed his brow.

‘Though the malice is no longer directed at me, that fellow is dangerous.’ Zhao Tianhe quietly left the crowd and headed backstage.

"…In conclusion, we invite all major etiquette companies to discuss pricing…" Mark’s voice rang out, energetically promoting his line of magic tools.

"Gugu~~ Gugu~~" A figure convulsed, strange noises erupting from his body, growing louder.

"Are you alright?" A nearby reporter asked the man clutching his stomach. "Is something wrong with your body?"

"Squeak squeak squeak~~~" The man slowly pushed himself upright, mouth agape as odd friction sounds issued forth, his body twisting and churning on the surface, as if something was trapped inside.

"Hey, hey! What’s happening…" The reporter watched as the figure steadily expanded, collapsing to the floor in shock.