Returning to the Mysterious Era

Chapter 96 - Memorial

Of course, with different levels of danger, the rewards after victory naturally varied. Hugo and the others could only gain about one-third of the Shadow Demon's physique and combat skills after each victory.

After winning three times, Hugo's physique was about 2.3 times that of an ordinary person, but he was still nowhere close to being a pugilist. He hadn't even reached the threshold of human limits. Cassius, on the other hand, had advanced by leaps and bounds. Either way, both had their pros and cons.

Because there were so many opportunities to parasitize Hugo, it carried less risk which naturally yielded fewer benefits, but Cassius's parasitization was extremely risky. If he failed even once, he would instantly die and be replaced by the Shadow Demon. However, as the saying goes, "Fortune favors the brave," so naturally there would be a slew of benefits.

"The organization just sent over some information. At least five Steel Claw-level Shadow Demons have arrived at Baichuan City, plus a Red Eye-level!" the woman in black's voice dipped gravely when she spoke the last half of the sentence. Hugo frowned. His expression was complicated upon hearing this.

Steel Claw and Red Eye were two categories of Shadowless Clan's classification of the Shadow Demons' strength.

Steel Claw, as the name suggested, referred to Shadow Demons that had claws as sharp as carefully honed blades. With bodies that neared human limits, supplemented by the original host's combat skills, each Shadow Demon was a top assassin. Even humans at the same level as the Shadow Demons were of no match.

While Hugo was fairly strong, he could barely hold his own against a Steel Claw-level Shadow Demon, and that was if the others helped him. If he were to face one solo, he would surely die.

The Red Eye-level Shadow Demon was even more formidable, having completely surpassed human limits. There was once a case where a Red Eye-level Shadow Demon had killed a hundred gang members armed with guns in the dark. The name "Red Eye" was also self-explanatory: the Shadow Demons' eyes burned like fire in the dark as they slaughtered their prey.

"Why are so many Shadow Demons gathering in Baichuan City? And all of them high-level!" Hugo widened his eyes. "Could there be other hosts in Baichuan City besides that man? Or are these Shadow Demons just passing through?"

Hugo shook his head. He couldn't see how the Shadow Demons' grand maneuvers were connected with the somewhat-trained-in-martial-arts Cassius. The Shadow Demons likely had a bigger plan in store.

"They must have some other operation planned. Something major. The organization has already been alerted and plans to send some people over in a few days to monitor their movements." The woman in black tapped the table with her finger. "As for our future companion, find an opportunity to warn him in the next two days. Otherwise, if any of the five Steel Claw-level Shadow Demons take notice of him, I'm afraid..."

Hugo shook his head. "You don't have to tell me 'otherwise'; he'll be doomed! Even I would be dead if I ever encountered a Steel Claw-level by myself. How about this? I'll find some time to explain it to him in the next couple of days."

The woman in black's beautiful eyes lingered on Hugo's clothes and hairstyle. She sighed. "On second thought, I'll go. I don't want you to get kicked by him again."

***

The next morning, the sun streamed through the clouds in the clear sky, draping Baichuan City's tall spires in a golden, gauzy layer. Glistening morning dew tumbled over the tender green leaves of the ornamental trees and plopped onto the soft muddy surface.

Ring, ring, ring, ring...

On the yellow wooden nightstand, the metal alarm clock rang incessantly.

Thud.

A calloused, heavy hand slammed down on it. Cassius, who was never one to stay in bed, lifted the pure white sheet, got up, and stretched lazily. He opened the curtains carelessly, letting in a stream of bright sunshine. Most of the gray road was obscured by the ornamental trees lining the path, but he could still spy black cars driving by through the gaps in between the leaves.

After standing by the window for a while, Cassius walked into the bathroom to wash up and change. In truth, everything around him felt a bit foreign, considering he had spent two years in an era from seventy years ago.

The sudden shift in setting left him somewhat dazed. Fortunately, Cassius was a very adaptable person. After washing up, he quickly shook off the vague sense of unfamiliarity. However, he soon encountered another problem. His clothes were too small and none of them fit.

Standing in front of the wooden cabinet mirror, Cassius tugged at the black-and-white-striped casual shirt he wore. Even though he had managed to put it on, the shirt around his shoulders and upper arms was stretched tight. Moreover, it was too short. If he zipped it up, it likely wouldn't even cover his belly button.

"A crop top?!" Cassius's expression instantly became strange, and he shook his head to dispel the awkward image from his mind. He stripped off the ill-fitting clothes and rummaged through the wardrobe again.

It wouldn't be wrong to say Cassius was clever. He had anticipated that returning to the present with his larger build from his time-travel would render his old clothes too small so he specifically brought a suitcase packed with larger clothes.

However, Cassius hadn't thought of everything. He had only bought one set of clothes and that was all. During the battle with the Shadow Demon, the gang's blood had splattered all over that outfit and since it was still washing, Cassius had nothing to wear.

Ten minutes later, after some digging, the only thing he could properly fit into was the instructor's combat attire issued by Gray Seal Martial Arts Hall. Cassius had no other choice and he put it on.

After tidying up the bedroom, he opened the door and clattered downstairs. He ran into Madam Jessica halfway down.

"Good morning, Madam Jessica."

"Oh... good morning... Mr. Azimbek."

Cassius nodded, flashing a smile, and quickly left the apartment. Madam Jessica had called him Mr. Dimitrios last time, and now, it was Mr. Azimbek. In short, one shouldn't hold grudges against someone with severe amnesia.

A row of camphor trees blocked the strong sunlight, leaving golden flecks dancing on people's faces. Cassius reached the north side of Flag Street, where the breakfast shops were already open. The air was filled with the smell of grilled sausages.

He randomly chose a breakfast shop, sat down, and ordered some food. While eating, he watched the constant flow of people and vehicles zooming past on the avenue.

Year 156 of the Hongli Federation was drawing closer, while the world from seventy years ago was gradually fading away.

Illusions are ultimately illusions... I can't change anything in that era. All I can do is just watch silently...

Cassius scratched the corner of his mouth before sinking his teeth into a juicy sausage. He chewed once, twice, then swallowed.

He extracted the colored photo from his pocket and gazed at it, deep in thought. The old pocket watch in the corner looked so inconspicuous.

"Maybe I can still commemorate that era. Just a little..."