Chapter 78 World D: Starfall Side Story - Encountering Etha...

I met Ethan on a rainy night.

There was a downpour that day. By the time Xingyun strolled down the street, the rain had lessened considerably, and he was in a rare moment of leisure to survey his territory.

It was at this time that Xingyun met Ethan.

After stepping over puddles and indifferently stepping over a person lying on the ground, life or death unknown, a hand grabbed his ankle.

As Xingyun looked down, the person on the ground also raised their head, revealing a face that was covered in rainwater and messy hair, looking dirty.

In his dark eyes, however, burned a fire, churning with ambition and desire that Xingyun knew all too well.

The cold rain dirtied the cuffs of Xingyun's suit trousers and even soaked his socks, making his skin feel damp.

Xingyun frowned imperceptibly, then used a clever trick to break free from the person's hand below, causing the other person to stumble and almost fall face-first to the ground.

"You are... 'Starfall', aren't you?" He wasn't annoyed; a smile played at the corners of his lips. "The embodiment of this city's will?"

"Your purpose." Xingyun was too lazy to play games with him and directly asked this person, who had recognized him even though he didn't often visit this city and always chose times when no one was around, to say what he wanted to say.

"I want power," said the dirty little devil who clung to him in the rainy night.

Yes, he certainly noticed that the other person was not very old. After being stopped, he immediately began searching for the other person's information. As the embodiment of the will of a city, checking the population was a piece of cake.

This little brat actually dares to make such a request? Does he look like he's doing charity work? Please, this is Starfall City, and he deliberately cultivated this city's atmosphere.

But he wouldn't hesitate to give a brave child a chance; this child's ambition was practically overflowing. He happened to like this kind of person—someone who would make the city even more chaotic. He preferred villains to good people.

"What do you want to do? Mayor?" Xingyun thought for a moment and was willing to be more lenient: "Or governor? Do you want that? If you want it, kill them and let you do it. Those old geezers should be dead by now."

As a will whose lifespan is unknown, Starfall has no qualms about calling others old and immortal, speaking in a completely matter-of-fact tone.

"No." Unexpectedly, the audacious orphan in front of him refused him, his hair unable to conceal his burning eyes: "I want to be your guardian."

...What a greedy child.

Xingyun sneered, finding the greedy request of the person before him irresponsible. Becoming his guardian would bring unimaginable benefits compared to holding any other position.

"Do you think just anyone can become a guardian?" Starfall drawled out his words, sounding extremely arrogant, his disdain not even trying to hide.

"You're taking advantage of me just because I gave you a kind look?" The tip of her shoe lifted his chin, and Starfall looked down at him condescendingly: "You're far too naive. Guardians aren't just anyone who's chosen. If you can't even pass the initial assessment, what are you going to do?"

"It won't be impossible," the boy named Ethan insisted.

"Huh?" Starfall couldn't take it anymore: "Don't you understand the situation? Or have you embellished your memories like this?"

“You killed your abusive father when you were just five years old.”

Snap.

The rain got heavier.

"So what?"

"What?" Xingyun looked down at him.

“I said, so what?” Ethan’s eyes were still surprisingly bright, and Starfall noticed that he was still smiling: “You can try. I want to become a Guardian, and it’s really for everyone’s good.”

"What are you going to do if it doesn't pass?" Although Xingyun was inexplicably annoyed, he was willing to give him a chance.

“I’m sure you have a plan in mind.” A low laugh came from Ethan’s throat, his voice coming from the back of his adolescence, escaping from the corners of his smiling mouth. His voice was soft but strangely husky. His eyes crinkled with laughter: “Hmm…you probably want me to die, right? I accept that condition. After all, if I miss you, I’ll never have such a direct and fast shortcut to climb the ladder again.”

Starfall didn't say anything, but simply threw out a judgment. To his surprise, the Guardian's judgment actually passed.

He had had so many Guardians, but he had never seen one who could be chosen after killing someone. Moreover, this person was so ambitious, wanting to use everything to climb up the ranks, yet his good and evil were strangely balanced—the judgment recognized him.

"How did you do that?" Starfall was genuinely curious.

"Because everything I want to do is for everyone, to make everyone's lives better and safer." He lowered his head and looked extremely harmless, aside from his disheveled appearance: "I hope to change the status quo and create a utopia."

Starfall didn't laugh at his unrealistic expectations; he simply tilted the umbrella slightly towards Ethan. Although his attitude was still indifferent, it wasn't as aggressive as before. He squatted down.

“Since you have chosen to become my guardian, rather than one of my other subordinates, then I must tell you very clearly now.” Starfall stared at him almost directly: “I will not provide any extra help. Everything you want, you will have to earn and accomplish yourself.”

“I know,” he laughed. “Daddy.”

The star fell, and then paused.

"What did you call me?" Starfall grabbed Ethan's chin.

"Because you are the embodiment of the will of these cities?" Ethan said matter-of-factly, "We are all your children, Father."

"What a disgusting name, change it." Xingyun released her hand in disgust: "You have a history of patricide, are you trying to kill me by calling me that?"

“Okay.” Ethan readily changed his address to “mommy.”

Xingyun: “…”

Which idiot let him know that the city's will has no gender? He disgusted him twice! Was it Yang Yan? He saw that Yang Yan was already courting death, so he'd go and kill him a few times now.

Is being his mother good? His mother is dead too.

Upon further questioning Ethan, it turned out that because Yangyan City had transformed into a female form over the years, Ethan discovered that the city's will had no gender.

As a result, Starfall took Erhan to kill Yangyan several times before Ethan changed his address to "Lord Starfall".

I didn't want to be so "close," but unfortunately, Ethan was stubborn and refused to change. If I didn't let him, he would call me Daddy and Mommy.

Aside from being a bit neurotic, this kid is also frighteningly optimistic. He's good in every way, especially his learning ability. He's quite strong and actually managed to implement several laws, but Starfall doesn't like them.

Please, why did he deliberately cultivate this chaotic social atmosphere? Because he wants to become stronger, he wants power. The laws Ethan implemented are too reassuring, affecting his power.

"You mean—this law can't be implemented?" Ethan, still holding the documents, tilted his head and asked Starfall, "Is that what you're trying to convey?"

“Yes.” Starfall said expressionlessly, “You cannot push for anything related to this.”

“But… a big reason I want to become a guardian is because I want to change this city, Lord Starfall.” Ethan blinked, his tone innocent and sweet like a child’s, as if joking: “Doing this will make me angry, and I can be a little scary when I’m angry, so I don’t really recommend doing this.”

Xingyun doesn't care about dying, he just disagrees.

“…Alright, if that’s the case, then there’s nothing I can do.” Ethan finally gave in, his smile fading slightly: “I know what to do, Lord Starfall.”

dissatisfied.

Xingyun naturally noticed his dissatisfaction and knew that this adopted wolf cub was restless, but he had plenty of means and strength to ensure that the other party would not exceed his expectations and preparations. If nothing unexpected happened, he would keep the other party completely under his control for life.

...

But something unexpected happened.

Xingyun seemed to lack even the strength to get up; her raised hand trembled, and she felt a continuous stream of life force being drained from her body.

Ethan Nicks!!

“…Damn it.” A crack finally appeared on his usually indifferent face, his expression contorted with turbulent emotions, his body trembling with rage. He slumped helplessly to the ground, his voice unusually furious: “What are you doing? What have you done to me?!”

Ethan wasn't much better off than Starfall. He was kneeling in front of Starfall, still a little unsteady, with one hand on the ground and the other holding a large black gemstone.

He was clearly out of breath, his skin was an unnatural red, large beads of sweat were rolling down his face, and a few strands of hair were sticking to his face wetly. His hands were also trembling from the pain.

"I told you, didn't I? Lord Starfall." His voice trembled slightly, but he was still smiling, as bright as ever: "If I get angry, it can be a little scary, you know."

"A little?!" Xingyun's voice became shrill, and his pupils turned a blinding red like blood in an instant: "What do you care about that? Taking away 75% of my power and you call that a little angry?"

Is this just anger?! Is this just a little anger? Ethan simply couldn't take that 75% of him for himself and force it into his body. Normally, even if he didn't explode immediately, he would be rolling on the ground in pain.

And Ethan? He looks really disheveled now, but only his hands are trembling slightly. His bright smile, which used to make him seem like nothing was wrong, now seems a little... scary.

How did he manage to create something that allowed him to steal it so successfully? Why hasn't he exploded and died yet?

Starfall's mind was filled with these two crazy thoughts. He kept staring at Ethan, as if he wanted to see the person in front of him unable to withstand his power and crushed into a pile of minced meat.

“Because I’m very angry, Lord Starfall.” Ethan’s words were still pausing, and he was having trouble breathing. “You don’t understand at all. I kept you here because I wanted to implement everything I wanted, to climb higher. But what did you do? You tried to stop me from achieving my goals in order to keep your power. I hate having my plans disrupted. Since you care so much about power, then I’ll keep it for you.”

"Everything I gave you!" Xingyun gritted her teeth. "Is this how you repay me? Is this how you repay me? Don't make your robbery sound so nice. What's wrong with me not wanting to become weak? You don't understand my situation. Don't pretend to be so virtuous. You just want to make this city into what you want it to be for your own selfish desires. Don't you really think your laws are too extreme? Is it true that you'll shoot anyone you see after midnight? You'll shoot everyone except you, including people from other cities."

"Pfft!" Ethan burst into laughter for no apparent reason. Looking at Starfall, who seemed ready to pounce and kill him at any moment, his initial chuckles gradually turned into loud laughter, tears streaming down his face, making him appear somewhat inexplicably crazed. "Are you worried about the will of Yangyan City? Indeed, he's been determined to retaliate against you. But don't be afraid, your power hasn't disappeared; it's still with me. I will help you and prevent him from succeeding. Lord Starfall, please be obedient. Don't interfere with my decrees; those damned people should just die already. As long as you obey, I guarantee you'll be the same as before."

"Damn it! Who taught you this?" Starfall was shocked by Ethan's shamelessness: "If I'm being retaliated against by that Yangyan guy, it's entirely because you stole my power, okay? What are you talking about helping me? This is entirely because of you that this happened, and what are you spouting about with such high-sounding words?"

“What’s the difference? I’ll still help you.” Ethan didn’t see anything wrong with it: “Just like before, the only difference is that you won’t stop me anymore, right?”

"..." Xingyun narrowed his eyes and abruptly changed the subject: "...Are you working for Yangyan?"

“Ah, that thing—” Ethan put the gem away: “It’s just a collaboration, but this device that draws your power is something I researched. He just told me some information.”

The next second, Ethan was met with a punch.

“What I hate most is my subordinates betraying me,” Starfall said, “especially the city’s will, which I hate the most.”

Ethan felt a tickle in his nose, and when he touched it, he found it was sticky; he had a nosebleed.

“To be honest, when I grew up in this city, I often hated it. I hated that the people here were so… disgusting. They should all die, they shouldn’t exist. To be honest, I also think my personality is a bit disgusting, just like them, I want to climb up whenever I get the chance.” Ethan casually wiped the blood from his nose with the back of his hand, his smile now so bright it was unsettling. “It’s undeniable that I was born and raised in this city, and I have some inexplicable feelings for it. I hate it, but you can’t make me leave this city.”

“Lord Starfall,” he said, “I originally only hated the corruption of those people, their filthy and disgusting faces. Everyone can treat human life like dirt, so why can’t I? Why is it that I’m the only one who can’t? But when I think about how you deliberately cultivated those people, I feel like I hate you a little too.”

A weakened individual and a city locked in a fierce battle.

"It's been so long since I've had a nosebleed from being punched!" Ethan had already begun to use the power of Starfall, and he punched Starfall in the abdomen with a punch that contained his own power.

Starfall opened his mouth and coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"...Then you'll have more." Xingyun quickly recovered after spitting out blood and punched Ethan, causing his head to tilt to the side. The nosebleed that had just stopped started flowing again, and for a moment, all that could be heard was a constant ringing in his ears. His ears were itchy; it turned out that his ears had also been hit and were bleeding.

They started fighting each other.

Starfall truly hoped to kill Ethan; only with Ethan dead could she reclaim the stolen power from him.

Ethan, also somewhat enraged by the beating, engaged in a brutal exchange of blows with Starfall, revealing his complex love and hate for the city, which he then vented on the embodiment of the city's will.

Oh, of course, Ethan didn't intend to kill him.

In the end, Starfall was no match for Ethan. Having lost most of its power, it was in a weakened state and its body was not used to having so little power, so it could not recover for a while.

Although Ethan's body was also weak, it was because he had ingested more power that did not belong to him. He had sealed away the other power while holding back his body from exploding. However, this power had already caused Starfall a lot of suffering, because he would feel better if he released it.

Looking at the ruins of this alternate dimension, Ethan couldn't help but marvel at his foresight. He had feared that if Starfall reacted too aggressively and started fighting him, it would destroy the surrounding area. This place was far from the room in the alternate dimension where those precious herbs were stored, so he didn't feel bad about destroying it.

"That was awesome!" Ethan rested his chin on his hands, the abnormal flush on his skin had faded, but a faint blush of excitement from the battle still lingered on his face. Dust, blood, and all sorts of other things made him look quite disheveled, but he was still beaming with joy: "I'm going to renovate the interior of this alternate dimension! Renovate it to my liking!"

Xingyun stared blankly at the ceiling for a long time before closing her eyes and accepting the fact that she had lost and all her possessions had been taken away.

His... alternate dimension.

But he still wouldn't give up; he vowed that he would kill Ethan one day.

He lost his power and his voice, watching coldly as Ethan made a mess of Starfall City and issued a series of decrees that shocked everyone.

Having acquired most of the power of the meteorite, Ethan became increasingly willful, even extending his reach to other cities, wanting to implement this law throughout the country.

This move made the other city wills restless. They found a way to avoid Ethan's eyes and contacted Starfall, who had been hiding in another dimension since losing the battle.

Unsurprisingly, they were all resentful city wills. They told him to mind his own business and do whatever he wanted in his own city, but not to mess with other cities.

“No way.” Starfall looked at his hand, which had been painted with the same black nail polish as Ethan’s, and just wanted to remove it. Putting aside the fact that he wasn’t in a female body now and that Ethan had done it, he didn’t like it. Therefore, his response to the other city’s will was extremely perfunctory: “I can’t do it.”

"Why?!" one of the more impatient city spirits asked irritably, "Isn't he your guardian? Why can't you even control him? And his reach is so long, extending into our territory."

The earliest group of city wills remained silent, merely watching the meteor shower and cautiously sending city wills that were much later than them to the front lines.

“You should question someone else.” Starfall didn’t even glance at the city’s will that had spoken, then glanced at Yangyan beside him, his tone suggestive: “You should ask him. Compared to me, my guardian should listen to him more.”

This sentence contains so much information. Those who are smart enough have guessed some of it, after all, even someone without eyes can sense the long-standing animosity between Starfall and Sunfire.

"Starfall, how could you say that to me?" Yang Yan wasn't in her female form right now, nor was she calling him by his usual nickname, XX-chan, but her tone sounded genuinely innocent: "The most important thing is that he had this idea, okay? You're the one who made him have this idea. I just chatted with him. What does his anger towards you have to do with me?"

“Chat?” Starfall repeated the word, emphasizing it: “You mean you’re talking about telling him things that only we know about our city’s will, telling him some information you know about me, so that he would develop the idea of ​​going against me, right? Unfortunately, he succeeded. He stole my power, which is why you feel you can’t stop him in this matter.”

Everyone was shocked by the amount of information. Their first concern was that Yang Yan had provoked Xingyun's guardians to attack him, and then they were shocked to learn that Xingyun's power had been stolen, which explained why it was so difficult to defeat him.

"Stolen your power?" Yang Yan blinked, seemingly eager to try. "How much? You look like you've calmed down after being furious, so it should be more than half, right?"

Starfall punched him expressionlessly.

Look, this is one of the countless insignificant reasons why he hates Yang Yan. At this point, this idiot is actually excited and wants to fight him, so he'll fight him.

In front of the other city wills, he brutally killed Yang Yan several times. The other city wills didn't really notice, they just felt that it wasn't as decisive and clean.

“I can’t control him.” After getting up, Xingyun wiped the blood off his hands and regained his composure. “Unless I kill him and end this guardianship now, even I can’t stop him from wanting to rule this country. He wants to implement a system where, after midnight, any machine that sees anyone other than himself on the street will automatically detect and kill them.”

With just a few words, Xingyun persuaded all the city's will to help him kill Ethan.

However, killing Ethan was not going smoothly, not smoothly at all.

Despite the combined might of so many cities, he only suffered minor injuries. His clothes were tattered, his hair disheveled, bloodstains remained on his nose and lips, and he had several wounds on his face.

"You...you want to kill me?" Something churned in Ethan's dark, deep eyes, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible: "Lord Starfall...even you..."

As Xingyun's consciousness faded into darkness, she heard a very faint sigh.

Ethan swept through the land, defeating the will of all the cities and seizing some of their power in the process, thus gaining control of the entire nation in one fell swoop.

Other cities were badly beaten, but Ethan felt that Starfall was a little better off. He had just controlled Starfall, put him in a straitjacket, and locked him in a dark room with only one door. He also put on Starfall an earring that he had developed to make the city's will and consciousness confused and unclear.

“I won’t kill you.” After Ethan put the earring in his ear, he looked at Starfall with satisfaction as his gaze began to unfocus. “But I really didn’t expect you to want to kill me. Well, you should reflect on your actions first. I’m going to make this world a better place. I’m going to implement all the laws I can think of! To build the safest country!”

Ethan helped Xingyun, who had collapsed due to loss of consciousness, and put his restraints on him.

Starfall could only lie there, his last vestige of consciousness fading, in a place devoid of sound, light, and everything except himself, where even the door was nowhere to be found.

Here, he could not perceive anything else, nor the passage of time. Xingyun wanted to fall asleep but kept a sliver of consciousness, constantly tormented.

-----------------------

Author's Note: First impressions of Starfall: dirty, beggar child.

My first impression of Ethan: His personality is the same as what I know, which I can accept.

Starfall has a sharp tongue, but she didn't say much about Ethan in the main world. At first, saying anything would worsen Ethan's mental state, but she got used to it and stopped saying it. "By the way, in the main world, Starfall thinks Ethan learns very quickly, but is occasionally a bit brainless." ← This is a manifestation of her sharp tongue; in a more peaceful way, she'd say he's a bit slow.

It was a confrontation between the father and son on the opposing side, although they didn't quite manage to fight back much later on [starry eyes]. Picking something up yourself is different from having it delivered to you willingly, haha.

The biggest variable in the world is Ethan. The fall of the star remains unchanged. Initially, I portrayed him as a villain in the main world, although it wasn't very noticeable from Ethan's perspective.

The biggest takeaway from this is...

Yangyan Chessboard Starfall

Ethan's chessboard

The wills of the two cities are locked in a battle on the chessboard. Ethan silently pulls out a chessboard as well, leaving only the piece representing the falling star, and flipping over all the others.

A complex father-son relationship, or even a mother-son relationship? Heroic parents who act as both father and mother.

Starfall: ... ?

I truly both love and hate her; I won't kill Xingyun.

While writing the beginning, I felt it was a bit sadistic about Starfall [facepalm and crying emoji], so I silently deleted it and stepped on my finger. Because I like to add music while writing, I was playing some really energetic music in the beginning, and I got a little carried away and forgot to mention it in the main text: after Ethan discovered Starfall wanted to kill him, he took 95% of his power.