At this moment, Bai Rui, transformed into its Nine-Tailed form, possessed destructive-grade power. Even though it was not in its complete state with only a single tail revealed, the aura it emitted was enough to chill the blood and shatter the courage of any ordinary person, leaving no will to resist whatsoever!
However, it was not facing an ordinary person now!
Misaka Mikoto, the apex among 2.3 million espers, the third-ranked Level 5 super ability user—the Railgun!
The dimensions they occupied were fundamentally different!
She could be incredibly strong or surprisingly weak; the kindness in her heart meant she never unleashed her full power during a battle against others. But when she was determined to protect something, her strength could pierce the heavens!
And right now, there were people behind her who needed her protection!
The Railgun fired at three times the speed of sound, an orange-red beam transforming into an apocalyptic silver dragon, roaring forth with a sharp, domineering sonic boom… BOOM!
Almost the instant it was discharged, the Railgun made contact with Bai Rui. In the earth-shattering explosion, a violent shockwave radiated outwards from the center, kicking up dust, stones, and whipping winds... the entire isolated island trembled!
Although Bai Rui was an apocalyptic beast whose physical body and inherent power were formidable, its burst potential could absolutely not compare to the Railgun. If it had avoided a direct confrontation with the Railgun and relied on its potent demonic energy for a protracted battle, Misaka Mikoto, in her current state, might have stood a better chance.
But a beast is still a beast—ultimately simple-minded. Even an apocalyptic beast is merely flesh and blood; how could it possibly withstand the Railgun head-on? After merely a few seconds of resistance, the Railgun’s light surged into its body and then pierced straight through...
“Aargh…” Bai Rui shrieked, blood erupting madly from the wound. It staggered a few times before crashing down with a heavy thud.
“Did—did we win?” Mikoto blinked, asking without much confidence, considering this monster was a follower of 'Brother Chun' and had previously resurrected at full strength after such a violent assault. Who knew if it would get back up this time.
“While I can still sense vitality on it, without Liu Ziwen’s support, even if it doesn't die, it’s crippled now.”
“Huu…” Hearing Lin Luo say that, Mikoto immediately felt a wave of relief. But the moment she relaxed, her body felt a sudden weakness, and she swayed precariously backward.
“Mikoto!” Lin Luo reacted instantly, catching the girl in his arms, his face etched with concern. “Are you alright?”
Though this wasn’t the first time he’d held her, the previous times were during unconscious moments. This time, although she was physically exhausted from the fight, Mikoto was fully conscious. The moment their skin touched, her face instantly flushed crimson as if scalded, and she instinctively tried to pull away. Yet, the more she struggled, the tighter Lin Luo held her, resulting in greater entanglement of limbs and a greater disadvantage for her.
“Have some decency!” Mikoto’s mouth twitched as she issued a stern warning, though the tone of her voice was weak and powerless. It sounded less like a warning and more like a soft plea.
Lin Luo found this amusing. The danger had passed, and with his tension gone, he reverted to his usual shameless self, teasingly replying, “Well, Railgun Sis, if you just lie still quietly, everything will be fine. It’s not the first time, so stop being tsundere about it.”
“Who—who’s being tsundere!” Mikoto glared fiercely at him, but having been called out, she stopped struggling, resigning herself to lying stiffly in Lin Luo’s embrace, rigid as a piece of wood.
“Railgun Sis, your body is so stiff. Are you injured?” Lin Luo noticed the strange tension in the girl he held and asked solicitously, “Does something hurt? Don’t hold back; forcing yourself to endure is bad for your future development.” Lin Luo was genuinely worried; Railgun Sis’s development was crucial to their lifelong happiness, a matter that could not be taken lightly. “What are we to each other? Internal injuries, external injuries, mixed injuries—your little brother here can heal any ailment. Tell me, Railgun Sis, where are you hurt?”
“Stop nagging! I already said nothing’s wrong, it’s just…”
“Just?”
“It’s just that I… I’m out of battery.” Mikoto admitted, sounding slightly embarrassed.
Out of battery? Lin Luo paused, but immediately understood. Out of battery… well, it meant exactly what it said. Railgun Sis had battled various monsters consecutively, expending massive amounts of energy. Although her HP hadn’t decreased much, her ‘P’—her power reserves—were nearly depleted… So, time to replenish the mana? Right, mutual replenishment!
“Ah!” The girl suddenly cried out in alarm, forcefully slapping away the ‘salty paw’ on her chest, exclaiming sharply, “You brute, what are you doing?!”
Lin Luo winced from the impact and immediately withdrew his hand. “Ouch, Railgun Sis, don’t move around like that! I’m just restoring your mana.” He then started to reach out again.
“Restore my damn mana! This isn't Dragon Quest!” Mikoto was simultaneously ashamed and exasperated.
“Huh? You played that game too, Railgun Sis?”
“Stop changing the subject… and stop putting your hand back over here!”
“No, I’m healing you! Our life chains are connected, remember? As long as I touch your World Heart, I can transfer vitality to you, and then you can immediately resurrect at full power too.”
“Full power resurrection my foot! I’m not dead! I think you’re clearly just using this as an opportunity to take advantage!” The girl saw through the man’s scheme instantly.
“Railgun Sis, that’s blatant slander! How could your little brother, such an innocent soul, be so base? Your thoughts are too depraved!” Lin Luo declared righteously, adopting an untouchable facade.
“Hmph!” Mikoto scoffed, her eyes filled with scorn. “Our mind-link is still active. You already voiced your exact thoughts internally just now!” This statement finally exposed the man’s sinister intentions.
Lin Luo’s eyes welled up with tears: “...!!”
...
Under Railgun Sis’s stern suppression, Lin Luo’s plan to replenish her mana ultimately failed. However, he wasn't discouraged; there would be plenty of time in the future to succeed one day... Well, they’d talk about it later.
Afterward, the two sat on the ground to rest for a while, their spirits gradually recovering. Even the injuries Lin Luo sustained from his "self-harm" had almost healed, as he possessed the Book of Contracts within him, which granted his body a qualitative change and an incredible healing factor beyond ordinary humans after its integration.
On the other side, Bai Rui no longer possessed its previous imposing aura. Besides the massive bloody hole pierced by the Railgun, its body was covered in countless injuries from the explosion’s shockwaves. It was a bloody mess, with some areas barely held together by just skin.
Such injuries would have killed most other creatures long ago, but Bai Rui was different—it was an immortal demonic beast. Although its consciousness was teetering on the verge of dispersal, its life signature remained undiminished. Its crimson eyes blinked slowly, and it let out pained moans that were strikingly human.
“Lin Luo, I think it looks so pitiful.” Seeing Bai Rui in such a state, Mikoto’s compassion immediately overflowed.
Lin Luo gave her a speechless side-eye, thinking to himself that she was the one who inflicted this state upon it.
Of course, he couldn't say that aloud. In truth, he also felt a pang of pity. This wasn't because he was overly benevolent; rather, as a warrior of love, he held a broad affection for every cute anime girl, which naturally included Tsuchimiya Kagura. Out of sympathetic affection, he held no real hatred for Bai Rui.
“Let me see if I can heal its injuries first.”
Although Bai Rui had nearly swallowed him whole moments ago, that was merely due to their conflicting stances; there was no true enmity between them. If possible, Lin Luo actually wished to send it back to the world of Esherize, letting it return to Tsuchimiya Kagura’s side.
This thought stemmed not only from his pity but also from a vague suspicion that perhaps...
However, the subsequent development was entirely beyond his expectations. The moment he placed his hand on Bai Rui, the cold voice of the Book of Contracts suddenly rang out.
“Spirit Beast Bai Rui is severely wounded and near death, currently ownerless. Does the Contractor confirm subjugation?”
Subjugate Bai Rui?
Lin Luo was completely stunned. What was going on? He wasn't a Summoner, nor did he possess a Beast Taming Tome; how could he subjugate Bai Rui? This was too unbelievable!
“Lin Luo?” Mikoto noticed the change in his expression and thought something had happened to him.
“No, nothing,” Lin Luo shook his head, signaling he was fine. To be honest, he hesitated. He completely trusted the power of the Book of Contracts; if it said Bai Rui could be subjugated, then it could be done. But... was subjugating Bai Rui really a good idea?
Admittedly, Bai Rui was incredibly strong. While far from Mikoto’s level, having such a spirit beast by his side would definitely boost his own strength significantly; it was highly tempting. But the problem was that Bai Rui devoured the owner's soul. If his mental strength wasn't enough to suppress it, he might very well be counter-attacked. Moreover, this wasn't just any Bai Rui; this was the Nine-Tailed state, which was no laughing matter. Lin Luo felt uncertain.
Lin Luo explained the situation to Mikoto, who was clearly shocked and looked utterly incredulous.
Finally, after some discussion, they decided to subjugate Bai Rui. Firstly, Bai Rui’s current miserable state easily evoked pity, especially in women... particularly a young girl like Mikoto. Secondly, Lin Luo also felt this was an extremely rare opportunity that would be a pity to pass up.
As for how to suppress it, although Lin Luo doubted he could manage it alone, he shouldn't forget that his mental power was linked with Mikoto’s. If even Liu Ziwen could command Bai Rui, there was no reason why the two of them combined couldn't subdue it. After all, Mikoto’s mental strength far surpassed Liu Ziwen’s.
With this thought, Lin Luo no longer hesitated and immediately clicked 'Confirm'!
Instantly, a circular seal materialized above Bai Rui. A faint white light shone down, and Bai Rui’s massive body was instantaneously absorbed into it.
“Before subjugating Bai Rui, its injuries must be healed. Confirm?”
Since the decision was made, there was no room for hesitation. Lin Luo was mentally prepared and clicked Confirm.
“Bai Rui’s injuries have been completely healed. Contractor consumed 120 points of vitality.”
120 points?! Hearing this number, Lin Luo felt a sharp pang of pain. Damn it, that was four times his normal amount!
In his Sea of Consciousness, the moment Bai Rui’s injuries healed, it began to struggle violently against the bond. Lin Luo instantly felt a splitting headache, a sensation like his mind was about to explode, and he cried out in pain.
However, this situation didn't last long. Soon, an even stronger mental force surged in, acting like an iron cage that firmly suppressed Bai Rui—it was Mikoto!
“ROAR!” Bai Rui roared in fury. As the strongest spirit beast, it would not yield so easily and struggled fiercely.
But having just gained the upper hand, Lin Luo wouldn't let its resistance succeed so easily. Combining his mental power with Mikoto’s, they began to suppress it wildly!
This was an unconventional battle...
After a full half an hour, Bai Rui’s resistance gradually weakened—from initial furious thrashing to later unwilling roars. Finally, when the Book of Contracts sent the notification, “Successfully Subjugated Bai Rui,” the Bai Rui within the Sea of Consciousness had become remarkably docile.
At this point, both breathed a sigh of relief and withdrew their consciousness.
Simultaneously, a segment of information regarding Bai Rui flooded into Lin Luo’s mind... As if it were an innate ability, Lin Luo instantly memorized the method for commanding Bai Rui.
“Shoku Rei Release!”
Pressing his two index fingers together, a seal materialized behind him. With a bang, Bai Rui’s massive body shot up into the sky.
“Whoa!” Mikoto was startled by the sudden change, crying out in surprise. She looked at Bai Rui’s enormous form; though it was no longer an enemy, a hint of caution remained in her eyes. It was understandable, as Bai Rui’s appearance was rather terrifying. But...
Lin Luo smiled faintly. “Shoku Rei Change!”
At his command, Bai Rui’s massive body rapidly shrank, instantly reducing to the size of a white mink. It hopped playfully between Lin Luo’s shoulders, its clever little head looking around, appearing quite adorable.
“Wow, so cute!” Mikoto was instantly stunned, and then two stars immediately lit up in her large eyes—the speed of her transition was astonishing.
Perhaps because their life chains were connected, Bai Rui also felt very affectionate towards Mikoto. With a whoosh, it leaped onto Mikoto’s shoulder and affectionately licked her cheek. Mikoto giggled happily, reaching out to tease it...
Lin Luo was speechless, rolling his eyes internally. These two, who were just fighting to the death moments ago, were now this intimate... truly heartless.
P: Since splitting them felt disjointed, I’ve combined two chapters into one. Please recommend this book. Recommending a friend’s new book, Complete Deprivation. Book ID: Ye Lingfeng, possessing a special ability that allows him to strip away others’ lives, memories, and powers, so certain people better be careful.