The city of Li is split in half by the Li River, which locals call the East Bank and the West Bank.

  The East Bank is the historic core—pedestrian streets, prestigious schools, stadiums, museums, mega-malls, and the finance district. The West Bank is a newer development focused on tourist attractions; it has boomed so rapidly in recent years that its property prices now rival those of the East.

  Li City is divided into nine districts. Skyler and Lynn live in District 5 East—Shanqing District.

  The Qing-Yang Bridge is Li City's first modern bridge, connecting Shanqing District on the East Bank with Feiyang District on the West Bank.

  The bridge is decades old and resembles a weathered elder compared to the newer spans: the deck is worn, maintenance has been sporadic, and traffic is light by day.

  However, after midnight the bridge is flooded with heavy trucks, since using it bypasses a toll station and is thus the preferred route for long-haul freight.

  Late at night, Skyler and Lynn stood beneath the east abutment. Overhead, trucks rumbled across the pitted span, each thunderous roar deafening.

  Skyler half-expected the old bridge to collapse under the weight.

  Lynn sat cross-legged on the embankment, eyes closed, concentrating on locating something.

  The first note read: "At the east end of Qing-Yang Bridge, use your [Metal] ability to find an item."

  Moments later Lynn opened her eyes. "Found it. That must be it."

  Skyler wanted to ask what it was or where, but he didn't want to sound stupid—so he stood by, silent.

  Lynn climbed down the embankment and stretched her hands over the river. After a moment she frowned.

  "What is it?" Skyler asked.

  "It's a bit far. Come hug me."

  "Hug you how?"

  "Have you seen Titanic? Like that poster."

  "Got it!"

  Skyler swiftly wrapped his arms around Lynn's slender waist. The river breeze carried her hair scent—a floral whisper.

  Lynn leaned forward in his arms, pulling her hands about a meter closer to the water.

  Ripples appeared on the surface, growing into waves.

  Splash! A rectangular iron case burst from the water and hovered midair.

  Gritting her teeth, Lynn pulled with all her might. The heavy metal case flew toward them.

  Skyler braced himself like in a tug-of-war. When Lynn went weightless, he lost balance too—and tumbled backwards, still holding her.

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  Lynn didn't scramble free; she lay on Skyler's chest, breathing hard.

  Skyler wasn't in a rush either—being pinned by a beauty had its perks.

  "Isn't your Metal talent powerful? It feels… underwhelming in practice."

  "I just unlocked it—my level's too low."

  Lynn flipped up and stood. "My Metal senses reach 20m; control range 10m; max weight 10kg. That thing exceeded all three."

  Skyler made a mental note: talent strength depends on level. A low-level powerhouse might underperform compared to a weak talent at high level.

  Lynn approached the case, pulled out a dagger, sliced through the waterproof tape, and carefully opened it.

  Skyler peered in—and gasped.

  Inside was a disassembled black sniper rifle, neatly fitted into the foam compartments.

  In the moonlight the cold, black enamel components glinted with lethal allure.

  A system prompt echoed in his mind: 【Analyze unknown item? Costs 1 Luck Point】

  —Observe.

  【M82A1 semi-auto anti-materiel rifle; 12.7×99mm rounds; 10-round magazine; 1800m effective range; 14kg unloaded weight】

  Skyler's heart sank: this was definitely meant for murder.

  Even for Officer Huang, acquiring an M82A1 on short notice is improbable—he'd stockpiled it here, waiting for the right moment.

  Lynn stared at the rifle, thoughtful.

  She pulled a carrying pouch from the case, slipped the rifle inside, and glanced at Skyler. "Shoulder it."

  Skyler rushed to help, hoisting the heavy black pack onto his shoulder.

  Lynn unfolded the second note and stood silent.

  "What does it say?" Skyler asked.

  "Which hotel?" Lynn replied.

  …

  Laden with the gear, they had to walk. An hour later they reached the Pink Hotel.

  It was a love hotel, its pink neon flickering across their faces. Risqué brochures littered the ground.

  "Are you sure?" Skyler swallowed. "This is it?"

  "Read it." Lynn handed him the second note:

  —"Go to the Pink Hotel. 5th floor, south-facing room. Open the third note at 6:00."

  Skyler and Lynn entered the hotel.

  The clerk was a plump guy… glued to his mobile game: "Anyone need a scope? Hey, help me—almost had a headshot…"

  Skyler looked around—wasn't the front desk usually staffed by pretty girls in these places?

  "Ahem," Skyler cleared his throat. "We need a room."

  The clerk glanced up. "Just one person?"

  "Two."

  The clerk put down his phone and spotted Lynn behind Skyler; his eyes bulged. "Whoa! Bro… tonight's a feast!"

  Skyler blushed. "Is there a 5th-floor room facing south?"

  The clerk's lecherous grin turned envious. "Let me see… Ah! Just one left—'Mirror-Water-Moon.'"

  "What?" Skyler blinked.

  "It's the room name," the clerk snickered. "Automatic waterbed, 'pleasure chair,' double tub, ceiling mirror. Ultimate experience…"

  "Okay, that one." Mortified, Skyler pulled out his phone to scan.

  "Sure—show your ID card."

  Skyler froze. He'd forgotten it.

  He looked at Lynn; she shook her head.

  "Buddy, I can't help you." The clerk shrugged helplessly. "If you really need… there's an outdoor spot—guaranteed thrills…"

  Lynn, expressionless, turned and left.

  Skyler assumed she was angry and hurried after her.

  He stepped outside to see Lynn grabbing someone.

  Skyler gasped. "…Kevin Wang?!"

  Kevin Wang—fresh from a streak of losses at the internet café—was heading to his car when Lynn yanked him back. He turned in surprise to see it was his classmate Lynn.

  Skyler rushed up beside them.

  Kevin froze. "Skyler—what are you doing here together?!"

  "Got your ID?" Lynn cut to the chase. "Lend it to me."

  Kevin ogled them. "You guys… getting a room?"

  Skyler nodded.

  Kevin's jaw dropped; he stumbled back. "You're a monster! An actual monster!"

  Lynn, impatient, frisked Kevin. "Hand over your ID."

  "Wait—" Kevin gawked in disbelief. "Lynn, you're—lesbian. How are you with a guy?!"

  "What's Skyler got that I don't?! Consider your bro! I've got money, charm, romance…"

  "You're an idiot," Lynn retorted, fishing his ID out of his pocket and dragging Skyler back into the hotel…

  They smoothly checked in at the front desk and rode the elevator side by side.

  Kevin stood dumbfounded. Anger flared: Why him?!…

  He stormed back to the desk. "Hey, what room did they book?!"

  "Sorry, that's guest privacy…"

  Kevin grabbed the clerk's hair and slammed the desk. "Say one more word and I'll make your privates disappear. Got it?"

  "501! 501!"

  "Then book me 601!"

  "Y-yes… right away!"