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In the real world, on a remote island overseas, inside a lavish mansion.

“Host, why did you summon us? Is something urgent happening?” A petite young woman with flowing silver hair lounged lazily on a sofa in the mansion’s grand lobby as she spoke.

Had Yaeger been present, she would have recognized this woman as Vera—or rather, someone almost identical to Vera.

“Number One, why aren’t you wearing underwear again?” the Host—another silver-haired woman with a strikingly beautiful face—asked in exasperation.

This was the real Vera, and the woman sitting across from her was Vera 1, her first [Doppelgänger].

“It’s flat anyway. What’s the point?” Vera 1 shrugged, her tone indifferent.
“Flat… It’s not like I asked to be flat!” Vera grumbled before adding in frustration, “At the very least, put on some panties!”

“Let’s stay on topic, Host,” interrupted another young girl with short silver hair, clad in a black lace dress, her appearance nearly identical to Vera’s. This was Vera 2.

Unlike Vera 1, Vera 2 possessed a more distinct personality.

“Number Two, why are you wearing so much makeup? You look like a ghost,” Vera muttered, her eyelid twitching in irritation.

Vera 2 had adorned herself with heavy gothic makeup and multiple rings, completing the dramatic look.

“I like it,” Vera 2 replied with a mischievous smile.

“Ugh! I never should have let you people out!” Vera groaned in frustration.

“Host, time is precious—let’s not waste it,” a new voice echoed from the lobby. All eyes turned to a petite girl with a single silver ponytail, clad in a sleek leather jacket.

“Number Three, you’re late again!” Vera snapped, exasperated.

Numbers One, Two, and Three were [Doppelgängers] Vera had created long ago. Over the years, they had grown increasingly distinct from their original template. Their evolving personalities and shifting preferences were clear evidence of that change.

Rather than mere clones, they had developed into something akin to quadruplets.

These three alone were privileged to meet the real Vera on this island. None of the other doppelgängers had ever set foot here, and any memories related to the place had been meticulously erased.

“I got held up,” Vera 3 replied coolly.
“You’re all driving me crazy!” Vera growled, clenching her fists and stomping her foot.
“Let’s focus. I’m busy,” Vera 3 said, settling onto the sofa and crossing her legs with an air of detachment.
“Ugh!” Vera slumped into her seat with a groan, slapping the table in irritation. “I called you here to discuss [Princess].”

The moment those words left her mouth, Vera 1’s lazy demeanor vanished. “Seriously? I heard [Princess] ranks among the best of the AA-class individuals!”

Vera 2’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Host, did you forget to take your meds?”

Vera 3 leaned in, her gaze sharp. “Explain.”

“[Princess] killed Number Eighteen. Number Seventeen tried to retaliate but got captured by a Grandmaster from Cathay,” Vera said grimly.

“What? Eighteen’s dead? And Seventeen got controlled?” the three exclaimed in unison.

Number Eighteen had been the newest addition, and her weak abilities made her death unsurprising. What truly sent chills down their spines, however, was the revelation that Number Seventeen had been taken under enemy control.

“You all understand what it means for Number Seventeen to be captured, don’t you?” Vera’s sharp gaze scanned the group.

“There’s a chance we could be next…” Number Three, the first to regain her composure, said flatly. Yet, beneath her calm exterior, her heart raced with unease.

Their enemy’s cunning schemes were terrifying. The mere thought of losing their freedom and being enslaved gnawed at their minds, leaving them deeply unsettled.

“Host, you have to come up with a solution, fast!” Number One, previously lazy and indifferent, leaned forward with urgency.

“Host!” Number Two cried, throwing herself forward. “I refuse to be enslaved!”

“What’s the plan, Host?” Even the usually aloof Number Three couldn’t hide her distress.

Their safety was at stake, and anxiety was inevitable.

“Of course, I summoned you here to come up with a solution,” Vera said with a grin. Seeing her doppelgängers squirm with anxiety gave Vera a deep sense of satisfaction. For the first time in a while, she truly felt like their leader.

“Seriously?” they all exclaimed in disbelief.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I am the beyond S-rank Transcendent, [E-Fairy] Vera. Nothing can stand in my way,” Vera declared with unwavering confidence.

“Enough with the arrogance! Get to the point!” the three snapped in unison.

Vera remained calm, but the same couldn’t be said for them.

“Fine, fine, I’ll explain. Stop crowding me!” Vera grumbled, shoving them aside before continuing. “Let’s stay on track. The Grandmaster capable of controlling a doppelgänger is most likely Ronald Tian.”

“Ronald Tian? That old dog?” Number One muttered, her memory slowly surfacing.

“That’s right. The only Grandmaster in Cathay named Ronald Tian has to be that stubborn old coot who refuses to die,” Number Three confirmed.

“Damn it, that filthy old man! I’ll kill him!” Number Two snarled, disgusted by the idea of being enslaved by someone so revolting.

“That damned old man is currently guarding our target, [Princess]. Which means we’ll focus on [Princess] first.”

Vera paused, scanning their faces for any objections. When no one spoke, she continued without hesitation.

“We all know how that wretched [Princess] loves to play weak to bait her enemies. She has the power of a pinnacle Master but acts like she’s nothing special—absolutely devious! But this time, we’ve uncovered everything about her. She won’t be difficult to handle.”

“You’re planning to capture her and use her as bait to lure out Ronald before taking him down?” Number Three asked.

“Ronald is the biggest threat. We need to eliminate him as soon as possible!” Number Two urged.

“We can’t let that old dog live!” Number One declared fervently.

“Absolutely. For this mission, I’ve mobilized two S-ranked operatives from the organization to accompany you to Cathay. They’ll handle Ronald, while your focus will be on [Princess]. Additionally, I’ve hired AA-ranked experts from around the globe to assist. Failure is not an option—you must succeed.”

Vera had poured an enormous amount of resources into this operation, sparing no expense to ensure its success.

“Wait, we’re going too?” Numbers One, Two, and Three asked in unison, sounding equally exasperated.

“Of course you’re going! You three are my strongest doppelgängers. Together, you can take down an average S-rank without breaking a sweat. If I don’t send you, should I go myself?”

Vera folded her arms and gave them a stern look. “Besides, the organization already assigned two S-ranks. It’s only proper that we respond in kind.”

Numbers One, Two, and Three exchanged glances before letting out a synchronized sigh. “Fine, we’ll go. With a lineup like this, we might as well treat it as a vacation.”

What they didn’t realize, however, was that a tragic fate awaited them.

Meanwhile, in the game world, within Jade City, Yaeger made her way back to her office on the auction house’s third floor.

“Lowly slave, something terrible has happened!” Kastina shouted the moment Yaeger stepped inside.