This was the only path leading into Canvas Street. Inside, not only did it teem with Ethereals like any other Hollow, but it was also home to the Notorious Ethereal known as the Dead End Butcher.
That was why Vision Corporation could seal off all information from Canvas Street with nothing more than a signal jammer.
Sol Mercer followed Qingyi and Zhu Yuan inside. With Belle using Fairy's "cheat system," the group made their way straight toward their target—Canvas Street.
The Hollow was littered with abandoned rail tracks, with Ethereals wandering here and there.
Farbautis, Metro Goblins, Tyrfings…
But Sol, Zhu Yuan, and Qingyi were far from weak. These small fry were no obstacle.
Qingyi unleashed a set of Electric whip strikes in a flurry, reducing several Ethereals to dust.
Zhu Yuan, spinning and leaping gracefully, fired her Ether-charged pistol with practiced ease, her elegant figure swaying as she cut down enemies.
As for Sol and Eous, they mostly hung back, providing assistance rather than engaging directly.
"Wow, Qingyi and Zhu Yuan are so amazing!"
Belle's eyes sparkled with admiration as she watched them fight.
Compared to their effortless slaughter of Ethereals, she could barely walk two kilometers without gasping for air.
If only I could rip an Ethereal apart with my bare hands someday… that would be so cool.
"Yes, very impressive."
Sol nodded in agreement, genuinely appreciative.
Their battles were like art—Zhu Yuan and Qingyi, one a spritely fighter, the other a graceful powerhouse—together, breathtaking to watch.
"I feel like we're not admiring the same thing here," Belle muttered softly.
"You wouldn't understand, little girl."
Sol patted Eous on the head with a knowing smile.
Inside the video store, Belle pursed her lips.
Wouldn't understand? When you're staring at their legs, trust me, I understand plenty.
"Little one, I think I just heard something interesting."
Qingyi twirled her three-section staff before tucking it away, looking down at the small Eous. "Could it be… the famous Phaethon is actually just a little girl?"
"I am not a little girl! I'm a super, ultra, drop-dead gorgeous big sister!"
Belle quickly manipulated Eous to shout back.
"That tone says otherwise," Zhu Yuan added with a knowing smile. "Definitely still just a lively little girl."
"Not listening, not listening!"
Eous shook her head violently like a rattle-drum, voicing Belle's embarrassment.
"Well, let's not pry. After all, a Proxy's identity is supposed to be a major secret."
Qingyi chose to let it go.
"That's not necessarily true," Sol said with a chuckle. "Spend enough time together, and she might just spill it herself."
"In that case, I'll look forward to it." Zhu Yuan cast Eous a curious glance.
This Proxy seemed kind-hearted but not very clever… could someone really be the legendary Phaethon?
But Zhu Yuan didn't dwell on it. Instead, she asked, "Proxy, how far are we from Canvas Street?" Latest content published on N()velFire.net
"We've already crossed 75% of Dead End Hollow. We'll be there very soon."
After checking with Fairy, Belle answered with certainty.
"Then let's push on and see what's happening in Canvas Street."
Zhu Yuan's gaze hardened.
The truth would soon be revealed, and she wanted to see just how ruthless Vision Corporation truly was.
Elsewhere, Nicole and her group were following Nekomiya Mana through several Hollows.
"Hey, are you sure the Red Fang Gang hid your stuff in these Hollows?"
Nicole eyed her suspiciously. "We've already searched two storage points, and all we found was junk."
Billy objected loudly. "That's not true, Boss Nicole! I found a limited anniversary badge of the Starlight Knights—how could you call that junk?"
He proudly fiddled with the badge as though it were a priceless treasure.
Nicole smacked him on the head with her fist. "Something that can't even be sold isn't a treasure, only you would think so!"
Billy yelped, clutching his head with teary eyes.
"Billy, next time put a cushion on your skull. Hitting you is hurting my hand."
Nicole shook her aching hand, scolding him.
Billy muttered gloomily.
Who tells the victim to wear padding?
Watching this, Nekomiya Mana cursed silently.
As expected… the most vicious and stingy of all the evil Cunning Hares. She even bullies her own people.
Nicole turned her sharp eyes back on her. "I asked you a question. Are you really sure your heirloom is in these Hollow depots? All I've seen are Red Fang thugs and Ethereals."
"It's definitely here!" Nekomiya Mana declared confidently. "I've investigated for years and narrowed it down to three places. We've already searched two, so it has to be the last one, meow!"
"My heirloom must be in the Red Fang Gang's base inside Dead End Hollow!"
"You didn't mention Dead End Hollow before," Nicole narrowed her eyes. "That place is guarded by the Notorious Ethereal, the Dead End Butcher. That's not a risk we're supposed to take lightly."
"I only realized it after checking the other two places, meow!" Nekomiya Mana bent over pleadingly, her face pitiful. "We've already gone through so much trouble. You don't want to give up halfway, do you, meow?"