A Prestigious Private School, London
Sersi, a scientist working at the London Museum, had accepted the invitation of her human friend Dane Garrett Whitman to give his students a lecture on the history of biological evolution.
"What is an apex predator?"
"It's a creature that has no natural predators within its habitat…"
Standing at the podium, Sersi spoke eloquently to the students.
Her presence radiated intelligence and elegance, naturally drawing Whitman's gaze from the audience. The admiration—and faint stirring in his heart—was obvious in his eyes.
After class ended, once all the students had left the classroom, Whitman walked forward and approached Sersi, who was organizing her materials.
"Beautiful lady, do you happen to be free tonight?"
Whitman looked at her expectantly.
Sersi smiled and shook her head, politely declining.
"Sorry, Professor Whitman. I still have work tonight. Maybe next time."
In truth, she didn't have much work to do that evening.
But Whitman's intentions were far too obvious.
They hadn't known each other for long, and for now, Sersi only regarded him as a normal friend. She had no plans to develop the relationship further.
"Well… next time then."
Whitman gave a helpless smile as he watched Sersi's departing figure.
He had no intention of giving up.
After all, as a gentleman—
Whitman had plenty of patience.
On the Streets of London
Leaving the school, Sersi walked alone along a relatively quiet street.
She carried a brown leather shoulder bag, wearing a khaki blouse paired with ripped jeans at the knees.
Her appearance leaned toward modest and understated.
Yet her literary and intellectual aura was like aged wine—not dazzling at first glance, but increasingly captivating the longer one looked.
"Hey, miss. Our boss likes you. Why don't you come sit with him?"
As she passed a mobile coffee stand, Sersi paused and ordered an iced Americano.
While waiting, several thuggish young men with flashy hairstyles and garish outfits surrounded her.
Nearby, a large bald Black man, clearly their leader, sat backward on a chair.
He gestured toward Sersi.
"Come over here and sit on my lap."
"That wouldn't be appropriate, sir."
The barista preparing her coffee spoke timidly.
"The police might be nearby. You shouldn't cause trouble, or you'll—"
BANG!
Before he could finish, one of the thugs kicked the coffee cart violently.
Flipping a worn butterfly knife, he threatened the barista.
"If you don't want to die, keep your nose out of it!"
The barista shrank back in fear and hurriedly closed the service window.
Throughout the entire scene—
Sersi showed no sign of panic.
Her expression remained calm, her gentle smile unchanged.
She glanced briefly at the gang leader.
Adjusting the strap of her shoulder bag, she pointed toward a nearby alley.
"This isn't a convenient place," she said in a tone almost like she was negotiating with friends.
"How about we go over there?"
"Sure!"
"I like women who know what's good for them!"
"Don't worry~"
"I'll take very good care of you."
"Boss, don't forget about us!"
"Who do you think I am?" the leader laughed crudely.
"I never like wasting things. One at a time!"
"Yeah!"
"Long live the boss!"
The underlings cheered loudly.
The gang leader stood up, his thick face twisting into an ugly grin.
He walked toward Sersi and tried to wrap an arm around her waist.
But Sersi stepped forward toward the alley just in time, neatly avoiding his hand.
His tattooed arm hung awkwardly in midair for a moment.
Embarrassed, he suddenly slapped one of his lackeys beside him.
SMACK!
"What are you staring at?! Move it!"
"If she runs away, I'll beat you to death later!"
The unlucky henchman—who somewhat resembled the Hong Kong singer Leslie Cheung—clutched his stinging face.
Too frightened to complain, he quickly called the others to follow.
They surrounded Sersi, blocking any chance of escape.
Inside the Alley
Several thugs stood guard at both ends of the alley.
Passing pedestrians kept their distance, avoiding eye contact with the group of vagrants and troublemakers.
The gang leader rubbed his thick hands together like a greedy fly.
Step by step, he approached Sersi, who now stood with her back against the wall.
"Heh heh heh…"
"Turn around, sweetheart. I like it from behind—"
"Holy sh—?!"
Just as the man reached out to grab her—
Sersi's gentle expression finally disappeared.
Her face turned cold.
She pressed her palm against the wall.
Faint golden patterns of cosmic energy began to glow within her hand.
She was about to act—
when suddenly a voice filled with shock came from the entrance of the alley.
"WHAT THE—?!"
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 + chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789