“Negative emotion points from Edward Carter, +150...”

The white flame flickered so faintly that even William Clark himself didn’t notice anything unusual.

But for Edward Carter, this was like a bolt from the blue. Was it because he had already pushed his energy to the limit? He did feel a bit drained when using his ability, and in fact, he hadn’t been awakened for long and hadn’t fully mastered his power yet.

So, he had no idea what on earth had just happened!

He was still a bit unconvinced and tried to ignite again!

Poof, extinguished...

“Negative emotion points from Edward Carter, +150...”

Ignite!

Extinguished...

“Negative emotion points from Edward Carter, +150...”

Hiss—Edward Carter drew in a sharp breath and said awkwardly, “Would you believe me if I said I was just joking with you?”

“Sure, go ahead, keep trying.” William Clark grinned as he watched the negative emotion points coming from Edward Carter. This guy was so weak now he couldn’t even hurt him. In this situation, every extra bit of negative emotion points was a bonus...

Now William Clark’s negative emotion points had already reached over 1900. He was about to be able to buy a second starfruit, and he was curious what it would feel like to eat a starfruit and then sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”... Sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” my foot! Just thinking about that weird lottery made him angry.

When Edward Carter heard what William Clark said, he thought to himself, this kid really has a big heart. But then he tried using his ability two more times, and both times it was instantly extinguished.

He didn’t dare try again. If he kept going, he probably wouldn’t even have the strength to walk! The smiling boy in front of him was simply his jinx. He didn’t even know why this guy was so happy, like he’d just found money...

“Negative emotion points from Edward Carter, +291...”

Edward Carter looked utterly defeated. “Hero, let me go...”

“Want me to call an ambulance for you?” William Clark offered kindly. He still felt a bit unsatisfied, but he also knew that if the guy in the black windbreaker really came back, things might not end well for him either.

“No, no need...” Edward Carter seemed a bit panicked at the mention of an ambulance.

“Oh, then go ahead. Be careful on your way, get home early, don’t make your family worry.” William Clark nodded and let go, pulling Little Clark aside. He had no reason to keep this person, nor did he think keeping him would do him any good.

Even though he now carried a huge secret and could catch a glimpse of that other world, William Clark still felt it was best if only he and Little Clark knew about it.

He had grown up alone to the age of seventeen, with only Little Clark by his side. He probably wouldn’t need so-called companions in the future either.

It wasn’t that William Clark was cold—it was that this world was cold enough.

Edward Carter stood up, on the verge of tears, and turned to leave. He really was down on his luck—why did he have to collapse at this doorway of all places? Couldn’t he have picked another one?

William Clark watched as Edward Carter left, but the resentment from the other side kept adding up, bringing in single or double-digit negative emotion points. He felt like he’d really hit the jackpot this time.

He wasn’t worried that this guy would come back for revenge—after all, the other guy was in no shape to help himself, let alone come after him. He’d be too busy running for his life.

Little Clark tugged at William Clark’s sleeve and followed him back inside. “Was that the guy who did the acrobatics show this afternoon?”

“Should be him.” William Clark nodded.

“Didn’t he get taken away? How did he end up here?” Little Clark tilted her head and asked.

“Maybe... for freedom?” William Clark thought for a long time and could only come up with this answer. For him, if he were in the other’s shoes, he’d probably do everything he could to escape too.

What could be more important than freedom?

“Was he trying to burn you just now?” Little Clark asked.

“Looks like it.” William Clark nodded.

“Then why didn’t he?”

“Maybe... he’s just too weak...” William Clark explained.

“Then William Clark, you definitely won’t awaken in the future, or even if you do, it won’t matter, because you’re even weaker than him. You’ve been weak since you were little.” Little Clark declared confidently.

William Clark’s face instantly darkened. “What nonsense are you talking about? I have powers, okay? I’ve already awakened!”

“Really? Let me see?” Little Clark sneered.

William Clark was instantly at a loss for words. What power did he have to show this little girl? He hadn’t even started practicing yet!

William Clark was a bit embarrassed and angry. “Hurry up and go to bed! I told you not to come out, but you just had to!”

“Heh.” Little Clark replied with a “heh.”

Chapter 11: A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire

An unprecedented fire raged for a full day and night before it finally ended. When daylight came, nearly all the city’s residents could see the thick black smoke billowing up from the city center.

The black smoke, dozens of meters high, was so dense it was shocking to behold.

The fire had broken out at a shopping center at 429 Shachang Road. The entire massive commercial street was left mottled and blackened, the smoke stains looking like the markings of a deep pit in hell—utterly terrifying.