Numerous questions stormed inside Gabriel and Li Yifei's minds. The internal battle had left them little space to worry about the situation they're currently in—being a huge help in dealing with the uncomfortable silence inside the car.

Somehow, it also managed to distract them from the two esteemed Demons' heavy presence.

​​

Although the car's AC unit was blasting warm air, Gabriel and Li Yifei's hairs on the back of their necks still rose as if an apparition just went past them.

But with all of these questions, there's one that reigns rampantly among the rest that predominated even the question if they're about to be slaughtered to have their innards harvested and sold in the black market.

And that is what are these two esteemed Demons' relationship?

You must be taking them for a fool if you thought they'll believe that their relationship was as simple as between boss and subordinate.

Gabriel highly doubts it. His last assignment from Qilin was to infiltrate the White Bird Headquarters and find out what's Silver Dragon's real relationship with White Bird is.

From what he gathered, Silver Dragon is an enigma that appeared out of nowhere and suddenly became White Bird's newest Elder. Not much is known about him, but what people do know is that he seem to be closer to the lady boss than White Crow—White Bird's right hand.

Immediately after his appearance in the Underworld, Demons attempted to connect him with people who are closest to his characteristics.

So far, it was in vain as there are no such individuals who fitted his description.

It also seems far-fetched if he was a new Demon. Though no one has yet to witness his capabilities, they could already tell he's a monster just by being an Elder.

Furthermore, White Bird wouldn't simply promote anyone as an Elder.

"Do your families know you two have entered the criminal society?" The unexpected question from Silver Dragon hauled the two out of the depths of their minds.

"Uh, mine doesn't..." Gabriel slowly replied after registering that he was talking to them.

"Me too." Li Yifei said. "Frankly, I wouldn't be here if they did. They're too overprotective...especially elder brother."

She muttered the last words so quietly that it almost felt like a soft breeze passing. For Lillie and Ethan, however, it was perfectly audible.

"Exactly how old were you two started affiliating yourselves with the Underworld?" This time, it was White Bird who questioned them.

What's this? Haven't they ended the Q&A session at the headquarters? It's kinda odd.

Nonetheless, there's no longer anything to lose nor hide if they replied.

"Uhh, it was a long time ago, but I think I was thirteen-ish, nearing fourteen. Just after jiejie taught me sharpshooting."

Lillie was seconds away from smacking her only brother over the head.

This brat, ah. Taking advantage of what he taught her for the wrong purpose.

"And Thrill Seeker?" Lillie looked at her barely-adult sister-in-law from the rear-view mirror.

"Surprisingly, not too far behind him." Li Yifei said with a thoughtful expression. "I was caught between a gang war when I was thirteen. Thankfully, I know a few moves on how to protect myself."

The adrenaline that coursed through her veins was addictive that she can't help but crave for more. Her boring life as the sheltered young miss of the Li family livens up after that. Eagerness bursted like vibrant colored inks dropping on dull water.

"I hope you two don't mind, but we need to make a quick detour first." But before the two could say something, Ethan was already swerving the car inside a dark forest.

Gabriel and Li Yifei mentally cursed and exchanged glances.

Is this what they think it is? Please tell them this isn't where they'll die!

"Relax, we're just going to change," Lillie reassured.

"Change?" Li Yifei echoed. "Change what, exactly?"

"Our clothes and the car." She said truthfully.

"Eh? Why?"

"Precautions."

"Ah." Li Yifei understood it immediately.

A few minutes later, the car stopped in the middle of nowhere. Suddenly, the ground shook and an opening popped up from the ground before them.

A secret underground tunnel?! So cool!

The two young adults were soundlessly beaming in awe.

***

"What the heck is this place? It's so freaking awesome!" The whole place was brimming with wickedly cool-looking gadgets created from advanced technology. It's like they were transported inside an action and science fiction movies like Kingsman, or the Marvel universe.

This is exactly the type of thing Li Yifei was hoping to see when she joined the Underworld.

"Wait here and don't touch anything." Silver warned them with a pointed look. "Ai, would you please entertain our guests in the meantime?"

The large monitor flicked into life and appeared a five-year-old girl.

"Welcome back, White Bird, Silver Dragon." Ai went into her serious character as she greeted her mommy and daddy.

Although it wasn't how she expected for her to finally meet her uncle Gabriel and auntie Yifei, Ai was still happy to see and interact with them.

"Hello, I am AILiF, an artificial intelligence created by Silver Dragon." She greeted monotonously with a blank expression, she disappeared for a moment to show them the spelling of her name on the screen.

"Ah, hello, AILiF, nice to meet you," Li Yifei can't tell why, but she oddly felt drawn to this cute little girl. If she was real, she would've already smothered her with hugs and kisses.

"I'm Thrill Seeker, and this grumpy one right here is my partner, Daunting Spirit."

"I'm pretty much capable of introducing myself, thank you very much," Gabriel said. "It's a pleasure to meet you, AILiF."

"Feel free to call me Ai. AILiF is a mouthful, isn't it?"

"So, Ai, if you don't mind me asking, what does AILiF stand for?" Gabriel asked.

Ai disappeared once again from the screen and displayed a set of words.

"Artificial Intelligence: Little Flower," Li Yifei read out loud before cooing, "What a cute name~"

"Thank you, I'm glad you think so too. Ai loves her name."

Waahh~ She's addressing herself in third person's, so adorable~

Li Yifei was melting from cuteness overload.

"Little Flower, huh," Gabriel thoughtfully muttered, mostly to himself. "A cute name indeed. It's the same as my elder sis' nickname."

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Lillie announced hers and Ethan's return as they emerged from a door, their clothes changed, same goes for their masks.

White Bird's hair too. It went from black to ash-blonde.

Huh. With so many odd things happening in one day, Gabriel decided to shrug it off and not question it.

Ash-blonde is a lovely color, after all. Many people dye their hair in this color. But there are only a few people who have this hair color naturally, and he's one of them.

"See you later, Ai," Lillie waved at her engineered daughter.

"See you later." Ai waved back with a smile. She badly wanted to call her mommy.

"Let's go." Lillie glanced at their younger siblings.

Gabriel and Li Yifei bid their goodbyes to Ai before trailing after the esteemed Demons towards a different car.