Deviant: No Longer Human

"Xiao..."

The soft moonlight streamed through the open doors, casting a gentle glow on Wang Xiao, who lay nestled in Bing Xueli's lap. A lazy murmur escaped his lips as he twisted, seeking more comfort in the cocoon of drowsiness.

"It's already 4," Bing Xueli's voice, cool and composed, attempted to break through the layers of sleep that enveloped him.

"Just 4?" Wang Xiao responded with a groggy voice. His eyelashes strained as he peeked at her face, the world still a haze around him. "Why not join me in a bit more shut-eye?"

Bing Xueli, her tone serene as the moonlight, answered back, "If I go to sleep, you won't wake up early and miss your training."

Wang Xiao chuckled, a hint of mischief in his tone, "You worry too much, Eleanor. My internal clock is on point, you know?"

A sigh escaped Bing Xueli, "Internal clock or not, you're still too lazy."

Wang Xiao flashed a charming smile, "Lazy? I prefer to call it energy conservation. Gotta keep some in reserve for when I really need it."

Bing Xueli's voice remained steady, "Energy conservation, huh? Just get up, Xiao."

Wang Xiao groaned, his movements intentional, accidentally hitting her breasts a few times, "Fine, fine. Allow me a few more minutes of laziness."

Shaking her head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips, Bing Xueli remarked, "You're lazy, Wang Xiao."

He grinned, "That's what makes me charming, isn't it?"

Bing Xueli, momentarily breaking her composed façade, responded seriously, "Charming or not, you still need to get up. The world won't wait for you."

Finally relenting, Wang Xiao sat up. As he did, Bing Xueli couldn't help but think, her expression remaining cold, 'Tranquility with him around? That's a rare occurrence indeed.'

At the brisk hour of 4:30, Wang Xiao, with a body still yearning for rest, reluctantly pulled himself away from the living room. His flight towards a secluded spot within the expansive Xianthera was marked by a slight instability, as if his body resisted the early morning endeavors.

His trajectory led him to a castle perched atop a hill, nestled within the embrace of the surrounding forest near Silvertide city.

In the midst of the vast expanse of Xianthera, where the population was sparse and creatures of the wild outnumbered humans, Wang Xiao touched down on the top balcony of the castle.

A yawn escaped him, only to be interrupted as his eyes twitched, catching sight of a spear hurtling towards him with astonishing speed.

'Again?'

Wang Xiao let out a resigned sigh, gracefully adjusting his position just in time.

Whoosh!

The spear whizzed past him, missing his face by a mere inch, leaving a fleeting gust of wind slapping against his face.

Boom!

With force, the projectile embedded itself in the wall behind him, cracking the structure. Observing the damage, Wang Xiao couldn't help but address the unseen assailant.

"Victoria, can you cease these childish antics and perhaps adopt a more humane approach for welcoming me?"

*Tap...*

*Tap...*

In the empty hallway, the rhythmic echo of footsteps resonated, signaling the imminent arrival of Victoria. The atmosphere seemed to stir as a woman with abnormally long pink hair, reminiscent of a cascade of cherry blossoms, emerged. Each strand swayed gracefully with her every movement, adding an ethereal touch to her appearance.

Her hourglass figure, with a slender waist that accentuated curves, hinted at both elegance and strength. As she walked, the gentle sway of her hips showcased a natural confidence, the kind that commanded attention. The fabric of her attire clung subtly to her form, emphasizing the shape of her body, including a well-defined silhouette and a graceful posture.

Sapphire eyes radiated a captivating glow, reflecting a playful demeanor that mirrored her mischievous reputation. A subtle smile graced her lips in response to the echoing footsteps, hinting at the anticipation of the encounter about to unfold.

The soft tap of her shoes against the floor harmonized with the ambient echoes. As Wang Xiao's eyes trailed her, he couldn't help but notice the subtle bounce of her two baby rabbits, with each step she took.

His eyes twitched, and in his mind, he cursed, 'Exhibitionist.'

"Oh, where's the fun in being humane?" Victoria spoke with an air of mischief, twirling another spear in her hands.

Wang Xiao raised an eyebrow, his expression one of mild irritation. "Fun? Victoria, you nearly impaled me again. I'm here for training, not to dodge your spears every morning."

Victoria chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But dodging spears sharpens your reflexes, doesn't it? Besides, it's amusing to watch you squirm."

Wang Xiao shook his head in exasperation. "I have better things to do than play dodgeball with your spears. Can we focus on actual training?"

She smirked, tossing the spear aside. "Fine, let's see how fast you can react today."

_________

The training reached its conclusion in the expansive garden before the castle, leaving both Wang Xiao and Victoria sprawled in exhaustion at their respective spots, beads of sweat glistening on their skin.

Yin Yue suggested, "[Wang Xiao, now that you have a license to spar with her, how about imparting a lesson in humility?]"

Wang Xiao frowned as he sat up, silently questioning Yin Yue's sudden aggression.

Even though he voiced reluctance, his eyes couldn't help but be drawn to Victoria. Lying on the grass, her chest rose and fell with each breath, creating a captivating rhythm that subtly influenced his thoughts.

While he might not have surpassed Bing Xueli in power yet, facing Victoria wouldn't pose a significant challenge. Officially known as Victoria Stone, she held the title of the most powerful woman in the village, unbeknownst to the villagers who remained unaware of Bing Xueli.

Yet, there was another man in the village, a mysterious figure Wang Xiao had glimpsed on occasion. Holding the title of the most powerful, his true strength remained untested by Wang Xiao.

As for what Victoria does here?

She exhibits this quirky habit of wearing minimalistic attire, standing out even in the wilderness. Living in town posed issues, for it was more about narcissism than exhibitionism. Hence, she sought refuge in this untamed expanse.

Whenever she reenters society, her wardrobe undergoes a complete 360° transformation. Wang Xiao can't help but question if she morphs into an entirely different persona, exuding the aura of a noble lady.

As Wang Xiao approached, Victoria noticed him and narrowed her eyes sharply. "Huh, do you want to take advantage of me and attack me in this helpless position?" she grumbled, feigning pain.

Wang Xiao was well aware that despite her seemingly approachable demeanor, the moment he made a move, she would adopt an indifferent persona, becoming cold and distant.

Unlike Mei Leiyan, Victoria showed no interest in him, or even in the concept of men.

Yet, Wang Xiao couldn't help but ponder—did her choices truly matter to him?