This Life, I Will Be the Protagonist

Rita sat cross-legged, flipping through the upper volume of *The Four Seasons of Moon and Alchemy*, patiently waiting for the Mistblade Moon Emperor to leave. Once the Mistblade had found the answers she sought, she turned to leave the library.

As she glanced back, she noticed the clumsy six-tailed Moonfox was still there, even from a hundred meters away, holding a copy of *The Four Seasons of Moon and Alchemy*.

The Mistblade thought about the lively perfume section and the quiet, neglected alchemy section, as well as the current decline of Moonfox alchemy. Unable to help herself, she approached the seated six-tail and asked, "What is your success rate in brewing advanced potions?"

Seeing the Mistblade approach, Rita immediately put down the book and stood up. "Less than 20%," she replied.

The Mistblade raised an eyebrow. "That book is too advanced for you. If you're learning alchemy, I recommend this one."

One of her tails extended, sending a tendril of mist toward a nearby bookshelf at Rita's 2 o'clock, pulling out a book from the seventh shelf and floating it over to her.

Rita took it, reading the title aloud, " *Brewing Potions? Isn't That Something You Can Do If You Have Tails?* " She glanced down. It was written by Mistblade herself.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Rita couldn't help but think: *Are you and Apache long-lost sisters?*

Regardless, Rita understood the Mistblade's good intentions. Hugging the book to her chest, she respectfully thanked the Moon Emperor, offering her deepest gratitude for the knowledge imparted. "Thank you, Your Excellency Mistblade."

The Mistblade suddenly asked, "What do you think of perfume and alchemy?"

This was a tricky question. Judging by the ten entire rows dedicated to perfume research and writings, it was clear that perfume had become a vital skill and craft for the Moonfox race. But according to Apache, the Moonfoxes had once received a divine blessing from the Moon Goddess for their alchemical abilities. There was no doubt that the Mistblade was an advocate for alchemy.

Despite her unparalleled talents in perfume-making—on par with other Moon Emperors who specialized in it—Mistblade's focus had always been on alchemy. She was the staunchest supporter of alchemical studies among the Nine Moon Emperors, advocating for all Moonfoxes to learn the craft.

Rita raised her head, her gaze firm as she looked at Mistblade. "I study alchemy to follow in Your Excellency's footsteps."

The Mistblade was silent for a few moments. "I cannot give you honor."

Rita passionately declared, "Your recognition is the highest honor I could ever hope for!"

The Mistblade's tails paused briefly before resuming their gentle sway. She nodded approvingly. "You have good taste." With a flick of her sleeve, she casually tossed over a bottle of master-level potion. "A little something. Play around with it."

And with that, she dissolved into mist and vanished.

Holding the potion in both hands, Rita returned to her seat, carefully tucking the potion away. She reverently opened *Brewing Potions? Isn't That Something You Can Do If You Have Tails?*.

Only after another half hour, once Rita was sure the Mistblade Moon Emperor had left, did she spring into action.

The books in the library were available for high-level Moonfoxes to study freely, but they couldn't be taken out. Rita made up her mind to take as many books as she could before being discovered.

The alchemy section was sparsely populated with Moonfoxes, and after the Mistblade had visited, the few remaining ones had left, leaving Rita alone.

The *upper volume of The Four Seasons of Moon and Alchemy* that she hadn't returned? Take it!

*Brewing Potions? Isn't That Something You Can Do If You Have Tails?*? Take it!

The three volumes of *The Most Mysterious Alchemical Material: Moonshine*, and the two volumes of *Moonlight and Time*? Take them!

Turning to the next bookshelf, she carefully set up her ladder and quietly packed all 189 volumes of *Moonlight Potions: The Alchemical Key*.

Rita began to feel an invisible pressure surround her, the spot where she had pricked her ear to provide blood upon entering the library now throbbing. She sprinted toward the combat techniques section.

From the first row of shelves, her left hand held her bag while her right hand, fingers poised skillfully on the spines, pulled and flicked books into her bag with quick precision. She moved fluidly, picking up book after book as she went.

Her philosophy had always been "don't bite off more than you can chew." But hadn't she already mastered everything she'd chewed on so far? These close-combat techniques were exactly what she needed. Once ingrained in muscle memory, anyone who approached her thinking she was a ranged fighter would be in for a surprise—one swift move and they'd be in for a shocking encounter!

And any extra books? She could sell them to the Special Affairs Bureau to boost Earth's overall strength.

Rita dashed from section to section, scooping up books even when she occasionally fumbled and dropped one. She didn't bother to pick them up. Her fingers glided across the combat techniques section and straight into the magic section, maintaining the perfect height at which her hand could grab books effortlessly—no wasted movement, all about efficiency.

Remembering the Mistblade's kindness in gifting her a book, she kept her movements light and delicate, careful not to damage the library's precious tomes, even if she couldn't take them all.

The pressure on her body intensified, making it hard to breathe. This was likely the library's own magical rules or energy working against her. Footsteps were now echoing around her. She heard voices questioning her and caught glimpses of light gathering from prepared spells in her peripheral vision.

A dozen or so spells were launched toward her at once.

Without hesitation, Rita tucked her bag away and teleported five meters forward to dodge the incoming attacks. As soon as she landed, the pressure on her body became unbearable, forcing her to the ground. Instinctively, she bit down on the escape stone in her mouth.

As the light enveloped her, a refined face and nine white tails with black tips came into view, the figure closing the distance in the blink of an eye. The Moon Emperor's hand formed into claws, reaching for her.

In that moment, Rita's heart raced, but instead of panicking, her professional instincts kicked in. She couldn't help but pickpocket.

*Forgive me… I was just thanking the Moon Emperor for her kindness a moment ago. My bad. I'll turn myself in the next time I'm reborn!*

In the next second, the light flashed, and Rita appeared in the Undercity's sewer system. She quickly changed her clothes, destroyed the ones she had worn in the library along with the ladder she used, and cast a cleaning spell on herself. She then doused herself in the second bottle of perfume Apache had given her.

After drinking another cooldown-reset potion, she activated her **Disguise** skill and transformed into a blood elf, bolting out of the sewers!

Her legs moved swiftly, occasionally using **I'm In a Hurry** to blink forward—though she avoided using **Phantom Shift** in plain sight.

As she sprinted toward the city's teleportation array, she caught a glimpse of the alchemy shop. She couldn't resist peeking inside, and wouldn't you know it, there was Apache again, sitting by the window, sipping wine. Explore stories on empire

*Still here, huh?*

*Haha, look at me, living an exciting and productive life, constantly on the move, risking my neck, seeking adventure every second! Meanwhile, some people waste their days drinking, wallowing in laziness. What a shame!*

With full confidence, Rita turned her head and ignored Apache as she sped off.

*Charge—!!*

Apache: "…" That blood elf's expression looked familiar. Maybe I should take a closer look.

Half an hour later, along the same path, a group of solemn Moonfoxes marched through, following a trail of golden incense. Mist rose from the incense and formed into a magnificent dagger in the air, guiding their way.

Apache: "…"

*That's Mistblade's scent, right? Someone stole a few books, and they're going all out like this?*