These Dangerous Girls Placed Me Into Jeopardy-Chapter 54Vol 2. : Rebirth, Renewal

Her hoodie was torn and tattered, her forehead bleeding—half her delicate face dyed red.

She was probably hurt just as badly as I was... Even though she’d returned to her ghostified state, taking a hit like that—no one could just shrug it off. Not to mention, Snowy still had a wound in her side that hadn’t fully healed.

I dragged myself over to her and wrapped one arm around her shoulder—then, suddenly, I kissed her.

Snowy didn’t dodge at all. Blood smeared her cheek, making her already flushed face glow even redder.

Of course, this wasn’t some kind of “kiss of death” or anything—it was to get the special medicine ready in advance.

That said, it’s also a reward for how hard you fought, Snowy. The kiss is just the bonus—the real reward is what I’m about to make now.

A strange sense of excitement flooded my brain. What I was about to do was incredibly stupid—something a normal person wouldn’t even dream of doing—but I felt no fear. Just pure exhilaration.

Like I’d downed some bad booze and suddenly decided there was nothing left to be afraid of.

Maybe this is how Snowy felt, too.

While I was still riding this high, I had to do something... painful.

Her military knife was still with me. From beginning to end, I hadn’t used it to touch a single person. Such a fine weapon, completely wasted in my hands. But now—finally—it would draw blood.

I drew the blade, knelt, and placed my left hand flat on the ground.

Aimed the edge at my left pinky finger...

While the adrenaline was still flowing, before my brain had a chance to reboot—do it now.

No need to be scared. Just think of it like slicing sausage. As long as the blade moves fast, it won’t hurt too badly...

Blood sprayed out.

And then came the pain—so sharp it nearly made me black out. I didn’t even have time to bite down ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) on the stump. My mouth, half open in agony, instantly started drooling.

I trembled as I caught the saliva with my other hand and let it drip onto the severed end. No way I could apply the paste directly—if I touched the wound now, I’d pass out from the pain.

I picked up the severed pinky, gritting through the agony, and turned to Snowy.

"...Snowy..."

She stared blankly, reaching out, eyes filled with shock. To see even a three-no girl show such emotion—I felt oddly proud.

"...It’s yours."

"Is... is this really okay?"

I caught my breath and nodded.

"It’s fine... Honestly, I should’ve cut off these disobedient hands and handed them to you long ago. Cutting off a pinky is getting off easy."

"But listen—this is just... a down payment. If you help me hold off Lillian, both these hands are yours."

With how broken my body was—several ribs fractured, barely able to stand—there was no way I could get near Lillian. Even if Ye Liusu hadn’t fully taken over, just a random kick from her could kill me on the spot. I needed backup.

"When I go for Lillian, I need you to fully suppress her—just long enough for me to get close enough to touch her. I know you’re seriously hurt too, but I’ve got no one else to rely on. If we can’t save her, we’re both probably going to die here..."

"Which means... yeah, this is basically me asking for a loan..."

God, I’m pathetic. Forcing this on Snowy like that... I shouldn’t be doing this.

"This was my decision, putting you in danger. I feel awful about it. That’s why I gave you my finger... My hands are still useful right now, so I can’t give them to you yet. But afterward—"

She cut me off.

"...It’s enough."

Her eyes were shimmering with something strange. Her blue title shone brilliantly—then began shifting in color, glowing with a soft cherry blossom pink.

Maybe because I’d actually given up a part of my body, it awakened some... unique feeling in her. Like the way Lillian once said she wanted my corpse.

Or maybe it was something else entirely...

"...Ethan, you’re really gentle."

Gentle...? That’s a word I don’t deserve at all...

"I want to protect you."

Then, Snowy leaned forward—and gently took my severed pinky into her mouth.

Her entire nameplate turned a delicate pink, and the red in her eyes washed away, replaced by a deep ocean blue.

She took the military knife from my hand, gave me a small nod, and stood up to face Lillian.

Her body no longer swayed. Her steps were light. The hand that had been twisted out of joint had fully recovered. Now dual-wielding knives, she stepped confidently onto the battlefield.

For some reason, I felt like no one in the world could defeat her now.

That tiny silhouette... left me with that kind of certainty.

At the same time, the battle inside Lillian’s body had also ended.

Ye Liusu had won—he’d seized full control.

No... wait.

Looking at Lillian’s expression, it was as if she’d let go—because Snowy was coming.

Even if she didn’t like Snowy, she trusted her to deal with Ye Liusu...

Alright. Then I’ve got to do my part too.

My whole body hurt. Every movement now was pure willpower.

If I didn’t have this level of mental endurance, I would’ve passed out a dozen times already...

Whenever it gets this bad, I really feel how much Lillian’s gifted mental strength is helping me. Once I make it out alive, I’ll definitely find a way to repay her properly...

Yeah. If I make it out alive.

While Snowy kept Ye Liusu occupied, I used the wall to support myself and circled around to where Rainie Bai was lying nearby.

She was still unconscious. After an injury like that, being out for two or three days would be normal. I gently rolled her over and reached into her waist pouch.

Found it—one last charm talisman, still intact... Probably meant for Snowy.

But now I had to use it somewhere else.

I picked it up and was just about to stand when a hand grabbed my wrist.

"...Rainie? You’re awake?"

"I was supposed to protect you... and now I have to leave that to her?"

She turned her head weakly to look at Snowy, who was locked in fierce combat. Her expression was filled with frustration and regret.

I followed her gaze. Both of them were moving at speeds far beyond what human eyes could track. Even when I focused, I could barely keep up.

Soon, I’d be stepping into that chaos too.

Just thinking about it made my blood run cold.

But I had no choice. This job could only be done by me.

"You’ve done more than enough."

If not for you, I would’ve been long dead. I wouldn’t even be standing here.

And what you’ve sacrificed—I’ll make sure he pays double for it.

Our voices were weak, our bodies battered. We were in terrible shape.

"To use this ‘Spirit-Suppressing Talisman,’ you’ll need true energy. I’ll pass it to you."

"...Please."

Ah, right. Just having the talisman isn’t enough. Normal people can’t activate it—not without spiritual power.

So that’s why you woke up, Rainie... just to tell me that.

Since she couldn’t sit up, I placed my hand on the ground. She grabbed my hand with her left, then formed a sign in front of her with her right and chanted the familiar spell:

“By the order of heaven, obey!”

A rush of heat flowed into my palm. The talisman, made of soft yellow paper, suddenly stiffened like cardboard.

"...Thanks. If you hadn’t woken up in time, I’d have gone in blind. That would’ve been fatal—literally."

"...Don’t mention it. It’s... my duty..."

Rainie had clearly forced herself awake. And after activating the charm for me, her complexion grew even paler.

She’d already lost a lot of blood and spent the last of her energy. She was past her limit. And still, for my sake, she forced herself out of unconsciousness.

If I let her down now, I’d never forgive myself.

"...Then I’m off."

"...May victory be yours."

"Heh. Of course. Wait for me to return triumphant."

She blinked, dazed, then gave me a faint smile. Maybe because something about my words felt familiar.

I felt the same.

Rainie slowly closed her eyes again and sank into a deep sleep.

After laying her body down gently, I pushed off my knee and stood, eyes fixed on the battlefield I was about to enter.

Flashes of blades. Shadows darting. One misstep, and I’d be minced meat.

Am I afraid?

Of course I am. Anyone would be, walking into that.

After all, entering “there” is basically synonymous with suicide.

To be honest, my legs were shaking. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

So, let’s go.

If I’m going to die anyway—better sooner than later, right?

Well... I’m still betting on that one slim chance of survival.