The aroma had chased away most of Tao Wen's sleepiness, and he was feeling more alert.
The living room was quite dark and deep at night. The light from the bathroom seemed especially bright, even though the door was closed. It was as if it were still there in his mind.
The sound of the shower had stopped, but the dripping of water still echoed in Tao Wen's mind.
His steps became a little lighter, and he craned his neck, just to catch a glimpse of that dreamlike beauty. Who was it?
"Get down!"
Just as he reached the door, a shout erupted behind him. At the same time, he felt a powerful force on his shoulder. Not only did it shatter his illusory shield, but it also made him want to fall to the ground. In a hurry, he grabbed the wall, preventing himself from falling.
Fragments +1.
He was just about to stand up when he saw a data stream flash before his eyes. This immediately put him on alert; he was being attacked by a high-ranking agent from S.H.I.E.L.D.!
Natasha?
His heart clenched. Surely it wouldn't be that bad.
He quickly turned around, and breathed a sigh of relief.
Standing before him wasn't Natasha, but another beautiful woman.
A white bathrobe, exceptionally loose, struggled to conceal her curvaceous figure. She was tall, at least five foot seven, with slender legs that radiated a unique sheen. Though thin, they exuded a sense of power. Her short, golden hair complemented her exquisite features, creating a stunning effect.
Beneath her aura, she emanated a captivating charm that raised Tao Wen's body temperature.
"What a beauty!"
Tao Wen couldn't help but exclaim inwardly. He was certainly familiar with this woman; it was Hill, a Level 9 Agent from S.H.I.E.L.D.!
"Who are you!"
Hill's beautiful eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected Tao Wen to remain standing after her kick. She eyed him warily. Anyone would be furious to find a man in their house in the middle of the night.
Especially when she was in the middle of a shower. If she had a gun, she would have already opened fire.
Fragment +1
"It's a misunderstanding. I'm a new agent. I was assigned here yesterday. I was too tired last night, so I didn't introduce myself. You can ask Fury if you don't believe me!"
Tao Wen pulled a key out of his pocket and shook it in front of Hill. He knew that Agent Hill was no mere pretty face; she was a master of firearms and hand-to-hand combat. He was no match for her current strength.
"Fury?"
Hill frowned, but after carefully examining the key in Tao Wen's hand, she nodded. The inscription on it was indeed Fury's.
A flicker of displeasure crossed her mind. Fury's decision was too hasty. He hadn't even informed her!
"Hello, I'm Hill."
Hill, as a Level 9 Agent, possessed her own pride and composure, and extended her hand gracefully.
Tao Wen grasped her hand, which was very soft. "Tao Wen."
Fragment +1
It activated instantly, but the numbers before his eyes changed again, revealing a new fragment. In the next second, the numbers changed once more:
5/6
"One more fragment!"
Tao Wen's eyes brightened, and a hint of anticipation surged within him. The Modified Doran's Shield had already brought him such significant benefits; what incredible item would this next one be?
"There aren't too many rules about where I live, just don't bring random women back."
Hill walked into the shower room and took out a towel, wiping her hair. She seemed particularly feminine. Her gaze lingered on Tao Wen's abs; in her subconscious, men with abs were exceptionally strong and very attractive.
"Of course."
Tao Wen replied with a smile, his eyes also scanning Hill, searching for an opportunity to gain a fragment.
"I don't have any soap here. Do you have a new one? I'll buy you one tomorrow."
Tao Wen suddenly spoke as Hill was about to enter the room.
"Soap? Let me see."
Hill heard this and turned around. She also nodded slightly. She would feel a bit strange if Tao Wen used her soap. Saying this, she walked into the room.
"How to farm shards, how to farm shards, how to farm..."
Watching Hill enter the room, Tao Wen couldn't help but feel a little anxious. His mind was racing, all for that last shard.
Talking had already been tried.
Being beaten up had also been tried.
He'd already tried touching.
Hugging? Kissing? He couldn't pull it off.
"What to do!"
With Hill's footsteps approaching, Tao Wen's heart began to race. If he missed this chance, he'd have to wait for long hours again! "Got it!"
He frantically rolled his eyes, his gaze finally landing on a tall, elevated plant in front of Hill's door. He quickly ran over and laid it across the doorway.
His intention was simple: trip Hill, then rush forward to embrace her. It was a cliché, but it was the best method he had right now.
Squeak The door opened.
Tao Wen's heart beat even faster.
However, her gaze was even more composed.
Hill emerged with a smile. "Tao, I found it."
The lighting in Hill's room was dim. As she waved her arm, Tao Wen could see it was a brownish-yellow soap, Bezoar Soap.
"Thank you."
Tao Wen smiled and walked forward, reaching out to take it. However, his peripheral vision caught Hill's feet.
"Ah?"
Hill stepped precisely onto the elevated platform. After a gasp, she stumbled slightly but regained her balance.
"Failed."
Seeing this, Tao Wen couldn't help but feel a bit of bitterness. Of course, how could a Level 9 Agent be tripped up by such a crude trap? It was like showing off one's skills in front of a master craftsman!
Helpless, he had no choice but to continue forward, to get the soap, and take a cooling, albeit reluctant, shower.
Screech.
Just as he approached Hill, he heard the sound of a bathrobe tearing.
"Ah!"
Before he could react, Hill had already pounced on him, pressing him down hard onto the ground.
"What?"
Tao Wen felt a violent impact on his back, causing extreme pain. His head throbbed, making his vision blur. He squinted, trying to see clearly, but everything was a double image.
The numbers in front of him reappeared.
Fragments +1.
"Success?!"
Fighting back the dizziness, Tao Wen forced himself to look at the numbers in front of him. They flickered slightly, changing to 6/6, and joy filled his heart.
"What treasure is it this time!"
Tao Wen couldn't help but feel a strong sense of anticipation. Last time it was a Modified Doran's Shield; surely, this time it wouldn't be worse than before?
Under this anticipation, the pain in his body lessened by half.