"Oh? You're finally summoning a new clone?" March 7th's eyes lit up, her voice brimming with anticipation. She leaned in close to Su Mu and whispered, "Is it someone from Star Rail or Honkai? Or a character from a completely new world?"
"I'm not sure which world they'll be from yet, but they'll definitely have a fire affinity," Su Mu said with a smile. "Having a dedicated fire ability will solve the cremation problem and save us a massive amount of gold. It's killing two birds with one stone."
He paused and turned to the others to give instructions. "The three of you stay here and help Anna-san organize the bodies. Gather all the remains in the center of the village. I'm going to go add the clone; I'll be back soon."
He then looked at Anna, his tone gentle. "Anna-san, may I use your room for a moment?"
"Ah... yes, of course."
Anna hadn't heard their whispered conversation. Although she was a bit confused as to why Su Mu needed her room, she was sensible enough not to pry. She simply nodded, indicating he was free to use it.
Su Mu chose to summon the clone inside the room for two reasons. First, the process of a clone's birth was somewhat grotesque; the sight of writhing flesh and bone might terrify Anna, who had just lived through a massacre.
Second, clones were stark naked when they first appeared. Since Anna was still just a tenant and hadn't fully integrated into their circle yet, it was more appropriate to avoid such a sight out of respect for her feelings.
Once Himeko and the other two had escorted Anna away to begin clearing the remains, Su Mu stepped into the room. He found a relatively clean corner and activated his talent.
Soon, a mass of warm, pulsing flesh separated from his body. It writhed and twisted on the floor, rapidly taking shape. Bones and muscle grew at an incredible speed, hair sprouted, and facial features sharpened. Moments later, a girl with brown hair and crimson eyes stood in his place. She had a petite frame and a charming, spirited face, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief and wildness. It was none other than the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao.
Su Mu looked at the girl before him and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Do I have some kind of hidden attribute I don't know about?"
He looked Hu Tao up and down, then added with a chuckle, "But you certainly fit the requirements perfectly. A fire affinity plus the expertise of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor... and your first piece of business is a big one."
"I say, Master, are you subtly complaining that this Director is flat-chested?" Hu Tao put her hands on her hips and puffed out her cheeks in mock annoyance, though her eyes were dancing with amusement. "But don't people over on your side often say that 'flat is justice' or a 'rare resource'? You should be secretly celebrating that you have such a unique clone like me! Besides, isn't the form of a clone based on your subconscious thoughts?"
"Yes, yes, I'm not unhappy. It was just a casual observation."
Su Mu shook his head helplessly. He then used his Admin privileges to withdraw a set of clothes that matched Hu Tao's style and handed them over.
Hu Tao took the clothes and began dressing quickly, arching an eyebrow as she joked, "Oh? According to the usual procedure for a new clone's arrival, shouldn't we have the 'bonding ritual' first?"
"The situation is special right now. There's no time for procedures; business comes first. I'll make it up to you once we get back," Su Mu replied.
"That makes sense." Hu Tao nodded as she finished dressing. "Even though I have a petite figure like Fu Hua, the proportions and sizes are different, so the experience should be different too, right? In that case, Master must be a little excited, aren't you?"
"Yes, yes..." Su Mu rolled his eyes. "So, let's get this done quickly so we can go back and have a party."
"Hehe..." Hu Tao smiled, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "A grand order of over a hundred people for my first job? Talk about a cracking start! This Director is very satisfied~"
She took the lead and stepped out the door, her movements agile and full of life.
"Eh? It's Director Hu Tao!" Not far away, March 7th was the first to spot her. She immediately waved her hands and ran over, her eyes full of surprise. "Now we've really found the right person for the funeral!"
Himeko walked over slowly, her gaze landing on Hu Tao with a look of realization. "Hu Tao... a perfect match for the job indeed."
Fu Hua followed and nodded, speaking gently to Anna, "Anna, you don't need to trouble yourself anymore. We have a professional here to help; the efficiency will be much higher."
"A professional?" Anna looked at Hu Tao with confusion. "And she is...?"
March 7th leaned toward Anna and lowered her voice, whispering with a mischievous grin, "She's also one of our husband's wives~"
"..."
Anna froze instantly, that familiar look of shock and bewilderment returning to her face. she stared blankly at Su Mu and Hu Tao, then back at March 7th, Himeko, and Fu Hua. Her brain felt like it was short-circuiting.
How was there another one?
Just how many wives did this Manager have?
She opened her mouth to speak but ended up swallowing her question again. She only felt that the interpersonal relationships in this apartment were far beyond her comprehension.
"Leave it to this Director! I guarantee I'll have everything sorted out perfectly so the deceased can rest in peace!" Hu Tao patted her chest confidently. Then, she raised her hand and began to chant: "Souls, return; spirits, arise!"
As the words fell, an eerie yet gentle power spread out. From the ruins of the entire village, countless translucent spirits gradually emerged. They were all in a "chibi" style—small, cute forms that retained the likeness of their former selves. They were the fallen villagers and soldiers.
Over a hundred spirits floated slowly, each guiding their own physical remains toward the center of the village. The process was quiet and orderly, devoid of any sinister aura.
Anna stood rooted to the spot, her eyes following the familiar figures. Her eyes grew red, and tears began to well up.
She saw the kind village chief; his spirit gave her a gentle nod.
She saw the children of the village; their spirits waved their small hands, innocent smiles on their faces.
She saw her neighbors and friends; each looked at her with gentle, lingering gazes full of concern and reluctance to leave.
"Chief... everyone..."
Anna's voice choked up. The tears finally spilled over, rolling down her cheeks and dripping onto the ground.
"Child, live well." The village chief's spirit floated before her, his voice soft and raspy, carrying a sense of peace. "The village is gone, but you must carry everyone's hopes and keep moving forward."
"Sister Anna, remember to be happy every day~"
The spirits of the children circled around her, leaving behind their crisp, innocent wishes before slowly drifting toward the sky.
Just then, a familiar spirit approached. It was her husband.
His figure was somewhat faint, yet he still carried his usual gentleness. He looked at Anna with a gaze full of guilt and longing. "Anna... I'm sorry. I failed to protect you. I've left you all alone in this world..."
He reached out a spectral hand, wanting to touch her cheek, but it could only pass through the empty air. "In the future, find someone who loves you and can protect you. Live a good life. Forget me, forget the pain of the past... Goodbye, Anna..."
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