Afterward, Cipher also learned the purpose of Firefly's visit.
Firefly had come to Canglan City purely for sightseeing and leisure.
At that moment, Firefly sharply noticed something. After hearing this, Cipher's previously swaying tail suddenly froze. Her gaze shifted away awkwardly, avoiding eye contact, and on her beautiful face, embarrassment mixed with a trace of guilt.
This series of reactions immediately stirred confusion in Firefly's heart. She could only quietly guess that Cipher had probably done something.
So, under Firefly's persistent questioning, Cipher eventually gave in and confessed honestly.
"Hahaha, then you really came at a bad time, little girl."
As it turned out, the Ability Bureau of Canglan City had recently been preparing intensively for certain operations. From various signs, it was clear that undercurrents were beginning to stir within the city. Some kind of issue was brewing, to the point that the entire Bureau had become extremely busy and the atmosphere had grown tense.
At the same time, Sparkle, in search of entertainment, had quietly sneaked into Canglan City. Specifically targeting Ability Users, she carried out a series of pranks, adding both chaos and helplessness to the city.
As a result, the internal staff of the Ability Bureau had become extremely nervous. At times, they even began suspecting one another, afraid they might become the next victim.
As for Cipher, when she had first arrived in this world, she had been completely alone—without money or support. To avoid the miserable fate of ending up on the streets, this poor little kitty had no choice but to return to her old profession.
"So, did you empty out the Ability Bureau?" Firefly asked, her expression full of doubt.
In her opinion, given Cipher's abilities, petty theft would be beneath her. That meant the likelihood of her targeting the Ability Bureau directly was extremely high.
Hearing such an accusation, Cipher nearly exploded on the spot.
"How could that be! I'm a phantom thief with high moral standards. How could I possibly do something like that?"
Cipher: (＞⤙＜)
Feeling Firefly's questioning gaze, Cipher stuck out her tongue playfully.
"I didn't empty out the Ability Bureau, okay? I only took some necessary startup funds. Besides, I snuck in quite openly."
As she spoke of her "great achievements," Cipher unconsciously straightened her back. Her chest lifted slightly, her cat-like expression filled with pride, and her tail stood tall.
Firefly: (ˉ▽ˉ;)
Glancing around, Firefly confirmed that no one nearby was paying attention to their conversation. Only then did she sigh helplessly.
"Well, I'm just glad you came back safely."
Firefly didn't feel any dissatisfaction toward Cipher's actions. After all, considering her own identity as the Stellaron Hunter Sam and everything she had done in the past, she had no right to lecture anyone.
Her questions were purely for gathering information.
"Ahem, anyway, after a few 'operations' by Sparkle and me, not only the Ability Bureau, but the entire city's security has tightened significantly because of it."
"Wow, what a cute kitty!"
"Hey, speaking of kitties, have you heard those rumors?"
"What rumors?"
"Sister, I know! Recently, the city's security has become several times stricter than before. Leaving the city now requires layers of approval, and the process is ridiculously complicated."
"Ah, so that's why! No wonder my best friend wanted to travel with me two days ago but gave up because of all the paperwork. But what's the actual reason?"
"Hehe, you asked the right person. I've heard some inside information, or maybe you could call it an urban legend. A top-tier phantom thief has quietly appeared in the city. Many high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals have already been 'cleaned out,' and the entire process was as mysterious as a ghost, leaving no trace behind."
"Yes, yes! I thought that rumor was fake. And supposedly, after every crime, they leave behind a coin with a kitty pattern and a phantom thief notice, just like in movies!"
"Oh my god, that's so cool. Just like a romantic phantom thief from a novel. I wonder if this Cat Phantom Thief is a super handsome guy?"
Several girls chatted excitedly, their hands never stopping as they continued petting the cats.
Firefly: (๑˙ー˙๑)
Cipher: (=ↀ⩊ↀ=)੭ﾞ
In a quiet corner, thanks to Firefly's enhanced physical abilities and Cipher's very real cat ears, they naturally overheard everything.
Just like that, the rumors of the Cat Phantom Thief were fully confirmed.
What those people could never imagine was that the mysterious phantom thief they were discussing was actually a stunning beauty with a graceful and alluring figure.
However, Firefly couldn't help but wonder why ordinary people even knew about these rumors.
In response, Cipher casually pulled out a piece of bubble gum and handed it to her.
"Try this. I stole it from an Ability User with 'Super Bubble Gum.' The taste is far better than anything on the market. As for the rumors, they were probably spread by those rogue Ability Users."
After thinking for a moment, Firefly accepted the "stolen goods" and placed it in her mouth.
A rich sweetness instantly spread across her tongue. The texture was dense and smooth, far superior to the bland gum sold in small stores. It made her want another piece immediately.
Firefly (๑•. •๑): Silver Wolf would probably like this.
So, a little awkwardly, Firefly asked for a few more.
"Anyway, for outsiders like us, Canglan City is definitely going to be unstable for a while. It'll more or less affect your travel plans."
Cipher returned to her usual lazy demeanor, but her reminder was still sincere.
Hearing this, Firefly nodded seriously.
At that moment, she suddenly understood why Silver Wolf preferred staying at home playing games instead of going out.
That said, neither of them was particularly worried about danger. Aside from Firefly feeling slightly disappointed, one of the main culprits—the Cat Phantom Thief herself—had no right to comment at all.
There was also one more thing.
In such a vast city, they had coincidentally walked the same street, chosen the same cat café, and met each other like this.
Such a chance encounter—could it be what people called souls of the same kind being drawn together?