Codex Null: Simulation Through Madness
Chapter 31: Serah

Chapter 31: Serah

Inside an alley where a battle had taken place, and the ground, stained with blood, was supposed to be the only witness to the clash between Noel and Gavin — another voice was suddenly heard.

Despite already being tired, and surprised by the presence he hadn’t sensed before, Noel stayed composed as he turned toward the source of the sound.

And there — two girls stood.

One, humble and silent, remained behind the other.

Noel’s eyes landed on the girl in front, still caught mid-clap, and without knowing it...

He found himself turning to his Codex Null.

[Do you want to spend 10 Null Points to start a Premium Simulation?]

Noel didn’t hesitate for even a second — he agreed instantly.

And how could he hesitate?

Just a single glimpse of the girl was enough to send him a message.

She’s dangerous.

Far too dangerous for him to even think of facing.

She wasn’t some insignificant opponent like the man he had just killed.

No — she was something else entirely.

A monster... a monster, dressed in human skin

Something deep inside told him that.

That’s why, even while keeping his focus locked on her every move, he let his eyes skim through the simulation text — until something caught his attention.

[Selena and Lilith were both visibly angry as they stood before Serah — someone they knew, apparently. But in the end, neither made a move against her. They simply took you with them, as Serah waved her hand at you.]

Serah.

The name of the girl.

And then — Selena and Lilith.

Noel seemed to ponder what he read, and the implications behind it, before his slightly tensed body began to ease.

His aura — wild, untamed, dripping with the hunger for blood and destruction — started to calm.

And it was then, finally, that he looked at her properly — as she walked toward him.

She stepped through the bloodstained alley with a kind of casual defiance — like the violence was decoration, not aftermath.

There was no urgency in her rhythm, no caution in her gait.

Only confidence. Delight.

Her short silver hair framed her face, glinting against violet eyes that didn’t blink often enough.

Mischief simmered behind them — or maybe something worse.

She looked young. Probably around Lilith’s age.

Her figure, dressed in low-slung shorts and a sleeveless crop top, showed off her toned body and pale, milky skin.

An earring hung from one ear, matched by other piercings and bracelets that jingled slightly with every step.

They suited her — reckless, free, untouchable.

And paired with the dangerous, playful vibe she gave off, Noel got the distinct impression she was a woman who wouldn’t mind burning the world for fun.

He continued watching Serah calmly.

And Serah — the dangerous woman in question — didn’t seem to mind that he remained quiet, despite her loud arrival.

When she finally stopped before him, her violet gaze swept slowly from his toes to the top of his head, then lingered on his face.

She squeezed her arms together, emphasizing her breasts, tilted her body slightly, and her cheeks flushed pink as she said,

"Magnificent. You’re already handsome, but with blood staining you... you look even more hot. Sexy, even."

Serah praised him genuinely.

And Noel offered a polite smile as he replied, "Thank you."

Standing just a few steps apart, Noel stared at her quietly, various thoughts flashing through his mind.

Maybe this was his chance to learn more about the Hidden Society.

Maybe Serah could be a link.

That’s why he didn’t say anything more. Instead, he calmly moved past her, toward the items he had left before the battle.

He picked up the bag, then turned back to the stunned Serah and said, "Then, I will take my leave, if there’s nothing else."

With how his interest faded after seeing her more clearly, that seemed to be his honest intention.

But Serah shook her head and said, "Wait, how can you just walk away after seeing a young, pure girl like me fall head over heels for you?"

"You should at least hang around with me for a little while!"

She stepped toward him, her sultry tone tinged with offense.

Noel looked at her as she entered his personal space — only inches away now, her warm breath brushing against him — then made an awkward face and said, "Well, I’m injured and need to treat myself."

He gave her an innocent smile. "So, maybe another time?"

Against his tilted head, Serah suddenly stepped back and covered her eyes — or rather, pretended to. She still peeked at him through her fingers as she said, "You’re intent on seducing me, and yet still want to run away?"

"Can you handle the consequences of that?"

Noel narrowed his eyes as he watched her acting like that, then took a step forward.

He lowered his head until their breaths mingled, and gently reached out to take the hand shielding her eyes.

"Then tell me," he murmured, "can you handle spending more time with me in this state?"

As he held her hand, Noel could feel the air itself start to vibrate — more violently, more intensely.

His gray eyes locked with her violet ones.

And in that brief second, he saw it.

Her eyes turned cold.

Utterly, frighteningly cold.

So sharp, so lifeless, that he wouldn’t have found it strange if, in the very next moment, he was killed.

But Noel didn’t flinch.

He showed no sign of fear, and simply continued to stare at her.

And Serah, after a short pause, finally pushed him away, as she slipped her hand away from his hold.

She shook her head and said, "You really don’t know what kind of fire you’re playing with."

Then, smiling seductively, she added, "But... maybe that’s the charm of the Cross family?"

Noel’s brow twitched slightly, seemingly surprised that she knew.

It looked like he had questions — important ones — but he didn’t have the chance to voice them.

Because, Serah, with a sudden, commanding tone that didn’t allow for refusal, she said, "Anyway, you’re coming with me."