"Gwen, why are you back?"
Gillian's crazed muttering paused for a brief moment as he knelt, glaring at her with pure contempt. Ryuuto, standing tall and unshaken, shot her a glance of mild annoyance—though a certain confidence radiated off him that made it impossible not to notice.
"I came back because I was worried something might happen to you. Can't leave my favorite hero to fend for herself," Gwen replied, her voice firm yet warm. Seeing Ryuuto safe and fully in control, her eyes lit up with relief, and a smile broke across her face.
Ryuuto's presence alone seemed to fill her with courage. With him by her side, she was ready to face anything.
"But don't worry—Tony and Bobby have already secured all the Extremis vials and sent them to the base. With their skills, there's absolutely no way anyone can misuse them!"
"Good," Ryuuto nodded, finally allowing himself a breath. Things seemed settled… until the impossible happened.
"Hahaha! Did you really think it would be that easy? I've still got one last trick up my sleeve!"
Gillian, bouncing like a wild lunatic, revealed a hidden orange-yellow vial of Extremis. His eyes burned with manic determination. "Ryuuto… you've forced me into this… let's die together!"
"Not good! He's hiding another Extremis vial!" Gwen shouted in horror, instinctively stepping in front of Ryuuto.
"It's fine," Ryuuto interrupted, his tone decisive. "I've got this one covered." He shoved Gwen safely behind him and charged, chakra spinning violently in his hands. The air itself seemed to shiver under the pressure.
Big Ball Rasengan!
Before Gillian could react, Ryuuto slammed the massive Rasengan into his chest. Gillian's eyes widened, his scream twisting as excruciating pain shot through him. Blood gushed from the impact, the Extremis vial trembling in his grip.
"Ah… I won't go down like this!" Gillian screamed, thrashing to release the vial—but it was too late.
"Go to hell!" Ryuuto shouted. The Rasengan spun faster, energy waves radiating outward, tearing through the area. Gillian was obliterated in an instant, fragments scattering with the vial—completely erased from existence.
Silence fell. Only the messy remains of Mutants littered the battlefield. Ryuuto's Rasengan had left a massive crater, the lingering smell of blood and destruction filling the air.
"Ryuuto! You did it!" Gwen cheered, throwing herself into his arms. He held her tightly, fingers tangling in her hair, grinning like a victorious rogue.
"Hehe… am I okay, fool?"
Their embrace radiated warmth amidst the carnage, a quiet moment of peace after the storm. The soldiers in combat gear worked silently to clear the battlefield, not wanting to disturb them.
[drop! Congratulations to the Host for completing the task. Reward: forty life potions and a Heroic Battle Medal!]
Shion's voice chimed in cheerfully, teasing as always. Ryuuto's eyes sparkled, excitement bubbling over.
"Ha! I knew the system wouldn't disappoint!"
[Rewards are always issued on time, Master. Enjoy!]
Ryuuto gave Shion a thumbs-up. Then, curiosity won out.
"What about this Heroic Battle Medal? Show me. It should be pretty prestigious, right?"
[Of course, Master. The medal is in your pocket—treasure it. It's proof of your perfect mission completion!]
He glanced down, and there it was: a golden, radiant medal nestled near his hip. Majestic and commanding, he couldn't resist running his fingers along its surface.
"Wow… it's gorgeous!"
Gwen's eyes widened in admiration.
"Hehe… just an ordinary medal," Ryuuto said, smiling triumphantly. He draped his arm around her shoulders. "If you like it, I'll give it to you."
"No, Ryuuto… it's perfect on you. Girls shouldn't wear medals anyway. You earned this!" Tears glimmered in her eyes.
Ryuuto chuckled. "Well, I'll get you an even better gift next time."
Satisfied, he turned back to Shion. "By the way… this medal looks valuable. Is it just for show?"
[Hee hee… of course not!]
Shion's playful tone, faintly teasing, brought a blush to Ryuuto's cheeks. He couldn't help but grin wider, feeling even more connected to the system—and the chaotic, thrilling journey ahead.
...
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