The cold wind cut across my face as I stepped onto the edge of the rooftop, the city sprawling endlessly beneath me. I paused for a moment, one hand on my knee, letting the night wash over me. There was a strange peace up here, away from the crowded streets and blaring neon lights. The quiet, the way the moonlight danced off the glass towers, made my chest feel… lighter. Almost like I could breathe for the first time in days.
I crouched slightly, opening the system rewards with a casual command.
"System, open the two rare gifts."
Ding.
"Congratulations. Host received Upgrade Card. Esper 4/10."
"Congratulations. Host received Booster Strength Card ×5."
I clenched my fist, feeling the rush of power surge through my veins. Fifteen times stronger than peak human. Fifteen. I could probably dent a tank with a full-force punch if I really wanted to. Though, honestly, I doubted tanks were the problem in this city—or in this world. My strength was something… different. Something far more dangerous.
A small smirk tugged at my lips as my thoughts drifted. There had been that video online, the one about a raid on an A-rank gate. The boss had swung its massive weapon with such force it cleaved mountains like paper. And here I was, standing on a rooftop, feeling fifteen times stronger than a normal human. Compared to that? My "great feat" sounded almost childish. But who cared? My strength didn't come from raw muscle—it came from my mind. Telekinesis, baby. The real game-changer.
Feeling the upgrade coursing through my Esper abilities made a thrill bubble in my chest. Maybe someday I could even attempt a domain expansion. Imagine the weaker ones collapsing under the sheer weight of my pressure… It would be insane. The thought alone made my grin widen.
I forced myself to calm down, pushing the childish excitement back where it belonged, and flew back to Aria's place. She was already waiting for me. Her eyes were dark, focused, replaying the video I had sent her of John getting what was coming to him.
Had she… broken?
Before I could dwell on it, she jumped at me, wrapping her hands around my neck, pressing her lips to mine. The kiss was fierce, possessive, and for a moment, I felt everything else fade away—the night, the city, even the memory of John.
When she broke away, I looked down at her, and for a second, her eyes caught mine, black and intense, and I couldn't help blurting it out. "Damn… those eyes of yours… dangerous… hot."
She blinked, snapping out of whatever trance she was in, poking her fingers together nervously and murmuring, "Sorry."
I shook my head. "It's fine. Don't worry about it."
"So… what are you going to do now?" she asked quietly.
I took a breath, feeling the weight of the plan pressing on me. "I'll rebuild my father's company. Repair the reputation John ruined."
"That… won't that cost a lot?"
"I can help you," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Making visits from home to home… it's not your fault."
I smirked. "And honestly… those people would probably love the video of me torturing John."
She laughed, a bright, genuine sound that made my chest tighten. "I can't deny it, but… would you really do that for me?"
I pulled her closer by the waist, pressing my lips to hers again. She didn't resist. She only wrapped her arms around my neck, melting into the warmth.
"Of course," I whispered when we broke apart. "You're my woman now."
She nodded softly, a tiny, satisfied sound escaping her lips. I added, "Don't worry about that C-rank Hunter. I'll handle him."
Turning to leave, I felt a tug at my clothes. Puzzled, I looked down at her. She gave me that sweet, dangerous smile I'd learned to fear and love in equal measure.
"Why are you so impatient? We can take a look at the money John has first," she said, almost teasing.
Damn. Woman. You really are making me obsessed with you.
I smiled back, grabbing her by the waist and letting my telekinesis lift us through the night sky. The moon hung enormous and bright above, casting everything in silver. There was a strange, almost romantic vibe to the city below.
We reached John's place in moments, slipping through the hole I'd made before. Aria gave me a look that screamed did you actually do this?! and I could only grin.
Inside, two identical suitcases sat waiting.
"This is tricky… how are we gonna open them?" she muttered, pacing.
I just shrugged. Picked up one suitcase. Folded it like paper. Money exploded out of it in a chaotic cascade.
Aria just froze, mouth forming a perfect 'O'.
We collected the cash, stacking it carefully. She insisted I spend the night at her place, and I didn't argue. She was wearing a short sleeping outfit, and when we climbed into her bed, she wrapped herself around me. Warmth, scent, heartbeat… all of it.
I lay there, staring at the rooftop above, feeling her arms tighten around me as sleep slowly took over. She really wasn't making this easy.
Then it hit me—I hadn't told Bella I'd be sleeping out tonight. I swallowed, hoping she wasn't panicking.
But even as that worry crept in, I let myself relax. For once, the night didn't feel heavy or dangerous. It felt… alive. And for now, that was enough.