Mira leaned against the rooftop railing like this was a casual meeting.
Below us, the city breathed.
Above us, hunters closed in.
---
"You're noisy," she said lightly.
"That mark is practically screaming."
"…You could've mentioned that earlier."
"You didn't ask."
I sighed.
Figures.
---
> [Hunter Network Proximity: Increasing.]
"So," I said, "you can suppress it?"
Mira tilted her head.
"Temporarily. Yes."
"And the price?"
Her smile sharpened.
---
"Favor number one."
Just like that.
---
"…Already?"
"You're marked, hunted, and growing faster than expected," she replied.
"That makes you valuable."
I didn't like the word.
---
> [Contract Reminder: Three Favors Remaining → Two After Execution]
Of course the system was keeping count.
---
"What do you want?" I asked.
Mira's gaze drifted to the city.
"To use your mark."
"…What?"
---
"Hunters track you," she explained calmly.
"I want to see how they move. How fast. Who responds."
I stared at her.
"You want me as bait."
She met my eyes.
"Yes."
---
> [Risk Assessment: Extreme.]
"Hard no."
Mira shrugged.
"Then enjoy being erased."
---
Silence stretched.
The pull on my core tightened.
They were close.
---
"…How long?" I asked quietly.
Mira smiled.
"Ten minutes."
---
Ten minutes of being hunted.
Tracked.
Targeted.
---
> [Existence Evaluation: Survival Probability 37%]
"…I hate you."
"Many do."
---
I clenched what passed for my fists.
"…Fine."
---
The air snapped tight.
---
> [Favor Executed: #1]
> [Contract Update:]
Remaining Favors: 2
---
Mira raised her hand.
Symbols flared.
The pressure vanished.
---
> [Hunter Mark: Suppressed (Temporary)]
Duration: 10 Minutes
I exhaled.
"…You better keep your end."
She smiled.
"Oh, Rei."
"I always do."
---
Then—
She vanished.
---
> [Countdown Initiated: 10:00]
The city went quiet.
Not peaceful.
Waiting.
---
"…Alright," I muttered.
"Let's see who comes."
---