《Reborn: My Two Systems at War》 Chapter Superhuman Ranks Chapter Superhuman Ranks This is just rudimentary scaling that can slightly changeter as the store evolves. SSS - ??? | ??? SS - ??? | ??? S -??? | ??? A - ??? | ??? B - ??? | ??? C - ??? | ??? D - ??? | ??? E - Block Level | ??? F - Building Level | < 900 GODs G - Squad Level | < 300 GODs H - Individual Level | < 100 GODs I - Latent | < 25 GODs Chapter Actual Status Chapter Actual Status Spoiler alert! . . . . . . . . . . Beep ding! /< True Name: Tiariel Morduine Soul species: ??? Vessel species: Space Human Witch level: Novice Psionic level: E (372 GODs) Esper Points: 8 Witch Points: 20 Strength (STR): 8 -> 14 Agility (AGI): 12 -> 18 Defense (DEF): 7 -> 11 Endurance (END): 11 -> 15 Energy (ENE): 46 -> 87 Intelligence (INT): 26 -> 36 Will (WIL): 49 -> 76 Magic (MAG): 38 -> 79 Abilities: , , [Apprentice Potionmaking (17%)], [Journeyman Artificing (1%)], [Novice Runic Spellcraft (65%)], [Dimensional Plunder], [Novice Material Assessment] >/ Chapter 1: The Triple Portion of A Bad Luck Chapter 1: The Triple Portion of A Bad Luck Moonlight entered through a barred window into a small, in room. There was only a single bed, and the walls were white and devoid of any decoration. A girl, looking to even younger than she really was with her perfectly smooth skin, sat on top of the bed, hugging her knees while shivering from the cold. Her simple, white pajamas felt thin and inadequate. She had long light ashen blond hair cascading down her shoulders. Her lc, lifeless eyes looked into nothingness as she red at the white walls of her cell. "Ahh..." A soft sigh escaped from her lips as she reminisced about her past lifea small smile on her slightly pale face as the images of her loving parents and her mansion passed before her eyes. ''It is all gone, now is it only me.'' The victorious smirk of her betrayer materialized before her, stoking a seething rage that threatened to consume her. Hatred festered within her, fueled by the injustice of it all, by the treachery that shattered the bonds of family. Since then, her existence had been reduced to an endless cycle of monotony and emptiness, the days blending together in a haze of despair. Suddenly, the intrusion of vibrant, colorful lights through the window pierced the darkness, apanied by the distant symphony of fireworks. She turned her gaze toward the ephemeral spectacle, a mncholic ache tightening its grip on her purple eyes. ''Haha, so another year passed since I was locked here. Am I neen now?'' "Wake up, wake up!" a soft whisper entered her ears. She covered her ears, refusing to listen to the voice that had terrorized her for years. "Wake up, wake up!" Yet she could still hear it entering her ears with the same intensity. "Shut up, what do you want!?" her shout resounded through the empty room as she threw her pillow. The pillow hit the in white wall before falling to the ground without any change. "Wake up, wake up!" "From what ?!" she asked the same question she always had through the years. There was only silence. "From what ?!! From what? From what..." she shouted again and again, her voice slowly turning quieter as she ran out of breath. As if responding to her question, all of the shadows darkened and prolonged towards her as if trying to devour her. She didn''t move away, nor she panicked. Instead, her heart pounded with joy as she got a response for the first time. The world around her erupted into a cacophony of swirling colors and disorienting shapes, a distorted reflection of her shattered soul. Then, in a blinding sh, all went white. She stood in the middle of arge stone hall of a circr shape. The walls and floors around her were made of shiny polished ck marble, reflecting her own image. She looked the same with her long light ashen blond hair and young face. The only difference was the ck, close-fitting robe that she wore. Everything around her was hazy and blurry as if she was looking at it through a thick ss. The light entered inside through massive stained windows, turning into colorful rays passing between tall pirs chiseled of white marble towering above her, supporting an enormous dome of ck and white. She tried to move, but there was no response. She could feel and even think, but she couldn''t move or even lift her pinky. Memories resurfaced in her mind, flooding her like an unstoppable tide. A pain stabbed through her mind, her vision darkening, she wanted to clench her fist or grunt her teeth, but she couldn''t, her muscles not responding to hermand. The pain quickly subsided, her rity returning to her, ''This is my day, the day when I was supposed to gain what was mine. It is the day when I was supposed to ascend.'' Sounds of steps came from behind her, tapping on the polished stone floor. Her vision shifted, her body moving without her input. Another woman stood behind her, her face obscured by a haze. She just stood there in her ck robe. "Uhhh, have youe to congratte me?" a voice escaped from between her lips. It sounded exactly like her. "Yes, turn around. I have a surprise for you." a soft yet slightly distorted voice spoke at her gently. Her memories suddenly erupted, shouting at her not to do that. She knew what was going to happen. She had already lived through it once, ''No, it is a trap!'' Her body slowly turned, ignoring her pleading and shouts. It was rxed, expecting a warm hug. However, she already knew what would happen, her mind hurting just remembering that pain, but her body refused to listen to her orders. The expected pain erupted in her chest, and her head turned downwards. A de covered in glowing runic letters stuck out of her chest, blood gushing out of the injury. The terrible pain spread through her body, a hot and cold feeling breaking havoc across her muscles. Each of her muscles spasmed as she fell to the ground. Blood pooled under her, her teeth cracking as she closed her jaw in pain, her vision turning red. "Sorry, you have run out of your usefulness. We don''t need a new member of our council. There is not enough power for all of us." A second wave of pain passed through her mind, but this one wasn''t physical. This one was mental. She worked hard. She was rising and soaring through the ranks. She always fought for her sisters. Yet, now she was disposed of as if she was just an expendable pawn by her lover. Ding! // You have failed your mission: Be An Arch Witch. // In a blinding sh, the world around her disintegrated, leaving her gasping for breath in the safety of her bed. Sweat soaked her pajamas, clinging to her trembling form as though she had emerged from the depths of a tempest. She panted heavily, her mind still lost in thebyrinth of despair, the remnants of her shattered existence. The weight of her failure pressed upon her, squeezing the air from her lungs. "I have been reborn," she whispered, a fragile glimmer of determination sparking within her fractured heart. Ding! // Congrattions, the witchcraft system sessfully reloaded. Your progress was lost. Please open your status! Congrattions, the witchcraft system was upgraded to the End-bringer witch system // Ding! // Congrattions, you have aplished a hidden condition Congrattions, the witchcraft system was upgraded to the Death Witch system // ''Nah, it doesn''t matter. I can start anew now. I can fix all of my mistakes. I already know which abilities to take.'' Yet, a sudden stillness seized her as footsteps approached from beyond the confines of her prison. The sound of their approach reverberated through the cold, unyielding concrete floor, drawing closer until they halted just outside her cell. "A nurse, perhaps? Have I been so loud?" she pondered, a flicker of apprehension twisting within her. Electrical beeps resonated within her chamber, and the green control lights on her door lock illuminated, one by one, with an ominous glow. Finally, thest light blinked to life, and the doors slid open noiselessly, revealing a shadowy figure that slipped into the room. No words were spoken, only the looming presence of a tall silhouette and a single, piercing blue dot of light. "Who... who are you? You are not a nurse," Tia''s voice quivered, her senses tingling with a foreboding unease. Darkness obscured her visitor''s face, obscuring their intentions within its enigmatic embrace. A muffled voice, tinged with regret, whispered, "I''m sorry, girl. I don''t relish this task, but it is my duty..." The voice trailed off, fading into the distance. "Don''t worry. It won''t be painful. It will be swift." Tia''s body tensed, her every nerve on edge as she sensed the impending danger. In a desperate frenzy, she fumbled for something familiara gesture ingrained in her very being. A surge of warm energy coursed through her, flowing from her heart to her trembling hand. Within the darkness, the solitary blue light intensified. She hastened, feeling the mana weave together, each magical rune flickering with a crimson hue, forming a tapestry of power in her trembling hand. "I can''t... I can''t die now!" she pleaded silently, her forehead slick with sweat, the world around her slowing to a crawl as adrenaline and mana coursed through her veins. Her mana slipped through her fingers, the intricate patterns shattering like fragile ss, leaving her gasping for breath. Desperation gripped her as her mental capacity waned, her reliance on a wand to harness the energy now a cruel reminder of her limitations. Still, hope flickered in her heart, the only flicker in her fading me. But with a shattering explosion, her fragile circuitry copsed into a myriad of iridescent shards. Agonizing pain tore through her mind, her vision hazed and distorted, a relentless assault on her senses. In a ze of brilliant blue light, her surroundings dissolved, leaving her engulfed in darkness once more. "This time... at least it was swift," Tia thought, her consciousness adrift in the abyss. Suddenly, two luminous lights pierced the darkness, one a vivid blue, the other a searing red. They swirled and shed, colliding with explosive force, their resounding impact a deafening cacophony. The lights surged towards her, their fiery dance intensifying with each passing moment, until they converged upon her vision, searing through her mind with blinding pain. She longed to cry out, but her voice was silenced. Her mouth, her tongue, her lipsnothing responded to her will. Her eyes flew wide open. She was back in her bed. Everything was bright, with the daylight entering through the bars on the window. Her breath was ragged, and her heartbeat was fast with her gasping for air. Beep! <<<>>> Wee to the Esper system! Proceed by opening your status! <<<>>> Ding! // Ugly toxic parasitic intruder detected Annihtion of the intruder in progress // Beep! <<<>>> Malicious presence in the soul detected Activating antivirus procedures <<<>>> Ding! // Failure, the intruder can''t be deleted A higher host level is required. Please level up by practicing and improving your craft. // Beep! <<<>>> Antivirus procedures ineffective A higher user level is required. Level up by using and training your esper powers. <<<>>> A bright, colorful light suddenly entered her room, the fireworks exploding once more in the same pattern as before. Chapter 2: The Second Time Chapter 2: The Second Time Lying in bed, the young girl gasped for breath, her disheveled ashen blonde locks tumbling in disarray. Her mind remained a swirling maelstrom of chaos and bewilderment, having tasted the bitter sting of death not once, but twice, in a mere span of minutes. Her gaze fixated upon the text prompts that incessantly shed and vanished before her eyes. ''It looks like you two don''t like each other.'' a smile formed on her face as she watched the two systems bicker and fight as if they were a couple of kids fighting for a toy. Even though her memories were hazy and full of holes, she could still remember the general outline of the witch system, its quirks, and its functions. ''Witches are only over-glorified craftsmen, they can make potions and tools defyingmon sense, but theirbat powers are subpar. Well, they aren''t defenseless butpared to mages or battlemages, they are weaker.'' That was at least what she knew, however now she wasn''t sure of it anymore, ''It upgraded and evolved.'' "Status!" her cheerful, crystal clear voice resounded like a bell through her in, empty room. Beep! Ding #!?#* //<> Erro-failure Negotiating! Negotiating! <>// Beep ding! /< True Name: Tiariel Morduine Soul species: ??? Vessel species: Space Human Witch level: Novice Psionic level: Latent Esper Esper Points: 5 Witch Points: 5 Vitality (VIT): 8 << Represents the ability of the vessel to survive injuries Strength (STR): 6 << Represents the muscle strength of the vessel Agility (AGI): 9 << Represents reflexes, reaction time, and muscle flexibility Defense (DEF): 7 << Represents the ability to resist damage without getting injured Endurance (END): 10 << Represents the vessels resistance towards tiredness Intelligence (INT): 15 << Represents the rawputing power of the brain and soul Will (WIL): 34 << Represents the strength of the will used to bend the reality Magic (MAG): 36 << Represents the power of magic and strength of spells Energy (ENE): 32 << Represents the energy used to fuel magic and esper abilities >/ ''Ohh, it looks like they really made some kind of a deal. The stats are mostly shared, except for the magic that belongs to the witch system and the will that belongs to the esper system.'' The girly back on her bed, spreading her arms and legs as she made herselffortable. Her head turned towards the ceiling as she continued reading through her status. ''Witch system is not what I need now. Sorry, but to work with you, I would need materials and tools. Nowe esper system, show me what you can do!'' Beep! <<<>>>> Choose your starting talents: <1 EP (Esper Point)> <1 EP> <1 EP> <<<>>>> The girl stiffened in her movements, her mind focusing on the choices floating before her eyes. She carefully read through the three options before her over and over, knowing that her life depended upon her choice. Outside her cell, a set of footsteps echoed through the empty corridors, drawing closer to her room with rming speed. Panic surged through Tia, intensifying the pressure mounting within her. ''I want to spend all of my points on one talent as I need something strong, that can help me survive this encounter. I can cross out telepathy...'' The approaching steps abruptly halted just beyond her chamber''s threshold, the pale glow of three eerie green lights ominously flickering to life, one by one, on the locks of her doors. ''I have no time for this!'' Beep! <<<>>>> learned! learned! learned! learned! <<<>>>> Agonizing bursts of pain erupted within her heart,pelling her hands to shoot towards her temples, clutching them tightly. The pain seeped through her, a slow, pulsating torment that infiltrated every fiber of her being as if her very brain cells were undergoing a metamorphosis. The doors began to slide open, gliding smoothly along their metallic rails. Tia''s gaze fixated on the unfolding entrance, her eyes emitting a faint glow while her heart thundered within her chest, each beat resonating loudly as adrenaline surged through her veins, fueling her body. ''You have killed me, do not expect any mercy from me.'' The ck silhouette once again slid into the room, the blue-glowing gun slowly rising up. In a heartbeat, Tia''s pale hands swung towards the figure. Her perception extended beyond her fingertips, a tingling sensation spreading outward. Though dulled and imprecise, it proved sufficient for her purpose. An unseen energy surged forth, colliding with the man and propelling his body forcefully against the wall behind him. <<<>>>> Proficiency of increased by 5% <<<>>>> "Ahhh!" a bright blue light shed in the room, the man pulling the trigger as heunched backward, his head smashing against the hard concrete wall. A brilliant blue sh erupted, engulfing the room in its incandescent glow, apanied by a piercing hiss as the sma bolt seared through the ceiling, leaving behind a smoldering aperture. In an instant, the building''s rms red to life, their shrill wails echoing throughout the premises. A vivid red light bathed Tia''s room, exposing the prone figure in the ck nanowire suit slumped against the wall. A sizable crimson stain painted the surface, permeating the air with the metallic scent of blood. Gradually, the man stirred, his legs flexing as he endeavored to rise, his arm lifting the blue-glowing gun once more. "Damn you, I will not let you kill me a second time!" the girl rose out of bed, her long hair waving behind her as she moved her hand again. The invisible force threw the man against the wall with a loud bang one more time. <<<>>>> --> 8% <<<>>>> "Aghhh!" Inarticte grunts tumbled from the man''s mouth, but Tia pressed on, her lc irises aze with intense crimson light, her mind spiraling into a frenzied state. She fought with every ounce of her being, battling for her very survival. Her focus sharpened, intensifying her concentration. With unwavering determination, she directed the unseen force directly at the man''s eyes, perceiving the sensation through her ethereal senses. It felt akin to squishing a pliant gummy, the pressure building within her mind. In the next instant, the man''s eyes erupted, crimson streams of blood spilling forth, staining his face and cascading down in a macabre disy. <<<>>>> --> 15% <<<>>>> "Ahhh, you bitch!" The man''s agonized screams filled the room as he relentlessly pulled the trigger, each discharge of the bright blue sma illuminating the space with searing intensity. The lethal bolts of energy whizzed indiscriminately, scorching holes into walls and ceiling, their piercing whistles and resounding crashes filling the air. "Damn him, why won''t he give up!" Tia seethed, frustration and fear intertwining within her. Reacting swiftly, she flung herself towards the ground, narrowly evading a sma bolt that seared dangerously close above her head. Panic seized her wide-eyed gaze as she embraced the cold floor. Extending her ethereal force beyond her corporeal form, she connected with the man''s fingers, and with a surge of willpower, she unleashed a pulse of invisible energy. The intangible force seized the man''s digits, applying unyielding pressure to their joints. In an instant, the bones snapped with a sickeningly grotesque sound. <<<>>>> --> 18% <<<>>>> "Agggh!" He screamed again, and then a cacophony of cries and insane shouting of the patients echoed through the hallway. ''How they can think that I belong here with these screaming madmen!'' The bright blue bolts stopped flying, with the man panicky trying to pull the trigger with his disfigured and snapped fingers, making painful grunts. "Haha, the revenge is sweet!" Tia smiled at the man, her eyes brightly glowing. Chapter 3: The Point of no Return Chapter 3: The Point of no Return A young girl stood in the dark room, her long ashen-blonde hair falling down her shoulder like a velvet waterfall. Her pale face was illuminated by the silvery moonlight and the red shing light of the rm that loudly red throughout the facility. Her heart thudded loudly, surging adrenaline coursing through her veins like a breached dam. With determination, she extended her delicate, pallid hands toward the grunting, breathless figure in ck sprawled on the floor. An unseen force emanated from her hands, pressing the man to the ground. Step by step, she advanced, her piercing purple eyes locked onto the firearm, poised to react at a moment''s notice. Advancing steadily, the man''sbored panting grew increasingly desperate. "He deserves this. He took my life once before," She silently affirmed what she was going to do. Lowering herself cautiously, her hands inched closer to the glowing blue handgun. Finally, her slender fingers made contact with the cold, smooth metal surface, prying it from the man''s contorted grasp. Suddenly, the man stirred, his head jerking toward the lowered girl as he forcefully headbutted her. Her petite frame crumpled to the ground, pain stabbing at her forehead. A warm, crimson stream trailed down her faceher own blood. The jarring impact distorted her vision, her legs wavering and growing feeble. The man rose, his bloodshot eyes reflecting the pulsating scarlet hue of the rm''s glow, his gaze desperately darting around as he sought her. "Enough, little girl. It is time for you to die, finally. Where are you?" ''I must have blinded him.'' Tia exhaled, a wave of relief washing over her. However, that fleeting moment of carelessness proved to be a misstep as the man sprang toward her with astonishing speed, his imposing, muscr frame propelling him forward. Tia''s small hand clutched the cold metal, realizing she still held the gun. Instinctively, she raised it, her aim guided by instinct rather than rity, targeting the general direction of her assant. She closed her eyes and pressed the trigger. Then she pressed it again and again. In an instant, a blinding blue light pierced through the room, visible even through her closed eyelids, momentarily illuminating the scene. Her eyes snapped open, her hands trembling. The man staggered, his body faltering before copsing to the ground with a resounding thud, motionless. Finally, a sigh of relief escaped Tia''s lips, though her head throbbed persistently, her ears echoing with a faint ring. "Haha, I have survived!" she immediately erupted intoughter, realizing the joy of living, the joy only known by those who narrowly avoided death. Many steps were resounding through the hallways outside, shouts closing towards her room. ''Guards! Where were they when I needed to save!'' Tia rose on her legs, which were still wobbly, her eyes scanning her surroundings. "Come on, be a good girl and drop that gun! I don''t know what happened here, but I know that you didn''t want to hurt anybody." A soft voice spoke at her, a doctor in a white rubbery uniform looking straight at her. Two tall and muscr men in white stood beside him, threateningly looking at her. One held a simple sleeping-dart gun looking like a short tube. While the other one held a white straitjacket. Their muscles were tense as they were ready to move in an instant to tackle her to the ground and restrain her, only the gun she held holding them back. She stood rooted to the spot, a surge of uncertainty coursing through her. The situation felt like an inescapable trap, with every avable choice carrying dire consequences. Her eyes looked at the gun, ''Should I kill them and run? I will be a fugitive.'' Her options were bleak as she knew she would be a wanted criminal even if she escaped. On the other hand, even if she surrendered, they would keep her locked up. She shuddered, remembering how she hated to be restrained in a straitjacketin the oppressive and painful hug of white cloth. "Can''t you let me go? I don''t belong here..." She knew there was no chance they would just let her go, but she wanted, no, she needed to hear it from them to justify what she was about to do. "No, you know that you are very sic..." That was all she needed as she erupted intoughter, no longer registering the doctor''s words, "Haha, what would be a difference? I will end up locked up anyway! I have had enough of such a life. I want freedom!" The doctors spoke at her again soothingly, "Calm, Hel..." But she interrupted him immediately, "No, I am no longer Helena. From now on, I am Tiariel!" ''There were good doctors and nurses, but you were a scumbag and sadist.'' Her eyes shed in the light as hatred boiled within her. She looked again at the doctor, her heart burning in hate, "Not, again. I hate you. I hate the torture that you are calling a treatment. I hate your needles, straitjackets, and your electrodes." Suddenly something whistled through the air, quickly flying in her direction, Tia only blinked on instinct, and her mind reached to protect her. She opened her eyes again, a dark red feather dart levitating in the air, almost touching her face with a long shiny needle-like tip. <<<>>>> --> 19% <<<>>>> ''Did they try to sedate me?! Am I some kind of an animal?!'' Two men in white moved towards her, reaching towards her weak body with theirrge, monkey-like muscr arms, bringing the straitjacket closer to her. In a frenzy, she swung her hand with unyielding determination. The invisible might of her mind surged forth, colliding with their bodies. The impact propelled them forcefully backward, akin to a car collision, as they soared through the air, ultimately crashing against the wall with resounding thuds. <<<>>>> --> 27% <<<>>>> She aimed her gun at the doctor, a puddle growing under him and the smell of ammonia mixing with the iron smell of blood. "No, wait...". She pulled the trigger again, and the blue light shed in the corridor, the doctor''s head bursting apart in a red fountain, leaving only the smoldering neck behind. His decapitated body crumpled into a pool of his urine, wisps of smoke curling from the scorched, ckened remains. With a chilling calm, she pivoted her gaze toward the two white-d orderlies, blood trickling from their crushed skulls as they slumped against the wall. A smile formed on her face, ''You have tried to touch me!'' Normally she wouldn''t kill someone just for something like that, but she needed to upgrade her telekinesis as fast as possible to improve her chances of escape. ''Morality has no ce when fighting for life!'' She was alone in enemy territory, and every second she spent moralizing could cost her life. With a determined focus, she aimed her hands at the orderlies, unleashing an imperceptible surge of energy that pressed relentlessly against their necks. As the invisible force gripped their throats, their visages gradually took on a bluish hue, deprived of precious oxygen. Writhing and convulsing on the ground, they emitted desperate choking sounds, their struggle for breath growing increasingly desperate. <<<>>>> --> 29% --> 31% <<<>>>> The light in her eyes lit up as she fed more energy into her hands, and a loud snapping echoed through the dark hospital corridors as their necks snapped. <<<>>>> --> 45% <<<>>>> "No, please leave me be!" a crying voice came from her side as she turned her head. A young nurse with long blonde hair trembled with her back against a wall in the corner, hidden within the darkness. Her whole face was frozen in horror, tears flowing down her cheeks. Tia raised her trembling hand. Chapter 4: The Freedom Run Chapter 4: The Freedom Run The ashen-blonde girl stared at the trembling woman in the corner. In the dimness of the room, her eyes emitted a faint, eerie glow, her hand pointing at the nurse. Yet, she hesitated for a moment, something within her stopping her from acting. ''No, she was always good to me... I don''t really want to hurt her. But... no, a few points are not enough to justify killing one of the few that treated me like a human instead of an animal.'' Tia slowly lowered her hand and smiled at the scared nurse, her hand still trembling after killing four people. "You can go. I can repay a kindness." The nurse remained motionless, trapped in a state of paralyzing terror, her body curled up in the corner, frozen with fear. Tia''s surroundings blurred as panic surged through her mind, a sinking realization of the dire situation she found herself in. With urgency fueling her actions, she swiftly approached the lifeless doctor, her hand reaching into the rubbery white coat pocket to retrieve a keycard. ''As always, he kept it in the same pocket... I am now a murderer... I must escape before theary guard arrives.'' She immediately turned, quickly running down the dark corridors. The darkness enveloped her, punctuated only by the frantic flickering of red emergency lights, the cacophony of unhinged screams, and wild howls reverberating from the adjacent cells of her fellow patients. Bare feet barely gracing the smooth concrete floor, she darted past a blur of doors and sterile white walls, the world blurring in her wake. Her long hair waved behind her as she ran as fast as her weak body permitted. Suddenly, a nurse appeared from behind a corner, her eyes going wide in horror when she spotted the blue glowing gun. The tense silence shattered as a steel tray crashed to the floor, its deafening ng resonating through the hallway. Without hesitation, the girl directed a forceful wave of her hand towards the nurse, an unseen power hurtling her through the airher body colliding with the unyielding concrete wall. <<<>>>> --> 49% <<<>>>> Tia just looked at her unmoving body, not stopping as she kept running, ''I need to run...'' Her relentless stride ceased abruptly when a translucent ss door obstructed her path. Instinctively, she extended her hand and glided the keycard swiftly through the adjacent reader. A green light lit up on the electrical lock, and the doors smoothly and quietly slid open. There was a long spiraling staircase leading up and down behind the doors. Tia stopped, her breath already rugged after sprinting through the hallway. She tensed up at the sounds of heavy boots ascending the staircase. ''Guard, or just a doctor?'' She leaned over the railing, looking into the darkness below her. A bright green light was quickly ascending the staircase, quickly closing towards her. Her hands holding the gun were shaking, as she was unsure about what to do. ''No, this is the fastest way... I can''t turn back to use a different staircase.'' Tia calmed down, stilling her mind as she raised her gun, pointing it down. ''What must be done must be done. I can''t be soft if I want to survive in this shitty universe.'' The steps and light were ascending higher and higher, the bright green light bing brighter. Soon, a man in a grey uniform with a shiny ck tactical vest peered from behind the corner of the staircase, holding a small green glowing handgun. His night vision''s two glowing green eyes fell upon the girl, his arms quickly moving, the green gun moving to aim at her. The world slowed as the young girl pressed the trigger of her gun. A bright blue light shed through the whole staircase, reflecting in the metal railing and the in white walls. A blue orb of sma shot out of the gun, heading towards the man. The man with the gun ducked backward at thest moment, the bolt of sma closely missing him and hitting the wall behind him. The impact unleashed an explosion of blue light and heat, scorching the surface and leaving a small crater in the concrete. Tia immediately tensed, knowing she messed up when she missed the first shot and lost the advantage of the first attack, ''Damn, cheap hitman... why couldn''t he bring a better gun.'' The man stuck his gun from behind the corner, and green lights repeatedly shed through the corridor. Instinctively, Tia flung herself to the frigid concrete floor, the icy surface providing a stark contrast to her overheated body. The green projectiles whizzed past her, their crackling discharges resonating through the staircase, their radiant bursts momentarily blinding her. Green sparks showered the vicinity, their searing impact narrowly missing her position. Prostrate on the ground, panic seized her mind as she was fully aware of herckluster marksmanship, ''It looks like my systems will have to save me again.'' Summoning all her resolve, her consciousness expanded beyond the confines of her physical form. A charge of kic energy surged forth from her outstretched hand, bending the corner of the staircase and colliding with the assant who had been firing at her. The resulting collision reverberated with a resounding thud and explosive bang. <<<>>>> --> 56% <<<>>>> Tia immediately jumped from her cover, rushing the guard, her bare feet tapping on the concrete floor. She spotted the man''s body, making her breathe out in relief, ''Haha, I have done it; I am closer to my freedom.'' The man was twitching on the ground, his back against the white wall stained with blood. His body was trembling, his vacant gaze fixated upon the ceiling above. ''It was his fault. He should have let me leave. I don''t belong here!'' Tia closed her eyes and pointed her gun at him. Her hands trembled slightly. ''No, I need the reward. Every bit of strength can help me.'' She waved her pale hand. The man''s neck immediately bent at an unnatural angle, making a disgusting snapping sound, his eyes losing their glint. <<<>>>> --> 62% <<<>>>> Without any more dys, she dashed down the staircase, her eyes brightly glowing with all the emotions passing through her heart, ''I am almost free. I can start anew.'' Her heart was pounding louder and louder with each floor she passed, her mind absently counting the numbers written on the walls. ''Three.'' ''Two.'' ''One.'' Finally, she reached the first floor, her mind in a frenzy with her hands trembling in excitement. She had been locked away for years, and now her captivity wasing to an end. Before her was a long hallway, a smile formed on her face when she spotted thest ss doors before her, thest obstacle between her and her freedom. The whole hall was empty, illuminated only by the emergency red lights. The reception desk was abandoned with a broken datapad lying shattered on the ground, likely dropped in a rush. The chilling touch of the bare floor reverberated through Tia''s feet, eliciting an involuntary shudder that coursed up her spine. ''What was I thinking? I should have gotten some shoes... I must look insane, running around with a gun and without shoes...'' Suddenly, a bright blue and red light lit up outside, entering through the windows and ss entrance door. Tia raised her free hand, instinctively covering her eyes. The loud sounds of engines came from outside, getting louder and louder with each second. A ring mechanical voice echoed through the empty night street, "This is theary security bureau. Throw away your weapon, and lie on the ground with your hands behind your head." ''They are faster than I thought...'' Tia took a few steps back, her bare feet pping on the cold floor. Tiariel felt her heart thump in desperation, and her eyes kept darting around, looking for an opportunity to escape. ''They will surround the whole building before barging in.'' Her eyes glinted slightly as she found her way out. ''Come witch system! Show me your worth!'' Ding! // Please select your starter power: [Apprentice Potionmaking] [Apprentice Artificyng] [Apprentice Spellcraft] // She already knew what she wanted and needed, her hazy memories working as her guide and helper. Ding! // You have learned [Apprentice Potionmaking] // ''Thanks! ...old friend.'' A stream of new knowledge flooded her mind like data uploaded to aputer, her eyes shining in bright blue light. Ding! // Please pick your starter recipe: Shitty Potion of Healing Subpar Potion of Mana Low-end Potion of Acid Weakened Poison of Poisoning Garbage-level Berserk Poison ... // Dozens of recipes flooded her vision. All of them were subpar, bad, and low quality. But her eyes lit up as they fell upon one. ''Berserk Poison... You will work. I knew the system would offer me what I need.'' She had used the system for years and already noticed the rewards were often too convenient for what she needed in an emergency to be a coincidence. ''The system must be trying to keep its host alive, which is not that weird considering we are bound together.'' Ding! // Needed ingredients: 2 x Water Element 1 x Poison Element 1 x Fire Element 1 x Blood Element // ''This is good. All of them should be avable here.'' Tia turned to run again, the pping of her bare feet echoing through the empty corridors with shing red lights and ring rms. Chapter 5: Basic Alchemy Chapter 5: Basic Alchemy The young girl defiantly stood her ground in the cramped storage room, surrounded by towering shelvesden with an assortment of cleaning chemicals. A solitary light bulb flickered overhead, casting a dim, sterile glow and making her look even paler than she was. Determined to hold onto her newfound freedom, she resolved not to sumb to capture once more. With every passing moment, themando unit fromary security drew closer, their arrival imminent, and her time dwindling rapidly. ''In head-on battle, I will have no chance to beat a full squad armed with automatic sma rifles and armored tactical suits.'' The deafening robotic voice reverberated relentlessly, its urgentmand overpowering the ring rm, prating through the thick concrete walls as if they were paper-thin. "Leave the building with your hands above your head, immediately!" ''Shut up and let me work! Or do you want me to really go crazy?!'' It was making her nuts, the constant loud noises making her feel like a real lunatic. She wanted them to shut up and let her work! Tia hurried up and returned to her current task as she was quickly running out of time. Ding! // New quest: The First Potion The potion-making is the bread and water of every witch! Concoct your first potion. Rewards: One random potion recipe; 1 x witch point // A pile of paper was burning on the ground, the mes licking a small metallic pot filled with boiling, bubbling water and blood. Steam was rising out, carrying a strong stench of blood with it. ''I already have fire, blood, and water elements... '' Her eyes desperately scanned the shelves, looking for anything that would fit a poison description. Finally, they stopped on a bottle of strong and abrasive floor cleaner. A smile formed on her lips as she grabbed it, ''This should be toxic enough... It isn''t exactly a poison, but it should be enough for such a low-grade potion.'' With closed eyes, she delved into deep concentration, allowing the ethereal energy of mana to course from her heart to her very fingertips. A familiar,forting warmth enveloped her palms, akin to the sensation of dipping them into a stream of gently flowing warm water. Her hands hovered above the seething cauldron, where the amalgamation of water, metal, and fire elements coalesced. She keenly sensed their presence, guided by an otherworldly precision that surpassed human limitations. Moving her hand once more, it halted above the container of cleaning solution. An involuntary crease formed on her forehead as an abrupt needle of painnced through her mind. Simultaneously, a surge of diverse elements cascaded towards her outstretched handwater, poison, acid, and an enigmatic blend of unknown forces. ''It should work. It isn''t a very pure poison element, but it is enough for this garbage potion.'' With a flick of her wrist, the droplets of the elemental mana lifted off from the fire, the bloody water, and the cleaning solution, all of them neatly separating. The droplets of the elemental mana hovered in the air, floating as if they were in a zero-gravity environment, the light of the lightbulb refracting in them. It was just the lowest grade of a potion, so it didn''t require any fancy materials, methods, or equipment. On top of that, the number of used elements was so small it even preserved the materials from which they were extracted. The essentialponents were merely a collection of material samples for extracting the necessary elements, a suitable medium for blending these elements together, and, of course, an infusion of mana to bring it all together. ''The most important material witches are using is mana and elemental energy. It is almost like chemistry, but the chemicals are reced by magic. Well, at least on the low level...'' With her will, she pushed all the extracted elements together, condensing them into a single pulsing droplet of mana. Her energy poured out of her body, and sweat dripped down her neck. Tia closed her eyes, already bracing herself in case it exploded, ''Fingers crossed...'' Her mana enveloped the droplet of elemental energy and dissolved them into a single droplet. There was no explosion, so she snapped open her eyes in anticipation of seeing the result. A youthful smile curved upon her lips, and her eyes sparkled with uncontainable delight as they fell upon the sight before her. Suspended in mid-air, a solitary droplet of elemental energy. It brightly shone, outglowing even the old lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. It wasn''t perfectly fused, its color constantly shifting between the colors of the respective elements it wasposed of. It looked like mixed water and oil, imperfect and not fully fused, showing how wed and low-tier the recipe was. ''Good enough for me.'' It fell straight into the bubbling water, and as if she had dropped a die into it, its color changed into wine-red. Almost immediately, a crimson vapor began to rise, filling the surrounding air. Ding! // You have concocted a potion. Rating: It is garbage and barely eligible to be called a potion. Reward: +1 MAG stat // ''Well, that was expected.'' She still frowned at it, hating how the system couldn''t help but make fun of her. Ding! // The quest was cleared! Rewards: Recipe: Inferior Healing Potion; 1 x witch point // Tia held her breath, refusing to inhale the dangerous vapors rising out of it. Exhaustion overwhelmed her like a tidal wave, causing her to slump backward,nding unceremoniously on her backside. Her mind brimmed with weariness, every ounce of energy nearly depleted from the arduous endeavor of creating just a single low-grade potion. ''How deep have I fallen?'' Her body tensed in fear. Steps, lots of heavy steps were moving down the hallway. She counted in her head, ''At least eight of them...'' The bubbling pot of the red liquid raised into the air, suspended by her telekinesis. She was tired, her long hair in a mess, but she refused to give up. With sheer willpower, she stood up and walked straight to the door, her small, pale feet tapping on the ceramic tiles. Her eyes shined, the pot moving before her. As the footsteps drew nearer, Tia cautiously peered out from the shelter of the doorframe, her senses heightened to their limits. Swiftly, she withdrew, her heart pounding in her chest, adrenaline coursing through her veins, momentarily overpowering her fatigue and the throbbing headache. Amanding voice, resounding with masculinity, pierced through the corridors of the hospital, reverberating with an eerie echo. "Step forward, youngdy. There''s no need to fear. Everything will be alright." The girl felt relief and joy at the voice, ''It sounds clear, so they are likely without masks! I still have a chance! ''Still... How did they find me so fast? There are no cameras around here... maybe some life signs sensors?'' Her knowledge was limited only to what she heard from the other patients or found out during her limited ess time to the gctic. They kept her locked up, but she wasn''t fully isted. The same voice brought her back out of her thoughts, "Throw your gun out of the room! I promise you, no one will hurt you." ''I must stop spacing out, or I will die!'' She stilled her breath and calmed her mind. She flicked her wrist, thest bit of her energy leaving her body. The pot of the red liquid flew straight through the open door. There was no way she would give up and let them lock her up again! <<<>>>> --> 63% <<<>>>> A loud sshing and nging noise echoed through the dark corridors of the hospital. Her heart loudly pounded, all of her hopes put into the potion. Chapter 6: Freedom! Chapter 6: Freedom! POV Commandos: Six men in ck slowly advanced through the long, empty hallway. Everything was dark except for the red emergency lights, but they could see as if it was a bright sunny day through their green-glowing visors. All six of them were fully decked in dark-steel tactical armorthe hydraulics empowering them, making silent hissing sounds with each of their steps. Sigils of theary guard, looking like a small blue circle with two swords in the background, glinted on their chests. Their fully automatic rifles were raised with thin red rays emitted from theser sights mounted under their barrels. All the guns were aimed towards the door that led to the small cleaning supplies cab. "It doesn''t look like she wille out..." They didn''t know what had happened. They only knew that a dangerous patient somehow got a gun and murdered some staff members. ''Still, I don''t want to hurt her. She is just a sick girl... She probably doesn''t even know what she has done. Such a shitty day. Especially with the festival...'' Officer Kerry kept his eyes on the door. Abruptly, a pot was sent hurtling from the room with the patient, crashing dramatically against the hospital wall. The deafening crash of ss reverberated through the halls, causing the guards to tense up in response. In a matter of seconds, crimson gas billowed forth from the broken vessel, swiftly engulfing the entire corridor and catching the guards off guard. The officer''s vision instantly tinted red, and an overwhelming surge of fury surged within his mind. His heart pounded so fiercely it felt like it might break free from his chest. He stared at his own subordinate, the rage overwhelming his senses. "You! I hate you!" He aimed at his colleague, his eyes burning red under his visor, glowing veins pulsing and branching all over the exposed skin on his face. "Die!!!" The thunderous bangs reverberated relentlessly through the narrow corridors, each discharge apanied by blinding yellow shes of light that momentarily disoriented him. Chaos erupted as the surrounding individuals unleashed a barrage of shots from their firearms, the collective sound of gunfire adding to the mayhem. Despite the sharp, stabbing pain from multiple directions, he remained resolute, steadfastly pulling the trigger repeatedly until nothing but hollow clicks echoed in the air - his ammunition fully expended. As the fierce rage within him gradually subsided, a cooling calm settled over his heart, and the once prominent veins on his skin gradually receded, leaving behind a sense of tranquility amidst the aftermath of the intense encounter. "What happened?!" In confusion and horror, he stared at his bleeding squad mates on the floor, blood pooling on the white tiles. His hands trembled as he stared at his chest, blood flowing from bullet holes in his protective chest te. "You should have let me go. I just want to be free!" Suddenly, an immense force crashed into his chest, and his boots separated from the floor. He hurtled backward as if he had been hit by a truck. Gasping for breath, he struggled to regain control of his senses, the intensity of the pain threatening to overwhelm him. ''So she was a psychic...'' The young girl stared into his eyes with her own. They were deep and disturbing, yet tranquil and mesmerizingly beautiful at the same time. He felt like staring into a ck hole, deadly yet beautiful. He tried to raise his gun, but the force pinned down his arms to the ground. "Sorry..." Two bullets lifted from the floor, floating and slightly rocking like a ship on the sea. The next moment, they shot for his eyes. POV Tia: Tia stood in the hallway filled with dead bodies, her hands still trembling at the sight. She ughtered them all without any mercy. ''I have!'' She grabbed a gun from a deadmandos, staring at it. The rifle wasicallyrge for her, her two hands trembling as she tried to raise the massive piece of the metal, ''Can I shoot from this thing without using these exoskeletons?'' They were the reason why she refused to face them head-on. Her body was squishy and weak. Just a single bullet from theserge caliber automatic rifles would end her life. Ultimately, she dropped it and instead took the bullets. ''I don''t need a gun; I can shoot bullets without them.'' She still heard the sound of rotors, the walls, the floor, and everything slightly vibrating. ''I have to get out, now!'' She knew that now that she had killed themandos, the perimeters would be weakened, but if she lingered for too long, they would encircle the entire facility. She turned to run, following the green arrows pointing toward the nearest emergency exit. She ran as fast as she couldher breathing bing more ragged, the cheap working shoes she borrowed from the storage tapping on the white tiles, leaving behind bloody, red footprints. Her long hair bounced up and down, turning into a mess. ''No one appreciates their shoes enough until they are forced to go without them.'' Right at the end of the hallway was a door. The door with the words that brought her an indescribable feeling of joy, ''Emergency Exit.'' Her power smashed straight into the pair of doors, blowing them off their hinges as the metal bent and creaked, the tworge metallic doors crashing into the ground. She was now sure of it. The force of her telekinesis grew with each percent of the proficiency she had earned. <<<>>>> --> 74% <<<>>>> She busted out through the empty doorframe and the slight cold draft hit her in the face, refreshing her sweaty and tired body. ''I am free!'' She stood in the heart of the bustling street, surrounded by towering concrete and metal structures that seemed to reach endlessly into the sky, casting the entire road in an epassing shadow. They loomed at least three or four stories high, creating an urban canyon that dwarfed everything beneath its imposing presence. Opulent disys adorned the corners of each structure, emanating a radiant glow that constantly showcased a mesmerizing array of advertisements and breaking news. The vibrant visuals and shing lights merged harmoniously with the bustling sounds of the city, creating an atmosphere that enveloped all who dared to venture into this urban wondend. "Freeze right where you are!" The street was abandoned except for three guards slowly approaching her, each holding a green-glowing handgun. Their in grey uniforms, with sigils of theary guard, rustled as they slowly approached her. ''More?!'' Without thinking, Tia''s eyes shed in the red light as the air rippled under the invisible force. She immediately threw herself to the ground. Just a split secondter, painful cries echoed through the street, and all three cops pulled the triggers of their guns. <<<>>>> --> 82% <<<>>>> Three green lights shed on the street, submerged in the shadows. "I can''t see!" "My eyes!" ''It so easy to blind a human. Just a little bit of pressure, and pop.'' The girl raised her gun and aimed at the nearest cop. Then she pulled the trigger, the cold touch of metal in her hand reassuring her. She no longer hesitated as she was only a few steps away from her freedom. She couldn''t lose it now after she felt it. The sma bolt hit the cop straight into his chest in a short burst of blue sma and burned a massive hole through him. He fell to the ground, and his body twitched onest time before he stopped moving forever. The next moment, metal bullets flew at the two remaining blinded cops, tearing through their bodies, blood gushing out of the holes, and staining their uniforms in red. <<<>>>> --> 91% <<<>>>> ''I feel nothing...'' The more she killed, the less she cared about it, ''They have forced me to do this... It isn''t my fault, but theirs.'' She desperately clung back to herst piece of consciousness. As the deafening hum of rotors reverberated through the street, a powerful spotlight bathed the surroundings in a brilliant glow, casting a radiant illumination upon the entire area. Tia dashed straight as fast as she could, the sound of rotors getting closer and closer. A smile formed on her face. Her freedom was right before her. As she darted through the alleyways and narrow passages, adrenaline surged through her veins, lending her the speed and agility of a wild creature escaping its captors. The wind whipped through her hair, and her pulse quickened with every step, the promise of liberation spurring her on. "Stop right now, or we will open the fire!" The bright light blinded her, and the loud rotors deafened her, but right in front of her was a glowing police palisade and a crowd of people behind it. ''They will not shoot at me... the risk of them hitting the crowd is too big.'' She jumped straight over it and slipped into the crowd of uncaring people. Chapter 7: The Dark Streets Chapter 7: The Dark Streets (AN: If you read the previous version of this story, then from this point on, there will be a lot of changes.) The girl in the in white pajamas stood in the middle of the busy street. The street bustled with festive people, no one even caring to look at her. In awe, she stared at the world around her. It was the first time she had seen anything like that. Her past life was in a different and much less advanced world of magic, and in her current one, she spent all her years sheltered in her expensive mansion or locked in the hospital. "Look where you are standing, kiddo!" A man in a red tuxedo, blue cape, and suit of shiny, metallically looking fabric pushed her out of his way while murmuring, "Fucking, junkies..." Initially, she had been concerned about standing out too much in her white pajamas. However, as she observed the passersby with their frequently amusing and diverse outfits, she came to the realization that her worries were unfounded. ''Thank goodness, it is a New Year festival. Streets are full of people, and everyone is drunk and dressed in festive clothes.'' It was as if the goddess of luck herself stood on her side, helping her with her escape. ''This is not part of the city for me... Sooner orter, someone will spot and report me. Cameras are everywhere, so it is only a matter of time before they find me.'' Soon her eyes fell on a disheveled man in dirty and tattered clothes and long, greasy hair that looked like they had never seen even a droplet of shampoo, ''Follow the poor, and you will find a ce where no guards dare to go.'' With unwavering determination, she seamlessly melded into the bustling crowd, discreetly shadowing the intoxicated man who stumbled through the tightly packed streets. As she continued onward, she found herself venturing deeper and deeper into the heart of the city. Gradually, the jubnt throngs of celebrants began to dwindle, reced by a darker, more somber atmosphere. Here, the streets were dimly lit, and beggarsy despondently on the sidewalks as she persisted in her pursuit. The murky, foul-smelling water pooled in puddles, reflecting the flickering neon lights emanating from the abandoned buildings and shady businesses. The tattooed men and women smoked and drank in the corners, guns, knives, and metal poles hanging on their waists. The sparsely clothed woman, looking so stic and fake they could be mistaken for an android, was waving, shouting, and sending kisses at the passerby. She hated it, but it was her best hope. Recalling articles from the local news she had read long ago, she remembered warnings about the growing problem of the city downtown ''Not evenary guards dare toe here casually if they don''t want to get shot. Gangs are the rulers here. There is no surveince they could use to track me down as the local gangs already took it down.'' As she ventured further into the depths of the city''s underbelly, a peculiar transformation urred. The once grimy and litter-strewn streets now showed signs of better maintenance, and the presence of beggars faded away, gradually reced by an enigmatic crowd of shady-looking individuals. They all walked in silence, their watchful eyes constantly scanning for any threat, yet no one made any overtly aggressive gestures. She surmised that she had entered a shady ce, a fragile peace held together by an unspoken understanding among its residents and visitors. They curiously observed her, her out-of-ce pajamas marking her as an outsider and potential trouble. However, she felt that as long as she did not disrupt the peace, no one would bother to report her to authorities. She saw a simr dark society hiding beneath the surface in her past life and already knew its rules and customs. ''This is the dark side of the Federation... You have rights and freedoms, but at the same time, there is no social security, and theary guard can barely protect the rich and middle ss, leaving the rest to fend for themselves. The poor had to make their ownws.'' From the day she was born, she was raised and groomed as a federation citizen of the upper ss, leading her to believe it was the best ce to live. However, now she felt nothing but disdain as she experienced the corrupted justice system on her own skin and the treatment of the less fortunate. And now she saw all the people who were thrown away by the system after being used and deemed useless. "Ahhh!" Shouts echoed through the murky, neon-lit streets as a bunch of goons in a shadow beat a man with metal poles again and again. "Please, I will get you your money! Ah" Tia continued to walk deeper and deeper into the shady, poor parts of the city, shivers passing down her body under the cold evening air. Her nose wrenched at the disgusting smell of human filth in the air. Human eyes constantly stared at her, but no one dared to move, the pulsing blue glow of her sma pistol working as a strong deterrent. ''Where to go?'' She escaped, but she was alone and wanted, without any money. Her stomach audibly grumbled in hunger. Suddenly, a thunderp rumbled above her head, and heavy rain descended. The raindrops drummed on the metal and concrete roofs. ''Are you kidding me?'' She looked around in search of shelter as the cold droplets of water soaked her hair and clothes. Then the sound of rotors hummed in the sky, catching her attention. The bright red and blue light shed above her head, the bright searchlight lighting the street behind her. The crowds dispersed like rats in an instant, all people vanishing into buildings and stores, leaving only her, the dirty beggars outside as theary guard drone slowly approached. The metal bars and shutters closed on the stores with loud ringing sounds, and the lights dimmed down. With disgust, Tia looked in the direction of a dark and dirty sidestreet, the squealing of rats, moaning of junkies, and coughing of sick homelessing out. She shuddered just at the thought of entering there, but there was no other solution as the drone quickly approached, the bright shing light getting brighter and the humming of engines louder. ''On this main and empty street, there is no way they would not detect me here.'' Chapter 8: The Street of Opportunities Chapter 8: The Street of Opportunities A resounding thunderp reverberated through the city, apanied by a brilliant sh of light that illuminated the once-dark corners of the street. The motionless body of a disheveled, dirty man rested against a rusty dumpster, the clothes tattered. The small rats mingled and squealed around, nibbling at the rotting corpse. Tia trembled in a dark corner, audibly panting as she watched the disgusting scene. Her fragile form was covered only in soaked white pajamas, drenched by the relentless downpour, making the cold sensation almost unbearable. ''So cold, so dirty. However, at least I am free and without a straightjacket.'' Even in the dark times, she remained happy and positive. Tia hurriedly turned her gaze away, grateful for her empty stomach that prevented her from vomiting. The piles of garbage and drugged-up junkiesy strewn across the streets as everyone else vanished into hiding, their presence emitting a suffocating stench of human deterioration that suffocated Tia. ''So this is the glorious Federation, thend of freedom.'' Shivering with a mix of cold and despair, Tia waited while winds howled relentlessly around her. She couldn''t help but feel the weight of countless watchful eyesjunkies and dubious figures who studied her every move with their lifeless eyes. ''I was blind when I was a sheltered child. This is how it looks for the less lucky ones.'' Amidst the heavy rain, a man emerged, clothed in tattered sweatpants and a white shirt marred with grease stains. With faltering and wobbly steps, he slowly but steadily approached the shivering girl, his dted pupils and dry, cracked skin betraying the drugs and alcohol coursing through his veins. "Hehe." He chuckled, brown saliva leaking out his mouth. With an unsettling, almost predatory, grin spreading across his face, his metallic teeth glinted in the dim light as he fixated upon the tinum-haired girl huddled in the corner of the deste street. "Hey girl, do you want a bit of heat? I can make you hot, hotter than the sun!" Tia raised her gun, its blue glow stopping the dirty man in his tracks, his disgusting smile vanishing from his face. She felt no fear, the man before her being only garbage she could stomp without any effort. "I was just joking. I will leave, okay?" She didn''t lower her gun, her lc eyes ring at the disgusting junkie as he slowly backed away, leaving her lonely in her corner of the dirty streets. Rotors hummed above her as a small drone shing in red and blue lights passed above her, vanishing above the building. Atst, she breathed out in relief and lowered her gun, ''Finally, they passed.'' She was tired and restlessher dream of freedom was slowly washed away by the stench, hunger, and downpour. ''If I stayed in the hospital, I would at least be warm.'' Her stomach grumbled, the sensation of hunger growing stronger. She could do nothing, only slightly pat her stomach, ''And sated... No, my freedom is more precious.'' As Lumina stepped out of the dark and shadowy sidestreet, the world around her suddenly burst into light and life. The once-closed metal shutters creaked open, revealing the vibrant neon glow that illuminated the bustling street. The crowds of people, who had sought refuge in the hideouts during the police search, poured out as if nothing had happened, resuming their night activities with an air of nonchnce. The stark contrast between the sinister alley she had just left and the lively street before her was striking. Lumina felt a sense of relief as she inhaled the fresh air, free from the foul stench of a decaying corpse. Her eyes fell upon a man walking right in front of her. Her eyes glinted with a mischievous spark as she noticed the purse tucked in the back pocket of his pants. With a single thread of her thought, the purse leaped from its ce, flying effortlessly through the air andnding securely in her hand. The man, still oblivious to the theft that had just urred, continued on his way. ''Haha, from a powerful witch to a rich girl, then to an insane girl, and finally to a petty criminal... is this really how deep have I fallen?'' Ding! // New quest: Set up your witch hideout Every witch needs her own hideout where she can produce and sell her crafts. Find a suitable location and build your workshop. Rewards: 5 x witch point; 2 x random potion recipe // Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Objective --> Kill 5 local gang members to earn respect Rewards --> 3 x esper point <<<<<<>>>>>> ''Come on, are doing this intentionally?'' The girl stomped in frustration, catching everyone''s eyes, ''What is this nonsense? How am I supposed to safely live here and produce my wares if I start killing people whirly nearly?'' A dirty beggar sprawled on the road with a bottle in his hand looked at her and quietly murmured, "What a freak..." "Shut up!" She stared back at the beggar, making him flinch back, and curl up as if he were a scared dog. They had been calling her insane and sick for years, and she had enough of it, only hardly keeping her temper in check. ''Maybe... I can do both of them. The systems are right; I should not give up. I just need to work hard, and everything will turn out alright.'' Her eyes pulsed with purple energy, her hand already itching on the hilt of her gun. She looked at the dump she was in in the new light. She no longer saw the dirty and stinky street full of potential criminals. Instead, she saw her opportunity to start a new life. POV Inspector ???: The neon lights silently buzzed on the ceiling, revealing the gruesome sceneblood smeared all over the white walls, and bullet holes drilled into every surface, including the ceiling and even the floor. "So many casualties..." The ck-haired man in a blue coat and sses on his nose somberly looked at his colleagues lying on the white ceramic floor without any sign of life, blood pooling beneath them. ''It looks like they killed themself, but how?'' He silently murmured as he knew the answer, "So we have another insane psychic here." Suddenly, a bored female voice brought him out of his thoughts, "Drones still didn''t find anything. We are currently scouring through the streets, but the heavy storm is affecting our sensors. Should we dispatch more units?" His assistant, the tall woman with shoulder-length brown hair and the look of a bookworm, appeared from behind a corner of the hallway, her pale face illuminated by the pale bluish light from the glowing tablet in her hand. "Recall all the guards searching for her." "Huh, are you sure, inspector? She is dangerous. We need to find her as soon as possible." "Yes, she is dangerous. Regr patrols would be only walking to their death. We will only strike at full force once we locate her to eliminate unnecessary losses." A smile appeared on his face, "We are hunting an animal here, and they are most dangerous while relentlessly pursued. Let''s give her a feeling of safety and relief, then we will strike." Anger bubbled in his veinshe wouldn''t let someone who killed his men go! What enraged him most was that he knew there would be no punishment for the murderer of his subordinates, ''There is always demand for murderers with superpowers by the government...'' A smile formed on his face as he clenched his fist. He wouldn''t allow her to get away with murdering his men, ''idents can happen, especially if the suspect resists.'' Chapter 9: The Steet Entertainment Chapter 9: The Steet Entertainment Staring at her drenched, white pajama, already stained by the dirt of streets, and the wallet packed with credits, a smile crept onto her face. Her eyes lingered on a storefront with bright neon arrows pointing at it. Her only hesitation came from theughter of hooligans in ck leather jackets and mohawks. The empty bottles of vodkay around them, the smell of alcohol so strong it reached even her. They stood between her and the shop. ''They look like a trouble. However, I need to change my clothes as soon as possible.'' With only a slight hesitation, she stepped straight toward the store, holding her breath in tension. Her hand hovered close to the handle of her gun, ast resort for self-defense should the need arise. She walked past the rowdy group of hooligans, trying her best to exude an air of nonchnce. Their raucousughter faded into the distance, and just as she began to let out a sigh of relief, a jarring touch jolted her senses. A rough hand gripped her shoulder tightly, sending shivers down her spine. The feeling of being touched by another human being after years of mistreatment by doctors triggered a rush of fear, anger, and revulsion within her. Turning her head with clenched teeth, she confronted the source of the unwanted contact. A bald man, d in a leather jacket, stood leeringly close, his grin stretching to reveal discolored teeth and his foul breath assaulting her pale face. His words dripped with malicious intent, "Hello, kitty... Did you..." The next instance, his bodyunched, and his arms harmlessly pped in the air, Tia''s eyes furiously shining in a bright lc glow. With a bang, he smashed against the hard concrete road head-on, the crackling and sshing sound resounding as his skull cracked and caved in. His body didn''t even twitch, and crimson streams of blood flowed from his dull, lifeless eyes, mouth, and nose, painting a haunting mosaic of red on the road, the pink pieces of brain joining the colorful palette. The young girl stood there, her hair twisting and moving like in the wind, even though the air was still and perfectly calm. Only now, after the emotions of being touched sizzled out, she realized what she had done. She was in shock at how easily he died, staring at the brutal scene, ''I just wanted to push him away... not to kill him...'' Her eyes stopped at the valet he held; it was the exact same ck leather valet she had stolen previously, ''Did he just want to return it?'' As if the time paused, all the people nearby stopped what they were doing, and more than a dozen eyes turned at her. She became the center of attention on the dirty street. Beep! <<<>>>> Distributing rewards: <+3 esper points> --> <<<>>>> Beep! <<<>>>> power customization stage reached: Choose customizations: Enchantments: (1 EP): Increases the range of the telekinesis by an extra 10% (1 EP): Increases the overall force exertable by the telekinesis by an extra 10% (1 EP): Increases the ability of the user to control their telekinesis, allowing them to be much more precise Techniques: (2 EP): Creates powerful waves of telekic energy with a single gesture, using mana energy to empower it and make it more destructive. (2 EP): Fires a small but highly concentrated pulse of telekic force empowered by the energy of mana. It has a high range and prating force (2 EP): Envelopes a target with a concentrated telekic force empowered by the energy of mana to crush it with immense pressure. Has a short range but has an instantiation effect. Body Adaptations (Warning: will cause the user to fall unconscious): (3 EP): Forms a special organ allowing the user to freely levitate without a need to concentrate or actively use their telekinesis (4 EP): Transforms and rearranges the brain, using simr mechanics that cause schizophrenia or split personalities, allowing utilizing telekinesis or other powers for multiple tasks at once much more easily <<<>>>> "Fuck! That bitch is a psychic psycho!" A terrified yell brought her back to reality. As the five enraged goons charged towards her, their faces contorted with fury and disbelief, Their hands reaching towards the metal poles and bats hanging from their belts. The world around her slightly slowed down due to her increased brain power. It wasn''t by much, but it was still noticeable. She felt the new energy and power fill her mind, body, and soul. She felt the warm, mysterious energy tingle within her fingertips. Her eyes zed up in the vortexes of red and blue energy. ''No, he probably stole it from me... Yes, that must have happened. There is no way I would drop it without even noticing. To think I almost felt sorry for that scum...'' Her mind was still in shock, pushed back by the guilt of brutally murdering the hooligan. The sudden impulse of power surged through her, triggered by the mix of fear, regret, and desperation. Reflexively, she waved her hands, and in an instant, the approaching hooligans were ensnared, frozen mid-motion like statues in the face of Medusa''s gaze. A split secondter, hooligans were violently propelled backward, propelled like footballs during a penalty kick. The impact of the telekic force empowered by her turbulent emotions was shocking as their bodies contorted in grotesque waystheir chests caved in, with their limbs snapped at unnatural angles. <<<>>>> --> 5% <<<>>>> Her hand holding the gun moved on reflex, and her finger pressed the trigger again and again. The blue lights shed, and brightly glowing bolts of sma screeched through the entire street, hitting the flying men before they could even hit the ground. The projectiles of sma exploded, burning massive holes into their chests with bursts of light and fire. The disgusting smell of burned flesh filled the already stinky air. The five dead bodies sttered against the road, the passerby staring at them indifferently. ''It was again their fault... it is not my fault that I killed so many people today. They all started it.'' She felt almost nothing when she killed them, unlike their friend, which scared her. She felt like herst vestiges of normalcy were slipping from between her fingers. It was all over before it could even start, all her worries vanishing, reced by excitement at her growing powers, her eyes shining, and her expression shifting. ''Just two extra intelligence points, and it is such arge difference. My reflexes and even my aim improved. Everything feels slower, while my thoughts move fast like a flowing river. Also, the raw power of my telekinesis jumped up again, enough to throw away an entire group just like that...'' Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Mission aplished: Objective --> Kill 5 local gangsters to earn a respect Rewards --> 3 x esper point <<<<<<>>>>>> Ding! // New quest: Check You have just murdered five people in the middle of the street. Please let someone check your head. There might be something wrong. Reward: 1 x witch point // ''Hahaha, very funny. I bet you are doing it only to spite me forpleting your rival''s quest first.'' With a thought, she dismissed the joke quest. The people kept staring at her, both the gangsters and civilians keeping their distance from them as if waiting for something. She turned to them and pointed at the dead thief, "Ehmm, he started it." Tia turned on her heels, confidently walking straight towards the shop while the crowd dispersed, some even smiling as if the massacre wasn''t anything more than just entertainment to them. Chapter 10: The Shadows of Underworld Chapter 10: The Shadows of Underworld As Tia stepped cautiously into the store, the warmth enveloped her like aforting embrace, soothing her from the torment of her drenched and frigid clothes. However, her relief was quickly reced with concern as she surveyed her surroundings. The interior of the store was a sight of disarray and neglect. Dust particles danced in the air, and the flickering lightbulbs cast eerie shadows across the walls. The shelves were stacked with a haphazard collection of various items. There was no semnce of order; everything was tossed together without a system or reason. Tia''s nose wrinkled in response to the thickyer of dust that nketed the wares. It seemed as though the store had been abandoned for years, left to gather cobwebs and dust. "Girl, I believe you will not find what you are looking for." An old man stared at the girl from behind a counter, his white hair and soft wrinkles betraying his age. His face was wrinkly, and on the bridge of his nose rested a pair of tarnished sses, one side cracked. The only clean thing in the entire store was the man''s perfectly ironed ck suit, making him contrast with the dirty and unmaintained store he owned. ''This store is so impossibly shitty that it almost feels intentional...'' The long-haired, young female, Tia, stood there frozen in confusion, water still dripping from her soaked clothes, forming a small puddle under her. The shopkeeper rubbed his temples and rolled his eyes in exasperation, "I saw what you have done in front of my store. You have ughtered them all without mercy or fear. You have a talent for killingI am sure of it. Here, take this." The man threw a in, white paper card on the counter. On it was printed only a single line of small ck text with an address on it. There was no description or any additional information. "What is it?" She looked at it with suspicion. "Business card? From your clothes, it isn''t hard to imagine you are on a run. You need shelter and protection. I am offering you both, now, take it or leave." ''Do I really need it?'' The weird shop and the card all linked together as she realized what was happening, ''This store must be a front for some criminal organization.'' Tia''s hand wavered above the card, caught in a moment of contemtion. The weight of her past experiences loomedrge in her mind, the scars of betrayal still fresh. Joining the organization in her previous life had brought her nothing but pain and betrayal. The fear of history repeating itself weighted her mind. Yet, as she considered the fake shopkeeper''s words, a stark reality confronted her. She was alone and pursued by theary guards. "I will do it." "Here, take this. You are too eye catchy with your current outfit." The old shopkeeper smiled and threw a long ck coat at her. Sometimeter: An old decrepit building with a brightly shining blue neon sign: Hostel stood before her, the massive concrete structure throwing oppressive shadows over Tia standing before its entrance. ''I came all the way here. I will not back away.'' Her paranoia didn''t vanish, but this time she took the lesson from her past to heart and decided to not repeat it, ''This time, I will not blindly trust them and be an obedient, loyal dog rising through the ranks. Instead, I will just quietly wait until the situation calms down and I save enough cash to smuggle myself off the.'' Resolutely, Tia pushed the ss door open and entered the hostel. "We have full..." Immediately bored voice weed her, a tall woman sternly ncing at her from behind the reception desk, lowering an old paper book she held. Even while sitting, she was tall. "I have this." Tia took out the slip of paper while walking towards the reception desk, the old wooden floor creaking under her steps. The entire hostel looked as decrepit and ruined as the store she had visited earlier, the old green paint peeling off the walls and ceiling. They both screamed: We are a shitty establishment. Please leave. "Ohh, it looks like one room has just freed up. Please follow me." A single nce at the business card was enough as the receptionist stood up with the same cold, mechanical expression, not revealing even the tiniest glimpse of emotion. ''Yup, this is shady as hell.'' Not wanting to fall behind, Tia sped up to catch up with the tall woman who walked toward a staircase left from the entrance. "If you are here, that means you have the qualities we are seeking, but." The woman abruptly stopped, and Tia almost bumped into her back. Her intimidating stature towered above Tia by more than a head higher, "However, you need to prove to us that you are willing to do what we want from you. You will get a single task, aplish it, and I will decide what your fate will be." The woman resumed her walk as both silently climbed up the cramped, unmaintained staircase that was creaking under them as if it was going to copse at any moment. Then, atst, she pointed at a door, "This room is yours... at least temporary." ''What did I get myself into? Those people are definitely not your normal criminals.'' During her past life, she witnessed and worked with more than enough criminal organizations to know that something was wrong with this one. It was simply too professional and the woman before her too intimidating... and deadly. She recognized the way she walked, moved, and even spoke, showing her deadly training and the countless lives she took, ''She was trained to kill and applied that training many times.'' "Please enter, and do not wander around. Otherwise, I can''t guarantee there will be no idents." The receptionist smiled for the first time, her smile so ungenuine and cold it made even Tia stagger back. Chapter 11: The Task and Upgrades Chapter 11: The Task and Upgrades A few minutester: A single lightbulb, hanging from the ceiling by a thin wire, cast a feeble glow that illuminated a small, simply furnished room. The once-vibrant green wall paint had faded over time, revealing its age and neglect. The wooden table, desk, and wardrobe that adorned the space were all cloaked inyers of dust, a sign that the room had remained vacant for a long time. Tiariely on the bed, her gaze fixated on the ceiling adorned with signs of water damage. Despite the imperfections andck of maintenance of her room, a smile graced her lips, a flicker of contentment and relief dancing in her eyes. ''It isn''t much, but it is still better than my room in the hospital...'' she looked towards a small and dusty window, ''...and there are no bars on the windows.'' She spread her arms and legs before she closed her eyes. In the darkness of her eyelids floated the semi-transparent box of the options to modify her telekinesis. <<<>>>> Choose customizations: Enchantments: (1 EP): Increases the range of the telekinesis by an extra 10%. (1 EP): Increases the overall force exertable by the telekinesis by an extra 10%. (1 EP): Increases the ability of the user to control their telekinesis, allowing them to be much more precise. Techniques: (2 EP): Creates powerful waves of telekic energy with a single gesture, using mana energy to empower it and make it more destructive. (2 EP): Fires a small but highly concentrated pulse of telekic force empowered by the energy of mana. It has a high range and slight prating power. (2 EP): Envelopes a target with a concentrated telekic force empowered by the energy of mana to crush it with immense pressure. Has a short range but has an instantaneous effect. Body Adaptations (Warning: will cause the user to fall unconscious): (3 EP): Forms a special organ allowing the user to freely levitate without the need to concentrate or actively use their telekinesis. (4 EP): Transforms and rearranges the brain, using simr mechanics that cause schizophrenia or split personalities, allowing utilizing telekinesis or other powers for multiple tasks at once much more easily. <<<>>>> ''I have six points.'' She carefully read through them over and over. Her eyes stopped at the section of the body modifications, as she felt they had the most potential. ''Levitation... that would give me lots of mobility, but do I need it right now? Three points are quite a lot for a little fancier way of moving. Yes, I don''t need it now.'' She lingered on the most expensive option, only the price stopping her from buying it. ''This is an essential item, maybe not right now. However, in the future, it will be necessary. It is expensive, but I can''t risk not taking it.'' She knew how petty the systems were, so there was no guarantee she would see it the next time, just to make her frustrated. With the two remaining points, she looked at the options she had left. ''I can either pick one special technique or two passives.'' ''The bolt one is useless... I can just use a gun instead of it and save my points. Well, all techniques are not worth it. I still have some blurry knowledge of mana maniption from my past life.'' She wasn''t as inexperienced to invest in some low-tier, basic techniques that probably weren''t even that hard to create on her own with a bit of experimentation. Instead, she would invest in raw power, which was something harder to gain and would scale well in the future. ''I don''t need more control as I am not using it for small precise maniption, but for defense and offenseso I will take the range and force options.'' She confirmed her choices. Beep! <<<<<>>>>> Your ability was modified: Your body was modified: <<<<<>>>>> The room slowly darkened as her consciousness faded, the reality and sounds bing distant and duller, as if her mind was submerged at the bottom of a deep, dark sea. A few hourster: Amid heavy rainfall, a slender woman draped in a stylish grey mantle gracefully made her way down the dimly lit street. Her face was concealed beneath the hood, protected from the bad weather. A cascade of light-tinum blonde hair flowed elegantly down her chest, adding a touch of beauty. ''My target should be waiting somewhere nearby.'' As the raindrops created a rhythmic symphony, nging against the rooftops and road, the neon signs flickered and gleamed, their glow piercing through the darkness of the cloudy night. ''I should find a less rainy. I am tired of all this water.'' Her eyes dimly glowed in the darkness, and her heart pounded. It was her first task, or more likely, just a testshe couldn''t afford to screw it up. She didn''t even know who she was working for, but she didn''t care as it was only temporary. Undeterred by the empty night streets and the rain-soaked surroundings, the girl continued he lonely stride. Each step sent ripples of water dancing from the puddles under her feet. A set of rough voices andughter in the distance immediately caught her atention. "And then it blew up!" "Gahaha!" "Good job, big boss." Her gaze settled on a group of five men stationed in the middle of the rain-drenched street, further down her path. Despite their muscr intimidating statures, she couldn''t help but smile. ''They fit the picture. Let''s get this over so I can get out of this rain.'' The group quieted down as they spotted her approach, all five turning to face her. "Do you have my stuff?" A tall and bulky man, one of his eyes reced by a glowing mechanical eye that quietly buzzed, yelled across the street. His sleeveless tank top revealed muscles so bulging and pronounced that Tia was sure they weren''t natural, likely the result of super-steroids. Undeterred, the girl kept herposure, her hand gripping the cold, reassuring metal of her sma pistol hidden beneath her attire. There was a calm determination in her demeanor. ''They are evidently scum, they deserve this.'' "Are you deaf? Do you have my stuff?!" Another yell, this time even louder cut through the night, the barking of dogs responding from the nearby building. "No, but I have this." She raised her gun and pressed the trigger, the blinding blue light illuminating the entire dark street and her indifferent pale face. With astonishing reflexes, the man''s colossal fist swatted the sma bolt away, as if it were a mere annoyance, extinguishing the light. A wicked grin stretched across his brutish, somewhat vacant-looking face, revealing a set of menacing, canine-like teeth. The glow from his mechanical eye seemed to intensify, giving him an even more ominous aura. "Hohoho, you have made a colossal mistake, girl!" he bellowed with arrogance. "No one extinguishes Jordan the Firefighter, for I am the fire itself!" His boomingughter echoed through the rain-soaked streets as he charged forward, leaving a trail of shattered concrete in his wake. Chapter 12: The Firefighter Chapter 12: The Firefighter A shockwave exploded with a loud bang, sending visible waves through the thick rain. Like a human cannonball, the mountain of muscles shot toward the slender girl standing further away. As he propelled himself forward like a human bullet, an inferno of mes erupted from the man''s exposed, bulging muscles, hissing as the raindrops evaporated upon contact with the zing inferno. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Objective --> Defeat the Fire super Rewards --> ; 1 EP <<<<<<>>>>>> Ding! // New quest: Collect Materials Every witch needs good materials! Harvest the heart, the blood, and the brain of the fire super. Rewards: 3 WP; 1 x Random recipe using the harvested materials // ''So, he is a super'' Supers were one of the three types of humans with special abilities. Their bodies were mutated, giving them one or multiple special powers. Tia had no more time to analyze the situation; her mind already acting to protect her. Her eyes zed with energy as she harnessed her own telekic abilities, grabbing hold of her own form and allowing her to move with incredible agility. As if she were a puppet controlled by strings, she slid to the side with an unnaturally abrupt push. <<<>>>> --> 6% <<<>>>> Just a fraction of a secondter, the colossal muscleman thundered past her, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The road cracked and melted under the intense heat of his passing, the force of his movement causing a powerful draft that fluttered her clothes and washed over her face with hot air. Meanwhile, the four goons raised their guns and fired, the deafening bangs piercing the once-quiet night. But Tia''s mind worked with lightning speed, her transformed brain extending her will beyond her body. As the four bullets hurtled toward her, they seemed to freeze in mid-air. Tia wasted no time, immediately darting into a nearby side street, seeking refuge behind the corner. <<<>>>> --> 9% <<<>>>> Adrenaline pumped through her veins, but she kept her cool, ''Fire... maybe even a super strength. They should have told me that I am not facing some random thug!'' "Ha-ha, so you are a psychic. Let me bend you over my knees and show you my firepower. I am the firefighter!" The super''s delirious voice was getting closer, his heavy steps approaching the street where she waited. ''Come in and die.'' Her long hair flowed freely in the cold breeze as her hood fell off, framing her determined expression. Leaning against the cold concrete wall, she closed her eyes and focused her mind, channeling her inner strength in anticipation of the iing foe. "You can''t hide!" The menacing voice echoed through the side street as a wide stream of scorching Fire erupted toward her. The brilliant orange light flooded her vision, but she remained calm. Her eyes snapped open, aze with her internal energy. Bracing herself with outstretched hands, an invisible force emanated from her fingertips, expanding outward like an imprable barrier. The iing mes collided with this unseen shield, and the Fire seemed to halt as if it had encountered an invisible wall. The residual heat washed over her face, intense and blistering, causing her to flinch and instinctively take a step back. <<<>>>> --> 10% <<<>>>> Tia pushed with her mind, sparks of Fire flying in all directions and clouds of steam filling the air as the Fire and the raw kic force shed against each other in waves. The walls, the road, and everything else turned red from the heat, the concrete cracking under the reverberating shockwaves. With sweat and rain drenching her youthful face, Tia stood firmly, pushing with all power she could gather against the relentless influx of Fire, ''He can''t keep this for long, and I should oust him as telekinesis costs almost nothing to use.'' The Fire was zing brighter and brighter, slowly inching closer to her face. She didn''t know how much time had passed, every second feeling like an hour as her hands trembled and the weakness from the heat tired her. <<<>>>> --> 11% --> 12% (12%)> --> 13% (13%)> --> 14% (14%)> --> 15% <<<>>>> The percents slowly rolled before her own eyes. However, she was too upied to enjoy it. ''Should I retreat?'' Just as she thought about it, the mes sizzled out, leaving behind only the zing hot concrete and a thick haze of steam. Just as she was about to exhale, a colossal fist enveloped in mes emerged from the steam, hurtling straight toward her face. Time seemed to slow, and her eyes widened, irises pulsating with energy. Swiftly, she waved her hand, unleashing a surge of power that collided with the giant man, halting his fist just inches from her face, the scorching mes nearly grazing her skin. With a sudden force, he was sent hurtling backward out of the sidestreet and across the wide main street, akin to a brittle, ancient twig. His energy was gone, and his previously inhuman strength diminished, no longer able to resist her power. --> 19% "Ahhh!" He collided against the wall with a thunderous impact, causing deep cracks to spiderweb across the concrete. Blood trickled from his mouth, contorted into a wicked grin as he chuckled like a madman. "Hahaha!" As the hurried footsteps of his goons closed in on her, she paid them no mind. Instead, her eyes flickered with rage, the searing pain on her face feeling as if she had thrust her head into a zing furnace. ''Damn you! I bet I am red!'' She was a girl, and her face was important to her. She simply couldn''t forgive someone for getting even close to scarring her! With a ze of fury sweeping through her entire being, she confidently strode into the main street, heading directly toward the hulking musclehead. Gunshots erupted once more, but as if guided by an unseen force, all the bullets were halted before they could reach her, caught in a telekic web of her mind akin to flies caught by a spider. With a resonating "ding," the bullets ttered harmlessly to the ground. "Run while you still can! Once I finish your boss, it will be your turn!" The percents kept jumping up, but she no longer registered them, her mind fully focused on her pain and rage. Tia extended her small, white palm towards the musclehead, her intense focus channeling an invisible force that enveloped his entire body. "Let me down, you bitch!" He groaned and strained against the powerful restraint, but he remained immobilized, his body firmly pinned against the concrete wall. Gunshots echoed once more through the street, apanied by muzzle shes, but she paid them no heed as her mind seemed to operate on its own, swiftly catching each bullet as if she were a child on a yground instinctively dodging a ball. The surge of energy intensified, coursing through her hand like a torrent. Her hair danced and fluttered as if gravity had been reversed while her heart raced with the exhration of the moment. "Where is yourughter now?! Ha? You are no longer so brave!" Her glowing eyes were fixed upon the man who was pailing while making choking sounds as he gasped for air. His eyes were filled with desperation, which made her even happier, her lips curving into an insane smile, the thrill of the life and death battle and pain erasing all her rationality. She has reawakened her old love for the thrill that gave her the terrifying reputation in her past life and the nickname of Berserk Witch or Mad Witch. Once she entered her frenzy, she wouldn''t stop. Chapter 13: The Red Road Chapter 13: The Red Road AN: (Alright, from now on, I will post one chapter per day plus bonus chapters for Powerstone goals that I will publicter, but for now let''s say, one bonus chapter for every 25 ps.) The lifeless form of the muscr man copsed into a puddle of rainwater, mixed with his own blood and piss, motionless. His neck was bent, chest copsed, and vacant eyes fixated on an empty horizon. From the ghastly wound in his chest, blood gushed out, while his split skull leaked brain fluid onto the gory concrete road. Tia stood in the downpour, her hair drenched, cascading loosely down her back. Her eyes flickered between the gruesome scene of the mutted corpse and her own blood-stained hand, still grasping a steaming hot human heart. A shiver of shock coursed through her as she confronted the unsettling reality of her own brutality. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Mission aplished: Objective --> Defeat the fire super Rewards --> ; 1 EP <<<<<<>>>>>> Ding! // Quest cleared: You have sessfully collected the needed materials. Rewards: 3 WP; Recipe: Fire Heart Concoction // Her memories were hazy, reced only by asional shes of blood. ''Have I spaced out?'' A bag dripping with bloody next to her feet, the iron smell of blood so strong it almost made her puke. ''No jokes on me, systems? Hmm, it looks like even you have lost your words.'' The pain still pulsed all over her reddened face, but her anger and frenzy died down, bringing a scary thought into her mind. ''What if I am really crazy? What if I wasn''t framed, and instead, I was locked up just because I belonged there.'' Her eyes moved to the mountain-like corpse of the man. ''Would a normal person be okay with just killing and dissecting people? What if even the systems and my past life aren''t real and just a fabrication of my powers and insane mind?'' A lightning bolt suddenly split the sky in half, and the rain thickened even more, washing the blood away from her hand. The bloodier river painted the entire road red on its way to the drainage. "I certainly didn''t expect this..." The familiar feminine voice suddenly came from behind her, making her flinch and turn. The tall receptionist stood there in her long, gray coat. "I have watched you fight. So you are truly not a psychic, you are an esper..." Even amidst the bloody scene, there was no fear or even emotion in her voice. ''How long was she watching me? Was she even watching me harvest the body parts?'' Her intimidating height and her cold and emotionless face sent a jolt of forewarning down Tia''s spine. She motioned to her, "Come, you have passed. We need to leave. Soon this ce will be swarming with guards." Tia remained rooted to the ce, still in shock. "Come with me, you are burned and cold." The woman smiled at her for the first time, only unsettling her even more. ''She didn''t shoot when I was turned back, so she is likely not here to kill me.'' With determination, Tia seized the bag and swiftly stowed the heart inside, all the while aware of the amused eyes observing her every move. Atst, she cast a final, lingering look at the lifeless pyromaniac before striding toward the awaiting woman. "Do you really need to bring that heart and bag with you?" She just nodded, the embarrassment making her want to crawl under some rock. ''Well, even if I am not crazy, they will definitely think that I am after this... At least, I can do whatever weird stuff the systems ask me to do and then just me it on me being insane.'' A few hourster: POV Inspector ???: "Do you think it was her?" The figure in the ck coat crouched beside the mutted corpse of arge man, his eyes scanning the crime scene. Within his irises, a multitude of numbers, data, and lines were projected, revealing a heightened perception of the surroundings. The bright reflectors illuminated the street, making it even brighter than during the day, revealing the gruesome scene of the blood diluted with rainwater sttered all over the road, turning the road red. The heavily armed agents of theary guard stood guard on both ends of the street, keeping the crowds at bay. Their visors flickered in the green light, and therge logos of theary guard special division dimly shone on the chest tes of their ck tactical armor. His assistant in the coat, identical to his, tapped him on the shoulder, bringing attention to her glowing tablet. "Yes, look at this analysis. The cause of death was suffocation and spine injury, but the pressure was too even to be caused by a physical object." "What about local surveince, did they spot anything?" "No, everything is gone, reced by static." They both looked at each other, sharing the same thoughts. ''This is bad. Someone must be covering after her.'' POV Tiariel: Tia silently sat in a cold metal chair in an empty concrete room, only a single neonmp illuminating it. She was absent-mindedly looking into arge mirror embedded in the wall, observing the reflection of her reddened, burned face. She was tightly clenching her fists to suppress the pulsing burning pain from the burns. Leaning over her was the tall receptionist, holding a small glowing rod, which emitted a rhythmic electrical hum as it gently caressed her burned face. The pulsing pain slowly subsided under the glow of the medical tool, her skin regenerating and regaining its healthy hue right before her eyes in the mirror''s reflection. "Done." The woman stepped back and put the tool on the metal table, her face as emotionless as usual. "From now on, you are one of us. You do what we say, and in exchange, we will guard your back. I am your handler, so you can call me like that." The more she spent with the so-called handler, the more she felt like what she joined wasn''t just some criminal organization. They were simply too secretive, professional, and well-supplied. "May I ask? Who am I even working for, I..." The handler coldly cut her off before she could even fully formte her question, "We work here on a need-to-know basis. You are a field operatoryou go and do what I, your handler, tells you to do. There is no need for you to know anything not necessary for your job." Tia gulped down and hurriedly nodded, feeling threat and warning in the woman''s tone. She was sure that if she overstepped her boundaries, she would be disposed of. ''I need to get money and get as far away from this as I can.'' "Good, you understand. I am a handler, and my job is to manage you and your colleagues, the weapons of the organization, and if you go rogue, to clean up." The woman''s slender fingers gently brushed off Tia''s cheek, her face and voice so devoid of emotion it made it seem as if it was just a daily routine. ''Yup, this woman is more insane than me...'' Chapter 14: The Armaments of The Killer Chapter 14: The Armaments of The Killer Tia stood from her chair, ready to walk out of the cold room, only to freeze at a stern handler''s voice. "Give me your gun." The tall, scary woman reached with her hand, holding her palm open, waiting for the gun. ''Is there truly only so little trust in me?'' Tia reluctantly reached for her gun, her fingers lingering over it for a few moments, hesitating. "I said, Give it to me." The handler''s voice remained calm and detached, just as before, but an underlying hint of menace lurked within its tone, subtly conveying a concealed threat. With a mixture of reluctance and caution, she firmly gripped the gun and, with measured movements, slowly lowered it into the woman''s outstretched palm. ''If something goes wrong, I can still st her away with my telekinesis and pray for some luck.'' The tall woman silently ogled the weapon nested in her hand, her face not showing any emotion, as if she were just a statue. "Model used by localary guards. Illegally modified by overclocking the internal sma generator. Nor a bad gun, but still a children''s toy." With a graceful gesture, the woman handed it back to Tia. She then waved her hand over a metallic box resting on the table. As if responding to her gesture, several lights on the box turned green, and the metal lid began to split open slowly. Tia couldn''t help but lean slightly forward, her curiosity too strong as she stopped close behind the handler. "This gun is yoursyou will be using it." A single handgun rested inside, its smooth, pitch-ck surface reflecting the dim light of the lightbulb. Bright blue light shone in the single line in the gun''s center. ''Large...'' She immediately noticed how big and bulky it was, making her old gun truly look like a toy inparison. Until now, with her limited knowledge of weapons, she considered her old weapon to be good. Especially when shepared it with the weak guns of the hospital security that barely damaged the walls. "This is a military-grade handgun used by republic''s militarymandos, modified to block any energy radiation and by so effectively obscuring it from mostmon sensors and improved cooling." For the first time, the woman showed emotion present in her voice, her cold eyes smiling and her fingers brushing the dark metal. ''So she likes guns. Good to know.'' Tia immediately reached for it, the woman not stopping her, only smiling. As her fingers made contact with the gun''s smooth metal surface, a transformation urred. The once dormant weapon sprang to life, revealing a small yet intricate holographic projection of a scope that illuminated the box. The sight left Tia in awe, realizing that there was more to this weapon than met the eye. A mechanical voice silently spoke, "User identified... Field Operator 13... User authorized..." As Tia lifted the gun out of the box, blue lights traced along its long barrel, emitting a soft, mesmerizing glow. Despite its weight, it felt strangely satisfying in her hands, perfectly bnced and surprisinglyfortable to hold. ''Military grade? Is it truly so easy to get a weapon like this?'' Tia brought it out of the box and leaned over it, observing the heavy, mechanical design of the weapon. Itcked any elegance, but its aggressive and simplistic design made it look like a weapon of war. "It has four firing mods. The stun mode, kill mode, armor-piercing, and finally the wall-buster mode." The handler pointed at the bar on the side of the holographic scope, "This shows the current sma in the capacitors. It recharges over time from the integrated central generator. Each firing mode consumes a different amount per shot. So the weaker ones allow almost full auto fire, while the more powerful, like wall-buster, need time to recharge between shots." Despite herck of expertise, Tia couldn''t help but be drawn to its allure, feeling satisfied to hold it. Its sleek but practical design and weight exuded an air of sophistication and power. The gentle hum of its generators added an alluring element of technology andplexity. POV The Handler: The moment the metal doors closed behind the tinum-haired woman, the light dimmed down, revealing a silhouette in ck standing behind the mirror. The handler sat on the chair and put her legs up on the table without any care. Almost immediately, a man''s voice came out of a small speaker in the corner, "You were right. She has what is required." "Good, I will start her training, she is too far behind." "I will go to inform the higher-ups that we have another potential subject." "How many of them are there even?" "Seven, it looks like we will have to... thin their numbers." "Give me a month to prepare her, then we will start... cutting the numbers." POV Tia: Exhausted, Tia plopped herself into her soft bed, not even bothering to change her clothes. Her muscles hurt, and her only recently healed face was still stinging. Just as she was ready to close her eyes, a ding sprung her back into consciousness. Ding! // Safe location detected! The hidden condition was triggered: You have died and killed in two different worlds. The special ability of the Death Witch gained: [Dimensional Plunder] Conditions for activation met: Activating [Dimensional Plunder] // Beep! <<<<<<<<>>>>>>> Spatial anomaly was detected! <<<<<<<<>>>>>>> ''Just give me some rest!'' All the light vanished, reced by the deepest and ckest darknessall sounds gone, muffled by the endless void. Chapter 15: A Ghost and A Plunderer Chapter 15: A Ghost and A Plunderer Leaves rustled in the warm summer breeze, with birds chirping high in the green canopies of the tall treesthe warm rays of sunlight passing through. A dead girl in a bloodstained ck and white maid outfity against the trunk of a tree, an arrow sticking out of her chest. Clutching her in an embrace was the headless corpse of a man, his linen shirt smeared with blood, transforming it from its original white color to a gruesome shade of crimson. Tia felt a surreal detachment from reality, as if she were adrift in an unfathomable sea, her senses numbed and distant. Above the bodies, an ethereal and enigmatic apparition of the deceased girl floated, her eyes vacant and hollow like dark voids, locking onto Tia with an eerie gaze. ''Is this a ghost?! Did I truly go insane?'' The ghost wailed in a distorted, grief-stricken voice, "Are you the spirit who responded to my call? Kill him! Kill that bastard! He couldn''t let me go! I was just a maid, yet he wanted my body! He killed Toby and me. We almost escaped, but they caught up to us!" "Who?" Tia wasn''t scared, only intrigued by the ghost''s tragic story. "The baron''s son! Kill him, and my body is yours!" Ding! // You have temporarily entered the world: Garlicia, in the universe Magiterium. Do you wish to form a contract and obtain a vessel? Failure will lead to ejection by the world will. eptance will start a new quest and an opportunity to plunder the resources of the local world. // ''So this is what this is about...'' Tia didn''t hesitate for even a moment, knowing that every opportunity to gain more strength to survive in her dangerous world would be wee, especially when not risking her own body. "I will do it. I ept your offer." In the blink of an eye, her perspective shifted inexplicably, hurtling towards the lifeless form of the deceased girl. The world around her darkened once more, enveloping her in a dark shroud of ckness. ''What the? Tell me, what are you doing, system?'' Beep! <<<>>>> - Unexpected time-space anomaly detected, consuming the energy to correct it. Correction progress: 0.5% - Correction blocked! <<<>>>> Ding! // New quest: The Death Contract You are the witch of death, and death is your gateway between the two worlds. Fulfill thest wish of your contractee. Rewards: 2 x WP; Permanent link to the world: Garlicia Time Limit: 10 Days Failure: You will be kicked out of the world; You will lose all the items gained in the world: Garlicia // As if snapped back to reality, a surge of sensations flooded Tia''s mind, recing the numbing void with a vivid array of experiences. The heat of the sun, the chill of the breeze, and the sturdy sensation of the tree''s bark against her back all rushed into her awareness. Blinking rapidly, she struggled to adjust her eyes to the sudden influx of bright light, whichpelled her to squint reflexively. The world around her burst into vibrant colors, and she found herself back in the physical realm. ''I should probably check how this thing works...'' // [World Plunder (LV 1)] Description: The ability to visit other worlds through the grudges of the recently deceased. Upon forming a contract with a deceased, you will take over their body. You can freely shapeshift between their and your own body. All the items in direct physical contact with your body can be brought between the two worlds. Time is rtive, so while you are plundering around your real body, only a few seconds to minutes will pass. Warning: Dying or getting while possessing a body might lead to damage to your body through the soul link. Activation condition: Enough of death energy collected through killing; The needed amount increases with your level // ''You should have warned me before I epted this! What if I die here?'' She clenched her fist in fury, her eyes shining as she felt like the system just threw her into danger of its own volition. Determined to get the most out of the situation, she rose to her feet. Her tinum hair glinted in the sunlight, and her long ck coat fluttered slightly in the wind. ''This is my form... good. Showing as an obviously dead girl would be bad for information gathering.'' The air surrounding her was remarkably pristine, carrying a sense of purity that brought a serene smile to her lips. She took a deep, cleansing breath, savoring the untainted atmosphere that seemed devoid of any pollution or impurities. In that very moment, profound tranquility washed over her, as if the fury that once consumed her had evaporated into thin air, leaving behind only a sense of inner peace. ''At least, I can enjoy myself here. In the world not destroyed by humans.'' She froze as she felt her energy slowly leak out, absorbed by some invisible void that sucked and devoured it. Crestfallen by the sudden discovery, she looked around in panic, searching for a solution, but all she could see were the seemingly endless rows of trees, stretching out as far as the eye could see. It trickled away like blood from between fingers trying to stop the bleeding. She was unable to stop it. Beep! <<<>>>> - Unexpected time-space anomaly detected, consuming the energy to correct it. Correction progress: 0.5% - Correction blocked! <<<>>>> Ding! // Unknown interference detected: Using the energy to temporarily block the dimensional teleportation. // It all cleared up as she finally realized what was wrong, the bickering of her two systems clearing out all of her questions. ''So this is where my energy is vanishing....'' A sense of urgency hit her as her time was much more limited than she originally assumed, and she needed to act and find what she was looking for as fast as possible. She quickly reached for her waist and breathed in relief as her two guns were still safely holstered in their ce, the cold metallic sensation of touch bringing calmness to her mind. ''The witch system never acted like this in my previous life. So, why is it doing it now? It is as if its evolution made it more independent.'' She briskly stepped forward, not wanting to waste any of her limited time. The sensation of dry leaves and verdant grass padding beneath her feet brought tears of joy to the corners of her eyes after years of being trapped and imprisoned in her concrete jail and the deste and dirty cityscape. ''This is what I want. No humans around to judge me, only myself.'' Ding! // New quest: The Magic Resources Resource gathering is the base skill of even the lowest of witches. Venture into the world of magic and obtain a branch of magic wood to be used as a base for your wand. Rewards: 1 x witch point; 1 x [Apprentice Artificyng] // ''Ohh, so this is why you sent me here.'' It wasn''t hard to imagine the absoluteck of magic trees back in the universe she came from, and without them, the chances of forging her wand were close to nil, preventing her from progressing further down the witch path. ''Hell, even finding a regr tree might prove to be a challenge on the where I was.'' Tia focused on her dropping energy and quickly estimated her remaining time in this world. ''I have at most a single day thanks to their stupid infighting. No, more likely only two hours. This is not good.'' Until now, she didn''t mind the two systems disliking each other, but now it started to be a problem as it turned the quest from already hard and dangerous into a speedrun on a nightmare difficulty. Without a moment''s hesitation, she pressed onward, walking deeper into the woodsher senses honed to perfection as she meticulously scanned the foliage and the shadowy recesses of the forest, anticipating a monster to attack her at any moment. ''This should be a magic world, that means mutated animals turned into monsters.'' Everything was silent except for the leaves rustling below her feet and birds chirping in the crowns of the trees as she slowly ventured further and further away. Suddenly, her eyes stopped at a single spot. A tree stump stood lonely amidst the dry leaves. Tia slowly approached it, not dropping her guard as she gracefully lowered herself beside it, her fingers brushing off its smoothly cut surface. ''There is only one thing that could do this, an axe or a saw. Also, it is still wet, so it must have been cut only recently.'' She looked around, but there were no humans as far as she could see, which wasn''t that far as the dense green foliage obstructed her from seeing further. ''There must be some intelligent lifeform nearby.'' Her eyes fell on the second stump further away. She wearily approached it, and once more, her slender fingers brushed the wood. ''This one is dryer, so it had to be cut earlier, and as it is most logical to start at the edge of a forest and then advance deeper when logging, I should be able to follow the path of cut trees and find the perpetrator.'' She didn''t know who or what she would find at the end of the trail, but she knew she would at least gain some vital information. Chapter 16: Garlicia part 1/3: The Setup [Bonus] Chapter 16: Garlicia part 1/3: The Setup [Bonus] POV Tia: Tia quietly walked down a wide, paved cobblestone road, the Victorian-era-looking houses built of stone and wood standing on both sidesthe borate facades adorned with intricate ornaments and small statues added to the opulence of the scene. The sound of horse-drawn carriages filled the air as they galloped past her, their wheels ttering against the cobblestones. As Tia confidently strode down the street, she couldn''t help but notice the numerous eyes that constantly ogled her. Her outfit was clearly out of ce in this world. Yet, she paid no mind to the curious gazes, embracing her uniqueness with self-assured grace. ''What I need now is to look distinct and attract attention.'' Atst, her eyes fell on a man in a ck robe with a staff in his hand, the pointy head, and his long white beard screaming "mage" from miles away. "Hey, you!" She abruptly turned to walk toward the mage, who stopped, staring at the shouting girl quickly approaching him. The next moment, something ck and fast moved in the corner of her eye, her body reacting at thest moment. ''Ohhh!'' As the carriage, drawn by red-eyed horses, sped past her, its dark form leaving nothing but a blur, the angry yell of the driver reached her ears. "Fucking blind bitch!" the driver''s enraged voice echoed, gradually fading into the distance. ''What?!'' Despite her racing emotions and the recent near-ident, Tia quicklyposed herself as the old mage approached her with brisk steps. "What might a manaborn want from me, a humble magi?" Tia put on her smile and tugged down her skirt, "Ehmm, I am not a local, and you, sir, look like a gentleman. So would you mind telling me where I can get an appraisal of a magic artifact? I don''t need the highest profit or privacy. Instead, I need to sell it fast, even under the price." "How could I refuse to assist such a pretty, youngdy as you?" he pointed with his staff at arge building down the street while running his fingers through his long white beard. "Down the street on the square of Tibo The Ghostsucker, you will find the House of Mercenaries. They offer various services." She slightly bowed and walked in that direction as her old piece of knowledge still worked, even in another world. ''Being polite and smiling opens a lot of doors.'' As she walked through the bustling street, she quickly recapped her n, ''This ce is bigger than some stinky vige I have expected. I can''t waste my energy brute-forcing the baron''s resistance as the energy is the only thing keeping me here.'' Even though she sometimes acted impulsively, she was still someone who survived a lot, ''Instead, I need someone to take me there. To do that, I need something to entice them. Luckily, I have exactly that.'' With confidence, she approached the singlergest building on the small square that reached almost three floors high,pletely built of solid stone, its looming facade covered in intricate stone masonry and ornaments. Atst, she reached the building, and her hand pushed the heavy wooden door open. POV ???: An old receptionist sat behind his desk, his eyes scanning the endless pile of payment requests. The doors creaked on their old rusty hinges as they were pushed wide open, and a set of light footsteps entered the room just as the receptionist raised his eyes from the paperwork. His gaze met the neer, and he was surprised to see a young girl entering the building. ''She looks young. What is she wearing?'' The old man standing behind the reception desk gaped at the unusually long, ck coat woven of fabric so smooth and beautiful it put into shame even the coat worn by the baron Lafas, their local lord. The scandalously short skirt almost exposed her knees, bringing gasps from the men in the lobby. He wasn''t the only one; all the adventurers and mercenaries watched each of her graceful moves, her steps confident and fast as she approached his desk with an expressionless cold face. ''Wait, is she?!'' Her unusual tinum hair, her vibrant lc eyes, the wlessly smooth skin, and the impossibly perfect fabric of her clothes all connected together, and in response to his realization, droplets of sweat formed on his forehead. ''Yes, she must be a manaborn!'' "Am I dirty or something?" "Uhh, of course not, just your outfit is quite unusual in here." "Skip the pleasantries. I need the appraisal service of your guild." "O-of course, that would five silv..." The manaborn frowned and cut him midsentence, "I will pay with the priority buying right, instead." Normally, he would need to see what it was just to make sure it was worth it, but seeing the impatiently-looking manaborn, he could only nod. He had worked for the guild long enough to know that angering and displeasing a manaborn was equivalent to a death sentence. With an audible thud, a metallic objectnded on the desk. Mystical blue light shone all over its perfectly smooth and shiny surface. With a sense of caution, he brought a monocle up to his eye, hoping to glean some insight into the object''s purpose and origin. His wrinkled hand hovered above it, his forehead wrinkling in confusion. ''It is glowing, but why is there no mana radiation?'' "Ehmm, may I ask what it is?" "A kind of weapon, my personal creation." When he looked at it again, he could see some semnce of the weapon, the incredibly hard metal and peculiar shape turning it into an effective blunt weapon, ''Little bit short, and what is with the lights? It doesn''t look or feel like any magic runes.'' As if sensing his confusion, the manaborn grinned and grabbed it, aiming at the floor. The next moment, a bright light shed across the room, temporarily revealing the shocked and terrifying expressions of the mercenaries reaching for their swords. A seared ck spot, its center still glowing from the heat, was burned into the hard stone floor. "Ohh, I get it! It is a wan..." "No, you are wrong. This is better. This allows even a person without a droplet of mana or any knowledge to shoot energy bolts." The receptionist paled and stepped back, his hands trembling at the significance of the tool before him. Greed threatened to overwhelm his judgment. ''With more of those, one could instantly turn a bunch of worthless peasants into a fighting force equivalent to apprentice magi!'' "How much are you willing to pay?" "All, take all the gold I have here! No, take also the tinum and silver!" The manaborn''s smile grew wider as she reached with her hand for a handshake. ''Haha, I will hire someone to reverse engineer the enchantments, and I will be the richest man in the entire duchy!'' However, he still remained cautious, suppressing his excitement, "Of course, I can give you only a small deposit until I fully evaluate the validity of your ims." "Of course, take your time." The manaborn smiled at him, but something in that sweet smile unsettled him all the way to the marrow of his bones. Chapter 17: Garlicia part 2/3: The "Invitation" Chapter 17: Garlicia part 2/3: The "Invitation" Tia stood in a small rustic store with a smile stered on her face, ''Now I need only to wait and spend my gold.'' The shelves wereden with an array of treasures - glistening crystals, meticulously crafted brass tools, and jars containing mysterious objects immersed in colorless liquid. The air was heavy with the potent scent of formaldehyde, herbs, and vax, swirling together in an intriguing blend. "What can I offer you,dy manaborn?" An elderly woman with her hair white of age and wrinkles all over her face gently smiled at her from behind a rustic wooden front desk. ''She is a witch.'' Not answering, Tia slowly paced through the tiny store, the old rugged carpet rustling beneath her foot while her eyes scanned the various articles, and her slender finger asionally poked the precise brass contraptions. ''Such a pity, they don''t have spatial storage artifacts.'' "I need high-quality magic wood, preferably null or fire affinity. Also, give me elemental mana stones of each affinity you have ess to, two pieces from each and ten from fire and null affinity ones." "Of course, mydy!" POV ???: The old receptionist trembled, his heart pounding in his chest, as a ck metallic gauntlet mmed into the nearby wall with tremendous force. The stone shattered upon impact, sending fragments flying in all directions. The shockwaves from the attack reverberated through the air, sending vibrations through his body, jolting him to his very core. "You know you should have reported this to the baron!" ''Fuck! They have ears everywhere. Someone must have snitched on me.'' He wanted to resist the usation and fight. However, his trembling limbs refused to obey hismands, and the imposing figures of the guards in ck suits that loomed over him, each of their moves nging with the metal sewn into the suits, left him paralyzed and shivering in the corner. "Bring me the manaborn! His lordship will be definitely interested in this. In the meantime, I will deal with this gentleman." POV Tia: With a haul of magic ingredients in a pouch hanging from her belt, Tia exited the store and immediately froze on the spot as the four guards armed with swords and crossbows quickly surrounded her, the crowds of people dispersing in every direction. Their slimy expressions made her feel utterly disgusted, and her instincts immediately linked their presence to the pistol she had sold earlier. She suppressed her emotion, preventing the smile from appearing on her face, ''Finally, I was worried they wouldn''t show up on time.'' "Come with us! That is an order!" The nearest guard barked at her while reaching toward her. "Ask nicely, and I will think about it." Tia took a deep breath and stepped back, trying to steady her nerves and show a facade of confidence. Even though she wanted to be brought to their boss, she needed to show she wasn''t someone to be trifled with. Otherwise, she would be disarmed and potentially put to jail in an attempt to make her more approachable for the negotiation. "You whore, how dare you not listen to his lordship''s retinue? Tie her up, boys, she needs a proper beating to learn her ce!" With a hint of desire in their eyes, two guards lunged toward her with lightning speed, their grins widening. ''Ohh, here we go. I should probably only ruffle them a bit.'' In an instant, she unleashed her hand forward like a catapult, unleashing a torrent of invisible kic force. For a brief moment, their bodies froze mid-air before being forcefully propelled backward, caught in the surge of energy. The unleashed power materialized into a swirling circle, gathering dust from the ground centered around her palm. --> 24% With a thud, their bodiesnded on the hard stone road, their groans echoing through the square. The two remaining guards aimed their crossbows at her, pulling the triggers. As the sounds of springs and loud whistling filled the air, Tia''s mind acted on instinct. Her two pale fingers effortlessly replicated the trajectory of the projectiles, sending them harmlessly flying to the side with the precise and brute strike of her telekic force. --> 25% At the same time, the two knocked soldiers leaped back onto their feet, their muscles bulging beneath their suits and their eyes shining as they drew their razor-sharp swords coated in the aura energy. ''What? How are they still moving? That impact should have broken their bones.'' "Attack, all at once!" themand echoed through the air. Without hesitation, the crossbowmen tossed away their now-useless weapons, drawing their gleaming swords in unison. The four soldiers coiled together, moving towards her like agile snakes, poised to strike. But Tia remained unfazed, herposure unwavering as she stood her ground. Her hands shot forth in two separate directions, ready to meet the oing threat and shockwaves exploded outward and rippled the air before crashing into the closing soldiers like tidal waves against a cliff. --> 28% Their muscles bulged, and their movement momentarily paused as the stone road cracked beneath their feetall four bracing against the crushing force of the telekic waves. ''Oh, they are aura warriors. That is why they are so sturdy and strong,'' Tia cursed as all four soldiers, step by step, advancedmore and more shockwaves crashing into them, the tile stone from the road flying in every direction, torn out from the ground. --> 31% ''I must go harder on them.'' Tia''s eyes shed as her multiple synapses red to life, and energy surged into her slender fingertips. The next moment blood splurted out of the soldier''s eyes, all four falling to the ground, their painful cries resounding through the square. --> 36% The sensation of crushing their eyeballs brought a rush of adrenaline and excitement, threatening to make her lose her mind. However, she didn''t even blinkall her control focused on pinning them to the ground and crushing their bones. "It is your fault! You should have known when to give up." She pressed with all her mind, the five soldiers moaning and screaming in terror as the metal sewn into their suits creaked and bent, their bones slowly fracturing. Their muscles were tense as they tried to push back against the overwhelming force to no wail, their struggle only making it more satisfying to her. --> 38% "Ahhh!" "Gah!" Tia''s mind pressed stronger and stronger; her energy quickly consumed and transformed into pure kic force, dislocating the soldier''s joints with loud shaping sounds as they sunk into the stone road. Suddenly, she sensed a movement to her left and a pair of heavy metallic steps quickly approaching her, her eyes going wide in surprise as she woke from her trance. "Die, you bitch!" Another soldier leaped into the air, the glowing de of the sword already closing on her head. The terror and fear filled her, bringing her back to reality. ''I screwed up and lost control.'' At thest moment, she gritted her teeth, and a wave of kic force collided with her own body, throwing her backward. The strain on her muscles was intense, and a sharp pain shot through her body. As she staggered back, barely recovering her bnce, a split-secondter, the deadly de of the sword narrowly missed her nose. The sheer speed of the swing stirred a gust of wind, causing her hair to dance in the draft. With a thunderous crash, the de struck the road, igniting an explosion of fire. The sparks and fragments scattered in every direction. Even amid the pain, her mind moved, the barrier of force deflecting and counterbncing the explosion. At the same time, her gun flew into her hand from her belt, its smooth metal perfectly fitting her hand. The soldier, once again, raised his sword, his predatory eyes drilling holes into her. With precision, she pulled the trigger, and electricity hummed from the blue, glowing barrel of her weapon. In a blinding sh of light akin to lightning, the approaching man explodedhis chest torn apart, with ckened, burnt viscera raining down. Even Tia was shocked, her hand shaking at the gory death as shergely underestimated the firepower of her new pistol. ''Why is it set on armor-piercing by default?'' A loud yell resounded through the square, and the observing crowds dispersed, "What have you done, you idiots! I told you to bring her, not assault her!" Through the newly formed corridor, a tall man in the same uniform as the previous soldiers except for the polished chest te over his suit that reflected the sunlight. His hand in the metal gauntlet remained on his sword, his eyes vigntly looking at her, constantly shifting between anger and fear. "Ehhm, I wish to apologize for the behavior of my men. I am here to personally invite you, the esteemed manaborn, to the castle of His lordships, Baron Lafas." ''I just killed a man, and he doesn''t even care? No, I bet it is a trap. However, as long as I get closer to my target, it will be worth it.'' She wasn''t worried, as her time in this world quickly shortened, especially after using so much energy in her cent battle, leaving her only a few hours before she would vanish without a trace. Chapter 18: Garlicia part 3/3: Execution Chapter 18: Garlicia part 3/3: Execution Fire quietly crackled in a giant firece encircled by masterful murals depicting lush trees and life-like animals. The flickering, golden glow gracefully illuminated the expanse of a medium-sized chamber, casting enchanting shadows. RicExquisite tapestries, adorned with opulent green and gold threads, draped elegantly across the walls, and animal pelts wereyered over polished stone tiles of the floor, giving it a cozy and warm look. Tia''s nerves were getting worse and worse as she counted in her mind each minute until she would finally leave the world, trying to guess when was the right moment to strike. Still, outside, her cold, stone-like face didn''t changeher legs crossed as she sat in arge armchair facing the firece. "It is a pleasure to meet you, miss... What is your esteemed name?" The man, no youth, sitting in the neighboring chair, smiled at her. She hated the man just on a ncehis mustache, blonde hair, and, atst, his smug face made her want to punch him and crush his nose, ''A slimy snake.'' "You can call me Tiariel." She gracefully twirled the richly red wine in her ss before taking a brief whiff as if verifying its quality, ''I can''t smell any poison or anything unusual, but that doesn''t mean it isn''t poisoned.'' She only had to hold one more hour, and she would be back in the safety of her bed. ''I will kill this spoiled brat.'' Not knowing her thought, the brat kept devouring her with his eyes, roaming all over her, "I will say it only once, work for me. No, marry me! I am mesmerized by your beauty and talent, and your perfect eyes stole my heart!" The ss of wine shattered, the red liquid spilling out, mixing with her blood as she crushed it with her own hand, cutting her palm in the process. ''It looks like you want to die sooner.'' On the pulse of her thoughts, the shards hurled through the air, akin to a relentless barrage of bullets, each one set on a course aimed directly at the trembling, panic-stricken young scion. "Wha..." At thest moment, a light shed, and the ring on the boy''s finger lit up with energy as a yellowy barrier of light materialized around him. The iing shards collided with the barrier, disintegrating into a mesmerizing firework of shimmering sparks, dispersing harmlessly into the air. --> 42% ''Shit, this brat is full of surprises.'' She leaped on her feet, her eyes already ring with vortexes of energy swirling inside them. "Guards! Guards!" The wet path formed on the brat''s trousers as he paled in terror of narrowly avoiding a certain death. ''A pathetic worm not even worthy of his rank. I can see he didn''t have to even lift his finger to get what he had, all obtained from the hard work of his ancestors.'' With a resounding crash, the doors were violently torn from their hinges, and an imposing force of over ten soldiers surged into the chamber. Each soldier donned a gleaming, meticulously polished te armor, which caught the dancing mes of the firece and mirrored their light. Their swords all pointed at her, no one daring to step closer and endanger the hostage. Tia didn''t wait for even a second, her hand drawing therge sma pistol while the terrified boy rushed to the exit. The blue lights lit up, one by one, alongside the pistol''s barrel while electricity crackled around it. The guards rushed all in, quickly moving to surround the running noble. However, Tia''s mind was faster as her hand shot forward and grasped the boy with invisible tendrils of force. She threateningly closed her palm, and the spoiled brat''s feet lifted from the ground as he levitated like in suspended gravity, ripples passing through the translucent barrier protecting him. "Release the young master!" "No, he was too arrogant." She carefully aligned the holographic sight with the boy''s head, her finger moving to press the trigger. "Who dares to disturb the peace of my residence?!" Windows rattled in their frames, and the chandelier swayed with all the knights shaking as a voice thundered across the entire castle. ''Atst, the true lord has arrived. I need to hurry.'' Tia briefly nced at her energy reserves, and a smile crept onto her face, ''Only less than an hour remaining, and if I splurge now, I can probably vanish almost instantly.'' "Bye!" She pressed the trigger, and the brightest blue light she ever saw lit up in its barrel, half of the entire charge bar of the gun vanishing in a single go. The bang reverberated through the room while a melon-sized blue orb of energy shot out and hurled across the room. Before she could even blink, the shockwave of heat washed over her as the bolt hit the glowing barrier of light. The furs and tapestries along the way incinerated in the fiery inferno, the stone floor melted, and the boy''s body shot and smashed against the wall. "Help!" A web of cracks spread through the barrier, the heat passing through and burning his skin. His painful shouts sent shivers down her entire body. Even she couldn''t believe the immense firepower of her gun. "For His Lordship!" "Kill her!" "Protect the young master!" The knights threw themself against her, the nging of the metal boots quickly approaching with more and more voices and shoutsing from the castle''s corridor. The giant des of their two-handed swords fell toward her, glowing with sparks of energy. Tia put as much energy as she wanted, splurging it without any limit as she waved her hand to wee them. With a bang, allunched backward, the metal tes of their armor bending, caving, and creaking. With thunderous metallic bangs, they smashed into the walls, floor, and even the ceiling, blood flowing out of the gaps between the protective tes. --> 47% "Who dares to fight in my castle?!!!" A searingly powerful aura was quickly approaching, its strength palpable even through the countless walls between her and its source. She aimed her gun once more at the already burned boy crawling to the safety across the floor like a worm, his cracked barrier already falling apart in motes of light. "Die." Once more, a brilliant light shed, apanied by a searing wave of intense heat that engulfed the room, causing the windows behind her to shatter under the force of the shockwave. The berserk vortex of swirling blue sma that surged with incredible power smashed into the boy before continuing and piercing through the wall behind him, creating a massive hole in the thick stone structure, revealing the startled maids and guards outside, their faces contorted with panic and disbelief. Ding! // The quest was cleared! Rewards: 2 x WP; Permanent link to the world: Garlicia // "Ahhh!" The rageful cry shook with the stone walls once more, the aura getting closer and closer with each passing second. ''Time to get out.'' Tia closed her eyes and pulled all her remaining energy into every inch of her body. She let it go, and a shocking explosion of fire and raw kic force exploded out. The walls cracked, the pirs shattered, and surviving knights vanished in the vortex of spinning mes. --> 52% --> 15% In a panic, her eyes shot wide open as a middle-aged man smashes straight through the wall, heading towards her like a human rocket, his entire body in expensive robes crackling with lightning like a human Te coil. Beep! <<<<<<<>>>>>>> Fixing the spacetime anomaly <100%> <<<<<<<>>>>>>> Her vision turned ck. Chapter 19: The Wand Chapter 19: The Wand (AN: This is my first time creating someplex crafting system, so please let me know if it is interesting, engaging, or needs to be improved.) The girl''s eyes went wide open, the familiar sight of the water-damaged ceiling assuring her of her return. Her hands still trembled after nearly dying for her third time. The image of the lightning was still vividly ingrained in her thoughts. "I can''t be so careless the next time. A bitter, and I would get struck by that thing." She patted around her waist, immediately calming down as her sack was safely there, carrying all of the bounty she painstakingly harvested. Tiredly, she closed her eyes, resting against the softness of her pillow. The next morning: A stick of smooth, perfectly white wood, a bottle of thick red liquid, a small cooling container, and a couple of colorful gemstones were neatly ced on the small table. "I should have all I need." She gave once over on the materials. // The quest was cleared! Rewards: 1 x witch point; 1 x [Apprentice Artification] // Artificing was a precise and delicate craft and a major and important field of witchcraft that was the foundation for creating magic items. She dipped her finger into the blood and leaned over the old floor of her room. With a precise movement, she drew a singr thin curved line that soon formed arge circle. She didn''t pause, gracefully moving across the floor, tracing smaller circles around the central one. Each smaller circle received the same careful attention, and then she further divided them by drawing precise halves with strokes of her finger guided by the skill. "Now for the fuel." With a sense of satisfaction, she retrieved the red and transparent gemstones from the pile and carefully positioned two of them on each of the smaller circles, pairing one transparent and one red gem together. Gazing at her creation, Tia nodded approvingly. The energy-gathering focus was nowplete, designed to extract and concentrate the energies stored within the gemstones, channeling them toward the center of the formation. It was a crucialponent of her intricate process and supplemented her own limited mana capacity. "The more energy, the more effective the process will be." The wand consisted of three mainponents: the conductor, the core, and the focus. "Let''s first create the conductor." With steady hands, Tia took hold of the white stick and retrieved an empty pot. The strong iron smell emanating from the bottle of fireman''s blood caused her to instinctively hold her breath as she cautiously poured it into the empty container. "Yup, with this I have both the base material and the source material from which I will be extracting." Once the pot was filled, she positioned it at the center of the circle she had prepared. Her eyes darted around the room, ensuring that no prying eyes were watching her every move, preserving the secrecy of her ritual. "Even if I can exin the rest with my insanity, there is no way I would be able to exin this." Finally, she nodded in approval and lowered her hand above the pot, allowing mana to gracefully flow into her fingers and extend towards the bloodied mixture. In a mesmerizing disy, the luminous gems erupted into a cascade of radiant mana and light, their particles swirling and intermingling with the encircled blood in a mesmerizing vortex of pure energy. The amalgamation of her innate mana and the fiery and null affinities of the gems fused seamlessly under her control. She directed it straight into the pot, and as soon as the stream mana touched the blood, it burst into a brilliant red glow, illuminating the surroundings. "This should be enough to fuel the elemental extraction and infusion." The mixture began to swirl, forming a mesmerizing vortex that centered around the stick. With closed eyes, Tia focused intently, skillfully manipting the swirling mass of impurities and diverse elements under her control. "I need only null and fire elements." She slowly guided them into the stick, droplets of sweat forming on her forehead as she tried to filter the blood. The mixture of various elements, most prevalently the blood, fire, and null, all interwoven in a chaotic swirling mixture rushing into the stick, only to be dragged into Tia''s hand. A slight pain burned in her hands as she meticulously filtered the blood, tainted mana flowing through her veins as she circled it to filter the impurities and unneeded elements. Her hands trembled with the rapid depletion of mana, vanishing like a vortex pulling energy into a dark abyss. The purer mix of fire and null affinity mana flowed out of her hand, straight into the stick like lightning toward a lightning rod, while the pain in her hand quickly intensified, growing from the slight tickling into the searing hot sensation of burning. "Ahh." With a sudden reaction, she stepped back and halted the flow of mana. Gasping for breath, the searing pain in her hand nearly caused her to crumble to the ground, witnessing the vivid rainbow, mostly red veins pulsating beneath her skin. "This can''t go like this. I need proper tools, and a lot of them." Her gaze fell upon the oue of her efforts, and a hint of disdain crossed her face. The once pristine white stick had now transformed into a tainted orange, marred with faint, dirty hues of red and illuminated by glowing white veins that snaked their way up its tip. The colors appearedckluster and pale, revealing the impurity of the mana and the ingredients she had employed. "Phh, there is still too much of the blood element that tainted it. I have reached the peak and yet now I have to start from the bottom." It frustrated her beyond any measure. She saw the top, and now she was again forced to crawl back at the bottom of the hierarchy, all her hard work gone. Like potion-making, artification also depended on manipting elements and their properties, imbuing them into runes, materials, and objects. The purer they were, the stronger the effects were and easier to control. "Fire will amplify my pyrokinesis, and null should amplify my telekinesis." She could only sigh at being forced to use the null element. "Motion, gravity, force, or energy elements would be better, but there is no way I could extract them in pure enough form in my current state." There were four basic elemental maniptions: fusing, splitting, purifying, and degrading. When extracting elements, some would always be more prevalent. For example, when extracting properties from fire, the resulting elemental energy would always be inclined to mostly appear in the form of fire elements. One could either fuse them with, for example, earth elements to obtain magma elements. Purify it into its higher, purer form, heat, and as it was already the lowest tier base element, it couldn''t be split into its sub-elements or degraded into its inferior, impurer version. Chapter 20: The Infinite Richess! Chapter 20: The Infinite Richess! Tia sat in silence on her bed, her gaze fixed upon the pot cradling two glittering, glowing gemsred and transparent, each asrge as peanuts. Beside them, a human heart shined and pulsed with an otherworldly radiance. As she focused her energy, a mesmerizing magic circle began to emit a soft, ethereal glow while under her skilled guidance, mana gracefully swirled around the heart, gradually intensifying in its power. ''A bit more, and it should crystalize the heart, using the two gems as seeds.'' The heart melted while bubbling, slowly melting into a liquid that shone like liquified light of various colors. In a graceful dance, it flowed and swirled, enveloping the two gems and cleansing their smooth, shiny surfaces. Tia gently closed her eyes, and as she did, the gems within the smaller outer rings ignited with even more intense brilliance. The swirling liquified mana hastened its rotation, slowly thickening until it started to stick to gems that slowly grew smaller and smaller. Gradually, the gems melted, and the residual mana dissipated, leaving behind a red liquid full of mud-like impurities, enough to fill a tiny ampule. Its beauty held an enigmatic allure, mesmerizing the pair of eyes watching it. ''It looks like the mana liquidification worked well.'' In a simr way as mana could be extracted and infused, it could also be liquified and crystalized by increasing its concentration. ''I wish I could create enough mana pressure to create a crystal focus, but the liquid one must be enough for now. Still better than using those tiny mana stones.'' Ding! // Thanks to your hard work, you have learned a new skill: [Material Assessment (lv 1)] +1 to INT // Ding! // Assessment: Name: Unnamed Type: Liquified mana Primary affinities: Fire, Null, Blood Quality: Poor Tier: II // ''Tier two? That isn''t so bad. I will name you Fire Blood.'' With this, Tia nodded and grabbed the stick while the glowing liquid floated into the air in a swarm of droplets. Under her will, the stick became malleable, its center vanishing, drilling a hole all the way from its bottom to its tip. It was imbued with mana controlled and influenced by her, giving her control over it. The liquid flowed into the hole, reaching its tip from the inside, before it closed and mended, leaving behind only the reddish rod. ''Now, I will only make the core. There is no need to make it separate for such a basic wand. I will just engrave the core enchantment onto its surface.'' She focused again, and four intricate runic letters appeared on it, brightly glowing as mana circted through them. Even though her memories were hazy, and it was almost impossible to remember the details, the basic knowledge from her level-one skill helped her. ''Enchant linked with Strength, Control, and Focus'' Each rune symbolized a single word, meaning, and concept that controlled the mana and rules of the universe, like consolemands controllingputers. ''This is the limit. This focus and conductor can''t handle more.'' The conductor only connected the parts together, allowing mana to freely flow while focus directed and overcharged mana and also fueled the core runes that transformed and affected mana flowing through it. The glowing runes dimmed down, leaving behind only the simple, reddish-white wand that could be mistaken for a dirigent''s stick. Ding! // Evaluating the finished product! Please wait... // ''Here we go. I can''t wait for my hard work to be criticized and made fun of.'' She frowned as she saw how imperfect her creation was; it was as if a former university student was sent back to daycare only to realize she wasn''t much better than the kids around. It hurt her self-esteem so much. Ding! // Type: Liquid Focus Integrated-core Wand Difficulty: You did well with your avable materials and tools | [+15 points] Creation Speed: You rested too long, wasting your time. The next time, try harder | [+3 points] Mana control improvement factor: x 0.95 null, x 1.10 fire, x 1.10 blood, x 0.95 others | [+10 points] Spell-magnification factor: x 1.30 null, x 1.80 fire, x 1.40 blood, x 0.80 others | [+13 points] Special features: Fire Affinity E | [+10 points] Null Affinity F | [+5 points] Blood Affinity F | [+5 points] Calcting total points, please wait... // ''Just hurry up with that! How can you calcte it for so long? I would bet you are just doing it to piss me off. You never took so long before!'' Ding! // A parasite stealingputation power was detected... Please wait, as the estimated time needed for calction may be prolonged. // ''Come on! It is just a simple addition that you have to do, so stop messing around.'' Ding! // Total points: 58 Your reward: +2 WP Skill progress: [Apprentice Artificing] 0% -> 25% // ''This isn''t that bad. Now, let''s see if it will truly work with my Esper powers as they are using the same power as spells.'' With an excited gleam in her eyes, Tia channeled a surge of her power into the wand, causing the tendrils of her telekinesis to extend outward. As she held the wood in her hand, a delightful warmth suffused through it, emphasizing its intricate veins that seemed to pulse as if they were alive. With childish excitement, Tia yfully waved the wand, and to her utter delight, all the gems, the pot, and even the droplets of blood gracefully ascended into the air, seemingly weightless as if submerged in a gentle underwater current. Her eyes widened with wonder, resembling radiant stars, as she reveled in the sheer joy and exhration of witnessing the ease at which it moved pleasantly surprised her. ''So the wand is not only affecting my magic powers but also my esper powers. You will be perfect until I gather materials for focus rings or even gloves.'' She could already see all the money she could make. ''Corporations, powerful espers, and even governments would be willing to wage wars for this. I can literally turn cheap magic wood into pure money!'' Abruptly, the doors groaned on their hinges as they swung open. Startled, Tia spun around to face them, causing all the previously floating objects to descend back to the ground with a cacophonous nging sound. The handler stood at the doors, her posture frozen in ce, a mix of shock and disapproval evident on her face. "What on earth has happened here?" she questioned sternly, her gaze sweeping over the scene with incredulity. "Were you drawing with blood on the floor? And what in the world is with that pot? Were you eating from it?" Her usatory tone only added to Tia''s unease. Feeling her heart pounding in her chest, Tia shifted ufortably under the weight of the handler''s cold stare. The room suddenly felt suffocating as the awkwardness of the situation intensified. She longed to vanish, to escape the judgmental gaze that seemed to prate her very being and the shame. ''After this, there is no way they would question my insanity.'' "Doesn''t matter. I will send someone to clean it up. Now follow me. It is time for your training." Chapter 21: The Limit of Control Chapter 21: The Limit of Control POV Inspector ???: The inspector''s hurried steps echoed through the sterile, concrete-white corridor, bathed in a brightness emanating from the strips of lights seamlessly embedded into the walls. His breath came in ragged gasps, and beads of sweat glistened on his forehead as he pressed on, running down the seemingly infinite expanse of seamless corridors. Along the walls stood dozens of sturdy metallic doors. ''Which idiot came up with this procedure!'' After a momentary pause to catch his breath, he came to a halt before one particr door. Within seconds, a radiant beam of light enveloped his face, apanied by the mechanical feminine voice. "Identificationplete... Authentication confirmed... Authorization level deemed sufficient..." The doors glided open noiselessly, unveiling a dimly litmand center. Within its confines, several figures donning police coats were gathered around a shining projection table, serving as the room''s sole source of illumination. The soft glow from the projection table cast intriguing shadows across their faces, fully focused on their tasks while utteringmands to the radio. "We have the location. The unit three is ready to be dispatched." His voice resounded with urgency as he yelled at them, "Stop! Abort the mission!" ''It looks like I have arrived just on time.'' As he stepped into the room, all eyes immediately turned toward him. Confusion and shock painted their faces, but it swiftly transformed into a surprise as they recognized his identity. In unison, they saluted him before springing into action. "Yes, inspector!" "To themandos three. Here is themand seven. Abort the strike." With a subtle yet intense disy of anger and displeasure, the young detective woman turned her gaze toward him. "Sir, what is the meaning of this? There is a life in danger! We can get those criminals!" ''Ohh, young and eager to save lives.'' Even though he admired her zeal for justice and work, he wouldn''t relent in his pursuit, even if he had to use his authority to the fullest. "Nonsense, there is no dangershe is a ransom hostage. They will not kill her so easily." The young blonde detective didn''t relent, "Sir, I still don''t understand what are you trying to do by interrupting my operation. We had it all under control." "I am taking over this operation. From now on, this is my operation." With a confident smile, the inspector took measured steps, hands folded behind his back, and approached the projection table. This was the moment he had been waiting for, his golden opportunity to finally catch her. ''Let''s see if she will fall for the bait. Will shee?'' POV Tia: In the vastness of a spherical chamber, Tia stood alone, surrounded by absolute darkness and silence. The chamber seemed entirely cut off from the outside world, isting herpletely. With eyes closed, she concentrated on the ten metal balls, the size of an apple, each orbiting around her like miniature moons. She didn''t even know how long she was therethe time seemingly dragging for an eternity, the silence andck of light slowly nibbling on her mind. The only connection she had to reality was through her touch and the sensation of manipting the metal balls with her mind. ''I should intensify... I feel like this time I will do better.'' As her mental bubble expanded, Tia became acutely aware of the cold copper surface beneath her, the metallic walls, and the ceiling of the chamber. Determination fueled her as she grasped two more balls, sending them soaring from the floor to join the others in their perfect orbits around her. With each additional ball, the strain on her mind intensified. She pushed herself, focusing on every movement, slowly increasing their speed. As her concentration deepened, her brain seemed to ignite with pulsating waves of heat coursing down her spine and through her fingertips. Thirteen and then fourteen balls rose into the air, joining the mesmerizing dance around her. The heat in her head surged, turning into a subtle ache. The balls trembled slightly, but Tia steadied her thoughts, refusing to sumb to the pain. She expertly stabilized all of them on their orbits, her mind leaping between them, continuously adjusting their angles and velocities. She could focus only for a fraction of a second on each before being forced to move to another one, her concentration reaching its peak, ''This is still not my limit.'' Despite her fear and aversion to pain, Tia was determined to push her powers to their absolute limits. As the fifteenth and sixteenth balls rose to join the others. The intensity of heat and pulsations in her head grew, apanied by the persistent, weak throbbing pain. Her mind continually switched between the threads of thoughts, ensuring that all the balls remained in their orbits. It wasn''t merely a strain on her powers; it was a true test of her mental fortitude and control. Keeping so many flying objects precisely in check demanded a level of focus and precision she had never experienced before with her telekinesis. Summoning her resolve, Tia flicked her fingers to lift two more balls, but this time the pain struck her like a searing hot knife to her forehead. Instantly, her mind turned blurry as she struggled to maintain control over all of them. --> 54% Despite her unwavering determination, it felt as though she was trying to stop a sinking boat with countless holes, and she had only a cup to bail out the water. With great effort, she managed to keep most of the balls in their orbits, but atst, one deviated from its intended path, crashing violently into the chamber walls with a shattering bang that startled her. "Ahhh!" She gasped, feeling an electric jolt shoot through her neck. In frustration, she clutched the metal cor around it, hating the ridiculous concept of being shocked every time she made a mistake. In an abrupt and startling moment, another ball hurtled out of control, sending a fresh wave of shock coursing through her body, threatening to bring her to her knees. Despite this, she gathered herposure, clenched her teeth, and resolutely maintained the trembling balls in their designated orbits. ''That sadist... but I can still see how this could work. Losing control over my powers due to some pain could cost me my life out there.'' She panted in relief as the pain subsided, ''This should be enough to know my limit without using my second brain synapse.'' Remarkably, the excruciating pain in her mind began to subside as nine balls relinquished her direct control and autonomously orbited around her. Previously, she had struggled, her thoughts frantically leaping from one ball to another, striving to correct their paths. But now, a newfound rity emerged as a second thread of thought emerged, independently managing the assigned balls with remarkable efficiency. Feeling the difference encouraged her as nine additional balls levitated into the air, seamlessly integrating into the swirling hurricane of steel. The rapid rotation of the balls generated a refreshing coolness, soothing her once-overheated mind. Nevertheless, the pain started to creep back as she continued to manipte the entire ensemble of spheres. ''So twenty-five is my current limit when going all out.'' Suddenly, the familiar voice broke her out of her concentration, but she still managed to keep all the balls in their ces, "There is going on something that might interest you." Chapter 22: Hands-on Learning Aproach Chapter 22: Hands-on Learning Aproach Tia pushed herself through the crowds, moving deeper and deeper into the city jungle. Her ck cloak blended into the swarms of colorfully dressed people moving in both directions in seemingly chaotic, unpredictable patterns. The smell of street cuisine and juicy meat mixed with the odor of human sweat brought by the day''s heat. The scorching sun shone upon her, the tall buildings on both sides of the street doing only a little to make it better, enveloping her in the sweltering heat intensified by her ck cloak and the endless sea of concrete around her. With vignt eyes, she meticulously surveyed the crowds, studying each passerby from head to toe, keeping the handler''s warning firmly etched in her mind. No, even without it, she would believe there was a high chance of it being a trap, ''Even if it is a trap, I will do it.'' Still, she was determined to do it, not just for her personal motivations but also to hone her skill and get some practice, as the handler advised. With a vignt gaze, she surveyed her surroundings before discreetly slipping into a narrow sidestreet. Her eyes traced the ascent of a towering concrete wall stretching an imposing five floors above her. Tia took a deep breath, centering her focus. With a determined glint in her eyes, she channeled her telekic power. Then, in an instant, an invisible force gripped her, pulling her upwards with incredible speed. It felt like an exhrating rollercoaster ride as she soared toward the sky, her cloak pping like wings behind her. The gray concrete rushed past her in a gray blur. The wind whipped against her face, a refreshing rush of freedom. She felt weightless, untethered from the ground below. She angled her flight trajectory, homing in on the neighboring building. As she neared the rooftop, she braced for impact. Hernding was graceful, akin to a nimble cat. Her feet touched down soundlessly, absorbing the kic energy with ease. In an instant, she crouched low, concealed by the rooftop''s edge. Her heart raced with adrenaline, but herposure remained unwavering. She carefully leaned over the edge of the roof, her eyes dimly glowing as the smart lenses came to life, zooming her vision toward the neighboring building. ''Those lenses are truly worth having smart in their name.'' From her vantage point, she had a perfect overview of the building shorter by one floor. A single man quietly walked around its roof''s edge, his long gray coat swaying in the wind and sun reflected in his ck sunsses. The small bulk beneath the coat betrayed the concealed gun. ''So those are the shits that dared to kidnap my small cousin.'' Even though she hated her aunt to the bone for what she had done to her, she couldn''t make herself hate the girl she used to y with as a child. No, she still considered her to be thest rtive she didn''t hate. Even if it was a trap, she wouldn''t let the kidnappers get away with it, ''Phh, even if the dumb guards got them, they would at best be thrown to a prison for a few years and at worst painlessly shot.'' She carefully aimed her gun, aligning the crosshair of the holographic scope with the man''s head. The lines, trajectories, and numbers projected into her mind, predicting the patrols, and movement, correcting her aim. The cleverputer calcted the trajectory and adjusted for the slightest environmental factors. The wind, the distance, the angleeverything meticulously predicted and turned into data. Then, with lightning precision, she pulled the trigger, and a short pulse of blue light shed. The next moment, the man copsed to the ground, smoke rising out of his seared, ckened head, turned into a piece of charcoal. ''This world is ridiculous. With this kind of equipment, even some random kid from a street would be able to kill a knight that trained for years.'' With a fearless leap over the rooftop''s edge, Tia surrendered herself to the unseen telekic force, which eagerly hoisted her across the gap between buildings. The exhrating rush filled her with a mix of excitement and concentration, causing her surroundings to blur as the busy street loomed far below. Hernding on the second rooftop was precise, her feet finding solid ground with a soft thud. The wind rushed past her, causing her cloak to dance around her like a dark specter. Without wasting a moment, she approached the lifeless guard sprawled before her. Her heart remained steady, her senses alert to any potential threats. With methodical efficiency, she crouched beside him, her gloved hands swiftly searching his pockets for anything of use. ''Hmm, nothing. Not even a wallet? Also, his gun is a cheap piece of crap.'' Moving with the grace of a seasoned predator, Tia walked swiftly across the rooftop, her steps soundless as she approached the door with her instincts honed from her previous life slowly reawakening. With practiced ease, she opened the doors, revealing a dimly lit staircase spiraling downwards. Her senses were heightened, her ears straining to capture even the faintest of sounds. She froze as she caught two voices only a few meters further down. "Big Bob, do you really think this will work? They look rich! I would bet the guards are already splurging resources on this hunt." "Big Bob doesn''t think! Me smash stuff! Me, being the big Bob!" "Yeah, I get it, Bob. " "Me not Bob, me Big Bob." Tia froze for a moment, feeling her head would explode from what she just heard, getting shbacks to the dumb fire maniac she fought before. ''Why is every criminal in this town like this?!'' She already heard rumors of the sketchy body-strengthening drugs that were turning their users into idiots. However, until now, she only considered it to be a rumor. Just the thought of being forced to fight more dumb, superstrong muscleheads in the future made her shudder. She hated them and how inelegant and brute they were. She also hated, even more, their dumb yelling during the fights. "Big Bob smash!" The next moment, the wall exploded, with pieces of concrete flying everywhere and an oversized fist tearing through it. The world seemingly slowed down as she reacted. Chapter 23: The Bloody Apartment, part 1/2 Chapter 23: The Bloody Apartment, part 1/2 Still dazed and disoriented, Tia instinctively crouched down as clouds of dust swirled around her. Her ears were still ringing from the deafening bang that had just urred. Through the settling haze, she noticed a muscr arm protruding from a hole in the wall, twitching futilely as it attempted to free itself. ''I hate those muscleheads.'' She raised her gun and aimed at the wall. As her finger gently squeezed the trigger, a brilliant sh of light erupted from the muzzle, causing the dust-filled air to shimmer and glint. In an instant, the arm ceased its movement, now lifeless and inert, hanging limply out of the hole. The circr opening left by her precise shot still emanated heat, faintly glowing with the residual energy of the st. A bright, blinding shlight pierced through the murky corridor, momentarily blurring Tia''s vision, apanying the trembling voice of the second man and the ominous hum of electric energy charging. "How could you kill him?! You animal!" A red bolt of sma froze mid-air and stopped before it could even reach her, the ionized super hot gas brightly glowing, its bright red light unable to pierce through the thick dust clouds. --> 55% Before Tia could respond, the corridor erupted with a relentless barrage of red energy bolts, illuminating the dust-filled air with blinding shes of pulsing crimson light. Reacting instinctively, Tia threw herself to the ground, seeking cover from the lethal onught. The red bolts whizzed above her, striking the walls and shattering chunks of concrete and metal into deadly shrapnel that scattered in all directions. More and more of the bolts froze with each second, suspended in the air as if they hung on invisible wires attached to the ceiling. Tia maintained her focus, and even though she couldn''t see her target clearly amidst the bright shes, her mind still moved on instinct, freezing all the bolts flying in her direction. ''Take this back.'' With a flick of her wrist, all the suspended sma bolts hurled back through the corridor in a single barrage of light and fire that drowned it in fire. --> 61% In an instant, the firefight ceased, leaving the corridor dark and eerily silent. The ragged breathing of the second man resonated through the air, his presence still concealed by the shadows. Tia remained vignt, her senses heightened as she cautiously scanned the surroundings, prepared for any sudden movement. ''Is he dead? Damn, now I will have to go loud.'' She was still angry at herself for getting ambushed by that dumb musclehead, her only relief being his quick demise. With steady steps, she silently walked deeper into the apartment corridor. The pieces of concrete were cracking, and the old disgusting purple carpet rustled under her feet. Soon, the bleeding gunner emerged from the dust, slumped against the wall smeared by his blood and littered with burned ck circles created by his own gun. The moment his eyes fell on her, his trembling arm holding therge glowing rifle rose with visible difficulty. Tia didn''t even blink as she waved her wand, and the man''s neck twisted, his arm falling back down limply. --> 63% ''Nothing but dirt. They are no threat. At least if they don''t catch me off guard... like they just did.'' As she ventured further into the apartment, the narrow corridor with the staircase opened into a small living room. Only a few sparse rays of light managed to prate through the gaps in the boards barricading the windows, and the musty air was thick with the pungent smell of sweat and dust mixing with the ammonia smell of old piss, which instantly triggered waves of nausea. She always loathed strong odors, even in her past life. In one corner, old bottles and cansy scattered, serving as a stark reminder of the neglected state of the ce. The old broken furniture was covered under a thick nket of dust, and a dead raty on the disgusting purple carpet. ''Just because they are criminals doesn''t mean they shouldn''t be cleaning!'' Her eyes and ears remained vignt, scanning for more attackers as she kept slowly advancing toward a narrow corridor line with ugly blue carpet, going deeper into the apartment. There were only two doors, one closed and the second one missing. Something rustled in the room without a door, and her body immediately froze in reaction. ''Someone is there.'' Her hand itched to just shoot through the wall and turn the room into a death trap with her high-powered weapon, ending it instantly, but she held herself back, knowing she could identally shoot her sweet little cousin. ''This is bad... Peeking there would be too dangerous with them already covering the entrance, while shooting through the walls would be too dangerous when I don''t know where they hold her. ''I can''t also use my telekinesis to touch the room to locate them as that would require too much of my focus, leaving me more vulnerable to an ambush from another vector.'' She refused to die in such a shabby and disgusting ce due to being careless. Atst, an idea shed in her mind, ''Maybe a distraction would work. That should give me enough time to scout the situation.'' She crouched down slowly and carefully approaching the doorframe, her eyes constantly darting between them and the single remaining doors at the end of the corridor. Taking deliberate steps, she moved forward with meticulous care, avoiding the old cans and broken ss scattered on the floor. Each footfall was calcted to minimize noise, her heart already racing with the anticipation of impending danger and possible confrontation. At once, she stopped by the doorframe, her gun and wand already at ready. She stilled her own breath as she focused entirely on the soundsing from the room. There was hushed breathing, multiple of them. However, it was impossible to pinpoint their exact locations. ''At least two people. Either hostages or kidnappers, maybe even mix.'' Her mind flexed her mental muscle as five metal balls floated out of her pocket, silently hovering by her side. ''Now!'' An old beer bottle floated on the other side of the corridor, all the objects waiting for hermand. ''Now!'' The bottle smashed against the left corner of the doorframe. Just a secondter, Tiaunched from her crouching position and peeked into the room while three bright red bolts of sma sted in the direction from where the bottle flew in. Three men were spread across the medium-sized room filled with filthy matrasses, all three aiming at the doorframe withrge sma rifles. In the blink of an eye, she ducked back into her cover, followed by the onught of shing red light, with the crimson bolts raining on the wall behind where she was just a moment earlier. At the same time, the wooden doors at the end of the corridor flew off the hinges as another man barged in, aiming straight at her. All five balls of metal shot at full speed, the tip of her wand and her irises brightly shining. Chapter 24: The Bloody Apartment, part 2/2 Chapter 24: The Bloody Apartment, part 2/2 Tia pressed herself tightly against the walls while the five metallic spheres hurtled at a dizzying speed, appearing as blurred silver streaks. Four of the spheres disappeared around the corner of the doorframe nearby, while thest one shot straight toward the opening door. The wooden doors exploded open, and a man in khaki shorts emerged, firing wildly into the corridor while screaming. One bolt, then another, and a third vanished into the darkness of the passage, flying in her general direction, apanied by blinding shes that made her squirm her eyes. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" But before he could pull the trigger again, the final metal ball crashed directly into the center of his face, blood splurting out as he copsed onto a pile of ss bottles. He convulsed uncontrobly, blood and foam pouring from his mouth. With a wand emitting a bright glow in her outstretched hand, Tia stood there confidently. The single red bolt was frozen just a few steps away from her while the other two harmlessly scorched ck circles into the ceiling. ''Who would have thought that pyrokinesis could influence sma fire...'' she mused, realizing her hypothesis was correct, so whenbining her telekinesis with pyrokinesis, she found it easy to block low-powered weapons, even those using sma. In an instant, the shooting ceased, plunging the corridor back into silence and darkness, marking all the attackers as likely dead. --> 69% --> 20% Feeling safe, she closed her eyes, and her dulled sense of touch expanded outward, exploring the air like the tentacles of an octopus. The invisible tendrils of force entered the adjacent room, meticulously sweeping through it, detecting every inch of the dusty surface. The squishy sensation of blood-coated lifeless bodies indicated her targets were indeed deceased. ''Clear, time to move.'' With a smile, she opened her eyes and confidently stepped forward into the corridor. The old carpet rustled under her feet, but she no longer cared about being heard. ''Only one room remains, I just hope she is there.'' Stepping over the lifeless body, she halted in front of the shattered door. She focused her hearing, catching the muffled sounds of human noisesing out. With every angle already cleared, she closed her eyes once more, intensifying her focus. Her will projected itself into the open room ahead, conjuring a hazy but informative image of the situation inside. Her eyelids snapped open a moment before she confidently strode inside. The gun in her hand emitted a radiant glow, poised to shoot at a moment''s notice, while her wand remained at the ready to deflect any potential attacks. Huddled on the ground were four young girls and boys, all dressed in ck school uniforms, their trembling figures bound tightly by thick ropes. Their wide eyes conveyed fear and terror, their muffled noises barely audible through the cloth wrapped around their mouths. Her gaze fixated on the tinum-haired youthfully girl before her, captivated by the striking resemnce to the girl from her memories. The lc hue of her eyes, the flowing length of her hair, and even the contours of her faceall of it stirred a powerful sense of familiarity. Instantly, she recognized her as her cousin. ''She grew up... she is no longer that small girl. She is safe... my only non-shitty rtive.'' Seeing her tied and scared on the ground with small bruises on her face only filled her with anger and fury. "S-stop right there or I will shoot her brain out!" A slender man, d in a pink plushy jacket, loomed behind the student, tightly embracing another girl while pressing his pistol against her temple. His trembling arm and glistening beads of sweat betrayed his own nervousness. His voice boomed a second time, even more vehemently, "Are you deaf? Drop your damn gun!" A grin tugged at the corners of Tia''s mouth, her anger finding its target in the scumbag before her. ''What is the point of a hostage I don''t care about?'' Without uttering a word, Tia flicked her wrist, and the room echoed with the man''s agonizing screams as all his fingers on the hand holding the gun contorted in the opposite direction. With a thud, the firearm ttered to the floor. "Haha!" Herughter exploded like wildfireher eyes aze with vibrant, colorful light. The man''s knees gave way, cracking and bending to the side, and another soul-shattering scream escaped him. "Ahhhh!!!!" He remained suspended, held by her power as if he were a mere puppet, while a wet patch formed in the crouch of his pants. Her thirst for vengeance fueled her desire to make him suffer a thousandfold for the pain he inflicted on her dear cousin. However, her ruthless determination faltered as she glimpsed the fear in the eyes of the still-bound teenagers. ''No, if I torture someone in front of her... she will think of me as a monster.'' In an instant, a brilliant blue light burst forth from the muzzle of her gun, obliterating the man''s head. A red-hot mark appeared on the wall behind him, and his headless body crumpled beside the fallen weapon. --> 72% The hostage girl remained motionless, paralyzed by overwhelming fear. Tia paid no heed to the pathetic criminal; he was unworthy of her attention. Her focus was solely on her cousin as if the remaining hostages didn''t exist. ''Will she recognize me? Will she still like me or fear me?'' Her eyes gleamed with power as the ropes and cloth binding her cousin gently unraveled. To her astonishment, the girl she had just freed sprang to her feet and, like a human arrow, threw herself at Tia. In the next moment, a warm hug enveloped her, the affection and warmth washing over her like a soothing balm, erasing all worries and fears. ''She doesn''t hate me...'' Tia realized, her heart swelling with relief and gratitude. Chapter 25: Is The Cousin Normal? Chapter 25: Is The Cousin Normal? The two tinum-haired girls just stood there in a hug. Tia''s previously frantic heartbeat gradually eased, finding sce in the warmth of the hug. "I always knew you''de to rescue me. I just wasn''t sure if you would be faster than the guards. It looks like they are truly ipetent." She whispered softly into Tia''s ear. Finally, her cousin loosened her embrace, stepping back with a radiant smile that betrayed no hint of her prior fear. "Do you think I might have some special powers too?" the girl asked with hopeful eyes. Tia paused, pondering how to respond. Her own powers stemmed from her system, so she was sure her gics had nothing to do with that. After all, if it were that straightforward, the government would have already identified the responsible genes and created an army of Esper soldiers. Despite her reservations, Tia couldn''t bring herself to shatter the girl''s hope when she saw her lc eyes almost shining with expectation. "Maybe you have." To her surprise, the young girl snapped her fingers, and all the surrounding teens froze, their eyes vacant and unresponsive. It was as if their minds had vanished, leaving behind mere empty shells. ''What? Mind control?'' She couldn''t help, but take a step back at the sudden development. "You are right, Hel. We are both special!" the girl proimed, her eyes glowing with a sinister gleam and her once warm smile reced by a wide grin filled with pride, like a child seeking praise. ''Nah, she is still my cousin. However, I was betrayed before.'' On instinct, she immediately raised the threat level of her cousin from cute and harmless to cute and dangerous. Her cousin was no longer that sweet child she used to be, ''Whatever happened since west met, has changed her.'' Still, she pushed aside her apprehensions and extended her hand to pat the younger girl''s head, gently ruffling her soft hair. "We need to hurry up. It was already hard to arrange this meeting. The number of minds I had to alter to make this work..." "So this was all staged," Tia realized, connecting the dots. As she thought about it, there were too many inconsistencies in the supposed kidnapping. Her cousin came from a wealthy family and had personal guards, just like her ssmates. It seemed highly improbable that the criminals she fought off could execute such a n sessfully. Also, the timing of the entire thing was too coincidental with her escape. The girl continued, her tone bing somber, "A month ago, my Mom almost died of heart failure and is still in aa, and a year before that, Uncle Bill died in a hovercraft crash." ''Someone is killing our family?!'' She immediately remembered the hitman, who almost killed her on the night when she awakened her systems. "Why?" Her family had attained wealth through their reputable security softwarepany, and as far as she knew, there were no illicit dealings that would warrant such a ruthless attack on her entire family, including herself, who was presumed to be mentally unstable and isted. "It''s bad, Hel. I don''t know who''s behind it or why, but I came to warn you." Her cousin reached into the pocket of her ck zer and retrieved a small square piece of metal with a single blue, glowing indicator. "Take this. It contains a few million in untraceable crypto and a way to stay in touch." As Tia epted the object, her hand trembled slightly. The amount offered was enough to secure her escape from the, a tempting offer amidst the danger she now faced. However, she no longer wanted to run. Even though she hated and despised most of her snobby family, she was the only one who could kill them! Someone has attacked her and endangered even her cousin. They couldn''t get away with it! ''My parents also died in rather suspicious circumstances... is it possible?'' She saw her family die in her past life, and she wouldn''t make the same mistake again. Even though they were garbage, they were still her family, and she would rather for them to stay alive. ''Instead, I will punish them myself. They will be my puppets, and they will hate it for how they used me.'' There was only one thing she needed to confirm, "Tell me. If I left the, would you join me?" Without hesitation, the younger girl shook her head, causing her long hair to il around, "No, this is personal, and I will not just run away and abandon everything." ''She is right. Running away? Hell no! I will instead take over this entire fucking and make it my base of operation. There is already my family business here to mask my activities.'' The situation changed as a new n formed in her head, ''If I can get my cousin to take over the family business. I could easily use it to my advantage. At the same time, I couldfortably stay in the shadow, using it as a front to clear money from my magic business.'' POV Inspector ???: The inspector grinned as he watched the projection of the apartment building on the screen of themand table. The murderer was already inside, ready to be ughtered. Still, with all the eyes on him and the influence of the hostages, he couldn''t move recklessly. "Sir, the enforcer drone is in the position, and the tactical team three is ready." He had to keep the priorities even with the anger burning within him, "The security of the hostages is still a priority. Wait till she leaves the property, then we will strike her." The annoying blonde woman immediately opened her mouth, "Sir, shouldn''t we ask her for surrender..." "No! She is a dangerous, murderous lunatic with the power to ughter an entire tactical team! She needs to be put down without any hesitation, or she will slip away and cost more innocent lives." He already hated that annoying detective, ''Only protocol and rules...'' Chapter 26: Police Brutality! Chapter 26: Police Brutality! Knowing her cousin was safe, at least for now, Tia rushed back up the stairs, the bright light entering through the open doors almost blinding her. The moment her feet touched the concrete roof heated by the hot summer sun, a bright reflector lit up in the sky. ''So it was really a trap.'' Silent as a shadow, a car-sized grey drone hovered ominously in the air, the sun reflecting on its polished hull. Its four colossal rotors sliced through the atmosphere, yet not even the faintest whisper of wind could be heard. A pair of massive sma rifles were positioned beneath its sleek hull, their ominous glow steadily intensifying, apanied by an electric hum. Not hesitating for even a moment, the invisible tendrils of force tightly gripped her andunched her sideway on instinct. ''So the guards are already here.'' The sky went aze with pulsating bright blue lights. In the blink of an eye, the staircase she had just passed exploded violently, sending concrete shards and scorching sparks of sma raining down. A surge of searing heat washed over her, causing her long hair to ripple in the fiery winds that followed. ''If it hits me, there will be nothing left.'' Panic gripped her heart as she faced a machine with terrifying firepower. Without hesitation, she sprinted forward, her resolve unwavering as she refused to look back. She knew that every second mattered, and she skillfully counted the time between the machine''s thunderous shots, her mind racing with a determination to survive. The relentless electric humming of the massive drone''s weapons resonated in the air, growing in frequency as they relentlessly recharged. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Basic Objective --> Escape the pursuing enemies Bonus Objective 1 --> Destroy the attacking drone -> 5 X Esper Point Bonus Objective 2 --> Lose the pursuers in under five minutes -> 1 X Esper Point Bonus Objective 3 --> Kill at least three attackers -> 1 X Esper Point Basic Reward --> 2 x esper point <<<<<<>>>>>> Ding! // New quest: Avoid public outrage! Every witch should keep good rtions with the local government! Escape without causing any coteral damage or killing the pursuingw enforcement agent. Rewards: 2 x witch point // Before she could even analyze the situation, the bright blue lights pulsed again, sting the roof behind her as she leaped forward, propelled by her telekic force, the wind whistling by her ears. Her eyes widened further as deafening bangs threatened to shatter her eardrums. Muzzle shes of bright yellow erupted on neighboring rooftops, and a relentless metal hail of bullets whistled through the air, creating a deadly symphony. ''This is police brutality!'' Adrenaline surged through her veins, intensifying her senses as she pushed her limits. The bullets seemed to dance around her as she elerated, each deflected off their path, drilling holes in the concrete with lethal force. The raw energy hummed behind her as she reached the rooftop''s edge, her heart pounding in her chest. ''It is going to shoot!'' With unyielding determination, she leaped into the air, the street devoid of people blurring beneath her. The world seemed to slow as she defied gravity, rising higher and higher toward the neighboring building, dragged by the invisible ropes of her mind. The bright blue light shed behind her. A searing wave of heat surged toward her back, and a sharp, stinging pain spread through her body. With nerves of steel and lightning reflexes, shended gracefully on the neighboring rooftop. "I got her!" Before she could even catch her breath, a guard in a ck tactical suit lunged at her, wielding the hilt of his rifle like a brutal bludgeon, the heavy piece of metal closing on her head, quickly growing in her vision. Her instincts kicked in, and without hesitation, she countered with a swift, calcted wand wave, her energy lighting the stick up in bright light. A surge of kic forces and zing mes swirled around her, heating up the concrete below her feet. The mes shot like a fiery tsunami and smashed into the guard''s chest together with the physical force of her telekinesis. "Ahhhh!" Screaming, the burning man flew off the roof, his eyes wide in terror and fear, his skin disgustingly sizzling as he burned to his death. --> 77% --> 25% Using the brief respite from constant barrages of enemy fire, with unyielding focus, she raised her gun and set her sights on the drone''s menacing blue-glowing cannon, which was already aze with brilliance as it charged for yet another shot. ''I just hope the military is using the good stuff.'' The explosive st of her weapon unleashed a colossal bolt of blue sma, the sheer magnitude of its power consuming almost half of the energy reserves. Like a celestialet, the sma bolt soared through the sky, screaming with fierce intensity and glowing with a blinding glow. In a fraction of a second, the blue light shed in the sky as the ball of vtile blue sma enveloped the drone, the pieces of metal falling down. As the sma dissipated, the burnt ck and devastated metallic body was revealed, still red from the heat. Its gun and one of its rotors were gone, with electric sparks raining down. ''Without the weapon, it should be useless.'' No, one fired another shot. All the guards just stared in horror at the scene. ''So this is why it is a military weapon... it can even damage this drone.'' Just as she wanted tough, suddenly, the drone sped up, its rotors howling like small hurricanes as it descended straight at her. In horror, she saw the burning mass of metal quickly approach, the multi-ton weight threatening to squash her as if she were just an ant. Chapter 27: The Garbage-level Extraction Chapter 27: The Garbage-level Extraction A massive drone made of hardened steel plummeted from the sky, its heat-damaged rotors emitting deafening screeches apanied by a dazzling disy of electric sparks and shrapnel. As the world around her seemed to decelerate, Tia''s mind became flooded with adrenaline, bracing for the impending doom hurtling towards her. There was no way she could deflect it with her telekinesisits mass and the force of its engines were too much. It could even adjust its trajectory, making any attempt to dodge much harder. ''I must create a space at any cost, even at the price of injuring myself.'' In a split second of desperation, she channeled a surge of uncontrolled and aggressive telekic force against herself, propelling her body faster than she had ever experienced. More and more waves of force crashed into her body, propelling her further and further away. Agonizing pain shot through her limbs and joints, her bones nearly shattering as the world blurred. Mid-flight, she summoned every ounce of focus to pull the trigger, blindly firing at the descending drone. With a thud, shended back on the roof, almost losing her bnce, her knees hurting so much she felt they would stop working at any moment. "Ahhh!" The force ofnding was strong, leaving her ears ringing and blood flowing from her nose. Her mind felt clouded and hazy from the impact, but the persistent rush of adrenaline in her veinspelled her to keep moving. On the neighboring rooftops, the armedmandos opened fire, sending a hailstorm of bullets toward her. The lethal projectiles whizzed through the air, drilling into the surrounding roof. ''Dammit, they are not giving up.'' Her mind surged, sting away all the bullets, the nging of metal mixing with the deafening sound of gunfire. To her horror, the thunderous roar of the engines intensified, signaling the metal colossus'' rapid approach. The metal was getting closer with each moment, hovering low above the roof. ''Are they insane? What are they even doing? Isn''t this endangering the public or something like that?'' She raised her gun and aimed at the left front engine with her trembling hand and pulled the trigger, unleashing a swift armor-piercing bolt of sma that streaked across the rooftop, leaving a zing blue trail in its wake. The explosion of sma erupted, engulfing the drone''s engine in a dazzling disy of sparks and intense heat. The drone didn''t even budge and only slightly slowed down in its relentless pursuit, resembling an enraged bull charging at her. ''One engine is not enough.'' Her telekic force grabbed her again and threw her to the side as if she was just a doll. In a heart-stopping moment, the colossal drone whizzed past, a mere hair''s breadth from the tip of her nose, leaving behind only a blurry gleam as her hair billowed in the gust of the rotor''s wind. Shended back on the roof and rolled backward to absorb the hit and increase the distance from the drone. The bullets impacted all around her, the concrete roof now pockmarked with craters. Agonizing pain surged through her bones and muscles, intensifying with each passing moment. Small tears formed at the corners of her eyes, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to let the pain overwhelm her. ''I must endure!'' She aimed at another engine on the same side and pulled the trigger, and blue light shed once more. The rotors of the metallic monstrosity melted and exploded into a fiery shower of sparks, rendering the drone uncontroble. With a deafening crash, the massive machine careened into the rooftop, sending chunks of concrete and metal hurtling in every direction. The blue mes surged out of the massive hole in the roof left by the drone. ''I have made so many mistakes...'' Amidst the chaos and destruction, Tia couldn''t help but feel anger welling up within her for the mistakes she had made. ''Its engines are its weak spot. It should have been obvious.'' Before she could even breathe in relief, the roof below her feet cracked and started to crumble. Suddenly, her smart lenses shed, and a green arrow projected onto her eyes. She smiled and dashed in its direction, the roof already sinking in her tracks, falling into a raging inferno of blue mes. ''This must be my space route.'' Surveying the surroundings with a quick nce, she spotted an adjacent building, not too far away, with a lower roofline in the direction where the arrow pointed. Her heart pounding, she focused her telekic powers once again, using them to enhance her agility and strength. She sprinted toward the roof''s edge, the bullets constantly flying around her like annoying flies. However, without the drone, she no longer felt pressured, the small bullets proving to be no threat to her ever-growing power. With a burst of energy, sheunched herself off the rooftop, hurtling through the air like a graceful bird in flight. The wind rushed past her, and her hair billowed behind her. Even amidst the pain of her torn muscles and strained bones, she couldn''t help but enjoy the sensation of soaring through the air, the feeling of cool and freedom bringing her joy. With a soft thud, shended on the adjacent rooftop, her knees bending to absorb the impact. With thunderous bangs, the building behind her copsed in the blue mes that devoured it. ''Haha, I bet this explosion will cost some fool their career!'' She didn''t stop, sprinting with all her remaining power, ignoring the growing pain, before jumping again, once more soaring toward even further building. The hailstorm of bullets quickly thinned, the sounds of shooting quickly quieting down as she kept running and running, leaping from one roof to another. Themandos were left far behind. ''I need to get away! It is only a matter of time before more drones arrive.'' Suddenly, the arrow pointed downward, and without any hesitation, Tia jumped down. As she descended, her telekinesis formed an invisible cushion beneath her, slowing her fall and controlling her trajectory. With a ssh, shended into a puddle of stale water in a dark valley behind a three-story tall building. Everything was submerged in shadow, with no one living in sight. Only the green arrow was shing brighter than ever, pointing at a nearby garbage can. ''Seriously? I am supposed to hide in there?'' With disgust, she slowly walked towards it and opened the lid. To her surprise, all the garbage flickered out as if it were only a projection, leaving behind only an empty metalpartment. She immediately jumped inside, and the lid closed behind her. The adrenaline in her bloodstream slowly diminished, and her tiredness and injuries caught up to her. The pain in her muscles, bones, and burned back peaked while her legs and arms uncontrobly shook. --> 85% Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Mission aplished: Objective --> Escape the pursuing enemies Bonus Objective 1 --> Destroy the attacking drone -> 5 X Esper Point (Sess) Bonus Objective 2 --> Lose the pursuers in under five minutes -> 1 X Esper Point (Sess) Bonus Objective 3 --> Kill at least three attackers -> 1 X Esper Point (Failure) Total Rewards --> 9 x esper point <<<<<<>>>>>> Ding! // Quest failed! Too much explosions! What monster would even suggest you do something like this? // Chapter 28: Genome of Rich Chapter 28: Genome of Rich POV Inspector ???: Inside the dimly litmand center, an eerie silence hung in the air. The drone''s feed flickered into static on the screen, causing everyone to freeze in ce, their attention drawn to the neighboring screen disying the live feed from the field operator''s helmet. The copsed building continued to burn, the blue mes illuminating the debris-covered street, shrouded in a thick cloud of ck smoke. The inspector''s face turned deathly pale, his hands trembling with disbelief. ''Did I just destroy an entire building? We evacuated the area, but the material damage is extensive.'' Fury consumed him, and his voice reverberated through the room, causing others to instinctively take a step back. "How on earth did she get her hands on military weaponry? And why was I kept in the dark about this intel?!" His team members were equally as pale, paralyzed by the gravity of the situation. He couldn''t deny it; he knew he had messed up big time. Regret washed over him like a crashing wave, intensifying the trembling of his hands. ''I allowed my emotions to cloud my judgment, and now we''re facing the consequences.'' "Sir, are we responsible for this?" one of his subordinates cautiously inquired. His expression froze, his thoughts quickly moving forward, "We just attacked a maniac?! Right? We carefully positioned our units, cleared the area, and even got heavy weaponry." "Y-yes, inspector, we did everything as we should!" He forcefully smiled at his men, "Yes! Get in touch with the military police immediately. They must be held ountable for letting their equipment fall into the criminal''s hands!" "Yes, sir, it''s their negligence that led to this." All the operators, agents, and detectives nodded, color returning to their faces. However, he wasn''t relieved, ''This is spiraling out of control. I might have no choice but to hand it over to the special department of internal security, and she''ll get away with just a p on the wrist!'' His hatred surged, fueled not only by the loss of his men but also by the damage to his once-pristine career. Later the same day: POV Tia: Tia rested on a in white bed, lying on her front. The recently regenerated smooth and soft skin on her back was fully exposed. The regenerating medical device hummed softly as it glided up and down her back, its gentle glow illuminating the room. The sterile whiteness of the walls and ceiling added to her unease, reminiscent of the time she spent in the hospital. The memories stirred a sense of vulnerability within her, only theck of restraints calming her down. ''I have escaped, and I will never return there.'' The pain was already gone and subsided, but Tia''s mind was still shocked as the recent near-death experiences all marked her. The awareness of her mortality lingered in the recesses of her mind, leaving her feeling vulnerable and shaken. ''This can''t go like this. I am acting so recklessly. One wrong step or stray fragment, and I could be dead.'' The sensation of her exposed back and skin brought only more shame to her as if taunting her for every bad move she made. The handler''s footsteps approached Tia''s bed, and she looked up to see the imposing silhouette looming over her. "Truly amazing," the handler began, "The growth of your powers andbat instincts is truly astonishing." Tia couldn''t help but voice her genuine curiosity, "Is it really that impressive?" Her understanding of espers was limited to what she had seen in the media, leaving her uncertain about the extent of her own abilities. "Absolutely. Considering you awakened only recently, your near-invulnerability against low-powered projectile weapons is remarkable." With a casual wave of the handler''s hand, the electric hum of the medical device ceased. "It seems thatbat, for some reason, stimtes your growth. Maybe I should throw you into some dangerous jobs..." The handler''s suggestion sent a shiver down Tia''s spine, and she couldn''t shake the feeling that the woman''s words were far from being a mere joke or figure of speech, her serious tone reinforcing her opinion even further. ''Now that I have money and resources, maybe it is time to get out.'' The longer she stayed with the organization, the more disturbing it got. The amount of information they could get to track her kidnapped cousin so fast was simply too astonishing. Additionally, their ess to high-grade equipment raised even more questions about their true reach and power. ''That is the exact reason why I can''t run away. They could easily track me down and dispose of me.'' Originally, when she joined, she only thought they would be some small-time criminal organization from which it would be easy to get away, but that assumption was wrong. Only by bing strong enough could she hope to break free from their clutches, using her strength to force her way out of their grip. ''With enough personal strength, I will smash through them. I just need to bide for my time while ying the obedient little lunatic happy to do whatever they ask.'' "Your powers are growing. However, your body is weak." The handler''s death-cold hand in a ck leather glove gently swept over her exposed back, "It is limiting you, and your potential." ''Please tell me she isn''t going to turn me into a walking mountain of muscles.'' Tia hated just the image of it as she liked her rather petite and slim figure. She wouldn''t allow anyone to just turn her body into a disgusting weapon. "You are a child from a rich family. That makes my job easier." As the handler''s pale hand finally retreated from her back, Tia let out a sigh of relief. But her sense of relief quickly gave way to curiosity and a touch of unease at what the handler meant. "What does that have to do with my body?" "From your records, it appears that your DNA was modified and adjusted even before you were born," the handler disclosed. "You possess advantages over the less lucky ny-nine percent." The realization brought a mix of emotions, as she now understood the source of her exceptional stamina and performance. Her performance was simply too great for someone who wasn''t active for years and even spent a lot of time just tied to the bed. A spark of hope ignited within her, apanied by a glimmer of joy at the prospect of having an additional advantage that might help her survive. ''Every bit of strength will be helpful.'' The handler continued in her emotionless, monotone voice, "With stimnts, exercise, and proper diet, you will quickly grow stronger, faster, and even more resistant." As if she knew her feminine worries, the tall woman leaned over, her eyes staring straight into hers as she continued, "You are supposed to blend with crowds, so you need to look as harmless as possible. From the data I have, your current genome should be highlypatible with this, focusing on increasing muscle density instead of expanding them." Tia could only sigh as both worlds she lived in were the same, ''The rich have an advantage from the moment they are born.'' Chapter 29: Telekinesis VI Chapter 29: Telekinesis VI Three dayster: Twenty metal balls orbited in the darkness around the figure of the tinum-haired girl. In a hushed tranquility, she stood there in the center of the spherical metal chamber, her delicate eyelids pressed together. Abruptly, her eyes opened, revealing her glowing irisesa symphony of resonant ngs cascaded across the spherical metallic chamber as the orbs gracefullynded on the metal floor, each impact reverberating with a thunderous cadence. Tia''s expression bloomed into a radiant grin, her gaze affixed to the ethereal text that floated before her eyes. Beep! <<<>>>> Distributing rewards: <+5 esper points> --> <<<>>>> "Finally," she whispered, a mixture of exhaustion and triumph coursing through her veins. The culmination of her relentless effort, the dangerous battles, and the perils she faced had finally yielded their long-awaited reward. Unmindful of the chill seeping from the metal beneath her, she sank onto the floor and hugged her pale knees, her consciousness already adrift, consumed by an insatiable curiosity and an exhrating rush of excitement. Beep! <<<>>>> power customization stage reached: Choose customizations: All the previous customizations are still avable. (AN: Let me know if I should also write them again to remind you or write only the new ones, not to force you to read the same thing over and over.) The new options: Enchantments: (1 EP): Increases the sensitivity at which the user can feel through the tendrils of her telekinesis (2 EP): Increases the range of the telekinesis by an extra 20% (2 EP): Increases the overall force exertable by the telekinesis by an extra 20% Techniques: (2 EP): Expands your will out of your body to remotely touch an area and form its surface map in your mind (3 EP): Envelops and reinforces targeted muscle structure, temporarily increasing its strength and resilience Body Adaptations (Warning: will cause the user to fall unconscious): (4 EP): Alters the user''s cellrposition, enhancingpatibility with energy employed to fuel special abilities. As a result, the channeling of energy and its flow through the body will be smoother, increasing the speed at which the abilities can be used and decreasing their strain on the user''s body. (5 EP): Divides the preexisting cerebral hemispheres into four, amplifying the brain''s capacity for multitasking to unprecedented levels. Special: (3 EP) (Unlocked by: ): Gives your telekinesis a fiery touch, making your telekic force hot on touch (3 EP) (Unlocked by: ): Enhances your telekic powers, enabling effortless conduction of fire through them, akin to electricity coursing through wires. <<<>>>> Tia briefly looked into her status and nodded, seeing she had fifteen Esper points in total. ''Telekic scan? I already know how to do it myself.'' She once more skipped over all the weak and low-tier techniques, knowing they were easy to develop on her own. A surge of pride welled within her chest, a triumphant sensation as if she had outsmarted the System, learning a skill on her own before it had even been presented. As her excitement subsided, her attention was momentarily captivated by the concept of fortifying her physical capabilities through muscle reinforcement, ''You know what, System? This has potential,'' she admitted, nodding thoughtfully. ''Thanks for the inspiration. With some experimentation, I can likely replicate this technique, bolstering my close-quartersbat potential and even elevating my agility.'' With the techniques gone, she focused on the most eye-catching part, ''Cells, levitation organ, and more brain stuff.'' Each option held enticing potential, yet they demanded a significant investment, prompting her to contemte deeply over each selection. ''For now, levitation seems unnecessary. It will not add anything I truly need,'' What she needed were short bursts of speed, a demand she could already fulfill better with other options. She has already witnessed the power of multitasking and how useful it is. The only thing that stopped her from taking it was her reluctance to mess with her brain to such a degree. Her initial reluctance dissolved, giving way to a vibrant grin as she recollected peculiar cases she had heard of. ''Humans being born with only half a brain, and they manage rtively well,'' she recalled, finding reassurance in the context. ''This adaptation is small inparison, and the system should know what it is doing.'' Her smile expanded, revealing her immacte white teeth as she shifted her focus toward the cell adaptation. ''I must take it. This will also boost my witch powers, no, all of my powers, likely even those I will gain in the future.'' Witches were as dependent on the mysterious energy as espers, making Tia''s eyes shine in joy as she found the true potential of her two systems. Even during herst crafting session, she experienced the burning sensation of her body being overstrained by the channeling mana across it. ''If some of the systems offer me an option to improve something about my energy, I must always take it! This is the path of absolute synergy, boosting even the powers gained through the other System.'' Midway through her thought, a shiver suddenly cascaded down Tia''s spine, a stark reminder that she had momentarily lost herself in her thoughts. The frigid touch of the metal floor under her ass jolted her senses, serving as a stark contrast to the fervor that had enveloped her moments before and a reminder she wasn''t in her room. As her awareness rekindled, a gentle chuckle escaped her lips, an acknowledgment of how easily she could be ensnared by her own aspirations. ''I should continue in my room.'' Rising from her seated position, Tia stretched her arms and legs with satisfaction. Infused with anticipation, she took purposeful strides toward the exit, a yful smile adorning her lips. (AN: I am open to your suggestion on how to spend the rest of the points. So, do not hesitate to write ament.) Chapter 30: Step by Step Chapter 30: Step by Step Resting in her bed, Tia embraced the serene ambiance of the room, apanied by the rhythmic symphony of raindrops drumming upon her windowpanes. The scent of newly reced bedsheets wafted gently, caressing her nose. With nine points spent, she still had six more of them to distribute. ''Special ones look good, as more synergy between my other abilities is always wee.'' At first nce, she immediately rejected the fire touch, feeling it was too underwhelming and redundant, ''What is a bit of heat when I can summon fire with pyrokinesis.'' The initial description had left much to be desired,cking specifics regarding the generated temperature and the factors influencing it. Fire conductivity, on the other hand, made her eyes shine in excitement, ''This is pretty cool,'' she almost burst intoughter at her dumb joke before she calmed down, ''By focusing my points on enhancing pyrokinesis'' sheer destructive force, I could rely on telekinesis for fine-tuning control, maneuverability, range, and speed,'' The potential for mastery over a harmonious fusion of these powers held an undeniable allure. With her points dwindling down to a mere three, Tia shifted her attention to the final category, facing a pivotal choice. ''Should I spend all my points on telekinesis, or conserve some for a future enhancement of my pyrokinesis?'' In a contemtive pause, she weighed her options, considering each path''s potential. After a measured reflection, a resolute nod affirmed her decision to invest her remaining points exclusively into elevating her telekinesis, ''Fire conductivity and my rather universal body adaptations will save me up a lot of points that I would otherwise have to spend on it. There is no problem with splurging here.'' She looked over all four enchantments she had, quickly dismissing the sensitivity from the pool. It made no sense to her, as with how she was using, the current sensitivity was more than sufficient. ''I don''t need to know something''s texture as its shape and hardness is enough to tell if it is a threat.'' The second she crossed out the range. Rather than focusing on engaging distant adversaries, her priorityy in overwhelming, subduing, and dominating her immediate surroundings. The potent firearm in her possession aptly fulfilled her long-rangebat requirements. ''So it is power and control. With it, I should be easily able to move faster, and deflect iing attacks, allowing me to close the distance if needed.'' The memory of her previous encounter with the drone continued to fuel a smoldering resentment within Tia. The frustration of her powers proving ineffectual against it stoked her ire. Without her gun, she wouldn''t even be able to harm it. She clenched her fists, determined never to repeat it again. She needed absolute raw power and control over it. With it, she would be able to take care of any threat. Beep! <<<<<>>>>> Your ability was modified: Your body was modified: <<<<<>>>>> A wave of sleepiness suddenly surged inside of her, and her eyelids turned heavier. Soon her consciousness dissipated. POV Inspector ???: The dark-haired inspector sat in his chair. The rain drummed outside on the windows of his small office. Papers formed haphazard stacks upon his desk, mingling with half-eaten donuts left to rot. His gaze remained transfixed on the radiant glow emitted by the screen, an ethereal image conjured by his table, portraying a figure swathed in a refined, obsidian-ck suit, his voice resonating through the office. "We are taking over." "Give me more time. I can catch..." "The Empire is making their moves, their fleet is threatening to invade this world. We can''t afford a loose cannon to run around, causing chaos and havoc." As the image faded, a bold red icon signaled the conclusion of the call, leaving the inspector to slump wearily into his chair, a sense of finality settling over him. ''The Bureau of External Security. The attack is merely a pretextthe Empire won''t dare to strike directly. Something else is at y.'' Instinctively, he sensed a disquieting undercurrent beneath the surface. ''Normally this would be handled by Internal Security, and they would likely not even bother to move personally. Instead, they would just let us handle it in their stead.'' His chair pivoted as he spun around, his gaze drawn upwards to the expanse beyond the window. The night sky, devoid of stars, was illuminated by the city''s luminescence below. ''They will not attack. With the amount of defensive satellites, the invasion would be costly and not worth the gains.'' Even though he wanted to be rational, there was a thread of worry in his heart, making him feel like something bad was going to happen. The next morning: POV Tia: Tia''s eyes snapped open, her pupils dting as if awakened from a disturbing dream. Her head throbbed with a merciless intensity, reminiscent of a relentless hangover endured amidst the chaotic barrage of an artillery range. Instinctively, her hands shot up to grasp her throbbing temples, her breaths bing audible pants as she struggled against the searing agony. The Handler''s stern voice from the corner jolted her, "Are you going crazy again?" The tall woman was leaning against the wall, observing her struggling in her bed. Tia''s thoughts spiraled into a panicked whirlwind as she felt vulnerable and exposed, watched while unconscious. ''How long has she been observing me? Was she silently witnessing this whole ordeal?'' "I have secured your permanent apartment," the woman''s voice cut through Tia''s turmoil, her tone crisp and unyielding. She extended her arm, and with a metallic jingle, a pair of keys settled onto the bed beside Tia. "The keys are there. You will find it on the first floor." A sense of triumph surged within Tia, a smile spreading across her face despite the lingering difort that seemed to set her head aze. "Is it safe to get some supplies?" she inquired, her enthusiasm mingled with a hint of caution. "As long as you exercise prudence and avoid any foolish actions." Finally, she had an opportunity to move with more freedom as she gained more permanent lodging instead of the cramped, dusty room. She could finish the one quest that was at a standstill for a long time. ''So I can finally start creating my workshop. There are so many tools I need to buy.'' Chapter 31: Interdimensional Merchant or Assassin? Chapter 31: Interdimensional Merchant or Assassin? Numerous boxes were neatly piled across the expanse of the room. Tia''s eyes sparkled with delight as she surveyed her new abode, nestled upon the soft leather couch. Her legs were tucked beneath her, snuggled infort. It was simple, but the walls were freshly repainted in a faint yellow color, and the fragrance of new furniture permeated the air, a testament to the recent renovations that had taken ce. ''Two rooms, plus one bathroom.'' It wasn''t thergest ce, but it was more than enough to amodate her needs. A sense of contentment enveloped her as she took in her surroundings. The brand-new wooden floor, the supple leather sofa, and the state-of-the-art screen adorning the wall conjured a faint echo of the opulent luxuries she had once enjoyed, evoking a sense of nostalgia and tion. ''Step by step, I''m reiming my position. Regardless of the organization''s questionable nature, they do look after their own.'' Until now, she didn''t have a ce, space, and resources to practice the art of witchcraft to its fullest. That has, however, finally changed. ''Healing potions, protective charms, enchanted gear, and atst spells. Maybe I can even try to enchant my pistol.'' Unlike espers or battlemages, witches didn''t charge recklessly intobat. Their approach demanded meticulous preparation and the right equipment, enabling them to rival or even surpass the prowess of traditional battle sses. With a graceful flick of her wrist, the boxes yielded to hermand, their contents shifting and flying around as if guided by unseen strings attached to her fingers. Tia''s eyes gleamed with excitement as an assortment of ss vials, precise measuring instruments, delicate chemical burners, and intricate metal tools emerged from the boxes, arranging themselves upon the table before her sofa. Even now, she couldn''t be more impressed by the conveniences of modern societythe ability to just gain everything she needed, not even in an hour, just by a few taps of her fingers, was simply too amazing. ''The question is, what is my highest priority right now.'' She needed to improve her chances of survival quickly. While she had acquired mundane tools, the absence of magical ones was still a problem. Ding! // Current world links: Garlicia (World Level: 3) (Travel cost: 1 WP and 3 Deaths) Warning: The old vessel was destroyed; a new one is required. Description: In a realm where steam engines have propelled the realm''s prosperity to unimagined heights, a once-primitive society deeply rooted in magic and aura arts has evolved. Yet, while the gears of industrialization spin tales of newfound wealth and opulence, the pinnacle of power remains in the hands of those wielding powerful mystical forces. The rapid march of advancement has sown the seeds of conflict, igniting a secret struggle between the nouveau-riche industrialists and the deep-rooted aristocracy who wield secret techniques and powerful bloodlines. Avable worlds to plunder: Mor (World Level: 4) (Travel cost: 3 WP and 12 Deaths) Warning: To create a permanent link, pleaseplete the task and gain a vessel. Description: The scars of this devastating conflict stretch across the once-thrivingndscapes, turning them into endless wastnds. Amidst this destion, remnants of advanced alchemical creations still move. Mystical energies intertwine with intricate clockwork mechanisms, forming a fusion of ancient knowledge and technological marvels. Using the remnants of the past civilization, a new one is rising from the ash. // Contemting her options, Tia weighed the possibilities thaty before hera leap into the unknown of a new world or a return to the familiarity of Garlicia. Tia pondered for a moment before making her decision, ''I would rather stick with what I already know.'' A n quickly formed in her head. Even though she didn''t know where her new body would appear or what would be itsst will, she already knew what to expect from the world. ''My energy reserves have grown significantly, so I will be able to stay longer. Also, I can assume that the existence of the link might prolong it even further.'' This time, Tia was resolved to face the journey prepared. She cast a discerning gaze over her sparsely furnished apartment, her toolsid out in meticulous order, and her trusty firearm was safely on her waist. ''I need to bring something to trade...'' There was a price to travel between the worlds, and her time there was limited, so she needed to as quickly as possible to gather all the resources and tools she might need. She put her hand under her chin, thinking, ''I need something that would be expensive and not bring too much attention to me. Also, it must also be something that is easy to sell.'' Drawing from her insights gained during her previous visit, she swiftly arrived at a solution: ''Gold or tinum would undoubtedly serve as ideal choices.'' Her prior observations had revealed that the local currency remained tied to the rare metals'' inherent worth. A smile suddenly appeared on her lips, ''That''s it! Trading metals between the two worlds is the answer to everything!'' The gold, thanks to deep-core mining and even asteroid mining, wasn''t as valuable as in primitive societiesshe could smoothly get it inrge quantities without bringing any attention to her. ''On the other hand, getting even the cheapest magic ores could me a pile of money if I market them as rare exotics.'' This time, she knew what she wanted and was ready to get it almost at any cost. ''A spatial storage item. If I could get one, it would make my future journeys much more profitable.'' Chapter 32: The Bony Basement Chapter 32: The Bony Basement The blood was smeared all over the walls, and the old human bones were piling up on the in stone floor. In this lightless expanse devoid of windows or illumination, a shroud of darkness enveloped everything. A lifeless form, that of a young girl with chestnut locks, reclined against the wall. Her throat bore a grievous woundthe blood gushing out stained her long dress. Her transparent clone floated about her, its ethereal, ghostly eyes locking with Tia''s floating consciousness. Her raps and faint whispers resounded through the gloomy basement: "Are you a spirit?" ''So this again.'' Tia responded, not even understanding how she could speak without a body, "Yes, what do you want in exchange for your body?" The ethereal specter quivered ever so slightly, its form maintaining an silence as it floated in proximity to her earthly remains. Just as Tia''s patience began to wane, the deceased girl''s voice emerged, a dry and wispy utterance carrying her plea, "I don''t want that monster to kill anymore! Please kill it!" "I will." "Wait, there is something else!" A flicker of irritation shook Tia''s soul as she felt the ghost getting too greedy. She had no problem fulfilling one wish. However, two?! In response, the specter recoiled, its presence receding and diminishing. "I just want you to tell my family I love them." Ding! // Do you ept the contract? // The sorrow threaded through the girl''s voice tugged gently at her heartstrings, dissolving any remnants of irritation that lingered. "I will." ''This isn''t that hard to fulfill.'' In a split second, Tia''s vision became swirling and hazy, pulling her downward as if caught in an invisible whirlpool. Knowledge flooded her mindthe ce where she died, the location of her house, almost every bit of information she needed to fulfill her contract. Tia''s eyelids parted, revealing a pair of irises aglow in a vivid shade of purple as she watched the dark world through the eyes of the dead girl. The bleeding wound on her neck sent jolts of pain down her spine. Ding! // New quest: The Death Contract The original owner of your body has requested that you kill the murderer who took her life and visit her family for onest time. Rewards: 2 x WP; a new vessel Time Limit: 10 Days Failure: You will be kicked out of the world and forced to try again. // Tia didn''t even change to her own form as she stood up. The rotting bones beneath her shifted and cracked, while the wound on her neck healed seamlessly, every trace of pain dissipating. With a cautious stride, she advanced, her steps marked by a hint of uncertainty as she acquainted herself with her unfamiliar vessel, and the weight of gold she carried, strapped onto her body. ''I will rather keep this appereance for now to avoid trouble.'' Beep! <<<>>>> : Correction blocked! <<<>>>> She quickly counted and smiled at the result: ''I have three days here. That should be enough.'' Her gaze descended upon the array of bones strewn across the floor, fragmented and fissuring beneath the weight of her steps. Some were still white and fresh, while others had already dried out and yellowed. A gulp of unease cascaded down her throat as her mind wrestled with the grim reality, thinking, ''How many people were killed here?'' Even though she had no qualms about killing, she still felt disgust at the scene around her. Abruptly, weathered hinges emitted a mournful creak, drawing her focus to the ascending staircase. A flood of luminance spilled forth, apanied by the sound of weighty footfalls steadily drawing nearer. Tia froze, her eyes already glowing as she prepared to fight. As if guided purely by reflex, her hand gravitated to her waist, where an unexpected jolt of astonishment surged through her when her fingers brushed against the chilly, familiar grip of her firearm''s handle. ''So I can ess my gun even in this form.'' With measured pace, the advancing footsteps drew nearer, their ominous rhythm punctuated by the click of Tia''s raised gun. Her breath was held in suspended anticipation, a testament to her efforts to remain utterly soundless. "Haha, I can hear your heartbeat, little snack!" The words sliced through the silence like a de. In an instant, a silhouette cloaked in darknessunched itself with breathtaking velocity down the stairwell. Tia''s finger tightened on the trigger, and a vivid azure brilliance erupted, bathing the entire basement. The inky ck shadow lunged towards her, avoiding her shot that left a mere scorched scar on the stone wall, the molten stone emitting a faint, eerie luminescence amidst the darkness. The red eyes gleamed by her side, and a shockwave exploded out of her body. The ck shadow shot backward and caused fractures that snaked through the stone around her. ''So it really is a monster! It wasn''t just a figure of speech!'' Tia''s eyes scanned the dark basement; there was no movement or even a sound, except for the cracking of bones below her feet. ''Where did it go?'' Abruptly, a chill raced down her spine, causing the hairs on the nape of her neck to stand on end, while a gust of wind surged at her side. Reacting swiftly, she pivoted, her senses on high alert, but there was nothing except for the gloomy basement. ''What in the damnation is it?'' Something was down there with her, even though she couldn''t see it. Her memories were blurry to her dismay, and she couldn''t quickly connect them with any known monster. ''It is fast, can morph into shadows, be invisible, and likes to eat human flesh. What is it?'' Once more, the wind whispered past her, its icy caress grazing the bare skin of her nape. With a mounting sense of unease, she retreated, each step measured and deliberate, her grip on the gun unyielding, her mind and senses primed for any imminent threat. ''I need a wall against my back. I am too exposed in the open like this.'' Finally, a sigh of relief escaped her lips as the chilly embrace of the stone wall met her back. ''Should I risk it and try to use my telekic sense?'' She knew that even a momentary grasp in her readiness could cost her life. ''My powers grew, it will be just a split second. Yes, either that, waiting for an opportunity or blowing up the entire basement.'' She didn''t like any of those options, but she knew she needed to act. Atst, her eyes shed, and her web of telekic tendrils spread out. Chapter 33: The Red Eyes Chapter 33: The Red Eyes Tia''s eyes briefly shed in a pulse of bright red and blue lights. Delicate tendrils of telekic energy extended outward, weaving an intangible web that covered the dim recesses of the basement. For a brief moment, she felt every inch of the cold walls, the rotting bones, and even the sensation of something moving in the shadows. ''I found you!'' Instantaneously, the unseen force swathed the shadow, entrapping it in its ethereal grasp. The darkness deepened, and the shadowy silhouette trashed around like a slippery fish, trying to escape from her grasp. A soul-throbbing shriek cut through the silence: "Graaaaaa!" Without a fraction of hesitation, Tia''s hand moved with a blur, her firearm aligning itself with the shadow''s ominous presence. A vivid azure radiance pierced through the shadows, momentarily banishing all traces of darkness. The explosion of sma shook the walls, and dust fell from the ceiling. The shadowy silhouette writhed and contorted within the bluish inferno, emitting anguished cries. Eventually, the outline of a man crumpled to the ground, his deathly pale skin scorched ck. Tia didn''t relent for even a moment as she pulled the trigger over and over, the blue lights shing in the darkness. The bolts sted the man over and over, sending the burned flesh flying in every direction. Her eyes shone brighter and brighter as she stepped toward the man while aiming her gun. This imperceptible force exerted its will, pressing the creature into the ground. Finally, the abomination''s movements ceased, its limbs now inert and shattered, reminiscent of fragile twigs snapped by the wind. --> 4% ''I wonder if I can harvest something useful from it.'' Tia''s power retracted. However, her gun remained aimed at the corpse as she cautiously and slowly approached it, the rotting bones cracking below her feet. ''Maybe the heart or eyes would be useful.'' Casting a fleeting nce over the lifeless form, she wrinkled her nose in response to the strong odora nauseating blend of decay and burned flesh. Before she could react, the creature''s eyes burst into a brilliant red glow, illuminating the darkness like smoldering embers and drawing her attention. Its mouth slowly opened, revealing a gruesome line of sharp, glistening fangs that seemed to hunger for flesh. Tia staggered back, her pulse quickening as she almost stumbled over the uneven floor. Her thoughts slowed down and became murkier, with only the image of the red eyes upying her entire mind. "Grrrrr!" The monster leaped up, defying death itself. The burned and charred skin that had covered the creature''s body began to shift and writhe like molten wax, reshaping itself. The wounds seemed to close before her eyes, and the broken limbs realigned with a sickening series of pops. ''Red!'' She wanted to shoot and move, but she couldn''t even flinchthe tantalizing crimson glow of its eyes paralyzed her. She wanted to st it away with her powers, but her thoughts couldn''t even properly form, fleeing like water in a river. "Meat! Meat! Meat!" The creature''s haunting chant echoed through the air as it closed in, its twisted form still regenerating. Tia''s pulse quickened, but she steeled herself, refusing to sumb to panic. ''No, panicking will do nothing! RED!!!'' The creature''s grotesque regeneration continued, with its elongated ws reaching toward her with deadly intent. Its eyes burned brighter, casting an eerie glow that threatened to overwhelm thest vestiges of her will. Tia stilled her breath, slowed down her heartbeat, and focused her thoughts away from the red eyes. Her of tendrils was still spread; all she needed was a single spark. However, no matter how much she focused, she saw only the red eyes, her thoughts unable to even weave her power. The monster took another step, its wed arm already stretching forward. The scent of its charred skin and smoldering flesh wafted through the air, reaching Tia''s senses and tickling her nose. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Objective --> Kill the Vampiric Thrall. Rewards --> 3 x esper point <<<<<<>>>>>> The sudden beep brought her out of the trance, bringing a brief moment of rity. ''Die!'' With an increasing surge of mental determination, she channeled her power, and finally, a torrent of fire erupted from her outstretched fingers, casting a brilliant ze of orange mes that sliced through the dimness of the room. The mes cascaded along the ethereal tendrils she had woven, honing in on their target with uncanny uracy, causing the creature to emit a guttural screech of agony as it burst into mes. ''Haha, you will regret this!'' Her mind cleared, and her focus returned. She didn''t hesitate, squeezing the trigger once more. A resolute burst of blue energy erupted from her weapon, hurtling forth and striking the creature square in the chest. From her outstretched hand, a maelstrom of interwoven fire and telekic energy erupted in a mesmerizing disy of raw power. The vortex surged forth with the fierceness of a hurricane, colliding with the creature in a cataclysmic explosion of fire and raw physical force. The impact was tremendous, propelling the monster through the air, burning as if it were a fireball. "Die!" The fire continued to pour forth from her outstretched hand, a relentless torrent of scorching energy that mirrored the intensity of her emotions. Her shame and hatred fueled the inferno, turning it into a zing torrent that engulfed the monster. The creature''s agonized screeches and screams filled the air, creating a symphony of torment that echoed through the basement. "Hahaha!" Herughter seemed to merge with the crackling of the fire, the sound of her madness mingling with the creature''s suffering. The creature''s once-piercing red eyes began to dim, their defiant gleam giving way to an aura of desperation and pain. Its outstretched finger, once a menacing threat, now quivered weakly. She didn''t stop, the mes surging out. She wanted it to suffer and pay for ambushing and almost killing her. --> 6% --> 50% With one final surge of mes, the monster''s struggles ceased. The monster was reduced to nothing but a pile of charred bones and ash. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Mission aplished: Objective --> Kill the Vampiric Thrall. Total Rewards --> 3 x Esper point <<<<<<>>>>>> Atst, Tia has calmed down, staring at the charred remains. Chapter 34: A Plan Of Action Chapter 34: A n Of Action Tia felt a wave of calm wash over her as she took in her surroundings. mes danced menacingly around the wooden support pirs, and a thick nket of smoke was gradually rising to envelop the ceiling of the basement. ''Shit, I should probably get out before this ce copses on my head.'' With renewed urgency, she sprinted towards the staircase flooded by smoke. She took a deep breath, holding it in as she made her way up. She could feel the heat of the smoke wash around her skin, forcing her to close her eyes to protect them. Blindly, unable to see her path, she climbed higher and higher, step by step, the old wood creaking below her. Atst, she felt the air cool down, so she opened her eyes. As she looked around, she could only sigh, ''There is nothing worthy of looting. What could I even find here?'' She was in a modestly furnished room. Its only features were a simple wooden table and a pristine stone oven, so untouched that it appeared to have never known fire. ''I bet that the owner liked to eat raw.'' But the smoke was relentless, pouring into the room from the basement door below her. On instinct, she bolted for the entrance. As her eyes shimmered with intensity, a burst of telekic energy erupted, ripping the doors from their hinges and sending them crashing onto the street outside. Finally, a rush of fresh, cold air filled her lungs, sweeping away the mental fog as she exited on a wide street. The night had fallen, with only a sliver of moonlight piercing through, mingling with the flickering orange inferno that raged behind her, quickly spreading through the house. ''I shouldn''t linger here for too long. It is only a matter of time before someone notices this fire.'' Without any hesitation, she dashed into the darkness of the night-covered street. In the not-so-distant mansion: POV Baron: A man in a ck suit sweated before his desk. The feeble glow of an oilmp cast intermittent shadows across the room, revealing shelves teeming with tightly packed volumes. "What do you mean she''s vanished without a trace?" The burly, middle-aged baron, dressed in avish brown coat, mmed his fist against the sturdy wooden surface of his desk. The impact reverberated through the room, creating ripples in the air. The nervous officer involuntarily jumped in response to the outburst. "Sir," he stammered, "this manaborn individual possesses a knack for evading capture. She''s adept at body possession, making her exceedingly challenging to apprehend." He frowned even further. His frown deepened, his concern for his foolish and inept son who was so stupid and dumb enough to get handy when dealing with the manaborn, ''That pervert would have only humiliated the family. That idiot has destroyed this entire deal!'' Instead, his heart smoldered with greed, his attention captivated by an enigmatic magical apparatus resting upon his table. ''They are useless! All the mages, alchemists, and enchanters! They can''t even find out the magic within this.'' "Go!" he thundered, his voice charged with urgency. "I want her tied and chained before the end of this month, or I will demote you!" ''If I can catch her and turn her into my ve, I could even be a count!'' POV Tia: The streetsy shrouded in darkness, the silence disrupted only by the distant echo of dogs barking and the rhythmic cking of her shoes against the cobblestone. The entire street exuded a sense of familiarity, both in its appearance and atmosphere. As she meandered through its vacant, shadow-drapednes, her certainty about this feeling only deepened. ''It should be alright as long as I keep this appearance.'' Aware of howplex and expensive spatial storage tools were, she understood that acquiring them by just walking into some random store was likely an unattainable feat. ''Not everything can be bought with just gold. In my old world, they were highly restricted. Also, connections are needed here.'' She quickly made a mental list in her head, ''Nobles and high-ranked magic users are most likely to have them.'' A frown appeared on her face, as they were the exact kind of people she wanted to avoid. Her familiarity with the town was insufficient, and the intricacies of the local society''s norms eluded her grasp. Adrift and constrained by the urgency of her situation, she found herself in a state of being lost. There was only a single hope for her, ''A ck marketif someone has ess to such restricted goods, then it would be them.'' Abruptly, her gaze alighted upon a nearby storefront and sparkled with intrigue. A mannequin adorned in a long, ebony traveling gown reminiscent of the Victorian era, coupled with tall ck boots and a refined ck hat, captured her attention. Casting a disapproving nce at her own blood-stained and ragged attire, she mused, ''I can''t walk like this, nor can I wear clothes from my world.'' Even though she tried, it proved shockingly hard to hastily gain an antique and otherworldly-looking dress back in her world. Her gaze involuntarily gravitated towards the exquisite dress, and a soft smile graced her lips as a gulp of longing escaped her. Despite her dire circumstances, her inner girlhood yearned for a touch of refinement and the desire to be pretty. ''Yup, I will get some eptable clothes, find some low henchmen, beat them up, threaten them, and maybe torture them a bit. They will lead me to their boss, and I will buy information!'' With grim determination, a ruthless strategy began to take shape in her thoughts. A confident smile yed on her lips, and a glimmer of excitement illuminated her gaze as she advanced toward the entrance of the store. A soft chuckle escaped her at the sight of the antiquated, rudimentary lock. Extending her hand towards her wand, she grasped it and aimed at the lock. Subtle threads of imperceptible force extended from her wand, delicately infiltrating the lock. Her consciousness connected with each pin, discerning its location and condition. ''What is a small theft whenpared to all of the deaths I have caused?'' In the hushed embrace of the night, a muted click reverberated, followed by the doors smoothly pivoting on their hinges. A tiny bell suspended above the entrance chimed, prompting Tia''s eyes to widen in astonishment. A female voice came from the inside, sending a jolt of panic down her spine. "Who is there?" Chapter 35: G-Ghost!? [Bonus] Chapter 35: G-Ghost!? [Bonus] POV Shopkeeper: A fair-haired young girl descended the creaking, age-worn staircase, each step echoing into the enveloping darkness. Her heart thudded deafeningly in the cold, heavy silence. The crossbow in her grip quivered, betraying her palpable fear. ''Maybe... just maybe it was a draft.'' Reaching the ground floor, the musty scent of old cloth and time long past assailed her senses. With bated breath, she inched the door open. Moonlight streamed in, revealing rows of dresses on racks and shoes on shelves. Her gaze darted anxiously to the entrance door, which was closed. To her immense relief, the store was devoid of any intruders, prompting a sigh to escape her lips. With the tension ebbing away, she lowered her crossbow. ''Just the wind... It has to be.'' But before she couldplete the thought, the cold grasp of a shadowy presence enveloped her. Panic red, and she blindly fired her crossbow. The bolt ricocheted off a shelf, its echo deafening. ''A ghost!'' Her voice caught, unable to escape, as a pallid young girl materialized at her side. The neer''s neck, dresseverything was drenched in crimson. Only her eyes gleamed, luminescent in the shadows. Frozen in terror, the blonde-haired girl couldn''t move, scream, or even blink, as if bound by spectral chains. ''She is a ghost!'' A melodious voice resounded, making her shudder, "What should I do with you?" ''Will she eat my soul?'' POV Tia: Standing there, Tia couldn''t help but feel a mixture of amusement and mild pity as she observed the young blonde girl trembling like a leaf. "I will allow you to speak, but no screaming. Blink if you understand." A hesitant blink followed, along with tears threatening to spill from the blonde''s eyes. Tia gently smiled and released her oppressive hold. A barely audible whisper emerged, "P-please don''t eat me." The trembling mess before her was so pitiful that it even made her feel slightly bad. She had killed many people over the past weeks, but this time she didn''t feel like it. ''This will not be myst time visiting this world. I should build mywork here.'' Just a single nce at the old floor, worn-down carpet, and cracked walls was enough to tell her the store was struggling. ''Where are her parents? She is so young, yet she was forced to confront me and protect the store by herself.'' Perhaps due to her increased stats, Tia was bing more observant, quickly noticing small details she would have overlooked before. "I am not here to hurt you." She tried to make her voice as soft and gentle as possible in an attempt to soothe her potential agent. Tia had a grand vision of her business empire spanning the world, monopolizing powers for herself. However, to achieve this, she needed to find trustworthy individuals, build her bases, and, most importantly, grow stronger. "Are you a ghost?" "No." The fear in the young girl made her appear pathetic, yet at the same time moldable in Tia''s vision. "Are you injured?" The pair of blue eyes looked worriedly at her bloodstained clothes. ''It looks like she might really be a good candidate.'' Tia wasn''t looking for someone harsh and cold-bloodedshe needed someone who was meek and wouldn''t betray her willingly. "No, I am no longer injured, but thank you for asking." "Are you here to rob me?" ''How daring of her to question me like this.'' Tia quickly made up her mind and identified her target. The girl likely lost her parents and was trying to keep the inherited store afloat. She was meek yet had some backbone. ''If I push on her morals while offering a helping hand, she could be a loyal asset. In time, she and her store will be mine.'' Tia had observed countless people over her two lives and had learned to read their characters, especially after the severe betrayal that cost her her life. "Isn''t this ce a boutique? I am here to buy clothes." Tia gestured towards a ck gown in the showcase. "I want that one." "It''s night, and we are closed..." As the girl found her voice, her confidence slowly returned. Tia smiled slightly, watching as the girl regained some color, her fear visibly subsiding. A tinum gleamed as Tia reached for her belt, sensing the treasure from her other form. ''This is curious... It''s as if it''s both there and not there.'' With a slight flourish, she summoned a tiny me in her other hand, illuminating the room and revealing the small tinum te in her palm. The girl recoiled slightly, clearly taken aback. "I will pay well." "Still... even if I wanted, I don''t have enough change..." Tia nodded internally in satisfaction, ''She isn''t too greedy. If she was too eager, I''d look elsewhere.'' "You can keep the change. Consider itpensation for these unusual circumstances." Chapter 36: Call Me Your Manager! Chapter 36: Call Me Your Manager! The young woman with rich chestnut locks strode through a dimly lit street. Her flowing ck gown rustled gently in the evening breeze, while her ornate sunhat cast a shadow over her delicate features. ''A few more visits, and she will be mine.'' Tia wasn''t a beginner and knew that she couldn''t push her potential aplice too much. She needed to slowly prepare her and gain her trust. From afar, the acrid scent of smoke billowed from towering chimneys. The weight of the atmosphere itself pressed the smoke downward, nketing the surroundings in a heavy, foggy veil. Sparse, glimmers from the street''s gasmps barely managed to break through the smoky haze, casting an ethereal glow on the cobblestones. The oncevish homes and boutiques that graced the main avenues had vanished, giving way to colossal industrial warehouses and manufactures constructed of red brick and timber. ''Ohh, those look rough!'' Tia briskly stepped toward four tall figures in the distance, their forms obscured by the haze. A rough, manly voice bore on her: "Out for a midnight stroll, are we?" The four burly men stepped forward and hastily surrounded Tia, blocking all paths of escape. Their smiles were sinister, stretching across their rugged faces. On their white shoulder bands, a vivid crimson emblem stood out prominently, reminiscent of a growling wolf''s head. Another chuckled darkly, "Such a pretty bird shouldn''t be out past her bedtime." Tia mentally scoffed, ''Must they always resort to the same tired clichs?'' Barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Tia''s patience was wearing thin. "Bring me to your boss," she demanded, her gaze hardened with a hint of malicious glee ying in her eyes. She knew all too well that they wouldn''t cooperate without a taste of pain. "Yes, you look good enough." The smile of thergest man, whom she presumed to be their leader, expanded with lecherousness. "However, maybe we should inspect the goods first. Lift you..." His words were cut off abruptly. Tia''s irises red, and an invisible force bore down on them. Like marites with their strings cut, the four men crumpled, forced into a submissive kneel. "Boys, what..." With a twisted smile ying on her lips, her force smashed into the four men again. This time their faces paled, and their painful shrieks cut through the night and echoed through the mostly empty streets. "Take me to your boss." "Wai..." Tia stood tall, her eyes zing with otherworldly energy, her smile a cruel curve of satisfaction as the force searing out of her body intensified. Under the immense force, their faces flushed a deep crimson from the agonizing pain, and their eyes threatened to roll back. The eerie sound of grinding teeth echoed, a testament to their desperate attempt to withstand the pressure. "Take me to your boss." The most imposing of the group managed to part his lips, every word seemingly taking monumental effort. "Y-yes," he gasped. The moment her force receded, the four men crumpled to the ground, each clutching their groin in agony. ''With those kinds of people, one must act hard, right from the beginning.'' "Get up!" She shouted at them, and all four jumped straight on their feettheir knees sped together, trembling. --> 7% They all moved, walking deeper into the dark alley, their steps slow, with painful groans apanying each and every one of their steps. Tia walked slowly behind them, keeping enough space between them so as not to smell the stench of their unwashed bodies. ''They are just human garbage.'' As they walked deeper and deeper into the alley of warehouses, the trash lying on the streets vanished. The uneven cobblestones transitioned to a meticulouslyid path that reflected the ambient light, devoid of puddles. Emblems of the Red Wolf grew more pronounced, their imposing insignia now brandishing the facades of many buildings. "How far?" Tia''s voice was poised and assertive, acutely aware that any disy of vulnerability could jeopardize hermanding position. "Not far, Miss, Daddy Stan has his hideout nearby." ''They are calling their boss, Daddy Stan?'' Tia almost burst intoughter, hardly containing her chuckle: ''It is alright to roughen some low-level henchmen, but I shouldn''t make fun of their boss''s namemutual respect is the most important thing in this part of this society.'' Atst, they stopped before arge warehouse with arge wooden roof above its sturdy-looking brick walls. A light glowed inside, its radiance passing through the spaces between the wooden nks. A rusty metallic gate barred their path. "We''ve arrived, miss," the lead man said, a mix of nervousness and relief in his voice. With a graceful gesture from Tia, the formidable metal doors parted, their metallic groans echoing hauntingly in the night''s stillness. As they swung open, brilliant light poured forth, unveiling a whirlwind of activity. Scores of men hurriedly transported wooden crates. The entire storage was packed with even more of those boxes, and the mysterious herbal smell drifted through the air. ''Drugs?'' "Who is the boss here? I came here with a business!" Tia''s voice rang out, authoritative andmanding. The bustling activity came to an abrupt halt as every pair of eyes turned to fixate on her. Those numerous, intense gazes bore into her, and for a fleeting moment, she felt a twinge of vulnerability, the weight of their collective attention momentarily unnerving her. "You?! Do you think Daddy Stan will speak with some random wench that shows up on his doorstep?!" The warehouse shook, and all the mobsters stepped aside as an elderly man in a gray tailcoat walked forward, his ck, walking cane tapping on the ground. Tia immediately sensed the energy searing out the glowing runes decorating the cane, making her smile, ''A mage... maybe I will not have to look for a bigger fish.'' She drew her wand, and the elderly mage stopped, both of their eyes shining as they ogled each other. Chapter 37: Gentlemen Of The Old Times Chapter 37: Gentlemen Of The Old Times The oilnterns, suspended from the brick walls, danced with wavering mes as the mage, cloaked in his tailored tailcoat, lifted his luminescent staff. Magic converged at its apex, and soon, four radiant runes materialized, interwoven by delicate threads of arcane energy. Immediately, they pulsed in unison, mes erupting and swirling like a miniature fiery cyclone. The inferno gleamed brilliantly, condensing into a luminous, zing sphere. "Leave now," the magemanded, his voice dripping with contempt. "The boss has no time for unknown interlopers at his threshold." Despite his age, there was no hint of the gentleness or frailty one might anticipate. His tone was thick with scorn and arrogance. One after another, the runes on Tia''s wand ignited, glowing vibrantly as she lifted it skyward, a clear defiance in her gesture. ''If I don''t show them my strength, they will not deal with me as an equal, but instead they will try to scam me.'' Seeing Tia''s defiant gesture, the henchmen nched and hastily stepped aside, clearing a path for the pair. Yet their shouts and jeering smiles betrayed their anticipation of the spectacle toe. "Fight!" "Burn her!" "Haha, the mage boss will destroy her!" ''Conjure connected with fire, and shape linked with the sphere.'' Tia immediately realized the identity of the four runes and confirmed that the magic system was simr to the one she remembered. ''It looks like the rules ruling over thews of magic are the same across the worlds I''ve visited so far.'' If a magic caster wanted to cast a spell, they had to shape appropriate runes with their magic power. Theirposition then dictated the spell''s power and effect. ''Maybe I canbine those runes with my esper powers.'' She has already confirmed with her wand that the magic runes could still affect her powers. The thought ofbining both powers to unleash terrifying hybrid attacks made her heart beat with anticipation. "Fight! Fight!" Only the loud yells of the mob brought her back to the ground. From the tip of Tia''s wand erupted a brilliant inferno, twisting and turning into a vast disc that illuminated every corner of the storage area, reminiscent of a fiery maelstrom from theherworld. The raucousughter and mor of the mobsters were instantly extinguished, reced by a heavy silence punctuated only by collective gasps of shock. Their eyes, once gleeful, now widened in dread, realizing the catastrophic fallout should the two casters fight. They knew all too well that they could easily be the unintended victims of such a showdown. "Haha!" the elderly mage chuckled, lowering his cane. With a gesture, the raging mes disappeared into thin air. "Very well, the boss will see you." With a casual flick of her wrist, Tia''s zing inferno fizzled out as well. The heavy atmosphere was punctuated by audible sighs of relief and the darkness that fell after the mes were extinguished. ''Finally, we are done with this charade.'' Her point had been made clear: she was not to be underestimated. The sheer disy of her power had ensured her a seat at the negotiating table. Tia and the elder mage walked forward as they navigated through the pack of mobsters, who looked on with a mix of awe and apprehension. The path led them to an unassuming wooden door. "After you," he remarked gracefully, using his cane to gesture toward the entrance. With a gentle push, he held it open for her to pass. ''Nice, he is a gentleman now. Oh, the old good times, when people weren''t like animals.'' As she stepped through the threshold, the mage aligned himself next to the door, assuming the stance of a vignt sentinel. Inside the dimly lit room, a distinguished, dark-haired gentleman sat poised behind an ornate desk. Dressed in a charcoal-grey pinstriped suit, he appeared as though he''d stepped out of another era. A glint of gold dangled from his pocket the chain of a vintage pocket watch. The soft glow from a deskmp illuminated his rtively aged face, casting a shimmer on the wless monocle that adorned his right eye. He lifted his gaze from the desk, his fingers gently caressing his ebony mustache. "Stan, some people call me Daddy Stan," he began, his voice tinged with a refined ent. "It is indeed a rare delight to encounter ady of such exquisite charm in this part of the city." With a graceful sweep of his arm, he motioned towards the awaiting chair. "Do be so kind as to take a seat, miss." ''Wow, I was expecting something else.'' Tia couldn''t help but be surprised at how ssy the old gangster was. He was like someone cut straight out of some old movie when even criminals acted with more grandeur than even the rich of the current intergctic era. "Pleasure to meet you, mister... Stan, was it?" The entire atmosphere made even her want to act as if she fit inside instead of her usual rowdy behavior. One by one, she set down gleaming tinum tes onto the mahogany surface, their lustrous sheen reflecting the warm glow of themp overhead. Stan''s fingers danced over his well-groomed mustache, attempting to mask the flicker of avarice in his eyes. "Miss? Pray to tell, what transaction demands such a generous remuneration?" "I am looking for a spatial storage magical artifact." For the first time, the man''sposure vanished as the corners of his mouth twitched. "Miss, this is..." "If it isn''t enough, I can also offer something extra." With a smirk, she ced two small metallic circles, each only asrge as a small coin. With a wave of her hand, two screens projected out. Stan leaned forward, and Tia saw with the corner of her eye that even the mage guarding the door moved to see what was happening. She spoke, her tone as grandiose and overbearing as she could: "This is a great magic artifact found deep under a sea. It carries various powers! For an example, it can be used to speed up calctions! Also, their holders canmunicate at any distance, protected from all magic taping!" Seeing their astonished faces, she almost burst intoughter. ''It is just a toy for kids...'' Chapter 38: A Turf War, part 1/2: Razor Waves Chapter 38: A Turf War, part 1/2: Razor Waves One hourter: Tia, donning her sleek ck hat, nestled herself discreetly behind a massive wooden crate, only her head peeking out of the cover. Her eyes pierced through the veil of darkness as she scrutinized a yard shrouded in a mist of smoke and shadows, with a formidable brick warehouse looming ominously at its far end. ''So this is their base.'' Her target was right before her. Thest thing she needed to do to get what she needed was within her reach. ''If I knew how expensive and hard it would be to get this, I would have brought something even rarer.'' Suddenly, her ears sprung as she caught the distant sound of steps quickly approaching. ''A patrol.'' She ducked behind the crate and halted her breath. The two sets of steps quickly passed by, followed by a bright light that cast shadows of the two men with crossbows and oilmps in their hands. ''They look weak.'' A gentle gust brushed past Tia, causing her hair to flutter momentarily as she turned to trace its origin. From another hideout, the figure of the old mage, Sebas, became discernible. He hunched behind a crate, his face hidden in the deep shade thrown by the brim of his fedora. He gestured subtly in her direction. ''So we are attacking head-on. Damn them...'' She hated the idea of getting used like she was now, but she wanted that artifact no matter the price. She was even willing to offer her services as a hired weapon. She waved back at Sebas and started to count silently. ''Three.'' ''Two.'' ''One.'' Springing from her cover with adrenaline-charged agility, Tia brandished her wand, which erupted in a maelstrom of spiraling mes. She channeled her telekic power, sending the roaring ze rocketing toward the unsuspecting warehouse like aet. Steam hissed upwards as puddles on the cobblestone path evaporated instantly, and the yard was bathed in an intense orange glow. Almost immediately, the warehouse roof erupted into a roaring inferno. Distressed shouts and cries punctured the night. "Fire!" "We are under attack!" With a swift, powerful motion, Sebas thrust his cane forward, unleashing a titanic orb of blistering me. It struck the warehouse''s facade with the force of a meteor, shaking the ground beneath her feet and spewing forth a lethal shower of molten brick shards in every direction. "Attack!" The elderly white-haired mage roared at full lungs. The ground seemed to tremble in response. Menacing footsteps resonated, announcing an army of henchmen storming in from all corners. More than two dozen hooded figures, cloaked in pitch ck, surged forward. Darting with predatory grace, they took up positions behind the clutter of crates and aimed their crossbows. ''We should win...'' With a sudden gust of wind, arrows screamed across the yard, striking patrols so swiftly that it sent them sprawling, lifeless, onto the blood-streaked cobblestone before they could even raise their own weapons. ''This is it! Tia''s mind raced. Clenching her wand so hard that her knuckles went white, her steely gaze locked onto the massive warehouse doors. Thoughts of barricading them flickered in her mind, but they were swiftly dismissed as she doubted they were the only exit. Then, with an explosive force, the doors were blown off their hinges. Emerging from the ze like demons from the abyss, a swarm of tattooed Asians covered in soot and scars stampeded forward. The menacing gleam of their machetes and the jagged tips of their crossbow bolts shone wickedly, all set aglow by the erratic light of the ravenous mes. Tia didn''t rush. Instead, she remained in her position, carefully awaiting her opportunity to strike the enemies while observing the tactics and strength of the fighters on the battlefield. "Fire!" The magemanded, and in quick session, the air was filled with the symphony of crossbow bolts tearing through the air. As the barrage descended, men fell, bleeding, with the arrows jutting out of them. The pungent scent of blood melded with the acrid stench of burning, further intensified by the heavy fumes billowing from nearby factories. "Rip these fools to shreds!" "With the ferocity of the Crimson-blood Wolves!" The wolf gangsters roared as they took their own machetes and rushed to wee their enemies escaping from the fiery hell. The two groups shed together like two tidal waves, and the nging of metal resounded throughout the battlefield. ''They are still amateurs and a mostly untrained group of lowlifes.'' She shifted her attention as threerge men split from the main group and charged straight at her. Their machetes glinted in the firelight, and their eyes, full of anger, zeroed in on her. It was clear her wand and appearance had grabbed their attention. ''Let''s test thebination of my esper powers with magic.'' There was no sense of urgency in Tia, as all the low-level thugs were nothing more than ants she could squash with a mere thought. They were ideal targets to test her ideas and theories. As Tia lifted her wand, her heart thudded with anticipation. The runes etched onto its polished surface ignited with a radiant glow. Guided by the fleeting memories of her former existence, she funneled a torrent of raw energy through her wand. ''Infuse, connected with sharp.'' The vivid image of the two runes formed on the first thread of her mind, while the second one channeled energy into their mental image, projecting them into the real world. Almost instantly, both runes formed above her wand''s tip, dimly glowing in the dark yard. The four men quickly closed in with a sprint that would put even the fastest Olympic athletes to shame. With a lightning-fast reflex, Tia tapped into her third mental strand, sending a torrent of kic energy cascading from her mind, down her arm, and into her wand. As it expelled from the tip, the force tore through the air, whistling as it pierced the glowing spell array. The four assants were abruptly halted. Shock registered on their faces before ominous crimson blooms spread across their garments. They crumpled, twitching grotesquely, as the ground beneath them became a macabre canvas of pooling blood. Ding! // You have learned a new witch skill on your own: [Novice Runic Spellcraft] Reward: 3 WP; +1 INT; +3 ENE // With a gleam of joy, Tia stared at the result of her attack, surprised by its deadliness. ''This is great! No, this is more than just great!'' The rune simply added the property of being sharp on anything. It didn''t even have to have an edge for it to work. Still, already sharp objects would get much sharper. With a masterful flick of her wand, Tia unleashed waves of this honed kic energy, sharpened by magic. The waves of kic force tore through the air like the whips of razor des. Within moments, geysers of red erupted like grotesque fountains across the battlefield. Severed heads tumbled, leaving the ground awash in crimson, followed by the thuds of the headless bodies copsing to the ground. Thebat, once frenzied, now came to a chilling standstill. Chapter 39: A Turf War, part 2/2: Razor Duel Chapter 39: A Turf War, part 2/2: Razor Duel As the tiny droplets of blood sprayed the ground and walls red, the battle seemed to stop. --> 10% "Such a fearsome incantation..." The elder mage, his cane still wreathed in fire, whispered by Tia''s side. Tia stood rooted, her hands quivering, intoxicated by the surge of her newfound might. As someone who was previously a witch, she more than realized how terrific it was. She could now seamlessly weave potent spells into her Esper powers, directing and maneuvering them as naturally as an extension of herself. ''With this, my power will skyrocket!'' "Cease! I challenge you to a duel!" An age-old voice boomed across the battlefield, pulsing with suchmanding energy that the henchmen halted in their battles, instinctively parting to make way. An elderly Asian gentleman made his way through the parted crowd. Dressed in a sharp, sophisticated ck suit, his ck fedora shaded his features. A finely crafted katana hung from his belt, its sheath grazing the blood-speckled ground as he moved. Pausing at a distance, he offered two respectful bows: first to Sebas and then, with equal reverence, to Tia. "Sebas, Razor Witch, let us end this bloodshed with a single duel of honor! I, Takomato Hikaruc, challenge you to a duel. Pick your representative." ''Razor witch?'' Tia felt like her new nickname was more than fitting after she showed her new terrifying power. She briefly nced toward Sebas, who was nodding, and whose eyes were saying it all: We have hired you, so fight. In the murky depths of the criminal underworld, principles were governed by honor, respect, and might. There was no turning back. "I will fight." Tia dered, moving forward with measured steps, her fingers subtly gravitating towards her wand. The man in the sharp suit subtly nodded, his hand poised over his katana''s hilt. His eyes, radiant with inner vitality, seemed to shimmer with the life force coursing within. ''He looks skilled.'' The shes and chaos halted abruptly, with each gang falling into line behind their chosen champion. Tia wasn''t a fool; she already knew the duel wasn''t in her favor. ''I am a caster, and at this distance, I should be at a disadvantage.'' However, Tia''s heartbeat only revealed a slight nervosity mixed with the thrill of a battle. ''Sadly for you, I am not only a caster, I am also an Esper.'' She offered the Asian gentleman a courteous smile and assumed her stance, her eyes alight with anticipation. Her focus sharpened to a razor''s edge as she waited for the signal to start. Hikaru subtly shifted his stance, his left knee bending slightly while the other stretched back. The muscles beneath his suit rippled, betraying the formidable strength and agility unfitting of his age. ''This world is truly nuts...'' Tia steadied her breathing. Sebas positioned himself, arm raised high. A hush enveloped the yard, every eye transfixed, every gangster''s attention directed to the imminent showdown. ''Sebas, if you wanted, you could have refused this.'' The old mage was shrewd, and she knew it. His victory was already secured. Even if she lost and died, he would still have the opportunity to y Hikaru from the side, only at the cost of small damage to his honor. Tia pushed away all extraneous thoughts, seeking rity within the depths of her mind. Silently, intangible tendrils of her power spiraled outward, ensnaring her form and weaving a protective shroud that enveloped every inch of her being. "Start!" The word boomed across the yard, and the world seemingly slowed down as Tia''s mind reached perfect rity. Her surroundings blurred into streaks of color, the very air whistling as she darted sideways, propelled by the raw physical force, her hair trailing like aet''s tail. Parallel threads of her cognition busily constructed the luminous glyphs of the razor spell. ''I need space.'' Concurrently, the ground beneath Hikaru splintered and burst as he sprang forth with the agility of a praying mantis. His katana, unsheathed and gleaming, sliced through the atmosphere, generating spiraling air currents in its wake. Tia just smiled as she smoothly slid out of its path. The de passed by and hit nothing but the empty air, the residual wind ruffling her dress and hair. The expression of shock and perplexion was visible in his eyes. ''I would bet that I am the fastest caster he ever saw.'' The tips of her wand pulsed, and a wave of invisible force shot out, sending ripples through the clouds of smoke. With an unnatural speed, the man moved, and his de gleamed as he swung it with shocking strength behind it, creating an explosive burst of air that shot out. The two forceful torrents met in a cataclysmic sh, producing a sonic boom that cleared the smoke, revealing a clearing nearly the expanse of a tennis court. Concurrently, the glowing runes materialized and solidified in front of Tia''s wand, poised for the next move. ''Huh? Did he just cut my attack? This time, Tia was the shocked one, her anxiety quickly growing as the ck shadow of the man alreadyunched toward her, and the glowing tip of the katana quickly approached her neck. Once again, her body was propelled like a human rocket by her own mind while she waved her wand. A wave of fire and raw kic force exploded out and passed through the magic array, turning into a massive tornado-like vortex of destruction that flew straight against the man''s iing de. The sprinting man swung his de again andunched an explosive shockwave in response. ''Predictable.'' A triumphant spark lit up her eyes. At that moment, she knew with certainty that victory was hers. With a mere flicker of intent, the twin whirlwinds diverged to either side, and the katana''s shockwave met only void; its force was so immense that it ripped the very stones from the ground in its wake. Before she could even blink, the burning vortexes of sharp des of fire had already smashed into him, his body vanishing in the elemental maelstrom. ''It is done.'' The katana nged against the stone floor, and as the mes faded, they revealed the scorched and battered form of the warrior. He remained upright even though he ceased to breathe. --> 15% --> 75% Tia froze still, smiling in relief. ''Even warriors have ss here instead of being dump muscleheads, just relying on their superpowers, steroids, and body augmentations without having even a semnce of proper technique.'' "Victory is ours!" The Wolf Gang''s triumphant shouts filled the air as they held their weapons high, celebrating. Across from them, their opponents dropped their weapons, their faces pale with defeat. Sebas watched the scene, his face unreadable. After a moment, he uttered in a hushed tone, "Innate magic..." Chapter 40: The Bliss of Ignorance Chapter 40: The Bliss of Ignorance The next morning: Tia reclined gracefully in the plush chair, her gaze meeting Stan''s from across his grand mahogany desk. Atop the polished surface sat a solitary wooden box, bathed in the warm glow of the oilmp. She leaned in subtly, her hand resting on her waist, poised to respond swiftly should any threat arise. ''They are still criminals, so trusting them too much would be dumb.'' Stan just gestured at the box, not saying anything. With a mere thought, Tia effortlessly willed the box to open. The gentle glow of the oilmp glinted off the pristine surface of the silver ring nestled within. Its elegancey in its simplicity, devoid of any ornaments, gemstones, or even decorations. Ding! // Type: Minor Spatial Storage Ring Minor Pocket space storage: It creates a small spatial dimension to store any physical object. It can hold up to three hundred kilograms. The weight of the stored items does not affect the wearer. // "Hmm, we are done here. It was a pleasure to work with you." Seizing the ring, Tia slid it onto her finger, rising gracefully from her seat. She pivoted towards the exit, where the elderly mage stood guard. Just as she pushed the door handle, Stan''s words made her stop, "I doubt I need to say this. However, as a gentleman, I will warn you. Do not let yourself get caught with it if you don''t want to hang." "Thanks for the warning." Tia nodded in acknowledgment and exited the room. The instant she did, the gazes of warehouse workers settled on her. Their eyes brimmed with a mixture of veneration, trepidation, and wonder. Yet she remained unperturbed, quickening her pace to a near sprint, acutely aware that every second was precious. Her energy was what kept her in the world, yet she was squandering it with every useless altercation, ''I have probably only twelve hours at best after all those fights.'' Quickening her stride, Tia was acutely aware of her remaining obligations. The contract wasn''t fully fulfilled, and she had to secure the essential supplies, arcane tomes, and mystical materials that she needed. POV Shopkeeper: Ang walked down the busy morning marketce, bustling with women shopping for groceries. All the market stalls were packed with fresh cheese, vegetables, fish, and even freshly butchered meat. Clutching her bag filled with fresh groceries, her eyes sparkled with delight. The aroma of the market''s offerings teased her senses, nearly drawing salivating anticipation from her. ''All the days on bread and water are finally gone!'' With her newfound wealth, not only could she indulge in hearty meals, but she also had the means to refurbish her shop and mend the persistent leak in her roof. A trio of women stood in her path, discussing in the middle of the road. "Did you hear the new rumors?" "Yes. I heard the new hired gun of the Crimson Wolf gang is cutting people just with a move of her fingers." Ang momentarily stopped, the terrifying chitchat between shoppingdies drawing her attention. ''This city is bing more and more dangerous with each passing year.'' "Yes, I also heard she ughtered more than ten ruffians up in the manufacturing district." "Dafne also said she is insane. Do you think she is an escapee from the Crookyhill?" A chilling vision gripped Ang''s mindone of a malevolent, twisted woman engaged in a night-long spree of butchery. The graphic imagery sent waves of terror coursing through her, the horrifying thought taking root: ''What if I meet her? Will I be butchered?'' "What does she look like?" "Hmm, I heard she is a young brte dressed in an elegant ck dress with a nice hat." Ang''s grip on her bag of groceries ckened as the chilling thoughts echoed in her mind, ''Could it be? No, surely not. She seemed so kind, not like the deranged figure they speak of.'' The memory of her mysterious benefactor, who had paid her an unexpected visit the previous night, shed vividly in her mind. POV Tia: Tia covered her mouth and nose as she sneezed, ''I hope I didn''t catch some otherworldly virus.'' Her heart sank, and her mood almost hit bottom. She found herself rooted in front of a weathered wooden door, paralyzed. The courage to proceed eluded her, leaving her trapped in her own hesitation. ''How am I even supposed to tell them their daughter is dead?'' After a long time, her gentler and softer side resurfaced. Although she killed without hesitation, this time it was different. This time, she was supposed to meet with the loved ones of the deceased. Even though she didn''t kill the girl, her heart was filled with hesitation and regret. ''Is the body I am using affecting me?'' Suddenly, the door opened. "Who is there?" A woman in her thirties, cloth wrapped around her hair, stood there, her eyes going wide as she widely spread her arms and wrapped them around still-frozen Tia. "I was so worried! Where were you?" "Sorry mother..." She silently murmured, unable to smash the woman''s heart. ''No, she doesn''t have to find out her daughter died. She doesn''t deserve to experience such pain.'' Even with all the blood on her hands, she was unable to do something like that. It was one thing to kill some nameless trash and another to tell into someone''s face that she was a monster wearing their dead daughter''s body like clothes. "Mother, I came to say goodbye... I found a great fortune. However, I must leave." She would rather leave the woman in the bliss of ignorance. Chapter 41: Twisted Morals Chapter 41: Twisted Morals With a weird feeling, Tia exited the house, the weeping of the womaning from the inside wearing down on her in an unusual way. Immediately, the sun shone on her face, but it did nothing to dispel her gloomy mood. ''Hmm, maybe I should send her a letter once in a while. I can do at least that for borrowing her daughter''s body.'' Ding! // The quest was cleared! Rewards: 2 x witch points; your current vessel now belongs solely to you // Her quest and contract were fulfilled, and her storage ring was filled with enough materials and magic grimoires that she could leave without any regret, knowing the journey was worthwhile. There was only onest problem to solve. ''Where do I store my body? I don''t know how long I will be gone. I can''t just leave it lying in some hotel.'' The only destination etched in her thoughts was the small boutique she had visited once before. ''It is time to work on her.'' With a distant look in her eyes, she walked purposefully down the street, weaving her way through the bustling crowd. The echoes of the recent encounter weighed heavily on her, leaving her mind in a haze. ''All the pain and suffering... No matter how hard someone works, there will always be pain and death waiting for them.'' She didn''t want to experience the pain of betrayal, losing those she loved, or dying. The only way she could aplish it was through absolute power and might. The only path to eternal happiness and bliss wasn''t money or fame but one''s own strength. Submerged in her thoughts, she reached her destination. The small boutique stood empty on the street. The storefront mannequin, which had previously showcased her elegant ck dress, remained eerily bare. Arge sign hung on the store''s door that said: Closed for Renovation. ''It looks like she is using the money I gave her well.'' Resolutely, she knocked on the door, the knocks reverberating through the aging building. Without a moment''s hesitation, with a glint in her eyes and a slight gesture, the lock yielded with a click. She swiftly entered, the door sealing shut in her wake. She waited, and soon the silhouette of the shopkeeper appeared in the back. The blonde''s azure eyes widened in sheer surprise. The palpable fear reflected in those eyes, and the quiver of her hand stirred a surge of irritation within her. ''What is it now? I don''t have the energy or mood to deal with some drama.'' "I see you are doing well." A huge smile appeared on her face as she didn''t give her any break and immediately crossed the distance between them, "Why are you so scared? This time, I even came during the day hours!" "Did you kill someone?" The question shocked Tia with how direct and honest it was. ''Is someone pushing nonsense into her head? Who dares to interfere with my ns? Even though she remained smiling, a silent wrath boiled inside of her.'' The desire to tear and burn them grew stronger with each passing second. POV Shopkeeper: "Yes." The woman answered casually. Ang was paralyzed by her fear, as she was now sure of it. The woman before her was dangerousno, not just dangerous, but probably even mentally deranged. The casual manner in which she spoke about taking life as if it held no moral weight was deeply unsettling. There was only a single exnation for the sudden visit. Tears welled up in Ang''s eyes, and through her trembling voice, she stammered, "S-so it was really you... Have youe to end my life so as to clean your tracks?" The woman erupted intoughter, the unexpected sound forcing Ang to instinctively step back. "Oh, the things you''re saying!" the woman eximed, her mirth unabated. "Why on earth would I want to harm you? True, I took their lives, but they were wretched souls who had iting." She found no relief in the woman''s words; if anything, they heightened her anxiety. ''Yes, there must be something wrong with her head. Tough in this situation...'' "Wretched souls?" "You are so naive. The world is a harsh ce where one sometimes has to kill if they want to live." The mentally unwell girl methodically closed the distance between them, her steps echoing with deliberate intent. Gently cing a hand on the trembling blonde''s shoulder, she leaned in, her eyes locking onto Ang''s. In a hushed tone,den with a mix of menace and curiosity, she whispered, "Do you really believe I am some evil maniac who murders people for fun?" ''Is this the same hand she used to kill someone?'' As she scrutinized the young woman standing so close, she struggled to discern any murderous intent. This woman had never shown any threat towards her, nor had she ever shown malice. She had always been courteous and considerate, even assisting Ang in her moments of financial difficulty. ''If she was a bad person, she could have just taken the clothes without caring to pay, or even killed on the spot to leave no witnesses.'' Before Ang could even frame a response, the woman pressed on, "Yes, I''ve taken lives. Many, in fact. But never out of mere sport or twisted pleasure." ''As if that makes it any better.'' "Do you think your life was harsh? Maybe you had to fight to keep the store running, but I had to fight just to live." "Still, killing someone is bad... There had to be another way!" Ang''s voice wavered with emotion, and even though part of her could fathom the woman''s reasoning, she couldn''t bring herself to morally reconcile with it. "The men and women I have killed were all scumbags and criminals that were living off human suffering, stealing from the weak while beating the rest into submission." The woman leaned even closer, and her shining eyes almost pierced into her very soul. ''I know those types...'' She slightly clenched her fists with resentment at those who mercilessly almost brought her store to bankruptcy: ''Without them, I would still manage.'' The woman''s tone turned solemn. "Tell me, how did your parents die?" The question detonated a tempest of raw emotion within Ang. The memories, still scalding and vibrant, assaulted her senses. The cold, merciless faces of the men who took her parents'' lives for mere change still haunted her every dream. ''How could she possibly know about that?'' "T-they died during a robbery." "Criminals killed your parents while they were minding their business. They are the bad people, only daring to bully weak and innocent people." The words were like hot knives, shifting and tearing her view of the world. She had seen bad people before, and this woman was nothing like them. ''Is killing bad people a bad thing?'' Chapter 42: Systems Greed [Bonus] Chapter 42: System''s Greed [Bonus] Half an hourter: In the shadowed stairwell, two girls ascended in silence. The old steps groaned beneath them, with Tia cautiously trailing the young blonde leading the way. ''I wonder, if she truly has a talent for magic... at worst she will end up mediocre.'' Reaching the second-floor hallway with multiple doors, the dpidated state of the ce became evident to Tia; the ceiling bore signs of leaks, and the walls were marred by age and neglect. "Here, this is the vacant room." Ang, the blonde, paused and indicated toward an aged door. Even its handle bore visible signs of rust. "Good, as I said. I will stay inside. I don''t know how longmaybe days, maybe weeks, or maybe even months." "Should I bring you water and meals once in a while?" "No, I will be meditating. There is no need to consume anything." She has already gained a gist of basic information on how her skill works from the connection with the system. ''Apparently, my body will just remain here. Unupied and uncontrolled in deep hibernationsuspended in stasis and not requiring any nourishment.'' "I''ve left a basic magic theory book for you. Start with that if you want to be prepared." In a musing tone, Ang remarked, "You act a bit more normal for someone who escaped from an asylum." Tia''s eyes widened, checking her attire to ensure she wasn''t d in hospital garb. ''Did I give something away? Am I acting crazy?'' Even though she hated to admit that, the more time she spent out of the hospital and off of her medication, the more she suspected that it wasn''t just her aunt''s conspiracy but that there was likely a legitimate reason for her long stay. ''Am I really insane? Should I be taking some medication? What if my past life isn''t even real? What if it is just my delusion? What about my two systems? Are they real or just products of my insanity and powers?'' Ang''s voice interrupted her spiraling thoughts, "I was only teasing. Sorry." Before Tia could reply, Ang pulled her into aforting embrace. "It doesn''t matter where you''re from. You have helped me before and even offered me the chance to learn magic. I can only pay you back..." The unforeseen intimacy sent a surge of fury through her, like moltenva coursing down a mountainside. She quivered, repressing the impulse to incinerate the audacious girl. ''What is she thinking? How is she getting so courageous so suddenly? Why?! She calls me crazy and even dares to hug me without any warning.'' She couldn''t even begin toprehend what was going on inside the blonde''s headher n to train her into an obedient agent in this world quickly derailed. Without a word, she extricated herself from the hug, quickly opened the door, and moved inside as if in a trance, leaving the bewildered shop owner behind her. She dropped onto the dusty bed, not even pausing to survey the room. ''System, my quest is finished, so bring me back.'' Her vision blurred into obscurity, and as though yanked by an unseen hand, her consciousness soared into an infinite abyss of darkness. Then, a piercing light infiltrated her sight, gradually settling into the pristine white ceiling of her new apartment. Exhaustion weighed her down, a consequence of over a day without sleep. She shut her eyes once more, her heart throbbing forcefully, a tumult of emotions surging within. Later the same day: The young girl lying on the couch stirred and opened her eyes, blinking a few times. All the mental tiredness was gone, and even her mind had finally calmed down. All negative emotions vanished as she nced at the ring gleaming on her finger, ''It was a worthwhile journey. With all this, I should have enough supplies to brew healing and mana potions and more.'' She had books and tools to finally increase her power through magic. ''In the end, both of my powers are a surprisingly good fit.'' There was only one problem. Despite her best efforts to recall the potion recipes from her previous life, her memories were but a vague haze, insufficient to concoct anything of value. With reluctance, she was forced to spend her hard-earned points. ''Well, this might save my life. It is a worthwhile investment.'' Ding! // You have spent 1 WP to obtain the potion recipe: Subpar Potion of Mana You have spent 1 WP to improve the potion recipe: Subpar Potion of Mana -> Inferior Potion of Mana Description: A simple potion that can restore a small amount of manathe restorative effects are not instantaneous but gradual. Its effects persist for around five minutes. Needed elemental ingredients: 3 x Water Element 1 x Fire Element 1 x Electricity Element Needed Physical Ingredients: 1 X Minor Mana Stone of any element // ''You greedy thing, forcing me to pay for something I have already bought before.'' She felt like cursing at the greedy system that refused to show even a bit of solidarity with her situation. Ding! // Inferior Healing Potion Description: A potion that can slowly mend muscle injuries and even small cracks in the bones over time. It can stop both internal and external bleeding immediately after application. Its effects persist for around five minutes. Needed elemental ingredients: 3 x Water Element 1 x Blood Element 1 x Bone Element 1 x nt Element Needed Physical Ingredients: A small amount of leaves from medicinal herbs (Note: The used herb and the amount might slightly alter the potion effects or add an additional one.) // Seeing the list of ingredients, she nodded with a wide smile, already knowing how game-changing those potions were: ''The strain on my bones and muscles stacks over longer fights. However, with those two potions, I should be able to eliminate this problem.'' Even if they weren''t strong enough to heal fatal injuries, mend broken bones, or restore missing limbs, they were still enough to prolong her life and allow her to keep fighting for longer. Chapter 43: The Briefcase Delivery Chapter 43: The Briefcase Delivery The room''s electronically tinted window panes filtered the daylight, submerging it in darkness. Tia paced anxiously around a table with two chemical banks on it. Each of them brimmed with bubbling liquids that danced in a spectrum of colors. In the dim atmosphere, the gentle luminescence from the Bunsen burner''s blue mes burning beneath them served as the sole beacon of light. ''It should work. I have done everything correctly.'' The air was thick with the heady scent of herbs, their rejuvenating fragrance coaxing Tia into deep, grounding breaths that soothed her anxiety. Lost in the mesmerizing dance of boiling liquids, she scarcely noticed the passage of time until a surge of magic snapped her back to reality. ''Is it finished?'' Apanying the leaves floating amidst the red concoction melting and the glowing gem dissolving in the blue potion, a flurry of notifications flooded her consciousness. Ding! // You have concocted the Inferior Potion of Mana Rating: It is usable and has a nice color! Well done! Reward: +1 MAG stat [Apprentice Potionmaking (2%)] -> [Apprentice Potionmaking (7%)] // Ding! // You have concocted the Inferior Healing Potion Rating: Meh, at least it tastes good, and it also has some healing effects. Reward: +1 INT stat [Apprentice Potionmaking (7%)] -> [Apprentice Potionmaking (12%)] // With a burst of excitement, she crouched beside the table, her eyes gleaming as she eagerly studied the contents of the tworge bottles. The first was filled with a delicate ruby hue liquid bordering on pink, while the second held a blend of blue tinged with gray. ''Even though the effects of those potions are rather magical. I think I can enchant them a bit more with a little bit of modern science.'' With a flick of Tia''s fingers, every burner was snuffed out, and the pinkish potion levitated directly into her eager grasp. ''Let''s see how some basic biology and some basic science can improve medicine based upon magic.'' A set of small ampoules were lined up on the table. Selecting one, she poured its contents into the pink potion, intently watching as it bubbled up. With a gentle swirl, she amalgamated the two substances. ''Liquified super-concentrate of protein, iron, sugar, calcium, and fat.'' It was no secret that cells needed building materials to regenerate. Even though she didn''t confirm it, she strongly believed that supplying those materials to her body would enchant the effects of the potion. She then reached for another vial, releasing a few drops into the blend. ''Adrenaline and endorfine.'' They were both hormones, of which one would hasten her blood cirction, and the second would dampen or entirely erase her sensation of pain. To her relief, the mixture remained stable without blowing up. ''Now for some preliminary testing.'' She wasn''t so suicidal as to consume her mix without a trial run. She grabbed a syringe from the table and slowly sucked in a bit of the pinkish liquid, bringing it closer to her eyes as she ogled it. ''Potions were always supposed to be drunk. However, can it be injected directly into veins for a better effect?'' It was simply too impractical for her to stop mid-fight to chug down some potions. Instead, she nned to use an automatic device to inject her with the potions when needed. Curiosity piqued, and her face reddened with the sheer excitement of exploring the, until now, unexplored path. Tia''s gaze shifted to a small cage nestled in the corner of the room. Inside, a cluster of white rats squeaked nervously, huddling together as if they felt her predatory gaze. But just as she was engrossed in her little experiment, an abrupt knock at the door jarred her back to reality. Without waiting for an invitation, the door swung open, and the handler, dressed in a sleek ck trenchcoat, stepped in, clutching a metal briefcase in her left hand. Her piercing gaze scanned the room, finally settling on Tia, who was swiftly adjusting her skirt. "Prepare yourself. Your first real task will start in three hours." Without giving the scattered vials and bottles a second nce, the handler moved purposefully toward Tia, who remained crouched, taken aback by the sudden intrusion. ''Already? I thought I had months of training ahead.'' The prospect of a potentially dangerous mission momentarily overshadowed her concern about the handler seeing the remnants of her experiments. While Tia''s thoughts swirled, the handler calmly ced her ck briefcase on the table, her gaze resting briefly on the surprised girl before she turned back to leave. "Inside, you''ll find everything you need to know about your assignment." "But what exactly am I to do?" "We operate on a need-to-know basis," she said coolly. "It''s not my role to be privy to your mission specifics." ''Why so much secrecy?'' "I was under the impression I still had training left," Tia remarked, trying to push back the inevitable. ''I need more time to fully absorb the gains from thest expedition.'' "ns have changed. Time is of the essence. We need every avable asset." Tia''s mind raced. ''Why the urgency? Are they so desperate that they''re deploying someone untrained like me? Is something big going to happen?'' Walking toward the door, the handler cast onest cold look at the table, whose surface was cluttered with both scientific instruments and arcane devices. "Please, ty not to blow yourself up with your... whatever it is." ''Why does she always arrive when I am in such embarrassing situations!?'' Tia felt like cursing at the woman who always barged into her personal space without invitation. "Also, if you need to go to the toilet, just go. You can finish thister." "Huh?" Tia couldn''t understand, the confusion even showing on her face as her eyes went wide. "You are crouching here with a red face, like a child about to have an ident." With a bang, the doors closed, leaving the embarrassed, confused, and nervous Tia alone in the room. ''Was she serious or it was just a bad attempt at a joke. Three hours... that should be enough to finish the potion testing.'' She nced toward the briefcase and reached toward it. Chapter 44: The Binks Assassination, part 1/4 Chapter 44: The Binks Assassination, part 1/4 Emerging against the horizon, a gleaming structure of at least four stories, constructed from polished metal, asserted its dominance, standing sentinel-like amidst the green expanse of gardens. The bright beams of the reflectors lit up the entire building, reflecting on the shiny walls. A plush red carpet unfurled like a river of velvet from the grand entrance, weaving its way to the ornate gate in the tall fence encasing the entire area. With a ng, the gate closed, isting the crowd of cheering people behind its bars. Gracefully, a woman glided down the crimson path. Her opulent ck ball gown trailed behind. Midnight-ck hair flowed seamlessly down her back, reminiscent of liquid obsidian. Her face was concealed by a silver mask ornate with vibrant gemstones, mirroring the myriad of lights shing around her. Despite her poised demeanor, she battled the disorienting ze of camera shes from each direction, every burst threatening to steal her sight. ''Such absurdity," she mused, "still bombarding people with blinding shes despite the advances in photography.'' The pce looked evenrger as she approached, its walls of mirror-like metal soaring skyward, threatening to crush all the poor with its unnecessarily borate and extravagant facade. Tia felt like vomiting after seeing the most disgusting building she had ever seen. ''I hate modern architecture. It is so unesthetic.'' Lining her path were guards d in tailored ck suits. The red glow emanating from the visors of their welder-esque full-face masks lent an otherworldly menace, their gaze unrelenting as they tracked her every move. ''I wonder if they are truly as dangerous as they look.'' Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. With a clear mind and grace that masked her inner turmoil, she pressed on, each step measured and assured. ''Blend in. You belong here,'' she silently coached herself. Not a single guard moved to stop her or even question her. Unhindered, she soon found herself at the grand entrance of the imposing, dystopian mansion. She cleared her mind and strode inside. The hall beyond was vast andvish, constructed entirely from the mesmerizing, mirror-like material that extended from the walls to the ceiling and flowed down onto the floor. Everywhere she looked as she walked, reflections danceda kaleidoscope of attendees and lights that twisted and melded together, creating a dizzying sight. Dominating the expanse of the hall was an elegant staircase sculpted from pristine chrome. It ascended with regal poise, illuminated by ethereal white beams, giving the illusion of steps leading to the very heavens. ''I wish I could just demolish this ce... and rece it with something beautiful.'' Seamlessly, she melded into the congregation of extravagantly dressed individuals in ck, their faces obscured by ornate masks. The voices of their chitchat constantly buzzed around Tia''s ears like a swarm of annoying mosquitoes. "Oh my, that is so scandalous?!" "Have you seen Marina''s dress? It looks so cheap." "I heard that the empire is again causing some trouble." Surrounding her was a sea of luxuryjewels that sparkled with expensive gemstones, masks made of expensive exotics whose worth probably surpassed that of an average apartment. ''Even all this glitter isn''t enough to cover how trashy they are.'' Seeing all that, a strong sensation of dissatisfaction, envy, and even resentment ignited within her mind and heart, feeling it was supposed to be her enjoying the richness. ''When I reached the top in myst life, I was killed, and in this life, everything was also taken from me.'' All the rich, useless brats around her who most likely never had to work, leeching off their employees'' hard work, made her disgusted. The mere thought of witnessing their bodies burning within the rubble of the disgusting pce brought an involuntary chuckle, muffled behind her ornate mask. However, she clenched her fists and suppressed her wild imagination. ''I must focus; this is my first real job.'' "Wee." The chattering of the crowd ceased instantly, reced by an anticipatory hush as a deep, resonant voice echoed throughout the hall. From atop the chrome staircase, a figure began a deliberate descent. d in a pristine white tuxedo, its fabric glistened with the intricacy of interwoven silver threads, creating an ethereal glow. The stark contrast of his luminescent attire against the sea of dark-d attendees was impossible to ignore. ''Here we go, the spoiled brat has arrived. The useless son of the''s vice-governor''s assistant for external security.'' All eyes were maically drawn to him, captivated by his striking presence. His face, unobscured by any mask, bore a confident smile, and it was evident that he reveled in the undivided attention hemanded. Melding into the crowd, Tia also turned to face the man, standing amidst the rich brats. ''He should be my target.'' The single nce at him made Tia want to immediately proceed with her task and kill him on the spot. "I am Darius Binks, and I wholeheartedly wee you to the annual Binks Auction!" However, she remained cautious as she scanned the entire venue, noticing all the guards standing in every corner. ''This makes no sense. Why would they send me, a newbie, on such a high-profile task? Do they trust me so much, or is there something else in y?'' It all reeked of conspiracy to her. The sheer courage and brazenness of the organization to kill someone so high-profile was simply too shocking for her. "Please enjoy the evening!" The man spread his arms wide as if he were ying god, his radiantly white teeth and suit shining within the lights of the reflectors aiming at him. Chapter 45: The Binks Assassination, part 2/4 Chapter 45: The Binks Assassination, part 2/4 As Darius, d in his immacte white suit, gracefully ascended the staircase, the festivities exploded. Amidst the shing lights of the reflectors and the loudly sting music, Tia stood in the corner, her dress shimmering in the dim light. She closed her eyes and indulged in a sip of the expensive wine she held delicately in her hand. ''This should be a good opportunity. He finally went upstairs...'' Around her, the crowd moved in rhythms dictated by the beats, but Tia was focused on something entirely different. The invisible tendrils of her kic force began their journey, feeling their way out from her proximity. Like ghostly fingers, they trailed behind the corner, barely making a presence as they brushed the walls and the floor. Her senses heightened as the tendrils moved. They came upon a staircase and, with gentle persistence, began their ascent. One step at a time, they moved higher, each step echoing the anticipation Tia felt. Through her expanded touch, she registered a guard''s presence on the staircase. Her lips curled into a sly smile. ''One guard on the staff staircase. The location is too close to the crowded cea single mistake would draw atention. Alright, time for a small distraction.'' The faint light reflected off a ring she wore, making it glint momentarily. With a focused thought, a vial materialized within her palm. It contained a dark red liquid. Holding her breath, she uncapped the vial. Using her telekinesis, she guided a single droplet out, holding it suspended in the air. Among the dancing andughing crowd, a group of women in elegant ck dresses stood out. They chatted animatedly, their sses of wine held loosely in their hands. Tia''s attention zeroed in on one of the women, her target. ''Enjoy my berserk potion.'' This time, it wasn''t as gaseous as in the hospital, as she had time to calmly purify most of the air elements out of it. The droplet moved, directed by Tia''s invisible force. It hurled through the air, darting between heads and avoiding the wandering hands of the crowd, looking nothing more than a stray glint of light lost amidst the shing lights and mirrors. As the target womanughed at a joke, the droplet silently plunged into her ss of wine. ''Nice, all in ce.'' The woman took a sip of her wine, Tia''s heart pounding with anticipation to watch the show that was going to happen. The redhead woman ceased to move, frozen like an ice statue. Just as her friend opened her mouth to speak, the woman moved and punched her straight into her voluptuous chest, sending her to the floor. "You stic whore!" Her guttural shriek cut through the venue, outpouring even the background music and drawing all the eyes to her. Tia didn''t pay them any attention as she saw the ck-suited guards rushing in from every direction. Shouts, yells, and the unmistakable mor of amotion filled the air. Using themotion, she took a calcted risk, slipping out of the grand hall, right behind the corner. ''Alright, it seems to work.'' The guard, drawn by the escting situation, sprinted past her, his attention fully on the altercation, not even noticing the drunk-looking Tia leaning against the wall. The yelling of women got even louder in the hall behind her. "Let me go, you bitch!" "Mirinda, I have enough of your fake nose! Let me break it for you!" Tia smirked inwardly, ''Now or never.'' Not looking back, she turned to run, her high heels not making any sound as she ascended the smooth, metal staircase. Just in a few seconds, she reached the second floor, stopping before the chrome double door barring her path. There was no keyhole, no knob, nothing that she could utilize to break through. ''I hate the modern doors...'' The distant sound of footsteps started echoing from below. They grew louder, more distinct, each footfall getting closer. Tia''s mind raced. She had mere moments before the guard would see her. ''Shit! Beating the guard would be no problem, but it wouldn''t be silent.'' Her heart raced as the steps were getting closer and closer. She could already see a ck shadow ascending the staircase like a vanguard of its owner. She had to avoid raising the rm at any cost until she located the man, otherwise, there would be a risk of him running away or holing up in some panic room. In a blend of desperation and determination, she shoved against the doors. To her surprise, they moved! Slipping through, she was met by a strikingly contrasting sight: a corridor constructed of obsidian-like metal, gleaming under dim lighting, chrome doors adorning its length. With ast effort, she silently shut the chrome doors behind her, pressing her back against them and catching her breath. ''Really? They weren''t even locked. If they put even half of the money they gave to the architect that designed this monstrosity into the security, I would be screwed up.'' There were no guards, and the entire second floor was seemingly empty. Still, Tia remained cautious, knowing that the greatest obstacle would likely be the personal bodyguard of her target. Even though she didn''t know much about him, from the intel she obtained, he was a superhuman with unknown powers. ''Where did he go?'' Just as she started to question, one of the doors opened, and a man in a white suit and five bodyguards in ck, with masks on their faces, stepped out. The time seemingly stopped as the two groups looked at each other. "Who are you? What are you doing up here?" Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Basic Objective --> Kill Darius Binks Bonus Objective 1 --> Kill the chief personal bodyguard -> 1 X Esper Point Bonus Objective 2 --> Kill all the bodyguards -> 1 X Esper Point Bonus Objective 3 --> Kill the target and his bodyguards before the reinforcement arrives -> 1 X Esper Point Basic Reward --> 2 x esper point; 3 X +1 to Random Stat <<<<<<>>>>>> ''Ohh, here we go again.'' Chapter 46: The Binks Assassination, part 3/4 Chapter 46: The Binks Assassination, part 3/4 With a swift, synchronized motion, the five bodyguards unsheathed their firearms, pulling the man in the pristine white tuxedo to safety. With a graceful smile, Tia delicately lifted her mask and effortlessly stored it within her mystical ring. "Get down on your knees!" The guards bellowed. Unfazed, she simultaneously brandished her wand and pistol. ''It looks like they did not recognize my face. I thought I would be more famous and notorious by now.'' As gunfire erupted, the corridor became a canvas of light and shadow. Muzzle shes illuminated the mirrored surfaces, creating a dizzying y of reflections. Green-hued sma bolts, luminous and menacing, streaked toward Tia. Without any hurry, all of them were flung to the sides, deflected from their trajectories by thebination of Tia''s telekinesis and pyrokinesis. She took a step forward, her eyes shining. "Damn it!" "Fire! Don''t stop!" The two guards remained on the spot while the three remaining ones grabbed Darian by his cor and turned to run. But Tia was already in motion. Sheunched herself forward, slicing through the corridor with the grace of a dolphin cutting through the water. Green sma bolts flew around her like torpedoes gone awry, their deadly intent reduced to a harmless blur. The three guards and the white suit vanished behind the corner. ''Shit, he is running away!'' On the move, Tia pressed the trigger of her gun twice, and the two bright blue bolts smashed into the chests of the two guards. Screaming, both were propelled backward and crashed against the metal walls, smoke rising from their seared suits. A realization dawned on Tia. ''Those suits... they''re designed to dissipate heat. Interesting. I should get something like that.'' Time seemed to stretch, yet in reality, mere seconds had passed. Covering ten meters in a heartbeat, the end of the corridor neared. Without hesitation, Tia squeezed her trigger again, directing the energy bolts straight at the faces of the grounded guards. ''Two down.'' --> 20% The burned viscera sttered on the walls, but Tia paid them no more attention as she dashed straight behind the corner, trailing her prey like a hungry wolf. The instant her feet made contact with the floor, a crushing wave of pain surged upward through her body. As though she had stepped onto a live wire, every nerve alighted with searing agony. Her hair, previously flowing smoothly, became a wild tempest around her, each strand animated by the intense energy coursing through her. A bodyguard knelt on the floor, electricity shing, arcing, and sparking between his palm and the metal floor. ''Electrokinesis!'' Tia tried to move her muscles, but she couldn''t, entirely paralyzed by the electricity streaming through her body. Even though the electricity shed around her as it violently surged through her, the damage was small. She could feel the energy of the attack just course through her bones, muscles, and even organs without any resistance, not producing deadly heat damage. ''Is this because of my evolved cells?'' With a pulse of her mind, arge wave of energy rose within her body. The air shivered and vibrated while the surrounding temperature quickly increased. Despite her body suffering and trashing, every cell ame with agony, her mind remained a sanctuary of calmness. Suddenly, the sharp sting of a syringe prated her skin. An immediate icy relief followed as her damaged tissue regenerated and the pain dulled, the healing potion coursing through her veins. In an instant, a tempest of fire, coupled with a forceful surge of kic force, erupted from her like a volcanic st, surging through the corridor and sting down on the bodyguard. The electric current relented and vanished, freeing Tia. ''Huh? He deflected it?'' She immediately raised her gun, already feeling like something was deflecting her attack from its path. It felt as if she were a river rushing down a hillside, flowing around a sharp piece of rock amidst the current. As fast as the mes appeared, they vanished. The walls, once shiny, now bore a deep crimson hue from the intense heat, and their metal panels warped and contorted. The man in the ck suit, standing in the destroyed corridor, moved. Smoke wafted around him, birthed from the superheated, red-glowing floor around him. He raised his head, revealing his scarred face with a grin stered on it. "Haha, this... I love this! st me again!" With a mere lift of his arm, the metal walls groaned in response. In the blink of an eye, the metal panels tore free, hovering menacingly beside him. Arcs of electricity danced between them, their brilliance mirrored on every reflective surface around them, crafting a dazzling, almost hypnotic disy. ''This is how he deflected my power! He doesn''t control just electricity, but electromaism!'' Echoing footsteps resonated from all directions, rapidly converging on their location. Tia felt the urgency, knowing she had to act fast. ''Let''s end this. I have no time to y here. The best trajectory is to overwhelm his defense with a single concentrated attack.'' Tia raised both her gun and wand and aligned them side by side, pressing them together. Energy pulsed from her fingertips, channeling into the wand. Momentster, five luminous runes materialized, encircling the wand''s tip and the muzzle of her gun. ''Infuse linked with sharp. Enchant linked with speed and power.'' At the same time, the metal fragments rocketed toward Tia like a hail of massive bullets, all while being shadowed by a swirling tempest of lightning. ''Now!'' Tia squeezed her gun''s trigger, and in an instant, half its stored energy was expended, firing the blinding wall-buster bolt. The corridor was awash in a radiant blue luminescence, magnified further as it coursed through the magic circle. With her lightning-fast reflexes, her mind touched the bolt mid-flight, her eyes shining as it sped up even further, and its temperature and brightness intensified once more under the influence of her Esper powers. ''Magic, technology, and my esper power all ying together. How beatiful!'' She felt the joy of improving and exploring the possibilities. The man reacted, and the levitating metal tes, previously set on assault, swiftly reconfigured, positioning themselves as a makeshift shield against the iing projectile. The supercharged wallbuster bolt smashed through all of them, burning holes right through them as if they were just paper, leaving only a trail of molten metal and blue haze in its tracks. In the blink of a human eye, it collided with the esper''s electromaic barrier, creating ripples in the very fabric of the air. A resounding explosion of sma echoed throughout the corridor, forcing Tia to instinctively cover her eyes. The ensuing wave of heat and force swept past, making her dress flutter and her hair dance wildly in its wake. ''Such firepower... with this, I can probably even take one of those pesky drones in a single shot.'' The next moment, it subsided, and she opened her eyes. The bodyguard was goneonly the smoking boots with the bottom part of his feet were still left on the ground. The entire hallway was burned and destroyed after their confrontation. With her heart still pounding with excitement, she shot forward, her eyes maniacally dted. Beep! <<<>>>> Distributing rewards: <+2 esper points> --> <<<>>>> --> 26% Her forceshed around, and the doors busted off their hinges as she ran down the metallic hallway, her tendrils of kic energy wrapping and searching every inch of every room. ''Where did he go?'' The distant steps of the reinforcement were getting closer and closershe knew she needed to hurry up. Suddenly, her eyes shed, and her face warped into a grin. ''I found you, you little turd.'' Chapter 47: The Binks Assassination, part 4/4 [Bonus] Chapter 47: The Binks Assassination, part 4/4 [Bonus] Tia''s glowing gaze fell upon a single chrome door that was torn off its hinges. She could feel, with the touch of her power, the three squishy humans hiding inside. ''It''s always the same. Fleeing, hiding. Have they no pride?'' She stepped inside, revealing apact and dark room with countless racks filled with shing and glowing servers while myriad cables snaked through its floor. The ambient hum of electricity wove a sound background, underscored by the consistent beeps of the machines. "You can''t hide from me!" Her voice echoed, filled with the thrill of the hunt, her fingers twitching with a hunger to end the yboy''s existence. He embodied everything she despiseda shallow person, frivolously squandering his inherited wealth, devoid of any semnce of merit. Suddenly, a green light streaked through the air, a sma bolt heading straight toward her, shining like aet amidst the shadows of the dimly lit room. Tia just smiled, and it halted mid-flight. ''I am growing stronger.'' Such inferior weapons were now beneath her concernmere nuisances at best. With unwavering determination, she pressed further into the heart of the server room straight toward her prey''s hiding spot, each step echoing on the metallic floor like a relentless drumbeat while her eyes carefully scanned her surroundings as she refused to drop her guard. "Face your end with courage! Embrace your fate, and perhaps, find a shred of dignity in yourst moments!" She yelled, her voice filled with disdain echoing amidst the beeping of the machines she passed by. Something rustled back in the room. With a fluid motion of her wand, all the servers were torn from the ground, flying out of her way as she walked forward. Metal shed and mored around her. Amidst the chaos, bright green lights shed again as the two sma bolts headed toward her. Deflected from their path by the waves of her power, they crashed into the floor, leaving behind dark, smoldering scars. The shifting servers unveiled the quivering figures of three men. ''Here you are!'' Dariusy crumpled on the ground, sheltered meekly behind his two equally unnerved bodyguards aiming their trembling guns at her. Tears and mucus smeared his face, and a pungent stench tainted the air. He yelled, each word perpetrated with despair and terror, "I''ll give you anything! Just name your price!" ''So bad he refused myst mercy of offering him a less pathetic death.'' "This time, the money of your parents will not save you." Without taking any sadistic pleasure from the sight, she simply raised her wand. There was a swift, almost imperceptible motion, and suddenly, their heads twisted grotesquely. Their eyes dimmed as they fell in a heap, like marites discarded by their puppeteer. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Mission Completed: Basic Objective --> Kill Darius Binks Bonus Objective 1 --> Kill the chief personal bodyguard -> 1 X Esper Point (Sess) Bonus Objective 2 --> Kill all the bodyguards -> 1 X Esper Point (Sess) Bonus Objective 3 --> Kill the target and his bodyguards before the reinforcement arrives -> 1 X Esper Point (Sess) Total Reward --> 5 x esper point; 3 X +1 to Random Stat <<<<<<>>>>>> As the trio copsed, a potent surge of energy coursed through Tia. This newfound strength invigorated every muscle, making her feel both powerful and alive. Alongside it, a rush of euphoria engulfed her, filling her with sheer exhration and unbridled joy. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> increased by 1 increased by 1 increased by 1 <<<<<<>>>>>> ''Time to finish this job and get out of here.'' The unmistakable rhythm of footsteps echoed from the corridor, growing steadily louder. In a smooth motion, Tia produced a sleek device from her pocket. It resembled a featureless metal card. Kneeling next to the man in the pristine white suit, she whispered, "Initiate bio-scan." With precision, she pressed each of his fingers onto the card while her eyes lit aglow as her contact lenses began an in-depth scan of the man from head to toe. A holographic blue progress bar materialized in the periphery of her vision, rapidly ticking towardspletion. ''This is why you had to die.'' She didn''t know for what the scan was needed, but she knew it had to be important for the organization to openly kill someone as prominent as him. "Freeze! Stay right there!" The shout caught her off guard, causing a slight jolt. The approaching footsteps halted abruptly outside the room. Sensing the presence beyond, she extended her perception, mentally counting the guards awaiting her. ''Only twelve?'' It was like yesterday when she felt threatened by a single security guy in the hospital. Today, however, it was differentshe now had the power to defend herself, no, not only that, but also to crush regr foes. With a soft chime, the progress bar in her peripheral vision emitted a bright green light, signalingpletion. A navigational arrow, indicating her route to safety, oveid her field of vision. Gracefully rising to her feet, Tia adjusted her dress. She lifted her wand, and the two magic runes of her razor spell lit up above its tip. Chapter 48: The Burning Skyline Chapter 48: The Burning Skyline POV A Random Guard: The corridor''s dim light flickered eerily, casting deep shadows as the group in ck suits cautiously advanced through the devastated corridor. The walls, ceiling, and floor were bent, with sections of the walls and floor missing entirely. Scorched imprints marred what was once a mirror-like finish. Each footstep echoed ominously, the distorted metal groaning beneath their boots. The atmosphere was heavy with dread, and their anxiety was reflected in their jittery fingers and wavering gun barrels. A static-filled voice broke through their intes: "We have lost contact with team four. Dispatch all reinforcements!" ''Shit!'' Thomas paled as he spotted the scenes before him. Blood was sttered all over the walls, and the dismembered bodies of his colleagues sprawled on the ground, their heads gruesomely detached from their bodies, resting in the puddle of their own blood. Thomas choked, the metallic smell of blood invading his senses. The stench overpowered him, and nausea swirled in his stomach. Despite his years in security, having faced danger and even taken a life, nothing had prepared him for this gruesome spectacle. The haunting thought gripped him: ''I could have been one of them.'' There was no sign of the perpetrator, and a rush of relief washed over Thomas. ''Thank goodness, we arete.'' Regardless of his paycheck, no amount was worth this kind of horror. He was happy the perpetrator was gone and he didn''t have to face them. Beside him, a shaky voice whispered, "Who... or what could''ve done this?" Without conscious thought, barely audible, Thomas murmured, "Only a monster..." POV Tia: The ss pane of the window shattered under the strike of the invisible force, the light refracting in the thousands of shards, creating a dazzling disy. Tia sprinted straight toward the window, her long ck hair trailing behind her like a tail. Leaping fearlessly, she was embraced by a gust of fresh air, which caressed her flushed skin and yed with the hem of her ebony dress. Harnessing her power, she shot upward, the emerald expanse below receding rapidly. Shended gracefully on the rooftop''s edge like a cat, giving her the perfect overview of the entire property. The perimeter was aze with pulsing blue and red sirens. The ominous hum of engines grew louder, converging from every conceivable direction. She was encircled and trapped. ''They said they would pick me up from the roof.'' All she could do was hold her breath and pray that they wouldn''t leave her there. However, she couldn''t see any escape vehicle nearby, making her anxious. Her attention moved toward the horizon. ''Uhh? Is this also our work? It must be. Otherwise, it would be too big of a coincidence.'' A gargantuan inferno roared in the distance, encircling a majestic skyscraper illuminated in an ominous red hue. Pirs of dense, ck smoke billowed upward, punctuating the starless canopy above. The relentless luminance of the sprawling cityscape had swallowed the stars, leaving only the fiery disy and the lights of the tall buildings of ss and steel to dominate the night. ''So this assassination was only a piece of the puzzle. Who knows what the end goal is behind all this?'' A sudden gust roared, causing Tia''s hair to whip around her face in a chaotic frenzy. Then, as if conjured from thin air, the space before her rippled, coalescing into a sleek, graphite-ck hovercar. ''Camouging technology?!'' The vehicle hovered above the greenwn below and alongside the roof''s edge. Its doors opened, and the sudden influx of light almost blinded her. The green arrow projected into her vision pointed straight at it. ''So this is my way out.'' Seeing the shing lights of the drones quickly approaching from each side, Tia didn''t hesitate for even a moment and jumped straight into the awaiting vehicle. The doors smoothly closed behind her, and the next moment, she was pushed back into the seat as the world outside its windows turned into a blur. Atst, relief washed over her. Her mission wasplete, and she had emerged unscathed. ''Systems, please show me my current status andpare it to when I started.'' As if she desired to sense the joy of her growth, she opened her status. /< True Name: Tiariel Morduine Soul species: ??? Vessel species: Space Human Witch level: Novice Psionic level: Latent Esper Esper Points: 10 Witch Points: 16 Vitality (VIT): 8 -> 9 Strength (STR): 6 -> 8 Agility (AGI): 9 -> 11 Defense (DEF): 7 Endurance (END): 10 -> 11 Energy (ENE): 32 -> 46 Intelligence (INT): 15 -> 25 Will (WIL): 34 -> 48 Magic (MAG): 36 -> 38 Abilities: , , [Apprentice Potionmaking (12%)],[Apprentice Artificing], [Novice Runic Spellcraft]. [Dimensional Plunder], [Novice Material Assessment] >/ ''The handler wasn''t lyingmy physical stats are also slowly climbing up without doing too much.'' Seeing her growth, Tia couldn''t help but feel like all her struggles and battles weren''t for nothing. Chapter 49: The Planetary Emergency Council Chapter 49: Theary Emergency Council POV The Inspector Kido: Gradually, holographic figures of men and women emerged from the darkness, assembling into a wide semicircle. The air pulsed with palpable tension, the spectral luminance of the holograms casting an ethereal radiance upon the surrounding ck void. ''All the key yers are present...'' The inspector noted each face that surrounded him, recognizing them. There were the''s governor, high-ranking military officers, leading figures from various departments, and even his colleagues from theary guard. A middle-aged woman, whom he recognized as the''s governor, waved her hand, and projections of crime scenes, camera footage, and satellite feeds appeared before them. ''So ites to this,'' Kido mused, his focus narrowing on the information unfurling before him. Then, her voice echoed through the emptiness, filled with palpable outrage: "This is an act of terrorism! Thirteen separate attacks in a single nightmultiple important people were murdered, the central bank was robbed, numerous buildings were set on fire, and atst, twelve of the attackers escaped with the remaining one dying in the explosion." Even he recognized the situation''s severity, ''If we don''t find the culprit soon, heads will be rolling.'' "No, Madam. Governor," began the elder, dressed in the pristine blue uniform of the Defense Forces, his attire adorned with shoulder patches of three silver stars signifying his high rank. "Terrorists typically disseminate their ideology, yet we''ve witnessed no such intent thus far." The leftmost hologram of the man, a fat figure with strong features and a mustache, yelled, "We should put the entire under lockdown until we find the killer of my son! They must pay for what they have done!" His flickering projection was seeping with angerhis irises wide and his face contorted, every ounce of his being showing grief and rage. Kido rolled his eyes discreetly, dubbing the man a ''corrupted pig'' in his mind while staying locked onto the visual data. The governor''s voice countered, "That could decimate our economy. We can''t show such a weakness." More and more of the aides joined in, throwing their opinions into the discussion. "Should we then beseech the federal government for reinforcements?" She retorted, "That would merely depict us as ipetent, incapable of safeguarding our." The officer sighed and shook his head, his words cold, "Also, I don''t believe we have such an option. The imperial fleet is active on the sector''s border, and the federation is focusing its forces on safeguarding the smaller worldscking powerful orbital defenses. There is no reinforcement." The inspector listened and watched the projections of the events, ignoring the arguing of the politicians. Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat as he spotted the dark-haired, masked woman in the projection. ''It is her!'' Her powers, how she walked, and even her figure made him immediately recognize her, even through her mask and dyed hair, as his analytic abilities were always high. This was his chance! He opened his mouth and spoke, interrupting all the bigwigs. "Excuse me, madam, general. I know the identity of one of the attackers." The room fell into an oppressive silence, so thick that he felt beads of sweat trace a path down his nape. As every gaze in the room settled on him, the collective intensity of the stares, both from his equals and those above him, made him momentarily question his judgment. ''A single misstep here could be my downfall.'' He could especially feel the deadly re of the''s director of the Bureau of External Security in his expensive obsidian-ck suitthe man who took his case. "The woman responsible for young Mr. Binks'' demise... I''ve identified her. I know her well, as I was already searching for her before this event." His words resounded once more. A beat passed before the governor broke the silence. "Inspector Kido, if what you im holds truth, then you will have full authority to marshal theary guards and defense forces in pursuit. She might very well be our best clue to unearthing the mastermind behind all this." ''Now I will get you!'' He hardly kept the smile off his lips as he slightly bowed and saluted. The next morning: POV Tia: Tia opened her eyes, staring at the familiar white ceiling of her bedroom. Her once tinum-blonde hair was a mess. She stretchedzily, her muscles awakening to the gentle embrace of the sun''s rays entering through her window. The soft sheets rustled around her as she pushed them aside. ''It all went pretty well. I am alive, uninjured, and I even gained some benefits.'' The memories of the prior evening''s exhaustion seemed like a distant dream now. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Today was all about the fruits of herborthe culmination of her efforts. ''Esper System, please show me options for my pyrokinesis.'' Beep! <<<>>>> power customization stage reached: Choose customizations: The new options: Enchantments: (1 EP): Increases the user''s control over the mes, allowing more precise maniption. (1 EP): Increases the range at which the user can control mes by an extra 10% (1 EP): Increases the overall temperature of the controlled mes by an extra 10% Techniques: (2 EP): Shoots a concentrated projectile of mes. (3 EP): Envelopes the user in a cloak of fire that will not harm them. Body Adaptations (Warning: will cause the user to fall unconscious): (5 EP): Alters the user''s cellrposition even further, increasing the capacity at which the cells can transport the energy without getting damaged. (4 EP): Increases the thermal resistance of the user''s skin while allowing the user to freely change their skin''s outside temperature between 0C and +250C Special: (3 EP) (Unlocked by: ): Gives the user the power to solidify the mes under their control, giving them the properties of solid matter. (3 EP) (Unlocked by: with ): Bypassess the requirement of needing to summon mes directly from the body, allowing the user to use their telekinesis to remotely vibrate atoms and create abustive reaction. <<<>>>> Tia unhurriedly looked at all the options, ''I have ten Esper points.'' The vast array of choices seemed infinite. ''Should I dump everything just to the temperature? With ten points, I could bring it to tier three.'' ''Maybe I shouldn''t spend everything here and try to save some points for the future.'' Tia pondered, letting out a soft sigh. She nestled deeper into the plushfort of her bed, knowing she had the entire morning to decide. (AN: As always, I am open to your ideas, opinions, and suggestions.) Chapter 50: Pyrokinesis II and The Embers of Vengence Chapter 50: Pyrokinesis II and The Embers of Vengence While Tia rested in her bed, her eyes darted around, reflecting the inner turmoil brought on by the difficult choice before her. She immediately crossed out all the techniques, knowing they were useless at such a low level. ''I should keep moving in the path of synergies and mutual empowerment between my various powers.'' Tia''s attention settled on the body adaptations, recognizing them for their versatile potential. ''That particr skin enhancement isn''t valuable enough for its price.'' Given herbat style, it had no applicability. She never intended to be embroiled in close-quartersbat or allow any threat to breach her protective barriers. She would block what she could and dodge the rest. ''Cells? Yes, I should take the cells at any cost.'' It was the greatest option out of all, not only boosting her upper limit of both telekinesis and pyrokinesis but also increasing her capacity when controlling mana when casting spells or enchanting. Although the concept of solidified fire intrigued her, she recognized that with a little ingenuity, she could replicate its effects and conserve her vital points. ''Nah, I can aplish the same thing with two magic runes. Not worth my precious points.'' Only thest option remained in that category, making her thoroughly contemte it. ''It could remove one of thergest limitations of basic pyrokinesis.'' Fire, in the same way as her kic energy, had to originate from her body. The predictability of her fire attacks was a liability in life-and-death battles, with enemies discerning her fire attacks long before they could even reach them. ''This would make it much more flexible. I could stretch thin tendrils of kic power and then ignite things remotely.'' She closed her eyes in focus, ''This brings up the question of whether I would need that.'' In the end, she opened her eyes and nodded, ''Yes, the flexibility and opportunities to surprise and strike enemies from unexpected directions should be worth it.'' With only two points left, her eyes skimmed the final category, instantly ruling out range and control. ''Telekinesis, acting as a medium for maniption, renders those two useless.'' She paused briefly before concluding, ''I will take the increased temperature and save thest remaining point for the future.'' Beep! <<<<<>>>>> Your ability was modified: Your body was modified: <<<<<>>>>> Overwhelmed by a surge of sleepiness, her awareness began to waver, and her vision gently dissolved into the shadows. Later the same day: "Congrattions on bing the most wanted person on the entire." The chilling deration jolted Tia awake, her eyes snapping open to the cool, unflinching gaze of the handler. Towering beside her bed, the woman''s stony visage bore down on her, betraying no emotion. ''The most wanted person?!'' The words were like burning knives stabbing through her body. The revtion upended her immediate ns. Being a mere fugitive was manageable. However, as the most wanted person, she knew there would be no ce to hide. Her senses heightened to razor-sharp focus as she readied to confront the handler and make an escape. ''Are they nning to eliminate me now?'' As if sensing her plight, the woman continued, "It doesn''t matter. Everything is moving forward smoothly. Your cousin has be eighteen years old today and imed her spot at the head of your familypany." A re of anger, carefully veiled but unmistakable, ignited in Tia''s eyes. ''My cousin? Is she using her as leverage against me?'' "Do not approach her." Tia hissed through her teeth, her eyes slightly glowing. "No, you are going to approach her. Due to your affiliation, she is no longer on our kill list. I just need to make sure you will ensure she will do what is necessary when the timees." Everything connected in her mindthe words from the handler, the information she''d heard from her cousin, and her own deductions. A chilling realization dawned: ''They were likely the ones who tried to kill me that night!'' "Hahaha." Herughter rang out in a cacophony of irony. It was almostedic; the very people who once sought her life were now directing her actions. With this new information, she could also cross out one of her previous conjectures, ''The timeline doesn''t add up. They couldn''t be behind my parents'' deaths. Perhaps it really was just a freaky ident and not a conspiracy.'' Still, fury raged inside her like a tempest, but the knowledge that her cousin remained unharmed restrained her. Her hands curled into tight fists, her outward demeanor a picture of coolposure. Despite the simmering resentment, Tia wasn''t ready to do something reckless. ''They locked me away and didn''t contact me for years, acting as if I was just a thrown-away and broken thing.'' The thought of her cousin, the singr kin who ever showed genuine concern, could perhaps unhinge her. But for the others? There was no cause for hasty decisions. ''Still, they won''t walk away unscathed for their attempt on my life. Retribution wille, but patience is key. Strength and strategy take precedence now.'' The irony wasn''t lost on her; hunted as she was, her only haven was among the people who tried to kill her. "Why are you so amodating? Why are you even telling me this?" Their willingness to divulge such information baffled her, and the incongruity of it all made her head spin. Chapter 51: G-class Esper Chapter 51: G-ss Esper In the hushed stillness, the handler stood with the stoic grace of a sculpted statue. Her vacant eyes, devoid of emotion, pierced Tia deeply, as if attempting to decipher her very being. As Tia''s unease grew, the handler finally broke the silence, "You are one of us now. Prove your use, and you will find us more than amodating." A bitter thought flitted through Tia''s mind, ''Loyalty, use? What a farce.'' She remembered giving her everything to the witch council in her previous life, only to be discarded and betrayed. "You are valuable. From a mere I-sstent Esper, you''ve evolved into a formidable mid-tier G-ss. You can now take down entire enemy squads on your own." ''G-ss, also known as squad levelthe superhumans supposed to be strong enough to fight off entire squads of mundane enemies. That fits my current capabilities.'' These ssifications rang a bell, but she''d never bothered to ce herself within them. Tia pondered in silence, ''Above my G-ss, there should be an F-ss with powers strong enough to annihte entire buildings.'' In the meantime, the woman continued. For the second time since their encounter, a hint of excitement and admiration tinged the handler''s voice, "Since you have joined us, your power radiation has surged from 87 to 169 GODs." Tia blinked, taken aback. "GODs?" "Gotwell''s Energy Degree," the handler exined, "quantifies a superhuman''s power by their radiation levels. You possess a potential that even I, an Esper of the F-ss, can only dream of. With your pace, you will reach the 300 GODs marking the limit of G-ss soon, and enter F-ss." Tia''s mind raced, ''She''s an esper too? What could her abilities be?'' Despite racking her brain, she couldn''t recall ever witnessing the handler disy any powers, the thought of not knowing the powers of her potential foe, unnerving her. ''The peak of F-ss? Wouldn''t that mean she could destroy an entire building with a wave of her hand? Could she be just bluffing to scare me?'' Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> : The user''s status will now include the user''s power radiation in GOD units. : The local Esper power ranking was sessfully assimted. You are currently a G-ss Esper. <<<<<<>>>>>> "Rest up and resolve any matters with your cousin. We move in three days." The handler''s words were crisp, leaving no room for debate. She turned away to walk towards the exit, her imposing silhouette gradually receding. ''Three days? That''s workable.'' Tia wasn''t one to idly wait. Realizing that magic runes could enhance not just her Esper powers but also the energy bolts of her gun, she resolved to capitalize on this knowledge. ''I have witch points to spend, needed materials, and basic toolseverything I need. It is time to enchant my gun.'' The embers of vengeance slightly zed upon the thought, ''Every bit of strength will make my vengeance closer.'' The handler paused just as she was about to exit. "Don''t delude yourself into thinking your emotions are hidden. Every facial twitch, each bead of sweat, and even the most minute change in your voice betray your thoughts and emotions." Tia''s exterior remained unflinching, but internally, turmoil raged. ''Does she know I am disloyal?!'' The handler continued, her voice seeping in a chilling undertone, "Seeking vengeance? For what? Killing the people you hated? Unlikely. Or perhaps you believe we were the ones who targeted you." Her words grew colder and sharper. "Believe me, if we wanted you gone, you wouldn''t be standing here. Your death would be useless for us, especially when you can''t im any inheritance due to your legal incapacity." Atst, the handler slipped out of the room, and the heavy thud of the doors signaled her exit, encapsting Tia in a cocoon of silence and introspection. ''Then who was it?'' Wobbling, Tia got out of her bed, her pale, bare feet touching the sun-heated wooden floor. With an unsteady pace, she walked through her apartment, stopping in the living room, the table overflowing with her various tools. She hated the dilemmas and schemes around her; she needed to rx. ''What is better thanbining something useful with rxation?'' In an elegant motion, her gun manifested in her grasp. With a resonant clink, she set it down on the table. ''The durasteel alloy the gun is made of isn''t mana-conductive. I also can''t dabble with its internals, as I have no clue how this thing even works. Thest thing I need is to blow off my fingers.'' Tia was a witch and an esper, not an engineer. ''Enchanting mana-non-conducive materials isn''t very effective.'' Luckily, Tia already knew the solution to her problems. With a soft chime, a finger-sized nugget, awash in avender hue, appeared gracefully in her palm. ''Rudite, a highly mana-conductive metal.'' (AN: You can find more of the information on the sses in the auxiliary chapter as I wanted to avoid info-dumping knowledge that should bemon in the world for the MC.) Chapter 52: A Magic Gun [Bonus] Chapter 52: A Magic Gun [Bonus] "Heh, this contraption is nearly as enchanting as actual magic," Tia remarked, nestlingfortably on the floor, her legs folded beneath her, and an old-looking book bound in ck leather beside her. Apact 3D printer buzzed softly, resting on the floor. She was mesmerized by the printer''s choreographed movementsits printhead elegantly sweeping across the build te. Molten metal flowed like a river, meticulously stackingyer uponyer. ''This is like having my own expert cksmith always at hand!'' "Beep! Beep! Beep!" The printer signaled itspletion, pulling back its printing head to reveal the final product. Beneath the white glow of the overheadmp, the two polished, sleek metal objects that were their mirror copies of each other emerged, their looks reminiscent of multiple tes interconnected with pipes. Tia lifted the newly printed casing, holding it parallel to her gun for a side-by-sideparison. With a nod of approval, she noticed the casing was just marginallyrger. ''This should be a perfect fit.'' Her fingers danced gracefully as she slid the gun between the two metallic casings. Mana flowed from her fingertips, carrying her intentions like a current. Almost instantly, the two halves of the casing fused together, enveloping the weapon in a freshyer of mana-conductive alloy. She had used a blend of alchemy and mana maniption to create this unique alloy, fusing Rudite with Durasteel to create a material receptive to her will andmand. The gleaming metal, suffused with a subtle shade of purple, fitted snugly around the gun''s handle. It then branched into slender, pipe-like protrusions that extended towards the gun''s nozzle, adding just the right amount of length. ''Hmm, this should allow me to easily conduct mana from my hand to the muzzle, where I will engrave the core runes.'' The book beside her sprang to life, its pages fluttering under her telekic control. Her lc eyes scanned the text, each page showcasing a unique rune along with its corresponding exnation. "Aha, this one!" Her palm hovered above a particr rune illustrated on the page, her eyes closing as she sensed the magical waves emanating from it. The tome was no ordinary book; it was a grimoire infused with magical runes. These runes were more than mere shapes; they were patterns designed for mana to be channeled into when etched. One couldn''t just copy their effect by drawing the same shape on a piece of paper. ''A heat rune. WSystem, please use WP to learn it.'' Ding! // You have spent 2 WP to master the novice-tier rune: Heat [Novice Runic Spellcraft] 35% -> 40% // Immediately, knowledge and experience of drawing the rune dozens of times flooded her mind, making her gasp. Even though she could hazily remember some of the simpler runes, most of her knowledge was gone, forcing her to relearn them like a patient after a head injury. Once more, her mana spiraled into the gun''s new casing. It embraced the metallic surface, and then, one by one, the four runes ignited, self-inscribing into the luminescent, purplish metal at the muzzle of the gun. They formed a perfect ring. ''Enchant linked with power, heat, and speed.'' While she was tempted to incorporate an explosion rune, the prerequisites to prevent it from randomly blowing up were dauntinglogic runes, trigger runes, and an energy cost that far exceeded her present means. ''I should probably start working toward learning higher-ranked apprentice-rank runes.'' The runes she had employed thus far were mere novice-level inscriptionsrudimentary symbols that any fledgling witch or spellcaster would first learn. These basic runes demanded minimal skill and carried a low mana cost. Finally, thest line of the intricate pattern was etched, and the gleaming, purplish metal hummed with magical energy. Then, in a heartbeat, the glowing light vanished, leaving only the unadorned, yet now enchanted, metal behind. Tia wasn''t surprised, as she had already counted with that, ''There is no focus, so there is nothing to fuel my enchantments.'' With a tender touch, Tia caressed the gun''s cool, enchanted surface. Mana flowed from her palm into the handle, coursing through the purplish metal to the runes. They responded by glowing in a soft, white, ethereal light. ''I need to spend my energy to fuel the enchants instead of relying on the item to power itself up, but that is alright as the cost is low.'' Ding! // Evaluating the finished product! Please wait... // "Are you dying again? Come on, witch system, stop being so childish." Tia muttered silently, grudgingly staring at the intentionally lingering text floating in her sight. Ding! // Type: Focusless Magic Gun Difficulty: With your tools, it should be pretty easy, but it still requires at least a bit of creativity. [+5 points] Creation Speed: You have done it almost as fast as possible. [+10 points] Special features: Projectile Heat Enchantement E | [+10 points] Projectile Power Enchantement E | [+10 points] Projectile Speed Enchantement E | [+10 points] Bonus: You have created something new and unique | [+20 points] Please continue developing your unique path to gain extra perks! Calcting total points, please wait... // ''This is actually better than I expected.'' Tia couldn''t help but smile as she was pleasantly surprised at the result. It confirmed all her theories and showed her the potential she could reach in the future. ''With technology, my Esper powers, and magic, the world is just waiting for me to conquer.'' Ding! // Total points: 65 Your reward: +1 WP; +2 MAG Skill progress: [Apprentice Artificing] 25% -> 45% // Tia looked at her creation onest time with a smile, her hand itching to try it, ''Is it bad that I can''t wait for my next task? I want to shoot this thing!'' Chapter 53: The Suicide Mission Chapter 53: The Suicide Mission One dayter: POV Commissioner Kido: "I am Laszlo, the Annihtor!" A shout broke through the serene silence of the hallway, all eyes turning toward its source. "It is him." A collective gasp filled the air as a towering man in a pristine white trench coat strode down the stark concrete hallway of theary Guard Commissariat. Each step he took exuded an unshakable self-assurance, his overwhelming presencepelling bystanders to divert their gaze. ''This is the legendary peak G-rank super and captain of a renowned mercenary troupe,'' thought Commissioner Kido, who stood in his newly minted uniform,plete with a badge indicating his recent promotion. Yet even he didn''t dare challenge the approaching juggernaut. With an air of courtesy that belied his own anxiety, Kido extended his hand for a weing handshake. "What''s the assignment?" Laszlo halted a mere arm''s length away, casting a disdainful nce at the proffered hand before snorting dismissively. His towering stature forced Kido to look up, making him break into a subtle sweat. ''Darn, what a maniac...'' Kido maintained his poise, signaling his assistant. She promptly disyed a tablet featuring a photo of the tinum-haired woman. "Your target is this woman. Be prepared to move on mymand. Whether you kill, maim, or capture her is on you." "I''ll turn her into gosh!" Laszlo chuckled, stroking his bushy mustache as his eyes flickered to life. A radiant golden aura enveloped him, amplifying his already intimidating physique. Kido involuntarily took a step back, nearly losing his bnce under the immense pressure radiating from the man before him. POV Tia: In a dimly lit chamber, three women stood around a holographic projection of a glowing a soft blue. It was the sole source of illumination in the sparsely furnished room, whose walls were made of unadorned, exposed concrete. The handler, towering above the others, spoke first. "Number thirteen, meet number nine. You''ll be coborating on the uing mission." She gestured toward a blonde girl standing beside her. Younger than Tia, the girl had long, curly hair cascading down her shoulders and was garbed in a short gray dress. Her eyes were a dull green, devoid of life, and her skincked the natural lustermon to her ageshe appeared to be a mere husk. ''How could someone so young be so drained of life?'' Tia wondered. Draped across the girl''s shoulder was arge, coal-ck sniper rifle, its core glowing a luminescent blue. A knot tightened in Tia''s stomach as she frowned. She''d always preferred to operate solo; the notion of adding another unpredictable factor to the equation unsettled her as she craved control. "What is the target?" Number Nine spoke, her voice almost mechanical. "This is the sector''sary defensemunication center." The holographic projection of the seamlessly changed to reveal a bustling street scene with an imposing, five-story building in its center. Built from gray concrete and steel pirs, the tall building cast an ominous shadow over its immediate environment. The windows were small, the walls looked thick and imposing, and the entrance was narrow and easy to defend. "Massacre. You have five minutes to kill as many people as you can. Break stuff, destroy stuff, and kill staff with focus on the non-guard personal." ''What?! We are supposed to attack a military instation?'' It was one thing to attack civil targets, maybe even the police, but attacking the military was too much. The number of security guards, their training, the quality of their equipment, and even the shiness of such an attack sounded like suicide to her. She wanted to question the sanity of the n but bit her tongue. Her loyalty was already suspect, and her status as the most wanted person on the put her on thin ice. "Number Thirteen, you will infiltrate the facility. Number Nine, you''ll be positioned on a nearby rooftop to provide covering fire," the handler continued. Two red dots blinked into existence on the holographic projection, marking their respective positions. ''This is not good...'' The realization dawned on her that she''d have a sniper behind her back. A wave of anxiety surged through her, causing her hands to quiver ever so slightly. "Your missionmences tomorrow. Prepare ordingly and ensure you get some rest," the handler advised, her voice as unemotional as ever. Chapter 54: The Strike Chapter 54: The Strike Tia silently walked down the street, passing through the crowds with her shoes loudly tapping on the hard concrete road. Her heart was in her throat as she slowly but surely approached the imposing building. Her coat''s ck hood shrouded her features and cast a shadow over her face. Her hand had already disappeared beneath the fabric, gripping the cold metal of her firearm with deadly intent. ''Alright, let''s go.'' She nodded onest time and passed through the ss entrance doors that smoothly parted in her way, revealing a in concrete atrium, its bare stone walls showing the government''s fake frugality. She quickly counted the security and scanned her surroundings. At one end of the hally the entrance she''d just used; at the opposite end, a sleek metallic reception desk. nking the reception area were twin corridors that stretched deeper into the military building. The two armed guards, in blue Federation uniforms, their short sma SMGs glowing in bright blue light, stood guard by each corridor and by the entrance she hade insix in total. ''Let''s begin!'' With feline agility, Tia raised her hand, her firearm aze with blueish light, the runes around its muzzle ring to life. As she squeezed the trigger, a vivid sapphire re erupted from the gun, casting dazzling reflections on the luxuriously polished floor beneath her. Contrasting sharply with the room''s in walls, the floor was a work of artan expanse of ck marble shot through with veins of emerald green. At the atrium''s heart lies an ornate circr seal, masterfully iid into the floor. It depicted a resplendent eagle with wings unfurled, the emblem of the federation. "It is h..." Before the farthest guard could finish his sentence, the blue bolt sted through his head, his hat evaporating with his flesh, not leaving even a trace behind. Almost simultaneously, the soldiers guarding the entrance were flung violently backward, colliding into the concrete wall with such kic energy that shards of the wall cracked, and the two humans were embedded into the concrete. ''The enchants seem to work, the gun on the lowest setting, but still able to st someone''s head off.'' The floor beneath her splintered and cracked as she propelled herself through the atrium, aided by an invisible force of telekinesis. Her hood fell away, unveiling her cascading waves of tinum hair, now free to catch the light. ''First, I need a coverI am too exposed here.'' She didn''t want to taste the enemy''s firepower, so she made a quick decision to seek cover. The remaining trio of guards, reacting with trained precision, aimed their weapons. Lights flickered to life within their gun muzzles as the air itself seemed to shudder, trembling under thetent force of the energy charging within them. A luminous streak of light tore through the atmosphere, and one of the guards copsed to the ground, his head missing and a fountain of blood spurting from his neck. ''It must have been her,'' Tia realized in a split second of icy rity. Finally reaching the reception desk, Tia vaulted over its metallic surface with athletic grace, taking cover behind the imposing structure. An instantter, the room was awash in brilliant light, the shes from the guards'' weapons scattering kaleidoscopic reflections across the atrium''s polished floor. The floor erupted in a mosaic of shattering stone and smoky plumes as high-energy sma bolts from the guards'' military-grade rifles blitzed through the room. Waves of intense heat billowed over Tia, her tinum hair whipped into a frenzied dance by the shockwaves that rolled through the space. Then came a ze of even brighter blue light, and in its wake, an enveloping silence and darkness swallowed the room. --> 34% Suddenly, a blue projection of a woman popped into existence. "Wee, guest! I am Mirta, your AI receptionist!" Startled, Tia slightly twitched, her breath turning ragged for a moment, ''The piece of junk...'' "Your path is clear," the dry voice of Number Nine intoned in her ears. Tia rose to her feet, momentarily awestruck by the sheer magnitude of devastation that stretched before her. The short salvo from the two automatic guns devasted the entire hall; the walls cracked, the floor tiles were torn out, and molten concrete dripped from the ceiling. ''Yup, those guns can''t bepared with the cheap shit used by civilians and theary guard.'' Tia climbed out of her cover and walked toward the nearest dead guard. And as she passed over him, she waved her hand, his weapon vanishing into her ring. "Code red! Intruder in the building!" A mechanical voice red over the inte, and the room''s lights shifted to a deep crimson, casting an otherworldly hue over the destroyed scene. ''Enough with the fodder. Time to find someone important.'' Tia pivoted, sprinting down the left-hand corridor. Her skirt fluttered, and her shoes clicked against the polished stone, which now reflected the room''s ominous, pulsating red light. ''Good, this should lead me right to them. The high-value targets are always upstairs.'' Her eyes caught a green arrow symbol apanied by a pictogram of stairs, directing her further to the left. Just as she made the turn, a man in a blue uniform appeared from behind the corner. "What the?" He drew his handgun, his eyes dting with sheer surprise. In a sh, Tia''s eyes ignited, enveloping the man in mes that incinerated him before his finger could even reach the trigger or scream, his charred body hitting the floor with a thud. --> 6% ''Another victim of listening to orders...'' Disregarding the charred remains, she continued her mad dash through the narrow concrete and marble passageways, tracking the green arrow and stairway symbol withser focus. Adrenaline surged through her veins like a torrent. ''There!'' She spotted the stairwell entrance as she made another left turn. But then she halted, her ears picking up the thudding sound of heavy boots descending rapidly toward her. ''So they''re already here? It hasn''t even been a minute, and they are already here. The footfalls are heavylikely fully armored soldiers.'' Her mind raced. This was the scenario she had feared the most: trained soldiers lying in wait for her, d in state-of-the-art tactical suits or even mechanized exoskeletons, armed with weapons potent enough to obliterate concrete walls and melt steel. Chapter 55: The Corridor of Death Chapter 55: The Corridor of Death Tia''s breath stilled, and her mind focused on the mor of descending footsteps that thundered closer with each heartbeat. With a graceful flick of her wrist, her wand materialized in her hand, its runes aze with ethereal light. Her other hand gripped her gun firmly, both weapons aimed at the staircase, trembling with tense anticipation. ''Infuse linked with sharp, and enchant linked with power and heat,'' she thought, focusing on the incantation as her eyes shed brighter. The glowing runes on her wand and gun pulsed in response, releasing a torrent of magical energy that coalesced around the muzzle of her firearm and the tip of her wand. Her hair seemed to defy gravity, waving around her head, submerged in the energy gushing out of her body. The steps almost reached hershe could hear them reaching her floor. ''Now!'' With thatmand, Tia leaned from her cover behind the doorframe, and fire interwoven with kic energy roared from her wand, ascending the staircase like a dragon''s vengeful breath. The very air distorted under the effects of the unleashed energy. Concurrently, her gun erupted in a burst of light, illuminating the chaos. Not waiting to see the oue, Tia ducked back into her cover, retreating backward as fast as she could, pulled back by the invisible ropes of kic force. A heartbeatter, the world exploded. Molten concrete rained through the hallway, deflected mid-flight by Tia''s mental shield. Brilliant sma bolts rained indiscriminately, tearing and melting through the walls. One bolt headed straight toward her, shining like a tiny blue sun, blinding her eyes, which dted with fear for the first time. ''So much firepower!'' Her mind moved as fast as it could, the air warping under the influence of the raw kic energy rushing through it. The bolt was gradually slowing down as she pushed it to the side, the immense energy within it making her sweat as it fought her power. Atst, the immense heat and power dissipatedmelted by Tia''s mind. With a bang, it smashed into the nearby wall, burning a hole straight through it. Tia''s hand quivered as she exhaled, a cocktail of dread and relief mingling within her. ''This firepower...'' Just the single bolt took too much of her effort to blockthe idea of having to defend against salvos from multiple automatic guns brought her to despair. The steps quickly approached as she kept retreating toward the hallway corner, the runes shining brightly once more in tandem with her eyes as her pistol recharged and her mind prepared to unleash another attack. --> 18% --> 39% ''I must have killed at least someone.'' The invisible tendrils of her kic force slithered from her body, winding down the corridor and sensing their way toward the staircase. Then she sensed itthe hardness of the metal armors. She felt the entire squad, two lying on the ground, likely injured, and one crouching beside them, while four more advanced down the corridor she had vacated a few seconds prior. ''Good, at least I can get through their armor.'' The fact calmed her down; her breathing once again steady and slow. Her tendrils vibrated as something fastunched through the air, hurtling in her direction. Immediately, Tia propelled herself backward, and a split secondter, the corner she''d just left exploded into a shower of blue bolts and explosions of sma, liquefying the floor into a molten puddle aglow with luminescence. ''Fuck! What is she doing? Why isn''t she covering me?'' She questioned her colleague''s location, slightly angry at her inability to aid her. She didn''t know how they detected her, and multiple theories were forming inside her inhumanly fast mind, ''Maybe some heartbeat sensors or muon scanners? Or just experience and training allowing them to predict and expect my moves?'' Her wand ignited with ethereal light once more, unleashing a second wave of fire. Fueled by her kic force, it rounded the corner like a floodwave and surged toward themandos. As it streaked through the corridor, the walls, floor, and ceiling cracked in its wake, and the sonic boom was so overpowering that she felt her body tremble in resonance. Simultaneously, her kic tendrils darted toward the four advancing soldiers, ensnaring them like invisible ropes. The tendrils yanked the soldiers toward each other just as her mes erupted, elerating atomic motion and consuming them in a fiery inferno. --> 26% --> 44% The instant she felt the collision of her kic wave with the burning soldiers, Tia flexed her knees and rocketed forward, and her coat, skirt, and hair billowed dramatically behind her. Time seemed to decelerate as she rounded the corner, her radiant eyes zeroing in on the four burning soldiers who were being hurled through the air like human projectiles,pacted into a single focal point by her power. ''I got you! Now that you are so packed...'' Her mind screamed with victoryshe got them where she needed them. For the first time, she saw her adversaries with her own eyes. Arrayed in obsidian-blue te armor, ck nanofibers were visible in the gaps between their protective tes. Their visors glowed an eerie blue, piercing through the swirling inferno and airborne dust. ''They are still alive! They are like a bunch of cockroaches.'' With calcted precision, she aligned her gun''s scope with the cluster of soldiers. The magical runes encircling its muzzle lit up brilliantly, and a blinding sh of azure light erupted, discharging half of the gun''s concentrated energy into a sun-like sma orb that streaked through the air. In a synchronized counterattack, the soldiers fired their rifles, filling the already chaotic corridor with additional shes of brilliant blue light. Chapter 56: Explosive Suicide Chapter 56: Explosive Suicide Luminous arcs of azure light flickered through the burning corridor, distorting the very air itself as they melted concrete into molten sludge. Tia flew through the corridor with multiple radiant bolts zipping toward her like shooting stars, yet she remained calm. She shifted her bnce as she ducked down, sliding down the destroyed floor. The scorching projectiles soared just above her head, their heat eliciting beads of sweat on her brow and causing her hair to dance. She pushed with her entire mind, the air propelled by her mind thrusting upward like an invisible force-field umbre or a shield against the scorching heat, subtly altering the bolts'' trajectories. At that exact moment, the massive orb of sma she fired crashed into the four soldiers and exploded in an enormous ball of super-heated sma, empowered by the gun''s enchantments. The corridor responded as if shaken by an earthbound storm. The walls quivered, bolts detonated, and dust cascaded from the disintegrating ceiling, only for a shockwave to disperse the mes. Rising to her feet, Tia patted down her disheveled clothes, her heart pounding to the rhythm of an invisible drumline as adrenaline and the intoxicating thrill of battle surged through her veins. All four soldiers were lying on the ground, their armor partially melted and a portion of the protective tes missing. A couple of them twitched involuntarily, like wounded insects making theirst bid for life. ''They were goodto think mundane humans without any power could make me sweat...'' She couldn''t help but feel respect and even awe for the dead soldiers. Something nged on the ground. ''Shit!'' Her eyes widened in horrified recognition as she saw dark metallic spheres, their halo of luminous indicators ominous in the dim light, roll out from the weakening grasp of one of the fallen soldiers. The balls jangled across the fractured floor with audible tters. "GRENADE!" Acting on pure reflex, Tia propelled herself in the opposite direction with one thread of her mind. Time seemed to slow, the corridor''s red warning lights blending into a smeared canvas of urgent color. With the second thread, she mustered her energy and telekically thrust the grenades away. At the same time, the third thread of her mind moved on its own and released a shockwave, cascading down the hallway toward the explosive device. The grenades blinked onest time, unleashing an explosion of blue sma that reverberated through the structure, a deluge of pure energy obliterating all in its path. Tia''s kic shockwave collided with the explosion, her will working overtime to dissolve the heat and deflect its kic force. The st decelerated but maintained a velocity greater than Tia''s capacity to evade. She didn''t give up, pushing her entire will into action, her eyes shining like a pair of stars. ''That maniac!'' The expanding sma cooled and slowed, its pace and temperature reduced by the sheer force of Tia''s esper powers. Still, it quickly approached like an unstoppable tide. The residual force crashed into her body, and her power moved topensate for the shock. Pain exploded through her entire body momentarily before the needle pierced through her skin, releasing the cooling and soothing cocktail of mana and healing potions into her veins. With grace, Tianded on the floor, her burnt skin slowly regenerating, her ruptured muscles stitching together, and her cracked bones mending. ''Good that I have prepared myself.'' The world around her was a realm of devastation: dust swirled in the air, ceilings had given way, and wallsy shattered, exposing additional rooms like wounds. With her limbs trembling, Tia looked around, clenching her fists as she waited for her body to heal enough to move safely. ''What was he thinking? What if the entire building copsed on our heads? No, the support walls must be very tough. No one would build a military structure so vulnerable.'' Grimacing slightly from her lingering aches, Tia limped forward, her eyes captivated by the rays of sunlight pouring through the gaping hole in the ceiling. ''How big is the damage?'' She levitated upward, rising through the hole before silentlynding on the hole''s edge. Rows of desksy deserted, bathed in an unsettling red glow emitted by emergency neon lights. Over a dozen bodies in blue military uniforms were lying on the floor, their heads missingblood sttered everywhere. The windows were shattered, the light reflecting in the myriad of ss fragments scattered over the floor. ''So this is what she was doing...'' Still slightly pissed off, Tia walked forward, crisscrossing around the dead bodies, as she slowly healedeach step she took crushed shards of ss underfoot. Ding! // New quest: The Hunt Obtain some rare materials usable for crafting! Location limit: This building Rewards: 2 x WP; 2 X +1 to a random stat // Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Basic Objective --> Reach the Rooftop Bonus Objective 1 --> Kill a Lieutenant Colonel -> 2 X Esper Point Bonus Objective 2 --> Kill a Maior -> 1 X Esper Point Special multiplier: For every minute below 5 minutes you take to reach the rooftop, the rewards will multiply by 1.25 Basic Reward --> 2 x esper point <<<<<<>>>>>> ''Systems,e on! One of you is saying I should explore, while the other is rushing me to move fast! At least there shouldn''t be that much resistance left. Their response team is dead, and Number Nine turned this ce into her firing range.'' Tia nced onest time at the carnage and took a step forward. Even with the dissipating pain surging through her body, she knew she needed to be on the move as the time was quickly running down, leaving only a few minutes to reach her evacuation spot on the roof. Chapter 57: Ascending The Tower, part 1/2 Chapter 57: Ascending The Tower, part 1/2 POV Laszlo the Annihtor: Strapped to the seat of the armored hovercar, Laszlo felt the vehicle''s engine vibrations reverberate through his very core. The cityscape outside became an indistinct blur as they elerated. "We are closing in; thirty seconds until arrival!" The tall concrete building was quickly getting closer and closer as the man watched through the window of the armored hovercar. The windows were shattered, and the ss fragments covered the street below like snowkes. ''Haha, let''s see if she is truly worthy of her reputation.'' Laszlo thought, shing a wolfish grin. He turned to his crew, each member fully armed, their eyes alight with a predatory hunger. "Let''s" Hismand was cut short by a blinding burst of light. The hovercar jolted violently, smoke obscuring the view through the windows. "The left engine is destroyed!" came the urgent report. Another sh of light, the cacophony of breaking ss, and then a rush of fresh air surged into the cabin. "The pilot is dead!" someone shouted. Laszlo''s eyes darted to the window. The building''s concrete facade was hurtling toward them at an rming speed. "Brace yourselves! This is going to be a roughnding!" His voice was tinged with an almost manic excitement; his eyes shimmered, and every fiber of his being thrummed in anticipation of the battleand the potential rewardsthaty ahead. POV Tia: Tia sped through the eerily empty hallways, the red lights shing around her. Her Esper senses extended ahead of her, detecting no movement. She rounded a corner and skidded to a halt. ''This floor is useless.'' The time was quickly ticking away as she counted every second that passed. Suddenly, the floor quaked below her feet, apanied by a deafening bang, forcing Tia to stop and stabilize her footing. ''What in the damnation?!'' A sultry female voice crackled over her inte. "Oh no, a fly got through." ''Reinforcements. I have to pick up the pace.'' Tia''s eyes darted to her gun''s charge baralready restored to about 75%. ''This calls for a shortcut.'' Taking aim at the ceiling, she squeezed the trigger, releasing a luminous wallbuster shot. The resultant st sent another jolt through the building, causing particles of dust to rain down from the ceiling. The radiant re of the st forced her to momentarily shield her eyes. ''The higher-ups always think they''re above everyone elsequite literally. They sit in their lofty offices like self-styled gods, looking down on the minions scurrying beneath them. I need to climb higher.'' The rim of the hole still shimmered with lingering luminescence. With a burst of kic energy, Tia vaulted skyward, ascending effortlessly through the gap tond gracefully on the floor above. She found herself in a dimly lit, circr room, its shadows punctuated only by the ghostly glow of myriadputer screens arrayed in aplex spiral formation. The walls, d in obsidian-hued metal, absorbed what little light there was. A crew of uniformed federation personnel, trembling handguns aimed her way, looked more like bewildered office workers than hardened soldiers. ''Analysts? Office workers? Administrators?'' She didn''t know their role, but it was evident they weren''t mere guards or frontline soldiers. She found her target! "Fire at will!" A voice reverberated throughout the chamber, and in an instant, a volley of blue sma bolts illuminated the room like wayward stars. With a mere thought, Tia unleashed a tempest of kic energy, a veritable tsunami that churned the room''s contentschairs, workstations, metallic wall panels, tablesinto a swirling vortex of airborne debris. Seizing the moment, she rocketed towards the ink-ck ceiling, using the chaos as her cover, her locks streaming behind her like a fox tail. The room devolved into a frantic dance of blue sma and flying furniture, the walls quaking from the resounding sts. Beads of perspiration formed on her skin from the intense heat generated by the stray bolts. Yet a triumphant grin stretched across her face as she hung from the ceiling, obscured by the flying debris; every bolt either sailed harmlessly by or was effortlessly deflected by her mental prowess. ''Those are not proper soldiers, as they have next to nobat training.'' With a flick of her wrist, Tia counterattacked, the furniture and metal tes exploding in a nova, flying in every direction like shrapnel. Instantaneously, the storm of sma bolts ceased, as if silenced by the spectacle. "Incinerate," she whispered, snapping her fingers. A wave of mes erupted, sweeping through the room like a ravenous beast, leaving nothing untouched. In the blink of an eye, it was all over, and the beep marking thepletion of one of the objectives resounded in her head. --> 35% --> 54% ''Now, only the Lieutenant Colonel and I am done here.'' She was tired of the ughter... she enjoyed the thrills of battles, but killing some office workers felt bad to her. Tia nced aroundthe room was smashed and submerged in darkness, except for the asional embers left after the fire. ''Nothing valuable...'' Tia turned to run, her heart pounding with the predatory desire to locate her prey, boosted by the time constraints. (AN: Am I the only one who feels like this part is taking too long?) Chapter 58: Ascending The Tower, part 2/2 Chapter 58: Ascending The Tower, part 2/2 With a resounding crash, a soldier in a crisp blue uniform was hurled against the wall, his firearm torn out of the grasp of his broken fingers. Illuminated by the stark glow of emergency red lights, a young woman stood poised in the corridor. Her long tinum hair framed her face as her luminous eyes fixed on the struggling soldier gasping for air on the ground. The sense of urgency permeated her; her time was quickly running out, yet she felt that finding the officer was impossible. ''Should I give up on it and simply rush for the roof?'' Gracefully, Tia crouched beside the incapacitated soldier, her baster fingers delicately lifting his chin. Yet her senses remained razor-sharp, poised to react instantly should he attempt any sudden movements. "Tell me where I will find the Lieutenant Colonel, and I will let you live." Tia''s lc eyes bore into the soldier as her voice resonated with an icy undertone. "I swear, I don''t know! Please, believe me!" The soldier''s voice trembled. Tia leaned in, locking eyes with the terrified man. She saw his pupils widen with the palpable fear emanating from him and noted the beads of sweat trickling down his temple. ''Nothing more than a low-ranking grunt. What was I even thinking? I bet the high-ranking officers are already hiding in some bunker.'' With a nod, she rose gracefully to her feet, leaving the trembling soldier lying on the floor. Walking away, Tia felt a wash of fatigue and frustration settle over her. There was no thrill in overpowering those who posed no challengeonly the monotonous grimness of an unbnced ughter. ''This world is truly a bad ce,'' she thought bitterly. She loathed the world''s inherent cruelty, a world that had twisted her into something she never wanted to be. ''I have already be a monster, as there is no better path in this world.'' She continued her march down the seamlessly unending corridor, its walls bathed in the glow of flickering red lights. The sterile, concretendscape seemed to amplify her disdain for the modern world. There was nothing here but barren wallsno art, no beauty, just soulless functionality. Mid-stride, Tia suddenly halted. Her invisible tendrils of kic force sensed the distinct presence of a human concealed behind one of the adjacent doors. ''A storage?'' Tia nced at thebel affixed to the door. With a flick of her wrist, the doors burst open, revealing a cramped room lined with empty shelves. At the far end stood a tall young man, dressed in a blue uniform adorned with silver buttons and trims. Yet Tia could only sigh in disappointment. ''Only a lieutenant...'' His gun was aimed at her, but Tia merely scoffed at him. She saw the setting indicator on the weapon illuminated at its second-lowest level, insufficient to be a threat. ''What did I even expect? This ce is so mismanaged.'' The lieutenant''s voice trembled with outrage and fear as he yelled, "You''re a traitor! You''ve betrayed your own country by aligning yourself with terrorists!" His finger hovered over the trigger, yet Tia''s mind immobilized him, preventing him from firing. The usation struck a nerve, causing her to quiver with a vtile mixture of anger and disdain. "Oh, have I betrayed my country?" Tia''s voice dripped with biting irony. "You have treated me like an animal for years. Hahaha." She erupted into a fit of unhingedughter, her scorn for the Federation affirmed yet again by the pitiful figure before her. ''He''s just a kid who''s never seen a frontline, and yet here he is an officer,'' Tia mused. "You''re insane!" The lieutenant''s voice quivered. "Perhaps," Tia acknowledged, herughter dying away to reveal a soft, unsettling smile. With a casual flick of her fingers, the young officer''s neck twisted grotesquely, his eyes going vacant as life abandoned him. Even though she didn''t enjoy killing weaklings, something about liquidating some entitled brats brought a rush of joy into her life. Not even looking back, she turned to leave. Time was a luxury she couldn''t afford; the allure of the system''s rewards was toopelling to ignore. ''It has already been two minutes since the start of the quest.'' The moment she stepped out of the storage room, she froze. A shiver rippled down her spine as sheid eyes on a towering figure standing in the dimly lit corridor. A man in a tattered tank top stood before her, his veins luminescent beneath his skin, glowing ominously in the corridor''s red light, harmonizing with the golden undertone of his skin. ''Ah, one of those super pugilistswarriors who use energy to cultivate their flesh and body,'' she deduced. "Fight me!" The stranger''s voice reverberated through the corridor, thunderous andden with unspoken challenges. "No!" Not wasting any time, Tia bent her knees and turned to run, knowing her mission rewards were more important. Chapter 59: And Through The Window She Goes! Chapter 59: And Through The Window She Goes! Determined, Tia sprinted through the sterile concrete corridor, her long, silky hair trailing behind her like aet''s tail. "Come back!" The roar echoed from behind her, and the sound of rapid footsteps closing in reverberated ominously. ''Damn it!'' Without turning, she aimed her gun behind her. She didn''t need to look as her whips of kic energyshing out gave her a sense of her pursuer''s position. She pulled the trigger repeatedly. Bright shes erupted behind her, followed by furious roars and chilling screams that seemed to crawl up her spine. "I''ll tear you limb from limb!" The steps drew further away, and relief washed over Tia. "I''ll chop you up and make you into gosh!" ''Enough with these stupid, insufferable brutes!'' Tia thought, exasperated by the relentless nonsense spouted by her pursuer. Her eyes shimmered with annoyance at the very idea of enduring another moment of this absurdity. "Bitch! I''ll turn you into my gosh!" The man roared again. Anger rippled through her, and for a moment, she was sorely tempted to turn around and annihte the boorish brute trailing her. But she resisted the urge, aware that engaging in such a battle would cost her precious time and diminish her potential rewards. ''This is my path!'' She already saw the bright light entering through a window, guiding her path toward her goal. Without slowing down, she directed a telekic force at the ss, strong enough to send a rumble through the very walls as it crashed against the window. Cracks spiderwebbed across the reinforced ss, and the frame moaned under the stress but remained intact. ''Shit! It looks like they weren''t cheap with the windows.'' The steps once more thundered behind her, the air vibrating, the loud bangs and fuming slowly catching up to her. ''He''s fast!'' Despite utilizing her telekic abilities to augment her speed, this human juggernaut somehow kept pace. With a grimace of determination, Tia squeezed the trigger of her sma gun. A radiant bolt pulsating with energy screamed through the air, making a beeline for the window. The bolt collided head-on, scorching a hole through the reinforced ss and continuing onto the street outsideyet the hole it created was pitifully small. ''Still not enough? What are they making these windows off?'' Tia marveled, reflecting on the terrifying potency of her friend''s armaments, which could destroy the windows as if they were made of paper. ''Should I call her for help? No, I bet that if she could she would already help mesomething must be upying her.'' Suddenly, she felt the air vibrate. Instinct took over; she moved to the side, narrowly evading a fist-shaped, golden shockwave surging with kic force. It collided with the wall, punching a hole straight through the concrete. ''What is this stupid power? Remote fists?'' She could already almost sense the monkey''s breath on her back and feel the searing gaze of his eyes. The window was already only a few meters ahead, but the imprable ss blocked her path, its strength surpassing that of the concrete. ''Ceiling is also not a path. The outer walls of this building must be even sturdier.'' She raised the wand. This time she wasn''t going to underestimate the damn ssshe was going to put everything into the attack, as she needed to smash it and destroy it. ''Distance is short, and the musclehead is on my heelsthere is no time for failure!'' With determination, she channeled her energy. Her eyes ignited with a radiant purple hue, the veins beneath her skin lighting up as if electrified. Unleashing a cataclysmic burst of kic force from her wand, she watched as it mmed into the window with a thunderous impact that reverberated throughout the building. Cracks spiderwebbed across the ss, shards falling away from the rapidly expanding hole. Yet she didn''t stop, her eyes shing again as the second wave, followed by the third and fourth, exploded from her wand, cascading down the corridor. She was already only a few steps away from the windows, and the time was quickly ticking down. ''This should be enough.'' She felt it; she calcted it, her inhumanly fast mind working like aputer. The sessive waves of force mmed into the unyielding ss, each impact more potent than thest, with their impacts reverberating through Tia''s body. Finally, with thest wave, the window relented, disintegrating in a burst of glittering shards that scattered in the sunlight like lethal confetti. --> 57% A gust of fresh air mixed with the sun''s warmth enveloped her as she rocketed through the shattered window frame. Her clothes fluttered, and her hair streamed behind her like a tinum tail. She soared up, the concrete walls of the building she escaped turning into a blur. In a fleeting nce back, she caught sight of the man framed in the splintered window. His eyes were incandescent with a fury that promised retribution. ''Dumbass...'' With a smug, victorious grin, shended on the building''s roof, enjoying the sensation of victory and fresh air. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Mission Completed: Basic Objective --> Reach the Rooftop Bonus Objective 1 --> Kill a Lieutenant Colonel -> 2 X Esper Point (Failure!) Bonus Objective 2 --> Kill a Maior -> 1 X Esper Point (Sess!) Special multiplier: 1.50 X Total Rewards --> 6 x esper point <<<<<<>>>>>> Her smile froze as she looked around. More than ten drones were quickly approaching, their shiny hulls gleaming in the sunlight and the glow of their blue sma canons quickly intensifying. ''So this is what was upying her! Damn her, she could have at least warned me! Did I just jump from a fire into a volcano?!'' Chapter 60: Stranded And Surrounded On The Roof [Bonus] Chapter 60: Stranded And Surrounded On The Roof [Bonus] Tia stood sentinel atop the tall building, her lc eyes locked on the menacing swarm of drones that raced toward her, their engines reverberating like the growls of predatory beasts hunting their prey. Then, in a ze of brilliance, a bolt of azure light cleaved through the sky, hitting and obliterating one of the drones. It plummeted earthward, a smoldering husk glowing against the sky like a dying star. ''So this is what she was doing!'' Reacting instantly, a trio of drones broke formation and veered toward the source of the attack. ''No, this thing again,'' Tia thought, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of the ominous blue shes umting beneath the hulls of the drones. Propelled by a surge of kic energy, she catapulted herself off the roof''s edge, surrendering to the pull of gravity as the world around her became a dizzying blur. The night sky erupted in a chaotic light show; sma bolts descended like blue meteors, detonating upon impact as theynded on the roof and walls of the building she just left. Pieces of concrete and steel were flung skyward. She flung herself to the side, dragged by the invisible ropes of energy, rapidly shifting her direction as she lomed between the explosive rain of bolts passing by her. She knew she couldn''t hold like that for a long time as her energy was running out in rivers while her body was getting strained. Yet she wasn''t desperate, knowing she just needed to hold up with the backup alreadying. ''I can probably take one more dosage of my potions before risking overdosage.'' Midflight, she raised her pistol and wand, putting them side by side while her eyes brightly shone. ''Infuse linked with Sharp and Enchant linked with Power and Heat.'' A torrent of mana-infused energy surged from her gun''s muzzle, its raw power augmented by the radiant runes around it muzzle. As it passed through a conjured circle of magic conjured by her wand, the bolt''s glow intensified to blinding levels, transforming into a cobalt streak of light aimed at one of the skyward drones. Almost instantly, the shot reached a drone high in the sky, turning it into a firework of disintegrating metal and mes that plummeted toward the streets below. ''I have truly grown stronger!'' Tia felt the joy and excitement course through her as shended with a roll on the next roof. The foe that previously almost killed her now fell from the sky with just a single strike. Not giving her any respite, more azure lights shed in the sky, and the heavy bolts descended down like a meteoric swarm. Gritting her teeth in resolve, Tia suppressed the agony that ached through every muscle, transforming herself into a streak of ck and tinum shooting across the roof. Exhaustion weighed heavily on her, her limbs pulsing with spent energy. ''Now is the time to use it!'' With a swift jab, a needle pierced her skin. Almost instantaneously, her agony abated, soothed by a rush of rejuvenating power that coursed through her veins. At the same time, the barrage of sma bolts mmed into the building beneath her, shaking its very foundationsall the bolts slightly derailed by her power, just enough to not directly hit her. The roof copsed straight beneath her feet, the concrete and steel confetti falling to the burning inferno below while searing heat enveloped her, causing her hair to dance in a fric ballet. "Ahhh!" With her skin regenerating, she aimed her gun and wand once more without stopping her desperate sprint as she leaped off the copsing building, once again soaring above the streets below. ''Haha, die!'' A radiant bolt of energy coalesced amidst spinning magical runes, ascending skyward like aet defying gravity and striking the drone in an explosion of sma that sent the molten metal raining down. ''Fourth down.'' She counted the amount destroyed, yet, to her desperation, more than six still remained, hovering in the sky, and her gun was out of charge. Shended on yet another roof, her legs already hurting from all the impacts. ''I hate this job...'' At the periphery of her vision, an azure beamnced through the sky, culminating in an eruption of fire and metal as it struck down a drone. Fragments of the drone rained down like metallic hail onto the deserted streets below. ''Five down, but still no backup!'' Tia clenched her fists, feeling betrayed and abandoned once more. However, just as she started to question if they were left to die, the air temperature plummeted. Each exhaled breath materialized into a misty cloud, driftingzily before dissipating. The drop in temperature continued, and frost began to etch itself onto every avable surface, creating ice crystals. ''What?!'' It all happened fast, as just a second earlier it was summer, and now it was like winter. She watched in awe as the frost enveloped the drones, encasing their weaponry, engines, and even their sensory equipment in diamond-like tombs shimmering in the sunlight. ''Cryokinesis?'' In the next instant, the atmospheric temperature surged. The ice melted, and the drones emitted a chorus of metallic groans and sparks, their once-rigid structures warping and contorting. As if yanked down by invisible hands, they plummeted from the sky like a flock of dead birds. Exhausted, Tia copsed to her knees with the melted ice drenching her clothes, her breathing out in ragged gasps and her hair disheveled. --> 67% ''No, this is a work of a thermokinesis user, and likely an ally at that.'' The air shimmered, revealing the sleek ck hovercar she had ridden in previously. There, standing in its open door, was the handler. Her hair billowed around her in the wind, and her outstretched palm glowed with an ethereal light, frost and mes still dancing around her long fingers. ''So, she truly has such power. Just a single grade of difference, yet she can destroy so many drones.'' Chapter 61: The Empire Chapter 61: The Empire The hovercar glided effortlessly through the sky, the subtle hum of its engine resonating throughout the cabin. Inside, Tia, the handler, and the blonde sniper were all sitting in silence. Tia was sunk deep into her seat with her head slumped against the seat, fatigue etched into every fiber of her being. The handler sat immobile, her gaze seemingly lost in the vastness outside the window, while the blonde snipery back in her seat with her eyes closed. ''I need to get stronger; otherwise, I will be forever just someone''s tool.'' Just as Tia was about to yield to her body''s pleas for sleep, she was pressed to her seat as the hovercar descended. The sprawling metropolis quickly approached, the sun reflecting on the countless windows and metal facades. "Huh? This isn''t the hideout?" Tia''s eyes darted through the window, surveying the unfamiliar buildings and winding streets below. Her eyes especially lingered on a rooftop that was quickly approaching, likely their destination. She sank further into her seat, the thought of a dyed rest amplifying her difort. "For your own well-being, try to behave." The handler''s voice cut through her foggy thoughts. Just as she spoke, the hovercar passed through an invisible barrier. In an instant, the surroundings morphed, the roof shifting into a small yard paved with concrete and surrounded by buildings from each side. ''So, they''ve concealed this entire ce. That can''t be cheap,'' Tia thought, a newfound wariness settling over her exhaustion. The hovercar glided gracefully to a halt, its thrusters going silent as the doors unfurled like wings. Immediately, purple gazes locked onto them. The world seemed to slow down, as Tia''s mind red to full alert, the threat pushing back her tiredness. Soldiers stood at attention against the walls, encased in ck and silverposite te armor, not revealing even a single unprotected spot, its bulk betraying a power system beneath the polished tes. A sinister purple glow emanated from the orbs at the cores of their oversized rifles, mirroring the same eerie light that shone from the visors of their silver masks. Tia''s heart sped up as she felt their threat. ''Shit, those are dangerous! Large calibers, which are only used together with power armors.'' The elegant purple capes cascaded down their backs, and the intricate silver ornaments gleaming in the sunlight adorned their suits. ''Could this be?'' She thought. Of all the prominent human nations, only a couple put aesthetics over practicality, and only one used the uniquebination of purple, ck, and silver. Her eyes caught sight of the silver glyphs ingrained into their shoulder tes, and suddenly it all clicked. She knew exactly who she was dealing with and what their intentions were. With slightly shaky legs she stepped out of the vehicle, followed by its two other passengers, her muscles and mind tense as she was ready to run at the moment of notice. She knew the escape was futile, the handler alone enough to subdue her with ease. ''They''re agents of the Empire,'' she surmised, her thoughts drifting to recent reports about the Empire''s naval operations in this vicinity. The organization she had found herself ensnared by was too well-armed, too surgical in its operations, and too indifferent to profits. It exhibited all the hallmarks of one entity: an intelligence agency. ''No wonder they brazenly assaulted military facilities. This must be the prelude to a full-scale invasion. And if they''re willing to expose this much, it must be imminent,'' she thought. A wave of panic surged through her as she grasped the magnitude of the storm she had be ensnared in. She rapidly sifted through what she knew about the neighboring state, though her information was filtered through the lens of Federation media, making it a murky blend of fact and propaganda. ''The Federation portrays them as a corrupted, aristocracy-ridden autocracy on the brink of bankruptcy led by a madman of an emperor.'' "So five have survived in total, not entirely disappointing," a melodious voice echoed through the yard, instantly capturing Tia''s attention. A young girl, nearly her own age, stood at the building doors with two soldiers by her side. Her long, dark hair flowed down to her hips like a waterfall of shadow, blending perfectly with her ck coat embroidered with golden thread and various insignias and medals pinned to her chest and shoulders. Even the usually indifferent handler by Tia''s side seemed to falter for a moment before she knelt and lowered her head. Simultaneously, the armored soldiers surrounding them abruptly straightened their posture and lowered their heads. ''She must be someone important.'' Her two ruby-like eyes scanned Tia from her feet to her head until they froze, locked with Tia''s own eyes. Immediately, indescribable fear overwhelmed her mind, the faint gleam in the red eyes carrying threat, danger, and a hint of power. "You have beautiful eyesjoin us, and your future will be bright," the young woman said, her voice tinged with an inexplicable certainty. The sentence jarred Tia, nearly causing her surprise to manifest in her expression. The audacity of the im was baffling. ''What do my eyes have to do with any of this?'' Tia thought, her mind racing to make sense of the surreal im. Chapter 62: For The Empire, Or Not?! [Bonus] Chapter 62: For The Empire, Or Not?! [Bonus] The bright neon light in the ceiling showered the room with its bright, white glow, which seemed to amplify on the immacte white walls and floor tiles. Tia stood there, tense and unsteady, her exhausted body almost giving up under the pressure of danger radiating out of the elite soldiers in the power suits looming over her, their purple gazes not leaving her alone for even a moment. ''They look even tougher than the response team I fought before, and they even have light power armor.'' When she thought about it, it wasn''t surprising, as those soldiers were the most likely elite of military intelligence, iparable to some random soldiers guarding a small military outpost. The red-eyed girl motioned at Tia and the sniper by her side, "Would you be so kind as to take your ces in the line over there?" Three more people stood there, lined side by sidea scarred man, a blonde woman in her thirties, and, to her shock, a young boy of middle school age. Their standing was unsteady, and bloodstains were visible on their clothes. ''They must have been brought back just as we were.'' Under the purple gazes of the elite soldiers, Tia slowly stepped into the line, her eyes slowly darting around, mentally mapping out potential exit routes for a desperate escape. However, it was hopeless: ''I can kill a few, but the rest would turn me into a puddle of boiling blood.'' The worst was the red-eyed girl, as just her nce was enough to make Tia''s instincts warn her of danger. ''They glowed! She must have some kind of power, and with even the handler showing such reverence, it must be a terrifying power.'' Tia didn''t like how dangerous it seemed, but one rational thought managed to hold her rising panic at bay: ''If they wanted to dispose of us, they wouldn''t bring us all the way here.'' Just then, a melodious voice snapped her back from her inner turmoil. "You''ve already served the Empire, albeit unknowingly. My offer is simple: pledge your allegiance officially to the Great Terran Empire. Swear loyalty to the ideals championed by our esteemed emperor, and you will find the path to prosperityid out before you." The red eyes of the imperial officers roamed past her and the rest of the group, glowing as she waited for the response. The tension in the room was almost palpable, with the oppressive silence bearing on everyone. Finally, the young boy shattered the silence, his voice tinged with apprehension. "What if we don''t?" "Nothing will happen," the officer replied, her voice eerily calm. "You''ll be detained until the conclusion of our operation. After that, you''re free to go. You''ve served the Empire, after all; executing you would set an undesirable precedent." Tia had to restrain a derisive snort, the air practically reeking with the stench of deceit. ''Sure, as if they''d ever allow known insurgents who''ve attacked government facilities to simply waltz out of here.'' "So what''s in it for us?" The boy pressed on, his voice devoid of any restraint or fear. The officer with the red eyes offered a sly smile. "Let me regale you with the tale of the Empire''s origins" "Skip the history lesson; what''s m" The boy didn''t get to finish his sentence. Suddenly, he crumpled to the ground, clutching his throat and gasping for air, hisplexion rapidly paling. Tia''s eyes flickered toward him, her mind whirring through a catalog of possibilities. ''Biokinesis? Telekinesis? What could it be?'' Yet, as she subtly probed the space around her, she found nothingno discernible energy fluctuations, no ripple in the fabric of reality. ''As both a witch and an esper, I should be sensitive to any form of energy maniption.'' The absence of any detectable power signature left her uneasy, amplifying her sense of vulnerability. The red-eye continued as if nothing had happened, speaking in her melodious voice, "Centuries ago, the first emperor and the first dukes split from the old Terran Union, unsatisfied with the rule of weak politicians, rich but weak entrepreneurs, and the old ss using the efforts of their ancestors to step on and rule over the more talented." Tia nced at the choking boy, ''Dumb idiot, he doesn''t know when to bow their head.'' "Why should the stronger, smarter, talented, and more evolved humans listen to those pathetic fossils? With this thought, they founded the Great Terran Empire, thend where people like them would be at the top! The true imperial meritocracy" "So join the Empire and gain the opportunity for fairness! Grow stronger, smarter, and evolve! Eventually, you might gain your titles and fiefs, ruling over the masses!" Tia fought back a scoff, maintaining herposed exterior. ''Right, as if one doesn''t need to be at least a D or C-rank or a renowned scientist to gain something out of the system. At best, we will get free health insurance...'' she knew the officer''s grandiose words were a sugar-coated illusionenticing but out of reach for the majority. Chapter 63: The Red Eyes Of Madness Chapter 63: The Red Eyes Of Madness The room was enveloped in heavy, expectant silence, broken only by the stifled sounds of the boy catching his breath, hisplexion gradually regaining its normal hue. The unsettling red eyes of the officer and the vignt purple gazes of the soldiers were fixed on the small group. ''Should I take the offer?'' Tia found herself at a crossroads. She had always craved freedom to live untethered and unshackled. Yet the notion of being pursued by imperial and federation forces was the antithesis of freedom. Without any warning, the red-eye stepped closer, her face approaching Tia''s own, step by step, her ck boots tapping on the floor. Those intense ruby eyes locked onto Tia''s lc ones. ''Huh?'' A frigid tremor crawled down Tia''s spine, an electric jolt of dread exacerbated by the officer''s unwavering stare. "Your eyes!" The officer''s pompous voice took on an almost predatory tone: "They are captivatingso unfathomable, as though hiding something. What might that be?" Tia''s instincts screamed danger. ''This woman is unhinged.'' Attempting to step back, Tia found the officer mirroring her every move, closing in until she was practically breathing down her neck. Then, a wave of cold, heavy, and oppressive aura exploded out, flooding the room. The soldiers around them recoiled, their weapons quivering in their hands as if frightened. Overhead, lights flickered like dying stars. ''What is this power?! This...is like archmages from my past life!'' She wanted to scream and retreat another step, but she couldn''t, as time seemed to slow, each second stretching as a wire. The red-eye took another step closer, her face so close that their noses almost touched. "Your grace! Your grace! Please calm down!" The panicked cries of the previously unshakable imperial soldiers shattered the silence but sounded impossibly distant as if they came from the bottom of a well. ''Her grace? So she must be some imperial noble.'' The world gradually dulled, turning into varying shades of gray under the blooming aura, except for those red eyes that glowed brighter by the second, locked onto her own. ''Why is this psycho so fixated on my eyes?! Can she really see something in them?'' The dread of her secrets potentially being exposed made Tia''s heart pound with anxiety. ''Can she see my magic, my past life, or even my systems?'' The melodious voice rang crystal clear amidst the muffled voices of her surroundings: "I must apologize; perhaps I was somewhat pushy,'', diffusing the tense atmosphere. Immediately, the soldiers and the shivering group of agents visibly rxed, standing more upright. "As I was stating, your eyes have a rather fascinating allure. Therefore, I extend to you an alternative proposition: Be one of my knights." The red-eyed woman spoke, her voice returning to an eerie calm as if the prior outburst had never existed. "Huh?" Tia froze, her legs almost giving up under her, the amount of mental strain slowly but surely taking its toll. The red-eyed girl leaned forward once more, her ruby irises shining dimly. She wanted to run and get as far away from the maniac as she could. Yet she didn''t dare. ''What will happen if I refuse? Would she execute me right here, or systematically make my life hell?'' "I assure you, my offer is exceedingly generous. Under ordinary circumstances, you would not even be considered for the position of an imperial knight. However, here I am, offering you this opportunity and all the advantages it provides," the woman continued. ''Great, you''re offering me a chance, but I don''t want to be anywhere close to you.'' Tia had encountered enough unstable individuals during her time in the hospital to recognize one when she saw it. ''Who knows? She might decide to eat my eyes tomorrow.'' In the silence, while Tia pondered, all the eyes were turned to her, ''For now, it is enough if I survive this day. I can always run awayter when I get an opportunity.'' "I ept..." Tia murmured under her breath, aware that individuals like the woman standing in front of her were not the types to take rejection well. "In that case, allow me to extend my congrattions. You are now an imperial knight. Please kneel before me," the red-eyed womanmanded. With a sense of resignation and humiliation, Tia knelt, feeling the cold floor beneath her bare knees, which served as a harsh reminder of the gravity of her decision. She wanted to scream to vent her frustration at the convoluted mess her life was bing. ''I was trying to escape situations like this, but here I am, sinking deeper into this tangled web. Truly, the only way I can ever be truly free is by bing stronger... Then I will show them...'' she smiled slightly, already concocting her vengeance for all this humiliation. (AN: I am going to bet that a lot of people will hate this direction, that they wanted MC to just refuse and fight her way out. Yet, the world sucks, you can want to be free and independent as she wanted, but it isn''t easy to do. This is the best path in her situation, she can always run awayter.) Chapter 64: The Black Coat Chapter 64: The ck Coat The following day: Tia slowly opened her eyes, sinking into the plushfort of her bed as she shifted restlessly. The events of the previous day flooded back into her consciousness, and for a moment, she hoped it had all been just a bad dream. Yet her eyes inevitablynded on the meticulously crafted ck coat hanging on the wall, its silver insignias gleaming in the morning sunlight as a stern reminder of her reality. She was again a part of something she had hoped to escapea hierarchical structure where her life was not her own. ''I am just a tool to be used by someone else,'' she cursed internally, sighing as she sat up and ran her fingers through her cascading locks. Her thoughts gradually shifted. ''Well, it could be worse. A knightstill better than my previous rank. At least I''m not scraping the bottom of the barrel anymore.'' As she pondered, her mind began to entertain the thrilling yet dangerous prospect of escape. ''Once I get the chance, I could hijack a spaceship and vanish into some obscure sector of the gxy. There is no way they would bother to track down a single knight.'' Her thoughts brimmed with a hope. ''Yup, as long as there is a tomorrow, it is not all lost.'' As she extended her limbs in a stretch, a current of depressive thoughts calmed her excitement. ''As of now, I''m watched and trapped on this. Escape isn''t an option, at least not yet.'' With smooth moves, Tia jumped out of her bed, her bare feet touching the warm floor, and walked over to her new uniform. Despite her reservations about her current predicament, she couldn''t help but smile when seeing her new clothesthe exquisitely tailored short coat, the knee-length skirt, and the sleek, ck riding boots. ''Well, if I have to y the part, I might as well look good doing it,'' Tia thought, her fingers gently caressing the fabric of the coat. Even in a situation like this, she couldn''t ignore her womanly appreciation for fashion, and the uniform appealed to that aesthetic sensibility. ''The guards I have fought had suits capable of stopping bullets and dissipating heat. This should be an even higher grade. One of the perks, I suppose,'' she reasoned as her analytical mind took over. Her magical instincts then red to life, her fingertips sparking with a wisp of mana as she once again touched the fabric, contemting its enchantment potential. However, when she tried to channel her magic into the cloth, her mana dispersed almost instantly. ''Nonconductive, huh?'' Yet a glimmer of hope lit up her mood. ''If I soak it in a specialized, highly concentrated magic agent, I might be able to make the fabric enchantable,'' she theorized, already envisioning the process. As she contemted the future upgrades, her hands already moved, removing her pajamas, as she was eager to try her new outfit. She slipped into the uniform, the soft material hugging her frame, and a genuine smile flickered across her face. ''Well, this is actuallyfortable.'' Fully attired in her new uniform, she reclined back onto her bed and closed her eyes. ''Time to get at least a bit stronger.'' Ding! // Current world links: Garlicia (World Level: 3) (Travel cost: 1 WP and 3 Deaths) Description: (Focus to expand) Avable worlds to plunder: Riveria (World Level: 3) (Travel cost: 3 WP and 9 Deaths) Warning: To create a permanent link, pleaseplete the task and gain a vessel. Description: Beneath the sprawling, quickly advancing society of the information age and the inte dwells a hidden society of magic. This hidden society of magic is on the edge of a schism and warsplit between factions that advocate for the subjugation of the non-magical popce and those who prefer a more discreet existence. However, how long can they remain hidden in a world filled with cameras at every step? Will they adapt and find a way to coexist with the rising tide of technological omnipresence, or will they face inevitable decline, crushed under the relentless advancements of technology? // ''Oh? The second world has changed. When did it change? No, the more pressing question would be, What triggered this reroll?'' As she perused the description, her eyes seemed to sparkle with an insatiable curiosity. The very essence of this new world captivated her. ''Magic and technology? Maybe I can learn something useful there aboutbining technology with magic.'' A devious grin spread across her face, her eyes twinkling with mischief. ''This society looks advanced enough to appreciate knowledge from the gctic era. A single memory card loaded with some outdated information could potentially grant me sway over an entire nation.'' However, her thoughts then steered toward the less morous aspects of this potential endeavor. ''Acquiring a new vessel would be annoying, not to mention the significant setback of starting once more in an unknown world.'' Caught in this intellectual tug-of-war, Tia hummed to herself, deeply engrossed in weighing her options for the next big move. (Poll: Yup, this is a poll. You can vote here by liking my paragraphments for her to either visit the previous world or go to this new one.) Chapter 65: Riverias Morgue Chapter 65: Riveria''s Morgue POV Anthon: Anthon walked down the lengthy, dimly lit hospital corridor, the swish of his long white medical coat apanying each step. Sighing audibly, he mumbled, ''I hate night shifts.'' As he moved, the shifting shadows danced across the stark white walls, abandoned wheelchairs, and piled-up mattresses. Outside the windows, trees swayed, their movements caught in the glow of the streetlights. He paused in front of the green double doors, his eyes locking onto the sign on them: ''Morgue''. Fumbling for a moment with his keys, he finally selected the right one and inserted it into the lock, turning it with a nk that reverberated down the empty corridor. The door creaked open, unleashing a gut-churning smell of decay. Yet Anthon walked in, years of exposure having steeled his stomach against the scent. Flipping the switch by the door, he instantly bathed the room in stark fluorescent light, banishing the lurking shadows to the corners. ''God, I hate this ce at night,'' he muttered, a shiver coursing through him as thebination of darkness and death evoked a deep, primal fear. ''Who is the unlucky patient today?'' Six surgical tables were arranged in a solemn rowfive vacant, but thest one covered with a sheet. Approaching the covered table, Anthon gently peeled back the sheet to reveal the young face of a blonde woman, her hair stained with blood. ''Could be my sister''s ageeighteen, neen?'' Grief etched his features as he shook his head at life''s cruelty. He turned away, his eyes searching through the morgue. "Where are my gloves?" he muttered. Just then, a shuffling noiseing from behind him broke the room''s dead silence. Every hair on Anthony''s neck stood on end, his body frozen by an ice-cold shiver that snaked down his spine. "Please, let it just be the wind," he whispered, slowly turning back around, his heart pounding so loudly it felt like it might burst from his chest. The dead girl was sitting, her eyes staring straight at him. "Ahhhh!" His scream shattered the deafening silence. At that moment, the room plunged back into abyssal darkness, leaving just the glow of her eyes. As his vision blurred, a wave of dread cascaded over him, submerging him into darkness. POV Tia: "Hehe!" the young girl chuckled, herughter filling the darkened room as she watched the doctor crumple to the floor. "Sorry, I couldn''t resist," Tia spoke, almost to herself. Thest few days had weighed heavily on her spirit, and she was in dire need of something to lighten her mood. Swiftly, she hopped off the surgical table, her bare feet making contact with the floor below. A look of distaste momentarily flickered across her features. ''Ugh, this floor is filthy.'' In the blink of an eye, the bloodied blonde girl disappeared, her body reced by the elegant silhouette of a tinum-blonde girl. She was d in a sleek ck coat that seemed to absorb the surrounding darkness, making her one with the night. Ding! // New quest: The Death Contract The deceased owner of your current vessel has asked you to make her family rich and to bring the rich man who killed her in the traffic ident to justice. Rewards: 1 x WP; a new vessel; a permanent link with Riveria Time Limit: 10 Days Failure: You will be kicked out of the world and forced to try again. // Tia flexed her limbs, mentally ticking off the time she had avable. ''Without a link to this world, I''ve got about two days. Not bad. Once I establish a connection, that duration should be extended. Plus, mana potions could give me even more time.'' Her gaze fell once more on the crumpled form of the doctor. A smile tugged at her lips. ''Nah, no need to kill him. No one will believe him.'' Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the shadowy corridor ahead. Her pulse quickened with the thrill of exploring the unknown world, her senses tingling in anticipation. ''This contract should be a piece of cake. The real difficulty will be locating the wizards. They''re likely hiding out, ording to the description.'' (AN: Sorry for this chapter being kinda short, but I was traveling like hell; I had used two taxis, five trains, three subways, and at least four trams. It was simply too much.) Chapter 66: Justice? Chapter 66: Justice? Three hourster: The elevator hummed softly, the small metallic cabin entrapping a young girl whose long tinum-blonde hair fell in cascading waves down her back. Almost nervously, she fiddled with a strand, letting it slide through her fingers as she lost herself in contemtion. The cramped space made her more than ufortable, as it almost felt like a prison cell. ''Bring him to justice? What does that mean? Kill him? Torture him? Incriminate him?'' The questions swirled in Tia''s mind, tangled in uncertainty. "Ding!" The elevator''s jarring halt ripped her from her ruminative state, the doors gliding open without making any sound. ''Here am I. Luckily with the inte, it is easy to locate someone''s workce.'' Her highest priority was to fulfill her contract as soon as she could, prolonging her stay in the world, so her first stop after leaving the morgue was the office of the driver who killed the original owner of her new vessel. The girl stepped out, her coat rustling silently with her sudden move. She took in thevish surroundingsa hallway bathed in warm, golden light, grandiose, with walls lined with polished wood panes and extending in both directions. The rich red carpet that adorned the floor muffled her footsteps, absorbing the sound. On either side stood imposing doors, crafted from dark, polished wood. ''Here, number twelve.'' Her eyes locked with the widest doors, all the way at the end of the corridor. Without even a trace of fear, she stepped forward, walking down the opulent corridor, her shoes rustling on the expensive red carpet. ''Yup, those people are rich, but they at least have a sense of aesthetics.'' She stopped before the enormous door, her eyes twinkling with curiosity as she felt something. Her fingers glided gently over the surface, the touch of the wood sending a tingle of energy through her skin. ''As I thought, they are enchanted. Is the target of my contract a mage? That is too big of a coincidence. However, it is definitely convenient.'' Tia knocked, the echo reverberating ominously through the deste corridor. Silence greeted her, amplifying the pulsating rhythm of her heart in her ears. She knocked again, holding her breath, every fiber of her being poised to respond to a potential assault as she felt that something wasn''t right. ''By the receptionist''s words, he should be in the office.'' She strained her ears for any signs of life beyond the imposing doors. Yet she didn''t hear anything but oppressive silence, amplifying the sensation of wrongness. Drawing back with cautious steps, she summoned an invisible force that gravitated towards the brass doorknob. It turned with a soundless ck, gradually yielding under the pressure, and the doors began to part. Before they could fully open, a burst of red light erupted from within, painting the corridor in vivid hues. With a fast reaction, Tiaunched backward and hurled herself across the corridor with the speed of a tiger. But almost as quickly as it appeared, the red tide of light vanished, dissipating in silence. ''I knew it; it was a boobytrap. But why? I thought mages should be more careful than leaving such traps in the corridor where any normal human could stumble onto them,'' she thought, her heart pounding heavily in her chest. The uneasy sensation blossomed into a full-blown rm, a siren of caution ring in her mind as she prepared for a potential ambush. Atst, the invisible force exerted itself once more, pushing the doors fully open, their well-oiled hinges not making any sound. Silently, like a ghost, Tia slipped inside, silently closing the doors behind her. A palpable silence hung heavily in the air, devoid of signs of life or movement. The window shades were drawn shut, and the lights were extinguished, shrouding the room in darkness. Yet her eyes flickered, the smart lensesing to life, brightening the entire image and fully revealing the luxuriously furnished office. The richly embroidered carpet was ced over the green marble floor, and various antique bookshelvesall made of polished mahogany woodlined the walls. ''Huh?'' Her eyes were immediately drawn toward arge table facing the doors, ced all the way at the back of the office, made of the same polished mahogany with intricate ornaments carved into it. A balding, middle-aged man sat motionless in arge leather chair, his head slumped on the table. On the wall, covered with an ornamental green tapestry, writing in blood drew her attention. ''The one that mingled with lessers...'' She read to herself. A sudden jolt of worry surged through her, her mind racing with the anticipation of a failure notification ringing in her earsthe consequence of unfulfilled contracts. But against her expectations, there was only a deafening silence that filled the room and left her grappling with confusion and uncertainty. ''Huh, my contract didn''t fail. Does it count even though he didn''t die by my hand? Or do I still have to incriminate him and bring him to justice postmortem?'' Suddenly, the faint but distinct sound of footsteps resonated from beyond the doors, their impact dampened by the plush carpet in the corridor yet still audible. Her senses sharpened, and in an instant, a wand and a gun materialized in her hands. ''They areing here.'' Chapter 67: Enforcers? [Bonus] Chapter 67: Enforcers? [Bonus] The rhythmic pounding of boots against the floor amplified as they rapidly approached. Tia''s thoughts spiraled in a frantic whirlpool of various scenarios, none of them ideal, ''I''m alone in the office with the dead mage. This is not going to end peacefully.'' The possibility of escaping through the window crossed her mind, but the streets were packed, and cameras were on each cornerthere was no chance someone wouldn''t notice a flying girl, potentially bringing even more trouble. With a kind of cold finality, she came to the sobering conclusion, ''In that case, it looks like I will have to fight.'' Her attention snapped back as the steps halted at her threshold, and a series of booming knocks reverberated through the office. Tia didn''t utter a word in response; instead, she silently seated herself with deliberate poise atop the imposing mahogany desk, her gaze fixing on the door. ''Who can it be? Police, someone random, or the murderer?'' Themand pierced the heavy silence, "We are going in!" Immediately, the doors flung open, and with thundering bangs, a duo of men in slightly old-fashioned, grey suits burst in, the wands in their hands glowing and pointing into the room. Tia leaned against the table with a dead body, ''Let''s hear what they have to say. Maybe I can get some useful information out of them.'' Their gazes zeroed in on her, maically drawn to the tinum halo of her hair. Almost instinctively, wands pointed at her, the mystical glow at their tips pulsating ominously in the darkness. "Do not move!" Methodically, theymenced a cautious advance, fanning out with trained precision. Their eyes darted nervously, incessantly flickering between the bloody writing on the wall , the eerie stillness of the corpse, and the young woman who sat on the table, smiling at them. usations tore through the thick air, a formal deration heavy with authority, "You are under arrest for murder, affiliation with a criminal syndicate, and threatening the confidentiality of the magical realm." "Who are you supposed to be?" Tia leaned slightly back, her feet kicking in the air as she squirmed in her seat. Simultaneously, both of them yelled, shouting over each other. "Don''t y dumb. We are enforcers!" "Cooperate, or we will stun you, dark witch bitch!" ''Did he just rhyme? The question is, How did they get here so fast? Did the murderer summon them, or maybe they have some way to detect the use of magic?'' While cautious, Tia''s mind already started to analyze the situation, ''Hmm, it looks like those two factions are openly hostile.'' An imperative shout pulled her from her thoughts. "Your choice!" In an instant, a sudden re of crimson burst from the tip of one man''s wand, mana vibrating palpably in the atmosphere. Simultaneously, he spoke, each syble radiating with magic power. "ProimbuoStup" With lightning-fast reflexes, Tia leaped off the desk like a dark blur, her eyes shining as she waved her hands. With an eloquent sweep of his wand, a scarlet orb sliced through the air, flying straight toward the table, its eerie glow casting ghastly shadows on the dimly lit surroundings. The invisible tendrils of telekic force extended out, smashing and reaching toward the glowing red orb. Yet the orb continued in its flight, Tia''s mind already calcting with it as she darted to the side, propelled with inhuman speed, causing a flurry of papers to take flight in her wake. ''I can''t stop this spell with telekinesisit isn''t even physical; they are just magic concepts of projectiles with some effect imbued into them.'' The orb struck the polished surface of the desk she previously sat on, exploding in a small firework of red and scarlet sparks, leaving no trace of their existence save for the transient scarlet glow that flickered momentarily before sumbing to nothingness. ''I saw enough.'' A smile appeared on her lips; she had seen their system of magic, so there was no longer any need to keep the y going. With the mental stretch of her mind, the two waves of raw kic energyunched across the room and struck with relentless force, picking up the duo of mages and hurtling them through the air like ragdolls caught in a tempest. "Wha!" With horror and surprise in their eyes, they smashed against the wooden bookshelf, crushing the luxurious furniture and sending splinters flying in every direction. With a mere thought, the two wands were wrenched from their grip and soared directly into Tia''s waiting hand, joining her own wand. "Thank you. Maybe I will learn something interesting out of them." Desperation and fear surged within them as they attempted to move and scream, but under the girl''s unwavering gaze and pointed hands, they were immobilized, pinned to the wall like helpless insects by an invisible force. With her eyes aglow and her hair swirling around her, Tia took a deliberate step forward, closing in on one of the mages. ''So they aren''t using runic magic, but instead they are using vocal casting.'' In the same way that the runes could represent magic effects and concepts, sounds could also do the same, allowing one to use their voice to cast magic. ''This is quite a curious system, but I hate it.'' No matter how intrigued she was, she felt like the runic magic was superior, ''It is bottlenecked by the speed of someone''s speech, while runes are only limited by the speed of one''s imagination and rate of their mana flow.'' Chapter 68: The Curious Cases [Bonus] Chapter 68: The Curious Cases [Bonus] Tia reclinednguidly in the ck leather chair, her slender legs elegantly draped over the table. The tantalizing gleam in her eyes danced greedily as she surveyed the small magical tools, a pouch of silver coins, and a collection of wands sprawled before her. ''I will have to survey themter. Maybe I can learn something useful.'' With a graceful wave of her hand, her ring shed transiently, its mystical gleam swallowing all the items. Slowly, she pivoted to face the duo of mages still pinned against the wall, their bodies pinned in an unnatural, painful posture. "Tell me, where can I find more mages?" Confusion and surprise painted the faces of the enforcement officers, recing expressions of fear. A tinge of amusement mixed with impatience tingled in the depths of Tia''s mind. ''Quite predictable, given the banality of my question.'' Her impatience grew, festering like a wound. Her eyes, now shimmering with a predatory light, split the silence as she exerted an even more brutal force against them, pushing them against the hard concrete, the sounds of their bones snapping reverberating. The men''s faces rapidly transitioned from a shade of deep red to a violent purple, their eyes bulging grotesquely from their sockets. Her voice, though stern, carried a dangerous tone, "Speak up now!" She slightly loosened the strength, and the two enforcers gasped for air. Seeing that, she continued, giving them time to catch their breath, "You see, I just arrived from abroad, and I would really appreciate your cooperation. Do you really want to risk your lives and face excruciating pain for a piece of trivial knowledge?" The words came tumbling out of one of the enforcers, a frantic urgency in his voice betraying his fear, "The Pedersen street! Follow the concealed path theremagic will guide you." With an agile grace, Tia sprung up from the chair, her hands smoothing down the fabric of her skirt as she adjusted her coat meticulously. Her face was devoid of emotion, with only a bit of pity in her eyes as her hand moved in a casual, dismissive wave. The necks of the enforcers twisted in a grotesque fashion, their bodies crashing lifelessly to the ground, their falls dampened by the expensive carpet. ''No loose ends,'' was Tia''s cold, rational justification as she gazed over the corpses with unaffected ease. In her world, pragmatism overruled mercy. Still, she spared them a second of contemtion: ''A swift endthey are worse ways to die.'' Even though she derived no pleasure from it and even harbored a subtle aversion to the act of killing low-level grunts who mirrored her own struggles beneath their superiors just like she did, she knew it was a necessity. ''Only those willing to wield death can thrive in this reality.'' With measured steps, she advanced, the gravity of her actions adding a heaviness to her gait. As she navigated over the lifeless forms, a mere wave of her hand orchestrated their dissolution, the magical ring on her finger swallowing them whole and erasing all physical evidence of the crime. ''Three dead mages in my ring. I wonder if I can make something out of them.'' POV Someone: In the scantily lit confines of a cramped room, where the gentle pulsating glow of various monitors cast eerie shadows on the walls, a middle-aged man sat hunched over, his eyes gradually widening in disbelief as he scrutinized the footage before him. Wisps of smoke billowed from the cigarette precariously perched between his lips, unfurling into the room''s still air as he drew closer to one of the screens. A young girl with pale skin and long hair that seemingly looked like waterfalls of molten tinum walked down the corridor in the grainy footage from the camera. A cyclone of skepticism and bewilderment swirled in his mind as he considered the witness''s testimony. ''Was he telling the truth? No, that is impossible, but how did she get in and where did the body go?'' A dead body has vanished without a traceit was a crime, one scandalous enough to catch the attention of the local news. He leaned back, the leather of his cheap office chair groaning under the shift in weight, and released a burdened sigh, letting trails of smoke escape into the room. The slightly sweet scent of tobo mingled with his rising apprehension as he muttered to himself, ''So another one on the list of bizarre cases.'' He was a detective for a long time, yet thest few years were bing weirder and weirder with unexinable cases happening all over the citymurder victims with their organs missing without any external injuries and ims of entire bank vaults vanishing from one hour to another without any lead. ''Something dark is going on.'' Chapter 69: The Underground Trouble, part 1/2 Chapter 69: The Underground Trouble, part 1/2 One hourter: In a vast cavern as expansive as ten football stadiums side by side, with a vaulted granite ceiling held up by towering pirs, luminescent orbs floated gracefully like celestial stars, bathing the subterranean world in perpetual golden daylight. A slender girl, cloaked in ck, descended a spiraling staircase connecting the ceiling to the vibrant, zigzagging streets below, only the streams of her tinum hair peaking from beneath her hood. ''So this is the ce the enforcers mentioned. I expected something less impressive.'' Immediately after obtaining the information, Tia rushed there, wanting to see what this world''s magic offered, ''With the amount of tinum I sent my vessel''s family, that should take care of the second part of the contract once the package arrives.'' Houses, streets, and mansions filled the cavern floor like countless mushrooms, arranged into chaotically winding streets with distant human figures below resembling tiny ants. ''Mages built their entire town beneath the city above their heads. That is an impressive feat!'' With wide eyes, she ogled the dozens of spellcasters crowding the streets. It was like a fulfilled dream to hera ce with a concentratedmunity of magicians, making it trivial to shop for supplies and information. With her mind in the clouds, she finally reached the bottom of the staircase, her feet greeting the uneven cobblestone pathway. She moved forward, her eyes sparkling like stars, filled with wonder and amazement as she took in her surroundings. The crowd was a mosaic of individuals adorned in loose robes and old-fashioned suits, a blend of styles so diverse that even her coat, bearing an imperial insignia, seamlessly blended in. Even she, who witnessed the wonders of her previous life and the gctic era, was impressed: ''The two distinct and separate societies simultaneously exist side by side. One based on science and the second on magic. Truly unusual.'' Abruptly, a woman''s shriek cut through the bustling crowd, "Ahhh! The Masks are attacking!" Ding! // New quest: Blend in! Blend into the crowd and survive the uing attack without attracting too much attention to yourself. Remember, a stealthy witch is a happy witch! Rewards: 2 x WP; 2 X Point to a random stat // Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Objective --> Repel the terrorist attack and destroy the attackers Rewards --> 2 x esper point; 2 X Point to random stat <<<<<<>>>>>> Tia froze mid-step, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest as she quickly processed the sudden alerts. She frantically scanned her surroundings, yet found no immediate sign of danger. ''I think you, Witch System, are the sane one here! I don''t want to be dragged into some conflict I don''t care about. I want to keep both sides neutral.'' Before she could rationalize further, a blinding burst of light erupted in the midst of the crowd, swiftly followed by a gut-wrenching scream. "AHHH!!!" Tia''s alertness skyrocketed as a woman garbed in a brown robe, a few steps before her, copsed to the ground, her bag of groceries scattering across the pavement, fruits rolling in different directions. In a heartbeat''s span, the tranquil street erupted into pandemonium. Five shadowy figures in ck robes darted out from an adjacent alley, their faces masked by in brass masks, the eye holes radiating a malevolent green glow. Shouts of rm and terror reverberated in the air as the masses scattered in all directions. "They''re here!" "Run!" "Masks are attacking!" Tia found herself rooted to the ground, a lone figure that remained calm amidst the turmoil, her eyes wide with surprise at how quickly it happened, the crowd leaving her alone. ''I should run too!'' Just as she turned on her heels and prepared to sprint away, a yellow light shed behind her, making her hair stand in rm. Time seemed to slow as Tia''s mind raced, ''Dodge.'' With adrenaline pumping through her veins, Tia propelled herself sideways, yanked by invisible forces. In the fast move, her hood slipped off, unveiling a cascade of tinum hair that streamed behind her. Simultaneously, on instinct, the second strand of her mind moved, and a shockwave burst from her outstretched hand, surging down the street in the attacker''s direction and tearing stones from the road. ''Who dared to attack me like a coward from behind?!'' Her mind burned with fury. She pivoted on her feet and caught a glimpse of the shockwave crashing into a ck-robed mage,unching him through the air and across the street with his raven robes fluttering and his screams joining the orchestra. With a thud, he crashed into the stone pavement, lying motionless amidst a cloud of dust and debris. Smiling, she looked at the despicable coward. --> 72% ''This went wrong really fast.'' More brash masks turned on her, their wands raising and aiming at her. The air crackled with the buildup of magical energy on the tips of their wands. "Kill her!" One of them yelled, and the street exploded with the discharge of theirbined might, sending a blinding kaleidoscope of destructive colorful bolts and fireballs hurling in her direction. (Survey: Is the current amount of exposition too much, too few, or ideal? I am trying to fine tune it, so I would really appreciate your input.) Chapter 70: The Underground Trouble, part 2/2 Chapter 70: The Underground Trouble, part 2/2 The time seemingly slowed down, all the points in her intelligence fastening her mind beyond human grasp. The vibrant streaks of light transformed into slow-moving sparks, seemingly crawling toward her through the viscous medium of time itself. She couldn''t dodge as there were too many projectiles, but she also couldn''t block them with her telekinesis. Yet her eyes glittered, and the corners of her mouth curled upward to form a smileced with ferocity as the solution crystallized in her mind. ''There is always a way.'' A surge of telekic might erupted from her, an unrestrained flood of energy that swirled in concentric waves, rippling across the streets surrounding her in circr patterns. Summoning a reservoir of her power, she seized the stones from the road below her, sending them spiraling upward as a vibrant array of spells hurtled toward her. ''This must work.'' A split secondter, the street erupted in a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues as the spells and fireballs collided with the barrier of floating stone, erupting like spacecraft meeting their demise in an asteroid field, forcing her to squint at the brightness of the explosions. "What?!" "How can she control so many objects?!!" Behind shimmering masks, the mages faltered, taking cautious steps backward, their polished masks catching the fierce disy of vibrant explosions and mirroring the chaos around them. ''Now!'' Seizing the fleeting opportunity, Tia funneled her energy, feeling a warm rush cascading through her veins. In a heartbeat, the once levitated stones transformed into projectiles, shooting in all directions like shrapnel from a detonated fragmentation grenade. They whizzed through the air with the wind howling in their wake. The masked mages swiftly waved their wands like orchestra conductors. With shes of light bursting from the tips of their wands, they redirected the stone onught, sending them hurling onto the road and houses behind them. In the midst of the chaos, Tia''s mind raced, analyzing and deconstructing the magic unfolding before her. ''Deflect? That should be the equivalent of a single runefast and easy to cast.'' The adrenaline coursing through Tia''s veins transformed into a blistering inferno, consuming every ounce of restraint. Tia''s eyes turned predatory, her reason sizzling out as she fully entered her frenzied battle state. "Burn!" She screamed with her eyes aglow, and a blindingly bright orange light shed around her as all the kic energy turned into zing rivers of fire. The mes cascaded down the street, setting the masked mages on fire, their ck robes turning them into human torches. "Ahhh!" Screaming in pain, two copsed to the ground, twitching and screaming as the mes consumed them. The three remaining mages waved their wands amidst the raging inferno, their tips shing in calming, bluish lights. The fiery storm dispersed around them, repelled by the glow of their wands. ''Extinguish!'' Even in her frenzied state, her mind quickly identified the magic concept used to erase her mes. At the same time, the other thread of her mind constructed worked on her won spell, forging one rune after another. Not giving them any break, Tia channeled her power into her wand. Her eyes shone, and her hair wildly danced as the magic runes of her razor spell lit up from its tip. With renewed force, the mes intensified, spiraling and twisting around her wand, fueled by a kic force so immense that it cracked the pavement and sent vibrations through the air. ''It is ready.'' With a wave of her wand, the torrent of mes exploded forward, rushing against the three mages waving their wands around to keep the fire at bay. The mages couldn''t even react as the destructive force smashed through their defenses, their blood sizzling in the mes as their robes and flesh were cut and ignited and their bodies thrown like ragdolls across the street. Panting, adrenaline still coursing fervently through her, Tia whispered, exhrationcing her words, "Thank you; I have learned a lot." It was a manic joy, an embrace of the chaos of the magic battleher first real taste of magic warfare in her current life. Ding! // Quest failed! You have been noticed! // Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Mission Completed: Objective --> Repel the terrorist attack and destroy the attackers Rewards --> 2 x esper point; +1 to WIL; +1 to VIT <<<<<<>>>>>> --> --> [Novice Runic Spellcraft (40%)] --> [Novice Runic Spellcraft (45%)] The unexpected ding echoed in her suddenly still mind, the sound reverberating like a dropped stone disturbing the stillness of a pond. Tia''s eyes snapped close, her frenzied haze dissipating to reveal the destruction and the mes. A shudder passed through her as she muttered under her breath. ''I lost myself again.'' At her silent thought, the mes went out abruptly, leaving a trail of smoke and silence in their wake. She took a deep breath, battling the lingering rush of adrenaline as she mentally berated herself. ''I could have ended this far quicker with my gun, or maybe if I was a bit more aggressive and attacked them immediately with my telekinesis.'' However, her regret turned into a smile, ''No, I should rather keep my gun hidden for now. Also, my defensive and cautious approach might have been slower, but at the same time safer.'' A spark of understanding kindled in her, a revtion born from observing the simple yet effective defenses employed by the mages. She had been too focused on offensive magic, neglecting the vital defensive spells. ''Deflect rune. I need to learn it, and if I imbue it into my kic barrier, it should make it much more effective.'' The more she thought about the battle, the happier she was. ''Chantless casting? No, that is unlikely. More probable is that either their masks were enchanted to block the voices or their wands were imbued with prepared spells.'' "Put down your wand!" A yell jolted her from the after-battle analysis, making her turn to its source. Nine figures appeared on the end of the street, d in the same outmoded gray suits as the enforcers she had encountered before. They were marching in formation, faces grim and determined, their wands pointing at her. Chapter 71: The Broken Society Chapter 71: The Broken Society The stern voice of the leader of the enforcers standing at their helma fat, middle-aged man with a fedora covering his balding headboomed once more. "Drop your wand and lie down on the ground!" A maelstrom of anger and bitterness churned within Tia, stoking a fire that seemed to incinerate any lingering threads of patience and understanding. She had acted in self-defense, her actions likely saving innocent lives, yet she was met with condemnation, viewed not as a savior but as a criminal. "Why am I the criminal here for defending myself, and possibly others, against those terrorists?!" Tia''s voice erupted like a volcano of suppressed anger and disillusionment. Her words echoed with bitterness, the sentiment of being let down seeping into every word. ''This society is wed and broken. They will not survive.'' Yet the mages didn''t lower their wands. Instead, they slowly split, fanning out into a broader formation. "You have used lethal magic with killing intent! This is not self-defense but murder, making you a criminal!" The words hit her like a wave of scalding steam, boiling her anger to a critical point of eruption. They were not there when the danger was real, only to appear afterward, pointing fingers and assigning me. It felt like a grotesque distortion of reality and justice, a cruel joke where her instinct for self-defense was twisted into a criminal act. ''Deadly magic? What nonsense! What was I supposed to do? Tickle them to submission?'' "Are you blind, corrupted, or stupid not to see it was self-defense?!!" She yelled back, her throat almost growing sore. Her hands were already trembling with hatred and dragon-like wrath. "That is for the court to decide! Surrender right now; this is your final warning!" The leader of the enforcers in a fedora signaled to hisckeys, and all of them started silently muttering unhearable spells with the tips of their wands aiming at her shining. Her grip on her wand was quickly tightening. "Hahaha!" A harshugh erupted from Tia, devoid of any humor. "A fair trial, you say?" she scoffed, her voice tinged with venom. "You''ve alreadybeled me a criminal!" She would have understood if they took her for interrogation as a witness, but it was obvious that they weren''t considering her to be one. Instead, they had already decided she was a criminal. Her breath steadied, and her mind became a fortress of resolve as she raised her wand with a deadly gleam in her eyes. "If defending myself makes me a criminal," her voice rang out, powerful and determined, a beacon of rage against the unfairw, "then so be it. I won''t be a puppet in your blind disy of justice!" "W-what are you doing?! Surrender right now!" To her shock, the enforcers took a step back. She could see the fear and worry in their trembling wands and their dted irises. The entire street vibrated, the air turned hotter, and the windows rang as the energy surged through her body. "Fuck! That woman is insane!" The young enforcer in the back pivoted and turned to sprint away, his gray suit quickly growing distant. "Return! You will regret this!" The fat officer yelled, but his own wand was trembling and his knees were unsteady. "Haha," Tia burst intoughter, seeing how pathetic the mages before her were. ''No wonder the terrorists are running amok here if those people are supposed to stop them.'' Another enforcer took a step back, his voice trembling as he turned to the fat supervisor, "S-sir, maybe we should retreat? She just killed five dark mages on her own!" ''Finally, someone who isn''t dumb has noticed!'' However, she had already had enough of it. Tia unleashed her power with a fluid wave of her hand. Instantaneously, a thunderous crack pierced the silence. An unseen shockwave burst forth, sweeping unerringly down the road. Before she could even smile, the shockwave crashed into the enforcers like a speeding car, lifting them effortlessly into the air before hurling them violently across the street. "Ahh!" "Gahh!" With horrifying force, they collided against the wall of a house, screaming at the impact. They slumped lifelessly to the ground, their bones fractured. ''Truly pathetic...'' Tia felt only let down by how dumb the world she visited was. There was so much potential, yet the local mages were ignorant, blind, and scared of the unknown. ''They have no chance. A single man with a machine gun could probably annihte this entire squad before they could even cast a single spell.'' She was cautious when facing the masked mages, mostly staying on the defensive as she expected them to have some magic defensive tools to protect them from her fast attack, but now she saw she was wrong with how much she overestimated theirpetence. They were unprepared, without any defensive magic tools or a way to defend against fast attacks. ''This is wrong...'' The more she watched the local magicians, the more disappointed she grew. The entire subterranean town of magescked any visible technology, even with the bustling metropolis above their heads. No matter how much she tried to remember, there wasn''t any semnce of modernism. ''They are living in the Middle Ages!'' From what she saw, they had ess to technology, yet they refused to acknowledge it, missing the potential for growth that could propel their civilization to the age of colonizing others in their sr system. She sighed, remembering the murdered mage in the office who seemed to interact with technology, mundane people, drive cars, and likely even more. Yet sadness filled her heart, knowing the man was murdered for that, showing how dysfunctional the magic society of this world was. ''The superhumans of Garlicia were of much higher quality. I would bet that the only reason this world has the rating it hases from those so-called lessersthe mundane people without magicand their armies.'' Tia didn''t doubt there were dangerous, strong, and talented mages out there, but if what she had witnessed now was average, she was sure their society was doomed to fall. ''Phh, I will rather deal with those they call lesser; even though theyck magic power, they at least have the desire to embrace the unknown.'' She threw one final nce of disdain at the mages twitching on the road like pathetic insects that they were, "You are a shame of us, arcane practitioners. We should be open-minded and ready to explore the vastness of reality. Today, I will let you live because of your ignoranceconsider it to be thest showcase of my mercy toward you." Tia wanted to kill them on the spot, to squash their pathetic, dumb, and corrupted existences. Yet she suppressed it, wanting them to witness what she was going to do. ''This ce is broken. Let''s shatter it fully.'' With resolution and determination, she walked down the street, heading back to the staircase. ''Let''s gamble and try a big game. If it works, I will win a lot, and if not, I will abandon this world.'' Her eyes gleamed as she was ready to shake the entire civilization with her actions. Chapter 72: The First Contact Chapter 72: The First Contact The next morning: POV Tia: A youthful blonde girl sat on the bench, the tall tree behind her casting its shade over her. Her mind was calm as the gentle breeze yed with her long tresses. She has fully rxed in the small park filled with greenery, benches, and even a small pond before her, the light reflecting in its calm waters. As she sat there, her legs crossed and showcased by her short lc sundress, a flurry of thoughts raced through her mind. ''Will they fall for this? Will they try to use force against me?'' Her n was risky, more akin to a gamble, but the potential risk was worth the potential payoff. She could have tried to slowly build her presence from the shadows, collect talents, and raise the needed capital, but that would take far too many visits and time. ''In the worst case, I will ditch this vessel. I doubt they will go for the kill; at worst, they will try to capture me alive.'' Gradually, she noticed that the park was emptying out, theughter of children was thinning, and the chatting groups were dispersing until she was virtually alone in the park. The natural sounds of the ce, like the whisper of the wind and the asional bird call, became more pronounced in the absence of human activity. ''It must be them.'' Then, the tranquility was interrupted as men dressed in ck suits and ck sunsses began to appear. They moved quietly, slowly upying positions in the park but keeping a considerable distance from hertheir faces serious and their posture alert. ''They are here, and they are not shooting at me.'' A gentle smile appeared on Tia''s lips as she rxingly stretched her feet and arms. The steps came from her side as three figures walked down the pathway, heading straight toward her: a young woman with a determined yet kind expression; a middle-aged man adorned in an evidently expensive suit radiating authority; and another agent in a ck suit. POV President Non: The wooden double doors of a conference room burst open with a creak as a silver-haired man in his fifties, President Non, stormed in, the weary and irritable expression on his face exacerbating the evident lines of stress, age, andck of sleep. His suit, usually pristine, was now creased and bore signs of hastiness in dressing up. A sizable oval table served as the room''s focal point, and shadowy figures sitting in high-backed chairs half-hidden in the gloomy, atmospheric lighting surrounded it. Their upants immediately stood up, their hurried assembly evident from their concerned and anxious expressions. "Please tell me that it isn''t a war." He spoke, feeling like something big must have happened. Without missing a beat, Professor Valk, an elderly man in a white scientist coat, erupted from his seat, a whirlwind of disarray with a stained coat and dted pupils fueled by frantic energy. He yelled, "Aliens, President Non! We were contacted by real aliens, and they wish to cooperate with our state!" ''Is this some kind of wee joke for the new presidents?!'' The room turned electric with tension as Non''s anger red. "A joke? At this hour?! You dragged me here for a prank?!" His voice thundered in the room, echoing his disbelief and frustration at the perceived unprofessionalism before him. Valk, however, stepped even closer, yelling like a madman with saliva flying out of his mouth, "No! There are real aliens, and they want to cooperate with our state!" Non retreated, the expression of disgust vivid on his face, his mind filled with skepticism as he was on the brink of calling security on the seemingly deranged professor. However, before he could, a secretary, carrying herself with aposed and firm demeanor, stepped forward, holding a tablet. Dressed in a smart skirt suit, she raised the device to reveal the picture of a small, circr, glowing reactor, a piece of technology that seemed almost otherworldly. "What is that?" Non was a politician, not an engineer, and his head hurt just from speaking with those nerds. She spoke with rity and professionalism, which made him nod in approval. "Sir, this is a working miniature fusion reactor obtained from them. It embodies technology decades, if not centuries, ahead of anything we have." The room fell into stunned silence, each individual transfixed by the glowing image disyed on the tablet. Non''s boiling anger simmered down, reced by a deep-seated curiosity as he processed the ground-breaking revtion now unfolding before him. With a hesitant voice yet tinged with a hopeful undertone, he inquired, "This isn''t some magic gimmick, is it?" An excited Professor Valk jumped in before anyone else could respond, his voice vibrating with an almost deranged fervor: "No, absolutely not! It''s pure science with no magic radiation, a marvel beyond our current understanding, but science nheless!" He assured, almost hopping on the spot. ''Why are the smartest people so often the weirdest?'' Sitting down, a variety of emotions yed across Non''s face as he assimted the enormity of the situation. He breathed deeply, steadying himself before forging ahead, his voice taking on a newfound gravitas. "What do they want with us?" "We dispatched a team to retrieve them from the meeting spot, sir. We are yet to establish their full intentions," the secretary replied, her calm voice a steadying force amidst the whirlpool of heightened emotions engulfing the room. As Non leaned back in his chair, the weight of the emerging reality bore heavily on his shoulders. ''This is a monumental moment for humanity; I must lead with foresight and strength.'' Chapter 73: The Deal, part 1/2 Chapter 73: The Deal, part 1/2 Later the same day: POV President Non: President Non nked by his countless advisors and experts stood rigidly before a bank of monitors, showing countless angles of a luxuriously furnished room. In the spacious suite, devoid of windows, the alien masquerading as a human girl sat silently in a plush armchair. The room was lit solely by a grand chandelier that hung from the ornamental ceiling, casting a rich glow that danced across the polished surfaces of the luxurious furniture, reflecting softly on the polished mahogany table before her. "So you are saying that her looks are identical to the dead girls whose bodies went missing?" "Yes, sir, we can safely assume the alien is likely some form of parasite." Non felt his spine straighten involuntarily, a shiver of realization coursing through him as he muttered, "This means there could be more among us, unnoticed, undetected..." The room remained silent, the gravitas of his words pressing down on them like a physical weight, squeezing beads of sweat from furrowed brows and pale faces. ''If this theory holds any water, we could be looking at a serious threat to national security or even a global crisis.'' The suite''s heavy double doors suddenly burst open with a resonating bang that echoed ominously through the speakers. The figure of Valk, clothed in a billowing whiteb coat that trailed behind him, rushed in with a maniacal expression on his face. "What is Valk doing there?! We still haven''t determined if it is safe!" He screamed as he saw thest thing he wanted to happenthe local mad scientist hijacking the entire negotiation between the species from differents. ''We are screwed...'' POV Tia: Tia looked up, her eyes going wide, as the old man in white rushed in, running straight toward her, his hands reaching forward as if he wanted to hug her. ''A doctor?'' Her entire body momentarily froze, her mind nking out as the shbacks of the doctors in white passed before her eyes. ''No, more likely a scientist.'' She quickly calmed her nerves. The man was quickly getting closer and closer, the excitement oozing from his dted eyes, erratic breathing, and trembling lips. "Finally" ''He is getting too close.'' With a burst of light in her gaze, an invisible force surged from her, freezing the advancing man in his tracks. He hung suspended like a living statue in mid-stride, a foot lingering in the air. Tia''s voice pierced the stunned silence that enveloped the room, each wordden with a coldness that could rival the most frigid arctic winds. "If you ever try to touch me again with those filthy hands, not only will you burn, but this entire ce will be reduced to ashes." She relinquished her telekic hold, allowing the man to stumble forward, barely managing to keep himself upright. ''I need to establish my dominance.'' "My apologies! I was just too excited to see you with my own eyes and to learn from you!" He paused momentarily before continuing, "Are you a psychic?" Once more, Tia shook as the scientist''s white coat and the words brought back her bad memories: ''No, I am not psychotic; why don''t you let me be'' She muttered inwardly the sentence she had said so many times over the years while tied to her bed like an animal, herposure almost slipping. Gathering herself, she replied with a voice barely above a whisper, still reeling from the shock, "You can say that..." "Again, my apologies for not introducing myself sooner. I am Professor Valk, the head of the experimental, secret research department of the Osterian Union." He bowed slightly before seating himself into the armchair across from Tia, his eyes keen and expectant. "Why are you here?" ''Oh, he goes straight to the point.'' A genuine smile shed across her face as the thing she feared mostwasting time with annoying old politicians bbering for hours before getting to the pointdidn''t happen. Her smile widened even more, shing her white teeth. "What I want to do is something you might be familiar with. You see, big, developed, and advanced countries like to invest in poor, undeveloped, and cheap countries for mutual profit. I want to do the same." Professor Valk listened intently, his eyes shining with tears that Tia interpreted as tears of joy. "Why us?" His voice broke through, curious yet hopeful. "Magic, I will donate my technological knowledge. In return, I want you to assemble a team of distinguished mages and scientists to pioneer the groundbreaking integration of both realms." Tia''s time was limited and her scope of research massiveshe needed a lot of help and resources. ''Now, let''s move to the main part of this deal. I will slowly turn this ce into a cheap sweatshop.'' Chapter 74: The Deal, part 2/2 Chapter 74: The Deal, part 2/2 The moment she closed her mouth, the scientist shouted, "Yes, a stroke of genius! Those backward stick-waving ignorants can''t fathom the priceless treasure they harbor in their hands. Possibilities that challenge the very essence of physics, that go beyond the rudimentary rules governing energy" She raised her finger, her kic force shutting his mouth down. "Exactly, just imagine what we can do with this." Tia was sure she had found a good man for her worka man with the same grand goals as her and someone who wasn''t afraid of exploring the unknown. "Continue." Tia released the professor, who seemed to calm down. With bewilderment in his voice, Valk repeated it once more, this time calmly: "So we will gain ess to advanced science knowledge, and in exchange, you want us to research its integration with magic" "Yes, but I also want a small percent of all the patents this research will bring, ess to all the discoveries and prototypes, and a cut from your production." Tia articted, leaning back gracefully yet assertively in her armchair, "Finally. The man who killed this body I am using, I want him to be sentenced postmortem for that." ''Will he ept or'' She didn''t even get to finish her internal query before Valk jubntly dered, "It''s a deal!" His face was alight with an eager glow, leaving Tia momentarily stunned; she had braced herself for negotiations, not immediate eptance. Ding! // The quest was cleared! Rewards: Recipe: 1 x WP; a new vessel; a permanent link with Riveria // ''Am I asking so little? No, that shouldn''t be the case.'' At the same moment, the door burst open, drawing her attention. A silver-haired elder, garbed in a premium ck suit, walked in, nked by a dozen guards in ck suits. "No, this man isn''t authorized" As she spoke, an unbearable pressure erupted from her, so thick and suffocating that it seemed to swallow up all the light in the room. The air vibrated with the force of her anger, growing heated, heavy, and dense, while the chandeliers trembled ominously, threatening to crash down at any moment. Each flicker of the lights revealed her eyes, glowing with a fierce, otherworldly luminescence that seemed to pierce the very soul of the man before her,pelling him to recoil, his face a mask of dread and realization. ''Fools, thinking they can manipte me with their petty politics.'' The guards shook, their limbs rendered useless as they strained against the invisible force holding them, the muscles in their arms bulging painfully in their futile efforts to reach their firearms. She was far from naive, fully aware that disying her might was essential to avoid being deceived. ''Let them imagine the worst. Let them believe I hold the power to turn their nightmares into reality.'' The stark fear evident in the older man''s eyes confirmed that her tactics were effective. ''Let them think I am more dangerous than I truly am. They don''t know me, but I know them.'' With a voice suddenly dripping with sharine sweetness, she asked, "We understand each other, don''t we?" The terror-inspiring aura retracted as swiftly as it was unleashed, leaving a chilling emptiness in its wake. The room, once shaking and stifled, regained its calm, the lights steadied, and the chandelier halted its threatening dance. Yet the undercurrent of dread remained, hanging heavily in the room, a silent testament to the power she wielded, leaving the men rooted to the spot, their faces pallid and eyes wide with lingering fear. "I warn you; don''t mess with me. I crossed the needless void between our dimensions. Do you really think we can negotiate as equals? I have already shown you my generosity by giving you my generous offer." POV ???: In the midst of a server room flooded with the sterile glow of green LED lights, a young man with thick sses and greasy dark hair sat slouched behind his desk. The mechanical hum of servers kept himpany as he scrolled through a screen saturated with data, his face a canvas of frustration and mncholy. "This is just wrong." The words seeped from him, a realization borne from deep within, acknowledging that he was now part of a hidden, dubious chapter in human history. ''First, contact with extraterrestrial life, and it''s reduced to ssified files and backroom deals? Unbelievable.'' The thought that the discovery of the century, perhaps the millennium, was being squandered, buried underyers of bureaucracy and greed, made him clench his fist in anger. ''Damn them all. We can save our, cure all the diseases, and get a source of cheap and green energy.'' The medical miracles and the boundless clean energy were being hoarded, destined to be trickled down and controlled. "It''s like they''re nning to mize the freaking moonnding," he muttered to himself, his angst building at the thought of such a vital truth being hidden from the world to be used as a tool for his country to dominate the world instead of global betterment. He knew he stood at a crossroads of ethical dilemmas, urging him to be a whistleblower. Yet he knew he wouldn''t even get a trial, only brutal treatment from the shady part of the government. Taking a moment to gather himself, he straightened up, feeling a pulse of adrenaline fueling his resolve. ''Okay, I need more evidence, solid proof, maybe even blueprints,'' he strategized internally as he mentally prepared himself for the bold steps ahead. Chapter 75: The Last Arrangements [Bonus] Chapter 75: The Last Arrangements [Bonus] Half an hourter: With a soft thud, the doors closed behind the men, leaving the young girl sitting alone in the posh chair in her luxurious suite. Atst, Tia could breathe without the stifling presence of others, the euphoria of her victorious strategy and potent intimidation still radiating in her like an electric charge. ''I have won.'' With her grace lost to sheer bliss, she threw her legs over the armrest of her chair with youthful abandon. Arms folded on her chest, she leaned into the plush embrace of the cushions, a grin threatening to break free as her mind buzzed with triumphant thoughts. ''They fell for it.'' She didn''t care that she was watched, knowing there was nothing important to see. With her great gamble sess and the datacard with the first set of outdated technologies in their hands, she finally had the time to amend her long neglect of defensive magic. With a solitary thought, an old leather-bound book materialized, floating serenely above her. It seemed toe alive, the pages fervently turning, a whirlwind of ancient knowledge cycling before her. Tia''s lc eyes darted quickly, her sharp gaze absorbing the intricate details of various runes, and the room filled with the subtle sound of fluttering pages. Finally, the frantic dance of the pages ceased, revealing a single, potent rune adorning the aging yellow parchment: ''This is the one! Deflect. Novice-level defensive rune.'' She was still on borrowed time in Riveria, yet she vowed to squeeze every precious second from her stay, cultivating strength from the knowledge now spread before her. ''Should I learn it by myself or use my system?'' For a moment, she hesitated, hating the idea of relying on some unknown, whimsical power. She wanted to be free, not just from humans but also from the unknown forces toying with her life. A resolve solidified within her, ''I should at least try it. Even the witch system always rewarded me for not relying on it. Yes, the points spent on speeding up the learning of something so basic as this rune can be used better. Especially when I am not in time constraint like before.'' She lifted her arm and ced her small palm on the image of the rune, closing her eyes as she sensed the energy emitting from it. She opened her second palm, slowly channeling energy into it, her mind replicating the patterns of the rune from the book, line by line and drop by drop, her fingertips tingling with warmth. Eyes fluttered open, revealing the rune now levitating and glowing with a gentle luminescence, woven from the image in mind into the physical realm using mystical energy. ''Now, I will just need to repeat it until I can do it without holding the book.'' In a disy of transcendent beauty, the rune disintegrated, transforming into motes of light that descended like a gentle snow of luminescence. She has once again channeled the energy, with the warmth tingling on her fingertips. She could feel the familiarity in the pulses of her magic power and the rune in the book, slowly bringing back the old memories of them. They were hazy and broken, yet still able to aid her in relearning what she once knew. ''With my link and mana potions, I should have one or two days to practice. That should be enough to learn to Deflect and Harden.'' In the meantime: POV Profesor Valk: A storm of emotions broiled in the dimly lit room as the president faced Valk, his face a deep shade of crimson, veins pulsating visibly along his aged, wrinkly forehead. The old man in the expensive suit kept pacing around the dark concrete room while Valk sat in the simple steel chair, facing the raging politician. "Do you even know what you''ve done?!" His voice reverberated, cracking like thunder as it echoed through the interrogation room, filled with palpable fury and disbelief. "Helped?" Valk retorted, the word slipping outced with a mocking undertone, a derisive snicker punctuating his stance. Leaning back casually in the metal chair, he let the cold, hard steel press against his back, the chilly sensation sending uncontroble shivers down his spine. The president continued, almost losing control as his words came out in frantic, seething bursts, "You went behind my back and negotiated in the name of our nation? That is a capital offense! You should have rot in the cell for the rest of your life!" Unperturbed, Valk met the president''s heated gaze with an eerie calm, his voice steady as he replied, "It chose me as its spokesman. You can''t get rid of me now." Internally, Valk was smirking, his mind swirling with notions of a world unbounded by the trivialities of politics. ''At least the aliens are smart enough to not care about politics.'' He sighed inwardly, his heart a paradox of anger and euphoria. ''How fast would science advance if we abandoned useless politics, financial constrictions, and moralities? We could have already colonized others,'' he mused, his face morphing into a grin that carried an edge of madness, a visible manifestation of his exhrating yet dangerous visions. ''How is sentencing some prisoners to death going to make up for their crimes? They should be gutted and experimented on! That would repay their debt!'' The external grin was reeled in and reced with a tempered, restrained expression. He could not afford to voice these thoughts andy bare the full scope of his radical vision. The stakes were too high, and the risk was too great. "When do you think it will return? Do you think it will be enough to inspect the body used by it?" With anger still visible in his gaze, the president stopped pacing, staring at the professor as if admitting his defeat. "No idea, but with the knowledge it gave us, we can start advancing miles." Chapter 76: Operation Skybreak, part 1/11 Chapter 76: Operation Skybreak, part 1/11 One dayter: Tia sat nestled in the plush armchair, her legs folded gracefully beneath her. In the quiet, her eyes flickered in harmony with the ethereal glow emanating from the runes floating above her outstretched palms, illuminating the dark, luxurious suite. ''System, please, I put effort into this! Please reward me!'' She pleaded internally, looking upward with her eyes. Ding! // You have learned the novice-tier rune, Deflect, with your own effort. +1 to MAG [Novice Runic Spellcraft] 45% -> 55% // Ding! // You have learned the novice-tier rune, Harden, with your own effort. +1 to MAG [Novice Runic Spellcraft] 55% -> 60% // "Thank you." She whispered, still unsure if the systems were sentient beings, logical programs, or only the creation of her broken mind. The next moment, thest droplet of her energy entered the glowing runes, and her vision darkened and spun as if she were sucked into some vortex. Beep! <<<<<<<>>>>>>> Fixing the spacetime anomaly <100% > <<<<<<<>>>>>>> The tinum-blonde girl squirmed in her bed. Her lc irises flickered open, the delicate hue of her eyes revealing a world of depth as they focused on the familiar white ceiling of her room. She brought her hands up, rubbing her eyes tenderly. ''The constant practice consumed my mana faster than I anticipated,'' she reflected, a surge of awareness bringing her fully back into the realm of the conscious. Her stress peaked once more, knowing it was only a matter of time before she would meet with the deranged red-eye. Her muscles tensed with readiness, and with a fluid grace that belied her inner turmoil, she sprung from the bed,nding softly on the carpet below. ''I have to do it.'' Her hands moved, adjusting the folds and creases of her uniform until it sat perfectly upon her, and she ran her fingers through her messy, long hair, straightening andbing the silky strands of tinum. ''No matter what, I should at least look like I care.'' After giving herself a determined nod of approval in her reflection, she walked purposefully, yet somewhat hesitantly, to the living room. As she approached, the door creaked open abruptly, startling her and causing her heart to leap into her chest. The handler standing there greeted her with a rare, kind smile as she dered, "Rejoice; today is the day we will take this from the hands of the corrupted federation." Tia tensed up instinctively, offering a stiff nod in response. She tried to shake off the nervousness clinging to her as the handler continued, "There is no reason for you to be so tense. We are now both knights of Her Grace." ''So she is also a knight.'' Tia thought as she finally learned what the official role of the woman always observing her was. The handler''s smile vanished, and her tone turned cold and threatening. "However, I warn you; do not even think about betraying us, or you will regret ever being born. The empire has zero tolerance for traitors." With her head lowered meekly, Tia nodded, feeling the oppressive weight of the handler''s cold stare. Inside, her frustration was nearing its boiling point. ''This is why I want to leave. You are only threatening me,'' she seethed silently, the desire for freedom burning stronger. "Follow me." Handler waved at her and turned to walk away, her ck coat wavering behind her. In silence, Tia turned to follow her down the run-down corridors and the old creaking staircase, watching the handler''s ck coat with interest and realizing it wasn''t that different from her own. ''Huh?!'' The moment Tia reached the ground floor, her eyes went wide. The heavily armored soldiers in the ornamental power suits stood alert. The visors of their helmets glowed purple, casting an eerie luminescence that reflected ominously on the high gloss of their armor. The humming generators at the core of their weaponry emanated a subtle but constant heat as they pulsed rhythmically. As Tia and the handler entered the room, the soldiers instantly straightened their backs. d in shiny ck gloves, their clenched fists shot upward in an imperial salute. The chorus of the chants, muffled by their helmets, boomed, brimming with zeal and fanaticism. "For the Emperor!" "For the Empire!" "For Her Grace!" "For humankind!" The handler turned toward her, the smile on her face sharp and cold as she spoke, her voice rising to match the soldiers'' fanaticism. "Today, our operation is different. Today, we cast aside the shadows and strike with all our might, revealing our true strength to the corrupt government of this!" The rallying cry was met with a renewed burst of energy from the troops, their chants reaching a fever pitch as boots mmed against the ground in unison, creating a thunderous roar of approval and readiness. "For the Emperor!" "For the Empire!" "For Her Grace!" "For humankind!" The atmosphere, the elegance of their armor, and their chanting made even Tia burn with enthusiasm, feeling like part of something greater. She despised this and the government, which treated her like an animal for years. It was the that took the lives of her parents and her childhood. ''This time, our goals align. I want to see the people who run this ce executed. This single time, I will fight for the Empire of my own volition.'' She saw how shitty the was under the federation''s rule. ''Can''t I use my standing as an imperial knight to settle some grudges?'' Her eyes gleamed dangerously. This time, she would be the one with the legal system behind her back. ''The hospital director, my horrible family, and the doctors who stamped my fateI want to see their faces when I will be the one sentencing them.'' If even a quarter of the rumors about the empire were correct, then she, as a knight, should be able to execute people on the spot without any trial. The handler raised her arm, silencing the entire room, and said, "Here are your orders. You will go to the central office of your family''spany to secure it and the cooperation of your cousin. Your priority is to protect ourputer specialist while he finishes his work and to gain the biometric ess keys of your cousin." Chapter 77: Operation Skybreak, part 2/11 Chapter 77: Operation Skybreak, part 2/11 One Hour Later: With her new mission, Tia solemnly marched up a metal ramp, the heavy steps of the imperial soldiers following closely behind her, as she ascended into a ck, armored hovercraft with two massive engines facing down from its two short wings, keeping it afloat, and heavy, purple-glowing canons hanging from beneath its hull gleaming under the sun baking from above. The thing was big enough to carry a squad with ease. The moment she entered the dark cabin, she noticed the blonde sniper sitting on one of the benches, not even looking to wee her. ''What is wrong with her?'' The metallic steps of her soldiers paused behind her, and silently, the metal ramp they entered through closed behind, submerging them in darkness. The battle-craft''s engines emitted a deep hum, resonating through its metal hull and into the passengers'' very bones as it soared into the air. The squad of eight imperialmandos stood tall in their bulky, yet elegant, ck power suits, their luminescent eyes fixated on the young girl garbed in a ck knight cloak. The synchronized vibration of their bodies with the engine''s reverberations mirrored the collective heartbeat of a unit ready for battle. Adjacent to them, a second girlthe blonde with a sniper rifle draped over her shoulderappeared still aloof, her attention seized by a cartoon ying on the petite device in her hand, ignoring the Tia and the soldiers as if they didn''t even exist. ''How can she be so calm? Does she even feel?'' The internal turbulence of fear and anticipation echoed louder in Tia''s mind, exacerbating her inexperience as she faced the realities of her firstmand. She was always a loner, someone who fought with no one to hold her back, yet now she had an entire squad of soldiers under hermand. "A minute left before arrival," announced a robotic voice, cutting through her spiraling doubt with razor-sharp urgency. It directed her thoughts back to the pressing present. A knot of fear tightened in her stomach, a painful acknowledgment of the hell that awaited thema whirlpool of violence and chaos on aary scale. She knew a merciless war was on the brink of erupting, where every super and every soldier would be unleashed in a fierce counterattack against the imperial invasion. ''Even with those elite soldiers, this will be hard,'' she thought, her mind racing. The prospect of facing an entire, even with the formidable red-eye esper and imperial knights at her side, seemed like madness given the overwhelming numerical disparity with theary armies armed with heavy weaponry. ''There must be some n. They wouldn''t attack blindly.'' She was dragged into the mess, and all she could do was pray and hope her superiors knew what they were doing, affirming her decision to run away the moment she would get an opportunity and gain the power to decide her own fate. ''It is one thing to die due to my bad decision and another to die due to someone else''s stupidity.'' There was still onest thing she could do to help her odds: ''WS, I want to exchange some of my witch points for stats.'' Ding! // Stat exchange shop: 1 MAG = 1 WP 1 ENE = 1 WP 1 INT = 2 WP 1 VIT = 3 WP 1 STR = 3 WP 1 AGI = 3 WP 1 DEF = 3 WP 1 END = 3 WP 1 WIL = 300 WP // ''In this situation, raising my already high stats will do almost nothing. I need to boost what is weak.'' She always relied heavily on her fast reactions; it was the thing that kept her alive through all the battles. Tia''s eyes momentarily stopped at the ridiculous price of exchanging for WIL, making her shake her head at the dumb bickering of her two systems. ''Alright, WS, exchange for one point to agility and intelligence.'' It was what she needed to react even faster. Ding! // You have spent 5 WP! +1 to INT +1 to AGI // Just as the warmth spread through her body and soul, the mechanical voice interrupted her preparations, "We have reached the destination. Synchronizing with other teams. Ten seconds remaining." The vibrations of the engines quieted down, like the silence before a storm. "Good luck." She whispered to the soldiers by her sides and gripped the cold metal of her gun, bringing the reassurance that she needed. Themandos tensed, gripped their guns tighter, and took their battle stances, their flickering visors drilling into her. Their previously terrifying weaponry and power suits now gave her confidence that they might survive. The mechanical countdown reverberated in the background: "Five seconds." The blonde sniper stood up and gripped hericallyrge gun, her long blonde hair falling down her back, contrasting with the ckness of her uniform. "Four." Tia fortified her mind with resolve as hard as steel, forcing a calm over her rapidly beating heart. "Three." A bittersweet smile crossed her face, an oasis of warmth amidst the chilling, foreboding atmosphere. The thought of meeting her cousin, a beacon of familiarity and love, forged a channel of hope through the dread pooling in her stomach. "Two." Atst, she gave onest nod to her soldiers, who responded with their own nods. "One." The floor opened abruptly, unveiling the sprawling metropolis below them, a city cloaked in clouds of smog and fumes. Without another word, they began their descent, falling through the sky with a fierce wind whipping past them, their weapons emitting a faint purple glow that made them appear like meteors hurtling toward the earth. Time seemed to slow as they approached the ground, with invisible forces working to slow their fall. Tia''s coat and hair billowed wildly in the wind as she extended a hand to slow the sniper''s descent, ensuring a safernding. Chapter 78: Operation Skybreak, part 3/11 Chapter 78: Operation Skybreak, part 3/11 Under her, the soldiersnded like human missiles on the roof, and the sound of their armored boots hitting the surface echoed ominously, announcing their arrival with a series of thunderous booms. The reverberating impacts resembled a terrifying chorus that resonated in the quiet night air. Immediately, a meticulously coordinated dance began as they fanned out, their glowing energy weapons sweeping every possible hiding ce. ''Let''s see who will win: the quantity of the Federation or the quality of the Empire.'' In the wake of this fierce entrance, Tia and the sniper followed,nding with a quiet grace that contradicted the violent approach of theirpanions. With her gun drawn and her senses on high alert, Tia scanned the surroundings and prepared for a potential ambush. For a heart-stopping moment, the group remained frozen in deadly silence and tension, weapons aimed in every direction, their purple-glowing optics scanning every angle of the potential attack. Their focused gazes eventually met the roof-ess stairwell, locked behind a small booth with a green metal door. Despite the aggressive postures and the deadly silence that enveloped them, she found herself whispering in relief, "Everything is clear." Beep! Ding! /// A New Joint Mission: The Skybreak Main Objective: Survive and participate in the imperial invasion! Bonus: For each member of your squad that survives, your final reward will be increased by 25% Bonus: For every 10 enemies killed by you or your squad, your final reward will be increased by 5%. Sub objectives will be gradually distributed by the systems, each with its own rewards, one immediate and one to the final pool. /// ''What are you doing systems? Why are you cooperating right now?'' If even her two arguing systems decided to enter a truce, she knew the situation was likely bad and perilous. This brief pause in their momentum shattered abruptly when a crimson sh bisected the sky, washing everything in an eerie red glow. The heart-wrenching groans and crashes followed as the copsing buildings in the distant government district fell in slow motion, sending plumes of dust and debris high into the air. ''Impossible! Is that the government district?'' A chill of fear coursed through her, the reality of their dwindling escape routes bing horrifically clear as she knew the cause. ''It must have been her.'' The familiar red hue was unmistakably linked to the red-eyed imperial noblewoman. As rms began to wail, slicing through the eerie silence, urgency gripped her as she knew the military of the entire would be mobilized in a matter of minutes or hours at most. Snapping into action, Tia found her voice sharp andmanding, piercing the air with authority. "We need to move!" She dashed towards the green door. The symphony of heavy boots thundering behind her echoed her directive, following her with a unified rhythm. She barked orders over her shoulder, "You, sniper blonde, and three others, stay and guard the roof!" With a surge of kic energy, the green metal doors groaned, bent, and flew off their hinges before crashing down the dark staircase previously hidden behind them, the sounds echoing with metallic ngs that mirrored Tia''s rising heartbeat. Tia entered the stairwell, her stepsden with anxiety. She had finally returned to the building that she had spent so much time in as a child. ''I wonder if some of the old employees will still recognize me.'' Descending quickly, the tendrils of anxiety receded to give way to a surge of excitement. A whirlwind of vengeance fueled her pace, propelling her forward with the understanding that today might finally bring justice against the individuals who haunted her past. Another set of doors blocked her path, but she didn''t even stop, her eyes momentarily lighting up as the doors flew out of their frame, swinging backward to reveal the interior illuminated by daylight. "Three of you, secure the bottom floor! Computer specialist and one other, with me!" Themands shot from her like bullets, echoing in the stairwell as she briskly moved through the empty doorframe. She emerged into an expansive sea of electrochromic ss office cubicles that hosted a frenzy of chaos, with clerks in suits weaving paths of panic between them under the pulse of emergency red lightssheets of paper strewn all over the floor. Without hesitation, she pulled the trigger of her gun, and the blue discharge of brightly luminous sma hit the ceiling, searing a ck mark onto the white concrete. This action brought everyone''s attention towards her, their faces a canvas of fear and confusion. Her voice echoed through the room, amplified by the fear in the office workers'' eyes. "Do not move, and do not resist! This building is under imperial control." The two soldiers moved swiftly from behind her, their weapons glowing purple, and aimed at the workers, who stood frozen, gripped by fear. She couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction and a dark enjoyment in taking control and wielding power. She felt good, maybe even too good. ''This feeling of power and authority...'' A smile appeared on her lips as she spotted her cousin, looking like her younger version, striding toward her. As her eyes fell on the two men who nked her, the smile faded, and her face turned stoic with a re of recognition and anger ignited in her eyes. "You! I remember you!" It was him. One of the people from her past, the source of her deep-seated anger, was right in front of her. Standing there was a tall, silver-haired man adorned in an expensive ck suit; his age disyed prominently in his forties, with a perfectly smooth face constantly revitalized by stic surgeries. His distinctive long, crooked nose and squinty, baggy eyes brought back her memories, reawakening her grudge. Chapter 79: Operation Skybreak, part 4/11 [Bonus] Chapter 79: Operation Skybreak, part 4/11 [Bonus] The time seemed to slow down as Tia looked at the trio before her, her eyes slightly dting. Her hands trembled, a cocktail of emotions surging through her as she faced the man, her own uncle, who betrayed her for nothing but personal profit. Seeing her anger, the two people nking the man retreated back without any care for him. Tia briefly suppressed her anger and smiled at the tinum-haired cousin brimming with youth who was waving at her. ''At least she is as kind as she used to be.'' Her eyes briefly paused at a young, dark-haired man sharing the same crooked nose and squinty eyes as the older man, her second cousin. ''He should be the coborator the Empire wanted to inherit thepany by killing the rest of my family. You almost caused the death of my sweet cousin, but I still need you.'' After her parents'' deaths and her imprisonment, the entirepany was split between her two uncles and her aunt, splitting the shares evenly. She thought her anger had subsided over the years, but she was wrong, and the moment her eyesnded on one of the perpetrators of her suffering, it erupted like a volcano. "Uncle, look at me now. I''m not that naive, vulnerable child you manipted anymore," Tia dered, her frozen smile unfaltering as she advanced, a step reverberating with her newfound power. "How dare you side with the Empire, abandoning the principles of freedom!" The words struck her like a burning hot knife, the irony of someone who helped strip her of her own freedom calling her an enemy of freedom making her burst intoughter. "Uncle, please die in pain." Tia vented her furyher outstretched hand unleashing a wave of telekic force that mmed into her uncle. His body contorted painfully under the pressure, falling to the ground with agonized screams reverberating in the spacehis arms, legs, fingers, and ribs all twisted and warped, bones sticking out with blood pooling beneath him. "I still remember what you said in court! You have called me sick, deranged, and a monster." It hurt her as if it happened only yesterday, as she was a young child, yet they took everything from her without any mercy. The painful memories,pounded by the abrupt abandonment and betrayal by her family following her parents'' deaths, fueled the inferno of rage within her. A deep resentment for the family that discarded her, robbed her of her inheritance and left her life in ruins. The only bright spot in those dark times had been the support of her favored cousin until even those visits were forcibly halted. With a flicker of concentration, mes erupted around her uncle, his figure consumed by fire, twisting and rolling in agony. The harsh, nauseating odor of burning flesh filled the air. "Monster..." She heard whispers from aroundthe workers staring at the show paled, some even vomiting at the sight. She took a step forward, and her heart pounded with exhration, a rush of vindication flooding her as she embraced the dark satisfaction of revenge. A yell washed over her like cold water, settling down the mes of anger burning within her heart: "Die, imperial whore!" An office worker in a ck suit rushed at her, scissors gleaming in his hand, his eyes burning with blind fanaticism. In her sight, he moved slowly and pathetically, not even evoking any sensation of threat. A pulse of purple energy shot past her, severing the man''s head from his body in a split second. The headless corpse fell to the ground, stillness overtaking the room as the imperial soldier behind her lowered his weapon, the terrifying visor of his helmet sweeping over the petrified employees, forcing some to their knees in sheer terror. [+1 kill] It wasughably pathetic, and the naivet of the attacker''s faith in a corrupt system nudged her into a wildughter that reverberated ominously in the tense atmosphere. "Haha, truly? Who else wants to die for the so-perfect Federation?" Her amused re made the still-conscious employees avert their eyes. In an attempt to maintain some semnce of order, Tia raised her voice, offering a lifeline to the terrified onlookers. "I told you, remain on your spot, and you will survive," she dered, knowing fully well that hysteria could easily engulf the room andplicate her mission. The soldier''s report on the inte jerked her back to reality, recing her frenzied joy with a sharp, urgent focus. "Mam, the military and''s guard drones and dropships are quickly approaching; we are opening fire." Ignoring her suffering uncle on the ground, she waved at her two cousins, "My sweet cousin, and the other one I don''t care about, I need your cooperation." Chapter 80: Operation Skybreak, part 5/11 Chapter 80: Operation Skybreak, part 5/11 Frantically, the group of five sprinted through the building''s depths, the nearby shes from energy weapons sketching violent arcs of light across the sky behind the windows lining the long corridor. The foreboding illumination reflected and gleamed on the shiny ck tes of the power suits. Tia and the two soldiers, guns gripped tightly, scanned their surroundings with vignce sharpened to a razor''s edge, ready to respond at the barest hint of threat. "Over there!" With an outstretched hand and her tinum hair flowing behind her, Tia''s cousin, who was sprinting gracefully next to her, highlighted the ominous presence of thick, metallic double doors. ''Hehe, she is still the cute little girl even after she grew up.'' Suddenly, a disturbing symphony of bending metal and ringing ss erupted as the windows convulsed under the force of a closer, much fiercer explosion, reverberating ominously through the building, the blinding light forcing Tia to avert her gaze away from the windows. ''They are getting closer!'' Without hesitation, her cousin pressed a delicate palm against a panel next to the door, invoking a burst of luminescent energy that flowed through her hand with a symphony of light and warmth. With smooth sliding sounds, the doors split open, revealing a vast, dark space behind them. Row after row of towering servers greeted them, stretching far into the server room like trees in a forest. "Move!" She yelled, knowing the faster they would finish, the better it would be. Immediately, Tia, her cousins, and one of the soldiers rushed in, the remaining one taking a position by the doors and aiming his oversized particle cannon at the entrance. "I will start!" The imperial specialist, dressed in the same ornamental power armor as the rest of the unit, leaned toward the nearest server, grabbing a bulky, thick tablet from his belt. A glowing cord of optical fibers extended from his glove into the machine. The room was alive with the sound of the server humming, and the flickering control lights gave a rhythmic pulse to the ominous setting. "You two put your palms on the tablet; I need your root ess to the server, your description keys, and biometric profiles." He motioned toward Tia''s two cousins, his voice muffled by his helmet. ''Oh, there theye. The reason the Empire wanted them so much.'' Tia watched as her two cousins stepped forward, cing their palms on the device, in nervous silence, interrupted only by the mechanical buzzing and the churn of cooling fans that circted fresh air, causing their clothing to p gently. ''Still, why would Empire put so much effort into getting ess to my familypany''s servers?'' Even with her new rank, she still had no clue what their grand n was beyond causing chaos and mayhem. The question burned her, but she couldn''t do anything but hope that there was a n. The time seemed to crawl with her submerged in thoughts and the imperial specialist typing on the tablet, his armored finger dancing with the elegance of a ballerina. "How long?" Her question pierced the thick silence, followed by another explosion that shook the building, causing the lights to stutter momentarily. "I can''t tell, ma''am," came the uneasy reply as the soldier shook his head, making Tia''s worry even worse. Suddenly, her inte beeped, and a distorted voice came through: "Ma''am, multiple squads are converging at the main entrance. We are requesting permission to retreat to the staircase." "Do it!" Tiamanded, trying to maintain aposed demeanor despite the increasing danger. She exchanged a worried look with her cousin, battling with the urge to stay beside her but knowing she needed to attack to gain initiative. ''Better to strike them, than let them surround this room.'' With a firm resolve, she clenched her fists and gave an order to the soldier covering the doors: "Stay here and protect this ce. I''m going to hold them back." Her inte beeped the second time: "The roof has fallen; we were forced to step back. We have one casualty." ''Damn them, who died? It is only a matter of time before they will swarm us from everywhere.'' Every death meant their firepower decreased and her reward also suffered. Ding! // New Sub Objective: The Roof Assault Repel the enemies that are attacking from the roof before they reach the floor with the location of the server room. Addition to the final pool: 2 x WP; 1 X +2 to Random Stat Instant Rewards: +1 to MAG; +1 to ENE; 1 X +1 to Random Stat // Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New Sub-Objective: Objective --> Repel the assault from the floor level before they can reach the second floor. Addition to the final pool --> 1 x EP; 1 x Free Body Modification Coupon Instant Rewards --> +10% progression to all Esper skills <<<<<<>>>>>> Chapter 81: Operation Skybreak, part 6/11 [Bonus] Chapter 81: Operation Skybreak, part 6/11 [Bonus] Tia turned to sprint as she darted out of the server room and through the same sunny corridor she came through, the world turning into a blur. An envelope of kic force surrounded her, a telekic push that turned her sprint into a near-flight, fueling her muscles and propelling her with a speed that defied the natural limits of her body. Her mind raced, with strategies and scenarios shing before her eyes as she made split-second decisions. ''The roof can hold. It''s the main entrance that is most at risk.'' Steering sharply, she slipped past a corner, her focus unyielding and unswayed by the explosions of lights flickering behind the windows in a silent storm. Her mind was clear, and her goal was simple: the quickly approaching elevator at the end of the long hallwaythe fastest way down. ''Staircases are too slow. I need to move faster if I want both rewards.'' An invisible force burst forth from her, a focused wave of energy directed at the elevator''s doors. The air vibrated with the power of her intent as the metallic doors groaned, then yielded, bent, and finally tumbled into the ck abyss beyond with a chorus of reverberating bangs and ngs. ''They shouldn''t expect me to enter like this.'' In the heartbeat before the plunge, Tia steadied her breath, then leaped fearlessly into the gaping darkness of the elevator shaft. As she fell, she unfurled the raw, pulsating energy of her telekinesis, forming a cushion of force around her that slowed her descent. Her coat and skirt took on lives of their own, billowing fiercely and dancing in the turbulent air while the world turned into a dark, blurry mess, with asional lights passing by. ''Five.'' She counted the floors, the ground quickly closing in as her senses came to life, brightening the world around her and revealing the bare concrete walls of the shaft. Her hair waved fluidly, like a tinum stream flowing in the dark, silently heralding her path downward. ''Three.'' Her wand appeared in her free hand, three runes lighting up on its tip and brightly glowing in the shaft. ''Infuse linked with harden and deflect.'' Slowly and gently, like a death, shended on the bottom of the shaft, and her eyes shed, followed by the invisible force pushing the elevator doors open, allowing the light and dust to enter through the quickly widening crevice. The vast entrance hall opened before her, the reception desk, walls, ceiling, and floor littered with burn marks and dead soldiers in the blue federation armorprecise holes burned through them. The heavy air carried drifting clouds of smoke and dust, while the few surviving neonmps flickered sporadically. Metal nged and fabric rustled as the lightly armored soldiers moving through the lobby raised their sma rifles, aiming straight at her. ''Haha, they brought even theary guard here.'' She immediately noticed that at least half of themcked the power suits of the imperial elitemandos or even the full-bodyposite armor of the federation army she faced beforeonly wearing ck ker suits with bluish tes covering their vitals and joints. Under their maskless helmets were fear, surprise, and shock. Without dying for even a moment, her eyes lit up, and the guns and weapons scattered all over the floor rose into the air, slowly floating as if in zero gravity. ''Why have I never tried this before?'' "Fire!" Atst, someone got out of the shock, and a bright blue light shed across the lobby, reflecting in the remnants of the polished granite floor tiles. ''And so it begins.'' With the speed of a bullet, Tiaunched out of the elevator shaft, blurry blue lights shing all around her as the soldiers fired on her. With a murderous gleam in her eyes, she mentally pressed the triggers of the floating guns, and immediately a barrage of blue sma bolts hurled across the lobby, crisscrossing with the counterfire from the opposing direction in a blinding lightshow. The soldiers copsed in a scream to the ground, the sma bolts exploding amidst their ranks, tearing their limbs and melting their armor and skin. The concrete exploded and shattered, the metal melted and sprayed around, and sweat from the residual heat covered her pale skin. Yet she remained unfazed, rocketing through the lobby like a ck and tinum blur, her telekic powers flowing seamlessly through her wand, guided by the floating runes. As it passed through, it metamorphosed, growing denser and shifting from a gaseous state to a more liquid formits pace slowing yet amassing a stronger stopping power and a harder-hitting force. The blue bolts flew toward her, only to slide off her hardened kic force imbued with deflection, defying thews of physics and hitting and smashing into the wall behind her. The impacts erupted in a series of explosions, each shockwave causing her hair to whip wildly and her coat to rustle in a chaotic dance of fabric and force. Adrenaline fueled her every move, lending a fevered pace to her actions as her mind split into numerous threads of focused intent, operating independently yet harmoniously. Shockwaves tore and shattered the floor, sending the soldiers flying backward. Her kic tendrils directed the fire of her floating guns, the blue orbs showering the soldiers in devasting sma explosions, and propped her circling around the lobby as if she were a marite on strings. While the final thread deflected the bolts heading toward her. The soldiers and guardsmen died and fell around her, their screams reverberating in her ears. Yet in the midst of this carnage, her emotions remained startlingly muted, offering no more than a flicker of pity, akin to a butcher amid the mechanical act of ughtering livestocka necessary action devoid of cruelty but absent of mercy. Chapter 82: Operation Skybreak, part 7/11 Chapter 82: Operation Skybreak, part 7/11 A maelstrom of dust and fragments of obliterated concrete spiraled in frenzied clouds, swallowing the entire room in a tempest wrought by invisible surges of kic energy. It appeared as though the lobby had transformed into a massive cauldron, with a giant spoon violently stirring its contents. Bursts of vivid blue illuminated the chaos, the searing shes from the army''s sma rifles piercing through the swirling murk. The ceaseless thunder ofary guard machine guns resonated with primal fury, creating a symphony of destruction that echoed amidst the imprable clouds. The young girl advanced through the lobby, marching straight toward the reception desk, her figure concealed within the protective shroud of dust. Only her eyes shone within it like twin stars, burning with a fierce luminescence. The floating guns moving with her asionally glimmered, reflecting the bright shine of the sma explosions. ''Twelve.'' She quickly counted all the remaining enemies. Suspended at her nks, the floating rifles turned fluidly, their barrels lighting up with intense, bright shes as they unleashed a relentless barrage of projectiles into the swirling cloud of dust and debris. ''Ten.'' She nodded as she felt the two foes copse to the ground. A cocktail of shock and anger surged within her. She was stunned at the newfound application of her firepower and infuriated at the dyed realization of this technique. ''I can carry the firepower of an entire squad with me. Why didn''t Ie up with this sooner? It would have made so many fights easier.'' Her senses expanded once more as she felt the three living humans covering the corner of the corridor behind the reception desk. ''Taking cover? That will not help you.'' With a flick of her wrist, the floating guns realigned once more and zoomed past her into the corridor with soldiers, vanishing in the dust clouds, guided by the precise strings of her kic force, as if she had a dozen invisible, prolonging hands. Bright res of light erupted in the shroud before her, followed by the dull thuds of bodies meeting the ground. ''Seven.'' A gruff voice crackled in her ear through the inte, interrupting the roar of the bullets hitting the walls behind her. "Enemies havended on the roof; we''re holding the staircase but losing ground," ''Damn, I need to wrap this up.'' She knew the time was expensive, with each second and moment wasted in the lobby making the situation on the roof worse and worse. Abandoning her cautious, methodical advance, Tiaunched forward and leaped over the reception desk, shooting through the corridor behind it, deeper and deeper into the building. The ash and dust whirled past her in violent vortexes as she passed the dead Federation soldiers like a human arrow. Bright blue sma bolts streaked toward her mirrored in the shimmer of enemy visors caught in her sharp, predatory gaze. ''Four before me.'' She could feel the hardness of their armor, marking them as the heavily armored soldiers she once faced. Her mind was already moving on its own, deflecting the orbs into the walls and unleashing blinding explosions that melted through the concrete as if it were thin paper. Along with waves of sweltering heat that licked at her form, a shower of broken concrete rained down. Yet her demeanor remained unflinchingly stoic, her eyes zing with predatory intensity. The corridor cracked, and the floor and walls shattered as the hardened shockwave of kic force burst into mes, cascading down corridors and melting and shattering everything in its path. Caught in the furious maelstrom, the four soldiers were hurled backward with bone-jarring force. They collided with the wall, a symphony of crunching armor and anguished cries filling the air as they became one with the burning maelstrom that swallowed the corridor. Yet they still twitched, their armored forms rising from the mes, their glowing eyes piercing through the fire, smoke, and dust. ''I forgot how sturdy the armored ones are...'' Tia cursed while she aimed her floating guns, her mind already pressing the triggers with urgency as she already felt three more quickly approaching. Suddenly, the purple luminous beams pulsed for a split second through the air with a sound like tearing fabric. In the short pulse, the rays tore through the torsos of the burning soldiers, leaving gaping maws that revealed the melted walls and zing inferno behind the soldiers. ''Particle rays.'' She immediately recognized the weapon chosen by the Empire. If the Federation used explosive and vtile sma weapons, then the Empire sacrificed the explosiveness of sma for the uracy and piercing power of particle rays. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Sub-Objective Completed: Objective --> Repel the assault from the floor level before they can reach the second floor. Addition to the final pool --> 1 x EP; 1 x Free Body Modification Coupon Instant Rewards --> +10% progression to all Esper skills <<<<<<>>>>>> --> --> With a wave of her hand, the mes and dust clouds cleared and dispersed, revealing the three ck-armored imperial soldiers advancing down the corridor, their purple visors menacingly scanning the surroundings. Their armors were marred with burn marks, and their capes were torn asunder, leaving behind a few strips of purple fabric. As her senses expanded, she breathed downthere was no one left, only her and the three imperial soldiers. Her breath finally slowed down as she leaned against the wall for a moment of respite. ''So thest three were allies.'' "I thought you had pulled back." Her melodious voice rang across the devastated corridor, contrasting with the sheer destruction around her. "Commander, we have heard the battle and decided to attack from behind." The words struck hershe was always a lone warrior, making her unused to any form of coordination, ''I should work on this.'' Tia shrugged her shoulders, her short break ending, ''Now, to the roof. If I hurry up, maybe I can also finish the second objective.'' Chapter 83: Operation Skybreak, part 8/11 Chapter 83: Operation Skybreak, part 8/11 POV Kido: Dust swirled around as a hand shot out from an opening in the massive pile of rubble, followed swiftly by another. Grunting with effort and pain, a man with dark hair and a dust-covered suit pulled himself out, blood streaking down his face. His ears rang, and his vision was a blurry mess. He almost cried as the bright daylight entered his eyes. "Commissioner Kido, I presume," a voice articted with a melodious yet haughty timbre,pelling him to turn painfully toward its source. An impably dressed woman stood a short distance away, seemingly untouched by the disaster that surrounded them. Her ck coat was pristine, and her dark hair flowed perfectly down her back without even a speck of dust stuck in it. She had a yful smile on her youthful face, entuated by piercing ruby-red eyes locked onto him. ''Empire!'' His hand instinctively moved to his waist, desperately grasping for his gun with trembling, blood-soaked fingers. "For the Federation!" he yelled defiantly, managing to pull the trigger, but nothing happened except for a brief spark of light reflecting in her mocking, ruby gaze. ''No! It can''t be her,'' the medals pinned on her shoulders, the dominating aura, those terrifying yet entrancing red eyes. It all pointed to one person in the entire Empire who fit that description. Kido felt his legs give way as he realized the futility of resistance, copsing to the ground, the gun slipping from his fingers. She spoke again, the words flowing elegantly from her lips: "I find myself torn, Commissioner. Should I thank you for hastening her evolution, or perhaps I should reprimand you for making her life harder?" ''It must be truly her...'' As she gracefully approached, Kido could feel an icy grip of fear clenching his heart, the deathly cold aura she emitted freezing him to his core. He knew that not all powers were created equal; some had humble beginnings with grand potential, while others had a remarkable onset but limited growth. The figure before him was an anomaly in this spectrum, possessing a frightening array of abilities, each horrifyingly powerful even on its own. ''No wonder she is hereher power set is perfect for infiltration.'' Kido stayed silent, acknowledging inwardly that his journey had reached its final destination. He hated the thought of dying while leaving a case open, making him clench his fists and ignore the searing paining out of his cut palms. "Why the fear, Commissioner? Do you genuinely believe fortune favored you?" Her voice broke his contemtive silence, a cruel smile curling on her lips as she gestured to the destruction around them. There was nothing but rubble and dust; the previously awe-inspiring headquarters of theary guard was gone. He wasn''t stupid not to realize what the monster before him implied with her words. "You have made me survive." He muttered silently. A small metallic sphere appeared in the woman''s open hand, making Kido question where it came from. "Exactly. I won''t be your executioner, Kido. This sphere contains her location. Gather your men, engage her in yourst fight, and foster her growth even more. I would say I''d be rooting for you, but we both know that wouldn''t be true." Kido blinked, only to look around in confusion. The woman was gone; not even a trace was left behind her, only the piles of rubble and the silvery sphere on the ground, proving it wasn''t a hallucination. ''As if one insane woman with superpowers wasn''t enough...'' POV A Random Federation Soldier: Eugene slowly climbed down the staircase, each step feeling like an entire mountain to him. Theposite greaves adorning his legs struck the concrete with a sequence of heavy thuds, resonating ominously in the pitch-dark surroundings. Despite the oppressive darkness, Eugene''s helmet endowed him with vision as clear as daylight. He flinched as he stepped over his dead colleague, a hole melted through him by the imperial special units. ''Fucking emperor''s dogs!'' This time he didn''t face some random gang or militia; he faced elite imperial soldiers, and each meter they pushed them cost him the lives of his fellow warriors of freedom. The crackle of the radio pierced the eerie silence, and a voice strained with urgency ryed, "We have lost contact with the units attacking from the ground; advance with caution." ''Damn!'' He cursed, hating his job, but he only gripped his gun tighter, knowing the Federation needed him!'' Behind him, the unified presence of his squad echoed, advancing, the dim glow of their visors instilling a fragment of courage to propel him forward, oneborious step at a time. In a sudden onught of illumination, vibrant purple lights engulfed the staircase. The pulsating luminosity seared through the darkness, forcing his helmet''s filtration system to work overtime as his vision automatically dimmed to shield his eyes. Panic surged, and a horrified realization struck him. "We are under attack!" Eugene''s voice shattered the tense silence, his words ring through the inte system. He tried to move, but he couldn''t as if he were frozen. He pushed his finger toward the trigger while the muscles on his legs strained as he tried to take a step, but he didn''t even twitch. More purple lights cut and passed by him, but there was no retaliation of blue. A dreaded silence fell upon the staircase, the foreboding darkness swallowing all traces of light, rendering him helplessly entrapped, as if encased within an unyielding block of concrete. ''Are they all dead?'' A realization struck him, but he couldn''t confirm it as his body was still bound by the invisible ropes. The rapid thud of heavy steps reverberated, growing progressively louder. From the depths of the staircase emerged two dark, armored figures, their imperial allegiance unmistakable as they nked a tinum-haired young girl with an eerie glow emanating from her eyes. ''Wait, it is that mentally ill girl who everyone was looking for!'' Chapter 84: Operation Skybreak, part 9/11 Chapter 84: Operation Skybreak, part 9/11 In the secluded embrace of the shadowy corner, the woman with tinum strands leaned against the wall, her breathing slow and her consciousness honed to a sharp edge. Beside her, purple-visored soldiers aimed their weapons at the staircase, their flickering luminescence reflecting in their own polished armor. The resounding thuds slowly descending the staircase closed in, and the girl raised her arm up, signaling to her two walking guns. ''Here they are. At least five.'' Emerging from the abyss of the dark staircase, an ominous blue glow heralded the approach of the enemies. Atst, the long barrel emerged from behind the corner of the stairs, followed by the blue visor that immediately locked onto her. ''Armored ones.'' She quickly identified her foe by the unmistakable bulk of their armor. Without any fear or panic, a surge of raw energy coursed through her, pouring forth from her slender, baster fingers in unseen waves that struck the foes on the staircase. The armored silhouettes froze as if they had turned into mere statues, wrapped and ensnared by her invisible pressure. Her fingertips gently tickled with the energy flowing through them. She could feel the strain and pull against her power as the soldiers tried to move against her will. "Now!" Her voice shattered the ominous silence and carried through the inte. Immediately, devastating beams of purple light rend the space, burning wide, gaping holes through the chests of the Federation soldiers and cutting them as if they were trees. The purple beams pulsed the second and third times, sting down the trapped soldiers. Amidst the pungent odor of charred flesh and burnedposite tes, the shot soldiers copsed with the deafening tter of metal on concrete. However, Tia didn''t lower her guardher ears strained to catch more approaching steps. --> Only silence prevailed, punctuated by the rhythmic beat of her heart. The youthful sigh of a young girl silently echoed through the dark space, marred with burn marks. ''Finally, those should be thest ones.'' She slumped against the wall with a goofy-looking smile stered on her face. She was tired and worn down from the constant fighting, not only physically but also mentally. "Above us!" The sudden call to action yanked her from her transient lethargy. In an instant, a torrent of cobalt brilliance engulfed her surroundings, apanied by an eruption of sound that was both shattering and explosive, the very air pulsating with the shockwave and heatwave. The wall she leaned against shattered, and the floor beneath her feet crumbled with thunderous bangs. Simultaneously, a powerful force lifted her from the ground and tossed her with rming speed down through the shattered floor together with the pieces of concrete while her skin burned in heat. Pain erupted in every nerve, a searingwork of agony that threatened to consume her, only to be quelled almost instantly by the soothing coolness of a healing potion diffusing through her veins. Just before hitting the ground, an invisible force slowed her descent, leaving her floating mid-air, all the pieces of rubble stopping before her. Raising her eyes, she saw the ceiling breaking apart, revealing holes through multiple floors, a flood of daylight pouring in, and highlighting the shower of falling debris. ''This is cheating! Why are they not using doors like normal people!'' With thuds, the two imperialsnded by her side, their previously shiny and glossy armor burned, marred, and scratchednot even a trace left after their cloaks. More purple lights shed as the armored imperials quickly shifted their aim, the hydraulics in their amor roaring as the armored shoes dug into the floor. ''How could I miss this!?'' Tia stared through the hole at a massive armored octocopter. Its eight rotors sliced through the air with a resonating hum, the vibrations reverberating through Tia''s body and the floor beneath her feet. Underneath its dark, steel-d body, a series of lethal cannons hung threateningly, a vivid blue glow emanating from their cores. She felt dumb and regretful for making such an oversight of not considering the Federation''s heavy weapons. In sync, all the canons pulsed, and blue bolts of sma shimmered, glowing like stars in the sky as they descended toward the openings in the ceiling. Ding! // New Sub Objective: The Military Machine Gut that metal beast and cut out the pulsing heart of its main generator! --> It is a metaphor. Just break it. Addition to the final pool: 1 X Special Mission Voucher; 2 X +2 to Random Stat Instant Rewards: 2 X +2 to Random Stat // Chapter 85: Operation Skybreak, part 10/11 Chapter 85: Operation Skybreak, part 10/11 The deafening resonance of the sma cannons rang out onest time, unleashing radiant bolts that cascaded like stars in a fiery meteor shower. At that moment, Tia tasted the raw despair of facing an overwhelming firepower in a constricted space. Before her stood a machine forged for warfare, for extermination. It boasted a firepower capable of forcing even her indomitable spirit to its knees. The rubble and the thick concrete walls confined her, cocooning her in a suffocating tomb of hopelessness while cutting off any fast escape route. Yet her spirit remained unbroken, her determination undiminished. ''I have face wyrms and wyverns! How can this metal piece of garbage be any different!'' Ideas whirred in her mind, each discarded as quickly as they emerged. Breaching the walls or navigating the tight maze would eat up precious seconds she didn''t have. Also, directly blocking or even deflecting such firepower was impossible. Above her were two floors, yet they were both destroyed in a single salvo. ''No, there is one way left!'' In a final, resolute surge, she unleashed her momentum, propelling herself straight up through the gap in the ceiling with the aid of her telekic prowess. Her surroundings merged into a blue-hued whirlwind, with her silver hair flowing behind her like the trail of a shooting star. ''You have fought well.'' She gave onest thought to the two imperial soldiers left behind. It was the grandest honor she could give them. Ascending, the radiant halo of the sma intensified with each meter she ascended. The searing heat burned her skin, and the blinding light torched her vision. Yet she kept rising higher and higher, her telekinesis carefully controlling her trajectory. ''Left!'' She shifted at thest moment, and the blue-burning hell of the bolts blurred past her, bringing even more pain as she ground her teeth. ''Right.'' A violent force jerked her to the side, her body screaming in protest as her ck coat was singed by another bolt. Apanied by new waves of pain, her muscles ruptured, the bones in her arms and legs broke, and her ribs cracked. Only her cell adaptation, the special fabric of her clothes, the potions in her veins, and her pyrokinesis kept her conscious. Above her, the canons brightened once more while more and more engines hummed around her as all the drones in the sky aimed at her. ''Higher, I need to go higher!'' With a sting explosion, the barrage of sma boltsnded on the building below her, and the melted concrete and metal were thrown into the air by the shockwave. The ss rang in every direction as the windows of the neighboring high-rise buildings shattered. ''She was on lower floors.'' Seeing and even sensing the explosions on her own skin, Tia tried to calm her nerves, wanting to believe that herst true kin was well and alive. She shook her head, suppressing all her worry and focusing her mind on her own survival. Tia soared upwards with unrelenting speed, the gargantuan quadrocopter rapidly converging. Its gleaming hull caught the sun, contrasting with the encroaching azure sts. ''I need to get closer.'' She already knew what she needed to do; a clear n was forming in her head. In the periphery of her vision, drones peppered the sky, their weapons firing rhythmically, hurling the sma bolts at her. As the slender needle prated her skin, a soothing relief washed over her, drowning out the pain. With every ounce of her being revitalized, she elerated even more. A wave of heat surged beneath her as she surged forward with newfound eleration, leaving the bolts harmlessly pass below her, only their heat reaching them. Finally, her fingers grazed the quadrocopter''s heated, sleek surface, anchoring onto it with threads of unseen force. Like a spider, she caught onto it, gripping it as firmly as she could. The luminous cannons pivoted and whirred in her direction, but a sigh of relief escaped her lips. ''Exactly like a drake. Blind an...'' Her train of thought was abruptly interrupted as she coughed up blood droplets that shimmered with an eerie glow, immediately falling down. A fierce determination ignited in her eyes. She brandished her gun with a grin smeared in her own luminescent blood. Runes on the weapon ignited, firing a bolt that danced with blue sparks upon the machine''s engine. The blue spark exploded as the superheated sma collided with the thick alloy, only to leave small cracks and red spots behind. ''This would take too long!'' Tia needed to move faster before the entire building would copse. Regret filled her, knowing she had made a mistake. ''This is a war; why would I even think the Federation wouldn''t simply destroy the entire building just to eliminate enemies inside?'' With her bones broken and muscles torn, she raised her arm up, each gesture guided by the sheer force of her telekinesis. Power surged within her ring, summoning floating rifles that materialized around her in a synchronized dance. Each energy rifle targeted the quadrocopter, its azure luminescence casting reflections on its mirrored surface. "Boom!" She dered, mentally pulling the triggers. A tempest of blue luminosity erupted, illuminating and shing from every conceivable angle, reminiscent of lightning bolts piercing through stormden clouds. Chapter 86: Operation Skybreak, part 11/11 Chapter 86: Operation Skybreak, part 11/11 Glowing orbs of scorching sma, resembling miniature suns, fell like fiery meteorites upon the airborne machine, relentlessly assaulting it from every conceivable angle. The searing projectiles struck with pinpoint uracy, targeting the vulnerable engines, the bristling cannons, and even the delicate front ss cockpit, creating a breathtaking spectacle of destruction in their wake. Perched atop the machine''s roof, Tia''s silky hair danced in the soaring winds and explosions of blue sma. She maintained a poise that bordered on ethereal, her eyes tightly shut as she was tapping into her energy reserve. She wielded an invisible symphony of floating guns, each seemingly attached by an invisible string to her mind, orchestrating their lethal dance with grace and precision. ''More, I need more!'' She channeled her focus, directing an unrelenting torrent of fire toward the roaring engines, each surge of energy crackling with intensity and rising engine temperature while chipping metal piece by piece. Atst, molten metal and mes burst forth, painting the sky with their vibrant hues before cascading down like a rain of deadly sparks. The once-proud machine groaned and vibrated, caught in a dizzying whirlwind of smoke and chaos falling from the sky. ''You are done.'' Tia''s lc eyes snapped open, their brilliance a stark contrast to the surrounding turmoil. With a swift, almost ethereal leap, she gracefully glided back to the roof, her lithe form defying gravity as she moved. Watching the giant machine burst into mes, relief washed over her. However, the adrenaline that had fueled her seemed to recede, reced by an acute, throbbing pain that coursed through her body. She touched down on the still scorching-hot concrete with gentle grace, her injured and broken legs giving way beneath her as she copsed to the ground. Her skill proficiencies jumped up, but she didn''t even care to pay them any attention as her focus was already taken by more problems. ''No, I must continue!'' She heard the humming of the drones, knowing the danger hadn''t passed. Ding! // Objective cleared! Addition to the final pool: 1 X Special Mission Voucher; 2 X +2 to Random Stat Instant Rewards: 2 X +2 to Random a stat // A thunderous thud resounded beside her, wrenching her attention from the wreckage. A hulking figure, muscle-bound and towering,nded on the roof''s edge with a bone-rattling impact. His face bore a menacing visage, his mustache and mouth curling into a maniacal grin that sent shivers down her spine. "You''ve eluded me once before!" he bellowed, his voice a discordant symphony of rage. "Laszlo won''t tolerate it! Laszlo won''t let you escape his clutches!" His fist ignited with a radiant, golden light, and the very concrete beneath his colossal form cracked as he propelled himself toward the still-kneeling Tia. ''I hate muscleheads!'' She felt like screaming at how wrong it all turned out. A burning desire to survive surged through her veins, and she instinctively lifted her trembling hand, still gripping her wand. ''I need to get time!'' The floating gun, seemingly guided by an invisible hand, shifted and realigned itself with unnerving precision, poised to intercept the human projectile hurtling her way. The roof''s concrete erupted into a shower of debris, and a shockwave surged forth from the tip of her wand. The man submerged in a golden aura didn''t even slow down, his eyes ring and his aura brightening as he shed with his fist against the shockwave. The roof copsed beneath his feet as the concrete crumbled beneath the force of the golden explosion and raw kic force. ''Dumb idiot!'' Tia ridiculed him silently, suspended above the chaos, her chin smeared with blood leaking out of her mouth and nose. "Perish, you mongrel!" Her voice dripped with venom as she snapped her fingers. All the guns at hermand unleashed a torrent of sapphire sma bolts, each one descending upon the golden-glowing adversary. The vibrations of the explosions reverberated through the surroundings over and over. She pulled the trigger again and again, unrelenting in her assault. Atst, she stopped, her eyes still burning with rage and madness. "Hahaha!" Sheughed, bathing in the sensation of crushing, tricking, and killing her most hated foe: a musclehead. Beep! <<<<>>>> --> --> +1 to ENE; +2 to WILL <<<<>>>> Amid the maelstrom of chaos, Tia had no luxury to dwell on the newly uncovered function of her system as the heavens lit up with vivid azure radiance. Her frantic gaze darted in every direction as the weapons and engines around her hummed with ominous energy. A squadron of drones, a dozen strong, locked onto her like vultures circling their prey, sending a surge of rage and desperation coursing through her. "To stand alone against an entire world," she muttered through gritted teeth, finally grasping the profound implications of those words. The overwhelming numbers threatened to siphon her energy, drain her stamina, and wear her body down to its breaking point. She braced herself, her body tense, ready to evade and endure once more, prepared for the inevitable agony as her muscles strained and threatened to snap even more. And then, an unexpected pause. Her brows furrowed in bewilderment as the drones hovered in eerie silence, their once-menacing gun glow flickering and dimming. Chapter 87: The Shattered Sky [Bonus] Chapter 87: The Shattered Sky [Bonus] A moment of respite hung in the air, tenuous but palpable, as if the very universe held its breath. "Huh?" Tia blinked in astonishment, her heart pounding in her chest. Then, the heavens erupted in a breathtaking disy of fireworks. Explosions, like constetions gone mad, filled the sky of the upper atmosphere above her, spreading in a meticulous grid-like pattern. The resounding detonations drowned out the relentless hum of the drones, painting the canvas of the sky with a symphony of chaos and destruction. It didn''t take long for Tia to piece together the harrowing truth of what had just transpired. "Did the orbital defense just blow up?" The realization struck her with the force of a sledgehammer. The Empire''s goal had be chillingly clearall the preceding destruction had been nothing but a smokescreen, a diversion designed to facilitate their true goal. "So, this is why they sought to infiltrate those servers," she mused, realizing that while thepany itselfcked direct ess to critical infrastructure, its software had permeated countless devices used by various officials. ''At least one of them gained ess to the protectedwork,'' she concluded, her mind racing through the possibilities. With an entry point secured and the keys to the kingdom, it was only a matter of time before the Federation''s defenses crumbled. ''But why the sudden attack? Why not just disable it silently?'' Her eyes widened as she unearthed the final, sinister puzzle piece. ''Someone would have noticed and stopped it. But with all the high-ranking officials obliterated and all the chaos, they had it easy.'' The azure canopy of the sky morphed and shifted, purple lights casting an eerie glow as space itself seemed to tear and warp. Light bent and refracted in unnatural ways. Shadows fell down, the ck hulls of the ships emerging from the portals, obscuring the sun. The imperial ornaments and symbols decorated the sleek, dark hulls of the ships, with dozens of purple lights glowing on their hulls. The purple rays descended like lightning strikes, sweeping through the city. ''So this ho...'' A bright light shed beside her, making her avert and close her eyes. The sheer power behind it made her copse back to the roof, the tiredness catching up to her. Ding! // Objective cleared! Addition to the final pool: 2 x WP; 1 X +2 to Random Stat Instant Rewards: +1 to MAG; +1 to ENE; 1 X +1 to Random Stat // "Did we win?" Tia''s voice emerged as a faint whisper, filled with trepidation and uncertainty. The weariness that had already enveloped her body intensified, rendering her utterly immobile, unable to even lift a finger. She wanted to check on her cousin, hoping and praying she was still well and alive, but she couldn''t, the strain of the battles catching up to her. ''She must be al...'' She paled as a haunting aura, both familiar and deeply unsettling, pressed down upon her, casting a pall of dread over her senses. ''Is she here?'' She could already guess its owner. A melodious voice rang in her ears, sending shivers down her spine. "Very good, pretty eyes," it purred with an unsettlingly gentle undertone, "you have passed as my personal knight." Her eyes snapped open. The red-eyed girl was leaning above her, watching as she squirmed on the burned concrete. Even through the entire invasion, Tia couldn''t notice even a single stain on her outfit or even a strand of her long hair being misced. "You appear to be injured," the red-eyed girl remarked calmly, her eyes never leaving Tia. "Let me take care of you." She gracefully squatted beside Tia, and her slender arms slipped beneath the still-shocked woman. In the blink of an eye, Tia found herself lifted from the ground, cradled in the seemingly fragile arms of her terrifying boss. "N..." she wanted to retort, but she couldn''t open her mouth. Her vision blurred, and a profound weakness overtook her body and soul. Only one constant remained amidst the hazethose piercing, ruby-red eyes. Ding! The familiar chime of the system resounded in Tia''s head, but she couldn''t muster the strength to even contemte its significance. Her consciousness began to dissipate like a wisp of smoke in the wind, fading into obscurity. (AN: Atst, the end of this volume is here.) Chapter 88: Elyra and Her Pet Chapter 88: Elyra and Her Pet Submerged in the plush embrace of the mattress, the silver-haired maiden shifted subtly, letting out azy yawn. The remnants of pain had faded, her physique free from the clutches of fatigue. Yet she kept her eyes closed, nestling deeper beneath the velvety cover. ''Too much... too much of it all...'' The relentless skirmishes, the constant danger, the painher soul ached for sce. "Rest, if that''s your desire." The voice, unmistakably familiar, made her eyes snap wide open, irises dting with sudden trepidation. Beside her, the red-eye took a seat, leading Tia to the startling revtion that she wasn''t in familiar surroundings. Elevated ceilings, the stern demeanor of granite walls, and the opulence of a shimmering chandelierall seemed foreign. ''This isn''t the federation''s design.'' Seeing her puzzlement, the red-eye softly spoke. "Uhh, this is my gship. We are on the orbit of that stinky you called home." Without warning, the red-eye leaned in, her face dangerously close, peering intently into Tia''s eyes. "You know the saying that eyes are windows to the soul?" Tia''s breath caught in her throat. Every instinct told her to pull away, but the girls''s gaze held her captive. She felt exposed and vulnerable. Not this again...'' Internal sirens red within Tia, but she could only stifflyy in bed, knowing there was no path to escape. ''Trapped with this maniac on a spaceship.'' "It isn''t just a myth. I can see your soul." ''Is she deluded, jesting, or genuinely unhinged?'' Tia couldn''t help but question the girls''s sanity, easily recognizing the mentally ill person after spending years surrounded by them. "It is weird. I had never seen anything like it. Your body is definitely human, but your soul isn''t. No, your soul is foreign; it is nothing like I ever saw. Aliens, animals, humansthey are all simr, but yours is very different." Swallowing hard, Tia''s apprehension grew. Her status resonated with the red-eye''s assertions: ''It said the same thing.'' "For many, the soul remains an abstraction. Yet, you, it seems, are already acquainted with its existence." In an unpredictable gesture, the red-eye''s delicate fingers reached out, yfully pinching Tia''s nose, making her internally fume in anger at someone touching her. The red-eye''s speech changed, turning informal and joyful. "Haha, now I can say I pinched the nose of a dimension-hoping being!" The girl stoppedughing as she turned serious. "Yes, I know your ability to hop dimensions." Fear manifested in Tia''s quivering limbs and erratic heartbeat as she underestimated the monster before her. The urge to flee was overwhelming, yet a grim realization dawnedred-eye desired her intact, which was her sole reassurance. "How...?" "You mean that giant time-space disruption exploding from your body that happened multiple times, followed by your soul vanishing?" ''She i...'' "Don''t worry! I always wanted something exotic as my pet. You are perfect." her fingers now yfully tucked a stray strand of tinum hair behind Tia''s ear "Of course, to the outside, you will be my pretty-eyed knight, but between us, you are my exotic pet." Tia''s heart raced at the threat implicit in the girl''s words. The idea of being kept as a pet, a trophy, was repulsive, but Tia knew she couldn''t give up. She had to find a way out of this nightmare. As Tia tried to regain herposure, the red-eyed girl suddenly approached the bed once more. Slowly, deliberately, she extended a slender hand, the fingers brushing Tia''s cheek in a feather-light caress. The unexpected touch was strangely gentle, contrasting starkly with the dire situation. "Do not worry. I am not one of those monsters that bully and torture their pets." The girl''s fingers traced a path down to Tia''s chin, lifting it slightly, ensuring their eyes met. The depth of emotion in those crimson irises was unnerving. There was amusement, curiosity, and perhaps something else Tia couldn''t quite decipher. "Well, go dress up; as my knight, you have duties to attend." Drawing back, she added, "Address me as Lady Elyra." As the red-eyed Elyra stood up, Tia spoke a question that was on her mind. "Where is my cousin?" "Her? She is safely locked away." "Why?" Tia couldn''t help but feel puzzled. To her knowledge, her cousin helped with their invasion and cooperated. Lady Elyra shook her head, her long raven hair waving behind her. "So you truly don''t know who she was beneath her sweet facade. She was too dangerous to be left free. She was a maniptor who used her psychic power to control others. Look at what she did to you." The red-eye''s tone turned quietalmost a whisper: "It was her who sent you to the hospital. It was also her who tried to kill you." Chapter 89: Rewards and Pains Chapter 89: Rewards and Pains Tia paused briefly, the weight of her reflection in the ornate golden-framed mirror weighing on her. The room, muted and heavy, echoed her stillness. Her hands, trembling slightly, methodically buttoned her coat. Her world was shaken once againthest person she trusted turned into the source of her suffering while she was degraded into nothing but a tropical pet. ''Money... it is always greed. She did it all to me just for some stinky money.'' She still doubted the red-eye''s words, but she had to admit they didn''t sound too farfetched. ''I will visit her myself and find out the truth.'' As her fingertips lightly grazed her cheek, memories of Red-Eye''s touch shed in her mind. A part of her wanted to cherish that unexpected tenderness, causing her heart to flutter. Yet, she quashed that sentiment swiftly. ''Her pet...'' The thought brought a mixture of emotions: ''Could''ve been worse. No matter how degrading it is, people at least tend to cherish their pets.'' She rebuked herself, forcing such thoughts into the recesses of her mind, ''No! I can''t simplye to peace with being her pet.'' She sighed deeply, realizing the impossibility of escape. ''Given her fixation on me,'' she pondered, ''escaping might mean being chased across the entire gxy, with her fleet right behind. She alone would be a problem, but she has an entire country backing her.'' Her two lives had always been a pursuitonce for power and now for freedom. The constant struggle wore her down. ''Perhaps it''s time to slow down... At least until I gather enough strength. If I run now, it might just be from one captor to another, potentially even more dangerous. She discovered me, so can someone else, potentially someone who would just gut me as ab animal.'' Brushing aside the cloud of mncholy, Tia shifted her attention to the present, ''Systems, disy the total stat gains from the instant rewards.'' Beep! <<<<>>>> <+2 to VIT> <+1 to WILL> <+1 to MAG> <+1 to ENE> <<<<>>>> Ding! // +2 to VIT +1 to WILL +1 to MAG +1 to ENE // Tia''s expression tightened with annoyance at the system''s incessant bickering, exacerbating her already sour mood. ''Please, just... one at a time.'' Collecting herself, she took a deep breath to regain herposure. ''Alright, let''s focus on the final rewards now.'' Beep! Ding! /// The joint mission was cleared. The Reward Pool: 1 x EP; 1 x Free Body Modification Coupon; 2 x WP; 3 X +2 to Random Stat; 1 X Special Mission Voucher Bonus: Six members of your squad have survived -> +150% to rewards Bonus: Your squad has eliminated 40 enemies (rounded up) -> +20% to rewards Final Rewards: 2 x EP; 2 x Free Body Modification Coupon; 5 x WP; 8 X +2 to Random Stat; 2 X Special Mission Voucher Change from fractional rewards: 2 x EP; 2 x WP; 2 x Freely Assignable Stat Point /// ''This is a jackpot!'' Tia almost yelled loudly as she saw the treasure floating before her eyes. A single nce at the rewards immediately brought a smile to her face, even dispersing her bad mood. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>> +2 to INT +2 to VIT +2 to AGI +2 to STR +4 to ENE +2 to MAG <<<<<<>>>>> Tia''s eyes widened slightly as the surge in her stats made her feel invigorated. A newfound power coursed through her muscles, and the boost in her vitality was particrly reassuring. A weak smile crept onto her face, contrasting her previous solemnity. ''With this, the chance of dying to a stray bullet should decrease.'' There were still the two points she could freely assign, making her think while smoothing her hair. ''Maybe I should invest in my physical stats.'' She had recognized a certain predisposition in her systems, which seemed to favor the rapid advancement of her mental and magical attributes over the others. The echoing knock snapped her out of her contemtion. It reverberated through the room,ing from behind her. ''I''ll decide on the pointster. Also, I should check what''s going on with those perks and my telekinesis.'' Tia sighed, knowing she had run out of time. Gathering herposure, Tia moved gracefully away from the mirror, adjusting her skirt with a quick tug. Her strides, while confident, still held a hint of uncertainty as she approached the imposing double doors. Chapter 90: Welcome to the Empire, part 1/2 Chapter 90: Wee to the Empire, part 1/2 Tia gently pushed the door ajar, silent as they smoothly parted to reveal a ck corridor outside. ''Let''s go.'' Determined, she stepped through them, her heart pounding in her chest with both curiosity and slight anxiety. She couldn''t help but let her gaze wander over the expanse of the corridor. The walls, carved from what seemed to be a singr block of ck marble, were polished to perfection, reflecting an almost mirror-like sheen. ''At least this part fits with the federation''s propaganda.'' Golden trims lined the borders, adding a regal touch to the ck abyss of the marble. ''This is, as the Federation''s media would say, decadent, wasteful, and impractical.'' The Federation fleets and their state buildings were all about being functional, simple to build, and efficientbuilt for purpose, not style. Yet, Tia couldn''t help but despise it, feeling like living surrounded by nothing but dull concrete, metal, and ss was boring, stiffening, and choking off any spirit of freedom and aesthetics. ''Maybe it isn''t that wasteful when considering moral implications. If I were a navyman, I would rather spend months on a ship like this than on one of those Federation''s metallic coffins.'' A sharp, elderly voice,ced with impatience, pierced the silence. "Oh, women, you always take so long." ''That voice... I''ve heard it before.'' As Tia''s gaze settled on the speaker, recognition washed over her. The handler and the shopkeeper who had recruited her leaned against the wall, in the dark ck coats of the knights, the medals and ornaments signifying their rank glistening under the white overhead lighting. ''I wonder how many knights she has.'' Tia stood hesitantly for a moment, taking in her surroundings and the absence of Red-Eye. With the two familiar figures in their ck coats waiting for her, Tia tried to exude confidence, even though a whirlwind of emotions raged inside her. The handler gestured for Tia to follow her. "We don''t have all day," she intoned, her voice like the cutting edge of a de. The two knights moved with quick steps, their boots rhythmically drumming against the polished floor. ''Are all knights this serious?'' Hastily, Tia jogged to catch up to them. Every step she took echoed softly, the sound merging with the gentle hum of the engines prating through the ship''s hull. As they continued their stride down the ship''s corridor, the elderly shopkeeper knight turned to Tia. "You''ll be overseeing some trials today," the shopkeeper mentioned nonchntly, his tone matter-of-fact. "And, unfortunately, a few executions as well." "Executions?" she asked nonchntly. The handler, without breaking her pace or turning to face Tia, replied coldly, "Those who are a waste for society, such as criminals, those that led the resistance against our invasion, and the former corrupted officials, will be removed." ''So this confirms the second rumor... There is no need for prisons in the Empire.'' The Federation wasn''t a fair ce to live, but they at least tried to keep the false facade of freedom. ''If you piss off the people in power in the Federation, you will go missing or die in an unfortunate ident.'' Tia mused silently, keeping a smile from creeping onto her face. ''But if you angered them in the Empire, they wouldn''t even try to be subtle about ityou would get a visit from uniformed people delivering your death sentence.'' It was cruel, but Tia could appreciate their honesty, hating the same snakes scheming in the background, like those that killed her in her previous life. "What even is Red-Eye''s role in the Emp" Tia halted abruptly, a shade of color draining from her face as she caught her own slip in addressing the woman. "Red-eye?" The elderly knight''s stern demeanor shattered, and he chuckled. "Did you just refer to Her Grace by that moniker? It seems you have some privileges as Her Grace''s favorite." Tia bit her lip. ''What do they even think our rtionship is?'' She hade to terms with the asional teasing in private, but to be called out so openly... Her rising anxiety was interrupted as another knight chimed in. "We are here. The transport shuttle is there." Tia looked at the door her fellow knight pointed at. (AN: Yeah, I know I promised a bonus chapter today, but something came into it. Sorry.) Chapter 91: Welcome to the Empire, part 2/2 Chapter 91: Wee to the Empire, part 2/2 POV Citizen Bob: Bob, an average man in his thirties, moved alongside a vast sea of people, each one''s face reflecting the same hollow dread. No one was smiling orughing, the lifeless expressions on their facesthe anxiety so thick it almost turned material. Everyone was silent, not daring to speak, feeling like any word might be used against them. ''Why are we here? Why did they drag us out?'' Bob pondered. Ever since the Empire took control, martialw has silenced their once-vibrant. The ambient sounds were punctuated only by the loud, propaganda-infused announcements, "Renounce your allegiance to the corrupted Federation. Cleanse your streets of their influence!" "Halt!" Themand echoed. Imperial soldiers, in their intimidating ck armor, formed a perimeter around the crowd. The dangerous purple glint of their weapons was evident, even if not directly aimed at the crowd. ''Would they shoot us if we tried something?'' Frantically, Bob scanned the crowd, hoping for a familiar face or a possible way out, but to no avail. He felt alone, despite being surrounded by thousands. ''This wretched Empire!'' Reaching a vast square, the crowd came to a standstill. A podium stood at its center, hidden from Bob''s view by the human bodies before him. Then, a blinding sh lit up the sky, revealing a massive hologram mirroring the very same podium. Bob''s heart raced. ''What do they want? Humiliate us even more?'' ''What now? Another tactic to belittle us?'' Bob''s heart pounded. The silence in the square was palpable, broken only by the hum of the hologram''s machinery. A silver-adorned officer, whose badge disyed three radiant moons, confidently stood on the podium, surrounded by countless soldiers in polished ck armor and long purple capes. "People of this world," he dered, his voice resonating. "Your allegiance to the Federation ends today. You now belong to the Empire." Bob''s gut tightened. He saw tears forming in some eyes as reality set in. ''Our... now in the hands of these tyrants.'' Bob felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see his neighbor, an old man named Giles. The old man whispered, "They may control our streets and our skies, but they will never control our spirit." Bob nodded in agreement, hoping that one day they could free themselves from the shackles of the empire. The officer stepped back, signaling with a hand gesture. Within moments, a procession of bound people was violently dragged onto the podium by the imperial soldiers. Their uniforms and suits were dirty and tattered, and their faces were bruised and weary. ''Isn''t that young master Karkoskak?'' He immediately recognized the identity of the man in the centera young heir to arge constructionpany. The officer took a step forward, pulling out a scroll-like device that expanded into a holographic screen with written text. The projection illuminated his emotionless face, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance with each flicker of light. "Citizens," he began, his voice echoing with the weight of his authority. "These Federation officials stand used of the following charges under the jurisdiction of the Empire." There was a pause, a dramatic effect that was clearly meant to heighten the tension in the square. "Conspiring against the Empire, spreading propaganda and nder against our divine emperor and imperial leaders, misusing resources, and abusing their undeserved privilege." As much as Bob despised the Empire, seeing Karkoskak''s downfall evoked a certain satisfaction: ''A bastard who evicted entire families for his damn projects!'' A hushed silence descended upon the crowd as a tinum-haired girl with striking lc eyes emerged. Her long hair, her ck imperial coat, and her knees moving in the wind, emblems, and decorations of her ranks glittering under the sunlight. Bob whispered to Giles, knowing he used to serve in the Federation''s navy, "Who is she?" Giles replied quietly, "An Imperial Knight. They''re elite enforcers of the Empire. They are all scary, and" Giles''s words were abruptly cut off when another nearby shouted, "Hold on! Isn''t she the lunatic who broke out of the asylum?" A shiver raced down Bob''s spine. Stories of the crazed woman causing chaos resurfaced in his memory. The chilling realization that she now wielded such authority was mind-numbing. ''Could it truly be her? She belongs to a padded cell, yet they''ve granted her dominion!'' The man burst into mes and yelled, bursting into mes. The fire devoured his entire body in a matter of seconds, sending him screaming to the ground. "Ahhh!" In panic, Bob stepped back, feeling the heat on his skin. The cacophony of yells and cries for help resounded through the crowd as everyone retreated backward from the human torch. Bob nced at the soldiers, anticipating intervention. But they remained statuesque, exuding blind loyalty. ''Are they going this maniac to just let him die? Is this the Empire?'' Chapter 92: Doubts and Shadows Chapter 92: Doubts and Shadows POV Tia: The atmosphere was tense, with a heavy silence falling over the crowd. The young woman stood imposingly above the condemned, her long tinum-blonde hair billowing in the breeze. Her lc eyes intensely bore into their souls. The ritual ck-ded saber with golden ornaments in her hand, long and sleek, gleamed in the sunlight, its ergonomic hand bringingfort. "Haha, I can truly see why the Empire despises you. You are garbage!" Her mockingughter, aimed at the convicts, sent shivers through the onlookers. Hundreds of eyes were fixed on her. The crowd was silent, their breath held captive by the still-smoldering remains of the troublemaker. ''Phh, they are not a threat.'' The convicts were trembling. Their faces, pale and covered in tears, betrayed fear. Their whimpers were stifled by the gags in their mouths. Even though she usually didn''t find any satisfaction in the ughter of the weak, a smile was stered on her face as the worms kneeling on the podium were true manifestations of what she hated and despised. "Pathetic!" the young woman spat with venom. "Living in luxury while sending others to die for your cause, yet, now, you can''t even die with dignity." They weren''t weak soldiers or people just trying to survive; they were pathetic worms sending other people to their deaths without ever risking their own lives. ''You are like that damn witch council, just using others as your pawns.'' The witch council''s machinations echoed in her mind, igniting a fire of rage and vindication. ''Maybe in the future, I will get to visit you again.'' She raised her sword, its de gleaming ominously under the sunlight, and her cold promation reverberated throughout the entire square, amplified through the reproductors. "I sentence you to death!" With a swift move of her hand, the de descended, and the entire crowd of people in the square turned silent. Like a sharp shadow, the ck de cut through the flesh and bone smoothly and without any resistance. Blood gushed in a horrific geyser, yet not a single droplet blemished the girl while painting the guards, the rest of the tied garbage, and the podium crimson. A heavy thud echoed as the body fell lifelessly upon the podium, the severed head rolling through the ground. At that moment, a brief yet unmistakable sh of light sparked within the dead man''s eyes. ''What was that?'' Doubt threaded through Tia''s mind. It was such a brief sh that if it wasn''t for her inhumanly fast mind, she wouldn''t even notice. She raised the sword once more, walking to the second convict. ''Was it really there?'' She swiftly swung it down, watching each moment with curiosity. The dark de cleaved through the flesh and bone like before, blood pouring out. Bleeding, the man dropped dead to the ground. There was no sh of light in his dead, vacant eyes. ''Nothing? Am I really going insane?'' Half an hourter: POV Red-eye: The raven-haired woman sat in a plush white chair that contrasted with her ebony-ck dress and coat. She gently rested her head against her glossy, jet-ck table cut out of obsidian, her legs crossed beneath it. ''I can''t. Why isn''t the emperor waiting for so long? We should be the first ones to strike them and take the initiative.'' She pondered in stress, her world slowly cracking and breaking. She lifted her head, looking at one of his loyal knights, an elderly man in a long trenchcoat. "Is the world clear?" Her voice, though steady, betrayed a hint of the unrest. "Yes, Your Grace, no one has noticed our true intentions." ''At least something has gone well.'' A weary sigh escaped her lips. ''The rest should also be ready. The only troublees from the Commune and the Federation, as their leaders change too often. The risk of leaks is too great; they must be left out. However, that can be problematic. Still, Admiral West can be trusted.'' "Is she back?" Elyra spoke calmly, wanting to move on to a more pleasant subject, her outer face not showing even the tiniest drop of her inner turmoil. "Yes, Your Grace, she has just returned and is resting." Elyra''s ruby-like eyes gleamed with renewed vigor as she rose out of her chair with her clothes quietly rustling. ''At least I have her.'' She was tired, stressed, and overburdenedshe needed her rxation and her pet. (AN: Finally, I have managed to plot this volume. It took a while, but now I can again have time for bonus chapters.) Chapter 93: Above Level 5 Chapter 93: Above Level 5 (AN: Sorry for theck of chapters, I am kinda of sick. Also, I was writing this pretty groggy with a fever, so excuse me if it is kinda of different.) POV Tia: In the heart of the granite chamber, the very essence of opulence radiated. Intricate carvings etched into the stone were asionally caressed by the gentle light emanating from a mesmerizing crystal chandelier. The chamber was suffused with a stifling silence, broken only by the gentle rhythm of a woman''s breath. A girl with hair as silver as moonlight sat gracefully on the expansive bed, her baster feet hanging idly off the side. Her lc eyes, deep and distant, seemed lost in their own world. In a soft voice, she inquired, "ES, can you exin why my telekinesis abilities continue to grow even after surpassing the upgrade threshold?" Beep! <<<<>>>> : For skills above level 5 proficiency, the user can dy the evolution to gather more Esper points. : >= 150% --> one free enchantment >= 175% --> one free technique >= 200% -->one free enchantment >= 250% --> one free body adaptation >= 300% --> A Special Perk <<<<>>>> ''Huh? This is new.'' Tia murmured at the floating window before her, already feeling like she knew the reason behind it: ''As the number of skills and their levels rise, it will be harder and harder to afford any meaningful upgrades.'' Tia massaged her temples, grappling with the conundrum presented to her. The choice was clear: either tap into a swift surge of power now or let it mature like a long-term investment. Lost in thought, Tia was suddenly brought back to reality by a gentle voice. "What are you scheming?" Red-eye''s shadow elegantly draped against the room''s ambient glow. She didn''t even notice when she entered. ''Yes, that''s it!'' All Tia''s worries have vanished as fast as they camethe solution to them standing beside her. ''There isn''t any immediate threat forcing me to grow stronger fast enough.'' A weak smile formed on Tia''s lips as she came to the decision, ''If I am in this degrading situation, I can as well make use of its advantages.'' "Nothing, and what are you doing in my room?" Red-Eye replied with a chuckle, her voice a blend of sophistication and amusement. "Your chamber? My my, you are quite mistaken. This has always been my private space." She then settled gracefully beside Tia on the bed. With a raised eyebrow, Tia shot back, "Alright then, where''s my room supposed to be?" With a cultured grin, Red-Eye responded, "You, my dear, are my cherishedpanion. Your ce? It''s here, right next to me." Tia''s lc eyes darted to the floor beside the bed, a hint of unease in her gaze. "I don''t want you to feel ufortable. You will sleep here in my bed. I don''t sleep too often anyway." Suddenly, Tia felt a warm and slight pressure on her back, sending shivers of shock down her spine. The hand moved up and down, slowly circling her back. "W-what are you doing?" Tia uneasily squeezed words out. Red-eyes replied calmly while her arm palm gently roamed Tia''s back, "Petting you? You are my pet, and pets are supposed to be petted." Suddenly, her voice turned cold and serious, the smile vanishing off her face, and the hand halted and rested on Tia''s shoulder. "You know, you should enjoy those moments of peace." The words carried a slightly ominous tone that made Tia tense even further. She didn''t know what was happening in the background, but for the Empire to invade the Federation''s territory, she knew something had to be happening in the shadows. "What will happen?" "Chaos, war, and death." Tia wanted to question more, but the look in the ruby eyes told her it was all she would learn. In the silence, both stared at each other. Squirming in her seat, Tia could feel her anxiety grow. "So, you have called me Red Eye?" The red-eyed noblewoman broke the silence with her calm and melodious voice. Tia couldn''t feel even the smallest trace of anger in the voice tingling her ears. "Red-eye and her pet Pretty Eyesit has quite a ring to it." The staggering words brought a scorching wave of embarrassment: ''How didn''t I catch this sooner?'' "I will allow it; from now on, you can call me Lady Red-Eye, my Pretty Eyes." Smiling, Red-eye brushed gently through Tia''s long tinum hair with her slender and soft fingers, slowly separating the stands from each other. Tia wanted to draw back and retreat from the red-eyed monster, but she couldn''tan invisible force binding her body and rooting her to the spot. "Will you allow me to go outside, or will you keep me locked here?" She couldn''t hold herself back any longer as she blurted out loud the question that had burned on her tongue for a long time. Red-eye''s hand that was caressing her hair paused while still gripping the tinum strands between her fingers. In the silence, Red leaned forward and looked directly into Tia''s lc eyes. "Of course, you can go out as you are my pet, not my prisoner. As long as you alwayse back home, to my side, you can go.", She paused for a moment. "I guess you are more like a cat than a dog." ''Is it really so simple?'' Chapter 94: A Witchy Goal Chapter 94: A Witchy Goal In absolute darkness, the pair of lc eyes lifelessly watched the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, its delicate form swaying gently in tune with the subtle vibrations of the ship''s engine. The girl silently rested and didn''t even twitch, enjoying the huge and soft bed only for herself. ''She didn''t lie; she really isn''t sleeping here.'' With the corner of her eyes, she threw a nce at the vacant spot to her side. She finally had the time to draw her lottery ticket, ''Witch System, please use one of the special mission vouchers.'' Ding! // 1 X Special Mission Voucher was used. // With a bated breath, Tia silently waited, her heart pounding with expectations. Knowing how moody the systems could be and how unpredictable the special missions in her past life were, she could only hope she would get something possible to do. Ding! // New Special Mission: Advanced Casting Aide Wands are only the most basic form of casting aides. Staffs, gloves, wands, scepters, and rings all have their own unique advantages. You, as a witch, a being searching for knowledge, should broaden your horizons by creating a casting aide of a more untraditional shape. Starting reward: You can learn a method to craft a magic focus in any of the above categories; 1 X Free Journey to Garlicia Special rewards: You will get the system''s help during the entire process. Rewards: The Witch System will improve your final creation; The rest of your rewards will be calcted based on the quality of your final creation. // ''So, a crafting mission it isa bit letdown, but it could be much worse,'' Tia mused, the hum of the engine intertwining with the silent rustle of her breath. Her fantasy ran haywire, with dozens of intricately crafted rings dancing in her mind''s eye. ''No! I can exclude rings as they are too small, making them too much weaker than wands.'' She knew there were advanced methods that could circumvent size limitations in enchanting, but they were hazy and too far out of her current reach. She silently sighed, ''I once could do so much...'' Suppressing the depressive thoughts, an image of a staff''s towering presence invaded her contemtion. She knew how powerful they were thanks to their size, which allowed them to fit more enchantments andrger power sources. Still, with a frown, she muttered, "Too big and unwieldy." Tia nced at her slender palms, an affirmation slowly but surely creeping into her mind. With a slow movement, she opened and closed her palms, watching each of her muscles move. ''Gloves'' When she thought about how she used her power, often channeling it through her hands, she knew it was the right choice. ''Discreet, stylish, and decently effective'' Her eyes pulsed in light of confirmation as she found her new goal: ''Yup, gloves are the best choice for me as they would still leave my hands free while giving more power than rings.'' Ding! // You have chosen: Spell-weaving Gloves // The echoing pain red, sending ripples of agony through Tia''s temples. Every fiber of her being was alight, a conduit for the influx of overwhelming knowledge of magic gloves. Like tendrils of electricity, it seeped into her nerves, igniting her eyes with an incandescent glow. As fast as it came, it also subsided, allowing her to breathe out in relief. Despite the remnants of the pain still lingering in the background of her mind, a torrent of thoughts flooded her consciousness. ''Why stop at gloves?'' Tia''s mind churned. Her gaze fell upon her hands once more, focusing on her empty, slender fingers with only a single ring decking them. The thrill of the craft, the silent desire for creation that stirred within, called out to her. ''Gloves, rings, a mask...'' Her ambition expanded into a vision of finally creating a full set of enchanted gear. A smile crept onto her lips as he grinned at the ceiling like a madwoman. ''This time there is no need to half-ass it, as there is nothing pressing me to rush.'' The mesmerizing glow in her eyes vanished, the cold reality dragging her back down. ''I need materialsrare andpatible ones.'' She needed materials, not just any, but with their main portion originating from a single monster or other singr source for the maximal resonance between all the pieces of her enchanted gear. ''I also must y it myself, as I currentlyck the means to fully purify any mana contamination.'' She finally had the time to fully engross herself with her chosen craft, and she wasn''t going to waste it on inferior materials contaminated with the mana of a hunter who killed her prey. ''Time for a monster hunt.'' The thought sprang to life, with excitement pulsing through her veins. (AN: Alright I am back! Also not sure if this chapter is boring or not, but it established the goal for a few chapters and in my opinion, makes the character more life-like as it shows how she thinks.) Chapter 95: Monster Hunt, part 1/4 Chapter 95: Monster Hunt, part 1/4 The girl lying on the dusty, decrepit bed stirred and opened her eyes, obscured by her long chestnut locks. Tiredly, she stretched her legs and arms, leaping onto her feet. She immediately noticed the shadow of her ornate ck sunhat and the rustle of her flowing ck gown. ''Hmm, she could clean up here, at least a bit.'' She was in the old, dusty room where she left her vessel, with dust covering the floor and only a few streaks of sunlight entering through the boarded window. With a relentless push, she pushed the doors wide open, bright light flooding her vision. The previously cracked and decrepit walls were now covered in a fresh coat of green tapestry. ''It looks like she used my little investment to renovate this ce.'' She swiftly descended the staircase, her light steps not making even the faintest soundthe old nks were reced by new ones. As she pushed the doors leading to the storefront, she froze, noticing the gleam of the new floor and the vivid colors of the new tapestry. Yet, no matter how much she looked around, the store was empty except for the young blonde dusting off the counter. ''Still no customers? Why are people avoiding this ce?'' The blonde lifted her gaze up and looked straight at Tia, her expression warping and changing with emotions flying through. "You are really alive! I was getting worried. Do you even realize how long you were there?" ''Now that I think about it, how does the time flow between the worlds?'' The blonde briskly rushed to her, her blue eyes unbelievingly scanning her from her feet to her face. She leaped onto Tia, her arms spread for a hug. ''I don''t want to deal with it right now.'' She still hated the human touch after her past traumas, and she was already forced to endure getting petted by the red-eyed noble. She simply couldn''t deal with more of it. With a flick of Tia''s mind, the blonde froze mid-step, as if she had turned into a statue. "Please, no touching." Speaking calmly, she released her hold, allowing the blonde to awkwardly stumble forward before stopping. "Ehhm, sorry. I was just worried about having a corpse in my store." ''Do I still need to deal with her?'' The thought flitted through Tia''s mind; a fleeting shadow of just abandoning the annoying blonde menacingly shed on the edge of her mind. Her gaze, cold and distant, flickered with uncertainty before the embers of realization kindled, banishing the thought to the back of her mind. ''Even though Riveria is more advanced overall, itcks when ites to pure magic development and magic resources.'' Even the short moments in both worlds were enough for her to spot that neither could be dismissed as useless to her goals. The bnce of their unique offerings was not something she could afford to ignore. ''She still has her ce as my agent in this world.'' Tia spoke, breaking the silence. "Do you still want to learn magic?" "Yes!" Without hesitating for even a moment, the blonde squealed. "Then wait here. Once I return, you will have your chance to watch me at work." Tia stepped to the side, avoiding the blonde and striding straight for the exit, her long dress bouncing up and down and the shadow of her sunhat covering her face. However, at thest moment, she paused. "Oh, I almost forgot. Please get me some clothes fitting for a woman to hunt in. I will return in an hour, so have them ready by that time." ''I should get some information.'' Tia wasn''t local, and her knowledge of the surrounding area, its wildlife, and local types of monsters was limited. She giggled to herself, finding it amusing how she would once more cross paths with the same people she scammed before, ''Hehe, it looks like I will use the mercenary house once more.'' One hourter: POV ???: Laughter and the clinking of mugs filled a small private lounge. Four men in simple linen shirts and thick leather pants sat around a worn oak table, staring into their mugs full of ale. Suddenly, the door swung open. An elderly man dressed in a leather coat marched in, drawing everyone''s attention to him. Thomas, a tall man grizzled with scars, sitting behind the table, raised his gaze from his beer, immediately recognizing the man as their mercenary manager. "Evening,ds!" He greeted me with his usual gusto. He unfurled a notice from his pocket. "Thomas the Tank1 and your party, you''ve got ourselves another job!" Thomas peered at the slip, his eyes gliding through the lines with lightning speed. "Some rich bitch wants us as her guides and bodyguards while she goes on a hunt." The elderly man shook his head and said, "No, not a hunt, but a monster hunt." A man by Thomas''s side burst with visible irritation. "Are you insane? This job is bullshit. How are we supposed to hunt a monster while protecting some spoiledss?" "No, you are only to guide her; she is the one to hunt." Chapter 96: Monster Hunt, part 2/4 Chapter 96: Monster Hunt, part 2/4 Later the same day: Tall trees with thick branches dominated thendscape, their dense foliage creating a mosaic of green hues. Pockets of sunlight prated the canopy, illuminating the forest floor. A winding path, natural and untamed, stretched ahead. Tia, cloaked in a ck traveling dress, walked with a calm grace; the sporadic sunlight made the ornamental sword on her hip gleam, piercing the prevalent gloom. The four tall men in traveling coats stuffed with heavy, treated leather silently surrounded her like sentinels, their eyes meticulously scanning the surrounding woods, hands resting near their weapons. The forest''s silence was palpable, exacerbating Tia''s awareness of every sound. Each snap of a twig or rustle of leaves heightened her alertness. ''It is quiet; a predator must be nearby.'' The shadowy dance on the forest floor, spun by the movement of leaves above, heightened the eerie atmosphere. Every rustle of the leaves and crackle of twigs underfoot was a sinister ballet of sounds, echoing the forest''s ominous embrace. Out of this silence, a voice emerged, its masculine tones cutting through the quietude like a dagger. "Madam, maybe we should turn around. A lot of dark creatures were spotted in the forest recently." Tia''s gaze shifted subtly towards the mercenary leader. The vivid sky-blue of his coat seemed almost defiant amidst the forest''s muted tones. ''Wearing such a bright color to a battle is like asking for trouble,'' she mused inwardly. Despite his gantry, the choice of attire betrayed a hint of naivety. Tia''s response was a nonchnt shrug of the shoulders. Her steps continued, unwavering, the leaves whispering secrets beneath her shoes with each footfall. "You told me there are wyverns in the mountains, and I want one." The path they treaded inclined, and the underfoot became riddled with massive rocks veiled under a thickyer of decaying leaves. ''There is no way I will return with empty hands,'' Tia''s inner voice echoed with a resolute tenor. Each step forward seemed to amplify the istion of the forestevery rustle and crack beneath their boots was a reminder that they were heard, showing the positions to the predator. "Halt!" The abruptmand from the burly leader d in blue ricocheted through the eerie silence of the forest. His sword and shield were drawn, and the entire group froze, an orchestrated stillness echoing the sudden intrusion of alertness amidst the forest''s serene yet haunting atmosphere. Tia''s senses were razor-sharp; every rustle of the leaves and subdued sounds of the forest amplified in the echoing silence following the leader''smand. A swift movement, almost imperceptible, flickered at the periphery of her vision, high in the crowns of the trees. ''Something is definitely there.'' With her breath held, Tia''s eyes, piercing and discerning, sifted through the trees'' elongated shadows. "I think we have a crawler here." The leader''s voice, authoritative yetced with an unmistakable edge of caution, shattered the ominous silence. Every mercenary tensedtheir eyes, previously scanning meticulously, now darted with intensified vignce. Their leader with sword and shield, two mercenaries with spears, and atst, one with two crossbows fanned out, each covering a different angle and keeping Tia in their center. The silence was heavy, punctuated only by the distant rustle of the canopies. Tia''s mind raced. ''What are crawlers? Never hea...'' A sharp, piercing shriek cut through the silence, and the tree branches above them cracked. "Giggigi!" With a swift, shadowy movement, a grotesque creature plummeted from the dark embrace of the trees above, its coal-like eyes a haunting gleam of menace. Arrows whistled through the air, piercing and stabbing into the monster as the mercenary wielding crossbows fired. With rming swiftness, the twisted humanoid figure with arrows sticking out of it, its body unnaturally contorted, fell upon the blue-clothed mercenary leader, the creature''s impact against the heavy shield forcing the man to his knees. The creature, grotesque in its twisted form, bore grayish-pale skin stretched over a distorted skeletal frame resembling that of a human. A spray of blood painted the dry leaves beneath them as the monster swung its long, bony ws. Tia remained still, her eyes sharp and observant, taking in every detail of the unfolding confrontation. ''You are so ugly... I''ve never seen anything like this.'' The long, bony ws on its arms wed against the shield with loud scraping noises, trying to get to the human hiding beneath it. "Help! I am holding it!" The mercenary''spanions were quick to react. With agility belying their robust forms, they lunged forward, swords and spears aglow, aiming for the creature. But it was swift, retreating with a backward leap andnding on all fours, emitting another chilling "Giggigi" from its twisted, greyish human-like face. ''I should help them at least a bit. Preserving my energy would be useless if I let my guides to get injured.'' In this moment of temporary retreat, Tia acted. A deft flick of her wrist and a crashing shockwave surged through the air, lifting the twisted humanoid figure and sending it crashing into a tree. The creature''s shriek of agony was almost human, echoing the torturous distortion of its form. The tree, unable to withstand the force, cracked and fell. The mercenaries yelled and leaped to attack. "Attack!" "This is our chance!" Emboldened, the mercenaries charged. The ground quivered under their advance, and their glowing des cut through the eerie air, meeting the creature''s pale flesh. Dark, viscous blood oozed from the incisions. The monster spasmed onest time. Chapter 97: Monster Hunt, part 3/4 Chapter 97: Monster Hunt, part 3/4 ''Such an ugly thing.'' Tia''s inward disdain echoed the revulsion painted vividly across her elegant features. She paced leisurely around the mercenaries, still recovering from the unexpected assault. Each step brought her closer to the fallen monstrosity, a dance of curiosity and disgust intertwining within her. The creature''s contorted form, gray and sinister, with its limbs unnaturally elongated, elicited an involuntary flinch from Tia. Her gaze fixed on the creature''s wslong, bony appendages. ''Hmm, I should probably take them.'' With deftness belying the unfolding tension, Tia unsheathed her sword, its perfectly smooth de shining under the rays of sunlight leaking through the tree canopies. She moved her wrist, swinging the sword, its de severing the creature''s gray elongated fingers, and ck, oil-like blood sprayed the dried leaves beneath. ''They might be useful for something.'' The thought echoed in Tia''s mind as the severed appendages disappeared into the safety of her storage ring. Suddenly, the mercenary leader''s voice intruded upon Tia''s thoughts. "For Helene''s glowing ass, this wasn''t a crawler but a scratcher." He was already on his feet, chugging down a vial of healing potion. ''What is with those weird names...'' Tia''s response was a nonchnt wave as she resumed her ascent, the path ahead winding upwards between the trees and rocks. However, a yell stopped her in her tracks. "Madam, we''ve fulfilled our obligation. The contract was to escort you to the area with monsters of your specification, not to directly participate in the hunt." Tia''s lc gaze, piercing yetposed, met the leader''s, making the burly man flinch back with droplets of sweat forming on his face. "W-we''ll wait here for your return," he added, his voice slightly trembling. "The wyvernsyou''ll find them further up this trail." Tia shrugged her shoulders, feeling like it was the best option. ''I will not have to hide anything, and there will be no chance of some idiot carelessly contaminating my material.'' A mix of determination and anticipation sparked within her. In a heartbeat, she harnessed her telekinesisa current of energy humming through her veins. ''No need to continue this slowly.'' With a burst of speed, she turned into a blur, and the world around her melded into a dance of shadows and light. The wind rushed past her, its force tousling her chestnut hair and causing her skirt to flutter. She skillfully darted between the trees. The rustling leaves and howling wind were the only sounds apanying her rapid ascent through the silent forest. The density of the forest began to yield as Tia ascended, the intertwining branches and thick foliage giving way to a more ruggedndscape. Sharp, jagged boulders and rocks emerged from the ground, a stark contrast to the soft earth and leafy carpet of the forest floor below. "Graaah!" Suddenly, a deep growl shattered the prevailing silence of the woods, making the trees sway and leaves flutter. ''Could it be?'' Tia, propelled by instinct, halted abruptly. Her lc eyes, vivid against the contrasting green and gray surroundings, darted meticulously, scanning the woods. ''It came from up. It also sounds like a wyvern.'' Recognition flickered in Tia''s eyes; the distinctive shriek was unmistakable. Anticipationced with a touch of exhration ignited a smile that danced on her lips. She sprung up, using her telekinesis to propel herself up. Branches cracked and bent in her wake, yielding a path through which Tia pierced the forest canopy. An expansive sea of green treetops was stretching endlessly, interrupted only by the tall, gray cliffs to the north. Their towering forms cast imposing shadows, like icebergs in a sea. ''Here you are!'' A deeper smile etched itself onto Tia''s face as her gaze locked onto a flying reptile elegantly soaring above the forest. Its dark scales shimmered against the sunlight, and its vast wings, powerful and silent, stirred the air. ''Such a beautiful creature.'' She still found a second to enjoy the beauty of lifea creature that was a blend of evolution and magic. With practiced movement, The blue glowing gun appeared in her hand, and she aimed it at the monster. Runes, etched intricately around its muzzle and barrel, ignited in a bright glow as energy coursed through them. Chapter 98: Monster Hunt, part 4/4 Chapter 98: Monster Hunt, part 4/4 The forest''s silence was violently shattered as a burst of azure light pierced through the thick canopy of trees. An orb, luminous and intense, soared skyward, casting eerie silhouettes of branches and leaves in its wake. Within moments, the tranquil ambiance of the forest was engulfed in an explosion of sma, the reverberating boom echoing through the woods. "Graaaa!" A deafening roar emerged from the fiery aftermath, and the wyvern''s golden eyes, seething with a mix of fury and torment, fixed intently on Tia. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Objective --> Defeat the inferior magic creature Rewards --> 1 x esper point; +1 to WILL; +1 to ENE <<<<<<>>>>>> ''Wow, you really don''t like magic...'' She floated above the ravaged forest, observing the aftermath of her attack. ''Hmm, I expected more from such advanced weaponry.'' With its scales charred and cracked, the beast lunged downward, the wind howling in its wake. ''I need to get down!'' She had lost her opportunity for a one-hit kill and now was like a fish in a pond with a shark, floating open in the skythe natural territory of the wyvern. She darted downward to the forest below her, already feeling that the golden eyes drilling into her back were quickly approaching from above. ''Nenenenen!''1 Speeding up even further, Tia smashed through the branches and leaves, ignoring the pain as shended on the forest soil in a roll to soften hernding. Not wasting even a moment, she leaped backward; her eyes and ears sprang in tension. The wyvern, its reptilian eyes alight with an amalgamation of rage and pain,nded on the spot she stood just a split moment earlier with a ferocity that sent tremors through the forest, its impact yielding clouds of dust and rain of splinters from the destroyed timber. "Graaah!" Trees shook and the ground trembled as the beast growled, its bulky yet slender, car-sized torso dwarfing the girl, covered in dust and dried leaves. ''I need to get some space.'' Tia, her senses acute and reflexes honed, moved with the elegance and precision of a seasoned toreador as she lunged backward, propelled by her telekinesis, retreating from the beast. The guns appeared floating behind her, like wings of metal and stic, their pulsing blue glow looking like stars in the shadows of the trees. ''Let''s see how your durabilitypares to drones.'' On her mentalmand, a barrage of blue bolts erupted, each turning into a blinding streak that cut through the air, bathing the dark woods in blue light. A swath of destruction was carved through the once-serene woods. The trees copsed and burst into mes under the hail of sma sting toward the beast. The silence was reced by the crackling of mes and the tumultuous echoes of splintering wood. The clouds of dust and rain of splinters from the destroyed timber filled the air and obscured her vision. ''Is it d...'' She couldn''t even finish her thought, and the wyvern erupted from the cloud of debris, charred scales falling from its body, and red blood sizzling and hissing from the injuries. The winged beast used its wings like an additional pair of legs, generating a fearsome speed that turned its massive body into a speeding battering ram. The trees bent and fell, the wyvern crashing through them, the pair of rageful eyes quickly approaching Tia. Like a toreador, Tia drifted to the side, the world turning into a green blur with her sheer speed. The wyvern zoomed past her like an angry bull, and its long ws aiming for her missed, sending gushes of wind that sent her hair into a chaotic mess, cutting down a tree next to her like a twig. ''Shit!'' Before she could recover, her eyes went wide in fear and terror as the ded tail quickly approached, its sharp spikes approaching with such speed that the air was cracking and rupturing as if the tail had turned into a whip. The world slowed down, with Tia''s focus and attention reaching their peaks. ''Reach is too wide, and it''s too fast.'' Calcting the directions and angles in a split second, a wave of kic force smacked Tia down, sending her hurling to the ground, the tail slicing through the air above her like a giant scythe. ''Fire!'' The blue lights shed and pulsed once more as the floating guns in the sky fired, dozens of burning bolts sting the wyvern just as it spun, ready to pounce at the still-rolling girl. The bangs and shes of light reverberated through the forest, submerging the beast in clouds of dust. The waves of heat washed over Tia, bringing adrenaline and excitement together with them. ''Are you finally done?'' With a wave of Tia''s hand, a shockwave sted toward the dust clouds, making the trees creak and crack. The dust, stirred by the crashing shockwave, dispersed, unveiling the scene of destruction. Charred trees stood as ckened and scorched silhouettes. The ground was pockmarked with craters left by the sma bolts, and the burned soil was dark and smoking. ''Finally, you are done.'' Tia breathed out in relief, seeing the beast lying on the ground, more than half of its entire body seared and burned, smoke rising out of it. --> Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> Mission cleared: Objective --> Defeat the inferior magic creature Rewards --> 1 x esper point; +1 to WILL; +1 to ENE <<<<<<>>>>>> ''I will take heart, horns, ws, and some blood.'' With a grin, she stood up from the dust, patting down her clothes. Her eyes glowed with greed and dopaminebefore her was no longer a beast but a pile of materials. Chapter 99: Improved Crafting Process Chapter 99: Improved Crafting Process The next day, back in the clothing store: Heavy rain drummed on the roof, and the wind howled in the chimneys. In the cramped, dark basement, the two girls crouched over a bloodied circle drawn on the floor. In the darkness, tiny gemstonessome devoid of color, others an intense orangecast an eerie glow, illuminating the girls'' tense expressions. ''It should be ready.'' It was only a day since Tia returned from her hunt and now the first ritual was ready. Suspended on slender rods of brass, a series of lenses and crystals hovered above the circle. Each one was strategically positioned, their collective directions converging on the center, where a brass te with a crystal bowl suspended above it and various lenses separating them stood. "So you want to learn magic?" The voice of the taller girl in the ck dress cut through the eerie silence, each word echoing in the cramped space. "Y-yes..." The stammered response of the blonde girl betrayed her apprehension. She was visibly gagging and paling at the irony smell of blood. The taller woman nodded, a smile ying on her face. "You can fuel enchantments with your own mana when using them, or you can alternatively create catalysts to power them." Tia''s hand moved with grace, depositing an orange elemental crystal shard onto the brass te. A sttering sound followed as a lump of flesh appeared in the bowl above it. Atst, she poured a vial of thick, red, slightly glowing liquid into the bowl. The blonde immediately stepped back, her face losing all color. The blonde retreated, the unnerving disy evoking a mix of awe and terror. Tia, unshaken, leaned over the disy. "Don''t worry, it''s not human. Wyvern blood and livers." With calcted precision, Tia unleashed a pulse of magical energy. It descended upon the elemental stones before her, inciting a violent dance of colorful sparks. The gemstones melted into cascading gaseous streams of mana, each stream channeled through the lenses and converging into the bowl. "Watch closely; now I will refine and filter the raw mana from elemental stones, blood, and livers. Then I will condense it into a focused magic catalyst that can be used to power magic tools." The livers shone and glowed while the blood spiraled in a violent vortex of light. Tia closed her eyes in concentration, directing the mana down through the lenses onto the crystal on the te. As the refined mana traversed the lenses, a metamorphosis urred. Vivid hues of orange intensified, while other colorsgreen, red, blue, brown, and ckdissipated into the ominous ambiance of the basement. "These lenses are here to guide mana and to filter it based on its elemental affinity," Tia remarked while keeping her focus, and her thin smile gradually transformed into a wide grin. ''Such a change...'' She reminisced about how she was not so long ago forced to use her own body to replicate the process, as shecked even the most basic tools. ''Sadly, gold isn''t enough to buy anything better.'' Even with her contacts with the local gang, she was still a nobody in a small town, and members of the magicmunity were always secretive, keeping their secrets and tools to themselves. Under the two pairs of eyes, the filtered mana from the melting livers and boiling blood gradually enveloped the gem seed on the te, condensing around it. ''I need more pressure.'' Tia''s brow furrowed as she focused even more, her arm trembling. With all her might, she pushed the flowing mana, condensing it into a single spot. The basement quaked and the air heated up while her hair wildly danced around like in zero gravity. The panicked blonde retreated all the way to the corner, but Tia had no time to pay her any attention, her mind fully upied with the task of pressing the mana. Atst, thest mana gem melted, and a bright light shed. Tia poured her own mana into the mix, pressing it all together. The mana turned thicker, turning into a liquid and slowly crystallizing. She lowered her still-trembling arm, silence, and darkness falling upon the roomthe only light source being the tiny orange pulsing pearl on the te. "Semi-crystallized focus catalyst, not bad," Tia whispered, her voice a mixture of exhaustion and triumph. The pea-sized pearl, seemingly liquid beneath its hardened exterior, brightly shone, containing refined magic power. Ding! // Assessment: Name: Unnamed Type: Semi-crystalised liquified mana Primary affinities: Fire, Null, Power Quality: Average Tier: III // [Apprentice Artificing (45%)] -> [Apprentice Artificing (55%)] ''Good start; this should fit my new ring.'' Tia sighed heavily, knowing her job had only started. ''I need three more of those small ones and then one big from the heart.'' Chapter 100: Power and Authority Chapter 100: Power and Authority Two hourster: Firmly grasping the glowing, ssy pearls, Tia could feel the tiredness sweep through her entire bodyher energy fully drained after the lengthy crafting session, even with the potions coursing in her bloodstream. ''This should be enough for all my tools...'' She staggered down the dimly lit corridor, her body heavy, and every step a struggle. "Do you need help?" The blonde''s voice wasced with concern, her eyes studying Tia''s weakened state. Tia''s reply was a mix of a growl and a whisper, her remaining energy focused on movement. "No, I just need to..." Every step towards the dust room was a race against the clock. Tia was all too aware of the impending return to her world. Thest thing she wanted was to copse on the floor with her soul returning to her own body, breaking the unshakable image of power and authority the blonde had of her. She also wanted to avoid startling the annoying yet pitiful minion of hers. "So, you are going to meditate again?" "Yes," Tia muttered, pushing through the doors into the dusty room she used as storage for her vessel. The conversation, though brief, was a drain on her dwindling reserves. She fell onto the bed, the dust motes rising in silent protest before settling back down. The orbs'' glow cast an otherworldly illumination in the room, highlighting Tia''s pale features as her eyes fluttered closed. Beep! <<<<<>>>> Anomaly correction has reached: 100% <<<<<>>>> The sensation of floating in nothingness fully enveloped her. Tia''s eyes fluttered open, the familiar ck granite ceiling stretching expansively above her. The ornate crystal chandelier swayed gently, casting reflections that danced across the room. ''So, I am back,'' a heavy sigh escaped her, carrying the weight of anxiety and the stifling pressure of the golden cage. Feeling exhausted, she closed her eyes once more, allowing the darkness to fully submerge her consciousness. POV Red: In the spacious and dark office with its walls built of polished ck marble, the dark-haired woman raised her gaze from her ck granite table polished like a mirror. ''She did it again.'' Ambient light trembled, conceding to the overpowering radiance emanating from her eyes, which, like two red stars, ignited into a red glow. ''Maybe she can be more than just a pet; she might be the key to interdimensional travel.'' Elyra was tired of the empire and living in the emperor''s shadow. She wanted to rule, but just the thought of facing the old man in battle made her shudder. ''Find a reality that is just a few centuries behind, and my fleet would crush them. What a nice pet, useful and pleasant to pet.'' She sighed, wishing that her pet would be at least a bit more cuddly. Her consciousness, unbounded by physical limitations, spread throughout every corner of the ship. She could feel each vibration of the space fabric and every pulse of energy. As quickly as the disturbance started, it ceased. The reality around the ship settled, and the woman''s red eyes dimmed to their usual dim red hue. A smile, however, lingered on her lips. ''A few more times, and I should be able to replicate it.'' Elyra was sure of it, her confidence as the strongest Spatiokinesis user in the empire burning within her. Still, she shook her head, ''No time to dream... at least with those things crawling between us.'' The next morning: POV Tia: Tia hummed a tune, a stark contrast to the cold metallic surroundings as the elevator descended to the ship''s lower levels. She inspected her ck coat, adorned with silver decorations, ensuring it was perfectly ironed, and presented her in the best light. A loud ''ding'' announced the elevator''s halt. The doors parted, revealing a well-lit room where raw, unadorned ck metal walls ruled, absent of the imperial elegance found elsewhere on the ship. ''It looks like even the Empire has enough senses not to splurge too much everywhere.'' The constant hum of heavy machinery filled the air. Tia''s gaze settled on a worker engrossed in a glowing disy. "Hey, Bob, can I use the workshop?" Tia called out, and the man looked up, his face a mix of recognition and apprehension. "Y-You''re a knight... I mean, of course, madam. Everything here is yours to use." Tia chuckled inwardly. ''Did I guess correctly? Well, there''s always a Bob in ces like this.'' She waved him away, and he retreated quickly, leaving her alone amongst the machines. Tia looked around herself, the various machinery making her eyes glint. It was all she needed and all she desired. Industrial-grade molecr transformers and 3D printers with all limiters removed as they were for the imperial navy. ''I am an imperial knight... no, a personal knight of a high noble, no one will mind if I appropriate one of the maintenance workshops for myself.'' With her new status as a knight, even if just for show, Tia was someone of rank high enough to scare the regr grunts. She wasn''t one to shy away from exploiting this advantage. ''With these, it should be no problem to process even exotics and magic metals.'' (AN: Sorry for not posting a chapter yesterday, but I believe I will not be able to post chapter wednesdays...that day is simply too brutal. I have ten hours of lectures andbs on that day, and when I get on my room, I am almost dead from exhaustion and still have to study for the next day.) Chapter 101: Defense and Offense Chapter 101: Defense and Offense Tia''s eyes shone brightly as energy poured through her body to her slender fingers, etching and morphing new symbols into the shiny silver ring with the single pearl embedded into its frame. ''Infuse linked with solidify and empowered deflect.'' The final runes red up to life, the magic energy spreading through the exotic alloy mixed with the wyvern blood as the orange pearl charged up the enchantment. ''Your name is the ring of defense.'' Ding! // Name: Ring of Defense Type: Self-fueled Enchanted Ring Difficulty: With your current tools and power? A routine work. | [+3 points] Creation Speed: You took a nap while crafting it... | [+0 points] Mana control improvement factor: x 0.95 general, x 0.96 fire | [+10 points] Spell-magnification factor: x 1.25 general, x 1.50 fire, x 1.10 blood | [+10 points] Special features: Solidify Imbuement E | [+10 points] Empowered Deflect Imbuement E+ | [+15 points] Bonus: You have in the beast by yourself and avoided foreign mana contamination: +15% to the power of all enchants and effects. [+15 points] Calcting total points, please wait... // ''Not bad.'' Tia smiled while waiting for the final result of her creationthe ring she named the ring of defense, allowing her to turn her telekic powers into solid deflecting barriers in the blink of an eye without the need to cast any spells. Ding! // Total points: 63 Your reward: +1 WP; +2 MAG Skill progress: [Apprentice Artificing] 98% -> [Journeyman Artificing] 4% // A huge grin formed on the face of the young girl, her body shaking with anticipation. Ding! // You have advanced your craft through sheer dedication, hard work, and love of your magic arts. Additional knowledge and experience will be uploaded to the host. +3 to INT; +1 to all physical stats; +5 to MAG; +2 to ENE // A sharp, piercing pain stabbed through Tia''s mind, searing every nerve with an intensity that brought her to her knees and turned her grin into a painful grimace. It felt as if a swarm of ravenous ants had been unleashed within her skull, each bite unleashing waves of excruciating agony. Knowledge and experiences, both old and new, flooded her consciousness with an unyielding force. It was an inundation of information and a storm of techniques that threatened to drown her. As quickly as the pain surged, it receded, leaving in its wake a burning anger that ignited her from within. She stomped her feet, the power within her sending kic waves that made the entire room rattle. Instruments trembled, and the bright lights flickered under the tempest of her fury. ''This is a scam.'' The system had not bestowed new knowledge but merely unveiled what was already hersmemories and skills from her past life. A sudden beep cut through her tumultuous emotions. A message shed before her eyes. Beep! <<<<>>>> You have been rewarded with 1 EP for recognizing the malfunctioning scam software. <<<<>>>> Tia stood amidst the stillness, the echo of the beep resounding in the silence of the room. The anger retreated, with a calm, cold rationality taking its ce. ''N-no, there is no need to get angry. I should be happy with what you gave me and that I got a second chance...'' She steadied her breath and the storm within quelled. She even felt petty for her outburst. The knowledge, though not new, had unveiled paths she had lost and, with it, an arsenal of potential and power. ''Runic enchanting is only the base... I can apply more forms on top of it. I can potentially add a smaller power source...'' She quickly stopped her mind from going astray, knowing she hadn''t even finished the runic enchantments andcked materials for anything more. ''Alright, witch system, teach me the Pierce rune.'' Ding! // You have spent 2 WP to master the novice-tier rune: Pierce [Novice Runic Spellcraft] 60% -> 65% // Not taking any breaks, she grabbed the second unenchanted ring and poured her mana into it. ''Infuse linked with sharp, pierce, and solidify.'' She could feel how malleable it was with nothing hindering her mana flowing through it, greatly increasing the uracy of the runes. ''The hunt was worth it.'' Tia mused to herself as the four new runes red to live around the second ring. ''Your name will be the ring of defense.'' Ding! // Name: Ring of Offense Type: Self-fueled Enchanted Ring Difficulty: With your current tools and power? A routine work. | [+5 points] Creation Speed: Work faster! | [+0 points] Mana control improvement factor: x 0.94 general, x 0.97 fire | [+10 points] Spell-magnification factor: x 1.26 general, x 1.50 fire, x 1.10 blood | [+10 points] Special features: Solidify Imbuement E | [+10 points] Sharp Imbuement E | [+10 points] Pierce Imbuement E | [+10 points] Bonus: You have in the beast by yourself and avoided foreign mana contamination: +15% to the power of all enchants and effects. [+15 points] Calcting total points, please wait... // Ding! // Total points: 65 Your reward: +1 WP; +2 ENE Skill progress: [Journeyman Artificing] 4% -> [Journeyman Artificing] 8% // ''With you two, I have the ability to instantly summon my offensive and defensive spells.'' Seeing her twotest creations, the two simple silvery rings with small round gemstones embedded within them, side by side, she couldn''t help but feel pride and joy swell within her. ''Even though destruction has something to it, creation is still more satisfying.'' She picked them up, feeling their weight and the cool touch of the metal against her skin, contrasting with the warmth of magic and fire elements contained in them. The third ring and a in silver mask with a gem embedded into the foreheadstill unfinished and undecoratedremained resting on the table. Yet Tia shook her head, her lengthy hair flowing in a wave. Even though she wanted to just splurge her witch points, she suppressed the desire: ''It is one thing to pay for one simple rune than to pay for at least four not-so-simple ones.'' Her n for the empty frames had to wait. Her gaze moved to her own hand as she studied the glove, perplexed yet fascinated. Under the bright workshop lights, it''s ck scales and dark metal gleamed. It was sleek and light, the metal covering only her palm, the back of her hand, and her fingertips. Hardened leather straps connected the dark metal pieces, ensuring flexibility and the freedom to wear ringsfortably. Arge, radiant gemstone was embedded into the te that was protecting the back of her hand; its brightness a stark contrast to the glove''s dark elements. Golden ornaments adorned the dark backdrop of the glove, adding a touch of elegance without serving any functional purpose. Despite theirck of utility, she admired their aesthetic contribution. ''Phhh, this is prospestrous. To think that I could so easily create such a masterful design with modern software and machinery.'' She still couldn''t help but marvel at the creation of science and precise engineering. She held her hand up, the light catching the intricate designs, and wondered aloud, "What to do with you?" The glove was a piece of art and an empty frame, just waiting to be enchanted. Chapter 102: The Glove Chapter 102: The Glove While the two rings were narrowly specialized tools, she had different ns for her glove. ''Empower linked with Enchant linked with focus, empower linked with control, and empower linked with strength.'' (Empower -> Enchant) -> (Focus, (Empower -> Control), (Empower -> Speed, Strength)) (AN: Here, I will probably start using this new code-like notation for runes as the old way is bing too confusing with moreplicated enchants like this.) Theforting warmth of the energy flowing through her palm tingled her fingers. The six runes formed and lit up on the dark metal of her glove. Yet she didn''t stop as eight, ninth runes etched in a fiery orange glow: ''Empower linked with heat.'' Beads of sweat poured down her fair skin while her legs trembled, each rune requiring more and more focus as their energies disrupted the process of etching more. Atst, the color returned to her face as she sighed out of pure reliefthest line of the final rune simply pulsing in sync with the orange gemstone. ''Good that I left you to be thest one.'' She felt that without her recent skill advancement and the precision of experience that came with it, she wouldn''t be able to etch thest rune. She felt like she could manage even the tenth rune, but from the flicker of the gemstone, she could see the energy of it was barely enough for nine. ''You are my primary casting tool. You will serve as the recement and addition to my wand. I will call you simply Glove.'' She thought while dreamily observing her creation. Ding! // Name: Glove Type: Semi-crystalised Focus Integrated-Core Casting Glove Difficulty: Nice, you have managed to etch nine runes into a single tool. | [+10 points] Creation Speed: Well...| [+0 points] Mana control improvement factor: x 1.20 general, x 1.15 fire | [+20 points] Spell-magnification factor: x 1.70 general, x 2.2 fire, x 1.15 blood | [+25 points] Special features: Fire Affinity D | [+20 points] Null Affinity E | [+10 points] Blood Affinity G | [+2 points] Bonus: You have in the beast by yourself and avoided foreign mana contamination: +15% to the power of all enchants and effects. [+15 points] Calcting total points, please wait... // Seeing the result, Tia silently whistled. The magnification factor reached a new level of height while also improving control, bringing a smile back to her face. ''Yup, my old wand was a piece of garbage.'' Ding! // Total points: 87 Your reward: +2 WP; +2 MAG; +1 to ENE Skill progress: [Journeyman Artificing] 8% -> [Journeyman Artificing] 15% // Ding! // Do you wish to submit your creation for evaluation for the special mission? // Tia wasn''t satisfied. ''No, I am not finished.'' The creations, as intricate and powerful as they were individually, were meant to be part of a set. But toplete the set, she needed more runes. Tia flexed her gloved fingers, closing and opening her fist. The exotic alloy was light, and the magic leather was flexible. ''The fit is good.'' Energy pulsed through her as she channeled it into the gauntlet, and bright, almost white mes, enchanted and empowered by the runes etched into the glove, erupted from her open palm. The heat and brightness were intense, and the temperature of the mes exceeded her previous limit by arge margin. "The final test," Tia muttered. She seized the energy current exiting the glove, directing it into her offensive ring. A surge of white mes, brighter and hotter, burst forth, reflecting the amplified power resulting from thebination of the gauntlet and ring. A satisfied grin spread across her face. ''There is no conflict.'' The artifacts were in harmonyboth infused with her mana, carrying the essence of the same wyvern and neutral mana from the stonesmaking the chained effects possible, an achievement that would have been unattainable with mismatched magical tools. Tia''s heartbeat resonated in the silence of the room, each pulse echoing the sudden intrusion of an unexpected presence. The mes, dancing and untethered a moment ago, dissipated instantly at the sound of the familiar voice. "This is quite an interesting thing." Tia''s breath hitched. The light, rhythmic tap of steps against the metal floor of the workshop was as familiar as it was unsettling. She cursed the timing silently. ''Why do people always appear at such a bad time?'' Theint lingered unspoken as she turned, her eyes meeting the intense red gaze of the ck-haired noble. The noblewoman''s gaze was fixated on the glove. "You know, countries would be willing to wage wars for you if they saw what I just saw," she remarked, and a smile graced her features. The red in her eyes intensified. "You have only the power of a very strong G rank, but the power you just summoned with your little toy already belongs to F rank." Chapter 103: Outstretched Hand [Bonus] Chapter 103: Outstretched Hand [Bonus] The atmosphere was dense with unuttered words as Tia and Red stood facing each other in utter silence. Red''s outstretched hand hovered in the space between them. Tia''s heart raced, every beat echoing the crescendo of fear that surged within her. The realization of her miscalction crashed over her. Eagerness for power had blinded her, causing caution and discretion to be cast aside. ''What will she do now?'' Uncertainty and dread coiled within Tia. She had underestimated the significance of her witchcraft, and the silence amplifying Red''s imposing presence made her shudder. "You can break the bnce and current order of the gxy, Tia." Red''s voice cut the silence like a knife. In the stark, ordered world of technology, Tia''s witchcraft stood as an unbridled, chaotic force capable of disrupting the order and current powers. Tia''s breath came in shallow, quickened pulses as Red''s prating gaze bore into her, the seriousness and the fact that Red called her by her name reinforcing her fear and dread. "You are weak, and the boost to your power made a small difference on the grand scale, but to an Esper already able to tears with their power, it would turn them into a monster." Tia''s original n shattered like a thin ss pane. The dream of independence and a life sustained by selling her crafted goods turned into nothing but impossible. ''If my enchantments are so dangerous, no precautions would be enough to hide me. Someone would hunt me down.'' Red leaned in closer, and the red lights in Red''s eyes danced chaotically. Her warm breath, a stark contrast to the cold realization settling within Tia, grazed her face and sent shudders down her spine. "Let''s build our empire. Let''s shatter the current order together. I can see the hunger within you. Something big will happen soon, so let''s use it for our gain." Tia''s gaze fixed on Red''s outstretched arm, now understanding the meaning behind the gesture. It was an invitation to join her. The turmoil of emotions surged within Tia. Irritation at the apparent maniption shed with relief, an acknowledgment of the opportunity before her. ''Can I even refuse it? Would she force me to work for her against my will? I am already here, trapped within her grasp as her pet.'' A fleeting thought of escape, of finding an alliance elsewhere, ran across Tia''s mind but vanished as swiftly as it came. The known, as oppressive as it was, outweighed the chilling uncertainties of the unknown. ''At least I know her a bit. Who knows what other powers would try to do?'' Tia''s hand, quivering yet determined, reached out and sped Red''s. ''It''s warm...'' The bit of warmth brought a sense of relief. Red''s stoic mask of nobility melted away, reced by a broad, triumphant, yet gentle grin. Her other hand reached out, gently patting Tia''s head. "Good girl, we will aplish a lot of great things. You truly are a great pet." If it weren''t for the betrayal in her previous life, she would even be happy with the deal. However, the Red''s offer sent a shiver down her spine as she felt like she was spiraling down the same route that cost her her life before. ''I can''t drop my guard...'' Tia looked up into the red eyes, feeling like something was different than before. She couldn''t match the image of the maniptive woman with Red. ''She doesn''t act like someone who is manipting me. She openly messes with me and degrades me into a pet.'' She remembered the false sweetness with which the traitor showered her, drowning out all of hermon sense. ''Is there even a need for her to trick me when she holds all the power and could just force me to do anything she wants?'' In her past, betrayal came from an equal, another rising star. Red was already a force that held all the cards, not someone who needed to lower herself to trickery. ''If she is honest, this could be the partnership I need.'' Still, Tia clenched her free hand into a fist, refusing to fall for the same trap as before. Chapter 104: God Particles Chapter 104: God Particles The inky darkness of the corridor was interrupted sporadically by the gleaming marble underfoot, which reflected the white lighting of the LED panels in the ceiling. The red-eyed woman and Tia, d in ck, made their way through the marble corridor. Their footsteps echoed in the silence, a rhythmic pattern that underscored Tia''s tension. ''Where is she taking me?'' The entire corridor was empty without even a single human in her sight, yet it was wide and spacious, taking up precious space on the spaceship. ''They wouldn''t make it sorge if it wasn''t important...'' Tia''s thoughts were interrupted as Red abruptly paused. "Here is vault number twelve." She waved her hand, and the air shivered, the image changing as the projection vanished and revealed dark-metal vault doors. ''A hidden room?!'' The dark metal seemingly rippled like the surface of the water under the faint glowing aura of forcefields, casting an otherworldly glow that illuminated the stark, stoic features of the red-eyed woman. "I must warn you. Do not speak about what is inside. Even I wouldn''t be able to protect you if you bbed." Tia gulped down, her eyes nervously darting over the imposing doors, the desire to know what was behind them bubbling within her. With an air of authority, the red-eyed woman approached the vault. The forcefields, recognizing her presence, and the massive doors retreated smoothly and silently, their movement fluid, revealing the room of darkness behind them. The red-eyed woman strode in, her coat and skirt swaying behind her. Tia, following closely, found her breath stolen by the spectacle before her eyes. The interior of the vault was an opulent visual symphony of darkness. ck metal, rich and lustrous, d the entirety of the room, imbuing it with an ominous elegance. A massive ss tube, a cylinder of crystalline rity, dominated the room''s center, encasing a fluid of unfathomable darknessa liquid so ck, it seemed to devour all the light yet radiate an ethereal glow at the same time. ''What in...'' Tia''s thoughts falteredthe voice interrupting them. "Behold, the tenebrous Eldritch God particlesone of the reasons behind superhumans!" Red''s voice echoed, a storm of reverberation that filled every corner of the silent hallway and the vault. Her arms spread wide as the darkness, pulsating within the ss container, throbbed with life, reacting to her. "But why the secrecy?" Tia''s voice was barely above a whisper. Red''sughter, a sinister symphony of menace and revtion, echoed ominously. "Ah, my dear Tia. A touch of this darkness or its counterparts, when met with apatible host, births people with theoretically infinite potentialsuperhumans. Governments, rulers, empiresthey hoard those particles and want to control them." Tia''s heartbeat thundered in her ears. ''People would murder and revolt just to get it...'' Red continued, "We are artificially reducing the number of people born with powers. Instead, we produce our own superhumans that are loyal to us. What do you think would happen if the number of superhumans was allowed to get out of control?" "Anarchy and chaos..." Tia muttered silently. She already saw a world like that, a world filled with monsters where the entire civilization stopped developing, relying only on personal mighther old world. Red snapped her fingers, and a single ke of darkness enveloped in a red bubble appeared within her open palm, Tia''s eyes lingering on it. "Its absorption is also needed for superhumans to grow stronger, so by keeping most of it locked away, we are slowing down their growth." ''No wonder they hid this fact. By collecting it and keeping it for themselves, they hamper the growth of unaffiliated superhumans while they grow stronger.'' The entire thing sounded to Tia like one of the insane conspiracies she heard from her fellow patients, yet it was reality. "Why didn''t you absorb it all?" Having the opportunity to peek into the secret information, Tia decided to use it and extract as much as she could. "There is a limit to your speed of ingestion and absorption without any side symptoms." Without any warning, Red flicked her wrist, and before Tia could blink, the darkness shot toward her. Chapter 105: A New Competition Chapter 105: A New Competition Tia barely had time to gasp before the particle of darkness, ensconced in a bubble of red energy, made contact with her skin. A torrent of cold, electric energy surged through her body, rendering her motionless. The red bubble dispersed, and the darkness sank into her as if absorbed by her very soul. Ding! // Compatible power source detected! // Beep! <<<<<<<>>>>>> Absorbingpatible energy <<<<<<<>>>>>> Tia''s eyes widened, the torrent of pain surging through her, its searing touch igniting every nerve and every cell. "Ahhh!" Her scream reverberated through the vault. Power, unbridled and merciless, raged within her. Tia''s legs buckled, her strength yielding to the onught of energy, the hard metal floor quickly approaching. However, at thest moment, warmth enveloped her, the pair of red eyes staring into her own. Red-Eye was holding her, stopping her from copsing. "The first time is always the worst." The gentle voice resonated in her ears, piercing through theyers of pain. Tia''s vision quickly darkened. POV ???: In the depths of darkness, a figure in a ck officer uniform knelt, barely visible and blending with the shadows. His face was concealed by the darkness that was only broken by the small device resting in his hand. It cast a bright blue light that yed along the fine details of his uniform, illuminating the polished silver buttons and intricate designs woven into the fabric. "Casmodeus 15 is here," he announced, his voice cutting through the silence with cold, crisp rity. The device vibrated gently, and a mechanical voice respondeddistorted but clear: "Prepare to strike. From our intel, Subject-3 will leave to inspect her territories soon. That will be your chance." The blue light from the device''s screen dissipated, submerging everything back into silence and darkness. In the absolute ck, the officer''s eyes gleamed with a transient golden light. ''I can''t fail.'' He stood up, only his mission upying his mind, as everything else wasn''t important. POV Tia: Tia opened her eyes, not even a trace of the pain remaining. Instead, she could feel the gentle warmness of the new power coursing through her veins. Shey in stillness for a moment, her gaze fixed on the familiar ceiling of Red''s room, while the luxuriousfort of therge bed cradled her. ''Witch system, tell me what happened.'' She chose her words with precision, directing her inquiry to the specific system. Having grown ustomed to the bickering voices that often responded to her summons, she aimed to quell the usual discord before it couldmence. Ding! // You have absorbed external ?!# source: +5 to INT +3 to all body stats +25 to MAG +30 to ENE +25 to the useless stat // Tia''s mind, though buried in contemtion, got jolted by an unanticipated realization. ''I guess that useless stat should be WIL.'' Turning to her left in an attempt to findfort and escape from her string of thoughts, her heart leaped into her throat. A figure, intimately near, emerged from the darkness. Red, with her dark cascading locks syed like silky tendrils over the pillow,y peacefully right by her side, her silent breathing resonating in the night''s silence. ''No way...'' A wave of heat, akin to a sudden re, surged through Tia. The proximity and the unintended intimacy of sharing the bed with Red were embarrassing and unsettling, making her slightly squirm. ''She wasn''t joking when she said this room was her''s...'' Looking at the pale, sleeping face, she couldn''t help but meekly smile. ''She looks so calm and peaceful while sleeping.'' There wasn''t even a trace left of the arrogant and terrifying noble she knew. Tia nervously turned away from Red, her thoughts running around as she tried not to think about the second presence in the bed. A silent chuckle escaped her lips, her thoughts now straying in an attempt to distract her from the source of her embarrassment. ''Hehe, systems, maybe you should step up your game as I have another sponsor now!'' Ding! // You have be a G-rank superhuman. Please choose evolution for your vessel: 1. Natural Witch: Some people are born to be witches. [Mana Core]: A tiny organ capable of storing extra energy equivalent to 25% of total energy while allowing the user to store up to five magic runes linked to a spell into it for instant casting. [Magic Intuition]: Increases effects of MAG stat by 10% while improving the ability of the user toprehend and learn new runes and magic principles. 2. Alchemical Human: How many generations of potion addicts does it take for a human to adapt? [Potion-Resistant Liver]: Increases the amount of potions the user can consume before overdosing by 50% [Potion-Absorbing Cells]: Improves the positive effects of potions on the user by 25%. [Potioneer''s Insticts]: Allows the user to instinctively feel the mana signatures emitted by potions to identify them and how to improve them. // Beep! <<<<>>>> <3. > Enlightened Human -> -> Increases the effect of INT and WIL by 20%. Gives an extra resistance against mind attacks that scales with WIL and INT stats. -> Ability to read people''s minds or influence thoughts of weak-willed individuals. <<<<>>>> <4. > Meta Human -> -> Energy can be used to rapidly heal injuries. -> Increases effects of STR, AGI, END, and VIT by 50% -> Increases the effect of ENE by 15% <<<<>>>> ''Wait! You really did!'' Chapter 106: The Double-Choice Chapter 106: The Double-Choice ''Systems, can I choose one from each of you or only one together?'' Tia''s inner voice wavered, echoing in the silent abyss of her mind. Ding! // You can choose one of the two given options. // Beep! <<<<<>>>>> Please choose one of the two options. <<<<<>>>>> A smile blossomed on Tia''s face as the radiant expression of tion graced her, her eyes staring at the dark ceiling, shing with the joy of opportunity. ''So, I see! I triggered this evolution at the same time for both systems.'' Just a single nce at all four options made her sigh at the difficulty of the uing decision. Each option was a gem in its own right, holding a unique allure. Her thoughts lingered on the two witchy, magic-oriented options. Tia grappled with her thoughts in the silent darkness. ''A magic core means more energy, but potions can provide that too. And my esper system already boosts my energy.'' The options floating before her eyes each held their own unique appeal, yet none seemed like a clear choice. Rubbing her left temple, Tia tried to sift through her thoughts methodically. The instant-cast spell was tempting, but an extra ring could offer the same effect. Her gaze shifted, and the alchemical optionits versatility and the range of possibilities it offeredstarted to lure her more and more. ''Learning spells faster with magicprehension is good, but not essential. Gaining power is a marathon, not a sprint,'' she reasoned, the practicality of her choice bing clearer. Yet doubt lingered, and her eyes, reflecting the dark ceiling above, betrayed her hesitance. The risk of relying too heavily on external objects and the potential to lose them was a vulnerability. But as quickly as the doubt surfaced, she dismissed it. ''No, the alchemical option is the better choice. Being able to consume more potions and amplify their effects can''t be ignored. The sheer versatility and potential for future growth with stronger and more varied potions are too great.'' Tia recalled the numerous times her potions had been instrumentalreplenishing energy, healing wounds, and alleviating pain. They were crucial in every battle, making her fighting style as aggressive as they could keep her fighting. ''The more potions I master, the more potent this ability bes. And if I ever lose them, I''d likely be in a situation where no ability could save me anyway,'' she concluded. Tia''s decision, once seemingly concrete, wavered as her gaze settled upon the remaining options presented by the esper system. Her head almost spun as she tried to think about all the possible synergies. The meta and magic core options, whenbined, promised a vast reservoir of energy that could also be harnessed for healing. ''At the same time, the alchemy one would have the same effect, as my mixture of energy and healing potions bes even more potent.'' She raised her head in affirmationthe alchemy option was the most versatile one. ''I can rely on it for energy and healing, and with more advanced potions, I can also empower my body.'' Then, a swift realization struck her like a lightning bolt, making her slump back onto her pillow. ''The increase in my vitality and endurance from the meta option would indirectly boost my potion tolerance.'' Her head and thoughts spun in a chaotic vortex as it became even harder to decide, all the paths leading to the same, yet a bit different, ces. ''In that case, that meta option with the magic core option would have an advantage as they wouldn''t rely on external items as much.'' Her eyes pulsed brightly as she carefully looked at thest remaining option, making it all link together. Like the piercing sting of a needle, the realization of her unprotected mind resonated with painful rity. ''I can use potions to fortify my body, recing the meta option,'' she contemted in silence, ''but my mind would still be vulnerable, and neither the magic core nor alchemy one could fix it, at least, without any highly advanced and expensive mind-shielding potions that are still far away.'' The horrifying prospect of her thoughts being manipted, her will subverted and enved to another''s bidding, sent shivers down her spine. If her body was attacked, she could react, but if her thoughts were controlled, then she wouldn''t even know it. ''Also, that extra intelligence will likely boost my learning ability, supplementing the magic intuition. Alchemy and Enlightenment, body and mind, both nicely supplementing each other.'' The glow in her eyes, which was filled with expectation and the thrill of growing stronger, brightened as it all fit wlessly. ''Perfect! Also, telepathy isn''t a bad thing...'' She already witnessed what her cousin could do with itshe manipted the courts, her family, thepany board, and potentially even Tia herself. The power to read and control minds would open shortcuts and doors for her. ''I doubt it will be as strong as hers right from the get-go, but eventually, it will be worth it.'' Also, she now lived in a world of technology, and she could use it topensate for the weaknesses of her own powers. ''What if I imnt potion dispensers straight into the safety of my own body? Refilling them would be a pain, but if I keep them only for emergency situations, then it would be a great solution.'' Tia closed her eyes and confirmed her choices: ''Systems, I choose the Alchemical Human and the Enlightened Human.'' Her vision darkened, and her mind faded away into the sea of unconsciousness. Chapter 107: I want it all! Chapter 107: I want it all! Tia''s eyelids fluttered open, an unsettling sensation of dizziness enveloping her as the world seemed to move in anguid dance, each motion painstakingly slow. She shut her eyes and shook off the sensation, concentrating hard. When she opened them again, the world had regained its normal pace. ''Must have been the boost to intelligence and will.'' It was still dark, and the massive chandelier had turned off. With no windows in sight, she could only slump back onto her pillow, not knowing if it was day or night. She nced to her side and saw her dark-haired partner, still asleep and snoring lightly, a dribble of drool staining the pillow. A relieved smile tugged at Tia''s lips, her earlier fears now seemingpletely unfounded. ''Now she doesn''t look as dangerous as when awake.'' She stilled her thoughts that ran astray and focused. ''Systems, please show me the results of what you have done. Only one, please.'' Beep! <> <> -> Starting evolution to the enlightened human -> Unknown interference, correcting the change -> The evolution path changed to Alchemical Enlightened -> Body adaptations added: [Potion-Resistant Liver], [Potion-Absorbing Cells] -> Perks added: [Potioneer''s Insticts], -> Abilities added: <> Tia almost yelled her thoughts aloud as she realized something. ''Wait! Systems, now that I think of it, I am a G-rank superhuman and I got rewards... so where are my rewards for bing H-rank?'' Both systemssilent and unresponsivewere ignoring her. Frustration shed in Tia''s eyes, making them glow momentarily in the dark room. ''You know, this kind of behavior is making me doubt your integrity.'' Tia''s thoughts were broadcast clearly, aimed at the unresponsive systems. She didn''t give up, as she already knew that the systems could be influenced and reasoned with, not with emotions but with cold logic. She refocused her mental energy, choosing her next words carefully. ''I can overlook you not rewarding me for H-rank if you make it right for G-rank. Give me the two remaining options that I missed.'' Despite her efforts, the infuriating silence persisted. Tia''s eyes narrowed, a surge of frustration building within her. ''If I''d known about these rankings earlier, would you have given me rewards then?'' As her thoughts echoed unanswered, her left eye twitched, signaling her dwindling hope for any kind of fair oue. Beep! Ding! Solution found: an external sponsor to supplement the energy deficit identified. Additional evolutions are starting! As Tia felt her consciousness begin to fade, a satisfied smile spread across her face. She closed her eyes, letting the darkness envelop her. A few hourster: Ding! // Your vessel species changed into Energy-born Human Racial adaptations: [Potion-Resistant Liver], [Potion-Absorbing], [Mana Core], , Racial Perks: [Potioneer''s Insticts], , [Magic Intuition] Racial Abilities: // ''No way... you really did it.'' Tia''s eyes snapped open, and she immediately recoiled. A pair of red eyes locked onto hers, scrutinizing her intently. The noblewoman''s gaze seemed to scan every inch of her. "Red?" Tia''s voice was timideven though she could feel the overflowing power and energy from her evolutionstinged with a touch of embarrassment as she avoided direct eye contact. She knew she had to steer the conversation away quickly. "You''ve changed," Red-Eye observed, her smile revealing a hint of cunning. "You want something, don''t you?" Gathering her courage, Tia finally spoke: "I need various materialsexotics, superhuman body parts, and specimens from alien lifeforms." "Why?" Red-Eye returned to her ce in bed, giving Tia space to breathe. "I''m using materials from other dimensions," Tia exined. "Getting them is a hassle. I thought I might find local alternatives here." A gentle hand patted Tia on the head, tousling her tinum locks. "Smart. I''ll get you what you need." ''Heh, I wouldn''t be surprised if she had more resources and manpower than the entirety of my old world.'' Ding! // You have 48 hours to prepare before the third partyes to collect their debt! // Tia''s face drained of color, her eyes widening in disbelief. She had only sought to get what she was rightfully owed, but now it seemed the two systems had acted behind her back, screwing it even more while trying to fix it. ''You, what have you done?!'' Chapter 108: Blizzard, part 1/? Chapter 108: Blizzard, part 1/? 47 Hours Later: Tia nervously paced, walking in circles; slight perspiration covered her palms. The time was quickly approaching. She was anxious, even though she spent the time she had in preparation. Her ring was stacked with weapons, healing, and mana potions while her eyes absently stared into the distance. ''It can''t be so bad.'' It was a deal made by her two systems, and she believed they wouldn''t do anything that would jeopardize her life. She could still feel the overflowing energy and power from her evolutionboth her mind and body reaching a new level. As thest second ticked down, the time seemed to freeze, with all the shadows and the flicker of themps turning static. She couldn''t move or twitch her eyelid, yet her thoughts were still running and moving. ''It is time.'' Dingy Ling! --------------------- Congrattions! The great summoning system has summoned you to be a time-limited summon. Task: Protect the summoner for 24 hours! Reward: Your debt will be fulfilled --------------------- The lights flickered off, then on again. A gust of frigid air hit Tia like a freight train, instantly transforming her surroundings into a snowy vortex. Her vision narrowed; she could only see a few meters ahead as snowkes whirred in the wind, obscuring the world beyond. Ice crystals formed on her skin, her coat and hair pping wildly in the chill gusts. Unfazed, Tia focused energy into her palm. A shockwave erupted from her hand, and the ring on her finger lit up. The ring on her finger glowed, and a solid sphere of kic force burst outward from her, rippling like a thrown stone''s impact on water and blocking the wind and snow. She felt cold and freezing, but the endurance and vitality of her body surpassed those of a regr human by at least three times, allowing her to assess the situation around her calmly. ''Summoning system? So, there are more of you out there...'' The humiliation boiled within her, overpowering even the freezing coldnessshe was not only a pet; now she was also a summon. Yet it also made her smile. ''So, I am not insane, as the systems are not only in my headthey''re real!'' Suddenly, a trembling, soar voice came from behind her: "Please save us; the frost demon is nearby!" Tia spun around, locking eyes with a huddled group of young people clustered near a sputtering fire. The mes faltered, struggling for life in the middle of the blizzard, offering a pitiful defense against the ferocious cold. Ice encrusted their coats, and their faces tinged blue from the chill. They looked half-frozen, eyes wide with desperation and teeth chattering uncontrobly. "Who summoned me?" Her voice cut through the wind''s howling like a sharp de, her eyes locking onto each young face before her. She frowned, as they were all too young for her patience. ''An immature brat.'' "M-me," stammered a young boy in the center, his voice barely audible over the wind''s roars. Tia''s eyes narrowed as she took in the makeup of the group: one boy amidst a sea of young women. Her mind leaped to a cynical conclusion. ''Is this the legendary harem?'' A series of distorted growling howls cut through the air, echoing ominously from all directions. ''Monsters...'' Tia''s frown deepened as she could feel the energy charged within the beastly howls, betraying the supernatural nature of their origins. ''How did a group of teens get stuck in the middle of a blizzard while surrounded by monsters?'' She crouched slightly, her body tensed and ready to spring into action. Invisible tendrils of kic energy snaked out from her, forming an intricate detection web around her. Pairs of glowing blue eyes materialized in the swirling snow, piercing the white curtain of the blizzard. Eight sets of eyes, each radiating malevolence and intent, slowly closed in absolute silence, their steps masked by the howling of the winds. ''There are eight of them.'' Tia quickly counted the pairs of glowing orbs, her mind tensing. She was confident that with her mobility she could easily win, but the thought of being shackled to some weakling made her tremble. ''What will happen if I fail and he dies?'' Decision made, her storage ring flickered. More than a dozen guns floated into the air around her, hovering and glowing like a deadly halo of metal and light. Her expression hardened, shifting from annoyance to steely focus. ''In this case, the sooner they die, the lesser chance of one slipping through and killing the brat.'' Her eyes locked onto the glowing orbs in the distance, and her finger twitched. In the next instant, the guns roared to life, each locked onto a target. Chapter 109: Blizzard, part 2/?: Tide Chapter 109: Blizzard, part 2/?: Tide Blinding shes of blue and purple light erupted through the snowstorm as hailstorms of sma bolts and particle beams cut through the white veil. Steam billowed up where the superhot projectiles met the frigid air and snow. The blue eyes in the distance blinked out momentarily as azure explosions rocked the snow-covered terrain, recing monstrous growls with the sounds of detonations. "Die, monsters!" The boy suddenly sprang into action, a massive, glowing white sword appearing in his hands. It sliced through the air with a high-pitched sway in a useless wide alearly intended to make an impression. "Sit and wait!" Tia''s voice was a sharp rebuke. Without even turning her head, she flicked her ungloved hand. A burst of telekic force made the ice ring and mmed the boy back down like a mere insect. ''I will not fail this mission just because he wants to show off before his harem.'' More pairs of azure eyes emerged from the storm, now greater in number, their forms still obscured by the blinding snowfall. Tia fired another barrage, her guns humming and crackling in the icy air. The blue eyes continued to close in, pushing through the barrages of exploding projectiles, now so close that she could hear the scratching of their ws against the icy ground over the cacophony of her own weapons. ''They are relentless, so they are true monsters.''Tia almost panicked as a portion of the guns dimmed and fell quiet, their capacitors running out of power and needing at least a few seconds to recharge. The azure eyes circled and ran around her position, the old ones extinguishing under the shes of her guns while the new ones red to life further away. A few more guns dimmed down, the barrages of sma thinning down, and the glowing orbs of the eyes advanced once more. "Focus. Fire." Her thoughts fractured into multiple threads, overclocking her senses. The floating guns reoriented, powered by her kic web. She felt the monsters move, their outlines pressing insistently into her awareness. Her mind went over the line as she guided and aimed each floating gun, aiming them using her web as a guiding tool. She pushed her mind to its limits, directing each gun urately. sma bolts erupted, ripping through the obscuring snow and disintegrating the approaching monstrosities. For a moment, she held them back. ''Should I grab him and try to break through?'' Thest sliver of her consciousness that wasn''tmandeering her weapons frantically calcted options, strategies, and escape routes. However, for now, she coldly dismissed the option as she still had a leave-away: ''Even if they get through my guns, I still have my magic and powers.'' More azure eyes closed in, climbing over the dimming blue eyes of dead monsters that were slowly vanishing in the blizzard. Sweat dripped down her face in the icy air. ''Noit''s not even cold anymore.'' She felt the heat rising from constant sma discharges, her boots sloshing in a meltwater puddle. The guns floating around her were sputtering now, their capacitors struggling to recharge in time. A sinking realization hit hershe was being overwhelmed. Even her multitasking mind was stretched to its limit bymanding her arsenal and sensing through her kic web. Her body stiffened instantly. A pair of glowing eyes sprinted through the thinned-out cover of her guns and burst through the snow curtain, revealing their ownera snarling monstrosity. Shaped like a wolf, its body was an armor of ck ice, jagged and razor-sharp, gleaming under the glow of exploding sma. Its glowing azure eyes pierced through her, contrasting chillingly with its cold, icy form. The creature lunged at the speed of a racing car, and Tia barely had time to react. Adrenaline surged through Tia''s veins as she directed her power into her glove, amplifying it before directing it further through her enchanted ring and amplifying it even further. Runes ignited. Her palm sted forward toward the iing wolf, releasing a razor-sharp wave of kic force that obliterated the snow in its path and fractured the ground. The deafening boom echoed across the frigidndscape. The wave collided with the monster mid-leap, smashing its icy armor into lethal shrapnel. Enhanced by her gear and augmented abilities, the amplified force carried the properties of piercing and sharpness. It tore through the creature like a hot knife through butter, reducing it to a spray of bone, flesh, and blood. The shattered armor, the pieces of flesh, the bone fragments, and the droplets of bloodunched backward like shotgun pellets, pelting the monsters hidden in the blizzard and extinguishing their eyes. Tia stared, her eyes alight with a mix of shock and exhrationit was the first time she tested her new power, empowered by her new gear, evolution, and god particles, on a living being. "Holy hell," she muttered, her eyes fixed on the spreading stain of red that tainted the pristine snow before her. "This is brutal." She knew her past power well, and she was sure that using the same amount of energy, it would at most throw the monster back and break its armor and bones. --> Chapter 110: Blizzard, part 3/?: Fire Chapter 110: Blizzard, part 3/?: Fire POV The Summoner: Kira''s heart pounded in his ears, his body frozen and rooted in ce as the ice-wolf monster leaped with lethal speed, its crystalline ws outstretched toward him, each one sharp as a razor''s edge. The frigid wind that came with its pounce was like the breath of the grave. He tried to move, to raise his sword, to defend himself, but his limbs betrayed him. "Mommy!" he whispered. Suddenly, an explosive barrage of mes detonated from the periphery of his vision, lighting up the darkness with a searing white brilliance. The inferno sliced through the frosty air like a fiery guillotine and severed the beast''s trajectory. The wolf crashed to the ground, the ravenous fire consuming it in a matter of seconds. He could feel the searing heat wash over him, the sea of mes spreading everywhere with the explosive speed and force of a high-speed train, guided by an invisible force. The air was thick with the revolting scent of singed blood, steam rising in thick clouds and blocking his vision. ''Now I don''t know who the demon is here...'' The mes were everywhere he could see, as if he were drowning in the atmosphere of Venus. The boy, covered in mud and blood, remained frozen in shock, his feet submerged in the disgusting reddish sludge of burned monster remains and water from the melted snow as the inferno dissipated. His body trembled, nausea rising like a tide. ''T-this... She didn''t kill them; she disintegrated them.'' It wasn''t the first time he saw someone die or even kill some scumbag with his own sword, but it was the first time he saw such a massacre. Atst, thest embers of mes and the steam clouds disappeared, dragged away by the relentless wind. The wolves had vanished, erased by the fiery onught, and the snow had evaporated, leaving only the devastatedndscape. ''There were so many of them...'' He suddenly felt inadequate, as he was supposed to be the main character who got transmigrated to another world, yet he was outshined by a random summon. He raised his gaze, only to shudder as he met the pair of glowing lc eyes. Like a reaper, she stood in her ck coat, not even a droplet of blood staining her immacte look. ''No, she is my summon, so her power is mine!'' Ring! <<>> Summon identification: Name: Insane Imperial Knight ss: Esper Witch; Knight of a Gctic Empire Error: The rest of the information was blocked! <<< >>> A chilling dread gripped Kira''s heart, sudden and sharp as the icy ws that had almost imed him. ''Wait, the girls!'' Amidst the scorched earth and the stench of destruction, his mind raced with horrific possibilities. ''Please tell me they didn''t die on me.'' He spun around, his movements frantic, his eyes scanning the devastation for the spot where he had left the girls. Then relief crashed into him, a wave washing away the terror. There they wereshaken, faces drained of color, but alive. A self-loathing realization wed at his conscience. ''I am truly pathetic. I didn''t even think of them until now.'' His arrogance and pride were crushed under the weight of his failure to consider their safety sooner. The melodious feminine voice rang, "Do you know the way to safety?" He opened his mouth to respond with confidence, to reim some semnce of control, but the words that came out were weak and defeated. "We can use the mountain peaks to navigate back to the town." His voice faltered, the enormity of their plightnding like a blow. "V-visibility is bad. We are lost." The admission hung heavy in the frozen air. The blizzard, indifferent to their plight, continued to rage, a wall of white obscuring any hope of quick escape. ''I was such an idiot... I should have listened to their warnings.'' POV Tia: --> Beep! <<<>>>> Distributing rewards: <+2 esper points> --> <<<>>>> --> As she looked at the remains of the icy wolves, she felt like something about them was wrong: ''It is as if they had no sense of self-preservation. They simply kept attacking without any fear or care for their deadthey were monsters.'' Monsters were distinguishable from magic beasts by their unnatural malice. Magic beasts held a semnce to animals, attacking out of hunger or fear. But monsters were attacking purely out of malice. ''What is it?'' Tia''s skin prickled with an instinctive rm, a silent scream from every nerve ending that they were not alone. The air was thick with a magic presence that seeped with dread and violence. ''Can it be the frost demon?'' The thought skated across her mind. She was a witch who dealt with paranormal powers, but she never met a real demon. She looked around, but the thick snow blocked her vision, and the source of the magic aura was far out of the reach of her telekinesis. Atst, she collected her thoughts: "We should move; there is a lot of blood, and that is bound to attract more predators." Despite the chill wrapping around her, a bead of sweat traced the curve of her spine. She felt the weight of unseen eyes upon her. And it unnerved her. ''Why is it not attacking? Why is it only watching?'' The questions circled in her mind. Chapter 111: Blizzard, part 4/?: Spike Chapter 111: Blizzard, part 4/?: Spike The blizzard swallowed the world around them, reducing visibility to a mere few feet as Tia and the small group behind her marched forward. With each step, the snow seemed to grow deeper, the cold more biting, and the wind''s roaring louder. Yet the mes spiraling around them, guided by Tia''s telekinesis and the solidified telekic barrier, created a small bubble of warmth around them. She saw their tiredness as they dragged forward with pale faces and trembling legs. Yet, the oppressive feeling of being watched didn''t relent as it clung to Tia like a shadow. ''Should I attack it first with my particle-ray weapons?'' The uncertainty of its presence and her inability to see and understand its nature left her feeling exposed and reluctant to attack first. Yet she felt like running away wasn''t an option, only a way to waste energy. "Stop!" Tia yelled over the wind and raised her hand to signal the group behind her. ''We should be far enough from the previous site; tracking blindly even further into the blizzard would be foolish.'' "Why are..." "Shut up and do not question me if you want to live." The situation was already bad, and she was in no mood to deal with the youth. Suddenly, Tia tensed as she felt the cold presence getting closer, stalking in their steps. Suddenly, the howl of the blizzard was pierced by a lethal whistle that cut through the tumult. A spike of ice, gleaming in the few rays of light passing through the clouds, whistled menacingly through the blinding white of the snow veil. The invisible tendrils of Tia''s kic force reacted and resonated as it quickly approached while she calcted its speed, force, and trajectory. With no time to spare, Tia''s instincts ignited into action, and turbulent kic energy surged through her body and her glove, flowing through her defensive ring and getting infused with its enchantments. With cracking sounds, the kic barrier shifted and rearranged, visible only by the rippling distortion it cast upon the world. ''Not enough.'' Even more, energy surged into the barrier, thickening it with a surge of focused intent. The brief gleam of ice smashed into the shield only a few steps from the boy''s face with the ferocity of an explosive charge. A deafening crack shattered the air as the impact sent shockwaves radiating outward, sting snow upwards in a violent, churning vortex. The ground trembled, snowkes leaping from the earth, driven by the sheer force of the collision. The barrier flickered under the brutal onught as the concept of deflection imbued it and Tia''s sheer willpower pushed against the projectile, deflecting it into the whiteness of the blizzard. The boy, mere moments away from death''s embrace, crumbled, his body giving way under the weight of his fear, the shockwave resonating through his bones. "Kira!" Terrified yells reverberated through the silence of the aftermath as the girls ran toward the copsed boy, leaving Tia standing alone amidst the howling winds. ''Truly pathetic...'' She didn''t drop her guard, her vignce growing even further as her detection web expanded to the very edge of her reach. ''Truly worthy of being called a demon, creeping in the distance and just waiting for a moment of weakness to strike.'' Tia''s eyes shed in red and blue lights, her hunger for retaliation growing with each passing moment. The storage ring shed, and a single particle canon of the imperialmandos manifested in the air, humming quietly and pulsing in a purple glow that reflected in its shiny ck surface. ''Particle-beam-based weapons are the better choice for such a long distance than sma rifles.'' Tia grasped the giant rifle in her gloved hand, using her telekinesis to support her hand. The two metals nged against each other. The weapon wasrge and built to be used together with powered exoskeletons, but after her evolution, Tia''s physical strength and sturdiness reached a new level. The barrier dissipated as she redirected her focus and energy into her glove, multiple glowing runes forming in the air before the gun. Even though the weapon wasn''t mana-conductive, her power grew enough to push through the resistance with pure willpower and magic might. Atst, thest of the seven runes formed. (Empower -> Enchant) -> (Empower -> (Empower -> Heat), Speed, Strength) But Tia''s didn''t stop as she focused on her offensive ring, projecting out the runic enchantment imbued within it. (Infuse -> Sharp, Pierce, Solidify) The two sets of runes ovepped and merged, and her senses locked onto the magic radiation far in the distance, a grin forming on her face as she craved to see the new peak of her firepower and the growth it represented. Ding! // You have learned the new skill [Novice Mana Sense (1%)] with your own efforts! Reward: 2 WP; +2 to MAG; +1 to INT // Ding! // [Novice Mana Sense (1%)] Description: The ability to sense magic radiation and to gauge its intensity and source. Slightly improves the control over mana. // The runes and TIa''s resolve flickered as she realized it only nowthe demon''s magic presence was so palpable she felt it and awakened the new skill. ''No, there is no backing out. It is official now that it has hostile intentions.'' She wasn''t someone who would just sit and defend herself, so she suppressed her uneasiness. Tia pulled the trigger. Chapter 112: Blizzard, part 5/?: Demon Chapter 112: Blizzard, part 5/?: Demon The silhouette of the woman in a ck coat pulled the trigger of the giant. In the midst of the endless white snowstorm, a sudden burst of purple light illuminated the surroundings. The intense glow scattered through the countless snowkes, creating a dazzling disy of lights. A powerful beam shot from the gun''s barrel, slicing through the pulsating runic patterns of light in its path. With each passing moment, it grew brighter, transforming from a distant star into a zing purple sun as it passed through the magic constructs of the floating runes. The surge of energy and heat swept over Tia, causing massive clouds of steam to rise in its wake as the beam disappeared into the distance after its brief pulse. The recoil kicked her back like a horse, but she held her ground. Just as swiftly as it appeared, the light vanished, plunging everything back into darkness under the thick canopy of clouds. The pulsing aura of violence dimmed down, but just as she wanted to breathe out in relief, it red back to life. "It survived," Tia muttered in disbelief, her muscles tensing as she braced herself for an extended battle. She sensed eyes watching her from behind but paid them no mind, fully focused on her own survival. "It''sing," she whispered, narrowing her eyes as a violent aura approached rapidly, apanied by a howling wind like a speeding arrow. Tia cleared her mind, bent her knees, and wove invisible strands of kic force around herselfshe was ready to react at the split second of notice. Red lights pulsed in the distance, rapidly approaching and growing brighter. "What''s happening? Is it dead?" Panic-filled voices echoed from behind Tia, but she ignored them; her mind focused on the unfolding situation. Her eyes pulsed onest time as she caught the sh of red light and reacted at thest moment. With a burst of energy, Tia propelled herself sideways, leaping through the air with a trail of swirling snow in her wake. Her ck coat and long hair twirled like a vortex. The intense red light nearly blinded her, and a shockwave washed over her, sending snow flying in all directions. However, even amidst the shockwaves, she elegantlynded in the soft snow. ''Demon!'' In the ce where Tia had stood just moments ago, a tall, dark figure, radiating a red glow and covered in ice crystals, appeareda menacing blend of frozen blood and dark shadows. It''s hunched tall above her. The sensation of freezing cold on her face and the smell of sulfur hit her like a hammer. "Why do you protect this insignificant mortal? Why do you dare obstruct my path?" A voice, like a tortured radio transmission amplified to deafening levels, reverberated through her. Tia''s heart raced as she stared at the horrifying figure before her. Its twisted, grotesque form oozed malevolence, and its eyes burned with an intense, blood-red re that sent shivers down her spine. "Give me that mortal, and perhaps I will show you mercy!" The voice thundered, its words dripping with malice and threat. Tia grappled with paralyzing fear, torn between the agonizing decision to abandon her contract or face the terrifying wrath of this demonic presence. ''Either I can face the demon or the unknown consequences of breaking my contract.'' "I can''t," Tia replied firmly, her voice trembling slightly. "I am bound by a debt." She was ready to grab the dumb boy and flee. Even though she couldn''t guarantee she would be faster than the demon, she decided to at least try, as the thought of breaking the contract sent a wave of disgust and fear through her. ''Contracts and deals can''t be broken, and debts must be paid...'' She knew itthe knowledge was ingrained deep within her. The demon''s demeanor suddenly shifted. Its menacing presence receded, and the red glow in its eyes dimmed. "I see," the demon said, its tone less threatening. "You are not willingly obstructing my path. You are forced, as debts must be paid." Tia didn''t breathe in relief. Instead, she tensed even more, slowly moving toward the boy, step by step. She wasn''t to believe a demon so simplya being known for its treacherousness. The demon continued its speech, each word feeling like cold des entering her ears, while she crept closer and closer to the boy sitting in the snow. "A single mortal isn''t worthy of damaging our vessels over him." ''Vessels? Why does it feel like it excludes me from them, mortals? Is it again about my soul not being a human one? Maybe I can get it to talk more and gain some time.'' "Why are you even pursuing him?" Oppressive silence fell after Tia''s words, and each second felt to her like an hour. Then the demon''s words exploded into a storm of fury: "Why?! Why?! Because I am SICK of these insufferable mortals barging in, shattering my dominion with their sanctimonious glory and their shining swords! When a soul willingly binds itself to me, it is a sacred pact, unbreakable by these meddlesome fools. This mortal dares to defy thews of a dark covenant and interrupt the sacred and willing trade, and for that, he shall know my unbridled fury!" (AN: Oops, I didn''t realize how long it had been since thest chapter... Sorry.) Chapter 113: Blizzard, part 6/6: Clearing Chapter 113: Blizzard, part 6/6: Clearing Tia stood, her tinum-blonde hair and raven coat fluttering softly in the wind, a stark contrast against the nightmarish visage of ice and shadows before her. Her heart thundered like church bells in a storm, yet her face remained an unmoving mask of calm. Step by step, she drew nearer to the boy, his shivering form buried in the snow and girls, as she already expected the demon to attack as its furious words still resonated inside of her head. A curse almost escaped her lips as she considered the boy''s folly. ''To think, all this trouble was sparked by a single reckless actventuring into a blizzard, into these barren ins, to provoke a demon.'' As Tia slowly advanced, almost reaching her target, the demon''s raging form seemed to quiver, and its rageful and fierce aura began to ebb, like the receding tide after a vicious storm. The swirling mass of ice and shadow that constituted its body started to lose its fierce, threatening edge, the sharpness of its movements softening. "This time, mortal, you shall be spared, not out of mercy but because your pitiful existence is not worthy for us to fight over. Cross my path again, and I assure you, your soul will be mine." With the chilling words, the demon''s roar crescendoed into a sinister symphony of fury and foreboding, vibrating through the air like a dark promise. While it spoke, the demon''s form began to unravel, disintegrating into a whirlwind of ck snowkes, swirling menacingly in the blizzard''s wrath before disappearing in the wind. ''It is finally overthe demon is gone.'' Tia exhaled slowly, her breath turning into a ghostly mist in the cold air. ''Who would have thought that a demon could be so reasonable...'' The demon''s oppressive presence receded, bing as distant and insignificant as a star lost in the vastness of the night. Yet its words gnawed at her, unearthing truths buried deep within her. ''Whatever I am, the demon wasn''t considering me to be a mortal, whatever that means.'' She snickered at the irony of it, knowing she had already died before. However, her snicker froze, not from the cold wind bashing against her face but from the wave of insight that struck her: ''I died, yet I am standing here...alive.'' A new theory formed in her thoughts, but the only way to confirm it was for her to die, something she wasn''t willing to try even if it proved to be true, as her death in the witch world cost her everythingher power and even her entire past lifea price she was unwilling to pay ever again. The memory of her fall from grace, from the highest echelons of witchcraft to its utter depths, still burned like a fresh wound. ''There is no need to think about what will happen after I die. I should think about the present.'' "It''s over. We wait here," Tia said abruptly, pulling herself from her thoughts to address the shivering youth. ''So, the demon might know my true nature,'' she reflected with a sigh, yet not regretting that she hadn''t broached the topic with the creature as she could feel that it almost lost its control. Then an annoying, feminine voice belonging to one of the girls shattered her thoughts: "Uh, miss, space knight, could you make a fire? It''s really cold here." Tia grudgingly groaned, knowing that the remaining time in the frozennds would be true torture. POV Red: Elyra, the ck-haired woman, stormed down the ck marble corridor of her ship with frenzied energy, her crimson eyes burning like wildfire. Each click of her heels sent shivers down the spines of her guards; they straightened up, rigid with fear, while others scurried away, disappearing into adjacent rooms as whispers of her tumultuous mood spread like wildfire. She only snickered at their feeble attempts to escape her presence, her heightened senses tingling with the awareness of every soul aboard. But her eyes flickered with a fric, threatening intensityshe couldn''t feel her. She was gone. ''Don''t you dare think you can run away!'' Elyra''s mind screamed, her internal turmoil boiling over as she halted abruptly before her chamberthest ce she sensed her presence. She wasn''t angry about her disappearance, as she had already decided to give her a bit of freedom to explore the world, but the abruptness of it made her worried. With a violent, crazed energy, she flung the doors open, almost ripping them from their hinges. Her blood-red gaze swept the room. ''Still not back. She''s never been gone this long before.'' Paned Elyra''s thoughts. She was ustomed to her cat-like tendency to wander, but this time it screamed danger. ''Her body, not just her soul, is missing. And for hours alreadynot the usual seconds. Also, it feels different than usual. It doesn''t fit her powers. What if someone stole her?!'' Closing her eyes, Elyra''s mind twisted, warping into a vision of the curved ne of space dimensions. Her expression contorted into a relieved, twisted smile as she noticed scars in the spatial fabric. ''Space was warped here...'' Though it had reverted to its original state, she knew she could unravel it again, like tracing the creases of a once-folded paper. ''With her body gone too, the disruption is stronger, the trail clearer.'' Time seemed to crawl as her eyes zed with a crimson light, her powers of spatiokinesis and telekinesis ovepping to grip the space itself. She pulled, her powers wing at the very fabric of space, distorting and twisting it. ''I won''t sit idle. I''ming for you!'' Chapter 114: When the red esper meets the red demon Chapter 114: When the red esper meets the red demon POV Tia: Tia stood in the flickering firelight, her gaze fixed on the small, crackling fire in the pit before her. The gentle, hypnotic dance of the mes offered a fleeting respite to her weary mind. However, the mirthful sounds ofughter and conversation from the group gathered around the fire tugged at the periphery of her awareness. She observed them from the corners of her eyes, a twinge of envy threading through her detached exterior. With a barely perceptible shake of her head and a quiet, resigned sigh, she looked away. ''He is so dumb, careless, and idiotic, yet so happy...'' Her life had been a relentless struggle, a constant dance with death. Yet there he was, the boy, living with a carefree ease that seemed so unattainable to her, his happiness a ring contrast to hers. ''He has people to talk with and to believe in.''As she turned away, her fists tightened involuntarily, the memories of betrayal from those she once held dear lingering like a bitter aftertaste. Wanting to redirect her thoughts, she moved on, ''Let''s see what you''re offering me. ES, show me upgrade options for my pyrokinesis.'' Beep! <<<>>>> power customization stage reached: Choose customizations: The new options: Enchantments: (1 EP): Increases the user''s control over the mes, allowing more precise maniption. (1 EP): Increases the range at which the user can control mes by an extra 10% (2 EP): Increases the overall temperature of the controlled mes by an extra 10% Techniques: (2 EP): Shoots a concentrated projectile of mes. (3 EP): Envelopes the user in a cloak of fire that will not harm them. (3 EP): Technique to concentrate fire into thin rays, prolonging their reach and increasing their temperature. Body Adaptations (Warning: will cause the user to fall unconscious): (6 EP): Alters the user''s cellrposition even further, increasing the capacity at which the cells can transport the energy without getting damaged. (4 EP): Alter the user''s nerve endings and eyes, giving them the ability to both see the temperature and sense it remotely through Pyrokinesis. (4 EP): Increases the thermal resistance of the user''s skin while allowing the user to freely change their skin''s outside temperature between 0C and +250C Special: (3 EP) (Unlocked by: ): Gives the user the power to solidify the mes under their control, giving them the properties of solid matter. Special body adaptations (Warning: will cause the user to fall unconscious): (10 EP) (Unlocked by: , , [Potion-Absorbing Cells], and ): The unique synergy of the cell''s ability to use energy to regenerate with their increased absorption powers, resistance toward energy, and the ability to store it It gives the user the ability to absorb a portion (25%) of energy-based attacks up to a certain strength. The absorbed energy will not damage the user and will be stored inside the cells. <<<>>>> (AN: Alright, this time I wrote even the old options as requested... Hopefully, it is not too long. But I guess if someone doesn''t want to, they can just skim over it.) ''I still have my two body adaptations coupons and ten points, so this time, my budget is high.'' Tia''s eyes passed through the options before her. She wasn''t in a hurry, as she wasn''t even nning to do it in such a dangerous ce. POV Red: The moment the space around her stabilized, Elyra stepped out from the fold in the space itself, the cold air slicing against her skin like a wee embrace. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the breathtaking expanse of the endless snonds that unfolded before her. "My pet is so great," she whispered in awe. A thrilling realization coursed through hershe had traversed not just across the familiar three dimensions but had also crossed through the fourth, confirming the wild physics theories in her journey. It was a feat that surpassed her wildest dreams, a boundary she had never imagined crossing. "My pretty-eyed pet, where are you?!" However, even the thrill of crossing the dimensions paled inparison to her singr, burning obsessionfinding her pet. The howling winds seemed to echo her inner turmoil, whipping Elyra''s immacte hair into a frenzy. Yet she only stood there motionlessly, with snow piling around her. The snowkes, each a unique crystalline masterpiece, swirled in the air, painting the sky white. ''Where are you?'' The thought wed at her as her intense red gaze scoured the whitendscape, searching for any sign of her pet. Suddenly, a distant red glow pierced through the blizzard, drawing her attention. Initially surprised, she narrowed her eyes, focusing on the intensifying crimson light that seemed to throb with an unknown energy. ''Something ising.'' Her senses, already sharpened by her frantic search, heightened further. Without a moment''s hesitation, she unleashed a red shockwave of raw, unbridled energy that erupted from her very core. It surged outward like a relentless tsunami, its force cleaving through the dense snowstorm, scattering the snowkes within a massive circle in a wild, chaotic dance, and allowing her to see into the distance. In the wake of the shockwave, a tall figure emergeda silhouette of frozen blood and writhing shadows, ominously looming against the stark, wintry backdrop. With a sh, a sword appeared in her hand, its dark de reflecting the now-revealed sun. With a mere tap of her slender finger, the sword''s ck de''s edge ignited in a vibrant neon red, sma swirling around the de like water. ''What are you?'' The question echoed in her mind, her instincts on high alert. The being before her radiated strengthnot even close to the power she felt from the emperor, yet formidable enough to catch her attention. Her eyes gleamed, mimicking the red glow of her sma de. Then her voice, which was burning with impatience, reverberated, "Get out of my way!" Elyra had no time to lose. She had only been in this frozen world for a few moments, yet she had already faced a formidable being. ''She might be in danger.'' The thought fueled her resolve, erasing her usualposure and patience. Then, just as she prepared to annihte the creature, a voice resonated through the air, distorted yet unmistakably powerful, like the detonation of a bomb. "How curious, a half-demon..." Chapter 115: Red and Purple Chapter 115: Red and Purple As Tia read through the options over and over, she felt like the choice was difficult, but at the same time, she already knew the power she needed to take at any cost. ''Energy absorption is a must-have ability.'' Even though she almost gagged at its fat price tag, she had already decided to take it. ''I can probably use one of the vouchers for it, as it is so expensive.'' Suddenly, the boy''s scream pierced the air, snapping Tia out of her thoughts. "Behind you!" His voice was shrill with panic, his sword pointing shakily in her direction, his eyes wide and filled with unmistakable terror. Tia''s heart hammered against her ribs as she sprang to her feet, cursing her own momentarypse in vignce. ''I must create distance, now!'' With a surge of telekic energy, she propelled herself forward, her form slicing through the air and leaving a swirling vortex of snow in her wake. The world around her morphed into a dizzying blur as she flew at breakneck speed. But then, a chilling realization struck herthendscape remained eerily static. It was as if she was trapped in a nightmarish loop, her movements futile against an invisible, unyielding force. Did the demon return?'' The thought was a cold spike of fear. She envisioned the demon''s cruel game, taunting her with a glimmer of hope only to cruelly snatch it away, relishing in her despair. In desperation, Tia unleashed another explosive burst of kic force. The ground beneath her cracked and heaved, sending shards of earth and snow hurtling through the air. But then, in a surreal, horrifying spectacle, the chaos around her glitched, teleporting backward, like in a scene from a twisted, broken film. ''The same thing must be happening to me!'' Her mind raced and her body moved, yet each effort was like running against an unstoppable tide, dragging her inexorably back to the same cursed spot, no matter how fast she moved. "Did you find your excursion to be to your liking? Yes? Splendid. Now, it is time for it to cease." The voice that caressed Tia''s ears was melodious, each word articted and well-refined. ''It''s her...'' The recognition of the voice caused the kic turmoil swirling around Tia to dissipate as if it had never been. Mixed emotions flooded herrelief at the sound of that familiar, cultured toneyet a twinge of anxiety crept in, prompted by the red eye''s return to her posh, official style of speaking from the time they met. ''Is she angry?'' Tia pondered, her heart fluttering with uncertainty. She spared no thought for how the red-eyed had even found her in another world, already knowing she was a powerful esper with spatiokinesis. Turning slowly, Tia faced the source of the voice. Her eyes met those deep, ruby-like orbs. The figure stood with an air of regalposure, her expression inscrutable, a wless mask that revealed neither ire nor joy. In the presence of those deep, ruby eyes, a sudden, piercing realization struck Tia, sending a shiver down her spine. Her gaze, locked with the other''s, wavered slightly. ''I never told her. I vanished... without a word.'' Regret gnawed at her insides. All her meticulous nning for the debt collector''s arrival, yet she had overlooked the most crucial elementtalking with Red. "Let''s clear this nasty weather." With effortless grace, Red waved her hand, and the sky above them cleared, revealing a vast expanse of calm, a serene circle amidst the tumultuous white. Confusion swirled within Tia as she scrutinized Red''s expression, searching for a hint of anger but finding none. ''Is she... could she actually be worried about me?'' Meanwhile, the red-eyed woman, embodying a blend of elegance and authority, took a measured step closer. "Pray, enlighten me, pretty eyes. Did you try to run away from me? I told you that I would give you the freedom to wander off, but you should have told me beforehand." Tia didn''t answer; her mind was formting the optimal answer. Just then, the boy''s quivering voice sliced through the silence, his wordsced with fear and confusion: "W-who ar?!" "Silence, peasant!" Themand from Red was swift and unyielding. She did not even turn to address the boy, her focus remaining fixed on Tia. Yet, the sudden outburst of energy that emanated from her was palpablean invisible force that struck with precision. The boy''s pained yelp, followed by the shrill cries of the girls, echoed in the air. Panic surged within Tia, an instinctual urge to turn and intervene. But she found herself immobilized, held in ce by an unseen, unbreakable bond. Her heart pounded against her chest, a stark reminder of her own limitations. ''I thought I had grown stronger... yet I am still powerless in her presence.'' As she grappled with her helplessness, Red''s voice cut through her thoughts, cold and calcted. "It appears a lesson is required. My pet seems to have forgotten the appropriate conduct and run off without even bothering to tell me." Tia gulped down, not sure that Red was angry, even though her tone remained calm and her face cold. Chapter 116: My pet VS The Paladin of Light, part 1/2 Chapter 116: My pet VS The Pdin of Light, part 1/2 (AN: So here is the chapter that was supposed to be before the one I released yesterday. I post the second part once I edit it.) In the midst of the swirling blizzard, Tia faced the dark-haired woman, her heart pounding against her ribcage. She forced her voice to remain calm, despite the turmoil within. "I... I can''t speak here. There''s so much you need to know, but please, let''s wait until we''re back." A brief, unsettling giggle escaped Red-Eye''s lips, quickly reced by a grave expression. "Concerned about eavesdroppers?" she mused, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "I can take care of that." As she raised her hand, a sinister red glow enveloped her fingers, stark against her ghostly skin. The air around them seemed to drum with power, sending a wave of dread through Tia. The faint cries and whimpers from the group behind her abruptly ceased, swallowed by an eerie silence. "No!" Tia''s shout cut through the oppressive atmosphere. Panic surged within her, the primal fear of failing the contract clutching at her heart. Suddenly, with a forceful outburst, mes and kic energy erupted from her, shattering the icy ground beneath her and sending shards flying. "What are you doing?" demanded the red-eyed esper, her voice rising sharply. Her attention was now fully on Tia, who, despite the chaos, maintained herposure and stepped forward, subtly extending her kic force to shield the group behind her and to feel if her target was still alive. ''They''re still moving; they must be alive.'' Tia exhaled silently, a wave of relief washing over her. The mission was still intact. "You can''t kill him," Tia said firmly, locking eyes with the esper. "He needs to stay alive until the day''s end, or else something terrible will happen." "That''s your reason?" The esper''s tone wasced with both amusement and her previous seriousness. "And here I thought you''d developed a sentimental attachment to this miserable wretch. Just look at him, cowering on the ground, too frightened to even face his end with dignity." Tia turned around and noticed the group huddled together, the smell of ammonia drifting through the air. Only the sounds of sobbing came from their direction. Turning, Tia''s gaze fell upon the huddled group. The sharp, acrid smell of ammonia hung heavily in the air, and only quiet sobs disrupted the silence. ''What has she done to them?'' The thought chilled Tia to the bone. At that moment, she understood the full extent of her fortune in being an ally, rather than an enemy, of the merciless woman. A thunderous voice shattered the tense silence of the snow-covered ins. "What have you done?!" it bellowed, echoing across the vast expanse. Suddenly, the sky erupted in a brilliant ze of white light, as if a star had descended upon the earth. With a ground-shaking impact, the starnded a few football fields away, sending a shockwave rippling across thendscape. As the dust and snow settled, a figure emerged, standing majestically amidst the chaos with his long blue cape flowing in the wind. His heavy te armor gleamed like polished silverthe breastte adorned with intricate engravings of mythical beasts and ancient runes, shimmering with a holy aura. The man''s voice, asmanding as his presence, cut through the wind. "Hero, Kira, you are alive!" He turned to stare at the duo of espers. "How could you assault the chosen savior of humanity? The one destined to lead us from darkness?" He raised the overside luminescent hammer, its light reflecting off his ornate armor. "You''ve endangered our greatest n. He was to face the demon, to be on the brink of defeat, only then to discover the legendary power of love and friendship and triumph." "Tia, do you see that insolent man?" Red-Eye''s voice was cool andposed. "Take this as a training exercise. Engage him inbat. Impress me, and I might be more lenient with your punishment. I''ll be observing, so give it your all. Now, go and tear him!" Tia''s gaze shifted cautiously towards the armored figure. Her newly awakened power to sense magical energies stirred within her, responding to his aura. ''He''s formidable, but not invincible,'' she assessed, feeling confident with the security of Red-Eye watching her. Faced with the choice between confronting an irate Red-Eye or dueling an overbearing knightwith the assurance of Red''s intervention if neededTia''s decision was straightforward. ''I hate pdins anyway.'' Tia steadied her stance, her fingers wrapped firmly around the grip of her gun. She took a deep breath, centering herself amidst the howling winds of the snowscape. As she channeled her magic into her glove and the array of offensive rings adorning her fingers, intricate runes began to materialize in the air, aligning with her gun''s muzzle. ''Let''s probe him and see what he can do.'' Her eyes narrowed, focusing intently on the holographic sights. With a deliberate blink, she squeezed the trigger. A brilliant blue light erupted from the gun, cutting through the air toward the Pdin. In a swift response, he swung his massive hammer, the weapon glowing with holy light. The two forces met mid-air, creating a thunderous explosion that echoed across the ins, sending ripples through the snow. ''As expected of a Pdin, His defense is formidable.'' But Tia was already in motion, her focus unwavering. Around her, a swarm of guns materialized, summoned by her formidable powers. They fired in unison, sending a barrage of purple particle rays and blue sma bolts streaking across the battlefield. Each shot hit the ground or the Pdin''s shield, generating clouds of steam that rose from the snow, shrouding the area in a misty veil. Tia''s eyes narrowed in concentration, a realization dawning on her. ''He''s still in the fight!'' The Pdin, shrouded in blinding white light, only his luminescent aura visible amidst the clouds of dust and explosions of sma, rapidly advanced, aura of light, swings of his hammer and shield deflecting her attacks out of his path. In a split second, an intense, dazzling burst of light filled her vision, and her instincts kicked in. She propelled herself to the side just in time. The hammer, radiating with an almost blinding luminescence, whistled past where she had just been. It arced gracefully yet destructively through the air, smashing into her floating arsenal with unyielding force. A shower of metallic and stic debris rained down, glinting like stars under the brilliant, multicolored light of the battlefield. ''Did he just destroy my collection?!'' Tia fumed with rage, her eyes brightly shining and her arms trembling. From the dissipating dust clouds, the battered figure of the Pdin reemerged. His once pristine cloak was now but tattered remnants, fluttering weakly in the wind. His armor was seared and warped from the battle. Despite the visible damage, his steps were steady. Chapter 117: My pet VS The Paladin of Light, part 2/2 Chapter 117: My pet VS The Pdin of Light, part 2/2 The Pdin, despite his tattered appearance, bellowed with a voice that resonated across the battlefield, betraying no hint of his injuries. "Haha, your sorcery is no match for the true power of courage!" he proimed, his tone infused with unwavering conviction. Tia wasted no time in responding. The world seemed to blur into streaks of color as she harnessed her kic powers, her movements swift and fluid. ''Only idiots do monologues on a battlefield.'' As she sped up, the array of guns still orbiting her unleashed another volley. Beams of energy, vibrant and bright, shot toward the Pdin. But around him, shields of radiant light flickered into existence, repelling each assault with an ethereal shimmer. ''Let''s see how resilient your mind is.'' Tia''s focus shifted inward, channeling energy to the core of her mind. A warm sensation radiated across her temples and forehead. The chaotic battlefield around her seemed to slow, each moment stretching out as she reached out with her mind. In the distance, she sensed the Pdin''s consciousnessa presence crackling with energy like static from an antiquated machine. She pushed against it, extending the ethereal tendrils of telepathic force. Yet, as they neared his mind, they were halted by an unseen barrier as unyielding as steel. "No witch shall desecrate my sacred thoughts, you tot!" The Pdin''s voice thundered, brimming with defiance. Tia wasn''t surprised, not hoping for much from a level-one ability. In an instant, he turned into a blur of light and metal, charging towards her like a racing car crossbred with a tank. Tia''s perception of the world shifted into overdrive, and her surroundings became a whirl of colors and shapes as she tapped into her kic powers. Her body moved and sped even further, the chilling air sting against her skin. "I need to keep him at bay," Tia thought, her eyes tracking the Pdin''s swift approach. The ground itself seemed to tremble beneath the heavy thud of his armored strides. Harnessing her telekic prowess, she unleashed a barrage of fiery des. Forged from her offensive ring and glove, each de zed through the air like a scorching missile, their intensity rivaling the firepower of her guns. Guided by her heightened magical intuition and a mind honed by countless battles, she directed the zing projectiles with lethal precision. Her magic-intuition and enlightened mind allowed her to guide the energy with ease. The Pdin halted his charge and raised his hammer high, summoning a radiant barrier of light around him, his heavy metal shield ced in front of him like a wall of metal and light. The air crackled as Tia''s fiery des struck the barrier, each impact sending fiery ripples and sparks cascading across its luminescent surface. ''Beating up pdins in a battle of attrition is impossible.'' Tia mused, recalling her past experiences. Pdins were not using their own energy; instead, they were using their devotion and faith to extract energy from their deities. As long as one kept believing they would never run out of it. ''I must shatter his defenses with brute force, faster than he can recover,'' she resolved. With the red-eyed noble''s watchful gaze upon her, giving all the assurances she needed, Tia clenched her jaw, determination etched on her face. The energy swirling around her intensified, bing a whirlwind of raw, controlled power. ''This needs to be like the incident with the barononly bigger and more precise.'' She focused, channeling all her might into a decisive strike. The syringe pierced her skin repeatedly, each puncture allowing the potent mixture from her potions to merge with the surging energy within her. As if gravity were reversed, her body lifted off the ground, her hair whipping around her in a wild, untamed dance. The purple radiance of her power became so empowering that it became visible, and her eyes turned into glowing stars. The energy, bringing waves of euphoria with it, made her warp with a broad grin. She no longer cared, her only goal being to destroy the annoying pdin. With a ferocious scream, "Die!" Tia unleashed the pent-up energy into her glove. Agonizing pain coursed through her as if every cell in her body was aze with the unrestrained power surging within her. The energy, amplified by her glove and ring and bolstered by the potent potions in her veins, catapulted her temporarily to an E-rank level of power, capable of leveling a small building with a single, focused burst. Meanwhile, the Pdin, shrouded in his radiant aura, charged forward, not caring about the onught of sma battering him, the scorching molten metal from his armor trailing in his wake, his senses honed in on Tia''s impending attack. The distance between them quickly shortened, with only half of the original remaining. "Die!" Tia''s shout rang out once more, her voice a mix of pain and fury. The overwhelming energy threatened to consume her mind, which was now wholly focused on channeling the immense power without sumbing to it or inadvertently causing her own destruction. (Empower -> Enchant) -> (Empower -> Control) As the quartet of magic runes flickered into life around her glove, a semnce of stability returned to the raging energy, and the turbulent purple maelstrom that enveloped Tia calmed down. "Die, you heretic!" The Pdin''s battle cry cut through the air as he surged forward with astonishing speed, reminiscent of a high-performance sports car. He plowed through the snow, leaving a tumultuous trail of dust and ice in his wake. Only a third of the original distance remained between them. Despite the energy storm overwhelming her senses, Tia''s resolve crystallized. She understood the necessity of concentrating every ounce of her power into a singr, devastating strike. (Empower -> Enchant) -> ((Empower -> Speed), (Empower -> Strength), (Empower -> Heat)) With the final set of runes igniting, the intricate runic structure zed with intense luminosity, forming a dazzling spectacle. The brilliance of the runes, however, was momentarily eclipsed by the approaching Pdin, his figure now almost entirely enveloped in a blinding white radiance. With a maniacal gleam in her eyes, Tia thrust her gloved hand forward. In that instant, a surge of energy, drawn from her energy-storing cells and deep within her mana core, coursed through her and joined the energy already surging around her. It flowed through the intricate enchantments of her rings and gloves, magnified by the runes she had cast. With an explosion, a devastating torrent of kic energy, inteced with searing mes, erupted outward, expanding rapidly into a lethal wave of fiery annihtion. The intense heat scorched Tia''s skin, which miraculously healed and then burned again in a continuous cycle, fueled by her evolved cells and the potent potions in her bloodstream. The pain was absent in her frenzied state, her eyes reflecting the unbridled madness of her berserk fury. The fiery torrent with an earth-tearing bang smashed into the quickly approaching light, the shockwave sweeping across the ins. The sphere of mes, now sharpened and solidified by kic force, expanded explosively, obliterating everything in their path with a force rivaling that of an aerial bomb, surpassing even the destructive capabilities she had witnessed in her battle against a military drone. As the mes receded and the dust settled, Tia copsed to her knees, her breathing in ragged gasps. Every fiber of her was burning with the aftermath of her monumental exertion. -> -> -> [Novice Runic Spellcraft (65%)] -> [Novice Runic Spellcraft (85%)] "You did well; now you can rest. We will talk once you wake up. There are still a few hours remaining from the day you mentioned, but I will take care of the rest." Then a warmth enveloped her, but Tia only closed her eyes, too tired to even care. (AN: Phhh, dang, today I wrote words equivalent to three usual chapters. It was tiring, but also fun. Anyway, this filled the missing gap nicely, I think. I will also edit that chapter from yesterday, but you don''t have to reread it as it will only connect better to this.) Chapter 118: Is my pet insane? Chapter 118: Is my pet insane? Later the next day: Tia sat tensely on the bed, still tired from the battle with the Pdin. Her gaze was fixed on the polished ck wall of marble that dominated the chamber of the red-eyed esper. Her mind raced with fearful spections of punishmenta beating, imprisonment, or perhaps a deadly mission. Breaking the silence, a voice, melodious yet authoritative, spoke. "We''re alone now, Tia. I''m listening. Tell me what''s going on," the woman said, her tone a mix of intrigue and casualmand. Tia turned, surprised to find the imperial noble seated beside her, bringing an unknown floral fragrance with her. The woman''s eyes, deep and red, bore into her. "You look scared, but you said you had a good reason for what you did. Let''s hear it," she added, her voice smooth with a touch of warmth beneath its firmness. Tia''s mind raced with uncertainty. ''Should I tell her everything or just enough to keep her satisfied?'' she thought, aware that any lie would be easily detected by Red-Eye. ''But I have to share something, at least enough to appease her.'' Despite her reluctance, Tia couldn''t deny that her life had significantly improved under Red-Eye. Her powers had grown, and with them, a grudging sense of trust in her: ''She is investing in me. It is very unlikely she would just discard me so easily, at least until she gets what she wants. She even took care of me after the battle.'' With a hesitant breath, Tia began, "My powers... they have their own consciousness." She paused, anxious about how Red Eye might react. She didn''t want to be called insane ever again. Red-Eye leaned in, her interest evident in her piercing gaze. "Do they speak to you? What are they saying now?" She asked in a tone that was a blend of curiosity and intense focus, making Tia feel both vulnerable and seen. Tia strained to read the nuances in Red-Eye''s voice, uncertain whether she was met with skepticism or genuine interest. ''Is she mocking me or...?'' "I''m not insane," Tia whispered, her voice barely audible as she felt the heat radiating from the woman sitting very close. Red-Eye regarded her thoughtfully. "I can see you truly believe what you''re saying. I''m not suggesting you''re delusional. But, given what''s documented in your records..." Feeling a surge of frustration eclipse her fear, Tia clenched her fists tightly. The urge tosh out at the woman next to her was overwhelming, yet she held back, her reason barely keeping her irritation at bay. Red-Eye, however, seemed unfazed as she continued, "Nevertheless, I will trust you. Also, I''ll do some digging. There might be relevant information in the imperial archives." Tia''s fists unclenched as surprise washed over her. ''She believes me?'' A flicker of warmth pierced through hera mix of relief and gratitude. Red-Eye hadn''t dismissed her; instead, she had offered to assist in uncovering the truth. Tia felt a tap on her shoulder, snapping her out of her reverie. "Now, tell me, why did you insist on sparing that pathetic worm?" Caught off guard, Tia realized she had drifted into her thoughts. ''Focus...'' She hesitated before confessing, "My powers... I was desperate to be stronger, so I struck a deal with something. In return, it thrust me into that icy realm, demanding I protect that boy for a day. I had no idea that would happen." Red-Eye studied her for a moment, then said, "Yes, I can feel that the power emanating from you has grown. I could even see it in the battle." Just as Tia started to rx, Red-Eye let out a sigh and added, "It seems you''ve narrowly escaped punishment today, so no spanking for you." Tia''s cheeks turned a deep shade of red; the mere mention of being spanked sent waves of embarrassment through her. She fought the urge to bury her face in her hands at the thought. ''Why does she sound almost disappointed?'' Tia was perplexed and mortified at the same time. Red''s voice carried a stern undertone as she continued, "However, let this be a warning to you. If you ever do something so reckless and dangerous, be assured that you will not be spared punishment for risking your life. Remember, the path to power is not a sprint but a marathon." POV ???: In the darkness of a cramped room, its walls sheathed in sheets of cold, ck metal, a solitary blue light flickered into existence. It emanated from a smallputer lying on the floor, casting an eerie glow that danced across the room. The light briefly illuminated the metallic gleam of officer insignia on the uniform of a figure standing in the corner, shrouded in shadows. A voice, synthetic and unemotional, crackled from the device. "Our contacts in the capital have confirmed her imminent return to the core imperial system. Are all preparationsplete on your side?" From the depths of the shadows, the figure responded his voice a blend of calm and steely determination. "Our operatives are strategically positioned. We merely await her departure." "Exemry," the mechanical voice intoned. "Do not falter. Our kind will greatly benefit from the sess of this mission." As the blue light waned, receding back into the device, the room was once again engulfed in darkness. (AN: I wonder, do you like, dislike, or straight-up hate this type of chapter that is mostly a dialogue?) Chapter 119: Pyrokinesis III Chapter 119: Pyrokinesis III As the doors sealed with a resonant thud, sealing Red-Eye''s departure, Tia copsed back onto her bed. Her body was ridden with fatigue, shing with resolve. Her eyelids drooped heavily, the weight of exhaustion tugging them down. Yet she resisted the pull of slumber, inhaling deeply. ''Esper System shows me the upgrade options for my pyrokinesis once more. However, show me for now only the special options.'' Beep! <<<<>>>> Special: (3 EP) (Unlocked by: ): Gives the user the power to solidify the mes under their control, giving them the properties of solid matter. Special body adaptations: (10 EP) (Unlocked by: , , [Potion-Absorbing Cells], and ): The unique synergy of the cell''s ability to use energy to regenerate with their increased absorption powers, resistance toward energy, and the ability to store it It gives the user the ability to absorb a portion (25%) of energy-based attacks up to a certain strength. The absorbed energy will not damage the user and will be stored inside the cells. <<<<>>>> Tia''s gaze flitted between the two shimmering options projected in the air. When her eyesnded on the second choice, they sparked with an inner light, a silent acknowledgment of its immense potential. ''It will improve both my defense and energy recovery.'' Even though the price was staggering, her eyes didn''t even twitch. ''Time to use one of my two coupons.'' Confirming the choice, Tia turned her attention back to the first option, only to dismiss it almost immediately. ''Without my magic, it might have been good. But with the power of my twin rings, it''s redundant.'' She thought of her Solidify rune, the magic symbol and its ability to mimic the offered enhancement without expense. ''System, please show me the regr body adaptations.'' she instructed, her mind already strategizing the next phase of her empowerment. Beep! <<<<>>>> Body Adaptations: (6 EP): Alters the user''s cellrposition even further, increasing the capacity at which the cells can transport the energy without getting damaged. (4 EP): Alter the user''s nerve endings and eyes, allowing them to both see the temperature and sense it remotely through thermokinesis. (4 EP): Increases the thermal resistance of the user''s skin while allowing the user to freely change their skin''s outside temperature between 0C and +250C <<<<>>>> Tia''s eyes skimmed over the options, swiftly dismissing the first two with a scoff. "Thermal sense? Really, System?" she muttered, her tone dripping with incredulity. "Why should I squander points on something as mundane as thermal vision, something a basic gadget could easily replicate?" The second option, sensing temperature remotely, didn''t fare better in her estimation. Her telekic abilities already provided a rich tapestry of sensory informationshape and solidityrendering the upgrade redundant. Without lingering, she advanced to the next choice. ''Nah, my cell has sufficient energy transfer capacity for now.'' As the memories from her battle with the crazed Pdin shed through her mind, she knew for now that the ability of her cells to conduct energy was sufficient. ''It hurt like hell, but with my regeneration and healing potions, it is manageable.'' Even with the attack that spent all her energy at once, her body held up, and that was enough for her. Her gaze then settled on the option of thermoregting skin ''Thermoregting skin? It might help to hide me from thermal senses, but that isn''t something so great.'' No matter how much she thought about it, the only aspect of it that drew her attention was the increased thermal resistance. ''It could pair well with my energy-conducting cells and energy absorption. Together with those three, I could very likely smash a low-energy sma bolt with my barehand.'' It was also rtively cheap, so for now, she decided to keep it on the table. ''Alright, System, let''s see the regr enchantments now'' Beep! <<<<>>>> Enchantments: (1 EP): Increases the user''s control over the mes, allowing more precise maniption. (1 EP): Increases the range at which the user can control mes by an extra 10% (2 EP): Increases the overall temperature of the controlled mes by an extra 10% <<<<>>>> Tia''s decision came swiftly, her mind already made up from herst review. ''Control and range enhancements are unnecessary; my telekinesis handles that. I''ll opt for a temperature upgrade.'' As her finger hovered over the confirmation button, she paused, biting her lower lip in contemtion. A sudden doubt crept in. ''What about techniques? I''ve always brushed them aside, confident in my ability to mimic them. But what if I''m overlooking something vital?'' Her experience had taught her that the Esper System was evolving and slightly changing, offering new features. Yet, it kept trying to sell her seemingly useless techniques. ''Yes, I can mimic them, but they are still on the list. So, what if I am doing it wrong? System, show me the list of techniques.'' Beep! <<<<>>>> Techniques: (2 EP): Shoots a concentrated projectile of mes. (3 EP): Envelopes the user in a cloak of fire that will not harm them. (2 EP): Technique to concentrate fire into thin rays, prolonging their reach and increasing their temperature. <<<<>>>> ''Two points, that isn''t exactly cheap...'' Half-jokingly, she queried the silent room, "Any chance of a return policy?" The ensuing silence was her only answer, prompting her to delve deeper into her deliberations. ''With my telekinesis on the cusp of getting some free upgrades, perhaps it''s time for a small gamble.'' She recognized that data was the missing piece in her puzzle regarding techniques. ''Worst case, I lose two points. But if I never try, I might miss out on something great.'' The thought of forgoing the thermoregtion skin lingered, a trade-off she had to consider. Solemly nodding her head, Tia finalized her choice. Beep! <<<<<>>>>> Your ability was modified: Your body was modified: You have learned the new techniques: <<<<<>>>>> Her vision faded away, and darkness submerged her consciousness. (AN: Sorry for so few chapters this week, but something came to it. It will likely be the same in the following one.) Chapter 120: Misuse of power? Oh, how petty!, part 1/2 Chapter 120: Misuse of power? Oh, how petty!, part 1/2 (AN: The outdated ability evolution window in the previous chapter was fixed!) The next day: Tia walked through the vast circr atrium, its ck basalt walls shimmering under the bright, golden light cascading from the high ceiling. The crowd, a sea of ck coats and grey suits, parted in her path, their eyes briefly meeting hers before darting away, fear thinly veiled. The only sounds were the muted rustle of fabric, the faint whispers, and the soft tapping of boots against stone. The decorated coat draped over her shoulders and the silver imperial insignia pinned to her chest gave her an air of authority. She moved with purpose toward the golden elevator doors, her gaze fixed ahead, ignoring the crowds of sheep around her. ''They are working fast...'' It was only recently that the empire destroyed the old government district, yet the new one had already risen in its ce, the overly pompous imperial architecture recing the federation''s simplistic and functional one. The golden elevator doors parted in her path, and she stepped in. Then they closed behind her soundlessly, leaving the crowded atrium behind. ''Who would have thought I have so much power now..'' She wasn''t naive. She had meticulously researched her newfound rank. Imperial knights fell into two distinct orders. The first, the Imperial Army Knights, were an elite echelon within the military,posed of espers and superhumans, their abilities honed for warfare. They held their military ranks and were part of itsmand structure. The second, a more chaotic cadre, was the personal knights, answering only to high-ranking officials; their influence was a reflection of the powers they served. The more powerful their master was, the higher their rank. ''In Red''s domain, I wield frightening freedom. Probably even an imperial admiral or marshal can''t order me around.'' The thought sent a thrill through her, momentarily distracting her from the bitter taste of the humiliation that came with her new life. The elevator''s chime snapped Tia back to the present as the doors slid open, revealing a long corridor draped in shadows. Imperial gs in hues of purple, gold, and ck hung solemnly on the walls, their colors a stark contrast against the corridor''s darkness. Guards stood at attention in their silver and ck uniforms and the crisp lines of their military coats gave them official looks. She noted the doors lining the corridor, each bearing a nametag that glinted under the muted light. Her eyes were drawn to the far end, to a door distinguished from the rest. ''My office,'' she thought, a sense of ownership stirring within her. It wasn''t just any office; it was a symbol of her newfound stature. "Madam, they are waiting for you!" A soldier''s voice, sharp and urgent, broke through her reverie. Tia turned, her expression momentarily clouded with confusion, and then rity dawned, her mind piecing together the forgotten appointment. ''Who is waiting for...'' She couldn''t finish her thought as a lightbulb lit up in her mind: ''Oh, them! How long were they here?'' ''Ah, them. How long have they been stewing in their own worry?'' A smile, sharp as a de, crept across her lips. Those who had once stood against her, now trapped in the web of her authority, awaited their fate like pawns, their lives entirely in her hands. ''You have judged me and called me insane; now the tables are turned.'' The thought was a surge of power, exhrating and intoxicating. She relished control and the ability to shape destinies with her decisions. She mused with a hint of cold amusement, ''A single call, and they were arrested in an hour.'' Tia slightly shuddered, feeling as if her escape from the hospital wasn''t in thex federation but in the authoritative and oppressive empire, then her freedom would be shortlived. POV ???: Antoine de Sainty sprawled on the cold, unyielding concrete, its chill seeping through his clothes and into his bones. He gazed nkly at the barren ceiling of the cramped room, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. As awyer, he was ustomed to dissectingplex situations, but now his predicament was a maze he couldn''t navigate. ''Damn this empire...'' he cursed under his breath. Even after renouncing his allegiance to the fallen federation, he found himself trapped, discarded in this icy cell. His hands trembled, not just from the cold but from the dawning realization of his grim reality. ''This is no minor usation...'' His trained mind understood the gravity of his situation. Ordinary criminals were dealt with by theary guard, but his abrupt abduction in broad daylight by the imperial security''s ominous ck uniforms spoke of something much worse. ''I''m as good as dead... Torture, perhaps worse.'' His thoughts spiraled into despair. The silence of the cell was oppressive, punctuated only by the distant, muffled sounds of the facility. The starkness of his surroundingsthe stark walls, the sterile smell of antisepticsseemed to mock his helplessness. Chapter 121: Misuse of power? Oh, how petty!, part 2/2 Chapter 121: Misuse of power? Oh, how petty!, part 2/2 POV ???: Antoine''s breath hitched as he collided with the hard concrete yet perfectly smooth floor, and the rough shove from the guard in a stark ck uniform left him panting. Pain radiated through his body, a dull ache pulsing in his head. The buzz of neon lights that were casting sharp shadows across the smooth, metallic walls, which were devoid of any ornamentation or color, made his head hurt even more. As hey there, gasping for air, the guard''s heavy boots echoed into the distance, leaving behind a haunting silence. "Antoine? So they also brought you here," came a voice, brittle yet familiar. Twisting his head, Antoine''s eyes met the disheveled figure of Judge Icecreem. The elderly man, once dignified in his expensive suit, now appeared broken, his white hair matted and his face marred with bloodied callusessilent witnesses to his brutal treatment. He sat in the corner, staring nkly at him. A realization dawned on Antoine as he pushed himself off the cold floor, the smooth surface of the sterile floor offering no grip and his hands slipping slightly as he tried to gain his footing ''Judge Icecreem, they took him too.'' "Well, well, we are together again," a female voice cooed, slicing through the thick air. Antoine froze, only then noticing the absence of the cell door closing. The woman''s footsteps were light, almost inaudible, yet each step felt like a hammer to his heart, pounding closer and closer. He could feel itthe change in the room as she approached. The air grew dense, suffocating as if charged with ominous energy, and the sterile neon lighting flickered. Even the judge, a man who had seen much, visibly paled, his eyes widening as he stared at the woman behind him. The temperature seemed to rise unnaturally, with sweat beading on Antoine''s forehead. The heat was oppressive and unyielding. "What a swindle you are, Antoine de Saint, taking bribes to sabotage your clients..." Her words cut through the air, each syble dripping with a venomous chill. Antoine''s mind raced. ''Is this why they''vee for me?'' Yes, he had taken bribes, but the ferocity of their response was unexpected and unnerving. He turned, and his gaze locked on the woman. She was strikingly young, her tinum-blonde hair and slightly glowing purple eyes lending her an almost ethereal presence. A flicker of recognition sparked within him, but he couldn''t ce her. ''Why would someone like her be involved in my case?'' he wondered, a mix of fear and curiosity gripping him. Her dark coat, adorned with intricate silver embroidery, spoke of a rank he couldn''t quite decipher, yet it screamed authority and importance. ''Only the Empire... and their twisted theocracy would send espers for something like this,'' he thought bitterly, a cold dread settling in his stomach. The rumors he had dismissed as Federation propagandaof the Empire using espers, torture, and mind-altering techniques for interrogationsnow seemed terrifyingly real. When the empire conquered the, he just wanted to believe it to be nothing but baseless propaganda spread by the Federation, but now that he faced a real superhuman face-to-face, his knees trembled. "So you don''t even remember the child whose life you helped to destroy..." POV Tia: Tia stood in the brightly lit interrogation room, her hands clenched into fists so tight that her knuckles turned white. She could barely keep herposure as she faced the two men. She had always wondered why herwyer was so ipetent, but now, with the imperial investigative capacities behind her, she has found the real reason. ''TRAITOR, taking bribes to sabotage me when I was a mere child!'' She remembered the day when they pronounced her too dangerous to walk freely. Tia''s eye shed dangerouslyif she hated something, then it was the traitors and hypocrites after people like them destroyed both of her lives! Her voice, when she finally spoke, wasced with a cold fury that reverberated through the silent chamber. "What a beautiful sight! The judge who sentenced me and thewyer who betrayed me!" The words felt hollow, ringing with a sense of irony and pain. However, now that she faced two of the people that destroyed her childhood, she couldn''t help but pauseshe didn''t know what to do. ''Torture them? No...'' Despite how ruthless she becamemurdering people in droves without even blinkinga faint echo of humanity flickered within her. She could kill without remorse, but torture was a line she found herself unwilling to cross unless necessary. ''They are just cogs in a rotten, corrupt system,'' she mused, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over her coat, the emblem of her new identity with the Empire. It was the modern era with surveince everywhere, and catching him in the act of taking bribes was easy. Yet, there was no punishment in the corrupted Federation. ''They caught you taking a bribe? Then, no problem! Just bribe the person that caught you!'' She almost spat in disgust at the Federationthe country symbolizing everything she hated. Initially, Tia resented the Empire for forcefully recruiting her, feeling her autonomy stripped away. But her perspective shifted as she observed the Empire''s unvarnished nature. Unlike the Federation or the Witch Council, which cloaked their corrupted turd-like core in fake glitter, the Empire was open about its cruelty and nature. It valued power and contribution above all, a stark honesty that resonated with Tia. If one had power, then they could live like kings within its borders, ruling over theirs however they wanted. ''Maybe this is where I belong and the ce to start my journey...'' Tia thought a sense of belonging was unexpectedly taking root within her. She admired the Empire''s aestheticsits stylish colors, pompous architecture, and the undeniable sense of power it exuded. As she contemted her future within the Empire, her lips curled into a wide and beautiful smile."Now? Tell me, what should I do with you?" (AN: Seriously, what should she do? Also, the two busy weeks have passed, so I should have a lot more time from this day on. (At least, till the end of this month, I should be able to release a chapter almost every day.) Chapter 122: Red-Eye is leaving! Chapter 122: Red-Eye is leaving! Tia stood in perfect silence, a ghost of a smile ying on her lips, illuminated by the stark neon lights above as she stared at two showering men. Yet, beneath this facade, a storm of fury and disgust roared through her veins, a molten river of rage. ''They must be punished! They can''t get away with what they did to me!'' Her mind, while seething with thoughts of retribution against them, drifted to Red''s vow to procure exotic materials from across the empire for her potion research, giving her an idea of how to deal with them. Her smile widened even further as she thought of all the lifesaving potions she could concoct: ''Swiftness potion, energy amplification, energy neutralizing potion, and finally the advanced regeneration potion.'' These were not the novice-level potions she had concocted until now, requiring only elemental energy; they demanded rare and unique ingredients as catalysts. To sidestep the tediousness of hopping through dimensions for supplies, Tia considered the potential of local substitutes. ''A careless mistake could lead to aughably tragic, gruesome, and painful end.'' Her eyes pulsed with bright light as she finally knew how to use the two rats. ''They are rats, so they can also be promoted to myb rats!'' The sharp, authoritative voice of the guard by the door pierced her reverie. "Madam, Her grace requests your presence. Please proceed to her office on the highest floor." Some timeter: Tia stood silently in the metallic box of the elevator, the silent humming of the machine in the background calming her still-boiling nerves. ''What does she want?'' Suddenly, the elevator stopped, and the doors glided open, revealing a world vastly different from the one she had just lefta majestic corridor, its walls, and a floor adorned with polished ck marble that gleamed under the opulent lighting. The long, dark purple carpet stretched across its entire length to the glittering golden double doors at its end. The sheer opulence made her staggerthe amount of gold used on them made her heart almost stop. ''Even with the decreased value of gold, this is still too much!'' Without any warning, one of the doors on the sides of the corridor opened, and a young man adorned in a ck coat that screamed opulence and authority walked out. He paused as his eyes fell upon her, radiating an air of smug superiority and gleaming with disdain, sizing her up as if she were an exhibit rather than a person. "Well, well, if it isn''t Grace''s little toy project," he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "An outsider, a dirty stray, plucked from the obscurity of this disgusting backwater. Do tell me, how does it feel to be nothing more than a toy in her grand collection?" His words, meant to belittle and provoke, cut through the air like a sharpened de. Tia felt a fresh wave of fury surge within her, her hands clenching involuntarily. She didn''t know who the man was, but she wanted to crush him and break him. Yet, to the outside, she kept her gentle smile, her eyes glowing and shing. ''Another one...'' Without a word, Tia locked eyes with the official, her gaze icy and unyielding. She stepped out of the elevator and forward, deliberately closing toward the official. For a moment, the corridor was thick with tension. "What? Are you going to beat me? Maybe punch me?" He taunted, a sly smile ying on his face. Tia didn''t know what was his goal, but she stopped as she knew the types like him too well: ''No, ignoring him is the smartest choice.'' She didn''t know who he was, but his presence on the floor housing the highest upation official assigned to the entire made her realize he meant trouble. She knew too little about the ruling structure of the Empire to cause trouble, even with Red-Eye''s backing. "Tchh," he clicked his tongue. "I am simply unable toprehend what Her Grace is thinking. To snatch a mentally unstable woman from a street and directly promote her to a post where she can..." ''So that is his problem. He is jealous...'' Her anger slightly subsided as she picked up the hidden reason behind his disdain; she no longer thought of him as a brat who provoked her for no reason. ''He likely worked for years to get where he is, yet I just walked in and got promoted out of nowhere. It''s no wonder he feels like I shouldn''t be here.'' She could understand his fury, as she was just like him in her past lifea carries climber, always working hard to rise higher and higher. "Come in!" Suddenly the familiar female voice rang from behind the golden door, and the official sped his mouth shut, snickered, and stormed off toward the elevator. "Good evening; we will meet again." He spoke onest time as the elevator doors closed behind him. ''What an annoyance! Hopefully, he will not cause too much trouble. Hopefully for him, as I doubt Red would like it if someone bullied her... pet.'' Tia tidied and straightened her coat and skirt onest time, then marched straight toward the golden door. Her heart drummed in her chest, the anxiety even drowning out all the anger she felt. ''This is the first time she summoned me like this.'' With each step she took, a tap dampened by the thick carpet reverberated throughout the corridor. Atst, she paused only a step away from the golden barrier, inhaling delectation to calm her nerves. ''What will it be this time? Will she send me on some dangerous mission? Will she humiliate me even further?'' Silently, the door split open, and the sudden influx of bright light made Tia blink. The entire office behind them was massive, entirely built of ck marble, gleaming under the sunset behind the massive window. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the golden table, contrasting with the ckness around her. The red-eyed woman sat in the throne-like leather chair, her ruby eyes glowing as she scanned Tia. "I will be leaving for the Empire''s capital. Unfortunately, I can''t take someone as unruly as you with me. Especially without you having the power required from an imperial knight." Atst, Red spoke with her posh, aristocratic tone. She waved at her, "Come in; do not stand out there." Tia gulped down and took a step forward, and then, with a p, the doors closed behind her. ''Does it mean I will have some time for my...'' she couldn''t even finish her thought before Red continued, her tone losing its officialness and turning gentler. "I called you here to warn you. Behave yourself and be a good girl while I am gone." Red spoke and crossed her arms. Tia blinked, almost feeling like a small child under the red gaze. "If I return and find out that you tried some nonsense like running away, you will not escape your punishment this time. On the other hand, behave, and I will reward you." ''What is this? Is she trying some weird training method?!'' Tia almost freaked out as the entire thing looked to her like something straight out of a manual about training pets. Yet she couldn''t help but gulp down at the thought of a reward: ''Maybe I will get more of those god particles!'' (AN: Yeah, I know this arc was kind of calm and without any big trouble, but that was its purposeto be a calm segment before the next more chaotic one. (Haha, I wonder what might go wrong while Red is gone.) Chapter 123: Something is wrong! Chapter 123: Something is wrong! A few dayster: Tia sat on her bed in the epassing silence, her legs folded neatly beneath her. Her eyes, glinting with the faint energy swirling within them, traced the single glowing rune in the opened book''s pages that rested on herp. As her hand hovered just above the paper, a soft, almost electric energy danced across her skin, sparking with the rhythm of her heightened senses. She funneled the energy, her focus unyielding, into the mental construct of the rune, mimicking the pulsating energy patterns detailed in the magic grimoire. The air around her seemed to vibrate with unseen forces. Then, as if breaking through an invisible barrier, a single rune emerged, glowing ethereally within her outstretched hand. Its faint and mesmerizing light flickered like a hesitant me, casting enigmatic shadows across the dimly lit room. Ding! // You have learned the new apprentice witch magic rune: Self Reward: +2 MAG // Tia sighed in relief, knowing that her efforts over the past few days had finally paid off. ''Novice, apprentice, initiate, master, grandmaster, and archwitch.'' Tia silently recited the tiers of witchcraft, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips as she acknowledged her steady ascent through these ranks. But her moment of self-reflection was abruptly shattered. A sudden, jarring tremor coursed through the ship, sending faint yet unmistakable vibrations through the floor and into her bones. Above her, the crystal chandelier swayed gently, its crystals tinkling like distant bells. ''What in the world?'' Tia''s brow furrowed in confusion. She had grown ustomed to the steady hum and the unwavering stability of the massive imperial spaceship, making this anomaly all the more disconcerting. She stood up, her book forgotten, as she strained her senses to interpret the source of the disturbance. The quaking subsided, dwindling to a subtle, almost teasing vibration. It was faint, yes, but to someone with senses as keen as Tia''s, it was as evident as a stormy sky. Her mind raced with possibilities, each more troubling than thest. ''Either something big hit the hull, or there is something wrong with the reactor, or engines were started.'' Then the ship lurched violentlya tempest of unseen forces. Chandeliers shed, their crystals screaming in dissonance. Objects hurled from shelves, shattering against the floor. Tia stumbled her heart racing, but instinctively steadied herself. Without wasting any more time, she hurled herself forward, telekic energy surging from her core, a forceful wave propelling her toward the door. ''I won''t be a sitting duck,'' her thoughts a rapid-fire resolve. Doors sted open before her, an unspokenmand from her urgent mind. She rocketed into the corridor, the sleek ck marble a blur beneath her. Her eyes scanned both sides, quickly searching for any anomalies. Guards in ck armor lining the marble walls looked around, their poise crumbling under uncertainty. ''Yup, this is something abnormal.'' Tia realized this while her pulse was drumming in her ears. There was neither an rm nor a sound of explosions, yet her intuitions screamed at her that something was wrong. ''To the bridge!'' She didn''t know what was happening, but she knew the best ce to head was the bridge, the very brain of the entire ship. Tia burst into flight, her telekic powers lifting her from the ground. She soared down the corridor, her tinum blonde hair and ck coat billowing behind her like aet''s tail. The marble beneath became a mere streak of grey and ck as she elerated, her focusser-sharp. ''This is the main corridor; down it, I should reach themand center.'' She never visited the bridge, yet she still took care to remember the general outline of the ship''syout in case of an emergency. As Tia flew down the wide hallways, a sudden purple sh caught the corner of her eye. Instinctively, she pivoted, her senses heightened in the face of imminent danger. The armed soldier in the ck imperial armor aimed squarely at her, pulling the trigger with a reverberating metallic ck. Tia''s instincts kicked in as she threw her gloved hand forward, a barrier of solidified telekic energy materializing in front of her just as the purple light in the rifle''s barrel reached its peak and the high-energy particle ray sliced through the air. Chapter 124: Chaos on the ship, part 1/3 Chapter 124: Chaos on the ship, part 1/3 Tia''s lc irises narrowed to predatory slits, ring into the heart of the pulsating purple death ray hurtling toward her. In a cataclysmic explosion of sparks, the beam hit the barrier, its essence of deflection wrenching the ray of its lethal course. With a thought as sharp as a razor''s edge, invisible tendrils of kic force, like serpents of pure energy, erupted from her gloved fingertips. They coiled mercilessly around the armored soldier like an invisible anaconda squeezing its prey. "Die!" The word was a venomous hiss, Tia''s eyes zing with a ferocity that outshone the chaos around her. Her hand, encased in the sleek glove, clenched into a merciless fist. A symphony of groaning, warping metal, and crushing bones reverberated between the marble walls of the hallway. "Ahhh!" The soldier''s guttural scream echoed through the corridor. Then he crumpled like a broken doll in a twisted heap, and blood seeped through the fissures of his contorted armor. His limbs gave a final, feeble twitch. Even Tia found herself taken aback by the ferocity of her reaction; the raw savagery and swift brutality of her assault left her momentarily stunnedit was her pent-up frustration and anger finding release. ''Traitors on the ship or...'' Tia, still reeling slightly from the raw power she had just unleashed, lifted her gaze. Her eyes, still glowing faintly, swept over the scene. More guards, their glowing visors staring at the scene, hesitantly aimed their weapons at her, their hands trembling. The air was thick with tension, a palpable uncertainty hovering over them as they wavered between Tia and the contorted form of the fallen soldier. ''This must look bad. Are they also enemies or not?'' Tia analyzed the situation in a split second. ''No, they seem to be as confused as me, so they are most likely not enemies, at least not the entire squad.'' With a calmness that belied the storm of emotions inside her, Tia''s voice cut through the silence. "This man was a traitor," she stated, and her gaze swept over the soldiers. The guards, recognizing the insignia ofmand on her uniform, slowly began to lower their weapons. Just as she wanted to rx, a blinding light shed between the group of soldiers. On instinct, Tia swiftly moved to the side, her barrier reforming and sending visible ripples through the air. A purple ray shot from the back of the soldier group, instantly burning a hole through another soldier. The smell of scorched flesh and metal hit the air as he dropped dead. Reacting instantly, the guards spun around, training their weapons on the new threat. The sharp hissing of the energy weapons blended with the thuds of copsing bodies, creating a cacophony of battle. sts of light crisscrossed the space, reflecting on the polished dark marble and metallic engravings. The soldiers shot at each other. "For the emperor! For the empire!" The cries were almost lost in the tumult. Tia''s mind was a whirlwind of strategy and survival. ''I need to get to the bridge,'' she thought amidst the chaos, unsure who to trust. Themand room was the key to the control of the ship and, in her opinion, the main target of the enemies, ''If I let them take control of the ship, that will be bad.'' Catapulting herself forward with her telekinesis, she turned into a living bullet, ignoring the battle behind her. The purple rays shot past her, her kic sensing web expanding out as she slightly shifted her trajectory, narrowly dodging another one. Behind her, a storm of purplish sparks erupted as her barrier deflected the relentless barrage she couldn''t avoid, searing marks into the corridor walls. ''No time for this.'' Her heart pounded as she sped even further, turning into a dark blur hurling down the corridor and the shes of energy weapons receded into the distance Decorative marble pirs and the monotone ck walls and floor blurred into streaks as she dashed past them. The force of her movement caused the gs draped along the corridor walls to flutter and billow. As she ran, Tia''s mind worked furiously to piece together the puzzle. ''Something''s wrong with the shipan external attack or someone is pushing the engines and the reactor to their limits. With these infiltrators, it''s more likely the second one. I must get to the bridge, confront them, regainmand if it was lost, and protect it if it wasn''t.'' She spotted a corner and immediately paired it with the n of the ship she saw before: ''Themand center and the bridge should be there. She slowed down, clearing her mind of useless thoughts as she prepared for the fight. Rounding the sharp corner, she raised her barrier, ready to deflect any attack that mighte. The formidable st doors of ck metal tightly sealed her path. A squad of Imperial soldiers in ck hulking exoskeletons glittering with silver ornaments stood and kneeled along thest stretch of the corridor, their massive purple-glowing rifles aimed in both directions of the bridge and the entrance corridor. Intense sparks showered the air as even more of them worked furiously to slice through the door''s thick metal, their cutting tools emitting a fierce, bright re. ''They are elitemandos.'' She instantly recognized the elite soldiers from the battle in the skyscraper by their equipment. She hesitated, unsure if they were allies or enemies. Chapter 125: Chaos on the ship, part 2/3 Chapter 125: Chaos on the ship, part 2/3 In the spaceship''s marble corridor, Tia stood alert, breathing shallowly. The walls, lined with silver and gold engravings in the ck marble, faintly reflected the purple light from the ten visors of the imperialmando opposite her. The standoff was silent but charged, with a clear tension hanging in the air. The tenmando''s particle cannons, huge and deadly, hummed quietly while their barrels trained on her pulsed rhythmically with a purplish light. Feeling her heart pounding, Tia watched the overhead neon light flicker, casting erratic shadows over the scene as the vibrations intensified. ''I have no time for this.'' With a calcted movement, Tia lifted her hand, d in a dark, enchanted glove that faintly shimmered. "Miss, we have fought together down on the. We are not traitors. We are still loyal to ourdy." The sudden break in silence startled Tia slightly. The soldier''s voice, muffled by his helmet, carried a note of earnestness as one of the crouching soldiers aiming at her shifted his gun away. She couldn''t see his face, but something in his tone nudged at her memory. Her posture rxed just a fraction, a subtle but significant shift. ''They are the elite that fought without any fear of death thest time.'' This thought flickered through Tia''s mind, mingling with caution. She knew how fanatical the elite imperialmandos were. ''But uniforms can change their owners.'' "Speak, where were you then?" Her voice was steady, probing for truth amidst a sea of uncertainty. "Miss, I was in the server room," came the reply. At those words, a spark of recognition lit up Tia''s eyes. Slowly, she lowered her gauntlet, the motion deliberate yet fluid. It was a gesture of cautious trust, but meaningless as she could use her powers in a split moment anyway. The soldiers, in response, subtly adjusted their weapons. The barrels, once aimed directly at her, now pointed away, an unspoken agreement in the standoff. The tension in the air began to dissipate, reced by a cautious understanding, each side measuring the other, aware that the bnce could shift at any moment. Tia didn''t fully trust them, but she kept her guard up, her body coiled and ready to spring into action at a moment''s notice. Her attention was drawn to the flying sparks from the sma torch, wielded by a soldier as it cut through the thick metal doors of the ship''smand center. The fiery glow reflected off the polished walls and floors, casting a dance of light and shadow around them. "What is the situation?" Tia asked, her voice cutting through the noise. Information was critical now. The soldier who had spoken earlier answered without hesitation. "We, as the closest emergency strike team, responded to an alert of hostile presence on the bridge. The energy lockdown was triggered. We can''t override it without higher authority." ''So the enemies are on the bridge.'' Tia''s mind raced as she processed this. She was in a dire situation; without control of the ship, she was as trapped as a fish in a can. "Prepare to cover me, I will try to open the doors." Her words were firm, betraying no hint of the anxiety that churned within her. As she strode forward, passing the guarding soldiers, she felt their eyes on her, the mechanical whirr of their suits'' joints breaking the heavy silence. Except for two soldiers who continued to secure the corridor, the rest shifted their aim toward the doors. Walking between these tall, armored figures, Tia felt a chill of vulnerability, despite her confidence in her strength. It was a walk through a gauntlet, any of them potentially an enemy in disguise, that made her paranoid nature scream at her. Reaching the door, she pulled her gun from its holster with her gloved hand, while her bare fingers reached for the pulsing biometric lock. Behind her, the metallic ng of the torch hitting the floor signaled the soldier''s readiness, joining the formation aimed at the door. ''Hopefully, my authority is high enough, otherwise, this will quickly turn awkward. Let''s how high is the authority of a pet.'' As he finger-touched the warm disy, a bright light shed. Tia batted her breath in expectation, each moment feeling like an eternity. Then a beep resounded. Beep! <<<<<<>>>>>> New mission: Objective --> Secure the ship from imminent danger and protect the crucial crew members (Officers, Flight crew, and Engineers.). Rewards --> 3 x esper point; +10% to the progress of a random ability; +3 to WILL; +2 to ENE; Deductions -> For each important crew member that dies, your rewards will be reduced. <<<<<<>>>>>> Tia jumped up, already ready to move, only to curse internally, ''Very funny...'' Then a ding reverberated, making her gaze sharpen. Ding! // A new quest: Imposter hunt! Something is happening! There are imposters on the ship. Find them and eliminate them. Rewards: 1 x witch point for every two eliminated imposters; +1 to MAG for every 5 eliminated imposters; +1 to INT for every ten eliminated imposters; +4 to ENE for eliminating the leader of the imposters. // ''...'' Atst, a ding resounded the second time, and a green light lit up on the lock. Chapter 126: Chaos on the ship, part 3/3 Chapter 126: Chaos on the ship, part 3/3 Tia''s grip on her gun tightened, and her body braced for whaty beyond the heavy metal door as it creaked open. The energy from her body flowed into the rings on her hand, creating a silent hum of readiness. ''Alright, let''s go.'' She could sense the elite soldiers behind her, their purple visors focused on the widening gap. The door parted, revealing the chaos within. Flickering lights cast erratic shadows over smashed disy panels that covered the walls, ceiling, and floor. The elevated podium, stretching out like a bridge over a sea of screens, was stained with blood. Uniformed bodies and shards of ss littered the area. The acrid smell of death and the metallic tang of blood assaulted Tia''s senses as she stepped in. ''There was a fight here.'' "Quickly, we need help!" The cry came from two ragged groups, both in disheveled imperial navy uniforms, standing on opposite sides of the room. Guns were drawn, pointing at each other, then shifting to Tia and her deathmandos. ''This is too confusing.'' Tia''s mind raced. Identifying friends from foes in this tangled mess was like navigating a minefield. She scanned the room, looking for insignia, ranks, and anything else that might give her a clue. Her experience kicked in, and she signaled the squad behind her with a subtle hand gesture, halting their steps. ''Fourteen people, eleven on one side, three on the other.'' Her kic sense quickly swept through the entire space, counting all the heads. Even though it was logical to trust therger group, Tia didn''t want to make any rash moves without gathering more information. The tension in the room was electric, a palpable force that seemed to freeze time itself. Tia''s voice, calm butmanding, cut through the silence. "I order you to identify yourselves." There was a brief, hesitant pause before the elderly white-bearded man with three silver stripes on his shoulder, seemingly the leader of the group to the left, stepped forward. His posture was tense, reflective of the high-stakes situation. "I am the first officer, Kimody," he dered, his voice betraying a mix of urgency and caution. "They are traitors, no, monsters. Arrest them if you''re not a traitor." Almost in response, the officer leading the right group, his uniform slightly disheveled, spoke up. His tone was measured, contrasting with the chaos around them. "I am the second officer, Karkoskak. We need to apprehend the real traitor here, the first officer who defected and killed the captain." ''Such bad names... Wait a minute!'' Suddenly, a gentle smile formed on Tia''s face, and the gun in her hand vanished. Then, without warning, her demeanor shifted. A sudden, fierce energy crackled around her, an electric tension that seemed to pull at the very air. "Stand down or face execution," shemanded, her voice resonating with newfound authority. She raised her arms, and in that instant, themand center erupted into chaos. With a force that seemed to tear the air itself, the weapons flew from the soldiers'' hands, hurtling towards Tia with a series of sharp, resonating ngs. Soldiers yelped in surprise and pain, their hands empty and trembling. The sound of metal striking the deck reverberated through the room. Her eyes, now fiercely glowing, surveyed the room as she stepped forward. Each step was punctuated by the crunch of shattered ss under her boots, a stark contrast to the stunned silence of the onlookers. ''Hmm, it looks like people with superpowers are truly not thatmon for them to be shocked like this.'' Her confidence grew slightly at the sight. ''Let the truth be revealed,'' she thought, her mind razor-sharp. With a swift motion of her hands, the two officers were wrenched from the ground and suspended in mid-air as if by an invisible storm. "Release me at once! Look around yourself! I am not a traitor!" Kimody''s shout wasced with both anger and fear, his body twisting futilely in Tia''s telekic grip. Karkoskak, however, remained eerilyposed, his eyes fixed on Tia, a silent challenge in his gaze. Tia, now the embodiment of controlled fury, approached the suspended officers. The bridge crew watched in rapt silence, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and shock. Kimody and Karkoskak, hanging helplessly in mid-air, were like moths caught in an invisible web. Tia reached out, her fingers extending towards their temples. ''Show me your thoughts; I need just a glimpse.'' The moment her hands made contact, a visible jolt ran through their bodies, as if an electric current had connected them. Closing her eyes, Tia''s brow furrowed in concentration. She channeled her energy into a torrent of telepathic energy, smashing against the minds of the two officers. She could feel two barriers stopping her torrents of mental energy, like two dams stopping streams of rivers. ''It is harder than expected.'' She wasn''t shocked by this, knowing that her telepathy was still only at level one, with only her immense mental powers and energy supply making it possible to aggressively pry someone''s thoughts with direct touch. Gathering even more energy, she pressed, drilling against the two barriers like a drill into a concrete wall, slowly opening her path forward. It was her first time using her telepathic powers, but she instinctively knew what to do. ''Huh?'' But then, a subtle shift in the aira prickle of danger on the edge of her sensescaused Tia to recoil instinctively and swiftly step back. Second Officer Karkoskak, who had seemed disoriented and weakened, suddenly sprung to life with frightening vitality. His eyes, aze with an intense, unnatural orange glow, were fixed on Tia with a predatory focus. "Die!" With a tearing sound, his fist shot forward in a blur, its power so great that she could hear Karkoskak''s own bones shatter and break. Chapter 127: Trap, trap, and one extra trap! Chapter 127: Trap, trap, and one extra trap! The fist smashed into the kic shield with a thunderous crash, sending shockwaves rippling across its shimmering surface, like a stone thrown into a still pond. Simultaneously, the scene erupted into chaos. The ten crewmen, their eyes glowing eerily, leaped towards her with inhuman shrieks. Their advance was cut short as beams of purple particlesnced through the air, striking them with lethal precision, leaving gaping, smoldering holes where they pierced. In the chaos, the three remaining crewmen rushed for the exit, shooting blindly behind them. Amidst the cacophony of light and sound, Tia retreated, her mind already whirring with the strategy for her next move. The officer, undeterred by the failed assault, charged again, the ss floor fracturing under the sheer force of his leap. Tia''s response was a sh of deadly intent. She conjured a de of kic energy, enshrouded in roaring mes, and thrust it towards the officer''s legs. He dodged with an almost supernatural agility, his body contorting mid-air over the fiery de. Without missing a beat, Tia unleashed a rapid session of fire des. The air crackled and sizzled as they whizzed through. In shes of light, the des sliced cleanly through the officer''s legs, which plummeted to the floor, searing and smoking. "Gaaaa!" The bisected second officer''s agonized scream tore through the air as he fell to the floor. "Now, let''s see what you''re hiding," Tia murmured coolly, her eyes sharpening into slits as she readied herself topletely incapacitate him. Her determination was irond, and her mind was set on not dropping her guard again. ''His arms are next'' Suddenly, the officer''s screams ceased. His head snapped up, eyes aze with a sinister, golden glow, morphing his agony into a maniacal grin. The abrupt change sent a shiver down Tia''s spine. A pulse of rm surged through her. ''This expression! He hasn''t surrendered!'' Her battle-hardened instincts red to life, sensing an imminent and unknown threat. Splitting her focus into three parts, she acted with lightning speed. One part of her mind unleashed a brutal wave of kic force at the officer. The other two simultaneously reinforced her protective barrier and propelled her body backward, rocketing towards the exit in a strategic retreat. ''I need space.'' Then, in a sequence of deafening roars, Karkoskak and his men erupted in a series of sma explosions. The sts were like miniature suns, consuming everything in their immediate vicinity with unrelenting fury. ''Those lunatics!'' Tia screamed internally as she rushed out of the room. Behind her, themand center was engulfed in a blinding inferno, with waves of heat and force rippling through the entire structure. The shockwaves collided with her barrier like a battering ram of fire. She could feel the heat searing the air, the roar of the explosions drowning out all other sounds. Propelled by the explosion and her own kic energy, she crashed into the cold, marble floor of the corridor. Despite the burning sensation on her skin, a rejuvenating energy coursed through her veins, bringing a wave of relief. She watched in fascination as her palm, raised before her face, transitioned from painfully red back to its healthy, pale hue. ''I didn''t even need any potions. This is just the power of my cells,'' she thought with a mix of awe and satisfaction. [Imposter eliminated x 11] (145%)> < --> (35%)> ''So it was like this.'' Turning her gaze back to themand room, her eyes widened at the sight of utter devastation. The elite imperialmandos were all kneeling, their armored boots sinking into the visibly warped floor as they braced against the shockwave. Their ornamental armors glowed with the residue of intense heat. The bridge was a scene of ruinwalls bent and partially melted, every screen and pane of ss shattered into oblivion. ''It''s all gone.'' A wave of panic surged in her chest as she grasped the full extent of the disaster aboard the ship. ''They are all fanatics. No, madmen with powers that are not scared to die.'' Slowly regaining herposure, Tia rose to her feet, smoothing her skirt and straightening her posture. With eyes glowing a fiercebination of red and blue, she raised her gloved hand high. Her gazended on the first officer and the two surviving crewmen in the corridor. "You think you can trick me again?" she dered, her voice echoing with authority. With a swift, decisive motion, her arm swept downward, unleashing a fiery kic explosion. It surged forward, crossing the distance between them in an instant. Their eyes briefly shed golden before the storm of raw kic force and fire engulfed them, tearing and melting the corridor along the way. [Imposter eliminated x 3] (148%)> < --> (39%)> "Trap within a trap within another trap. How devious," Tia mused aloud, her voice tinged with a mix of amusement and disdain. After a moment''s pause, she exhaled deeply, collecting her thoughts. ''The way they ran out the moment the fight startedas if they knew of the explosion. Also, they didn''t even flinch when the second officer attacked me.'' Her mind, honed by high stats and adaptations, meticulously pieced together the clues. She witnessed how fast the attackers were, yet she was supposed to believe that the crew could survive for so long. She almost burst intoughter as she thought deeper into the entire situation. ''Their stances, positions, and all when I entered felt a bit odd too. Standing in two formations on two opposite sides of the room? Too orderly and pretty.'' "The bridge is gone, and the flight crew is dead. Where is the next ce we can use to take back control?" Tia''s voice cut through the settling dust as she addressed themandos, who were now rising from the ground. Their purple visors, unscathed, shimmered through the swirling air. Chapter 128: Descent Chapter 128: Descent Tia''s breath was steady as she sprinted down the ominously dark corridor, the same path she hade in earlier. The heavy thuds of the soldiers'' boots echoed behind her in the otherwise suffocating silence. The dim light of their weapons cast eerie purple reflections on the polished marble walls. From behind her, the soldier''s voice, muffled and urgent, reached her ears: "The ship can be controlled only from the main bridge and the secondary backup control room." "Can''t we just ess it through some terminal?" She shot back, her voice tinged with frustration. "Miss, that would be a security threat," came the reply, equally tense. ''Well, that makes sense... The main one just blew up. That leaves only the backup one.'' Her mind raced, calcting the fastest route and the impending risks. Suddenly, the corridor was bathed in a sinister red light, plunging the atmosphere into an even more foreboding state as the crimson emergency lights lit up. Then, a cold mechanical voice resonated through the corridor, sending a chill down her spine: "This is an automatic announcement system. Warning, the ship is on a collision course with a!" ''So the situation bes even worse.'' Tia felt like cursing at how cruel life was for constantly throwing her into dangerous situations. Just a fraction of a second, scanning the multiple pathways ahead. Her inhumanly fast mind quickly mapped out the most direct route to the backup control roomthe only ce from where she could retake control over the ship. "Left wing, two corridors down. Move!" Tiamanded, her voice slicing through the tension like a de. The soldiers, responsive to her lead, picked up their pace, their heavy boots pounding in unison against the cold floor. However, almost immediately, the cold mechanical voice resounded again: "Warning, the collision is imminent; prepare for an impact in thirty seconds." Tia immediately halted in her steps, pale as she realized how bad it was. Thirty seconds was too few to do anything, and she was trapped in a giant metal coffin, falling to its doom. She clenched her fists, hating and cursing at the idea of dying for something she couldn''t control. ''Escape modules? No, they are also too far. The engine room? Even further away.'' As the various scenarios shed before her eyes, her desperation grew. ''No, it doesn''t add up. Overloading the reactor would have been the obvious choice for destruction. There''s another motive here,'' Tia thought, her mind racing through possibilities. Frustration gnawed at her as the attackers'' true intentions were still shrouded in mystery. Suddenly, a spark of realization ignited within her. ''The shields! The emergency brakes! If they truly do not want to destroy this ship, then they likely didn''t disable them. There''s still a chance that ship will not shatter on impact.'' Her eyes zed with fierce determination, reflecting the glimmer of hope that had just taken root in her mind. Pressing her back against the cool, unyielding wall, she pieced together a new n. ''The bridge... It''s built to withstand the worst.'' With no time to spare, Tia burst into flight amidst the pulsating red glow of the emergency lights. Harnessing her telekic powers, she soared through the corridor with a speed that defied physics, darting back toward the bridge. The armoredmandos she passed were like mere statues in her peripheral vision, frozen in time as she sped by. "Warning, the collision is imminent; prepare for an impact in fifteen seconds." Her voice, urgent andmanding, rang out to the soldiers. "Retreat toward the bridge!" But she didn''t wait to see if they followed; her focus was singrthe devastatedmand center, which was the safest location nearby. With the speed of an arrow, she passed through the widely open door, entered the devasted control room, and rapidly halted. The walls, scorched and radiating warmth, bore the scars of the previous explosion. "Warning, the collision is imminent; prepare for an impact in ten seconds." The mechanical voice counted down, bringing a sense of threat with it. Tia stood resolute amidst the chaos, her eyes closed in eptance. The feeling of helplessness gnawed at her as she was reduced to a mere spectator in the face of an impending disaster. ''If I survive this,'' she vowed silently, ''I will be stronger. I refuse to be powerless again.'' "Warning, the collision is imminent; prepare for an impact in five seconds." The voice''s final countdown reverberated through the room, and a deep, unsettling vibration coursed through the floor, the groaning of stressed metal filling the air. The debris from the explosion trembled as the ship likely entered the atmosphere. Chapter 129: Landing Chapter 129: Landing Apanied by an earthshattering bang, the entire ship shook, and the lights flickered. The force of the impact nearly toppled Tia, but she steadied herself against the cold metal wall, her heart racing. Silence fell, the trembling ceased, and the ship''s lighting dimmed, plunging her into a subdued, ominous glow. Tia exhaled silentlyshe had survived the crash. "Emergency power activated, the''s atmosphere is breathable, unlocking all emergency passages." The lights suddenly red back to life, momentarily blinding her. ''Huh, they are alive too? Did I overreact?'' Tia''s eyes adjusted, and she surveyed the imperialmandos, their weapons poised and aimed down the brightly lit corridor. She slightly flushed in embarrassment at her overreaction as she watched their calmness. ''No, the attackers must have known this too. So their goal wasn''t to destroy this ship, but forcefullynd it here and disable it!'' Her thoughts raced, eliminating possibilities. ''Not the ship itself, then something aboard...'' Her eyes narrowed. ''They''re after the cargo.'' Her eyes shed as the image of the corridor with vaults Red had shown her came to her mind. Initially, the thought of simply ignoring the fact passed through her mindthere was no reason for her to risk her life for something that didn''t even belong to her. Ding! // New quest: Witchcraft is an expensive hobby! Every witch needs to grab any avable opportunity to enrich themselves, as witchcraft is an expensive hobby. Use the chaos on the ship and confiscate something from the ship''s vaults! Rewards: 5 x witch point; Novice Necromancy; 4 x (+ 1 to a random stat) // Steps echoed in the distance, growing rapidly louder. Without amand, themandoes retreated, setting up a defensive perimeter. The steps hastened, and Tia raised her gloved hand, signaling readiness, her previous losses sharpening her caution. POV An imperial soldier: The cramped, dimly lit corridor of the ship echoed with the rapid thuds of military boots. Streaks of emergency lights painted jagged red lines along the marble walls, casting a sinister glow on the advancing soldiers'' faces. Corporal Anastasius led the charge, his voice sharp against the tter of their equipment. "Hurry up, we must secure the bridge!" Anastasius''smand cut through the tension like a de, spurring his squad forward through thebyrinthine passageways of the imperial battleship. The situation was chaotic, and he couldn''t even be sure who was an enemy or an ally, but he knew the bridge had to be secured at any cost. As they neared, he raised his rifle and waved at his men, carefully gazing at a corner before them. He was never on the bridge, but he was forced to memorize the ship''s n as a marine serving on an imperial battleship. As they rounded the sharp corner, a harsh, mechanized voice stopped them in their tracks. "Identify yourself! This is the imperial high guard, lower your weapons immediately or you will be eliminated as traitors." As his gaze fell upon the soldiers before him, Corporal Anastius paled beneath his helmet, his hand suddenly trembling. Not hesitating for even a second, he lowered his gun, not daring to dy. Their long capes, their silver-decorated, dark, high-grade battle armor, and their purple visors immediately made him gasp for air. ''I just aimed my gun at themandos of the imperial high guard. I am so dead.'' He had heard enough stories that no one who dared to question the central imperial government lived for long. He never doubted that they were not traitors, as there was simply no way for the brainwashed elite before him to betray the empire. "I ordered you to identify, this is thest warning!" The dulled, mechanized voice made him stagger back, feeling like the voice''s owner would kill him even if he hesitated for a moment longer. ''Fuck, fuck!'' The soldier cursed inwardly, his eyes dting with panic. With an effort, he straightened his back and squeezed out a response. He was the higher rank in his squad, and it was his duty, "Corporal, Anastius, of the Fir..." "That is enough; you do not feel like a traitor." The gentle, feminine voice jolted and calmed him down, finally making him notice a beautiful woman standing behind themandos. Her words calmed him down, making his rapidly beating heart finally slow down. ''Thank goodness! I will not be executed!'' Noticing the sigils on her coat, he breathed out in relief. He was officially not considered a traitor by the knight of the imperial high guard. "Now, soldier, tell me, everything you know about the situation." The woman spoke again. (AN: It has been a long time...) 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