"Now I can break you myself."Genjiro didn't wait for a witty retort. He moved with the terrifying speed of a freight train.His fist, wrapped in S-Rank mana that hardened the air around it, slammed into Runa's guard.CRACK.It wasn't Runa's bones. It was her sword.The steel blade she had carried since her academy days—the blade she used to slice goblins and parry harpies—shattered like glass. Shards of metal spun through the air, glinting in the dungeon's dim light.Runa was thrown backward. She hit the stone floor hard, tumbling until she stopped at my feet.She tried to stand, but her arms gave out. She looked up at me, blood dripping from her lip. Her eyes were wide with shame."Master..." she wheezed. "My blade... I failed..."Genjiro laughed. He walked toward us, crushing the fragments of Runa's sword under his armored boots."Pathetic," the Guild Master spat. "You rely on toys, girl. True strength is flesh and bone."He looked at me."And you, Amagiri. Are you going to hide be

"Now you pay."The words hung in the silent dungeon, heavier than the stone ceiling above us.Genjiro laughed. It was a nervous, confused sound."Pay? With what?" He cracked his knuckles, the red mana flaring around his bruised fists. "You have no mana. You have no weapon. You have a dying maid and a broken disciple."He took a step forward."You're just a battery running on fumes, Amagiri. And I'm going to smash you open."I didn't flinch. I didn't step back.I opened the System Interface.[Current Desire Points: 0.] [Warning: Mana Void is critical.]I didn't look at the Shop. I looked at the bottom of the menu. The dark, glitching text that I had ignored since day one.[Forbidden Exchange.](I don't have points. But I have time. Three months minus... whatever this costs.)"System," I commanded internally. "Open the tab."[Warning: Forbidden Exchange trades Vitality for Power. This cannot be reversed.] [Proceed? Y/N]I looked at Melody's grey face. I looked at the blood on my hands.

"Lighting check," Ayaka commanded."Audio clear," Sae muttered, adjusting a boom mic."Snacks prepared!" Melody chirped, holding a silver platter of peeled grapes."Perimeter secure!" Runa shouted from the hallway.I sat in the center of the chaos, resting on a throne.Yes, a throne. Ayaka had it flown in from a European castle an hour ago. It was made of velvet and gold, and it was surprisingly comfortable for my aching back.I wore a black silk robe (also Ayaka's) that hung loosely off my shoulders, exposing just enough chest to drive the internet crazy."We go live in ten seconds," Ayaka said, taking her place beside me. She sat on the armrest of the throne, looking like a queen consort.(I feel like a prop in a very expensive play. But I need the points. I need them bad.)My lifespan was ticking down. Two months. I needed millions of points to buy the cures Dr. Mai suggested."Three. Two. One."The red light on the drone camera blinked on.The view count on the holographic monitor

"THE SYSTEM IS EATING YOU."The words from the diary were burned into the back of my eyelids.I stood in the center of the Saionji Villa's training grounds. It was early morning. The air was crisp, smelling of dew and Runa’s intensity.(I need to get stronger. Real strength. Not borrowed points. Not lies. If the System shuts down tomorrow, I need to be able to throw a punch without dislocating my shoulder.)"Master?" Runa lowered her sword, sweat glistening on her forehead. "You are awake early. Do you require breakfast? Or perhaps... the blood of your enemies?""No blood today," I said, walking onto the dojo mats. "Today, I require... basics."Runa blinked. "Basics?""I have relied too much on the Void," I lied, keeping my hands behind my back to hide the tremors. "My physical shell is lagging behind my spiritual pressure. I must refine the vessel."(Translation: I am weak as a kitten and I need you to teach me how to hold a sword without dropping it.)Runa’s eyes lit up. "A return t

"Why are you avoiding me?"Ayaka's question hung in the dark bedroom, heavy with accusation.Her hand gripped my shoulder. Her S-Rank mana poured into me, a rushing river of golden energy that tasted like champagne and power.My Void screamed in ecstasy. It drank the energy greedily, easing the bone-deep chill that had plagued me all day.(I should push her away. I should run. If I lose control, I'll turn her into a raisin.)"I told you," I rasped, turning my head away to avoid looking at her. "My aura is unstable. I am a danger to you.""Liar," Ayaka whispered.She straddled my waist, settling her weight on my hips. The silk of her dressing gown was slippery against my clothes."You let the detective bandage you in the dungeon," she said, her voice cracking. "You let the maid carry your coat. You let the disciple spar with you."She leaned down, her hair curtaining us from the rest of the world."But me? You push me away. You reject my money. You reject my help."A tear landed on my