2026-04-12 14:00:00Mark's POV
If I were choosing based on sheer "cool factor," I would have snatched up Handyman Skills in a heartbeat. The ability to fix literally anything? That’s god-tier utility.But in a reality where enemies lurk in the shadows, being able to fix a leaky faucet or a blown engine won't protect me or the people I care about.Martial Arts on the other hand was tempting. I’d love to pulp anyone who tries to catch smoke with me, but let’s be real: in the streets of
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184. I want your babies
Their mother, Clara, was reclined on the couch, speaking softly into her phone while absentmindedly fidgeting with the hem of her pink nightdress. She barely looked up when the front door clicked shut."Mom, we're home," Rita chirped, leading the way into the living room with an easy smile.Clara muttered a quick, "I'll call you later," before ending the call and turning toward them. "Hey... did you guys have fun today?"Rita’s grin widened. "Yeah, it was alright. Though things stopped halfway—we couldn't go all the way," she said, casting a knowing wink at Mark.Mark caught the confused flicker in their mother’s eyes and stepped in smoothly. "She means the drama I was performing in today. We didn't get to finish the second act for the audience.""Oh, I see," Clara responded with a nod, her suspicion dissolving. "Well, what matters is that you both had a good time. Are you hungry?"Rita was already halfway up the stairs. "No
183. The drive home
The Astras Academy Grand Summer Festival finally drew to a close. While the audience buzzed with anticipation for a "Part 2" of the cosplay drama, no such performance existed. Flynn was forced to scramble for creative excuses to pacify the crowd.As the festival's grand finale, fireworks erupted overhead, painting the night sky in brilliant hues. Lilith seized the moment, pulling Mark into a romantic kiss amidst the throngs of people. Cameras flashed around them, capturing the public display of affection.Watching from the sidelines, Rita clearly burned with the desire to join in, but the social taboo of a sister passionately kissing her brother in public kept her at bay. In many ways, this was the realization of the reward Lilith had earned back at the ranch—uninterrupted time with Mark—only tonight, the clock ran far longer than thirty minutes that was promised back then. A look of genuine radiance washed over her face.As the crowd b
182. The end of the festival
Neko let out a sharp gasp, her breathing coming in heavy, jagged bursts. Her heart hammered against her ribs with a violence she’d never felt before. She looked down at herself. The knife had sliced through the air with impossible speed, etching itself through the fabric of her Thorn Princess dress and grazing the skin of her shoulder before burying itself deep into the wall behind her. It pinned her there like a butterfly in a display case.In all her years of assassination, she had never seen a blade thrown with such raw force and precision. Mark walked toward her, his hands tucked casually in his pockets as if they were just discussing the weather. "So... ready to talk? Or should I make sure the next one actually draws blood?"She looked up at him, her eyes wide with lingering shock. "W-who are you?" she stammered."Mark Reynolds," he replied easily. "Just an ordinary guy who’s going to be your future husband.""Hus—hus
181. An insult
As soon as Flynn vanished from the stage, Rita stepped into the spotlight, reclaiming her role as the festival's heartbeat."Well, that was a masterclass in drama, if I do say so myself!" she chirped into the mic. "But you know what else is top-tier? Lunchtime, baby! It’s time to raid the food stalls and see what Astras has to offer. Go get some skewers!"The crowd began to disperse, buzzing with excitement over the "stunning" special effects they’d just witnessed. Meanwhile, behind the heavy curtains, the atmosphere was far from celebratory. The background actors stood in confused clusters, whispering about the script's sudden, violent detour.Vincent, still in his waiter’s costume, did something that stunned everyone. He collapsed onto his knees in front of Mark and began to sob uncontrollably. "I’m sorry... I’m so sorry!" he wailed, his tears streaking through his heavy cosplay makeup."What is he doing?" one of the actors whispe
180. Off script
The scene on the massive LED screens shifted. A student playing the corrupt Minister stood atop a podium, his gold-trimmed mask catching the afternoon light as he raised a vintage glass. "To our partners," he toasted, his voice echoing with practiced arrogance. As the background actors paired off, Mark and Neko were left isolated in the center of the frame—two predators in a room full of prey. Their eyes locked behind their masks. They didn't know each other’s secret identities, but the script demanded they become a unit. Mark reached out, pulling Neko into a protective embrace just as the heavy double doors of the set were kicked open."INTRUDERS!" Izumi’s voice shrieked. She looked frantic on camera, leveling her prop weapon at the crowd. "We found the bodies! Agent Twilight is in the building! Lock the doors! No one leaves until every face is bared!"The "guests" erupted into a choreographed panic. On the giant screens, the audience watc
179. The Play Begins
{Two Days Ago: Sunday Evening}**Third Person POV**At the Simpson Estate in Westgate, Enny sat alone on a garden chair in the sprawling backyard. She watched the last embers of twilight fade as the darkness claimed the sky, stars beginning to lit overhead.She checked her watch, her leg tapping a restless rhythm against the lush lawn. Her patience was thin, and it was fraying by the second.Finally, the sound of muffled footsteps approached. A small, slight figure emerged from the shadows. Enny didn't wait for a greeting; she immediately scowled."You’re late.""My apologies. I had a minor complication during my previous contract," Neko replied, her voice a flat, neutral calm. She stepped into the light and sat across from Enny. Her hands were stained in crimson and wet with unmistakable blood. "The target was more resilient than anticipated. He put up a fight, but I took care of it."Enny rolled her eyes, a look o
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