As the moonlight bathed the streets of Aspiring City,
Reo sprinted silently across rooftops, crafting weapons mid-run.
His control over the "Weapon Maker" ability had grown impressively no longer limited to crude tools, he could now forge F- and occasionally even F+ grade weapons with a flick of his hand.
Each weapon shimmered momentarily before vanishing into his Ring ready for use.
The city lights began to dim as he approached the edge of the wealthy district. Reo narrowed his eyes.
From a distance, the mansion loomed like a sleeping giant luxurious isolated and heavily guarded.
He had memorized the layout from the files stolen earlier, courtesy of his clone's successful infiltration of the police archives. This mansion belonged to Marquel.
a notorious figure whose wealth had long shielded him from justice. The list of crimes attributed to him was sickening blackmail, extortion, attempted rape, and violent abuse. Yet through power and gold, he had always walked free.
Not tonight i guess he thought with a Smile.
Reo activated his Angel Eye his perception sharpened instantly.
The world slowed around him as if time itself slowed than by half Cars crawled by at half their speed.
People moved sluggishly This boost in agility wasn't just physical it was a tactical edge He could now see openings predict movements much easier.
Behind him an icy mist danced in the air as Althea emerged from his soul space, her signature presence marked by shimmering frost.
She stepped onto the pavement in silence, her icy-blue hair glistening under the moonlight. Her breath curled like vapor, betraying her current power somewhere between G+ too F-
But with his experience he could use it in it's full potential.
Reo gave her a glance. "Go" his voice calm but sharp with intent. "The faster this is over, the better."
She sighed but didn't argue. Without another word Althea began walking toward the mansion gate graceful yet terrifying in her stillness. She didn't bother hiding herself.
At the front gate, two guards leaned lazily against the wall. One was pudgy and sweating, his uniform stained and crumpled. The others weren't much better slightly stronger, perhaps F- or F+
but clearly undisciplined. Their eyes lit up with lustful greed the moment they saw Althea.
"Well, well, look what we have here…" sneered one guard, licking his lips. "Don't tell the boss what we're about to do, yeah? Let's keep this between us."
Another chuckled darkly. "She's gotta be his latest New plaything."
Althea's eyes narrowed Frost began to curl at her fingertips.
Reo, hidden in the shadows nearby, sighed. "Yeah… they just signed their death certificates."
Before the guards could act, the air split with a high-pitched whistle. An icy blade shimmered into existence and tore through the air cleanly beheading the first guard before he could even blink.
The remaining three froze in horror as their comrade's head hit the ground, followed by a shower of shimmering frost.
"Shit! Commander isn't here call for backup!" one shouted, panic replacing bravado.
Another tried activating his ability, turning his body to stone and conjuring a large shield.
"Charge together don't lose hope we still have the number advantage!" He barked loudly
They never got the chance.
Althea sighed raising a single hand.
Twenty enormous ice blades materialized mid-air, each nearly three meters long Her eyes gleamed coldly.
"Fools," she muttered, her voice barely audible through the growing storm.
The frozen shards rained down like a divine punishment.
The stone shield shattered Screams echoed for only a moment before silence returned, broken only by the sound of frost crackling over blood-soaked ground.
Meanwhile, Reo had used the distraction to slip into the mansion through the now unlocked gates.
The clone's shapeshifting mask had returned to his inventory, safely stored in his spatial ring. Inside, the mansion was a shrine of excess golden railings, diamond-studded decor ivory statues.
Reo moved quickly but methodically, crafting small weapons as he went daggers.
Each one was placed with care.
He climbed the grand staircase to the second floor, where a faint aura flickered behind the walls his hold in the dagger tightens He paused senses alert.
Voices.
"…That disgusting pig. I swear, the next time he tries to lay a hand on me, I'll rip his throat out!" a female voice snapped, seething with rage.
"Elisa, calm down," another voice replied, this one softer but firm. "We're not here to start a rebellion. We get the artifact, and we leave. Focus."
Reo's eyes narrowed. So he wasn't the only one here tonight.
He pressed himself against the wall, considering his next move.
---
Back at the front yard, the battle was over. Althea stood over a frozen field of corpses,
her face impassive, though her chest rose and fell slightly faster than usual. She turned, ice dispersing as she looked toward the mansion.
"Still taking your sweet time in there, Reo…" she muttered Her voice a in a Frown But in Calm state.
Elisa a C+ Ranked Noticed Something Wrong then looked at her as They Make eye contact The Two already Sense something.
Reo also wasn't surprised it's already a Miracle he didn't get noticed while overhearing their Conversation.
Althea ofcourse also noticed the Strong Aura
Reo wasn't in Alert since They Looked Like Something he could Negotiate with "Althea Go inside me" Reo voice firm.
She hesitate for a moment since Leaving him in a Two C+ Ranked would be Dangerous.
But looking at his Gaze she sighed as the door slowly opened.