I was still reeling, literally traumatized after hearing Anna's story in the park. Rio Banner, a victim of those bullies, driven to suicide. My mind was a whirlwind of rage and a desperate need for justice. I didn't know what to do, but all I could think about was how I could help Anna get her revenge.
Lost in this deep thought, I started looking through the System Store. I scrolled through endless lists of superpowers, passive skills, and active skills. I had accumulated a decent amount of currency: 250 Prayer Coins and 300 Fear Coins. I could definitely use them.
Then, my eyes landed on a skill that looked incredibly intriguing: [Chanakya]. It cost a hefty 250 Prayer Coins. I immediately asked the System what this skill meant.
The System's voice, as always, was precise. "Host, this is a skill of unknown origin, in other words, otherworldly. What we can tell you about this is that there was a man named Sriman Kautilya, also known as Vishnugupta. He was the greatest philosopher, economist, politician, strategist, visionary, decisive, ethical, psychologist, versatile, diplomat, and conscientious."
My jaw dropped. "I know you will be overwhelmed after hearing this," the System continued, "but believe me, this is all true."
"It means he was perfect in everything?" I asked, astonished.
"You can say that he was a perfectionist," the System confirmed. "Thus, this skill is very costly."
When I heard all this, I didn't hesitate. I definitely bought it. The moment I acquired the skill, a flood of new insights and understanding rushed into my mind. It was like a thousand puzzle pieces suddenly clicked into place. I got answers to so many questions I hadn't even known I had. For example, a thought popped into my head: If someone in your reign of a lower position tries to act arrogant, it means it's a sign of rebellion.
"Are you talking about Tiffany?" System blurted out, I was surprised that the thought was so clear and immediate.
"Host, I can read your thoughts," the System replied. "But what you said is true. I think it's better to kick her out from the guild."
"No," I said, a new strategy already forming in my mind, thanks to [Chanakya]. "I have a better idea. But before that, can you describe her skills?"
The System complied. "Here you go. She has a list of skills: [Psychologist], [Unparalleled Determination], [No Slacker], [Mastery in Archery], [Excellent War Strategist], [Stock Market Analyst], [Chess Champion], [Continuum Combat]. A few of them are direct, like [Psychologist], [Mastery in Archery], [Excellent War Strategist], and [Stock Market Analyst], [Chess Champion]."
"Now, I will explain [Unparalleled Determination]. With this skill, no one can break her mentally. Thus, her Mentality stat is so high. Then the skill [No Slacker]: she is a hardworking person, and she also hates those who slack around her. She is very troublesome for those people. Now, let's talk about [Continuum Combat]. This skill is a mixture of Karate, Wrestling, and Judo."
She does have a very unique skill set, I thought, impressed despite myself.
"Let's talk about her passive skills," the System continued. "[Fear of Loss], [Toxic Boss], [Superiority Complex]. In simple terms, these passive skills are very dangerous for her and the people around her. [Toxic Boss] means she has the aura of those bosses in corporate industries. They make their employees work to their last breath. Now, [Fear of Loss] simply means she is very scared of losing anything, and for this, she will do anything to win. And last, [Superiority Complex] means she thinks everyone is beneath her."
"In simple words," I mused aloud, "she's very egoistic. She has very nice skills, but her passive skills are very powerful. I need to find a way to control her."
A plan sparked in my mind, fueled by [Chanakya]'s insights. She's a chess champion, and she's very egoistic. If I challenged her, she might not be able to refuse.
"What are the chances she will accept your challenge?" the System asked, almost as if it were curious.
"Don't worry," I said confidently, a smirk playing on my lips. "She will definitely accept my offer."
Next, I remembered Anna. "System, Anna also had a new passive skill, [Phobic Resonance]. What does that skill do?"
The System replied, "Passive skill [Phobic Resonance] is very helpful for her in hard times. For example, if she is in danger and an enemy is around her, then the enemy will temporarily experience all the phobias she has. In simple words, this is a defense skill."
This skill is perfect for her, I thought, a wave of relief washing over me. If she's in danger, it will help her. And she's habitual to her phobias, but the enemy, who isn't, will become crazy.
Meanwhile, I was still searching for any other useful skills in the store. Then I found a passive skill called [President]. This looked daunting, costing 150 Fear Coins. I asked the System for an explanation.
The System explained, "In a company, no one is above the president. Anyone can try as much as they want, but they can't be above the president. Presidents don't show their power normally, but when they do, everyone falls into a silent state. If you have this skill, if you try to become dominant, those around you will be dominated by you."
When I heard about this skill, my eyes started sparkling. This is the one I need, I thought. This is how I truly control the guild, how I become the King.
Afterward, I reached the house. I entered inside and found Mom in the kitchen, humming softly as she cooked, and Isabel in the living room, engrossed in her phone.
"Hey, sweetie, you're back?" Mom called out, her voice cheerful.
"Yes, Mom," I replied, trying to sound normal.
"You freshen up, and I'll prepare dinner till then," Mom said.
"Okay, Mom," I agreed, heading straight to my room.
I lay down for a few minutes, but my mood was still heavy. Anna's trauma, Rio's suicide—it was all replaying in my head. I could only think about how to help her with her revenge.
Isabel, ever perceptive, noticed my mood. She came into the living room and saw me lying there, staring at the ceiling. "Are you stressed about something?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.
"No, I'm fine," I mumbled, not wanting to talk about it. She asked again, but I just went straight to my room, closing the door. I just lay there, the weight of Anna's story pressing down on me. I didn't even go for dinner because I was so stressed.
A few hours later, there was a soft knock on my door. "Come in," I said, my voice muffled.
Aunt Christine entered, carrying a tray with a plate of food. "If you don't eat properly, you'll get sick," she said, her voice gentle but firm.
"I just don't want to eat," I replied, turning my head away.
"Others are worried about you," she insisted, setting the tray on my bedside table. "If you are fine, then I brought you dinner. Eat it." She looked at me with a determined expression.
Whenever I looked at her, I could only remember her confession and kiss from that night by the pool. I wondered if she even remembered it. But I needed to do something. This was my chance to push the "Love Mission: Archangel fall in love" forward.
"You know, Aunt Chris," I said, sitting up, "I can't ignore your command, but you have to promise me something."
She looked confused. "Okay, but what?"
"I want to sleep on your lap pillow," I said, trying to sound casual, though my heart was pounding.
She hesitated for a moment, then a soft smile touched her lips. "Okay, but only if you eat."
I ate the dinner she brought, every bite feeling heavy in my mouth. Afterward, it was time to rest in her lap pillow. We were alone in my room, just like that night by the pool, but this time, I was fully awake.
I lay there, my head resting on her soft lap, the familiar scent of her perfume filling my senses. "Aunt Chris," I began, my voice low, "don't you wish to continue your modeling career? Tell me honestly."
She sighed, gently stroking my hair. "Adam, that was my most desired dream. But I think my journey in modeling ended. If I say honestly, I still miss my career, but I am still more happy than before. I was alone there, but now I am with all of you. We have fun times. I am loving it."
"You know what?" I said, looking up at her. "I really want to do something for you."
"Oh, dear! You're so sweet," she murmured, a soft smile on her face.
"I have a question," I continued, my voice carefully neutral.
"What, Adam?" she asked.
"A few days ago, I had a very weird dream," I said, making sure to sound a little confused. "I don't know what to say. That dream was very vivid and soul-soothing. In that dream, one of my most beloved persons kissed me. Like we were sitting near under a starry sky. She confessed her love to me and kissed me. I am very confused."
I watched her face closely. She stiffened, and her eyes darted away, a flush creeping up her neck. She was nervous. "Do you know who she is?" she asked, her voice a little strained.
"I know," I replied, forcing a blush to my own cheeks, playing the embarrassed nephew. "But I can't tell. I am very embarrassed. Do you know what I should do?"
When I completed my words, she looked utterly flustered. "Adam," she said, her voice suddenly high-pitched, "I just remembered a very important work. I am sorry, but I will definitely listen to your story next time." Then she practically ran away from my room.
I lay there, a small, triumphant smile on my face. I think this will help her to realize her feelings. I just need to advance a little more. The [Casanova] and [Napoleon] skills were definitely working.
After a while, Isabel came inside my room, her expression a mix of frustration and concern. "What are you doing? Why did you not come to my room?"
"I'm sorry, Izzy," I apologized, sitting up. "I forgot about that."
She noticed my somber mood. "Something is going on," she said, her voice firm. "If you don't tell me, I will not leave you alone. Tell me what's going on."
She was relentless, so I relented. I told her the whole story of Anna and her friend Rio. As I spoke, Isabel's eyes widened, and her expression turned from frustration to fury.
"How can some like those bastards even be alive?!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage. "I'm feeling so sad about Anna. How much she must have gone through?"
"Yeah!" I said, my voice grim. "We need to do something about those bastards."
"Thus, you're in tension," she concluded, her gaze softening.
"She has so much potential," I explained, "but she can't forgive herself. If we can treat her trauma, then our Hunter's Guild will be very powerful."
She held my hands, her grip firm and reassuring. "Don't worry, Adam. We'll find the solution together. Now, you should sleep. You need rest."
Then she left, and I tried my best to sleep, the weight of Anna's story and the new mission for justice heavy on my mind.
(Christine's Perspective)
OMG! What the hell did I do?
I'm definitely sure he was talking about the kiss when I gave him while I was drunk. How can you be such a fool, Christine? But he said he saw it in a dream. I think he himself believes that what I did was a dream. Now, that boy is in a state of guilt. But he never said that woman was me. But the way he looked at me today was different. I don't know if he really think I kissed him, or if he's just imagining it. I can't understand anything. So many weird things are happening. I confessed to him, and then I kissed him. I'm literally letting my emotions overwhelm me. That's not good. I need to make some space between me and Adam. But that's impossible. I just can't stop this forbidden feeling. I'm just getting more and more weird.
(End of Christine's Perspective)