The sky over Tokyo was covered in clouds, and the clock hands had just hit 5:00 AM. The city was slowly waking up—but inside Arden's dimension, time flowed differently.
Akito stood at the center of the training arena, conjured entirely from energy. Around him, the Guardians had gathered, each preparing for battle.
"Jarl," Targus said, gripping his axe. "Should we go all out?"
"Of course," Akito nodded. "That's exactly why I brought you here."
He took a deep breath, and his sword materialized in his hand. Raising it to eye level, he launched forward. The others followed, each using their own unique style.
"Skill activated: [Will of the Chosen]," Akito said aloud.
The world stopped.
Everything turned a desaturated shade of gray-blue. Time itself ceased to flow.
"…Whoa. It works," Akito muttered with a smirk.
He appeared beside each Guardian in a flash, striking precisely—not full hits, just light touches to their weak spots. A moment later, time resumed—and almost everyone except Aurelia collapsed to the ground.
"What the hell?!" Kenshi groaned, rubbing his head.
Aurelia, observing with interest, just smiled faintly… until she felt a chill at her neck. A blade.
"It's over. You're all dead," Akito said calmly, then returned the sword Cryoz to his inventory.
"Young master, that might be… the best skill you've got," Elian said in awe, eyes gleaming.
"Maybe," Akito replied. "But even that's not enough to beat someone like Zalgrum."
"Hey, pointy ears! Bring us back. Not that I even went full power," Kenshi grumbled, rising to his feet.
Akito just smirked—and a moment later, the whole group was back in his apartment. Arden, wasting no time, sat cross-legged on the floor, working through a trap mission, while Kenshi watched over his shoulder with curiosity.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Akito said.
Standing outside was a dark-skinned man in a formal black suit. He bowed politely and handed over two thick black envelopes.
"Good morning, Mr. Akito. These are from Mr. Arimoto. Targus's payment. Also, the next photo shoot is scheduled for next week, at 3:30 PM."
"Understood," Akito nodded and headed back inside.
Aurelia narrowed her eyes, watching the envelopes.
"What are those? Spell cards?"
"Nope. Though… kind of looks like it," Akito chuckled. "Elian, from now on, you're our banker. All purchases go through you."
"With honor, young master," the elf replied with dignity and immediately began counting the contents.
Aurelia hovered behind him, carefully watching the process.
"Jarl," Targus said unexpectedly, "when do we go back there? I want you to help me get stronger."
"Me too," Arden added. "We can't afford to lose again."
"Alright," Akito replied, but then a system message appeared:
[Reach Level 300! Receive a Gift!]
"What gift…?" he muttered.
"But first… I need food," he said, heading for the kitchen.
The fridge was completely empty.
"…Great," he sighed. "Guess I'm going to the store."
He threw on a windbreaker and stepped out into the rainy morning. Wind whispered between buildings, raindrops slid down his hood. On the way, he passed a couple laughing under the rain—it made him smile and reminded him of Rei.
"Right… I owe her flowers. I ditched our first date."
He pulled out his phone and ordered a bouquet of 101 red-and-white roses. All that was left was the address—then he remembered he'd ordered her a taxi once. He typed it in, paid, and placed the order.
"Finally… the store," he mumbled, pushing the heavy door.
Meanwhile, in a long, dim corridor, the sharp echo of high heels clicked against the floor—a rhythmic beat, counting down something inevitable. At the end of the hall stood a massive door made of dark wood. It creaked open, and a tall woman entered, dressed in a black blazer and dark sunglasses.
"Good day, Director Miyuki Aoba," one of the men at the table said.
"Likewise," she replied coldly, smoothly taking the empty seat.
The room, lit only by a dull chandelier, already held three others. Their faces were cloaked in shadow—but the pressure they gave off was unmistakable.
"We need to eliminate Akito Kurosawa," Miyuki said, lacing her fingers. "The system commands it. But I also have… personal business with him."
"You'll go first, Renji," she added, turning to a man with short hair and a metal necklace.
He sneered.
"I'll handle it. Honestly, I'll enjoy tearing him apart."
"Don't overestimate yourself," said a quiet, precise voice. A man with glasses and a notebook. "He's not ordinary."
"We are Aka Hana," he continued firmly. "We will seize this world through the system. It belongs to us, not the so-called chosen."
The scene shifts.
Akito returned home. He kicked off his shoes, hung up his jacket, and headed to the kitchen. The room was warm and peaceful.
Targus snatched a bag of chips and bolted to his room, hiding the loot.
Kenshi sat on the windowsill, staring at the rainy street with a scowl.
"I asked for a drink… but, of course…"
"Young master," Elian said, appearing in the kitchen doorway, holding the neatly stacked black envelopes. "I counted everything—exactly seven million yen."
Akito raised an eyebrow.
"Seven million?"
"If we consider the percentage from every item sold…" Elian began, but Akito waved him off.
"We'll count later," he grinned. "This is… damn, this is awesome. Just a little more, and I can finally buy a proper apartment."
He leaned on the kitchen counter, a wave of relief washing over him. Everything seemed calm.
But deep down, he knew—
That peace wouldn't last.
[Noxveil]
Hey there, reader!
If you've made it this far, thank you so much. I'm writing this story in Russian and translating it into English — so I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Even one small comment gives me huge motivation 💬💙
Let me know who your favorite character is so far!