Ethan Walters placed his hand on the bedroom door, shaking his head with a chuckle.
As expected of Eri Spencer.
She hadn't caught on to any of it.
Ethan had a sense of Eri's intentions.
Though she was textbook tsundere, almost masking all her feelings.
Yet, after years of interaction, he could still sense her affection.
But... he couldn't reciprocate just yet.
Opening the bedroom door would be unimaginable if Eri saw what was inside.
Ethan quickly approached the bed and touched Annie's cheek with his finger.
At that moment, the system panel appeared.
"Reminder: The contained object has the attribute of 'coordinates,' allowing you to open a world portal to the contained object's world."
"The target world is 'Giant,' which can accommodate the anomaly 'Giant Power.'"
"Do you want to open the portal now?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow at the system panel.
Could he really go to the world of giants?
"Not yet," he decided.
For now, it wasn't the right time.
However, knowing he could access the world of giants required a slight adjustment in his plans.
Recalling the giant's storyline, Ethan knew a trip was necessary.
There were a few talents he needed to acquire.
Now that the containment system was bound, Ethan had to secure all anomalies for the sake of a peaceful daily life.
To maintain harmony in this world.
At least, on the surface.
To achieve this, Ethan had decided to form a foundation shelter organization.
And in the world of giants, there were some individuals who could potentially serve as the foundation.
But before heading there, he needed to be prepared.
Right now, more importantly...
Devouring the female giant's power took precedence.
Leaning down, Ethan pressed his lips against Annie's.
Feel the omission of 20,000 words.
Don't ask; some things are better left unsaid.
However, due to the handkerchief in Annie's mouth, the experience wasn't pleasant.
And...
Up close, Ethan met Annie's blue eyes.
At that moment, those beautiful eyes were filled with anger.
Ethan pulled back and straightened up.
The atmosphere was awkward.
Ethan wondered if Annie had other abnormal qualities besides turning into a giant.
Like waking up at the most inopportune moments.
Otherwise, it seemed too coincidental to catch her twice.
Annie twisted her body as much as she could, making muffled sounds, trying to break free from the restraints.
But after a while, she realized her efforts were futile.
She was tied too securely.
Moreover, all methods that could cause injury were prevented.
Her hands and feet were covered with soft materials, making it impossible to use her nails.
A foreign object was in her mouth, preventing her teeth from closing.
At this point, aside from minor movements and muffled sounds, Annie couldn't do much else.
Stopping her struggle, she glared at Ethan.
She had once thought well of the boy before her.
In this strange world, he had been patient and not angry at her suspicions.
In retrospect, Annie felt foolish!
She had actually thought he was kind!
Ethan cleared his throat, dismissing the awkwardness, and said:
"I know you feel betrayed, extremely angry, and want to kill me."
"But please calm down, listen to what I have to say, and think it over. You don't have much choice."
While speaking, Ethan picked up a water glass from the side table.
Annie's pupils narrowed.
It was the glass she had used earlier, with a small bottle of pink liquid inside.
"First, let me explain my trick. This is a drug, and you can't understand its ingredients for now."
"I used the kettle on the dining table to make you think the jug of water was safe."
"Then, I distracted you with the drawings and diverted your attention with drinks."
"You focused on the liquid itself and chose the jug you believed was safe."
"But the problem was with the cup I gave you, so you were still tricked."
Ethan casually set the water glass aside.
The drug had been purchased through an underground trading platform.
Yes, it was the 'computer accessories' delivered earlier.
"The reason you're stunned and restrained is simple: you're an anomaly."
"As I said, I want to protect humanity from abnormal threats."
"And you, who can transform into a giant, are undoubtedly an anomaly threatening humanity."
Hearing this, Annie felt remorse and bitterness.
She hadn't noticed the deeper meaning in his words at the time.
And being labeled a threat to humanity...
Annie was used to hearing that.
It was the same in Marley, as it was on Paradis Island.
But it still hurt every time.
Observing Annie's reaction, Ethan shifted the topic.
"But Annie, it's the giant's power that threatens humanity, not you."
Annie's eyes widened in surprise.
Ethan continued:
"You're not the same as a giantess. If possible, I wish to protect a girl named Annie Leonhart."
"But this requires the cooperation of Annie Leonhart. Annie, please calm down and think carefully."
Annie's eyes gradually lost their anger.
However, she clearly wasn't ready to compromise.
And then, Ethan dropped a bombshell.
"Annie, I have a way to take you back to that world, the one with Marley and Paradis Island."
Annie's eyes widened instantly.
She began to struggle again, more than when she first woke up.
"Stop!" Ethan suddenly commanded.
Annie froze, then stopped struggling, looking at Ethan expectantly.
After Annie calmed down, Ethan spoke again:
"I can build a portal to connect this world with yours."
"However, Annie, I want you to dismiss any orders from anyone in your head."
"Whether it's Marley's brainwashing or missions, positions, races—set them aside for now."
"A brand new choice is your last chance, Annie. Please think calmly."
"Trapped by giant power, executed by me."
"Or escape!"
^IMAGE IN COMMENT ^