Perhaps it was Alex Cross's overwhelming presence, but Irene never found the courage to make any personal requests. Her lips parted several times, yet no words came out.
Alex waved his hand, dismissing her gently. "Follow Susie. If there's anything you need, tell her directly."
Irene bowed slightly and left with Susie.
Meanwhile — Underground Parking Garage
Two surviving SUVs, still in decent condition, rolled out of the Lighthouse Hotel. Duggan, leading eight assassins, drove straight toward the Vigo gang's territory in the lower city.
Upstairs
After seeing Irene off, Alex stretched, finally feeling the tension of the past days loosen. The urgent matters were mostly handled.
It was time to relax.
He turned to Anna. "Prepare a bath. Open some champagne. Let's celebrate properly."
Anna moved quickly to carry out the order. Fox, Nikita, and Ramsey also began making preparations.
Alex strolled casually to the table where Irene had left the three hundred gold coins. With a wave of his hand, he stored them into the system. Then, unhurried, he stripped down and walked toward the hot spring pool.
Anna and the others were quick. The pool was already half-filled with steaming water.
Alex slid into the warmth, closed his eyes, and let the heat wash over him. For a while he simply soaked, enjoying the sensation of tension melting away.
Then he turned, reached out, and pulled Anna, Fox, and Nikita into the pool with him—one after another.
Laughter. Play. Wine and music. Splashes rose with their voices, the rhythm of water blending with indulgence.
Time passed.
Eventually, Alex leaned back, holding Anna and Fox close, while Nikita's hands worked gently across his shoulders. Eyes closed, his mind sank into the system.
System Status
Host: Alex Cross
Age: 22
Gold Coins: 5319
Skills: English Mastery LV3, Driving Mastery LV1, Close Combat LV3, Firearms Proficiency …
Talents: Advanced Self-Healing LV3, Rapid Learning LV2, Insight LV3, Exceptional Physique LV2 …
Items: Bulletproof Suits ×10, Advanced Weapon Crates ×10, Healing Ointment ×10, Assassin Blind Box Experience Cards ×10, Organization Badge, Emergency Squad Badge …
Subordinates: Anna, Duggan, Fox, Nikita, Ramsey, Susie, Margarita
Staring at the more than five thousand gold coins, Alex felt a rush of temptation. He wanted to spend. No hesitation—he gave the command in his mind:
"System, spend 10 coins to refresh the discount shop."
In an instant, five new items appeared:
Frenzy Elixir (Blue) ×50 — Permanently increases strength and endurance by 30%, but permanently reduces speed by 30%. Value: 200 coins (Limited-time 70% off).
Talent Recruitment Blind Box Pack (×10) — Randomly recruits 10 characters from other films, guaranteed at least one gold-tier, absolutely loyal. Value: 300 coins (Limited-time discount).
Assassin Recruitment Blind Box Pack (×10) — Randomly recruits 10 assassins from other films, guaranteed at least one gold-tier, absolutely loyal. Value: 600 coins (Limited-time 80% off).
Vehicle Workshop LV3 — Automatically upgrades 5 standard vehicles into level-3 bulletproof vehicles every 48 hours. Value: 800 coins (Limited-time 95% off).
Human Limit Serum ×1 — Injectable. Raises strength, speed, reflexes, and endurance to the peak of human potential, multiplying limits fivefold. Value: 1000 coins (Limited-time 99% off).
Alex's eyes lit up.
"Jackpot."
He pulled Anna into a fierce kiss, then without hesitation spent 2,900 coins to buy everything.
The Frenzy Elixir might have seemed flawed, but it was the cornerstone of his "low-cost Warlord" project. Margarita had studied Susie's detailed schematics for Warlord armor and weapons—yes, they could be built, and weapons could be purchased. But even the best-trained soldier could never move freely in such heavy armor.
The Frenzy Elixir solved that problem perfectly.
The Talent and Assassin blind boxes spoke for themselves. For Alex to advance further—to surpass even the High Table—he would need people. Loyal, powerful people.
But what he valued most was the final item: The Human Limit Serum.
Power. Wealth. Beauty.
When all of those were within reach, what remained to pursue? Strength. Vitality. Longevity.
He rose suddenly from the pool, water cascading off his skin. In his hand appeared a syringe filled with deep crimson liquid.
He glanced around the pool. His gaze finally fixed on Anna.
Though the steam curled in the air, the choice before him was sharp, undeniable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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