Darkness at least that was what he thought.
That was all Brian felt at first — a crushing, endless black that pressed on his chest like a thousand tons of wet sand. His last memory was a car horn, a blinding light, and the taste of blood. Then nothing.
Now, a voice echoed in the void:
> [Welcome, Brian Cross. Death detected. Reincarnation Protocol Active.]
[System Booting: Universal Bond Interface completed]
[Do you accept?]
Brian cracked one eye open. "System?" His voice echoed in the nothingness. "Like… the overpowered cheat kind?"
> [Affirmative.]
He grinned, even here. "Hell yeah. Accept."
Light exploded outward. A column of gold data spiraled around him, painting runes in the air. He was stripped down to his essence — tall, broad shoulders, lean muscles, a smug grin even death hadn't erased. Twenty-four, dark hair styled perfectly, eyes like polished obsidian.
He flexed his biceps just to see. "Still handsome in the afterlife. Good to know."
> [Template Confirmed: Flex King Archetype.]
[Universal Bond System Online.]
"Hah Hell" Brian laughed. "I'm literally the flex king now."
> [Tutorial: This System allows you to travel between worlds, form bonds with key individuals, and grow stronger with each bond. Begin your journey and try not to die?]
Brian cracked his neck. "I wasn't planning to Where to?"
> [First Universe Selected: ECLIPSE ANGELS – Codename: 001]
[Warning: High-risk world of espionage, conspiracies, and femme fatales. Perfect for bond acquisition.]
The void beneath his feet turned into a swirling vortex. He smirked at the cosmic tunnel ahead. "Espionage, femme fatales, and me? Yeah, I'm home."
And then he fell.
---
He landed hard, rolling across polished marble. His senses snapped into place — smell of expensive perfume, clink of glasses, low jazz. He was in a penthouse ballroom lit by chandeliers, full of rich people in tuxes and gowns. Beyond the glass windows, a glittering city skyline.
Brian sat up, brushing imaginary dust from a perfectly fitted black suit that hadn't been there a second ago. "Nice," he muttered. "System even gave me drip."
A ping in his mind:
> [Mission 1: Infiltrate the Eclipse Angels gala. Acquire first bond.]
[Target: Aria Voss – Elite Spy/Assassin. High-value bond.]
Brian scanned the room. And there she was — across the dance floor, a woman in a crimson dress that fit like sin. High heels, sleek dark hair, a smile that could kill. She was sipping champagne, eyes sweeping the crowd like a hawk.
Brian whistled low. "Target acquired She is hot."
> [Bonus Objective: Impress target without getting shot.]
He smirked. "I'm built for this."
He strolled onto the dance floor like he owned the place. People parted instinctively — something about his swagger. He plucked a flute of champagne from a passing tray and raised it toward Aria.
"Beautiful night for secrets my love," he said, voice smooth.
Her eyes flicked over him once, sharp and calculating. "Who are you and I am not your love?"
"Name's Brian," he said. "New player in town. Thought I'd come say hi before you kill someone."
Her lips curved faintly. "Bold of you to assume for someone I don't even know."
"Bold's my brand."
Her eyes lingered. "You're not on the guest list."
Brian winked. "I'm on your list."
A faint, dangerous glint in her eyes — but also amusement. "You've got five seconds to give me a reason not to break your arm."
Brian leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Because you're about to need me."
As if on cue, the lights flickered. An alarm blared. Security poured into the ballroom, guns out. A voice over the intercom: "Target located! Terminate!"
Aria's dagger appeared from nowhere, her champagne glass shattering on the floor. "You set me up?"
Brian raised his hands. "Hey, I'm as surprised as you—"
> [New Event Triggered: Hunter Agents Deployed.]
[Optional Mission: Survive & Protect Target.]
Brian's grin turned feral. "But I am good under pressure."
The first agent raised a silenced pistol. Brian's shadow flickered at his feet.
> [Skill Unlocked: Shadow Step I]
"Nice good skill," Brian whispered.
He vanished into darkness, reappearing behind the agent, palm chopping the man's neck. The guy crumpled. Aria blinked.
"What—" she began, but another agent lunged at her. She moved like liquid, spinning, dagger flashing, cutting the man's sleeve before slamming her heel into his ribs.
Brian caught another by the collar and hurled him into a buffet table. "This a normal Tuesday for you?"
Aria ducked a punch. "You're interfering."
"You're welcome," Brian shot back.
Security panicked, firing wildly. Brian shadow-stepped again, appearing in front of a gunman, twisting the pistol out of his hand and smacking him with it. "Man, this system's sweet."
> [Bond Progress: Aria Voss 10%]
Brian caught the ping in his mind and smirked at her. "See? We're already connecting sweet heart."
She gave him a look like she couldn't decide whether to stab him or kiss him or maybe cripple him.
---
They dove behind a marble pillar as bullets chewed the air. Aria pressed her back to it, breathing hard. "You're not just some rich idiot."
Brian grinned, brushing dust from his lapel. "I'm the guy saving your life."
"Why?"
He winked. "Because you're interesting and I love that."
A helicopter thudded outside the glass windows. Ropes dropped. More agents.
Aria cursed under her breath. "We're outnumbered."
Brian's system pinged:
> [Choice Node Active.]
[Option 1: Escape.]
[Option 2: Flex.]
[Option 3: Both.]
Brian whispered, "Option three."
He stood up, rolled his shoulders, and walked right out from behind the pillar as bullets flew. Shadows coiled at his boots, rising like smoke.
He raised his hand. "Boo."
The shadows erupted outward, knocking agents off their feet like a living tide. He caught Aria's wide-eyed stare and flashed a grin. "Told you you'd need me."
> [Bond Progress: Aria Voss 28%]
"Who are you?" she demanded.
"Your new partner in crime and secret lover," he said, then shadow-stepped to her side, grabbing her waist. "Hold on."
"What did you say Fu... you—"
Darkness swallowed them both, and they reappeared on the roof in a gust of cold night air. The city sprawled below, neon and steel.
Aria stumbled, catching herself. "How the fu..k did you do that—"
"Trade secret." Brian smirked. "Now, where's your safehouse?"
She hesitated, then muttered, "North tower. Six blocks."
Brian offered his hand. "Then let's go, Angel."
She actually cracked a small smile, taking his hand. "You're insane."
"I'm fun."
Another ping:
> [Mission Update: Successfully Protected Aria Voss.]
[Reward: Shadow Step II Unlocked.]
Brian's shadows curled tighter around him, stronger now. He felt power hum under his skin. He glanced at Aria. "So… dinner after this?"
She rolled her eyes but didn't pull her hand back. "Survive the night first."
Brian's grin widened. "Deal Love."
Below, sirens wailed. Above, the helicopter circled back. And in the sky — for a heartbeat — a black, winged shape flickered before vanishing.
> [Warning: Hunter Signature Detected.]
[End of Chapter 1.]