"So it’s true," Max muttered, shaking his head as a grin spread across his face. "You really managed to earn five power points in just a few minutes."
Edward nodded, his gaze fixed on the screen in his office. "Yes, but my son went even further—he advanced by seven power points."
Max’s eyes widened. "What?" He leaned forward in disbelief. "Didn’t you say five was the peak? How on earth did he surpass that?"
Edward exhaled, shaking his head. "I don’t know. I was caught off guard too. But I suppose there are all kinds of geniuses in this world."
Max paused, his expression becoming more thoughtful. "Right... like that young man, what do they call him? Pri huh... We still don’t fully understand his limits, either. Who knows how this thod might affect soone like him? He’s an anomaly."
Edward smirked. "So, are you planning to bring him into your city?"
Max scoffed. "That would be ideal, but let’s face it—Albert will make sure I don’t get a hold of him, even if he can’t stand that kid."
Edward let out a hollow chuckle. "That bastard."
Max sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Anyway, you’ve done your part. The results you’ve provided are more than enough. I’ll take care of the rest from here."
"Good," Edward nodded. "But rember my share, Max."
"Of course, son," Max replied, "I would do anything to set things right."
Edward paused and looked at Max before nodding. "Rember your promise to let lead as well".
The call ended, and the screen faded to black.
Edward leaned back in his chair, gazing at the glass wall of his office. A slow smile crept across his face as he flexed his fingers, feeling the raw energy still coursing through him.
"This power... it feels great," Edward murmured, flexing his fingers as he reveled in the newfound strength surging through him.
"General, it’s ti for your afternoon nap," the AI announced in its typical monotone.
Edward almost fell out of his chair, his face contorted in disbelief. "Who the hell programd that into your system?! I don’t need a nap!"
"Calling Miss Seraphina," the AI replied instantly, the call already being forwarded.
"Wait, wait, WAIT—" Edward shot up, forcing a smile at the ceiling as if the AI could truly see his panic. "I’ll take the nap! There’s no need to call her. Cancel the call. Abort mission."
"Good," the AI replied, falling silent once more.
Edward slumped back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "That silly girl... she even brainwashed my own AI." He groaned, glaring at the ceiling. "What’s with these brats? ’Take an afternoon nap, Dad! It’ll stabilize your body after the experint!’ What a joke. What’s next? Warm milk before bed? A bedti story?!"
Muttering softly, he shuffled over to the couch, continuing to grumble. "A bunch of ungrateful kids treating like I’m old man..." Lying down with his arms folded defiantly, he declared, "I’m not tired at all."
He was snoring within five minutes.
---
"Senior, you’re shining like a damn diamond," Bee grinned, standing next to Tyson, who was casually doing push-ups with a smile never fading from his face.
Ken scowled with his arms crossed. "How can a monster like him grow so fast?"
"Due to that thod," Shaun remarked, stroking his chin pensively.
Ken shot him a glare. "No kidding, Shauny boy, but why did it work so well for him? Seven freaking points?"
"Yeah, it’s odd," Shaun admitted. "Even the General only got five. According to the calculations, five was supposed to be the maximum... so either Victor miscalculated, or the Sergeant has sothing unique about him."
"Senior is different," Lara said, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched Tyson’s arms flex with each push-up. Her gaze lingered a mont too long. "He’s like an angel,"
Ken scoffed. "It’s a demon, not an angel."
At that mont, Tyson completed his last push-up and stood up. Ken nearly jumped back. "I-I didn’t say anything!"
Tyson wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel and smiled. "Who’s hungry? The treat is on ."
As if by magic, the whole group quickly gathered behind him and followed him to the cafeteria. Lara walked alongside him while the others lagged behind.
Bee smirked, nudging Ken. "Didn’t you just call Senior a demon?" Ken ignored him, focusing on the upcoming free al. Bee’s smirk widened. "But at least he’s not eyeing free food like you. Wait, does that make you a beggar?"
Ken’s eye twitched as he seized Bee by the collar. "How dare you?! I’m your boss, not him!"
"Sorry, boss! my tongue slipped!" Bee exclaid.
Ken tightened his grip on Bee’s neck. "Well, now my hands are about to slip around your neck."
"Save , Senior!" Bee cried out, flailing dramatically. "We have a madman among us! Soone stop him—he’s lost his mind!"
Ken scoffed, "There you go, revealing your true colors."
"I’m just kidding! Don’t mind , boss!" Bee grinned, slipping out of Ken’s grasp and dashing toward Tyson for safety.
Ken sighed in frustration, rubbing his temples. He knew better than to get too close to Tyson—who knew what that demon would do to make his life miserable for making a scene?
Shaun shook his head. What idiots.
"Hurry up! I won’t pay for your al if we arrive late," Tyson shouted back. "And make sure to order quickly—I’m starving."
"I’ll have the sa as what Senior orders," Lara chid in.
" too," Ken said. "And sothing extra."
Bee snickered, struggling to suppress a laugh.
Ken’s expression grew serious. He understood exactly why Bee was laughing. Just you wait, Ken thought. Let enjoy my al first—then I’m going to take you down.
---
Justin’s hands balled into fists, his whole body shaking with barely restrained fury. His voice resonated through the opulent chamber, venom dripping from every word.
"What do you an, Father?" he shouted. "You’re the General of the most powerful city, and you’re telling you can’t give the love of my life?"
Albert stayed quiet, his expression unreadable.
"Didn’t I tell you I wanted her?" Justin’s voice trembled, rage spilling out. "Do you even care about ?"
Albert exhaled slowly, his tone steady. "Justin, I did my best,"
"No, you didn’t," Justin retorted, pacing restlessly like a trapped animal. "If you had, that bastard Edward would be bleeding out. This wouldn’t be happening." His eyes blazed with frantic resolve. "I refuse to let it happen. She’s mine. My wife—my future wife."
Albert finally spoke, choosing his words carefully. "I am the General, Justin. That’s exactly why my hands are tied. I can’t openly use my power or influence to bring her back to you."
Justin let out a bitter laugh and shook his head. He finally slumped onto his bed, running a hand through his hair. "I should’ve known... that bastard from the Research Departnt—he’s the one who sent her away, isn’t he?" His gaze darkened. "We should’ve killed him when we had the chance."
Albert’s jaw tightened. He paused for just a mont before saying, "We can’t, Justin."
Justin’s eyes darted towards him.
"Steve is the Vice Head of the Research Departnt," Albert continued. "He’s a key player in this field." His voice dropped lower, tinged with calculation. "But things aren’t as they used to be. RD is slipping from my grasp."
Justin let out a dark chuckle, shaking his head as though he found it amusing. "Right. The great General and his endless restrictions," he sneered. "There are things you can’t do, but tell , Father—who am I?"
Albert stayed silent, observing his son’s expression as Justin smirked.
"I can do anything," Justin whispered, his voice oozing with arrogance.
Albert narrowed his eyes. "What are you saying?"
"I’ll bring her back myself," Justin declared, his smirk transforming into sothing sinister. "I’ll go to Elria, find her, and drag her back to where she belongs—beneath my feet."
Albert pondered his son’s words. Gradually, a smile spread across his lips. "That... could work." His mind churned with possibilities. "You’re a civilian. You can cross the borders without rousing suspicion."
"Exactly," Justin said with a grin. "I’ll use that to my advantage. I’ll take her without anyone knowing and bring her back here. And once she’s mine, I trust you’ll take care of the rest?"
Albert’s smile widened. "Of course. Once you get her past their walls, my n will make sure she never escapes again." His tone turned serious. "But if you get caught—"
Justin scoffed, interrupting him. "Then what? I’m your son, Father. They wouldn’t dare lay a finger on . And even if they did, this matter would go to civil court, not the Rangers’ Association." He chuckled. "And we both know how easy it is to sway the courts in our favor."
Albert nodded, his mind already processing the details. "I’ll put you in touch with our friends in Elria. They won’t turn down an explicit kidnapping job, but be sure not to reveal your identity."
Justin turned toward the mirror, running a hand over his face, admiring his own reflection. A slow, wicked grin curled on his lips as he whispered, "She will be mine. My Nancy."
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