A single step from slipping into the abyss of unconsciousness, a sharp ringing split through Shun's skull. His eyes snapped open.
*I should have muted this cursed thing before trying to sleep. Who calls at this hour? Jax?*
Blue light flared in his vision as the call connected. The caller ID read **Top Cent**. He frowned.
After a brief pause, he answered.
"Who is this?"
"The name's right there—Top Cent. Can't you read?"
"Should I care who Top Cent is?" Annoyance sharpened his tone. "You have three seconds to explain yourself before I end this call."
"Drone field. Claws. The cube. Any of that ringing a bell?"
"You're one of them?" Shun's voice turned cold. "Didn't get enough of a beating last time? That why you're calling?"
"I'd like to propose a deal."
"For the cube?" Shun leaned forward in the recliner. "If it were anything else, I might listen. But those hunters followed *your* orders."
"The city's already shit. Hand the cube to bastards like you, and it'll only get worse."
"That is the least of your worries," the voice replied smoothly. "Bring me the cube, and I'll ensure every action you've taken is recorded as under Adapta's direct orders. I'll wipe your criminal record clean. You'll be free to work with either Kinrara or Machno."
"Yeah, sure, it's a deal," Shun said, voice dripping with mockery. "That's what you want to hear, right? I don't know what twisted plans you have for this cube, but it stays with me."
"Are you certain?" The caller let the words hang. In the garage, the dim lamp flickered. "It is a modern masterpiece of this era. That cube is the fusion of an ancient artifact and cutting-edge technology from both Machno and Kinrara Corporation. You will regret making enemies of these great powers. They will hunt you."
"You won't be the first," Shun said, lips curling into a slow smile. "Nor the last. Tell your masters to keep patting your head—and you can keep licking their boots like the good dog you are."
He ended the call. The smile lingered.
*Luck, perhaps. But I've been waiting for this moment.*
He had built his other persona—the cold-blooded merchant with his fancy gadgets—for exactly this.
With two of the city's alphas now tracking him, he could no longer afford to play small. The cards he had prepared over the last seven years were finally ready to be played.
*Just wait,* he thought, eyes sharp, a devil's cunning smile on his lips. *I will drag every last one of you into the abyss, where you will never see the heavens again.*
His hand clenched.
*Grandma… just wait a little longer. I will wake you.*
---
His eyes snapped open to the rich scent of food drifting through the air.
*Did I rent a housewife last night?*
"Minami, is that you?" His voice echoed through the house.
"No, it's just me."
Selen stepped into view wearing a simple apron, a knife still in her hand and a tiny scrap of onion skin clinging to the blade.
Right. He hadn't rented anyone. The house had simply gained a new member.
Selen Richter. Brown hair, bright yellow eyes.
"What are you doing?" Shun pushed himself upright from the recliner.
"I'm cooking breakfast for both of us." She offered a small smile. "You don't have to look so surprised. You took me in. This is the least I can do to repay you."
"You don't owe me anything," he said. "Rest. Watch the feeds. Don't trouble yourself with the house—or cooking for me. I can order something."
"Oh…" Her gaze dropped, shoulders slumping.
Shun's chest tightened. "Okay, fine." He rubbed the back of his neck, reluctant. "You can do whatever you want."
She looked up. No smile, but her eyes brightened for a brief moment. She nodded and disappeared back down the hall, humming softly.
Shun sat stunned for a heartbeat.
*Have I heard that hum before?*
No matter how hard he reached, the memory wouldn't surface. He shrugged it off, leaned back into the recliner, and turned toward the workshop.
The cube lay half-dismantled, its intricate pieces spread across the bench.
*They weren't wrong. It really is a masterpiece.* An ancient artifact fused with modern technology. *But why? An artifact is already complete on its own.*
*Combining it with current tech should cut its power in half.*
He tapped his chin, studying the glowing hologram that displayed the cube's internal structure and every function in crisp detail. His eyes lingered on one component, then darted to another. Calculations, theories, and possibilities raced through his mind.
The answer came suddenly. A chill crawled across his skin.
*They traded raw power for unlimited uses.* As long as the cube was repaired and maintained, it would function forever. *Essentially an artifact with no limit.*
*Crazy doesn't even begin to describe it. They're toying with the natural order itself.* If they mass-produced these… the hunters on the front lines would slaughter demons far more easily.
Shun snatched the cube and tossed it into the air. It slowed near the ceiling, then fell. He caught it smoothly and threw it again.
*Still… knowing these corporations, they won't stop here.* This technology wouldn't be used only against demons. It would be turned toward—
He caught the cube, refusing to finish the thought.
*This just makes the devil look kind.*
"Mister! The food is ready!"
"Coming." He set the cube on the workbench. "Assemble it for me."
A small panel on the bench slid open. A swarm of tiny droids poured out like steel bees, descending on the cube and its scattered parts. They began piecing it back together with precise, humming efficiency.
*If I'm going to drag Machno and Kinrara into the abyss, I need more information about this cube.*
Through the neural link in his mind, he sent a quick message to one of his informants and arranged a meeting.
Shun stood—then his legs buckled under his own weight. A dull thud echoed through the house.
Rapid footsteps approached. Selen appeared, eyes wide with alarm. She slipped his arm around her neck and helped him rise.
"Mister, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." He didn't straighten fully. He had to bend slightly, using half of Selen's height for support just to stay upright.
"Will you be all right?"
"I'll manage. Let's eat breakfast."
With her steady support, he made his way to the kitchen. A full spread waited on the table, the aroma pulling at him.
"You made all of this?"
"There were some leftovers in the fridge. I did what I could." She guided him to his chair. "Does it look unappetizing?"
"No, no. It looks great." He carefully released his hold on her. "I'm fine now."
He lowered himself slowly into the seat. Selen watched quietly, concern written plainly in her eyes. Only when he was seated did the worry fade.
She sat beside him.
"I see the clothes fit you well."
Last night, before sleep claimed him, he had sent two drones to buy an outfit in her size and left it at her door. She now wore a yellow shirt with a sleeping black cat printed on it and simple blue pants.
"You didn't have to buy me clothes," she said. "I still have some money from my previous job."
"Use it for something you've always wanted." Shun picked up his chopsticks. "I make plenty from gigs and selling the magiteck I build."
He met her eyes. "I'm the reason you're in this situation. That makes you my responsibility. Ask me for anything. Don't be timid. Understand?"
"Mister… are you sure?"
"Yeah. Now let's eat. I'm already late for school."
Steamed rice, grilled fish, miso soup. A separate plate held toast with bacon and egg.
She had prepared two different meals in case he disliked one.
He removed his mask. The corner of his mouth twitched upward as he devoured both in quick succession.
She observed his facial features with flat expression. Black long hair tied to a bun, a stern look with sharp eyes. Face just above average.
"Mister, can you walk to school?" She asked suddenly.
"Yeah, I should be fine in half an hour. Why?"
"I'm sorry you have to go through all of this because of me."
"It's okay." He spoke around a mouthful of food, then swallowed. "Also, don't say sorry so much. The word loses its value when you repeat it."
"Sorry." She caught herself and shook her head. "Then… what am I supposed to say?"
"Try 'thank you' instead."
She thought for a moment. "Thank you… for going through all of that for me." She hesitated. "Is that the right way?"
Shun paused, then gave her a thumbs-up.
A small breath of relief escaped her.