"You're really outrageous! Going out with a girl right after meeting her!" Theo taunted, sipping his aroma tea with a smirk. "Mom, look at this monkey lounging like he just won the Ragnarok War."
"Theo," their mother warned gently, "he's still your younger brother. You two should act like it." Then, turning her gaze to Rio: "And you, Rio—you've always been the fragile one. You should take better care of yourself."
"Mom, I can get stronger," Rio sighed. "But why should I? I just want a normal life. Everything's complicated only because I was born into an elite bloodline."
"You'll understand one day," she replied. "Strength opens doors. Not just to power—but to freedom. It's not about status, it's about survival. But it requires hunger. Discipline. Effort."
"He'll fall behind," Xanthia chimed in playfully, still relaxed from their wild night. "We'll all be training, leveling up, moving forward. If he doesn't grow stronger… he'll lose us."
Rio gave her a sideways glance, then chuckled. "Look at you explaining it like a life coach."
Xanthia winked. "Just keeping you motivated."
"I know, I know…" he murmured. "But sometimes… contentment is happiness too." He stood up. "Anyway, I'm going for a bath. I'll join you guys at lunch."
---
[Mary's thoughts]
Rio's changed a lot these past few weeks. The spark is there now. He'll rise—but only when life pushes him to the edge. No need to force it yet.
"I'll go freshen up too," Xanthia said. "I'll be back in time for lunch!"
Erame smiled, placing a hand on Theo's shoulder. Even Theo finally exhaled and relaxed.
"Mary," Slix chimed from the kitchen, "I've verified the dishes. Everything is ready, just as you instructed the maids."
"You're too sharp, Slix. Honestly, sometimes I can't tell if you're a high-tech assistant or a giddy friend with a child's brain."
Everyone around glanced toward the robo-girl. Curiosity danced behind their eyes, but none dared comment too much—not with her dangerous specs.
---
At Rio's room…
"Ana, where are the clothes I wore that day?" Rio called out from the bathroom.
Ana stood outside the door with a cleaning cloth, waiting. "Oh, those? Sent them for laundry and dry-cleaning. Any issue?"
Rio's eyes widened.
(The Jade Token! Shit!)
In a panic, Rio bolted out—completely forgetting to grab a towel. He stood bare, wet-footed on the marble floor, glistening from the steam.
"Ana! You should've asked before touching my stuff!" he shouted.
Ana stared—frozen. Her eyes traced the transformation. Rio's once-lanky frame had begun filling out—hard muscle, carved lines, quiet power. Her face turned beet red.
Realizing his blunder, Rio flinched. "Ah—shit! Wait!" He darted back, wrapped in a towel, then returned. "Okay. Now… give it back."
Ana held up the Jade Token with a teasing grin. "Don't worry. I may not be an Advancer, but I know value when I see it. This… is rare, even for you."
Rio approached, leaving wet footprints. "Ana. Please. That token is not just decoration. It's—"
"Important?" she interrupted, swaying it just out of reach. "You know how thirsty I am for you… and you tease me like this?"
(Still flirting... even now?)
Without thinking, Rio lunged and grabbed her by the waist. "If you keep this up, I'll report your behavior to Jaidev. Or my father."
Ana narrowed her eyes and smirked. "Then I'll tell them their son has been very active with the household help." She winked. "Several times, even."
"Damn it," Rio muttered, snatching the token back and stuffing it into his jeans pocket.
---
[Divine Voice – Dense and Mysterious ]
"You've just been outwitted by a powerless human. No Tier. No training. Just sheer seduction and psychological warfare. Admit it—you lost."
So what if I did? Then tell me how to win next time. Something useful.
Ana leaned forward and softly touched his chest. "You seem distracted. Don't worry. I was only teasing."
"Fine. You win," Rio grumbled, stepping back toward his wardrobe. "Now let me get dressed before people start thinking we're doing more than we are."
"Oh, but weren't we?" she whispered, playfully grabbing her chest in mock dramatics.
(This woman is dangerous. And don't even start with that 'I'm still a virgin' crap. She's been eyeing me since I turned sixteen…)
---
[Slix – Hologram Alert]
"Rio! Come down and eat already!"
"I'm coming!" Rio called, glancing at his cyber-link. As he left, Ana flashed him a look—equal parts triumph and mischief.
---
At the lunch table…
Rio sat cautiously—half expecting thunder from his father. But the old man simply ate in silence, then left for Mavi-command headquarters without a word.
Relief. For now.
But Rio knew it wouldn't last forever.
He leaned back in his chair, tuning out the casual chatter, the robotic clinks of utensils, the soft hum of the security system overhead.