"Where do you see yourself in five years?"Benjamin took the time actually to think and respond candidly."On top of the world," he said casually.Amber laughed, putting down her glass. "Really? You mean, like, World Domination?" she asked. It was uncanny, that she had used those exact words."Something like that" he replied, grinning. "Does it seem far-fetched?""Farfetched, is certainly one way to describe it. It's a cartoon plot" chuckled Amber."Well, I happen to like cartoons.""Very funny, Mister. But now I need a real answer" she said. Her skin was beginning to glisten even more under the warm spotlights of the restaurant's roof. Benjamin swallowed a gulp to calm his nerves, and think of his next rely."I suppose" he started, moving his legs aside, "richer than ever.""Quite materialistic, no?""I am beginning to appreciate the finer things in life, yes. Of course, my--" Benjamin was about to bring up Ivy, being alive and well by that time, but decided against putting too much
"So" he returned to her. "Which one am I ?""What do you mean?""Am I the Obese man, or the attractive gym rat?" he asked her.She leaned in and parted her red luscious lips seductively. "Wouldn't you like to know?"Benjamin took another sip, but it wasn't working. His hormones were raging, rising, climbing more ferociously than they had ever done before. And she was the cause. Compared to being with Claire, Amber was a bonfire, hot enough to keep the cold out, and also make his blood rush."I would, actually," he said, setting down the glass. She folded her arms."Really? That's your coup de grace? You brought me here to find out what I think of you?""Seems only fair, seeing as I've already told you mine.""Or you just want to feed your ego?" she smiled."You think I have an ego? Quite the compliment."The attendant had become closer than a few feet from the table before he stopped abruptly. Amber, startled by the sudden pause in movement, looked towards him. And yelped in shock. "Y
"PAYTON" called out Benjamin. "What the fuck is wrong with [System Map]?""Pardon Me, Master?""This guy's a System User!" Payton didn't respond."PAYTON!" barked Benjamin."Yes, Master Benjamin. According to the Skill[System Map], there are no System Users nearby," it replied softly."Don't give me that bullshit!" snapped Benajmin, disengaging his balled-up fist, and arming his legs instead. His right leg pivoted backwards, and his left shot up in the air, as a back kick. [Martial Arts] was still active."Oh," said Adin, who had already seen the movement and had backed his head away from the path of Benjamin's leg, however - It was a spin kick. Benjamin's right leg followed even quicker, than his left, and landed a blow acroos Adin's jaw.Adin stumbled a few feet backwards, and Benjamin landed on a handstand, kicking his legs to right himself up. He looked about the table. Amber had already deserted her seat, and stood behind him, by his left shoulder."Benjamin" she whispered. "It's
"The fuck?!" he winced and backed away. His hand felt heavy, and moist, almost like---It was blood. When Benjamin raised his hand, his knuckles had torn open, as if lacerated by some sort of Industrial machine. And the bleeding was rampant. He clutched his sliced hand in burning pain."But, [Enhanced Body]" muttered Benjamin."[Enhanced Body] is still active, Master Benjamin" replied PAYTON quickly. Benjamin wasn't so quick to trust the machine, so he manually pulled up the stats window himself.[Enhanced Body: Active][Martial Arts: Active]"What in the fuck?!" he cursed out loud.Adin made a high-pitched whistle. "Looking for this?" he asked, twirling the jagged piece of glass Benjamin had intended to stab him with.How?! thought Benjamin. Did he rip that out from my hand before it collided? But that's impossible!"Don't be too shocked, Mr. Benjamin Black. You're capable of some pretty crazy things yourself, aren't you?" Adin reminded. Of course. It was easy for Benjamin to believe
Adin shook his head and looked at him listlessly. "This is so pathetic. To think you were just this ignorant.""Finish the story, motherfucker!" cried Benjamin."The Cocksucker is a Mr. Martoni."Benjamin was familiar with the name Martoni. Incredibly familiar."I'm talking about Mr. Martoni Black, of course." Adin cocked his head. "I'm sure you're acquainted with him. He is the head of the Black family, after all."A tight gasp of air left Benjamin's lips, and he felt his arms limp. "What?" he started in a hoarse voice "Did you just say?""Hmm? You're not deaf too, right? You've been hearing me so far" reasoned Adin, and sighed. "Well, that's it for me. Been nice talking with you, Benjamin.""You fuck! Get back here""And do what exactly? Explain myself? Don't tell me--" Adin scratched his chin. "You're still not getting the memo. I thought it would be clear once I mentioned his name."Mr Martoni Black, was the figurehead of the Black Family. CEO, philanthropist, and eccentric. Mr. M
"I - I didn't think about that.""Of course. You were so eager to see yourself as a piece of shit." surmised Amber.Benjamin's hands went to his temple. Amber's ears perked up, and she moved to the Balcony. She thought she had heard -- "Do you hear Sirens?" she asked, panicking. Of course, the question was rhetorical. Whether there were sirens downstairs or not, was irrelevant. Sooner, or later, they WILL be there.Amber closed her eyes. One way or another, she had to take her chances. She left the balcony, left the restaurant, left a confused Benjamin Black who still stood frozen and transfixed by his thoughts. It was when she called the ground level from the elevator, that he appeared before her again."What do you think you're doing?" he asked ominously."Trying not to get arrested. But you can stay if you want to" she snapped back."You'll never make it. They already have your description. And who knows if there are some security cameras you missed on your way up? Or some even acr
"I said Freeze!" instructed one of the Vanguards."We are frozen, Sir," said Benjamin turning his head. The vanguard immediately pulled his pistol."This is your last warning," he said. Benjamin remembered he was still only at Level 3 of Enhanced Body. A Bulletd, especially from this distance, would still rip him apart. He said nothing further, except winking to Amber, who had long since frozen, with her hands on the table and her lips pursed. It's fine. "Well, if this isn't a mighty fine reunion," said a voice behind the squad. A man emerged. It was an officer with a familiar mustache and skinny build. Benjamin recognized him instantly when he came under one of the spotlights."You again!" he remarked. It was the detective/Captain he had disarmed back at MoonShot Inc."I'm so glad!" replied Benjamin cheerily."The fuck?""That you're alive, Captain." finished Benjamin.The Captain squeezed his fist but gave a satisfied smile. "Thank you for keeping me that way, O Mr. Benjamin. I'll
Benjamin looked around for Amber. Hopefully, she wasn't too shocked by the sights. Shocked was the hell of an understatement.Her mouth was fully agape at this point, and she let out a scream. A short shrill scream, tugging at her hair. The Captain was disturbed. From the dispatch call, Benjamin and a woman wearing a beige dress had been responsible for the assault at GRIDATTA. Why was she behaving as if it was the first time she saw that ability? Was it really the first time?Benjamin sat coolly, wondering, waiting to tackle Amber's emotions, her protests, cries, remonstrations, and whatever psychological response she would blurt trying to handle her nervous breakdown. But Amber only buried her face beneath the table, her fingers shivering while holding on to the maple tabletops.I'll deal with that later, thought Benjamin. And turned to the Captain, with a courteous smile. "You'll have to excuse my companion here. She's had a little too much to drink""That seems like a reasonable e