The Void!

Keycard Number

As the car started moving into the expansive area with rows of villas and high-rise buildings, a central shopping center, and a large green park, I felt as if I was being taken on a tour of the world of the wealthy.

"Uh, Manager Corbin, where are we going?" I curiously asked.

"To your apartment."

"Wait, this place???"

"Yes, it's funded by Miss Annabella, she sponsored it by purchasing a condominium here to support you."

"Just me?"

"Woodrow too."

At first, I was pleased thinking that Annabella had taken an interest in me, but when I heard that Woodrow also received an apartment from her, I guessed that Annabella must have some plans for us two special cases.

Anyway, just the thought of living in a luxurious, well-facilitated apartment complex was wonderful, and I didn’t care much about anything else.

I got out of the car after receiving a stack of work-related documents along with the keycard for the apartment. Standing in front of a towering apartment building complete with a swimming pool and facing a large river, I felt excited like a child with a new toy, but that mood quickly shattered when I realized that my keycard was identical to Woodrow’s.

"Corbin, why do Woodrow and I have the same keycard number, did you mix them up?" I contacted Manager Corbin shortly after we both stood in front of room 303 on the 30th floor.

"No mix-up, Beckham. We can't manage both of you at once, so you'll need to keep tabs on each other. If either of you plans something dangerous to humanity or threatens the organization, just report back to me."

"That's impossible, I want my own space!"

"Woodrow is fine, but Beckham, you're a pervert, what if you do something indecent to Woodrow while she's asleep?" Woodrow interjected during the call.

"I’m not, you little brat!"

"This is a decision made by the higher-ups and Miss Annabella. If you have any complaints, feel free to contact them because I don’t have the authority. Remember, be at the headquarters by 8 AM tomorrow!"

Manager Corbin hung up without giving me a chance to say anything further, leaving Woodrow and me no choice but to accept and go inside.

The wooden door of the luxury apartment carried a faint scent of money, and inside was a brightly lit and spacious room, with the entire left wall replaced by glass windows, of course with curtains. The kitchen was right next to the entrance, fully equipped, and a kitchen island like those seen in online cooking videos elegantly separated it from the living room. The living room boasted a plush sofa set and a massive 100-inch TV with a modern speaker system, resembling a mini movie theater, with a fur rug laid beneath.

I marveled at the sheer size and luxury of the room, even the floor was designed with comfortable wooden flooring. Both of us left our luggage at the entrance and started eagerly exploring our own apartment.

Next was the office room, featuring a high-end computer setup, brand new empty storage cabinets, and even a mini-fridge. A bathroom with a bathtub separated from a small laundry room with a washing machine, towel and clothing cabinets—if I’m not mistaken, this seemed like a dressing area.

However, luxurious and well-equipped as it was, there was one thing that we had to worry about now...

"Why is there only one bedroom?" I exclaimed in despair at having to share a living space with a pretty female colleague who was still a minor.

"No, Beckham will do indecent things to Woodrow...", Woodrow mockingly echoed the same concern.

"It’s either you teasing me or this, I can't accept this working arrangement of the Void Keeper association!"

Woodrow and I sat on the floor, reflecting on life and human philosophies. The universe harmonizes, life flourishes, and the sloppy council members... leaving me, the only man in this house, to make a decision.

"I'll sleep in the bedroom, and you'll sleep on the sofa!"

As a man, I am not allowed to bow before the fairer sex, nor to yield—it's a matter of core values concerning a man's dignity.

Yes, from now on, I will establish some house rules.

Beckham rule #1: In this house, there is gender equality!

"No, Woodrow will sleep in the bedroom, and you will sleep outside!"

And so, we argued and wrestled at the bedroom doorway. Though Woodrow was physically stronger, my male pride wouldn't allow me to give up.

"As an adult, you should give way to children!"

"Respect your elders, the bedroom is mine!"

"Stay away from Woodrow!!!"

"Then drop i and go sleep on the sofa!"

After a fierce tug-of-war, I ended up on top of Woodrow. I was above her, my hands on the floor over her slender shoulders, her sparkling eyes looking up at me, cheeks flushed, her silvery hair disheveled, and her thin shirt unbuttoned. Her rapid breaths heated my face, stirring something within me, but I couldn't let myself be tempted by a siren's call. I stood up resolutely.

"Don't even think about seducing me; my heart and body are forever dedicated to Annabella!" I proudly crossed my arms and declared.

"Ugh... pervert!" Woodrow sprang up, looking at me with disdain.

"Why won't you let me have the bedroom when you know I'm stronger than you!"

"Then let's sleep together!"

"Not on your life, I don’t want any trouble."

"Fufu, what a weak-willed bachelor!"

Finally, after a fiery argument, we both agreed on a "fair" game to decide who would get the bedroom.

"We'll decide with rock-paper-scissors!" I suggested.

"Rock-paper-scissors?"

"Yeah, it's that game rock, paper, scissors; you probably don't know it because I used a local term."

"Fufu, are you sure, Beckham?"

"Sure, we'll play three rounds, and whoever wins two out of three gets the bedroom."

Woodrow rolled up her sleeves, twirling her fist confidently in response: “Don’t be scared, I’ve never lost at rock-paper-scissors to anyone ever since I was a kid."

"We’ll see!"

Confidence is good, little sister, but usually, I dread these games of chance, even in gacha games I always fail the rate, but I’ve already prepared a strategy for this.

If it were a contest of strength or endurance, I would surely lose to Woodrow, but with this, I'm confident I can easily beat her.

[ Minigame: Rock-Paper-Scissors! ]

[ Requirement: Defeat Woodrow Finn in a game of rock-paper-scissors. ]

[ Reward: Bedroom ]

There it is, the magical interface board from my abilities. On the way here, I’ve been pondering how this strange skill works, and I’ve figured out some pretty interesting things.

First, I could control it through voice commands without any physical interaction. After some exploration, I found I could use three commands.

"Inventory.” which creates an interface allowing me to store items inside. The storage limit increases with the levels I achieve. Currently, I have eight slots available, one given by default and seven thanks to reaching level 7.

"Information.” allows me to view my status panel, showing both my physical condition and an accompanying energy bar—quite convenient for monitoring my health.

While I haven't uncovered any more commands yet, these alone are quite sufficient. Besides, this ability displays everything with absolute accuracy, as if I'm viewing the world through the lens of a game developer.

"Analysis!"

"?", Woodrow looked puzzled.

[Analyzing target’s movement.]

This is the third command I mentioned, 'Analysis,' which helps me analyze the movements of my target. With it, poor little Woodrow will have to sleep on the sofa tonight.

"Shall we begin, Beckham?"

"Okay, let's do it!"

"Rock paper scissors!" Woodrow and I chimed in unison.

[Woodrow Finn is going for rock.]

As expected, I chose paper and won the first round, surprising Woodrow.

"How could this be, Woodrow losing at rock paper scissors?"

"Hehe, there's always someone better, little sister."

"Hmph, just luck. Next time Woodrow will win!"

"Rock paper scissors!"

[Woodrow Finn is going for scissors.]

I went for rock and completely outplayed Woodrow, leaving her stunned.

"No, let’s go again!"

"Alright then."

"Rock paper scissors!"

[Woodrow Finn is going for rock.]

"Again!!"

"Rock paper scissors!"

[Woodrow Finn is going for paper.]

"One more time, Beckham..."