Xavier’s eyes flicked between Cassian and Oliver, his brow furrowing. "Who exactly is this guy?"
Oliver grinned. "Oh right! Xavier, et my father, Senator Cassian Voss. Forr student, current thorn in the academy’s ass."
Xavier’s expression darkened. "Those n were here to force to sign so bullshit statent. I refused."
Cassian’s eyes glead with approval. "Good man. It takes courage to stand against them." He adjusted his cufflinks, the gesture precise. "Consider your dical expenses covered. The hospital will have you discharged shortly."
He turned toward the door, then paused. "Oliver, co. We need to discuss so matters."
Oliver hesitated, shooting Xavier an apologetic look. "I’ll be back. There’s... a lot to explain. We’ll talk when I return to school."
The door sealed shut behind them with a soft hiss.
’Wait... did Xavier just curse? Didn’t he say he has never cursed in his life?’ Oliver wondered.
In the sleek black van, Cassian activated the privacy screen before speaking. "Stay away from Xavier."
Oliver’s head snapped up. "What? Why? He’s my friend. He needs help."
Cassian’s voice was steel. "He’s involved himself with forces he doesn’t understand. The academy..." He trailed off, his cybernetic fingers flexing slightly. "I was a student there once too. The nightmares still visit ."
The van’s engine purred as it navigated the city streets. Oliver stared at his father’s profile, seeing the tension in his jaw. "You’re a senator now. You have power."
Cassian’s laugh was bitter. "Power? Against them? Even my position has limits." He turned to face Oliver fully. "I’m warning you as your father. This path leads only to pain."
anwhile, at the hospital’s private discharge bay, a sleek black vehicle waited. The driver - a professional in a crisp uniform - helped Xavier into the backseat. The leather was cool against his skin, the privacy glass tinted against the city’s glare.
As they pulled away, Xavier watched the hospital shrink in the distance. His fingers traced the bandages on his arms, the physical reminders of what he’d endured. But his mind was already racing ahead, to whatever ca next.
The car glided to a stop outside Nexus Tower, its engines humming softly as Xavier stepped out. The night air carried the scent of rain and the distant hum of the city. He moved through the lobby with practiced ease, his bandages hidden beneath a loose jacket. The elevator ride to his floor was silent, the polished tal reflecting his tired face.
His apartnt door unlocked with a soft beep. As expected, the space was empty - no signs of Eamon except for the crisp $20 bill left on the counter, just like every day. Xavier picked it up, his fingers brushing the familiar texture. "Still no idea when you co and go," he muttered to the empty room.
Then his gaze fell on the Fragnt of Goddess Astrea resting on its pedestal. The rock’s faint glow seed to pulse in ti with his heartbeat. His mind flashed to the system’s conditions - the unlimited money ca with strict rules and harsh penalties.
Xavier’s eyes widened as he checked the ti. Five minutes. He’d been unconscious for two full days, and now he had only five minutes left to both use his daily transaction limit and complete a task he hadn’t even triggered yet.
His mind raced. Food. He needed to spend money on food. Xavier bolted for the door, his body moving faster than his healing wounds should allow.
The elevator ascended swiftly. He stepped out on the 10th floor where the restaurant’s warm glow spilled into the hallway. The place was empty except for the owner, a stunning woman with dark hair piled atop her head as she wiped down tables. She looked up as the door chid, her eyes widening at the sight of Xavier’s bandaged form.
"Oh my god," she breathed, rushing forward. "What happened to you? Are you alright?"
Xavier managed a small smile. "I’m fine. Just... hungry. I ’want’ to eat." The words triggered the system notification instantly:
[Task Triggered: Eat]
The woman helped him to a table, her hands gentle on his arm. Xavier couldn’t help noticing the softness of her touch, the warmth radiating from her. His gaze flickered to her cleavage as she leaned forward, the swell of her breasts pressing against her blouse.
"Let get you sothing," she said, her voice soft with concern. She returned monts later with a steaming bowl of soup. "Here, have this while I prepare sothing more substantial."
Xavier took a sip. The rich broth filled his mouth, the warmth spreading through his chest. The system notification flashed:
[Task Completed: Eat]
As she turned to leave, Xavier reached out, his fingers closing around her wrist. She gasped softly at the sudden contact.
"Let pay first," he said, his voice rougher than intended.
She blinked in surprise but nodded, retrieving the paynt terminal. Xavier entered the amount - $10,000 - and completed the transaction.
The woman’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head. "Did you an to...? That’s ten thousand dollars!"
Xavier nodded. "Consider it a tip."
A delicate blush spread across her cheeks. "That’s... incredibly generous. Thank you." She hesitated, then added with a shy smile, "You can co to anyti you’re hungry. I’ll make whatever you want, no charge." The blush deepened. "Or... even if you’re not particularly hungry."
Xavier’s lips quirked. The system notification flashed again:
[Daily Transaction Limit Used: $10,000/10,000]
[Daily Tasks Completed: 3/10]
After that, Xavier drank the soup, while the owner prepared delicious food for Xavier. Xavier ate with delight and he was feeling full, sothing he hadn’t felt ever since he left the village.
As he stood to leave, the woman stopped him with a gentle hand on his arm. "Wait. At least let bandage those wounds properly before you go."
Xavier allowed himself to be guided to a chair, watching as she carefully tended to his injuries with practiced hands. The intimacy of her touch sent warmth through his chest that had nothing to do with the soup.
When she finished, she t his gaze. "Promise you’ll co back soon?"
Xavier found himself nodding. "I promise."
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