"You remember everything?" Zarek asked Priya again.
He had gotten into the habit of this recently, constantly checking to make sure she got the plan, even though one or two passes were usually more than enough for her.
But whenever Zarek had to leave her side, he got an anxiety that he couldn't control. Unfortunately, he had to force himself to do so. If he couldn't, then she would never grow, and he would also limit his own growth.
The first time he left her was in his home. That was a controlled environment, and he could feel decently about it because he was right outside.
The second time, though, he had thought his heart would stop beating—but even then, he had known that due to Jiade's actions, not many Turned would approach that region.
This time, however… the variables were many, and people knew of Priya's identity as well. Leaving her alone now was even more nerve-wracking than before, but he knew that he had to do it.
Priya looked up at him, smiling lightly. She pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the speed his heart was beating at. There was a hint of surprise on her face because of just how calm Zarek's expression looked right now, but all of that belied just how many cartwheels were happening in his chest.
"You don't have to worry about me. Do what you have to do. I will be fine."
Zarek took a breath, but it didn't seem like enough. However, he forced himself to keep his breathing steady nonetheless, not overextending himself.
"I know you'll be fine." He smiled.
—
Name: [Priya Synghe]
Role: [N/A]
Core Stats:
>[Strength: E-] <B>
>[Dexterity: E-] <A->
>[Intelligence: E] <SS+>
>[Endurance: E-] <S->
>[Charisma: E-] <S>
Talents:
>[Melaloon: E+] <SSS->
[Abilities: Absorption]
[The flow of energy comes naturally to you, the barrier between the outside world and what is stored within you moving with grace and fluidity, an ease that others could only dream of]
[Abilities: Heal]
[Your synergy with energy is strong, the barrier between yourself and it easily blurring. You are energy, and energy is you. Transfer your energy directly into vitality and increase your healing speed considerably]
>[Unawakened]
>[Unawakened]
—
"See? Look how much stronger I've gotten," she said with a smile.
Priya had successfully completed a Core Breakthrough. Among her stats, Intelligence, Endurance, and Charisma had all managed to Limit Break, with Intelligence and Charisma both reaching FFF, while Endurance reached FF.
If not for her Strength stat being relatively poor in terms of growth, Zarek would already have her in the D Class, honestly. Her S Class Growth Rates were that broken.
But even though they had slowed down to allow her perfect breakthrough, her Melaloon Talent was already showing its might.
Talents would awaken more abilities over time. Usually, most wouldn't awaken the second ability of their Talent until the C Class. But those with high Growth Potentials could awaken far more frequently.
Not only had Priya made it to E+, but she had awakened Heal.
Before, when Zarek stabbed her, she had tapped into a small piece of that strength already. But now, if they were to undergo the same situation again, she would be ready to go in just a few minutes, rather than being unconscious for so long.
She would likely awaken again when she entered D-, unlocking yet another ability. And when that ability was unlocked, that was when Priya's real might would begin to flex its power.
"How close are you to E+ in Intelligence?" Zarek asked.
"I feel pretty close."
"Don't try to break through tonight. Focus on protecting yourself first and foremost. Don't circulate any of the techniques, and—"
Priya pressed a finger to his lips. "I got it."
Zarek chuckled, puckering his lips and kissing her finger lightly.
"Alright, I'll stop nagging. Just remember, shoot first, ask questions later."
Priya stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him.
"Off you go. You sound like my mom."
Zarek obliged as he was rudely shooed away. But after he left their room, his gaze became frighteningly cold.
He wondered just how many people would test his patience tonight.
Slowly, he walked down the hallways, opting to take the stairs.
They were easily on the 50th floor if not higher right now. This sort of choice was made for no other reason than to give his heart time to time.
His steps were steady, and as his heart rate eased, he began to speed up.
The rest of the time became a blur, and when he stepped out into the cool night air, the wind pulled against his simple white tee and grey sweats.
"You came for me?" Zarek asked.
The exit was by a large dumpster region, lines of black and green dumpsters extending for a couple dozen meters, connected to a chute system attached to the building.
By the side, Zade was leaning against a wall, waiting as though he expected Zarek to come out this way.
"You really are heading out alone tonight. What's your aim?" Zade asked.
"It seems you aren't as patient as your elder brother," Zarek said with a smile.
"I'm not. That's why I let him run things. He's also much smarter than me, but this contrast gives us a good good-cop, bad-cop dynamic."
"Interesting. I would have thought you were good cop."
"A lot of people say that. Do I just look too nice?" Zade asked with a sigh.
"You do. A baby face with the body of an old man."
"I do not spend hours in the gym every day to be insulted like this, young man," Zade said, exasperated.
Zarek only chuckled.
"So you really don't plan on telling me?"
"You're free to follow me. But it'll probably cost you your life."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm not the one who would have to take it."
Zarek smiled as the first droplets of rain fell from above. One landed perfectly in his extended hand.
A second came swiftly, and then a third. Even now, Zarek didn't try to hide or escape from the rain.
Zade felt them falling on him as well, but he was wearing protective coverings… some of which he took off to well and truly feel it.
But by the third, he suddenly felt very violent thoughts swirling in his mind. He turned toward Zarek, his irises flashing with red.