[Thousand Tentacles] – Finishing Move
Effect: Upon activation, the Blacklight Virus releases its stored bio-energy in an explosive surge of tentacles, covering a 3-kilometer hemispherical area.
Damage: Indiscriminate attack—any living being that comes into contact with the virus tentacles will be absorbed and assimilated.
A devastating 3-kilometer-wide attack radius.
Alex stared at the black card inside his system inventory, a chill running down his spine.
"This… this is basically a tactical nuclear warhead!"
To put it into perspective—
A 100-kiloton nuclear bomb has a 3.5-kilometer-wide lethal overpressure zone.
Its thermal radiation blast covers up to five kilometers.
And now… he had a skill capable of the same level of destruction.
It wasn't an actual nuke.
But the devastation it could cause?
More than enough to turn an entire district into a bio-nightmare.
Alex felt a mix of emotions.
On one hand, this was an insanely powerful trump card.
On the other hand… if he ever used it, there would be no going back.
"This is some real 'End-of-the-World' level bullshit."
Alex sighed and closed his system interface.
Just then—
The sobbing next to him stopped.
He turned to see Liana, her tear-streaked face staring at him, confused.
She had been crying uncontrollably just moments ago, but now…
She just stared.
Lisa, on the other end of the call, looked equally stunned.
"Mr. Alex… I might have misheard, but did you just say—"
Alex coughed, scratching the back of his head.
"Uh… never mind that."
At the same time, a system notification popped up:
[Host, you may still reconsider your choice. However, the previously granted reward will be revoked.]
Alex's brain kicked into overdrive.
He needed a quick excuse for his out-of-character decision.
Then—an idea struck him.
"What I meant was…" Alex began, his voice casual.
"Liana can continue staying here. You guys wanted to collect data, right?"
Lisa's eyes gleamed with interest.
"In that case, Mr. Alex, would you be open to—"
"No."
Alex cut her off immediately.
His tone was firm.
"This is my limit."
"I'm not a guinea pig for Kang Tao."
"If I ever feel that your actions interfere with my life—this arrangement ends. Period."
Lisa wasn't offended—in fact, she looked pleased.
To her, this was good news.
If Alex was this clear about his boundaries, it meant he was willing to continue cooperating—as long as they didn't overstep.
Liana rubbed her tear-streaked eyes, looking at Alex in disbelief.
"You're still letting me stay?"
Alex leaned back on the couch, smirking.
"Just don't cause trouble, alright?"
Liana pouted, but deep down, she was relieved.
Lisa smiled knowingly on the call.
"Very well, Mr. Alex. Consider this settled. Kang Tao will make sure you are properly compensated."
New Home, Old Problems
Alex, V, and Liana relocated to a temporary villa next door.
Lisa had already arranged for a better property in the future.
For now, this house was identical to the last one.
While unpacking, Alex received a secure message.
"Arasaka Ryan?"
Alex opened the encrypted file.
It contained detailed security blueprints for the coaster festival—exactly what Takemura needed.
"Tsk, he talks tough but still plays along. Classic."
Alex forwarded the document.
Minutes later, Takemura's message arrived.
"Alex, this is incredible! Where did you get this intel? This changes everything. You're the most reliable mercenary I've ever worked with… and a true friend."
Alex smirked but didn't reply.
He put his phone away and turned toward Liana, who was now glaring at him from the couch.
The Pouting Princess
Liana crossed her arms, looking annoyed.
Her expression seemed to say:
"Hurry up and apologize properly!"
Alex raised an eyebrow.
"What are you looking at?"
Liana huffed and muttered.
"I want boiled cabbage."
Alex snorted.
"You expect me to make something that complicated right now? You need broth, seasoning, and the right vegetables. Too much work."
"Eat something else."
Liana stomped her foot, glaring.
"Don't you think you should make it up to me after what happened today?"
Alex didn't even look up from his phone.
"Didn't I already apologize?"
Liana puffed her cheeks.
"You…"
"If you push me, I'll call your mother." Alex said flatly.
Liana froze.
Her face twisted as she fought back tears—but then, she wiped them away angrily.
"Forget it!"
She turned around and stormed upstairs, refusing to look back.
Alex watched her leave, rubbing his temple.
"Hah… was I too harsh?"
Just then, a familiar voice chuckled beside him.
"Well, well. Look at you. Tough guy mercenary feeling guilty?"
Alex rolled his eyes.
"Johnny, shut up."
Johnny grinned, leaning against the wall.
"Y'know, that girl's actually alright. Unlike the corporate scumbags in Arasaka."
"Might be worth treating her better, before you regret it."
Alex sighed.
"Yeah, yeah… fine. I'll make the damn cabbage."
He opened a shopping app and started ordering ingredients.
"Damn it, why does this dish require so much effort?"
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