"Brother... how did you change so much?" Annie asked in a low, tentative voice. "Those people were saying you look incredibly powerful. And where did we get enough money for you to talk about such a grand hotel?"

  Arthur gently stroked Annie's hair. His touch carried the same old brotherly affection she had always known. "Silly girl, did you forget? I've been saving up from my internship and some side projects at the garage. As for the strength... perhaps the fear of losing you gave me a sudden surge of adrenaline. Just rest now; nothing is more important to me than your health."

  Annie smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder. "You really are the best brother in the world. But remember, I don't want any secrets from you." Arthur's heart skipped a beat for a moment, but he quickly composed himself.

  Upon reaching Pishan City, they stopped at a sprawling shopping mall. Seeing Annie mingle with the girls from the Luna City group brought a rare smile to Arthur's face. Meera and Cassie had already welcomed Annie into their circle.

  "Annie, your skin is glowing! What serum do you use?" Meera asked excitedly.

  Annie blushed, "I... I just use ordinary soap."

  Cassie observed Annie's simplicity closely. In this girl, she saw a purity that seemed to have vanished from the artificial, high-society world of Sun City. She tried to gift Annie an exquisite, expensive dress, but Arthur stepped in.

  "Thank you, Cassie, but I can provide for my sister myself," Arthur said, his voice polite but firm.

  It was the first time someone had ever said 'no' to Cassie. She looked into Arthur's eyes—there was no arrogance there, only raw self-respect.

  Cassie turned to Arthur and asked, "By the way, what is your name?"

  Arthur hesitated for a fraction of a second before replying, "My name is Arthur Throne."

  Arthur's heightened consciousness whispered to him: this girl is no ordinary civilian. "I see. Nice to meet you, Arthur," she replied softly.

  Arthur remained cautious. He intentionally avoided ultra-luxury brands in the mall so as not to arouse Annie's suspicion. He chose stores like 'Lifestyle' and 'Pantaloons'—quality clothing that didn't scream 'excessive wealth.' Yet, when Arthur emerged from the fitting room wearing a well-fitted suit, he looked like a young billionaire in disguise. He also purchased essential medicines and high-grade nutritional supplements for Annie.

  That night, they stayed at the same hotel as the college group. Arthur booked a modest room and put his phone on charge. Secretly, he instructed the hotel kitchen to fortify Annie's meals with the finest proteins and recovery supplements available.

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  When dinner was ready, Arthur went to fetch Annie, who was still chatting with Cassie. The siblings ate heartily; it was their first proper meal in what felt like an eternity.

  Later, Arthur took his phone and dialed a number he knew by heart.

  In a modest apartment back in Luna City, Catherine was pacing, her eyes fixed on the door. In the kitchen, Silas was preparing a meal, his heart heavy with worry for his daughter.

  Suddenly, the phone rang.

  Catherine sprinted to the phone and answered it instantly. Silas emerged from the kitchen, watching his daughter intently as she spoke.

  "Hello? Arthur, son?"

  "Are you alright, son?" Catherine's voice trembled.

  On the other end, Arthur's voice came through, steady and calm. "Yes, Mom, I'm fine. And Annie is safe with me."

  Hearing those words, the life seemed to rush back into Catherine's body.

  "Don't worry, Mom. Annie and I are coming home soon. I'll explain everything once we arrive. Just stay inside and take care of yourselves until I get there. Do you understand?"

  "Yes, son. Just come home soon."

  "I'm hanging up now, Mom."

  Arthur ended the call. His eyes were bloodshot. Hearing his mother's voice after what felt like lifetimes in his mental struggle had broken his icy exterior. He had ended the call quickly because he didn't want his voice to crack; he couldn't afford to be weak yet.

  The next morning, the high-tech airport at Pishan was crowded. The group from Luna City was preparing for their departure.

  "Arthur, you guys are taking the Luna City flight with us, right?" Tony asked.

  "Yes," Arthur replied shortly.

  During the flight, Cassie switched her seat to sit next to Annie, hoping to learn more about the mysterious brother. She noticed Arthur staring out of the window into the void for the entire flight, looking as though he were calculating the moves of a grand, upcoming war.

  Annie and Cassie talked about fashion and college life in Luna City. Cassie invited her to hang out, though she clarified, "I don't actually study in Luna City. I'm from Sun City; I just came along because Meera is my best friend. Annie, you must call me when we land. We'll hang out!"

  Annie giggled, sticking her tongue out playfully. "I'm not old enough to 'hang out' like that yet!"

  Arthur heard this and smiled inwardly. Luna City will no longer be a place where we live in the shadows. Soon, Luna City will be at our feet.

  As the plane touched down at the massive Mirror Airport of Luna City, Arthur clenched his fist. In the humid air outside, his enhanced senses could already pick up the faint, lingering scent of the 'Gene-X' hunters who were likely still searching for him. They had no idea that the prey had now become the predator.

  The intercom crackled: "Passengers, welcome to Luna City."

  While deplaning, Cassie and Meera took photos with Annie. Cassie had grown very fond of the girl and tried to convince her to visit Sun City. Though Annie was only 17, Sun City—the capital of the Sun Empire—was a massive, daunting place. After the trauma of her kidnapping, Annie wouldn't be going anywhere alone for a long time.

  Cassie took Annie's home number. "I'll call you once I get settled," she promised.

  Annie smiled. "Okay!"

  The group moved toward the vast parking area where thousands of cars were lined up. Arthur led Annie toward a car. Cassie stood still, her gaze lingering on Arthur's retreating back.

  Suddenly, Meera whispered in her ear, "So, is our 'Ice Queen's' heart finally melting?"

  Cassie blushed furiously. "Meera! I'm going to kill you!" She began tickling Meera in retaliation.

  Realizing people were watching them in the crowded parking lot, Cassie stopped, her face red. "I'll let you go for now!"

  Arthur and Annie settled into the car, driving toward a specific sector of the city.

  "Mom is waiting for us at home," Arthur said, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "Let's go."