2157 Hours.

  Phase Three of the Player Assessment and Evaluation Examination had officially ended. What seemed like a few days and near-death experiences inside the RIFT, outside in the real world, a little over twelve hours had passed.

  To those who seldom step inside the RIFT, the time discrepancy could take them out for a loop. Even veteran Players needed some time to get used to it. Worst, the difference between the two worlds – desert versus city – could disorient anyone. Thus, more often than not, they seldom return home straightaway. Most would linger around the portal until they found their bearings.

  “So, how are your crew, Sid?” Jin asked as he entered one of the SeComm’s tents, where the Cleaners he rescued back inside the RIFT were still receiving their treatments.

  “They’ll live. But some of them will need at least three months of rest,” Old Man Sid replied. “Thanks to you, we didn’t have anyone dying on us today.”

  “We did,” Jin said, drawing a metal flask from his pocket. “Back inside the RIFT. But that… might be even too much even for a certain Dr Frankenstein.”

  “That bad?”

  “Ketchup bad.” Jin emptied half the flask. “Purees or paste are still bearable. At least I got some flesh to work on. But this…”

  He didn’t even continue, but Old Man Sid’s twisted face spoke volumes.

  “So, empty coffins for a funeral? If you ask me, that’s not how I want to die.”

  “Same here. Not until Eleana is-“

  Before Jin could finish his words, someone barged into the tent. It was Instructor Lila, and the moment she laid her eyes on Jin, she dragged him out. The man followed without any resistance – by now, he knew it was futile to go against her in any way – with Old Man Sid's laughter cheered the sudden exit.

  Waiting for him were the bunch of Players whom he helped clear the RIFT. Brun was the first to approach Jin as he offered a handshake followed by a hug.

  “With this, I can finally retire,” he said, his voice thick with relief and excitement. “Twenty years. That’s how long I’ve been doing this work.”

  After pulling away from the hug, Jin asked, “So, what’s your plan next?”

  With a big smile, Brun answered. “Why, spend my time with my lovely wife. And my kids. Watch them grow up. Every step, all the way. And who knows,”–he leaned in and whispered–“might add a few more.”

  Jin nodded. That was the best thing a man could do. “I wanted a big family once. I suppose that ship has sailed.”

  Brun laughed. “Nothing is impossible, boy. Especially when you’re about to be loaded. Besides, you’re still young.” He then glanced at the others who were standing nearby. “If you’re searching for one, you don’t have to look far.”

  Jin let out a chuckle. Once again, Brun exchanged a handshake before he left. Following him were a few more Players from his party, each of them giving Jin a hug, a handshake or both. The theme was gratitude; without Jin, none of them would live to see another day. Not only did they return with their lives intact, but it changed for the better.

  Next was the Instructor Lila and Daisy duo. The former, ever the flirt, pressed a kiss to Jin’s cheek. “Thanks, Frankie boy~.”

  Daisy, usually so reserved, surprised him by doing the same on the other cheek, her stoic expression cracking into a warm smile.

  As the group exited the area, Jin returned to the tent to check on Old Man Sid and the rest. But he was not there. After asking around, it turned out that the veteran Cleaner had taken a new crew inside the RIFT for the usual work. Though the RIFT was cleared and no danger was present when they left, Jin still wanted to make sure no harm would come to them.

  Once again, he activated Bahamut’s temporary gift.

  “Oh? It could be used this way, too, huh? This skill is too powerful, Bee.”

  “Savour it while it lasts, Jin. And do not forget my cinnamon roll.”

  “Hahaha. I’ll give you that and more. Thanks for everything.”

  “Frank?!”

  A familiar voice called out to him right as he was about to enter the RIFT.

  “You busy? Are you going back in?”

  Jin turned, and the details popped to life, as they did with the Anpu Statue. But this time, it belonged to Eustace. Not wanting to intrude the blond’s personal details, he skipped them all. Except for the [Miscellaneous] section that left him curious.

  Eustace Sinclair. Fearful of his siblings. Obsessed with anime, manga, and TV shows. And then, at the bottom of the list, was the name ‘Sasaki Jin’.

  Jin’s eyebrows shot up. “So, the kid’s got a crush on me, huh?”

  He didn’t swing that way, but the sincerity of it was endearing. Like a little brother looking up to him.

  “Nothing important. I’m going to check up on Sid and his crew. Do you need anything from me? And have you got yourself treated?

  Eustace flexed his biceps, grinning. “Done! I’m good as new.”

  Jin shot out a smile.

  “You know… I-I saw you with Instructor Lila earlier,” he said, his freckled cheeks reddened. “C-Can’t say I’m not envious.”

  However, before Jin could say anything, the blond lunged forward, wrapping him in a crushing hug.

  “But because of what happened today… I think I’ve found a meaning in my life. I’ll never forget you, my hero.”

  Jin patted Eustace’s back, his shirt damp with the young man’s weeping. “Alright, alright. I’m getting soaked with your snots and tears. And my pants are full of sand. So, let’s get out of here before I get itchy all over.”

  Eustace sniffled, pulling back with a sheepish grin. “Oh yeah. Before I forget. That crazy guy and the lioness are looking for you.”

  Jin raised his eyebrows. “Ka Fei and Emilia? Do you know why?”

  “Nope. They didn’t tell.”

  Jin shrugged. “Not important then. If they’re looking for me, might as well wait for them. And you, Eustace? Are you going home?”

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “Of course,” the blond nodded. “Gonna go binge some anime to celebrate. Catch you later, Frank.” Another hug followed. This one was quicker, but no less tight, before he jogged off, whistling.

  Jin crossed his arms, watching the blond go. Kid’s got potential. If he survived long enough to realise it.

  Talking about potential, another one approached him not long after Eustace left.

  Wong Ka Fei. Idolised his parents and his granduncle, who was also the clan leader, Patriarch Wong. Respect those who were stronger than him. And Jin’s name once again appeared on the list.

  “Got a minute, bossman?”

  Spotting the usual scowl, the man motioned Jin to follow him off-road into a quieter corner. He said nothing, only waiting for Ka Kei to speak first.

  The man didn’t waste time. “Look, this is embarrassing, so I’ll make it quick.”

  He extended a fist. Jin bumped it without hesitation.

  “You’re strong, I’ll give you that,” Ka Fei admitted, his voice almost a whisper. “But don’t get your arse too comfortable at the top. I’m coming for you.”

  And then, he left. Jin didn’t even manage to get a word out. All he could do was watch the man leave and shaking his head. But far from feeling annoyed or worried, relief washed over him. The exam was over, and Ka Fei, plus the other two failing examinees, passed. But most importantly, despite their earlier differences, Chairman Heihachi’s vision had come to fruition. Through their journey and battles inside the RIFT, their attitude triumphed over aptitude.

  Jin exhaled as if his shoulders were free from the weight of the world. “Two down. And one more to–oooff!“

  He came close to hit the pavement ground hard as a vice-like grip locked around his torso. Emilia had tackled him from behind, her breath ragged.

  "Frank! Are you alright? Did that jerk hurt you or something?"

  Jin groaned, prying her arms loose. "I’m fine, but I’d like to keep my ribs intact, princess."

  Emilia scrambled back, her cheeks flushed. "Ah! I-I didn’t mean to! I’m sorry."

  Gone was the sharp-tongued noblewoman who’d sneered at him at their first meeting. Who called him names. This current Emilia fidgeted, her usual arrogance replaced by vulnerability.

  Seeing her like this threw him off balance. Of the three he dragged through hell and back, Emilia changed the most. The girl who’d once called him a ‘peasant and useless’ now looked at him like he plucked the moon from the sky and hung it inside her room.

  Worse, Bahamut’s temporary blessing was still activated.

  Emilia van Lowenhald. Love her father and brother more than anything else. Has a brother complex. Fallen in love with-

  Jin clenched his jaw as he turned off the ability. There were things even Bahamut’s gift shouldn’t reveal. A girl’s heart, especially, deserved more than to be read like loot stats and flavour text.

  "You don’t have to apologise.”

  "But you’re hurt because of me!" Her fingers twisted in her sleeve. "If I’d been stronger, if I’d-"

  "If you’d what?" He cut her off, gentler than he intended. "Ka Fei and Eustace took worse hits. Besides, what kind of man would I be if I couldn’t handle a few bruises?"

  “The two of them can go eat shit,” Emilia snapped. “I’m not interested in them. But you.”

  “Me?” Jin feigned ignorance.

  Realising what she just said, she clapped a hand over her mouth albeit a little too late. Her words had slipped out. Unfiltered and honest like her usual self, but instead of venom, honey laced her tone.

  Jin studied her. Perhaps this was the real Emilia. Not the polished heiress who grew up in a gilded cage and taught to weaponise charm and scorn, but instead, a young woman who was exploring her roles in the bigger world. And now, in front of Jin, she was laying her blades at his feet.

  "I’m too old for you," he said, testing the waters.

  "Pfft." She tossed her hair. "My brother’s older. And I love him dearly. More than anything else in the world." Her already flushed cheeks reddened even more. She turned her face away, mumbling her words out. “And… you too. But it’s different.”

  Jin had to diffuse that ‘fire’ before it consumed her. Consumed him.

  “I’m a big pervert.”

  “Which boys aren’t?”

  Jin’s stomach dropped. Sweat flooded his face as he tried to come out with excuses to reject her. He might be a smooth talker, but this was a dangerous ground that had seen him defeated before.

  “I’m a serial killer.”

  “Who doesn’t? I mean, as a Player, we need to kill, right? Monsters…” Her voice dropped almost to a whisper. “And sometimes… other Players.”

  Jin sighed. Gobsmacked. Left without a choice, he had to use a certain ‘dealbreaker’. It worked in soap dramas, so he might as well try it.

  “I have a daughter.”

  Jin hoped Emilia turned away, disgusted with the sudden revelation. Instead, her eyes widened, her smile brightened. “She’s so, so, so cute. What’s her name again? Viridiana? I really like her. Give her my thanks, please.”

  Jin dropped his shoulder. So much for soap drama. Maybe a thriller-like excuse would fare better.

  “I got lots of hidden secrets. It will be dangerous for you to be with me.”

  Emilia scoffed. “As if Lowenhald is not a dangerous household to be in. If anything, I’m used to it. My life’s not all fairy tale, you know.”

  Jin let out a sigh, much to Emilia’s delight. There was no way he could get to her without exposing his real identity. And that was something he was not willing to do.

  “Alright. Since you’re this adamant, I need you to do a few things for me. Can you do that?”

  Emilia’s face brightened up to another level. She stood straight to the point of tiptoeing, beaming with excitement for Jin’s words.

  “First, I want to keep trusting you. Like I said, I carry secrets that must stay buried. You have seen some of them, haven't you?”

  “Seen what?” Emilia answered with a smirk. “I told you, right? I’m a super Sage. I got strong support skills, and at the very critical moment, I could cast a magic nullifying barrier.”

  Jin could only nod. This girl was something else altogether. She might have her thoughts on the sleeves at all times, but she sure could keep a secret or two.

  “Next, I want you to better yourself. Do you know what that means, Emilia?”

  She replied with an enthusiastic nod. “Sky’s not even the limit for a Lowenhald. Anymore? What’s the next one, Frank?”

  Her tone this time was different. Smooth and svelte. She knew she had him in the corner and was not shy to show how affectionate she was when alone with Jin.

  “Ten years,” Jin said. “No. Make it five years. If your feelings are still true to me, then I’ll accept you wholeheartedly.”

  “Silly, Frank. Be it five, ten, or a hundred years, what I feel is truly my own. It will never change. A Lowenhald never goes back on their words. So…”

  “So?”

  Emilia didn’t say anything else. Instead, she lunged and wrapped her arms around Jin’s neck and pulled him into a kiss. Jin saw it coming, but he didn’t pull away. He simply let the red-haired princess have her moment. It was clumsy and far too wet – confirming Jin’s suspicion that it was her first – but when she stepped back, Emilia beamed at him with a sweet, charming smile and a wink.

  Jin could never be angry or annoyed at that, surprised or not.

  The Lowenhald princess then led him by the hand toward the RIFT portal’s exit. Waiting on the same stretch of road where they had first met was the same car and the same chauffeur who looked at the pair with bewildered expression etched into his face.

  With one last light peck on his lips, Emilia said her goodbye. She skipped with merry steps toward the car. The old chauffeur looked horrified by the display, and as he and Jin exchanged uncomfortable glares, Emilia did the unthinkable.

  She gave a deep bow to the old man, offering heartfelt apologies for her behaviour earlier that morning. The chauffeur tried to stop her, but the Lowenhald princess was adamant about her penance.

  “Damn, Jin,” Old Man Sid grunted, throwing a heavy arm over Jin’s shoulder as the car pulled away. “You sure have a way with them. Taming a lioness like that. Worse, with that face, you’re a national danger to women. And a headache for the rest of us men.”

  “Oi, Sid,” Jin muttered, waving a final time to Emilia as she leaned out the window to wave back. “Do I look happy to you?”

  “No. You look fucked-up.” Old Man Sid laughed. “Why? Scared your wife will haunt your dreams? Or that your daughter will call you a creep for dating someone her age?”

  “Must you say it out loud, old friend?” Jin shook his head, a small smile finally breaking through. “No worries. With time, it’ll fade. It’s nothing but adoration for the man who saved her life.”

  “Maybe,” Old Man Sid grinned. “But I know that look, Jin.”

  “Oh? Turned into a love expert, have we? Tell me then, Doctor Love, what is 'that look'?”

  Old Man Sid smacked the back of Jin’s head. “That’s the look of a girl whose heart is stronger than any man’s. Once she sets her mind on something, nothing will stop her.”

  Jin waved the thought away. “Let’s hope not. Anyway, is your work done?”

  “Done and dusted. Now come on, let’s go home. We have an early start tomorrow. Ironshield said the Chief wants to see us both at his residence by noon.”

  “No rest for the wicked, huh? Before that, you up for a round of beer?”

  “Your treat?”

  “Must I?”

  “You offered, right? Besides, I heard you found some interesting treasures.”

  “Fine,” Jin sighed. “My treat.”

  “And do not forget my cinnamon roll!” Bahamut’s voice echoed inside Jin’s mind.

  As the two walked toward the nearest bar they could find, the words ‘reward’ and ‘treasure’ played on a loop in Jin’s mind. After clearing the RIFT’s mission and defeating an evolved Boss Monster, everyone who participated in that raid walked away with life-altering rewards.

  So had Jin.

  But for him, it didn’t stop there. He had a problem. Instead of one chest, he had five. And among the Stat Seeds, there were three items marked only with a ‘????’.

  Since he didn’t have the skill to identify them himself, he needed an appraiser. Unfortunately, that would have to wait.