"I'm falling apart, And you're putting me back together, Don't leave me hanging, Give me support."
I just performed a new song I wrote in honor of tomorrow's holiday. I started composing it a few days ago, and today I finally completed the arrangement. The recording studio exploded with applause. My bodyguard and the music studio director joined in the ovation.
"It looks like the song is ready," Alison Blair concluded.
"Yes," I replied, confirming Alison's words. "Tomorrow, the world will finally hear it."
"That's good. Alex, there's one more thing," Alison said. "I think our two rising stars should have music videos for their signature songs. What do you think?"
"Good. Contact Platinum. It's time for the newcomers to make a name for themselves and earn some recognition."
I spent half the day in the studio, discussing what kind of music videos our promising newcomers should have. Everyone shared their vision, pitched ideas for plots, disagreed on some points and found consensus on others. The team's deep involvement in this creative process always strengthens our cohesion. I tried to be more restrained in my own suggestions to let everyone express themselves fully.
Once the central idea was chosen and a few storyboards were quickly sketched, I decided my input was no longer needed and retreated to the workshop, the domain of science.
Not long ago, Dr. Rao informed me that the equipment, materials, and plants Pamela ordered had all arrived at Babylon. With no pressing business, I decided to spend the rest of the day in the workshop. Entering, I was met by a scene reminiscent of a horror movie: living humanoid plants dragging in newly arrived equipment, writhing green vines slithering across the marble floor, installing components.
The workshop's walls and support columns were entwined with gigantic snakehead flowers, unfamiliar and monstrous, opening their gaping mouths as if to swallow anyone who dared pass. Surprisingly, they were harmless and smelled refreshingly pleasant. Isley had truly excelled.
It's worth noting that only Poison Ivy's section of the lab underwent changes; Professor Kavito Rao's area remained untouched. It seems the two managed to find common ground quickly. I was slightly surprised that Ivy, given her character, yielded so readily to Dr. Rao.
For some reason, I expected she would completely green the place. Apparently, there's much I still don't know about Miss Rao. How did she manage to tame such an arrogant and haughty dryad? I'll have to ask another time.
Heading toward my office, I paused. My attention snagged on an unremarkable box delivered earlier. Instinct told me something was off. Heeding that feeling, I grabbed my tools and opened the outer crate, drawing Sasha Bordo's curious gaze. Stripping away the first layer, I discovered the source of my disquiet: a bug. My bodyguard tensed, looking at me in question. I chose not to destroy the device—it might be useful. Instead, I stored it in my inventory.
Since my spatial pocket is essentially another dimension, any wiretapping would be futile. Sasha wasn't surprised by my actions; I'd recently told her about my "storage box" power. Since she's with me so often, it would be foolish to keep it a secret any longer.
"Who?" she wondered aloud.
It likely won't be easy—if not impossible—to find out who did this. Still, Though I have a couple of ideas.
"It's probably the League of Shadows," I murmured.
"Do you think they're still after you?" Alexandra asked, aware of the Midvale assassin attack. She's my bodyguard, after all, and I've kept her fully informed in case action is needed.
"These hunters never surrender their prey. They're after me—possibly more so than I expected... If they want to play, fine. Let's play!"
After dealing with that minor incident, I got to work on my hologram glasses project. I'm already near the finish line, thanks to two brilliant scientists who lent guidance and insight. Just yesterday, Pamela shared her thoughts, which spurred me toward key decisions and a major leap forward.
The only catch: my design demands a tremendous amount of energy, far more than what can fit inside such small glasses. I'll need to find a miniature energy source to progress further.
Before I could get lost in thought, Dr. Rao called me back to reality.
"Alex, come with me," she said from the doorway. "There's a matter demanding your immediate attention."
"Really? Now I'm intrigued..."
We headed to Dr. Rao's domain in Babylon. As we stepped inside, she immediately brandished a massive syringe. A chill crept down my spine.
"I need your blood," Rao chirped cheerfully, flashing a mischievous grin. "And the more, the better."
"W-wait, why so sudden?" I protested, hands raised to calm her.
"I need to analyze your DNA. You'll be the first test subject for the serum, right? It's essential to know everything! There might be incompatibilities or unforeseen side effects. In any case, you're all mine, so get those hands out. Don't worry, I'm a master at this. You won't even feel a thing," she added, advancing.
"Hey, why is the needle so thick?!"
"You're just imagining things, ha-ha."
"Stay back... Saaasha," I called, retreating. "Save me!"
But Sasha didn't intervene, so I lost my precious blood. Kavito is a real vampire—I could see it in her eyes. Okay, that's a joke. She was simply delighted at the prospect of analyzing the blood of someone as mysterious as me, with my unique abilities. To be honest, I'm just as curious about the results. Has Dr. Rao asked Pamela for her blood in the same way? I doubt Miss Plant would be so forthcoming. On the other hand, with Dr. Rao, anything is possible... I'll ask about it another time.
Today is special—not just for me, but for all of America. Every year, on the third Saturday of October, the USA celebrates Sweets Day. On this day, everyone exchanges chocolate, candy, and other treats to make someone else's day a little sweeter. Along with Valentine's Day, this holiday is also a perfect opportunity to express romantic or friendly feelings.
No matter the occasion—holiday or weekday—mornings in my life always include the same routine: a run, a shower, breakfast, and checking messages. After finishing these familiar tasks on this unusual day, I sat down at my laptop.
Thank you all for your support.
200 power stones = 1 extra chapter.
You all can read extra chapters on [email protected]/annihilator009
Upto 40 chapters available and soon it will increase to 50.
The extra p@treon chapters are there because my billing week is coming soon 😂