Blake stood over Masato, his expression as cold as ice. He didn't move, sparing Marina from witnessing any further violence.
Masato whimpered, his body trembling as he dragged himself away, ignoring the searing pain coursing through him.
"Sia, plunder his luck. The cooldown should be over by now."
Blake's gaze remained locked on him, his voice devoid of emotion. There was no way he'd let him walk away unscathed.
"Understood. Beginning the process."
Plunder successful. 40 Luck Points absorbed. Current Luck: 125.
Masato's luck plummeted to -2. A faint red glow flickered around him—like a warning of his impending misfortune.
Blake watched him with complete indifference.
"A guy like you isn't worth sparing."
He let out a breath, satisfied. If I hadn't drained him completely, I might've had to get my hands dirty again. That would've been annoying.
Masato, still crawling away, didn't realize how much worse his life was about to get. Blake turned his attention to Marina, who stood trembling, her face pale with shock.
With a gentler expression, he rested a hand on her shoulder.
"I-I'm fine... Silva-san, thank you for saving me."
Her voice was shaky, but she managed a small nod. The warmth in Blake's eyes made her chest tighten, and for the first time since the ordeal began, she felt safe.
If he hadn't shown up when he did... she didn't want to think about it.
"When I saw you suddenly take off running, I knew something was wrong. Good thing I followed, or who knows what would've happened."
Blake sighed, shaking his head.
Marina swallowed hard and nodded. Then, despite her trembling legs, she took a step forward—then another.
Masato was just about to stagger out of the alley when her voice rang out.
"Oono san, we're done."
Her tone was firm, her resolve unwavering.
Masato froze mid-step. He didn't turn around, but his body stiffened. His fingers curled into fists, nails digging into his palms.
For a moment, silence hung in the air.
Then, without a word, he forced himself up, wincing at the pain in his lower body, and bolted. He didn't dare look back—not when Blake was still standing there.
Blake exhaled slowly, turning back to Marina.
But as she stood there, her head lowered, her body shaking, the weight of it all came crashing down. Her shoulders slumped, her breath hitched, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Blake stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her back.
And with those words—those simple, reassuring words—Marina's composure shattered.
She threw herself against him, burying her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
Blake held her close, one hand gently rubbing her back, the other resting on her head. He let her cry, let her release everything she'd been holding in.
It took more than ten minutes before her sobs quieted. By then, she was completely drained. Blake didn't hesitate—he scooped her up effortlessly, carrying her in his arms.
As he walked through the quiet streets, Marina rested her head against his shoulder. Her fingers clutched at his shirt, her breathing soft and steady.
Before long, she had fallen asleep.
When Blake reached the Akizuki household, the door swung open before he even knocked.
Airi Akizuki, Marina's younger sister, stood there, eyes widening at the sight of him carrying her sister.
"Blake... you and my sister...!"
Blake quickly motioned for her to lower her voice. The last thing Marina needed was to be woken up.
Airi narrowed her eyes but obeyed, stepping aside so he could enter.
Once inside, Blake carried Marina to her room, laying her down gently on the bed. He tucked her in, making sure she was comfortable before stepping back.
But the moment he turned around, Airi grabbed his arm and dragged him to the living room.
She didn't stop until he was seated on the couch—then, to his complete surprise, she straddled his lap, her arms crossed over her chest as she glared at him.
"Alright, spill it. What happened?" Her voice was sharp, her tone demanding. "And don't even think about lying, or I'll make sure some of your... requests go unanswered tonight."
Airi was close—too close. Her breath brushed against his cheek, her body pressing against his.
His heartbeat kicked up a notch.
What kind of guy wouldn't react in a situation ? He was only human!
Airi's eyes flicked downward for a split second—then back up.
Her smirk was dangerous.
"You better start talking," she murmured, leaning in ever so slightly.
Blake rolled his eyes.
"Alright, alright. I'll tell you everything."
He sighed, forcing himself to focus.
Now was not the time to get distracted.