She rested her head against my chest, her gentle movements rising and falling with my breath as I softly ran my fingers through her hair.
What had just transpired between us was certainly something to remember, yet my thoughts had already drifted elsewhere — toward the hypothesis occupying my mind.
To figure it out, I retraced the differences between all the women in my life so far.
The answer was simple: feelings.
Alice and Ellie’s affection had been genuine; the others’ were creations of my own making—born not from the heart, but from my ability. Beyond that, I couldn’t find any other distinction.
This discovery would be useful to me in the future, since it meant that anyone who genuinely loved me actually had a higher chance of betraying me — which was, in its own way, deeply ironic.
I couldn’t help but recall the saying: " Love is the sweetest poison."
With that question out of the way, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to rest.
Back at the mansion, I been too tense to get a proper night’s sleep, so now all the stress and exhaustion finally caught up to me.
May moved closer and wrapped herself around me, making me feel even more comfortable.
***
***
***
I woke up feeling refreshed.
The sheets still held her warmth, but the space beside me was empty. My ears picked up the faint sound of running water from behind the bathroom door.
So she was taking a shower.
For a second, I considered joining her, imagining her wet, soapy body pressed against the tiles as I bend her legs and put them on my shoulder.
The idea made me grin, but I pushed it aside. I had enough action for one day, and there were more pressing matters to attend to.
I stretched, feeling the pleasant soreness in my muscles. Last night was intense, but productive.
May was mine now. The first member of my future guild, and a rare B-rank hunter at that. Not bad for my first recruitment.
But one hunter wasn’t enough. I needed at least three more to form a proper party — preferably a group of cute girls, because honestly, who wants to be surrounded by a bunch of dudes anyway?
If I was going to fight monsters, I might as well do it with a nice view of juicy butts— motivation matters, after all.
BEEP!
A message from Ellie popped up on my phone, saying they settled smoothly into the vacation house. Daniel hadn’t questioned her decision; he simply showed no interest whatsoever.
That was to be expected from someone like him. He probably wouldn’t even look for her, even if she stayed there for a month.
Next, I checked my emails and found one from John, the driver I sent home yesterday.
I replied, instructing him to spread a rumor that I won’t be returning soon because I was busy with a girl.
His reply came quickly, and it included an interesting piece of information.
Daniel hadn’t come home last night either.
The driver had asked around the mansion and learned that Daniel decided to stay at the company for a while, claiming he was busy with an important project.
This didn’t really surprise me. Even if he was an imposter, he could still continue the serum’s development by supervising the scientists and doctors working under the Mercer Group.
Minutes later, she stepped out of the bathroom wearing only a white towel.
She smiled at me, cheeks flushing as she hastily dressed herself again. It seemed that unless I used my ability proactively , the complete control aspect wouldn’t activate.
And with just a thought, she could snap back into her senses—like a switch being flipped.
It was good news. I had no desire to have a harem of mindless girls.
"Give me your bank account."
She pulled out her phone and handed me her account number. I transferred 500K immediately.
Lucky for me, I already asked Ellie to wire ten million for my allowance this month.
That was an enormous sum. Even Ethan and Ella only got 500k from her. Turns out being her sugar baby paid better than being her actual baby. I’m really glad we’re not related by blood because that would’ve been a tragic waste of beauty.
"Can I call my father right away? I want to send him some money — my brother’s exam is coming soon," she asked, eyes sparkling with relief.
"Of course," I said, handing her the phone.
She clutched it carefully, almost as if it were a treasure, and made her way to the veranda.
From where I stood, I watched her hastily dial the number, her expression softening as the familiar voice came through.
I leaned back against the bed, letting her have this small victory. For now, at least, the world felt a little lighter — for her and her family.
She came back, brimming with energy from head to toe.
"Looks like you’re in a good mood," I joked.
"Yeah," she responded with a bright smile on her face. "My father wasn’t angry at all that I picked you. He told me I made a good decision."
"It seems the reason he agreed with that recruiter... had something to do with a debt. But I sent him 300K to clear it out."
I could hardly believe how trusting she was.
Sending more than half her money just like that... people like her always end up used by the people closest to her.
Reminded me of those influencers in my past life — rich, famous, and adored one day; living off instant noodles the next, all because they felt obliged to bankroll their entire family tree up to the fourth branch.
Normally, I would scold her for being so reckless, but money’s not an issue right now, so I decided to let her have her fun.
DING!
The door opened, and a cart carrying food was pushed in. Breakfast was served—fluffy omelets, buttered croissants, crisp bacon, and a pot of steaming coffee that filled the room with a comforting aroma.
Halfway through breakfast, I decided it was time to discuss our next move.
"We should get some clothes first before heading to the training facility."
"I can just go home and grab mine," she said.
I waved my hand dismissively.
"You live in the outer area — it’d take over an hour just to get back. It’s simpler to pick up some new clothes now."
"But—"
"I know you’re frugal, May, but you’re a seeker now. Focus on being competent, and the money will come to you."
Looking straight, her eyes wavered with a hint of fear. "Can I really become rich? I’ve heard so many stories... seekers dying out there and all."
"Well, I won’t deny this job’s dangerous. But don’t worry. You’ve got me. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you."
I saw that same doubt in her eyes again—hard to blame her, considering I was officially just a D-rank nobody.
Shadows gathered around my hand, twisting and solidifying until a dagger took shape.
"Wait—y-you said your ability was just physical enhancement!"
I smiled, letting the dagger melt and stretch into a sword, then into a spear, before returning to its original form.
"This is a secret between us." I said, grinning, "but I intentionally flunked the test to get a lower rank."