"Beep! Beep!"
The countdown blazed in angry red digits, the timer spinning down faster than anyone could breathe.
"Help us! Please!" someone screamed, voice breaking against the glass.
Most of the hostages had already collapsed from lack of air. The few still conscious beat their fists against the transparent barrier, their faces pale, eyes swimming with tears and panic.
"Ryuuto, go after that maniac Green Goblin!" Gwen shouted, already hammering at the reinforced glass. "I'll save them!"
Ryuuto caught her wrist before she could break her hands on the glass. His expression was calm, the kind of calm that always meant something insane was coming. "No. We'll do it together. I'm not letting that bastard win."
The Goblin's mocking laughter had long vanished, leaving only smoke, fire, and the sound of ticking death. The two stood alone in the shattered airport, thirty-five souls trapped beneath them. Gwen met Ryuuto's eyes; no words needed. Their fingers laced together, a silent promise forged in chaos.
The timer hit its final seconds. Ryuuto slammed his palms against the glass—sand chakra bursting outward like a storm. Cracks spidered, the barrier shattered, and in one sweeping motion, he lifted the hostages upward through the opening.
Air flooded in. Gasps turned to cries.
"Thank you! Oh God, thank you!"
"We believe in you—please stop that bomb!"
But no one ran. They stood there, watching the boy in crimson, praying he could pull off another miracle.
"Yeah," Gwen said, gripping his hand tightly. "He can do it. He always does."
Ryuuto exhaled, eyes narrowing. The tomoe spun—Sharingan—and the air around him warped with sudden pressure.
"Kamui."
The world flickered. Space twisted. The timer blinked its last 0.01 second—then froze. No explosion came.
In that impossible silence, Gwen threw herself into Ryuuto's arms, hugging him with every ounce of strength left in her trembling body.
"You idiot," she whispered against his chest. "You really meant it—you'd protect me."
Ryuuto smiled, brushing her hair aside before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Told you. I don't break promises."
Cheers erupted around them. Tears, laughter, disbelief—it all blended into one loud, messy relief.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You've received: 10x Life Potions!]
[Bonus Reward: Medal of Kindness — for rescuing 35 innocent civilians!]
"Wait, what?" Ryuuto blinked. "A medal? That's it? I almost got atomized and all I get is some cheap trinket?"
[Haha~ calm down, Master. Listen before you rant.] Shion's voice was her usual lazy purr, equal parts smug and teasing.
He sighed, twirling the small silver medal between his fingers. "Not good enough. Call me Master again. You sound cute when you do."
[You really are shameless, you know that?]
"Yup. I'm also your favorite. So, what's this thing do, oh mighty system goddess?"
[Fine. When equipped, the Medal of Kindness shields you from spiritual interference. No matter what kind of illusion, fear, or guilt an enemy uses, your will stays unshaken. You'll always fight at full power.]
Ryuuto's grin widened. "Now that's more like it. Guess I'll keep this little charm close."
[And one more thing—collect enough medals, and you'll unlock a special reward.]
He arched a brow. "You mean something better than another life potion?"
[Way better. I promise.]
"Alright, Shion. You've earned a temporary truce." He pocketed the medal, chuckling under his breath. "But if this turns out to be another glorified participation trophy, I'm uninstalling you."
[Like you could survive without me.]
"Touché."
As Ryuuto and Gwen helped the last of the civilians out, the screen of Shion's system panel flickered faintly—then switched scenes.
Somewhere far away, inside a gleaming golden hall, a thunderous energy stirred.
Thor sat on a throne of storm-forged steel, his eyes closed in calm silence—until they snapped open. Lightning flickered in his irises.
A communicator on his armrest blinked red. He pressed it lazily. "Speak. I'm not in the mood for interruptions."
Whatever he heard on the other end wiped the calm right off his face. His eyes widened, thunder rumbling from his palms as he shot to his feet.