As Alex approached the entrance of a tastefully decorated restaurant, the system’s notification sounded in his mind once again: Columbina friendship +10] Current favorability: 25/100 (increased from “indifferent” to “normal”) Receive a system reward.
[System reward draw in progress…] Reward: Skill [Mamba’s Unyielding Iron Elbow] upgraded to [ Mambas Unyielding Iron Elbow ] Mambas Unyielding Iron Elbow: Ignores all defenses and can directly launch opponents one level higher than itself into the air with an elbow strike.
Alex’s lips curled up slightly, revealing a pleasant smile.
Then, they went into the restaurant and ordered a sumptuous dinner.
Borscht, braised beef, herring salad, black caviar, and a bottle of vodka—it’s simply invigorating.
As I walked out of the restaurant, satisfied, night had fallen and the bright moon hung high in the sky.
The streets were sparsely populated, with only the cold wind howling past.
Winter Capital is a dull and oppressive city.
In order to realize the Queen’s noble ideals, the people had to take on even more arduous tasks.
After a busy day, many people just want to collapse and rest when they get home.
Of course, the powerful and wealthy don’t have such troubles.
A moment later, Alex arrived at the door of the House of the Hearth and gently knocked.
Alex opened the door.
“Uncle, you’re here!” She looked up, her eyes sparkling with surprise.
Alex gently ruffled her hair.
“How have you been staying here lately?” “Great, my older brothers and sisters take good care of me,” Alex replied without hesitation.
Alex nodded slightly, “Study hard here from now on and make progress every day.” Alex nodded obediently.
Then, Alex walked toward Arlecchino’s study.
On the way, they happened to bump into Lynette, who was wearing pink pajamas.
As they passed each other, she snorted coldly, making no attempt to hide her disgust for him.
Alex didn’t seem to mind, chuckled, and continued walking forward.
Pushing open the study door, Arlecchino’s cold and imposing figure came into view.
Under the bright lights, she sat upright behind her desk, slowly raising her eyes to look at Alex, her gaze calm.
“It’s time to execute the final step of your plan.” Alex stepped forward, took out a piece of paper covered with writing from his pocket, and placed it on the table.
Arlecchino reached out and took it, then looked down to read the contents.
As her gaze moved downwards, an undisguised look of amazement and shock gradually emerged in her dark red pupils.
After a moment, she put down the paper and looked up at Alex again.
“I’m curious…
how did you find out all this?” “It’s a secret,” Alex smiled mysteriously.
“I’m only telling…my closest people.” Arlecchino’s eyes turned cold, and a surge of annoyance welled up in his heart: “One day, I will find out all your secrets.” Alex replied nonchalantly, “Then you’re welcome to check anytime.” As soon as he finished speaking, Arlecchino stared straight at him, radiating an aura of imposing power like a mountain.
Alex felt that terrifying pressure again, and his breathing became increasingly difficult.
Despite feeling like he was suffocating, he gritted his teeth and refused to give in.
If you don’t even have the courage and perseverance to conquer a mountain, you might as well give up sooner rather than later.
Time passed by, second by second.
His back was already soaked in cold sweat, and his legs were trembling uncontrollably, almost to his limit.
Just then, Arlecchino deliberately dispelled his oppressive aura and said calmly, “You have a lot of guts…
but you don’t have the strength to match them.” Alex gasped for breath, his voice broken but firm, “Huff…
strength…
will always come…” “Is that so?” Arlecchino’s red lips curved slightly.
“However, I need to remind you of one thing first—once this matter is over, that person will definitely fight you to the death.” “Of course I know that,” Alex said calmly.
“So, I’ve found myself a few powerful backers.” “Oh?
Tell me about it.” “I am a devout follower of the moon goddess, the uncle of the House of the Hearth, the incarnation of the mayor of Pulcinella, and a close follower of the lady.” Arlecchino listened quietly, paused for two seconds, and exclaimed, “…You, Makoto, are shameless.” ………..
The next day, early morning.
“Bang bang bang!” Alex was still fast asleep when a series of urgent and rough knocks on the door startled him awake.
He slowly got up, dressed, and after tidying himself up, he strolled over to open the door.
Standing outside was a Fatui.
His face was covered with festering sores, and he reeked of a pungent disinfectant smell.
” Alex, do you remember me?” The man stared intently at him, his eyes burning with deep-seated resentment.
Alex replied calmly, “Sorry…
I don’t remember.” “I’m Goris, the materials manager at the Medical Experimental Center!” The other person gritted his teeth, his voice trembling with anger, “If you hadn’t tricked me into letting that experimental subject go, how could I have been punished by Lord Dottore?” The thought of that excruciating torment made the hatred in his eyes almost tangible.
“What am I lying to you about?” Alex retorted.
Goris angrily accused, “You’re not Lady Damselette’s person at all!” Alex glanced at him indifferently.
“You asked him yourself?” Goris was speechless for a moment, then forcefully accused, “It’s all your fault!” Upon hearing this, a hint of disdain and contempt flashed across Alex’s eyes.
“Speak,” he said coldly, “what brings you here so early?” Goris grinned, his twisted expression making his already terrifying face even more grotesque: “You must report to the lab tomorrow.
Don’t even think about running away—otherwise, we’ll make you wish you were dead!” “Understood.” Alex nodded expressionlessly.
“Anything else?” Goris was stunned, never expecting the other party to be so calm.
Alex was too lazy to waste any more words with him, and said sarcastically, “Looks like all you can do is bark like a dog.” Before he could finish speaking, he slammed the door shut.
Outside the door, Goris growled menacingly: “Fine…we’ll see!
Tomorrow, I’ll show you what true Makoto’s pain is!”