I soared through the city, my invisible form passing through buildings and crowds without a trace. I followed the arrow, which led me to a towering skyscraper in the heart of the financial district.
I entered the building, my invisibility allowing me to bypass security. I made my way to the top floor, where I found a luxurious penthouse apartment.
Inside the apartment, I found a group of men and women huddled around a computer screen. They were watching the stock market, their faces filled with excitement.
I knew that these were the people who were manipulating the market. I watched them for a while, gathering information. Then, I used my imagination to create a disturbance in the computer system.
The screens flickered and died, and the room was plunged into darkness.
"No! What happened!?"
"Shit, the computer died..."
The room was filled with panicked shouts and curses. The people in the apartment were scrambling to fix the computers, but they were having no luck.
I used my imagination to create another disturbance, this time in the building's power supply. The lights flickered and went out, plunging the entire building into darkness.
The people in the penthouse were now completely helpless. They couldn't see, they couldn't communicate, they couldn't do anything.
I watched them for a moment longer, then I turned and left the building.
I opened my eyes, removing the duplicate of me that was unseen, and leaned closer to Vill. "How is it?"
"Still processing... ah, it stopped... the margin became normal..."
"That's good," I said. "It seems like our interference worked."
"It did," Vill said. "The market is starting to stabilize."
I smiled. "That's great news."
"We should keep an eye on the situation," Vill said. "The people who were manipulating the market might try to strike back."
"Why did they do that anyway?"
"To faking, the item we sell is a normal price with a lot of people buying it. Those people seem to sell it at a small price at first, might... and then they sell it at a high price, making an error but people still buy it."
"Oh... I see... but how can they make an error? They are rich people. They should know about the market," I said.
"They are rich, yes, but they are still human. They also make mistakes. Maybe they think the price will go down, but it didn't. They made a wrong decision and sold it at a low price, and then they try to make it back by selling it at a high price, but it's too late," Vill explained.
"I see... that's interesting," I said. "I never thought about it that way."
"It's a common tactic," Vill said. "But it's risky. If you make a wrong decision, you could lose a lot of money."
The day was blurred. I and Vill just talked for an hour. It was quiet, and yet I knew something new about my family company.
Creak! The door opened, revealing Lili and Yolan together.
"Oh, Xian, still here?" Yolan asked.
"Yeah, just chilling," I replied, leaning back in my chair.
Yolan and Lili walked closer to the table and sat near us.
"Today we have a mission," Yolan said suddenly.
"What's up?" I called.
Yolan sighed before she explained the mission. "We're going to terrorize one of the corruptors, but it's still an allegation. We don't know if he's a corruptor or not."
Another one... I thought. After this all, we have a lot of rats in our country...
"What about him?" I asked.
"He's just one of the small leaders at one of the clusters. Even though he's still a corruptor, the road should have been fixed a long time ago, but the charity money is in that man's pocket."
Lili opened her phone before she started talking. "Well, seems today it's just you and Yolan."
Just me and Yolan...? What's up with that? I thought.
"Why?" I asked, confused.
Yolan sighed. "Yeah, seems it's just us. Earlier, we found IM. He was mad at one of the owners of the basketball court that he was destroying one of the rings, and he should fix the mess, and it would take a long time."
"Oh..." I said, disappointed. "Well, that's unfortunate."
"Yeah, it is," Yolan said. "But we still have to do this mission."
"How about I just go alone?" I suggested. "I can handle it."
Yolan and Lili exchanged a glance. "Are you sure?" Yolan asked.
"Yes, I'm sure," I replied. "I can do this."
"Okay, but be careful," Yolan said. "He lives in house number 21, at the Cluster of South Leader."
"South Leader... where is even that?" I asked, confused.
"It's a bit far from here," Lili said, looking at her phone. "It's about a 20-minute drive."
"What's his name again?"
"Edwin," Yolan replied.
I took the mask on the table and put it on my face. "I'll just fly around and find that Cluster." I said while leaving the room.
I soared through the city, my invisibility a cloak against security and the snarl of traffic. My target: the sprawling Cluster of South Leader, a residential enclave nestled on the city's outskirts.
Finally, house number 21 materialized beneath me. It was a modest two-story dwelling, indistinguishable from its neighbors save for the darkness that cloaked its windows.
I settled onto the roof, my invisibility dissolving as my boots touched the tiles. A quick scan revealed a second-floor window, slightly ajar. With a gentle push, it swung open, granting me entry.
The interior was a symphony of shadows and the faint scent of mildew. I moved soundlessly through the rooms, each creak of the floorboards a potential alarm.
At last, I located the bedroom. The door stood slightly open, a rhythmic snoring emanating from within.
I eased the door open, revealing Edwin, lost in the depths of sleep. His chest rose and fell with each unconscious breath.
I advanced toward the bed, my hand instinctively seeking the reassuring weight of the gun at my hip. But then, a wave of hesitation washed over me. I couldn't bring myself to harm him.
Instead, I reached into the arsenal of my imagination. A deafening crash reverberated through the house, jolting Edwin awake.
He bolted upright, eyes wide with terror. "What was that?" he cried out.
I emerged from the shadows, my face bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon. "It's time to pay the price for your crimes," I declared.
Recognition dawned in Edwin's eyes, replaced instantly by stark fear. He made a futile attempt to scramble out of bed, but I seized his arm, forcing him back down.
"Don't even think about it," I warned, my voice a low growl. "You're not going anywhere."
"W-Who are you!?" he yelled, his voice cracking with fear.
"You are a corruptor," I declared, my voice firm and resolute. "And let me introduce myself, my superhero name is... The Imaginary."
Edwin's eyes widened further, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. "The Imaginary? You're just a myth, a story they tell to scare children!"
"Not anymore," I said, leaning closer, my voice a low, menacing whisper. "I'm real, and I'm here to make sure you answer for your crimes."
Edwin struggled against my grip, his fear giving way to a desperate surge of adrenaline. "You can't do this! I have connections, powerful people who will protect me!"
"Connections?" I scoffed, my grip tightening on his arm. "Where are they now? Tell me."
Edwin's face paled, his bravado crumbling. "They... they don't know. I kept my activities hidden, even from them."
A cold smile touched my lips. "So you're all alone, then. Just you and me." I released his arm, stepping back. "But don't worry, I won't hurt you. Not physically, at least."
I closed my eyes, focusing my mind. The room seemed to shimmer, the air thickening with an unseen energy. Edwin's eyes darted around, confusion and fear warring on his face.
"What are you doing?" he stammered.
"Giving you a taste of your own medicine," I replied, my voice echoing strangely. "You've spent your life manipulating others, twisting their fears and desires to your own ends. Now, it's your turn to experience the power of the imagination."
The shadows in the room deepened, swirling and coalescing into monstrous shapes. Edwin's breath hitched, his eyes widening in horror. The whispers of his victims, the echoes of his crimes, seemed to fill the air, pressing down on him with an unbearable weight.
"No... please..." he whimpered, curling into a ball on the bed.
I watched him, a flicker of pity warring with the cold satisfaction of justice served. "This is just the beginning, Edwin. Tonight, you'll face the consequences of your actions. And when it's over, you'll never be able to hurt anyone again."
With that, I turned and vanished into the night, leaving Edwin alone to face the phantoms of his own creation. The Imaginary had arrived, and the city would never be the same.
Leaving his house, I closed the door tight with the key I found inside. With a flick of my wrist, I tossed the keys onto the ground, a soft metallic clink marking their landing. "He probably won't be noticed for days," I chuckled to myself, a dark satisfaction settling in my chest.
Then, with a powerful thrust of my legs, I launched myself into the sky, the cool night air rushing past me. The city lights twinkled below, a sprawling tapestry of human ambition and folly. Tonight, one thread of that tapestry had been irrevocably altered.
"Now where should I go... back to the company? Alright..." With that decision made, I angled my flight towards my family's company, the WRA Building.
Near the towering WRA Building, I hovered in the sky, my cape billowing dramatically in the wind. I gazed down at the familiar structure, a mix of emotions stirring within me.
I don't want to go down right now... I think I'll just... go through, I thought, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
"Imagine... can go through solid things..." I focused my mind, visualizing my body merging seamlessly with the concrete and steel of the building.
As I phased through the solid wall, I materialized inside the familiar office space. Yolan, Lili, and Vill were engrossed in their own digital worlds, oblivious to my presence. Yolan and Lili were scrolling through their phones, while Vill was hunched over his laptop, analyzing the Margin.
"I'm back," I announced suddenly, my voice cutting through the quiet hum of the office.
The three of them jolted in surprise, their heads snapping up to locate the source of the unexpected sound. Their eyes widened as they took in my sudden appearance, a mix of shock and disbelief painting their faces.
"Geez, at least knock the door... I mean wall... I mean window..." Yolan stuttered, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Lili chuckled at Yolan's flustered attempt to correct herself.
"You almost caught me, Xian..." Vill sighed, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I landed my feet on the floor, a sheepish grin spreading across my face. "Sorry, sorry."
"So how's it?" Yolan asked, her curiosity piqued.
"It went well," I replied, my tone carefully neutral. "Edwin won't be causing any more trouble."
Yolan's eyes widened. "You mean... you actually confronted him?"
I nodded. "He's facing the consequences of his actions now."
A brief silence fell over the room, each of them processing the weight of my words. Vill was the first to break it. "Xian, are you sure this was the right thing to do? We don't want to attract unwanted attention."
"I know what I'm doing, Vill," I assured her. "I made sure to leave no trace. Besides, someone had to stop him."
Lili stepped forward, her expression a mix of concern and admiration. "You're really something else, Xian. But please, be careful. We need you."
I smiled at her, a warmth spreading through my chest. "I will, Lili. I promise."
Yolan cleared her throat, drawing our attention back to her. "Well, now that that's settled, let's get back to work. We have a lot to catch up on."
"Where's IM?" I asked, a flicker of worry crossing my face.
"Still not back yet," Lili replied, her attention returning to her phone.
I carefully removed my mask, placing it gently on the table. "Hm... so is there any mission other than that?" I asked, my voice echoing slightly in the now-quiet office.
Yolan shook her head. "Nope, or maybe you wanna fly around the city and find danger." She offered a playful smirk, but her eyes held a hint of genuine concern.
"Tempting," I chuckled, running a hand through my hair. "But I think I'll pass for now. I could use a break after tonight," I said, pulling my damp hair over my shoulder.
"Need to go to a salon?" Vill teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
"I've never been to one... but I've heard it's a good place to take care of long hair like mine..." I admitted, considering the idea.
"Wanna go now? There's one still open nearby. I want to take care of my hair too," Vill invited, already reaching for her jacket.
With a blink, my superhero suit vanished, replaced by my everyday clothes. "Sure," I agreed, a smile tugging at my lips. The idea of a relaxing salon visit sounded appealing after the night's events.
We left the WRA Company, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the stuffy office. Vill led the way, her confident stride hinting at her familiarity with the area. The salon was nestled in a quiet side street, its warm lights spilling onto the pavement, a beacon of tranquility in the bustling city.
"Here it is," Vill announced, a playful grin on her face. "It's mostly for girls, but at least you have long hair. Come on in!" He took my hand and gently pulled me towards the entrance.
As we stepped inside, the gentle scent of lavender and chamomile washed over us, a stark contrast to the adrenaline-fueled night we'd just experienced. The salon was tastefully decorated, with plush chairs and soft lighting creating a relaxing ambiance. A few women were scattered throughout the space, some flipping through magazines while others chatted with their stylists. The scene exuded a sense of normalcy that was both comforting and slightly disorienting.
A friendly receptionist greeted us with a warm smile. "Welcome! How can we help you tonight?"
Vill stepped forward. "We'd like to get our hair taken care of. Is there any availability?"
The receptionist checked her schedule. "We have a couple of openings right now. Would you like a wash, cut, and style?"
Vill nodded. "Sounds perfect."
She led us to two adjacent chairs, where we were greeted by a pair of stylists. They draped towels around our shoulders and began the process, their skilled hands working their magic on our hair.
As the warm water cascaded over my scalp, I couldn't help but relax. The gentle massage of the stylist's fingers, the soothing music playing in the background, it all combined to create a sense of peace I hadn't realized I needed.
"You have pretty long hair for a boy..." one of the stylists remarked, her fingers combing through my damp locks.
"Ah, thanks..." I replied, a shy smile playing on my lips.
"Are you a worker?" she asked, perhaps assuming I was an office worker with a lenient dress code.
I shook my head. "No, still a high schooler."
"Oh, they allow long hair?" she inquired, curiosity lacing her voice.
"I don't know, maybe just for me. I've never seen the teachers get mad at me about it."
"Ahaha, I've heard she gets called a pretty boy at her school," Vill added, a playful smirk on her face.
I shot her a mock-glare, my cheeks warming slightly. "Hey, don't spread rumors!"
The stylist chuckled. "Well, you certainly have the hair for it. It's beautiful."
I couldn't help but feel a flutter of pride at the compliment. Maybe having long hair wasn't so bad after all.
The rest of the salon visit passed in a blur of pleasant conversation and expert hair care. The stylists trimmed our split ends, expertly styled our hair, and even offered some helpful tips on maintenance. By the time we were finished, both Vill and I were feeling refreshed and pampered.
We thanked the stylists and the receptionist, then stepped back out into the cool night air. The city lights seemed a little less harsh now, the world a little softer around the edges.
"Feeling better?" Vill asked, a gentle smile on her face.
I nodded, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "Much better. Thanks for inviting me."
"Anytime," she replied, linking her arm through mine. "Besides, it's good to have a break from saving the world every once in a while."
"Is it okay for you to come home late? Does your husband not get mad?" I asked, a touch of concern in my voice.
She chuckled. "Oh silly, after I married him and he realized I had a higher income, he's been pretty lenient. As long as it's work-related, he doesn't mind. And my son is fine, he's with my husband.
I couldn't help but smile at her response. Vill's strength and independence were always inspiring. "That's good to hear," I said sincerely. "You deserve to have a supportive partner."
As we walked back towards the WRA building, Vill veered off towards the parking lot. "I should go back home. Don't forget to close up the whole company, okay?" She reminded me with a gentle smile.
I nodded, giving her a reassuring thumbs-up. "Will do. Drive safe!"
I watched as Vill's car disappeared into the night, her taillights fading like distant stars. With a sigh, I turned back towards the WRA building. The city pulsed with a muted energy, but a sense of calm had settled over me. Tonight had been a whirlwind of emotions - triumph, fear, even a touch of sadness - but I was glad to have shared a part of it with Vill. It was a reminder that even superheroes needed a break, a connection to the ordinary world.
I entered the building, the familiar hum of the air conditioning a comforting sound in the stillness. The lobby was deserted, the late hour casting long shadows across the polished floor. I made my way to the elevator, pressing the button for the 20th floor, hoping Yolan and Lili were still there.
As the elevator doors slid open, I was greeted by a familiar sight: IM, his face flushed and damp with sweat.
"Hey Xian, where've you been?" he asked, a hint of breathlessness in his voice.
"Oh, you're back," I replied, a playful grin spreading across my face. "Finished taking care of the mess on that basketball court?"
"Yeah..." he huffed, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "It's their fault for having a flimsy basketball hoop. It was easily destroyed by me."
< Chapter 161 > Fin.