"This isn't over,"
Li Na said softly.
"Not by a long shot."
"We'll get him,"
Zhang Wei replied, his voice filled with steely determination.
"One way or another, we'll get him."
With that, the two detectives turned back to their work, knowing that the hunt for the killer was just beginning. They were determined to unravel the mystery, find the man responsible, and bring an end to his reign of terror.
...
Hope sat on the chair next to her grandfather's hospital bed, scrolling through her smartphone absentmindedly. Her grandmother sat on the other side, carefully peeling an apple for her husband, trying to keep the atmosphere light despite the circumstances.
The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the TV mounted on the wall. It had been playing commercials for the past few minutes, offering a brief distraction from the tension in the room.
"Do you want some apple, dear?"
Hopes grandma asked gently, handing a perfectly peeled slice to her husband.
"Yes thank you,"
Eclipse murmured, taking the slice with a weak smile. He was still visibly weak, but his spirit seemed unbroken.
Hope glanced up from her smartphone and smiled at the scene, feeling a wave of relief that her grandfather was safe and receiving care despite how she acted deep down she really loved her grandfather, she returned her attention to her smartphone, checking messages and scrolling through social media.
Suddenly, the TV screen changed from a cheerful commercial to a news channel. The breaking news banner flashed across the screen, and the reporter's grave expression filled the room.
"This just in: Tragedy strikes the city tonight as a brutal massacre at a popular nightclub and the assassination of a high-ranking p*litician have shocked the nation. Authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the events of this horrific night."
Hope's attention snapped to the TV. Her grandmother's hand froze mid-peel, and her grandfather's eyes widened as they all turned to watch the news.
The reporter continued.
"Eyewitnesses describe the nightclub massacre as a scene of unimaginable violence. A lone assailant, described as a giant of a man, stormed the club, killing multiple individuals with his bare hands and a firearm. The motive for this rampage remains unclear, but the attack has left the city in a state of fear and confusion."
A video clip played, showing the aftermath of the massacre—bloodstained floors, overturned tables, and horrified witnesses receiving medical care and being questioned by police officers.
"Oh my goodness,"
Grandma whispered, her face paling.
"And if that wasn't enough,"
The reporter went on.
"a high-ranking p*litician, Mr. Lei, and his son were assassinated in their mansion earlier tonight. Sources indicate that the shots were fired from an extremely long distance, suggesting the work of a professional sniper. Authorities have not yet released any suspects' names, but the investigation is ongoing."
Hope's hearts raced as she knew that It was definitely that nutjob barbarian of hers yet Instead of feeling sick to her stomach at the brutalities described for some reason she felt excited?
F*ck what was Is wrong with me? F*ck It's definitely that Idiots fault he turned me Into some kind of freak!
Hope couldn't help but curse In her mind as her eyebrows twitched.
"Who could do such a thing?"
Hopes grandma asked weakly, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Someone very very very dangerous,"
Hope muttered under her breath as she couldn't help but lick her lips subconsciously which didn't go unnoticed by Eclipse.
F*ck don't tell me It's the work of that son In law of mine?! F*ck of course It's him who else could It be! F*ck just where the f*ck did my precious sunbean find a lunatic like that?!
Eclipse cursed In his mind as he looked at his precious granddaughter yet deep down he would be lying If his approval of Dracula didn't rise a few points up only for his mind to finally register the fact that Hope was now 2 meters tall.
What the f*ck? This Is not natural I need to have a talk with that stinky brat!
The reporter continued to provide details, interviewing witnesses and showing clips of the chaos that had ensued. The nation was reeling, and the authorities were scrambling to find answers.
"We will keep you updated as more information becomes available,"
The reporter concluded.
"For now, stay safe, and if you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact local authorities immediately."
As the news segment ended, the room fell into a heavy silence. Hope's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
"Grandma, Grandpa, I'll be right back,"
Hope said, standing up.
"I need to make a quick call."
Her grandmother nodded, concern etched on her face.
"Alright, dear. Don't be long."
But just as Hope stood up Dracula walked In without a speck of blood on his black field uniform as he did the cosmic marine standing on the side Immediately snapped to attention.
MC POV
"At ease"
I ordered as my eyes landed on Hope and Eclipse who both looked at me with a strange looks, one seemed to be excited like a dog In heat? And the other one wanted to burn my soul with his eyes that were thirsting for answers.
Eclipse cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
"Hope, dear, could you two step outside for a moment? I need to have a word with Mr. Von Death."
Hope shot me a thirsty glance as she passed by, making her way out of the room with her grandmother In tow.
Eclipse motioned at the stone faced cosmic marine, but I waved him off.
"He can stay."
Eclipse nodded, his expression turning serious.
"Alright, let's get to it. Who are you, really?"
I shrugged.
"I already told you, I'm a super soldier from the future."
"You stinky b..."
Eclipse opened his mouth, only to shut it again, because the more he thought about it the more It made sense.
After all, I had eliminated an entire brigade by myself in record time, saved Abdul, and now this.
Plus, the fact that I was unnaturally big in a way that defied common sense, and the changes in Hope's body—it was either magic or advanced technology.
"So, you're like the T*rminator?"
Eclipse asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Yeah, something like that,"
I shrugged.
A silence fell over us, heavy with unspoken questions. Eclipse finally broke it with a question that made my brain freeze.
"So, when are you two getting married?"
He asked, his piercing eyes locking onto mine.
"Uhhh..."
I stammered, caught off guard, seeing this Eclipse leaned forward, his gaze intense.
"Look here stinky brat I need a guarantee that you won't just abandon Hope In the future so you better get married asap besides I'm already old I want my great grandchildren so when are you two getting married?"
Eclipse didn't give up; he seemed hellbent on making us seal the deal. For a moment, I chewed on my lip, considering my next words carefully.
"... when I give her the world on a silver platter, that'll be my wedding gift to her,"
I said, dropping the bombshell and finally deciding to take a step forward because no matter how much I deluded myself I was crazy In love with Hope.
Eclipse's eyes almost popped out of his head, his mouth opening wide in shock.
"A...are you going to start WWIII?"
He asked, horrified at my words.
"No,"
I shook my head.
"I don't need to start a war. There are other ways to rule the world. For example, a worldwide megacorporation that transcends the world's g*vernments."
Eclipse stared at me, struggling to process what I'd just said.