Chapter 5: The Perfect Act
On the other hand Jack walked through the quiet, dimly lit streets, the weight of his act falling off like a discarded mask. His smirk faded into a cold, calculating expression, one devoid of the mockery he had displayed at the gym. He reached a secluded alleyway, ensuring no prying eyes were near, before leaning against the brick wall.
"Alright, I played along," Jack muttered under his breath. "He doesn't suspect a thing."
A familiar, mocking voice chimed in, almost sing-song in its tone. "Oh, Jack. Such a wonderful actor, aren't you? Bravo, truly. You've got Ain dancing around your little finger."
Jack rolled his eyes as a faint shimmer appeared before him, forming into the translucent, ghostly figure of the feminine voice. She floated lazily, her expression smug and amused.
"It wasn't exactly hard," Jack said, his voice sharper now. "He's trying to play tough, but deep down, he's still the same fool. Thinking he can defy me without knowing I'm reading his every thought? Pathetic."
The feminine voice chuckled, a sound like tinkling glass. "But you're still impressed, aren't you?" she teased. "He's holding something back, isn't he? Something... special."
Jack's smirk returned, more sinister this time. "Oh, I know he is. Ain isn't just some idiot with a grudge. There's something... off about him."
The feminine voice tilted her head, a gleam of curiosity in her ethereal eyes. "Go on. Tell me what's gnawing at that cruel little heart of yours."
Jack exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "It's not just the systems or the skills. He's... different. Stronger. And the more I press him, the more I feel it. Like there's something keeping him anchored, something I can't touch."
The feminine voice's expression darkened, her teasing tone replaced with an edge of seriousness. "Oh, you've noticed that, have you?"
Jack's gaze narrowed. "You mean he's a direct descendant of a Great God, don't you?"
The air grew heavy with the weight of Jack's words. The feminine voice said nothing for a moment, her playful demeanor evaporating. Then, with a sigh, she gave a slow, deliberate nod.
"Yes, Jack," she said finally, her voice quiet. "Ain isn't just some mortal fool. His blood ties him to something far greater than either of us. And that blood makes him... inconveniently hard to kill."
Jack's smirk twisted into a grimace. "Hard, but not impossible. You told me before: he has a weakness. One that even his divine blood can't protect him from."
The feminine voice's gaze turned sharp, almost predatory. "Indeed. But that weakness comes with a caveat. Ain can only die if someone... significant to him delivers the fatal blow. Someone he loves, someone he trusts. Otherwise, no matter what you do, he'll keep coming back."
Jack let out a low, humorless laugh. "Oh, that's just perfect, isn't it? The untouchable hero with a tragic flaw straight out of a storybook. So, I just need to find his weak link. Someone he'd die for. Easy enough."
The feminine voice floated closer, her expression softening into something almost conspiratorial. "Be careful, Jack. Ain may seem foolish now, but he's not the same as before. He's growing, learning. And if you underestimate him..." She trailed off, letting the warning hang in the air.
Jack's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "I'm not underestimating him. I'm preparing for him. Let him get stronger. Let him think he has a chance. Because when the time comes, I'll break him completely. And I'll enjoy every second of it."
The feminine voice sighed, her playful smirk returning. "You really are a sadistic little creature, aren't you? No wonder I chose you. You're entertaining, if nothing else."
Jack turned away, heading out of the alley and back onto the street. "Just keep your end of the deal," he said over his shoulder. "I'll take care of Ain. You keep feeding me the tools I need."
The feminine voice watched him go, her expression unreadable. As her form began to fade, she murmured softly to herself, "Oh, Jack. You're playing such a dangerous game. I can't wait to see how this one ends."
With a final shimmer, she disappeared, leaving the alley empty once more.