Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Celestial Garden and the Predator
Ethan drove for a while in silence, letting the weight of Jason’s words hang in the air. Finally, he gave his answer, his voice firm, cutting through the darkness.
"I appreciate the counsel, Jason," Ethan said, making a sharp turn. "But no. I’m not leaving. This is where the fight is, and this is where I need to settle things. I’d rather die trying than run away again."
[There he goes! That’s my boy!] the System cheered internally. [A real man! Don’t worry, buddy, when you die, I’ll make you the most handsome tombstone in the cemetery. It will say: ’Here Lies Ethan: Died Horny and Stupid.’]
Jason smiled, a genuine, if slightly weary, expression. "I respect that decision, Boss. And I will support you to the end."
They soon arrived at their destination. As the magnificent gates of the neighborhood came into view, Jason let out a soft whistle. "Wow. Celestial Garden... Boss, how did you get a house here? These places cost at least twenty-five million."
Ethan shrugged easily. "Just got lucky."
Jason chuckled. The guards, recognizing Ethan’s car, approached and silently opened the imposing gate.
As they passed through, someone watched them from the deep shadows. Jason immediately felt the gaze. Though the observer was expertly hidden, their eyes met—two apex predators sizing up a formidable rival.
The figure, known only as Alpha, withdrew his gaze the moment the car was out of sight. He pulled out a discreet burner phone, dialing a number.
"Boss, this is Alpha," he spoke into the phone, his voice low and professional. "The kid came back. But he has a new bodyguard. I don’t think this will be easy."
A moment of silence crackled on the line.
"What’s so hard about disposing of a bodyguard and making it look like an accident?" the voice on the other end—cold, commanding—replied.
Alpha’s tone was tight. "I don’t think you understand, Boss. The guy detected me immediately, from a distance, and I was deeply concealed. He looked right at me without even searching. He’s extremely sensitive. He gave me a dangerous feeling—the exact same dangerous feeling I got from that other guy the last time."
A longer silence.
"If you say you felt the same thing as with him, then I believe you," the Boss finally conceded. "Leave the brat alone. He’s already paid us 150 million. No need to push it. If he can hire someone of that level, his backing is too dangerous to touch right now."
"Understood, Boss. I’ll maintain surveillance anyway, just in case."
"Do it carefully."
Inside the BMW, Jason spoke immediately, his tone low and serious. "Boss, there are dangerous people in this place."
"What do you mean?"
"There was a guy hiding. An assassin. A very dangerous one."
"How do you know that?"
"After so many years in the war, you learn to feel danger. For a second, I felt like I could die. And then I saw the subject. He was hidden behind a tree, but his aura... he couldn’t hide his aura. Extremely dangerous."
[Oh, for God’s sake!] the System interrupted Ethan’s thoughts. [Look at this guy! Not only is he a Terminator Super Soldier Assassin, but he’s also psychic! What’s next, will he start casting fireballs?]
"You’re all-powerful" Ethan mentally shot back at the System. "You can give me those skills too, right?"
[Of course!] the System replied, now sounding smugly professional. [It’s called the ’Mystic Perception of the Nine Heavens’ and it’s in the store. It’s just a bit expensive.]
A floating holographic window instantly popped up in Ethan’s vision. The skill, [Mystic Perception of the Nine Heavens], was displayed with a hefty price tag of [500 Points].
[See? Told you. You need points for that kind of bullshit,] the System concluded.
Ethan barely had time to scoff at the price when they pulled up to his new residence. Jason gasped, momentarily distracted from the assassin talk.
"Boss," Jason said, awestruck. "I thought you managed to get one of the cheapest homes here. But this... this is easily one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five million. The land extension, right in front of a park with an artificial lake. It’s incredibly beautiful and luxurious."
Ethan just smiled, pulling the car up to the grand front door.
"Welcome home, Jason," Ethan said, turning off the ignition. "From now on, this is your house too."
Jason looked at the colossal structure, then back at Ethan. "Thank you, Boss. Everything is more than fine. Anything would have been enough," he replied, his voice earnest.
"Don’t be modest," Ethan countered, opening his door. "You were my father’s friend, and now you are mine. So please, look after me." They both shared a brief, genuine chuckle as they stepped out.
Ethan led them into the immense, silent entryway. "Upstairs there are plenty of rooms. You can take any one you want."
Jason stopped abruptly, his posture instantly rigid. "I appreciate that, Boss, truly. But I can’t do that."
Ethan paused. "Why not? What are you talking about?"
Jason’s gaze was direct, yet respectful. "I need to draw a clear line, Boss. I understand you have a great heart, and I appreciate and respect you immensely. I watched you grow up, and now that you’re a man, I know you’re truly worthwhile. But I cannot let you cross a line that must be maintained at all costs."
"What line?" Ethan asked, genuinely confused.
"The line between a boss and a subordinate," Jason stated, his eyes unwavering. "No matter the affection we might share—no matter that connection to your family—that professional line must be maintained at all costs. I’ll take a room near the main entrance or the security wing. I need to be focused on protection, not on living like family."
Ethan stood silent for a moment, processing Jason’s firm boundary. Then, a slow comprehension dawned on his face.
[Oh, he means he doesn’t want to see your dirty laundry! Or hear your nightly moans! What a buzzkill!] the System complained loudly in Ethan’s ear. [Tell him he’s a dinosaur!]
Ethan smiled, nodding to Jason. "I understand perfectly," he said aloud, respecting the man’s stance. He added silently, directing his thought inward, "Shut up. He’s a professional, not like a certain system I know."