Rey walked away from the training center, his steps slowing as his thoughts drifted.
He still didn't fully understand why Aiden had insisted on taking all those broken weapons and dummies. Not a few. All of them.
It bothered him.
Those items weren't old enough to be thrown away, yet they were treated like trash. And a center like that wouldn't waste resources without a reason.
As that thought surfaced—
Rey froze.
"…I forgot."
The three spirits went silent.
Forgotten what?
Before anyone could ask, Rey activated his skill.
[Stealth]
His figure blurred as he burst forward, sprinting with everything he had.
Less than twenty minutes later, Rey skidded to a stop in front of his house.
And there she was.
Emmy sat near the door, knees pulled up, staring at the sky.
The moment Rey deactivated Stealth, her eyes locked onto him.
"Brother!"
She stood up quickly, rushing over just as Rey bent forward, hands on his knees, gasping for breath.
"Hah… hahhh…!"
"Where were you?" she asked, concern clear on her face as she handed him her water bottle. "I was waiting for so long. I thought something happened."
Rey took a few deep gulps.
"S-sorry, Emmy. Work dragged on. I ran back as fast as I could."
She frowned. "I was about to call mom."
"No," Rey said immediately. Then softened his tone. "I'm fine. Really. Don't worry her while she's working."
She hesitated.
"…Then you owe me."
Rey raised an eyebrow. "How much?"
She tapped her chin, pretending to think. "A few pastries, a big hamburger, one pizza, and a cold drink—"
She paused, then quickly shook her head.
"Ah, no. Just a big hamburger and a cold drink is fine."
Rey caught it.
That hesitation.That calculation.
She was worried about his money.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"Sorry, Emmy," Rey said slowly. "I can't buy even that right now because—"
Her expression changed instantly.
"Oh! It's fine," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "Forget it. Come inside. We can talk later."
She unlocked the door and went in without another word.
Victor's voice echoed in Rey's mind.
"Kid, you know you could buy a thousand of those meals. And yet… your sister still thought of you first."
Rey clicked his tongue. "Shut up and let me work."
He stepped inside briefly.
"Emmy," he called out, "I need to run a quick errand. Don't go out. We'll eat together after."
"Okay," she replied from upstairs.
The moment he stepped back outside—
[Stealth]
Rey vanished into motion.
First stop, a convenience store.
Next, a crowded food outlet.
He waited for his turn, ordered calmly, paid without hesitation, and stored everything neatly in his inventory.
Then—
A straight dash home.
"Phew… took longer than I thought."
Rey cancelled Stealth, laid everything out neatly on the dining table, and called upstairs.
"Emmy! Come down."
She walked down slowly, still subdued, and sat at the table without looking up.
Rey slid a glass toward her.
She took a sip.
Her eyes widened.
She looked up.
The table was filled.
Hamburger.Cold drink.Pastries.More than she had asked for.
She blinked.
Rubbed her eyes.
Pinched her arm.
"…It's real?"
Victor laughed softly. "You did well."
Emmy suddenly stood up and hugged Rey tightly.
"Thank you!"
Then, mid-bite, she froze.
"…Brother."
"Hmm?"
"Where did you get this much money?"
Rey had expected that.
"No worries," he said calmly. "I saved it. Part-time jobs. Just eat. This is for you and mom."
She stared at him for a second, suspicious—
Then saw the pastries pushed closer to her.
Her doubts vanished.
She ate happily.
After a while, she paused again.
"Should I save some for mom?"
Rey pointed toward the kitchen.
"There's more."
Her eyes sparkled.
She finished eating, went upstairs, and collapsed onto her bed without another word.
Fast asleep.
Rey watched quietly, then turned toward his own room.
No treasures.
No power.
It's nothing compared to seeing your family smile.