Chapter 18: I shouldn’t have written you off so fast
On the roof of a ruined building, where concrete gave way to emptiness and wind, Valeria sat. Her legs dangled calmly over the edge, the black fabric of her robe fluttering gently in the breeze. A faint glint of amusement sparkled in her eyes as she watched Adam.
He had just collapsed to the ground, as if all strength had left him. His face was pale, hands still trembling from the brutal battle with the zombie.
Valeria sighed softly, almost with tenderness. "Void Manipulation..." she murmured to herself, intertwining her fingers. "For a ’Manipulation’ class skill, it’s a blatant cheat. One skill gives you offense, defense, and control all in one. Like getting three for the price of one."
Her gaze remained fixed on Adam. "You’re lucky that thing was acting purely on instinct... If it had known how to use that acceleration ability..." She smiled slightly and jumped from the roof in one fluid motion.
She landed soundlessly and walked toward him. "Well, I suppose it’s time to finally praise you..." she muttered.
But before she could add anything, Adam shot up from the ground like he’d been struck by lightning and nearly lunged at the Bronze Box and scroll hovering above the corpse.
Valeria raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"
His eyes darted across the rooftops, the shattered storefront, and the shadow of a toppled bus, as if expecting someone to steal from him again at any moment. He paused for a second on one of the corpses, as if to make sure a certain blue-haired thief wasn’t lurking behind a corner this time.
"I’m not getting robbed again."
She watched him for a while, as if analyzing his reaction. She didn’t comment, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Nice fight," she said calmly.