Chapter 390 - 390: Back in Action
The morning sun filtered through the blinds of Jayden's bedroom, accompanied by the crisp, chime-like vibration of his System interface.
He sat up, clearing the lingering sleep from his eyes, and mentally commanded the floating silver notifications to expand in front of him.
[Exp: 2800/28,000]
The massive combat yield from the slaughter at the docks last night had already been tabulated, but beneath the standard combat logs lay the continuous stream of his passive generation.
[Subpack members killed multiple targets]
[+4000 Exp Received]
[Bonded beast (Skye) eliminated multiple targets]
[+2500 Base Exp Received]
[Soul Bond Bonus (x2) Activated]
[Base Exp has been doubled: +5000 Received]
[Total Exp Gained: +9000]
[Exp: 11,800/28,000]
Jayden leaned back against his headboard, a satisfied smirk touching his lips. Skye was back in action. After her recent power boost, she was out in the untamed planets, actively hunting higher-tier beasts and clearing sectors on her own. Because of their deep soul bond, every single drop of blood she spilled translated into double the rewards for his own progression bar. At this rate, his level threshold would shatter ahead of schedule.
He pulled his holotab from the nightstand to check the immediate fallout of his nighttime activities. The local data networks were in an absolute frenzy, with a major journalistic outlet leading the morning cycle.
[CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD IN UPROAR: Multiple Mercenaries found dead at docks. Killed by the Infamous Phantom Vigilante.
By: Marcus Vance | Published: 06:14 AM]
> The Department of State Authority (DSA) has cordoned off Sector 4 of the commercial shipping docks following what local enforcement is calling a surgical execution of bounty hunters. The remains of seven high-ranking mercenaries were found at the docks. Among the deceased is the notorious Level 53 renegade known as 'Red Shock'.
> The Lead Medical Officer provided a brief statement regarding the sole survivor of the incident, a Level 44 mercenary currently under maximum-security medical custody. She stated: "The patient is suffering from severe psychological trauma and acute burn wounds. He repeatedly stated that they were not fighting an ordinary man, but a total monster. Before losing consciousness, he claimed the vigilante officially claimed a title before leaving the scene. He called him 'The Hunter.'"
> The EVA has officially raised the threat assessment tier for the vigilante, labeling him as the continent's most wanted. The bounty remains active, but private security and mercenary firms are already advising operatives to pull out of the sector, in fear of being the next prey for 'the Hunter'. >
Jayden tossed the tab onto the mattress, his eyes cold and focused. He had made a statement like he planned. And the seeds of fear had been established.
He threw on a casual black t-shirt and grey sweatpants before heading downstairs to the kitchen. The ground floor was alive with the domestic sounds of his household. The rich scent of seasoned sausage, garlic fried rice, and freshly brewed chamomile tea drifted through the hallway.
Jessica was standing by the stove, expertly flipping eggs in a heavy cast-iron skillet, while Tasha stood beside her, pouring freshly squeezed orange juice into a line of glasses. Their parents, Jacob and Harleen, were already seated at the marble island. Jacob was nursing a mug of black coffee, a relaxed smile on his face as he looked at his wife.
"I'm telling you, Harleen, that restaurant in the Upper Tiers is losing its touch," Jacob said, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Fifty credits for a mini steak was just too much."
"Oh, stop complaining, Jacob," Harleen countered smoothly, raising her teacup to her lips. She looked refreshed after their date night, her eyes bright. "It was nice to get out of the house without the kids for once. Besides, you were the one who wanted to try the fusion menu."
"Good morning, Jayden," Jessica called out, breaking the banter as she noticed him walking in. She slid a massive plate piled high with eggs and sausage toward an empty stool.
"Eat up," Harleen said, staring at him deeply with those motherly eyes that saw all. "You look like you barely slept."
"Thanks. Just had a lot on my mind," Jayden said, taking his seat at the end of the counter. "Especially with that Vigilante guy on the loose."
Tasha slid a glass of juice over to him, her eyes scanning his face with quiet intensity. "You're always thinking too much.
"Yeah, kiddo," Jacob added. "You need to relax. We're safe here. Especially since we have you and the girls to protect us."
Jayden smiled softly. As he picked up his fork, his mind shifted immediately to the Pack interface. He looked directly at Harleen, who was currently laughing at another one of Jacob's retorts. It seemed like the perfect time to add the two of them to the pack.
Mentally, Jayden triggered the recruitment command, directing a thread of the focus towards them.
A translucent progress bar materialized in his vision, hovering over their heads, displaying their current admiration level.
<Harleen Smith>
*Admiration level: 72%
[Status: Compatible]
<Jacob Smith>
*Admiration level: 67%
[Status: Slightly Compatible]
Jayden stared at the screen in awe. Their admiration levels had barely risen since the last time he checked. But that was understandable. They weren't like Penelope or the girls who held deep affection for him. Their admiration came from respect and care.
"Add Harleen Smith to the Twin Crescent Pack." He ordered mentally.
[Pack Recruitment Initiated]
*Target: Harleen Smith
[Analyzing Bond Strength]
[Processing….]
The screen remained on the progress track for a few seconds before finally expanding with a series of info.
[Bond Formation Successful]
[Harleen Smith has been added to the Twin Crescent Pack]
[Pack Members: 10/15]
[Pack slots left: 5]
[+2% has been added to Host's stats]
Right as the notification flashed, Harleen froze. Her teacup stopped an inch from her lips. Her eyes blinked rapidly, a subtle, microscopic tremor passing through her pupils as the heavy, invisible weight of the Pack bond anchored itself to her consciousness. The energy settled instantly, leaving her completely visibly bewildered for a split second.
"Harleen?" Jacob called out, his smile faltering as he noticed her sudden stillness. "Are you okay? Did you burn your tongue?"
Tasha and Jessica instantly turned to face her, concern etched on their faces.
Harleen blinked, shaking her head briskly as she set the cup back down on its saucer. She rubbed the back of her neck, letting out a soft, dismissive breath. "No, I'm fine. Just felt weird for a moment. But I'm totally fine."
Jayden took a slow sip of his juice, his face an unreadable mask of calm. The link was secure. He could now monitor her vitals and pump stats into her attributes from a distance.
He then turned his focus entirely to Jacob, who was leaning closer to Harleen, checking her forehead with the back of his hand in a display of genuine affection. Jayden concentrated, then gave the recruitment command.
The progress bar appeared, indicating that the process had begun. But then, it violently ruptured into a chaotic web of red error codes.
[Error: Recruitment Failed. Bond Formation with Target was Unsuccessful]