All of them didn’t move as Zeno continued. They felt like they were watching a movie in real-time.
At this point, this was a 10-dimensional experience! The actor was acting right in front of them.
“You call yourselves rightful heirs, yet you see her as a piece to be claimed. But she is not a prize. I love her. And I will not let her be reduced to an ornament for your throne,” he continued.
Minji was supposed to say the next line; however, she was still so enamored by Zeno’s performance.
Doha nudged her shoulder, causing her to snap out of it.
“Then tell me, Prince Hajin. If I am not a prize… what am I to you?” she softly asked, finally coming out of the shadows.
There was silence for a few seconds before Zeno let out a deep breath.
He looked straight into Minji’s eyes, and the latter found herself holding her breath.
Zeno had gotten closer, and it was then that Minji realized how handsome he had truly become.
“You are the reason I fight. Not for power. Not for a throne. But because I see you as you are, not as what they want you to be.”
Minji’s body stiffened, and for a second, she felt that Zeno was telling her those words.
However, her daydream quickly broke when Eli nudged her, causing her to fall out of bed.
Then, Doha stood, giving Zeno a standing ovation.
“How was it?” Zeno asked.
“Amazing. Spectacular. Award-winning. Show-stopping. Panty-dropping,” Doha complimented him non-stop.
“It’s good,” Eli honestly said. “Really good, actually. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone act that well in the country.”
“That’s because you only watch Hollywood films unless we force you,” Doha exclaimed. “But I agree! You’re going to become the best actor in the world, Zeno.”
Minji, on the other hand, was still out of it. She was lying on the floor, clutching her beating heart.
She also had warm, red cheeks, making Zeno frown.
“Did you drink alcohol before this?” he asked.
Minji finally snapped out of the daze and stood. Then, she quickly shook her head.
“Well, you should let Eli check you out,” Zeno said. “The flu is common these days, and you might have a fever.”
Minji wanted to say something but couldn’t find the right words to say.
“Thank you for practicing with me,” Zeno said.
Doha shook his head. “Just ask us anytime!” he exclaimed. “We’ll be your biggest supporters.”
Eli and Minji silently nodded, and Maxie even barked. However, Zeno highly doubted it was because the demon dog agreed with Doha’s statement.
“Thanks,” Zeno muttered, turning around and going to his unit. “Maxie, come on.”
“Biggest supporters, huh?” he muttered with a small smile.
However, as he arrived at his unit, his brows furrowed, and a serious expression arose from his face.
[Acting: A+]
His acting skills had already surpassed most of those in the acting industry. However, he knew that it was the easiest battle in this journey.
Because contrary to the name of the industry, it wasn’t merely focused on acting at all.
If there was one thing that was constant throughout Zeno’s lives, it was surprise. You never truly knew what you were getting into on this planet.
As much as the Earth had the most beautiful moments in the entire galaxy, they also had the worst.
And that wasn’t all.
Zeno wasn’t only dealing with Earth, but also with the heavens—Avalis.
***
The heavens stretched endlessly, a grand expanse of light and soft clouds beneath their feet.
The Ascendants’ headquarters stood above it all, their dining hall resting on the mist.
Their Apex, the highest Ascendant, was in his room, enjoying the fine evening by himself.
The buffet table was filled to the brim, filled with celestial delicacies, fruits with golden nectar, and cultivated meat that provided all nourishment.
The Ascendants dined leisurely, their robes flowing with the weightlessness of their domain.
Yet, despite the feast, there was some tension in the air.
“It seems quieter than usual,” one of them muttered, swirling his glass. “There are fewer employees around these days.”
“There are more newbies, but the missions have increased dramatically.”
Another sighed, resting his fork against his plate. “We used to be evenly staffed, but now…”
Silence fell over the table.
“It’s because the newer agents aren’t as capable, so they disappear quickly,” a silver-haired Ascendant finally spoke. “Along with that, the agents have increased limits.”
“More time to complete missions means fewer returning at once. We need more operatives like 25. Short time limits, faster turnovers, and, of course, an efficient work ethic.”
The table turned towards one figure seated at the end, his form cast in shadow despite the divine radiance of the room.
“How’s it going with his mission, Slash ?” one asked, causing the Ascendant to pause for a moment.
Slash barely spared them a glance. He carved through his meal before sighing. “He has less than one year left. He’ll be back in no time for another mission.”
The silver-haired Ascendant let out a low whistle. “Oof. That’s fast.”
“You said you were having a difficult time these past few days. It seems you’re more relaxed now.”
Slash finally looked up, placing his elbows on the table. “I set up a pain trial,” he said simply. “It’s easier on my part.”
They began murmuring among themselves. The pain trial was given to ensure that their employees’ suffering remained prolonged. However, that also made sure they grew stronger and more obedient.
“25 has never failed a mission,” another Ascendant murmured, his fingers tapping against his goblet. “This is his 25th, isn’t it?”
Slash nodded.
“And he’s stayed here the longest,” someone else added.
“He never catches a break,” one argued, a rare note of concern in his voice.
“He’ll have another mission once he comes back,” Slash said flatly.
“Didn’t you promise him a ten-year-long rest?”
Slash shrugged before going back to eating. “Like you said, there are plenty of missions, but not a lot of employees. We can’t let anyone slack off. You know what will happen when there’s an overload… or do you want that to happen again?”
Some shifted uncomfortably, while others avoided Slash’s gaze.
“But props to 25,” one finally said, forcing a chuckle. “If anyone can handle the workload, it’s him.”
“What if he goes rogue?” another suggested. “Back-to-back missions with no rest? You keep pushing him, so what if he snaps?”
Slash smirked, taking a sip from the sweet wine.
“He won’t.”
The confidence in his voice sent a chill down their spines.
“He’s too obedient for that.”