Chương 76: Mayer Family

Ch 76 - Mayer Family Evan's footsteps faded down the hallway until they disappeared. Reika remained sprawled on the ground, glaring at the ceiling. What infuriated her wasn't just that she'd lost the spar. It was that she understood exactly what he had been trying to tell her. Ever since Hiroto had become an S-rank, Reika had felt as though reality itself had shifted. That feeling had only intensified after the Secret Dungeon, where he had saved her life after the phoenix's attack left her unconscious.

The brother she had spent years looking down on had suddenly surpassed her. At first, she had tried to convince herself it didn't matter. Hiroto might have been an S-rank, but his abilities were those of a support Awakener. Just because she was an A-rank didn't mean she was weaker than him, especially when she had inherited their father's lightning powers. And yet, not long ago, he had awakened another ability inside the Secret Dungeon. How rare was it for an Awakener to gain a new skill?

It was something many could only dream of, yet Hiroto had not only awakened as an S-rank but had soon after gained another ability that made him even more dangerous. Pocket Refuge had already been useful, but Spatial Step was on another level.

"Don't disappoint me." Her mother's voice echoed through her mind. Reika bit her lip and sat up. No longer in the mood to train, she left the training room and headed back. Much to her dismay, it seemed the world had decided to make this day as miserable as possible because, on the way, she ran into the one person she wanted to see the least.

"Reika!" Hiroto called, his expression brightening. For a brief moment, she considered turning around and walking away, but knowing him, he'd probably chase after her, and that would only make the situation even more ridiculous.

"I just got back from the café," he said, holding up a small cardboard pastry box.

"I brought you some pain au chocolat." Reika pursed her lips as she stared at the offered box. Her hand twitched before she finally accepted it.

"I tried one, and it was really good!" he added. When Reika didn't reply, an awkward silence settled between them. Hiroto began fidgeting as usual, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

"Are you looking for Whitfield?" she said.

"He left a little while ago, but he should still be somewhere in the villa."

"Oh? Evan's awake? That's great. He looked pretty miserable back on the yacht." Reika snorted. Good. At least that boy wasn't smug all the time.

"If you're done, I'm leaving." She walked past Hiroto, who stepped aside without saying a word. After several steps, she could still sense him standing there, as though he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

"Hey," Reika said without turning around.

"Y-yeah?" Hiroto replied.

"If you're free tomorrow... let's spar."

"Really? I mean... sure!" She continued walking away, silently cursing her foolish brother.

Life settled into a routine over the next few days. Reid spent most of his time accompanying Chairman Choi, who seemed determined to show off the fruits of his labor. Choi Group was, after all, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Nova Terra. With its primary focus on weapons and defense, the family also maintained deep ties with both the government and the major guilds.

Reid attracted plenty of attention whenever he appeared alongside Chairman Choi, but he ignored the curious whispers and followed the old man without saying a word. Once Chairman Choi no longer needed his company, Reid returned to his room or spent the rest of the day training. Checking his phone, he found the latest string of messages from his brother.

Most of them were Evan complaining about the annoying things he had to put up with on the private island, but he had also sent plenty of pictures, most of them featuring the food he had been eating. Hiroto and Carmen appeared in the majority of those photos, while a few also included Reika. [Have a great day again today?] Reid asked. [Same as usual. Filled with rich brats.] Evan replied. [But good news, I guess. Reika isn't nearly as insufferable anymore.] [It's good that the two are starting to get along.] Reid knew how hard Hiroto had been trying to reconnect with his younger sister, even going so far as to ask Reid how to be a good brother. Frankly, Reid didn't think he was the right person to answer. According to those closest to him, especially Hye-jin, he was rather lacking in certain aspects of being an older brother. She often teased that his constant fussing over Evan bordered on excessive and that it was a miracle his younger brother hadn't been spoiled beyond saving. [Here's hoping it lasts.] Evan wrote.

[Gosh, I'm so tired of their sibling drama. Let's promise not to have something like that between us. It's cringe.] Chuckling, Reid typed back. [Okay. I promise we'll always get along.] [Good. So how's it over there? The Year-End Charity Gala is tonight, right?] [Yeah. Sadly, I have to inform you that they gave me another suit, even after I told them I already had the one Carmen bought for me.] [Do I even need to be surprised? But don't change the subject. You're seriously going? That old man's basically putting you on display like the grand prize at an auction! And just because the bidders are rich ladies doesn't mean you're safe. They'll eat you alive! Don't let your guard down! Women are terrifying when they want something!] The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. [I'll be fine. Besides, I have a promise to keep, and Chairman Choi assured me he won't force me into a relationship with anyone. He only wants me to meet the Mayer family's daughter.] [Hmph! I don't believe that slippery old man isn't planning something behind the scenes.] [Okay. I'll be careful. I promise.] [You better be. I don't want tomorrow's headlines announcing your engagement to some random lady.] [It won't.] Their conversation ended just as a butler arrived at Reid's quarters, informing him that it was time to prepare for the gala.

After Reid took a shower, a professional stylist attended to him, grooming and preparing him for the evening before helping him into his well-tailored suit. The Year-End Charity Gala was held at the Royal Viridian Grand Hotel in District 1. When Reid stepped out of the car, he found the building's emerald-tinted glass facade glowing under the city lights. Attendants and security personnel stood along the entrance, welcoming guests as they arrived. Inside, the ballroom was already crowded.

Men in tailored suits and women in elegant dresses mingled throughout the venue, some gathered in small groups while others took their seats at the tables. Most of the faces were unfamiliar to Reid, recognizable only from the occasional news report. He did notice several guild representatives, though he was surprised to find Masaru among them. The man raised his wine glass in acknowledgment from across the hall.

As Reid walked alongside the Choi family, guests approached the family members one after another, exchanging pleasantries and making introductions. Few were bold enough to approach Chairman Choi directly. Reid, on the other hand, quickly drew interest from younger and middle-aged business figures looking for a new connection or hoping to learn more about the Choi Group. Reid was happy to entertain them, keeping things light while steering clear of anything that might reveal the family's business dealings.

This continued until the lights overhead dimmed. The chatter gradually died down as everyone turned toward the stage. A representative from the Nova Terra Humanitarian Foundation stepped onto the stage and welcomed the guests.

"Every year, we're reminded of just how generous the people of Nova Terra can be. Thanks to your support, we've been able to help countless people throughout the year. Tonight, we're here to continue that work and hopefully make an even bigger difference." After a brief mention of the event's sponsors and contributors, the formal part of the evening came to an end, and everyone settled in for dinner. Dish after dish was brought out, each one more elaborate than the last. Reid found himself thinking about Evan.

For a moment, he considered taking a picture of the feast for him, but decided against it. This probably wasn't the time or place. Once dinner was over, the charity auction got underway. The lights focused on the stage as one donated item after another was brought out. Rare monster materials recovered from Rifts, along with various unusual treasures, were put up for bidding. Paddles rose as the prices climbed, reaching amounts that would have been staggering to the average citizen.

It was a charity auction, but for many of Nova Terra's wealthiest families, it was also a chance to show off what they could afford to give. By the time the last item was sold, the atmosphere had loosened considerably. People left their tables to mingle, and soft music filled the ballroom. Chairman Choi took the opportunity to rise and lead Reid toward a quieter corner, where only a few attendees had gathered away from the crowd.

A graceful woman in her fifties was waiting for them, dressed in a long midnight-blue gown embroidered with delicate silver patterns. Her light-blue eyes settled on the approaching pair. Beside her stood a young woman in her early twenties who bore a striking resemblance to her mother. The younger woman kept her gaze lowered, seemingly lost in thought.

"Chairman Mayer," Chairman Choi said.

"It has been some time."

"Chairman Choi," she replied, returning the gesture.

"Indeed. I heard the Choi Group's latest defense developments have been progressing well."

"And I heard several guilds have taken notice of the Mayer Family's latest project. Your contributions to Nova Terra remain invaluable."

"As do yours. Nova Terra would not have come this far without the support of families like ours." Chairman Choi gestured toward Reid.

"Allow me to introduce someone. This is Reid Whitfield, my grandson."

"Well met. I am Lena Mayer, and this is my daughter, Sofia," Chairman Mayer said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Reid replied. Lena studied him.

"The sentiment is mutual. You are the A-rank Healer whose name has been on everyone's lips."

"I wouldn't say everyone."

"Humility is a rare quality among young Awakeners." Chairman Choi cleared his throat.

"Chairman Mayer, I believe there are a few matters regarding the upcoming cooperation between our groups that would be better handled in private. Perhaps we could move to one of the lounges?" Lena pursed her lips but said, "Very well. I suppose we shouldn't keep our guests waiting." Chairman Choi added, "Enjoy the evening." Reid answered with an exasperated smile before looking at Sofia, who had remained quiet.

"Do you not enjoy these kinds of events?"

"Hmm?" Sofia raised her head.

"Oh, not really. It's too loud, but I don't want Mother to attend these events by herself."

"How about we go out to the terrace? We can get away from all this noise there." Sofia nodded, and the two made their way toward the terrace. The cool breeze greeted them as they stepped outside, carrying away much of the noise from the ballroom. Reid rested his palms on the railing, taking in Nova Terra's skyline. Countless lights shone from the buildings, making the city resemble a sea of stars beneath the night sky.

"I know what they're trying to do," Sofia said.

"I might be sheltered, but I'm not stupid. Just so we're clear, I'm not interested." Her bluntness drew a laugh from Reid.

"Then I suppose we're in agreement. I'm only here because of my grandfather's request." A bitter smile graced Sofia's lips.

"Is that so? Then that's a relief. You wouldn't want to be with someone like me anyway. I'm probably going to die soon, and I don't want to leave someone a widower."

"Please don't say that. I heard your condition has been improving."

"I think I'd know my own health better than anyone else. My time is limited." He studied her expression and extended his hand.

"Would you mind if I examined you? I'm a Healer."

"I know." Sofia shook her head.

"But I've been examined by countless doctors and even high-ranking Healers. None of them have been able to help me."

"Even so, I'd still like to try." After a beat, she nodded.

"Very well." She placed her hand in his palm, and Reid closed his fingers around it, sending a stream of Sacred Light into her body. Almost immediately, he sensed that her body was unnaturally frail, its vitality sluggish. Then he felt something disturbingly familiar, causing his frown to deepen.

"Excuse me for a moment," Reid said, raising his free hand and pressing his thumb against her forehead. His astral body slipped into her Mindscape. He found himself in a bedroom furnished with ornate pieces in soft pastel colors. But the sight of the figure lying on the bed made his heart clench. Sofia's soul lay motionless across the mattress. The upper half remained intact, but the lower half had been reduced to a mass of shattered fragments, barely holding its shape.

Even as Reid watched, those fragments slowly crumbled away.