Cronus' system: Against the gods

Under the dimly lit ambiance of the restaurant, Brenda and Magnus sat across from each other, the clinking of silverware and murmurs of other diners forming a soft backdrop. Brenda's lips curved into a mysterious smile as she watched Magnus gulp down his glass of wine, his nervous energy practically radiating off him.

Her emerald eyes, filled with an unplaceable emotion, longing, perhaps?—lingered on him. Despite having known him for only a week, it felt inexplicably like years. "Why does it feel like we've shared so much more?" she wondered, the thought swirling in her mind.

Magnus, noticing her far-off gaze, waved a hand in front of her face. "Earth to Brenda? You okay?"

She snapped out of her thoughts, quickly masking her momentary vulnerability with a smirk. "Yeah, I'm fine. Nothing to worry about."

"You sure?"

Leaning forward, she propped her chin on her palm, her fiery red hair spilling over her shoulder like a cascade. "Positive. Don't go overthinking, Magnus. It's not good for your… pretty little head."

Magnus raised a brow, his lips twitching in amusement. "Pretty little head? That's... new."

"Oh, you're full of surprises," Brenda teased, her voice like silk. "You know, for someone who acts so ordinary, you're anything but."

Magnus frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Brenda leaned closer, her tone dropping conspiratorially. "Do you really think I wouldn't find out about your... ventures? Your ideas?"

Magnus froze, his fork hovering mid-air. "What—what are you talking about?"

Her smirk deepened, her eyes practically sparkling with mischief. "Relax, Magnus. I mean your failed business schemes. Honestly, some of them were so ambitious, I'm surprised they didn't work."

Magnus' face flushed red, and he cursed under his breath. Only one person knew about those—Rex. That blabbermouth! He was definitely going to get an earful later.

"Rex told you, didn't he?" he muttered, his jaw tightening.

Brenda laughed, a melodic sound that seemed to light up the room. "Don't be mad at Rex. He just made you more interesting." Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a sleek chip, tapped a button on its surface, and slid it across the table. "Here. A little something to cheer you up."

Magnus blinked at the glowing device, confused, until his own tablet chimed softly. He picked it up, and his heart nearly stopped as he read the notification:

Alert: Money has been deposited into your account!

Account Holder: Magnus

Origin: Stellar City

Age: 16

Occupation: Orphaned Student

Amount Available: $7,000,000

The color drained from Magnus' face. His hands trembled, and for a moment, he couldn't find his voice. "D-dammit!" he finally choked out, nearly dropping the device.

Brenda leaned back, clearly enjoying the show. "Well? What do you think?"

Magnus' eyes darted between her and the screen. "This.....this has to be a mistake! Seven… million?! Are you serious right now?"

Brenda shrugged nonchalantly. "Dead serious. Consider it an investment... or a challenge. Let's see if you can make something of it this time."

Magnus stared at the screen again, the number blinking back at him as if mocking his disbelief. His voice wavered as he stammered, "But… where did you even get this kind of money?"

Brenda raised an eyebrow, her playful smirk faltering for just a moment. She let out a soft sigh, twirling her wine glass between her fingers. "Magnus, surely you've heard of the Voss family?"

"oh...oh....yeah! of course how could he forget? As a noble, she surely would have this kind of ridiculous amount at her disposal.

"Look, I hate bringing up my family name. I don't indulge in their shady deals or their morally questionable ventures. That money? It's not from them. It's mine. Earned fair and square."

Magnus furrowed his brow, the disbelief still evident on his face. "But… how? Seven million isn't exactly pocket change."

Brenda's lips twitched into a small, almost sad smile. "Let's just say I've had my share of investments and smart moves.

Before he could talk again, Brenda leaned back with an air of nonchalance. "There's an opening in my family's- I mean my branch of the Wolf-Fang guild's Intelligence department. High-paying, flexible hours, and, let's be real, something that could use that big brain of yours." She gave him a pointed look. "It's yours, if you want it."

She then tossed him two cards. "Hand one to Rex, I promised him a spot before.....the other one is yours. They'll understand immediately you show them these"

Magnus blinked as he stared at the cards, his mind racing. The Wolf-Fang Guild was one of the most prestigious hunter guilds in the region, known for its elite operations and formidable reputation. Working there wasn't just a job, it was an opportunity most people would kill for.

"I-I…" Magnus stuttered, completely at a loss for words.

Before he could gather his thoughts, Brenda leaned across the table and pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. "Shhh," she murmured, her voice softening. "Don't thank me. If anything, I should be thanking you."

Magnus' brows furrowed in confusion. "Thanking me? For what?"

Brenda's expression shifted, her teasing smile giving way to something more genuine. "For being brave. For standing up for me during the academy attack. You didn't have to, Magnus, but you did. And I haven't forgotten."

He stared at her, her words sinking in like a warm balm against his insecurities.

"You've got a lot of potential," she continued, her voice tinged with affection. "And for some reason, I feel like I've known you far longer than I actually have. So, let me help you, Magnus."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Before he could respond, Brenda leaned in closer, her breath warm against his cheek as her lips brushed his in a soft, tentative kiss. Magnus froze for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest, before he finally leaned into her touch.

The kiss deepened, a passionate exchange that seemed to freeze time around them. The world outside the restaurant ceased to exist, leaving just the two of them wrapped in the heat of the moment.

When they finally pulled apart, Brenda's cheeks were flushed, though her playful grin had returned. "So," she whispered, her voice husky, "are you going to take the job, or do I have to sweeten the deal even more?"

Magnus chuckled breathlessly, his eyes shining with newfound determination. "How could I say no to that?"

A waiter, standing awkwardly nearby with a tray of desserts, cleared his throat. "Uh, excuse me, sir, ma'am… would you, um, like your dessert now, or should I come back after… whatever that was?"

Magnus pulled back, his face now a deep crimson, while Brenda merely smirked, unfazed. She turned her attention to the waiter, her lips still curled into that signature teasing grin. "I'll take a slice of chocolate decadence. He can have whatever helps him recover from shock."

The waiter blinked, trying and failing to suppress a grin. "Right… one chocolate decadence, and for the gentleman, water, perhaps?"

Magnus groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I'll just have the same, thanks," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact with everyone in the vicinity.

Night 8pm

"Okay....great! Now I'm out of cookies again! I surely need to go refill!" Rex closed the fridge. His last outing had cost him about $1,500 and now he was left with $400,000. "At this rate, I'll be down to zero within some months.....I need to get a job fast!"

Rex then walked out of the house, heading towards the supermarket. He could still clearly remember shop-keeper Jace and the memory of how the man froze a robber was still evident in his mind, always reminding him that no matter how frail one was, they could still be deadly.

As he walked, he suddenly noticed...the streets seemed unusually quiet. The usual bustle of Astral City's evening crowd had diminished to an eerie stillness. The only sounds were the faint hum of streetlights and the soft scuff of Rex's boots against the pavement. His instincts prickled with unease, but he dismissed it.

"Probably just my imagination," he muttered, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he strode forward.

Then he felt it, a sharp, almost electric shift in the air. A subtle but undeniable pressure pressed against his chest, growing heavier with each step. He stopped, glancing around, and that's when he saw them.

Hooded figures emerged from the shadows, their suits immaculate but sinister in the dim light. Their faces were obscured beneath sleek, reflective masks, and their movements were unnaturally synchronized, like predators closing in on prey. There were six of them, each exuding a menacing aura that seemed to ripple with unspoken violence.

Rex tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "Huh. You guys gonna sell me insurance or something? 'Cause I'm good."

No response. The figures tightened their circle, their silent presence radiating cold intent.

"He is the guilty one! capture him"

Rex's grin widened, the flickering streetlight catching the edge of his smirk. "Guilty? For what? Stealing the last pack of cookies at the supermarket? If so, you've got the wrong guy. That was yesterday"

The figure didn't flinch. Instead, a low hum filled the air as the others raised their hands, energy crackling around them. It wasn't just any energy, Rex could feel the sharp resonance of crystals powering their abilities.

Each figure seemed to radiate a different type of power: flames danced around one, frost condensed around another, while the rest shimmered with kinetic force, shadows, and something unsettlingly electric.

"Okay, no one's laughing. Tough crowd," Rex muttered, rolling his neck.

The leader's voice was cold and mechanical, amplified by his mask. "You're coming with us—quietly, or in pieces."

Rex exhaled, shaking his head as he flexed his fingers. A faint glow sparked around his knuckles, Aether flaring like a wildfire ready to ignite.

Your next read is at empire

"Pieces, huh?" His smirk widened, shadows dancing in his eyes. "Guess I better give you a head start."

The air grew heavy as the streetlights flickered ominously. Rex's fists crackled with energy, and for a heartbeat, silence reigned. Then he surged forward, fists ablaze.