Chapter 165 I Just... Like My Job
Chapter 165 I Just... Like My Job
One of the bodyguards stammered, "Wait, sir—"
But August was already gone.
---
Leaping twelve feet into the air, he activated Phantom Blitz again and teleported in mid-air before appearing on a building's window.
He began to Phantom Blitz from window to window in the same building gaining higher ground rapidly.
The shooter on the other hand was moving fast, jumping between rooftops in an attempt to escape.
"Not happening," August muttered as his visor locked onto the figure in black tactical gear.
As he closed the distance, the shooter spun around, aiming another shot at him.
August dodged to the side with his movements enhanced by the agility of his assassin class.
Bang!
The moment the shot was fired and the bullet grazed past him, he activated Phantom Blitz again.
The shooter hadn't even finished dealing with the recoil when August appeared before him with his fist hurling forward.
Bam!
August landed a swift jab on the chest of the shooter, sending him staggering backward in pain.
"Ugh!" The shooter hissed in pain and pulled out a knife, ready for close combat.
August's automated voice rang out; "You picked the wrong day, buddy."
The shooter ignored August's remark and dashed forward while slashing at his face.
August swerved to the side, easily evading the swing but the shooter kept slashing at him repeatedly.
He took multiple swings as he moved rapidly and even tried to stab August occasionally but August's superior speed overwhelmed the shooter.
He kept evading easily since he could see all the strikes coming.
As the shooter swung at him again, August ducked and countered with a sharp uppercut before he could retract his arm.
The sound of teeth grinding together rang out as the shooter spat out a bunch of teeth but August didn't stop there.
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He began to repeatedly land hits on the shooter who was already starting to run out of stamina due to the continuous missed attacks.
The shooter stumbled back under the relentless assault. Finally, with a sharp kick to the chest, August sent him sprawling across the rooftop.
The shooter tried to crawl away, but August pinned him down with his foot. "Talk," he ordered. "Who sent you?"
The shooter groaned as blood spurted out of his mouth but said nothing.
August applied a little more pressure. "I don't have all day."
Before the shooter could answer, sirens blared below. The authorities had arrived. August sighed while stepping back. "Guess I'll let them handle you."
He vanished with Phantom Blitz, leaving the shooter to the cops.
---
Back on the street, Celeste was still shaken but smiling when August reappeared.
"You're seriously full of surprises," she said.
August handed her the phone and the briefcase. "I suggest you stay out of trouble."
Celeste smirked. "Not a chance."
She took the phone but ignored the briefcase, "You can keep that... consider it a thank you and the start of a long future partnership."
"No, I don't take free money," August proceeded to place the briefcase in the hands of one of her guards.
A look of surprise crossed her face as she watched him walk away.
Her interest in him had only deepened. "I'll be back, Aleman," she whispered to herself before slipping into her car as the convoy drove off.
August exhaled while walking back into the building. "Just another day at AM Coven."
...
...
The next morning, news flashed across multiple channels, all focused on a single story:
**"Attempted Assassination on Politician's Daughter Foiled by Mysterious Supernatural Figure who is also believed to be the same miracle man who saved a patient about a month back."**
Footage from various angles played in a montage—Celeste Montgomery stepping out of AM Coven, the sudden gunshot, and the astonishing moment where a blurred streak, later identified as **Aleman**, appeared and teleported her out of harm's way.
The clip slowed down to show his split-second reaction and the faint blue glow of his abilities illuminating the chaos.
"Sources confirm that the assailant has been apprehended thanks to the swift intervention of the masked figure known as Aleman," the news anchor reported with a tone of intrigue. "This incident has sparked widespread speculation about the connection between Aleman and the popular VRMMORPG *Enders Light,* where he is also known as a top player... And our very own miracle man in the city..."
Online forums exploded with discussions:
- "Aleman in real life? Is he the same guy from Enders Light?"
- "I knew it! AM Coven is run by a supernatural player!"
-"How does he have powers IRL?! I need answers!"
-"He must have consumed the fruit of corruption!"
-"That item is worth hundreds of millions!"
Meanwhile, at the Phoenix Celestial Guild's real-life Headquarters, a towering skyscraper an hour away from August's city, the discussion about Aleman had reached a fever pitch.
Inside the guild's lavish lounge, a group of players crowded around Lilo, Boris, and Ezran, bombarding them with questions.
The massive windows overlooked the futuristic cityscape, but all eyes were focused on the large holographic display playing the news on repeat.
"So," one of the guild members leaned forward with a smirk, "you guys play with Aleman in Enders Light, right? Is he the Aleman?"
Rachel Valentine (Lilo), lounging with her legs up on the armrest of the couch, twirled a lock of her short brown hair and shrugged. "I mean… we've never asked him about AM Coven. It's not like we talk about our real lives that much in the game."
Drake (Boris) who was munching on a protein bar, added, "Yeah, and besides, I don't think our Aleman has superpowers IRL... Right?" He glanced uncertainly at Ezran.
Jin Yun (Ezran), adjusted his glasses and sighed. "It's hard to say. Aleman's always been secretive. Even if it was him, I doubt he'd tell us."
"Come on, Ezran," another guild member pressed. "The timing, the name, the *helmet*—it's too much of a coincidence! Last time Aleman was here in person, he hid his face!"
Ariana entered the lounge with her arms crossed. She listened for a moment before speaking. "You're all speculating without proof." She turned to Lilo. "But I am curious. You guys should add me to your chat group. Maybe I'll figure out if he's the same Aleman."
Lilo groaned while swinging her legs off the couch. "You keep asking me that, too. I said later."
Aria smirked. "You always say later."
Boris leaned in with a grin. "Admit it, Aria. You just want to know if Aleman is single."
Aria rolled her eyes as a blush appeared on her face. "I don't mix business with pleasure."
Ezran muttered while sipping his tea, "Sure."
Lilo stood up. "Alright, I'm out. Got work."
Ezran blinked. "Work? Lilo, why are you still working a regular job when we're getting paid to be in Phoenix Celestial? You realize we make more than enough now, right?"
Lilo laughed lightly while ruffling Ezran's hair. "You wouldn't understand, Yun. I like keeping busy."
As she walked toward the elevator, Boris called after her, "Lilo, come on. We all left our day jobs for this. You should too!"
She paused at the elevator doors as her playful smirk faltered for just a second. A shadow of something deeper crossed her face—something even Ezran noticed.
"I just… I like my job," she said softly before stepping into the elevator. "Catch you guys later."
As the doors closed, her smirk faded, and she stared at the descending floor counter, lost in thought.
---
Meanwhile, back in the lounge, Aria watched the elevator doors with a thoughtful expression. "She's hiding something."
Ezran nodded. "Yeah. She's never been one to keep secrets, but she's been acting weird ever since we joined Phoenix Celestial."
Boris leaned back with a sigh. "Whatever it is, she'll tell us when she's ready."
Aria glanced at the news screen one more time, watching the footage of Aleman saving Celeste. "And what about him? If he really is *the* Aleman, we need to know. He could be a major asset to the guild."
Ezran adjusted his glasses, deep in thought. "Well… let's just say that if it is him, we should probably respect his privacy. I get the feeling Aleman isn't the type to share unless he wants to."
Aria crossed her arms. "Maybe. But I still want answers."
Boris grinned. "Let's just wait and see. Besides, if he's the same Aleman we know, he won't be able to stay out of the spotlight for long."
The room fell into thoughtful silence as the news replayed the moment Aleman saved Celeste and his figure teleported in and out of danger. The mystery only deepened.
...
...
Hours later, Lilo sat at her desk in the dimly lit office as the soft buzz of fluorescent lights overhead mixed with the rhythmic clicking of her keyboard.
The clock on the wall read 11:43 PM and the building was nearly empty, save for a few other employees working late shifts like her.
Papers were stacked high on her desk... reminders of deadlines and tasks that never seemed to end.
She sighed and rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the exhaustion creeping in. Her phone vibrated beside her, and she glanced down to see a message from Ji Yun
Ezran: "You still at work?"