A computer with multiple components and gadgets connected to it could be seen on a desk. Multi-colored indicators blinked as a progress bar hit one hundred percent.
"I am still missing the field array. Without it, I will not be able to execute my plan."
He pulled his hair in frustration.
Haaa!
With a sigh, he unequipped the purple suit and stored it in the compartment again.
He snapped, and all the connected devices disconnected. The lights died out, leaving the room illuminated only by the weak blue pulse of the overhead diamond-shaped LED.
He walked out of the lab, and the lockdown protocol was immediately dissolved. The calm was restored as the normal systems pulsed to life again, continuing their previous rhythm as if nothing had ever happened.
"Alice, I need to get some components. I will be heading out for a while."
He walked to the front door, which automatically opened.
"I will await your return. What should I cook before you get back?" she inquired.
"The usual. Nothing major."
He and Alice lived in their own world, and she was the only one who understood him better than anyone. He didn't create her, but that didn't mean he didn't have a high affinity with her, considering she had been part of his life since his early days.
He had not always been like this. He didn't have all he had back then, and it had been really tough after he left—got kicked out of—the orphanage when he turned sixteen.
Family? He had none he could remember. Friends? He didn't trust anyone, and he always preferred to logically analyze most situations rather than be led blindly by his emotions.
Experiences from growing up in a tough environment surrounded by negativity shaped his unique mindset—calm, cold, and logical. This helped him secure a better life for himself, although his talent played a crucial role. It was quite commendable that he had not been broken into a mindless zombie led by society.
A deep, long walk into the night, surrounded by the allure of nightlife, left him melancholic for some strange reason.
Although it was a technologically advanced society, at least they were still rational enough to preserve nature and not replace everything with machines. The air was still natural, and there were trees in the surroundings, casting an ethereal presence among the chaos and glow of the city.
It had not always been this peaceful in the lower sector—not after the actions of a certain someone. That was why the peace had lasted up to this point. Who knew when chaos would break loose again? Those bastards might already be cooking up some sinister plot for their return.
The peaceful night influenced him subtly as his internal turmoil calmed, replaced with a clear and calculative mindset. But he ignored that and decided to get lost in the peace for as long as it took him to reach his destination.
"Let me go, you—"
Psssew!
"Kiaaaaa!"
A terrified scream rang out after a beam arched into the alley and incapacitated its target.
After the shot, the blaster returned to its holster, and he walked away calmly.
He knew what was happening. Just because he was lost in thought didn't mean he was careless enough to let his guard down. Years of experience had taught him an important lesson he would never forget.
The target wasn't dead—just knocked out cold for the law enforcement to deal with.
"Thank you for saving me!"
A sob rang out as a young woman stumbled out of the alley. Her hair was scattered, and she looked rough and emotionally shaken.
"You can't follow me," Avalon stated in a firm and definite tone.
"I don't have a choice. If I walk home alone, how can I guarantee I won't be attacked?"
She spoke in a weak voice with her head bowed, scared and helpless. But it sounded ridiculous to the young man, who turned around incredulously.
He scrutinized her thoroughly to understand who he was dealing with.
"Alright, run along n—"
After he recognized her in the mild lighting of the street lamps, his statement was left hanging.
She was also left speechless when she recognized him, leading to an awkward silence between them.
"Why are you out here alone?"
A question.
"I—I—I..."
She stuttered and finally kept quiet when she didn't know what else to say.
Avalon was already getting irritated, perceiving that she was just wasting his time.
He turned and continued walking, none of his emotion revealed despite the unexpected twist of events.
"His condition is acting up again, I—"
He threw a red packet to her, interrupting her before she could finish the sentence.
"Keep up."
He buttoned his sleeve calmly.
The rest of the walk was tinged with silence as he continued appreciating the beautiful night.
They arrived at a convenience store at the edge of Glacier Street.
"You should feel safe now, right? I will be heading a different way."
The young man backtracked into a dark alley and disappeared shortly after, not even waiting for a response.
He jumped from roof to roof stealthily, the cold wind hitting his face making the whole experience exhilarating.
The lower sector was well planned in terms of infrastructure, although the same couldn't be said for the types of people who lived here. No big plans or ambition—felt more like a cage because this city was closed off from the rest of the world. It felt as if they were just caged animals that would be selected when the need arose.
He landed in front of a regular-looking store with an E& Gadget sign glowing crimson red.
"I need two field arrays."
The saleswoman was startled, but she quickly regained her composure.
"You are in luck, sir. There are still a few units left—"
"I want them all!"
A rough voice rang out, interrupting the saleswoman. It sounded like two rusty metallic objects scraping each other—uncomfortable to hear.
Avalon whipped his head toward the direction of the voice and gave the man a death stare. It turned out to be a middle-aged man with an average face. He looked like any other Jack who loved to drink and engage in irresponsible activities.
"I will pay extra."
Avalon breathed each word slowly.