CHAPTER 112: THIEF

After their training, Adam split off from the trio, having some work to do around the house. Nova and Elesch decided to spend some money on the kittens and some on themselves, just to celebrate this "Christmas" tradition that the mortals performed every year.

They went outside the guild, tired, as today and tomorrow’s training included meditation and a one-versus-three against Marcus. This would help them get their C-rank status faster, as well as get more battle experience from a guy who already has a lot.

Nova and Elesch hit the stores, walking towards them, with the town shaping into a Christmas ornament. Stores had more decor outside, as Christmas approached, while also being excited for the upcoming tournament.

Everyone around the world was excited for the tournament. It wasn’t just some local event; this thing was massive, like the Super Bowl crossed with the Olympics, but much bigger and with superpowers mixed in.

The American Guild had hyped it up for months, turning it into a global spectacle that drew eyes from every corner of the planet. Billions were tuning in every year, whether through live streams, TV broadcasts, or even virtual reality setups that let you feel like you were right there in the arena.

The tournament, officially called the Global Awakening Championship, had grown from a small guild competition into a phenomenon, which took many years for others to truly accept.

Sponsors poured in millions, energy drink companies, tech giants making ability-enhancing gear, and even governments scouting for talent. The prize pool this year hit a record $10 billion, split among winners, with the top spot getting $3 billion alone, plus endorsements that could set you up for life, no tax included.

Cities hosted watch parties in stadiums, parks, and bars. In New York, Times Square turned into a sea of screens blasting highlights from past tournaments. Tokyo had holographic projections of fighters battling in the streets. Even in remote villages, people had gathered around radios or shared phones to catch updates.

What made it so big was the unpredictability. The tournament arena always went above and beyond, every single fucking year. It was never the same, and this year it would be something entirely different.

Nova and Elesch were strolling through the city. Banners were pasted everywhere. Food truck owners are calling for people to come and eat from them. Other vendors had merchandise, one of them amusing Nova, which read: "Pillar Up or Shut Up."

They headed to a pet store called Paws & Claws, tucked between a bakery and a bookstore. The bell jingled as they entered, and the warm air brushed away the cold, shivering air from outside.

Inside, shelves upon shelves were stuffed with toys, beds, and gadgets for every kind of pet. Nova and Elesch strolled through, as the kittens peeked out from the litter box that, as usual, Nova was carrying.

Smudge batted at a hanging feather toy on display, while Miro eyed a laser pointer. Nyx curled inside the litter box as Luna went over her, with Sol joining Miro.

"Alright, furballs," Nova said with a bright smile, his voice soft, as he laid down the box gently. "Pick what you want."

Elesch laughed, picking up a catnip-stuffed fish. "We’ve spoiled them so much over the past couple of months. They’re going to think they’re royalty or something."

"They are," Nova replied, grabbing a scratching post shaped like a tree.

The kittens went out, exploring. Luna pounced on a ball with bells inside, rolling it around. Sol chased a wind-up mouse that rolled across the floor. Nyx found a tunnel toy and darted through it, emerging with a triumphant meow.

They loaded up: interactive puzzles to keep them sharp, soft beds for napping, a fancy water fountain that filtered itself, and a bunch of treats: tuna-flavored, chicken, even salmon bites. Elesch added a collar for each, engraved with their names. Nova tossed in a grooming kit, figuring he’d learn how to use it.

The cashier rang it up, eyes widening at the total. "Big spenders for the holidays, huh?"

"Something like that," Nova said, paying with his guild card. They bagged everything, the kittens back in the box, purring contentedly.

Stepping outside, the cold air hit them again. Christmas lights twinkled overhead, and carolers sang nearby. But before they could take two steps, a fireball was thrown straight at them from a shadowy alley.

Nova reacted on instinct, shoving Elesch aside and shielding the litter box with his body. The flame grazed his hand, singeing the skin where he held the box. Pain rose. He dropped the box with a curse, the kittens spilling out in confusion.

In that split second, a figure darted from the shadows, scooping up the box with the meowing kittens inside. The thief bolted down the street, cloak flapping.

Nova’s world went red. His bloodlust erupted like a volcano, a cold, murderous aura that froze everyone nearby. Pedestrians stopped dead, hearts pounding. Even seasoned Adventurers in the crowd felt it, a primal terror that screamed death. The air grew oppressive.

Elesch steadied herself, spotting another figure in the alley, the fire manipulator who’d thrown the ball. "I’ve got this one," she said, voice steady. "Go get our kittens back."

Nova didn’t respond. He was already gone. The streets waved at him as he ran, fueled by rage. The thief glanced back, eyes widening, and ducked into an alley, trying to lose him.

Nova cornered him in a dead-end, trash bins and graffiti walls closing in. The thief set the box down, flames flickering in his palms. "Back off, man. These cats fetch a good price on the black market."

Nova’s eyes were ice. "You touched what’s mine."

The thief laughed nervously. "I’m an E-rank fire manipulator. You don’t scare-"

Nova lunged. The guy hurled a fireball, but Nova dodged, closing the gap. He grabbed the thief’s arm, twisting it with a crack. Bones snapped like dry twigs. The thief screamed, flames dissipating.

"You think fire hurts?" Nova growled, slamming a fist into the guy’s gut. "You’re about to feel something even worse." Ribs cracked, blood spilling from his mouth. Nova didn’t stop. He kneed the thief’s thigh, shattering the femur. The man screamed in agony.

Nova grabbed his hair, yanking his head back. "Where were you gonna sell them?"

"F-fuck you!" The thief spat blood, trying a weak flame.

Nova punched his face, nose exploding with blood. Teeth flew. He stomped the guy’s hand, grinding bones under his boot until it became a pulp. Blood and snow mixed as the thief felt pain from both Nova and the snow mixed into his skin.

The thief whimpered, body convulsing. Nova knelt, dagger appearing in his hand. He sliced across the guy’s cheek, peeling skin like an orange. Blood gushed, exposing muscle. The thief screamed like a bitch.

"Tell me," Nova demanded, voice devoid of mercy.

"B-black market... downtown warehouse!" the thief gasped, tears mixing with blood.

Nova nodded, then drove the dagger into the guy’s shoulder, twisting. Tendons tore, and blood squirted out. He pulled it out, stabbing the other arm, carving slowly. Flesh parted, like Moses, bones chipped. The thief’s screams echoed, raw and guttural.

Nova stood, kicking the guy’s side. More ribs snapped, puncturing both lungs. Blood foamed at his mouth. Nova grabbed his leg, bending it backward until the knee popped, ligaments ripping like wet paper.

Nova picked up the litter box, kittens safe but shaken. He hoisted the thief over his shoulder like a sack, blood dripping.

Elesch met him outside, her own foe subdued, tied up, unconscious. "Got him?"

Nova nodded coldly. They dragged both to the police station, dumping the bodies at the door. Cops stared, horrified, but took them in. "Guild business," Elesch said flatly.

Back at the apartment, Nova set the box down gently. The kittens tumbled out, meowing. He sat, exhaustion crashing, but relief warming him. Elesch brewed tea. "They’re safe. That’s what matters."

Nova nodded, petting Luna.