8 Unread Notifications.
I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temple as I stared at the screen floating before me.
This was becoming a pattern—returning from something impossible, only to be bombarded with new complications the moment I got a chance to breathe.
I clicked the first notification.
Astronaut Portfolio Unlocked.
Just like my Firefighter and Detective portfolios, this one would allow me to store and hide skills related to my profession as an astronaut.
Because now I was about to have 4 active professions, and if anyone ever conducted an ability scan on me, I would have been screwed.
I navigated into the new portfolio and immediately stored all my space-related skills inside. With that done, I moved on to the next notification.
I frowned. Four new skills?
Physical Recovery Efficiency (Lv. 3) – Enhances the speed and effectiveness of bodily healing, reducing recovery time from injuries and fatigue.
Muscle Reinforcement (Lv. 2) – Strengthens muscle fibers, improving raw strength and endurance.
Reflex Calibration (Lv. 2) – Improves reaction speed and motor coordination.
Muscle Optimization (Lv. 3) – Enhances the efficiency of muscle movement, maximizing output while minimizing strain.
So that's why my body changed so much.
It wasn't just Alexis' brutal training. It was this.
My body had absorbed all of that stress, all of that suffering, and turned it into something stronger.
I shook my head, exhaling slowly.
The problem wasn't just my body—it was the trial.
I already had skills that weren't supposed to be there. Hand-to-Hand Combat. Strategist.
And I couldn't hide them in my portfolios—none of them fit into Firefighter, Detective, or Astronaut.
When the court examined me to verify that I was actually a lawyer, how the hell was I supposed to explain this?
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me.
This was going to be a problem.
A soft noise broke through my thoughts.
Sienna stirred slightly, blinking blearily as she woke up.
I winced. I must've made too much noise.
"Sorry," I murmured, shifting slightly so I didn't disturb her further.
She yawned, rubbing her eyes, and instinctively leaned into me, still half-asleep.
I hesitated for a moment, then carefully lifted her into my arms.
She made a sleepy noise of protest, but I ignored it, carrying her to her bedroom.
The moment I laid her down, she mumbled something unintelligible before curling up beneath the sheets.
I shook my head with a small smile before stepping out, closing the door behind me.
I checked on Camille next.
Her office was dimly lit, the glow of her work lamp casting long shadows as she focused on something in front of her.
I took a step closer and noticed the mask.
Or rather—what would become the mask.
For now, it was just a textured surface. Scalelike. Camille was carefully etching in details, her expression one of intense concentration.
I leaned against the doorframe. "It's late. If you want, we can sleep now."
She didn't look up. "I'll come soon."
I raised a brow. "That's what you said last time."
She hummed noncommittally, still focused on her work.
I shook my head, deciding not to push it. "Alright. Don't stay up too late."
I didn't believe her.
But I let it go, murmuring a quiet "Goodnight" before heading to bed.
As usual, Sienna was already awake.
The smell of something warm and freshly cooked filled the air.
Camille was still asleep beside me, curled up under the covers, her dark hair sprawled across the pillow in messy waves. Her breathing was slow and steady, the kind of deep, undisturbed rest that only she could pull off.
I glanced at the clock. It was getting late.
I knew part of the reason she was still asleep—she had stayed up working on the mask. But I also knew the real reason.
Camille was still notoriously lazy in the morning.
It didn't matter how much work she had or what time it was—if left undisturbed, she would sleep until she physically had to get up.
"Camille," I called softly.
I shifted slightly, turning toward her. "You're awake, aren't you?"
I narrowed my eyes. She was absolutely awake, but simply to lazy to get up.
Her breathing had changed—too controlled, too deliberate. The way her body remained still, yet there was the faintest twitch in her fingers. She was faking it.
I sighed again. "Fine. Stay in bed. I'll eat all the breakfast Sienna made."
A slow, drowsy hum escaped her lips. "Mmm... five more minutes..."
I huffed a quiet laugh. Of course.
Shaking my head, I pushed myself up. Camille barely stirred, already sinking deeper into the comfort of her bed like a cat unwilling to move.
Some things never changed.
I stretched slightly, stepping into the kitchen to find her at the stove, focused on preparing breakfast.
It was calming. Familiar.
I approached quietly before wrapping my arms around her from behind, resting my chin lightly against her shoulder.
She froze for a moment.
"You scared me," she mumbled.
I smiled slightly. "Sorry."
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
I could feel the warmth of her, the steady rhythm of her breathing, the way she subtly leaned back against me.
"I won't make you worry again," I murmured.
Her hands stilled for a fraction of a second.
Then she exhaled, tilting her head slightly so she could look at me.
"You better not," she whispered.
I kissed the top of her head before finally stepping back, letting her finish cooking.
Breakfast was peaceful.
I congratulated Sienna again on her promotion to A-Rank, watching as a faint pink dusted her cheeks at the praise.
Then, after finishing, she stood up, grabbing her things.
"Heading to work?" I asked.
She nodded, adjusting her jacket.
I walked her to the door, pressing a light kiss against her forehead before watching her leave.
For a moment, I just stood there.
The quiet hour or two before Camille woke up.
It was almost funny how predictable she was.
I shook my head and sat down on the couch.
Might as well use the time.
And checked the next notification.
A prompt appeared before me.
You have obtained the possibility of acquiring a new job. Would you like to use a Job Key or receive a random job?
I tapped the Job Key option without hesitation.
Immediately, a massive list of professions unfolded in front of me, neatly categorized and arranged alphabetically. I scrolled down, my fingers moving swiftly across the interface, bypassing countless options.
Laboratory Technician,Landscaper, Lathe Operator.....
The system responded instantly.
You have obtained the profession [Lawyer] (D-Rank).
A rush of sensations hit me like a tidal wave.
I inhaled sharply as new instincts settled into my mind, as if pieces of knowledge and experience were being woven into the very fabric of my being.
Not just an acquisition, but an adjustment.
A profession wasn't just a title. It was an aspect of identity.
With each job I gained, something within me changed. It didn't overwrite who I was, but it added layers—new instincts, new ways of thinking, as if I had lived a different life before returning to my own.
Legal Analysis (Lv. 3) – Enhances ability to interpret laws, precedents, and statutes for case strategy.
Witness Credibility Assessment (Lv. 2) – Increases ability to detect deception and assess testimony reliability.
Persuasive Argumentation (Lv. 3) – Boosts effectiveness in presenting compelling legal arguments.
I exhaled, letting the rush of instincts settle.
This was the first job I had personally chosen. The others—Firefighter, Detective, Astronaut—had all been granted at C-Rank or higher.
This started at D-Rank.
I frowned, considering the implications.
Was this how it worked? If I chose a profession myself, did it start weaker than if it was given at random?
I clenched my jaw. Noted.
I dismissed the screen and moved on. There were still more notifications waiting.
New System Feature Unlocked: Job Loadout Section
I tilted my head slightly before clicking into it.
A menu expanded—a new interface.
It allowed me to create pre-set loadouts of my professions and skills.
I didn't need to manually move skills between portfolios each time I switched identities.
I could just swap between saved configurations instantly.
I wasted no time setting up three primary loadouts.
Firefighter Portfolio Active Fire & Rescue Skills Equipped
Detective Portfolio Active Investigation & Perception Skills Equipped
Astronaut Portfolio Active Space-Related Skills Equipped
I leaned back, satisfied.
This would make things much easier.
But before I could relax—
A final notification blinked at the top of my screen.
[System Database Update – News Report]
I frowned slightly before clicking it open.
Text scrolled across my vision.
"The so-called 'Masked Syndicate' continues to defy global regulations, operating without transparency. Officials warn that their presence represents an unpredictable threat, branding them as 'Walking Disasters' within law enforcement circles. Authorities continue to seek more information on the identities of these individuals, urging the public to report any suspicious activity—"
I stared at the words.
A cold weight settled in my chest.
That was how they saw us.
But as anomalies that needed to be controlled.
What's worse is that the phrasing bothered me.
"The so-called 'Masked Syndicate' continues to defy global regulations..."
Something was missing.
They weren't mentioning the World President. At all.
No reports. No speculation. No theories. It was as if the moment I returned, the story had been erased from global discussion. Like someone wanted to refocus public outrage elsewhere.
Name: Reynard Vale (Mr. Fox, Mr. Dust, Mr. Angel)
Job Title: Jobmaster (Rank SSS)
Construction Worker Portfolio (A-Rank):
Endurance Boost (Lv. 10)
Heavy Lifting (Lv. 8)
Material Efficiency (Lv. 5)
Team Coordination (Lv. 6)
Structural Reinforcement (Lv. 7)
Precision Engineering (Lv. 6)
Fast Assembly (Lv. 2)
On-Sight Adaptability (Lv. 2)
Workforce Command (Lv. 2)
Rope Handling Mastery (Lv. 5)
Firefighter Portfolio (A-Rank):
Advanced Rescue Mastery (Lv. 8)
Fire Suppression (Lv. 3)
Heat Resistance (Lv. 3)
Command Presence (Lv. 8)
Advanced Hazard Assessment (Lv. 7)
Thermal Perception (Lv. 6)
Endurance Mastery (Lv. 7)
Detective Portfolio (S-Rank):
Interrogation (Lv. 6)
Psychological Insight (Lv. 5)
Astronaut Portfolio (S-Rank):
Blueprint and Schematic Reading (Lv. 1)
Zero-Gravity Maneuvering (Lv. 4)
Spacecraft Operation (Lv. 3)
Scientific Research in Space (Lv. 3)
Mechanical Mastery (Lv. 4)
Astrophysics Understanding (Lv. 5)
Strategist (Lv. 5) – Improves planning and problem-solving abilities
Hand-to-Hand Combat (Lv. 1) - Enhances physical proficiency in unarmed combat, improving speed, strength, and the ability to anticipate and counter attacks.
Physical Recovery Efficiency (Lv. 3) – Enhances the speed and effectiveness of bodily healing, reducing recovery time from injuries and fatigue.
Muscle Reinforcement (Lv. 2) – Strengthens muscle fibers, improving raw strength and endurance.
Reflex Calibration (Lv. 2) – Improves reaction speed and motor coordination.
Muscle Optimization (Lv. 3) – Enhances the efficiency of muscle movement, maximizing output while minimizing strain.
Legal Analysis (Lv. 3) – Enhances ability to interpret laws, precedents, and statutes for case strategy.
Witness Credibility Assessment (Lv. 2) – Increases ability to detect deception and assess testimony reliability.
Persuasive Argumentation (Lv. 3) – Boosts effectiveness in presenting compelling legal arguments.
Construction Worker (A-Rank) — Active in Portfolio
Firefighter (A-Rank) — Active in Portfolio
Detective (S-Rank) — Active in Portfolio
Astronaut (S-Rank) — Active in Portfolio
Scan, Absorb, Destroy, Database
Skill Copy (Ready for Use)