Starting With SSS-rank: I Get A New Skill Every Livestream-Chapter 82: Not letting go

Veronica was a little tense as she paced around her office.

It was close to evening when she received a message, more like a report from Amanda. A formal complaint against the man who commanded her team.

The complaint involved Kyle, and that was what made it personal for her.

She was well aware of the conflict between Ethan and Kyle.

Ethan’s greed to form an alliance with Maylith had grown from an attempt into an obsession. And to make it happen, he saw only one person as an obstacle.

Kyle.

The frustration of watching Kyle grow closer to Amanda again must have triggered that blond bastard, pushing him to break one of the most basic rules, using Genesis for personal gain.

A matter like this formally warranted an inquiry and a warning. But her interest lay in something deeper, something more severe. She would drag this matter out and make sure word spread everywhere.

For Ethan, more than a physical wound, what would truly corner him was social judgment. People admonishing him would hurt far more than a temporary restriction on his ID.

But before that, she needed to warn Kyle. And she did.

She had spoken with him earlier, and he assured her he would be fine on his own.

Veronica couldn’t do much about what was happening out there. There weren’t many resources she could use in that region, and too much involvement from her would only raise suspicion.

So she had to remain careful.

"Why hasn’t Layena responded yet?" Veronica frowned as she checked the message box. Layena had read the report, but hadn’t said a word.

Layena, being a senior officer, seemed like the best person to handle this situation, even if she was technically below Ethan in position.

Asking Amanda would have been too much. Under the pretext of a warning, she would have taken extreme measures. So yes, Layena was the safer choice.

However, she still hadn’t responded.

Bzz

Her phone buzzed once.

Veronica picked it up instantly, her eyes widening slightly when she saw that Kyle had messaged.

She didn’t hesitate and opened it.

{Hey, am I disturbing?}

He asked, adding a sheepish smiling emoji.

Her shoulders relaxed a little at the sight of it. He was worried over something so trivial.

Me: {No, I was free. Anyway, did something happen?}

She hoped not. But—

Kyle: {Yes... but it’s not about Ethan, actually.}

She frowned.

Me: {Tell me.}

Kyle: {Layena came to meet me just now... and she was acting a little strange. I can’t tell if she was being weird or just herself, but she seemed hesitant. She said she came to pay for the stuff I gave her during our break.}

Veronica hummed, both surprised and concerned. What could Layena have done to unsettle Kyle?

Then Kyle added, getting to the real issue:

{She took my phone, paid me, and when she returned it, she touched my hand... and now that I think about it, she did it intentionally. When her fingers brushed mine, I felt a sharp sting on my index finger.}

Veronica paused, her gaze dropping.

Me: {Was there anything more distinctive about the sting? Do you see any mark?}

Kyle: {No, nothing I could see. But it burned like a hornet sting... then it faded.}

A brief pause followed.

Kyle: {Laugh if you want, but I’ve watched enough movies to know this can’t be a coincidence.}

Veronica couldn’t laugh. Her thoughts were already spiraling.

Then she replied,

Me: {Give me a minute. I’ll ask someone.}

Kyle: {Please be careful. If you get too specific, Ethan or Layen might trace it back and realize you’re helping me. That’s why I didn’t call. Maybe I’m just being paranoid.}

She smiled this time. She appreciated the caution he showed, even without knowing the level of technology PSC had developed over the years.

Me: {I understand.}

After sending the message, she stepped out of her office and headed toward the tech support unit.

.....

[Kyle’s POV:]

I sighed as I saw Veronica go offline.

I was probably overthinking. It could have been anything. Maybe an insect bit me the moment Layena touched my hand, and when I turned my palm, it was already gone.

I mean, what were the chances of Layena suddenly suspecting me and planting a tracker on me?

Pretty low. Maybe less than one percent. But I’ve always followed one rule, precaution is better than cure.

So yeah, I contacted the one person I knew wouldn’t laugh at me and would actually take this seriously.

[Host, if your suspicion is correct, then using God’s Eye to assess your body would be out of the question.]

The system sounded genuinely concerned.

If Layena had really planted something on me, there was a high chance she would be alerted if I used my abilities.

So for now, I had to be careful. No powers unless absolutely necessary.

"Kyle!"

A voice called out from behind.

I turned to see Amanda walking toward me with a smile.

Weren’t we supposed to stay discreet? Well... there was no one around.

I nodded and gestured for her to sit.

She giggled and sat close, her shoulder brushing against mine.

"Kyle," she called softly.

"Hmm?" I tilted my head toward her.

She shook her head. "It’s nothing... I just like the fact that you respond when I call your name."

"..."

I fell silent. Lately, I had been avoiding her, and it had clearly hurt her more than I realized.

She glanced at me hesitantly. "Did I ruin the mood?"

I shook my head and took her hand.

"You ruined nothing," I said quietly. "And about us... let’s talk."

Dragging this in-between state any longer, where we weren’t together yet couldn’t stay apart, would only hurt us both.

Amanda looked at me in slight apprehension. But there was subtle excitement too.

"Well, you definitely want to tell me something so go ahead."

"Yes...you are right. I want to tell you something very important first." She took a deep breath, maybe collecting her thoughts before she spoke, "About my birthday. I...can’t even tell you how much I have repented of that single incident. I have harmed myself repeatedly so I could get over the guilt but I couldn’t."

I grew worried, "Amand-"

"No, please let me speak first." She requested, her voice trembling slightly.

I pressed my lips together before nodding.

She looked down before continuing, "I arrived at the place very late...saw all the decorations you had arranged. Heard from the manager that you asked the cake to be distributed amongst the staff."

Her shoulders trembled, "I-I...asked for some cake and brought it back home...lit a candle and rested a photo of yours on the side...just so I could feel that we are together on the day..."

I couldn’t bear to look at her anymore.

My arm wrapped around her shoulder before I pulled her in a hug.

My heart grew heavy, throat stuffy seeing her like this.

Amanda being vulnerable wasn’t a new sight for me but this time she felt helpless more than anything.

And I could understand her situation.

She wanted to come to me...wanted to celebrate her birthday with me. But circumstances prevented her.

Just hearing her cutting the cake alone in her room made my chest tighten.

Seeing her trembling and sobbing in my arms...that feeling I once held for her. Those loving and caring emotions have only turned extreme.

I have had enough. Now, no more separation.

Amanda is mine and I am not letting her go for life.

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Amanda actually succeeded what she aimed for...thanks for reading.