Chapter 6: Aren't You Afraid Of the law?
Noah glanced at Johnson and Aria, his sharp eyes observing every detail. After a moment of silence, he nodded. "Yeah, sure... I was heading downstairs for food anyway," he said casually, tightening his grip on his katana.
Johnson let out a sigh, relief evident in his posture. He gestured towards Noah with a forced smile. "I'll follow you," he said, his eyes lingering on the blade in Noah's hand.
But as they began their descent, Johnson's smile twisted into something darker. His thoughts churned maliciously. You refused my offers every single time, didn't you? Always so high and mighty. Well, today, I'll take the food... and your life, he thought, his smirk widening. Venturing downstairs
The trio stopped in front of the door leading to the basement, where the food storage was rumored to be. The air was tense, the faint groans of undead audible from beyond the walls. Noah took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the door.
He glanced at Johnson, giving him a curt nod before stepping inside alone. "Stay here. I'll handle it," Noah said, his tone firm as he disappeared into the darkness.
As the door shut behind Noah, Aria's worried voice broke the silence. "Will he be fine?" she asked, chewing her gum nervously.
Johnson gave a reassuring nod. "He'll be fine. With that katana, he's more than capable," he said, his tone steady.
Then, his expression darkened. "And if he comes back alive... I'll kill him," Johnson muttered under his breath, a cruel smirk forming on his face.
Aria frowned, her brows furrowing in confusion. "But he has a weapon, Dad," she whispered, glancing at the door Noah had entered.
Johnson simply raised his hand, his fingers crackling as a small, deadly flame flickered to life in his palm. The light from the fire illuminated his face, making his grin look even more sinister.
Aria gasped, her eyes widening in shock. "Did you get unique powers?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Johnson nodded, his mind already plotting. With this power, he won't stand a chance. I'll take everything from him—his food, his supplies, and his life, he thought, flexing his fingers as the flame grew brighter.
Before Johnson could act, a shadow loomed behind him. In an instant, his head twisted unnaturally, the sickening sound of bones snapping echoing through the hallway. His lifeless body crumpled to the floor, the flame in his hand extinguished.
Standing behind him was Noah, his katana glinting faintly in the dim light. He looked down at the body with a mixture of disgust and disdain.
"Next time in your life, remember to whisper these things," Noah muttered, snorting as he turned his gaze to Aria.
The girl's face turned pale, her gum falling from her mouth as she stared at her father's corpse. Overwhelmed, her body swayed before she fainted, collapsing to the floor beside him.
Noah sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "What a mess," he said to himself, sheathing his katana as he glanced at the unconscious girl.
Noah sighed as he glanced at the unconscious Aria. "Troublesome," he muttered, but nonetheless, he bent down and carefully picked her up in a princess carry. Her limp form rested against his chest as he climbed the stairs to the 7th floor, his katana still strapped to his side.
His apartment door clicked open, revealing his secure sanctuary. He stepped inside, locking the door behind him and activating the iron walls that sealed the apartment. Glancing around briefly, he made his way to one of the bedrooms, opening the door with a nudge of his foot.
Inside, he gently laid Aria on the bed, adjusting the blanket over her before stepping back. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, thoughts swirling in his mind. Then, shaking his head, he left the room to prepare something for himself to eat.
Two hours later, Aria stirred. Her stomach growled loudly, waking her fully. She sniffed the air, a delicious fragrance teasing her senses. "Pasta?" she muttered groggily, sitting up and glancing around the unfamiliar room.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she cautiously stepped out into the living room. There, she spotted Noah lounging on the sofa, a plate of pasta in his hand as he slurped noodles, his eyes glued to the TV.
Her heart sank as memories of the earlier events flooded back. Her father's lifeless body, Noah's cold gaze, and the swift, brutal way he had ended things. Fear and anger warred within her as she found her voice.
"You..." she started, her voice trembling. "Aren't you afraid of the law? Killing my father... You murderer!"
Noah didn't even glance her way, his attention seemingly fixed on the TV as he casually slurped more noodles. His relaxed demeanor only fueled her frustration, and she balled her fists.
After a moment of silence, her stomach betrayed her again with another loud growl. She bit her lip, embarrassment creeping in as she stared at the food in his hands. Finally, she muttered, "Give me some..."
Noah turned his gaze to her, a smirk forming on his lips. "Oh?" he said, his tone teasing. "I'm a murderer, aren't I? Why should I share this delicious pasta with cheese?" He emphasized the word "delicious," lifting a forkful dramatically before taking another bite.
Aria's cheeks burned with humiliation. She bit her lip harder, the pangs of hunger growing unbearable. "I'll... I'll do your chores instead," she said hesitantly, her pride taking a hit as she tried to bargain. "If you give me food."
Noah shook his head, leaning back on the sofa. "You know," he said slowly, his eyes narrowing as they met hers, "I've been feeling a bit... lonely while sleeping in my bed."
Aria froze, his meaning dawning on her as her face turned scarlet. She gritted her teeth, her fists trembling. Is he... suggesting that?
Her mind raced. If I satisfy his needs... would he feed me? she wondered, the thought sending a chill down her spine. Hunger clawed at her, and desperation began to cloud her judgment. After a long pause, she finally gave a small, hesitant nod, her face burning with shame and frustration.
Noah's smirk widened, but he said nothing, simply turning his attention back to his food as he took another bite.
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