According to Kurokawa’s intel, excluding the kidnapped, twenty-nine people were on the island. Eleven had betrayed us, led by Kitajima Basuke. Though we outnumbered them, their surprise attack had already taken out three of ours.

But with me joining Kurokawa’s side, the odds shifted heavily in our favor. First, we needed to deal with the sniper blocking the exit. Kurokawa, a veteran in this field, commanded far better than I ever could: "We need bait. Lure him into firing. Then, during his reload, we bolt from the clock tower. Staying trapped here leaves us vulnerable."

Naturally, the bait couldn’t be a fighter. Cleverly, Kurokawa handed me the choice. I turned to the hostages behind me. Wherever my gaze landed, terror flashed in their eyes. *"Don’t look here! Please, not me!"* Their silent pleas almost echoed.

Amused by their panic, I raised a hand. "So, the bait will be..." I dragged out the word, savoring their trembling. "...me."

Relief washed over everyone. Confusion followed. "No! If you fall, our advantage vanishes!" someone protested.

I didn’t look at him. "He sniped at me once already. See? Still breathing." Ignoring his conflicted expression, I strode toward the door. Kurokawa, ever pragmatic, gave the signal to prepare.

But the sniper hesitated. He knew I was bait. And my earlier stunt—deflecting his bullet with a mint candy tin—still shook him. Minutes passed. No shot came.

*Fine. I’ll start.* I pulled out a coin. His position was already known. "Time Acceleration!" The floral-patterned game token shot forward. Under accelerated time, aiming was effortless—like flicking a pebble at a target one centimeter away. It hit before it could veer off course.

I’d struck something, but hadn’t killed him. No matter. He was out of the fight.

Kurokawa’s team grew uneasy. Why no gunfire? Then I walked back in. "The sniper’s neutralized. Move out."

Even his trained men stared in shock. "Truly an Ability User," Kurokawa murmured, offering a faint smile. But his eyes held deep wariness. To him, I was far more dangerous than the eleven rebels outside.

"Let’s move," I urged the dazed group. "I won’t waste time."

With my guidance, we always found enemies first. I pointed to the leftmost villa window. "One’s behind that curtain. Careful—he’s got grenades."

It felt like playing a shooter with wallhacks. Kurokawa’s team advanced smoothly, though he deliberately spared the captured rebels.

Nine were caught. Only two remained, hiding in the largest villa at the island’s heart. Building this place must’ve cost a fortune.

*BANG.* Before we reached it, an explosion ripped through the air. I turned to Kurokawa. "No enemies left. The last two... chose suicide." Like players with no comeback, they’d detonated grenades.

What had Kurokawa done to make betrayal so terrifying? Not my concern. "Our deal’s done, Mr. Kurokawa. When’s my ride back to China?"

He smiled. "Your skill secured this victory, young man. A ship to China will be ready soon. But first—stay for the celebration."

His grin twisted unnaturally. It was the last thing I saw before darkness swallowed me.

I woke slowly. Strange. I’d stayed alert around Kurokawa’s men. Who knocked me out? The lingering numbness suggested a stun gun.

As usual, I was bound. This time, a timed bomb was strapped to me.

*Creak.* The door opened. A girl stepped in—pink frilly dress, white over-knee socks hugging slender legs, crimson heels on dainty feet. Silky hair cascaded under a giant green bow. Ruby eyes locked onto mine.

"Yumiko. You ambushed me." The girl I’d promised her mother to protect. She smiled sweetly, but I had no heart for it. "Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Kurokawa Yumiko. Daughter of Kurokawa Fujio."

Everything clicked. She’d never suspected me because *she* and her mother were the real spies. Their tearful act was just to lower my guard. Bound as I was, I almost clapped. "Impressive acting, Miss Yumiko."

She leaned closer. Her faint perfume filled the air. "I begged Father to give you to me. Aren’t you happy?" She batted her lashes.

Flattered? Yes. But she was delaying my mission. Men resent distractions like this—unless they’re starved perverts.

"You’re beautiful, Yumiko-san. But not my type." I turned my head away, bored.

Her smile didn’t falter. "Cruel, Yogetsu Kei-kun. But it doesn’t matter. Only you and I are here now."

*Yogetsu Kei?* That fake name even cleared Japanese borders. My cheap sister’s handiwork. "Yogetsu Kei’s a lie. My real name is Hanxi. And frankly—I won’t change my surname for marriage. Japanese law requires shared names, doesn’t it? Your kindness is... noted."

Her expression snapped into obsession. Pale fingers gripped my chin. "Lord Hanxi, you don’t decide. From the moment Father pointed a gun at you and you didn’t flinch—I fell for you. Men who fear death bore me. I killed them all. But you? You’d truly protect me. I won’t let you go." She giggled softly.

*Typical yakuza daughter. Yandere tendencies confirmed.* She produced a key. "This disarms the bomb. Get it, and I’ll free you."

Then she placed it in her mouth and leaned in. "Take it from me, Lord Hanxi~" Bound hands meant only one way. My heart hammered. *Since when do I get shy?*

"Oh? Blushing?" She parted her lips, the key glinting. "I’m willing~"

*Do I kiss her or not?* A voice screamed in my head: *"Free food? You idiot, TAKE IT!"*

"Come on, Lord Hanxi~" Her coquettish whisper melted my resolve. Face burning, I squeezed my eyes shut, wrestling with myself.

In the end, courage failed me. "Time Stasis!" Her tongue hovered centimeters from my lips. *Too close.*

First priority: remove this bomb. One slip, and I might actually kiss her. To me, a kiss isn’t just contact—it’s a vow. A promise to guard her until time’s end.

I claim no fear of death. What terrifies me is watching loved ones age while I endure Time’s curse alone. I see the feelings Nana and the others hold for me. But I can’t accept them. I am the one cursed by time.