Reboot: Mechanic

The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the city's lights now illuminated the darkening landscape. 

The tension in the air was palpable as Shi Tian and Vanessa grappled with their own motivations and the uncertainties that lay ahead.

Vanessa's declaration of revenge echoed in the evening air, carrying the weight of her determination. 

Her resolve to seek vengeance against those who targeted her was unwavering, even if the fate of Gearits City hung in the balance.

Shi Tian listened to her words, acknowledging the depth of her emotions, yet he remained silent about his own situation. 

His focus was on the immediate task at hand: crafting Claymore Mines and other items for the suppression of the monster wave. He only realized just now that Gerald had sent him the blueprints of numerous items via Cellos' device. 

With new blueprints on hand, Shi Tian now had to study its properties and structures, so that he could craft them as soon as possible with the little amount of time they had left. 

The monster wave in the wilderness had only increased and was gradually approaching closer and closer to Gearits City. Time was of the essence, and wasting any more was idiotic. 

"Shall we head back inside?" Shi Tian asked after letting Vanessa vent a bit more of her frustration and anger. 

Given that Vanessa didn't have a passive ability like him that could calm his emotions when agitated or emotional, Shi Tian decided to let her vent a bit. 

A few seconds later, Vanessa turned her attention to Shi Tian, nodding her head. "Yeah, we should head back inside and take a rest. The amount of Magicule I used today was a bit overboard." She said somewhat tiringly. 

It was clear that the battle against Kralos Tal had finally taken a toll on her body. Her steps were wobbly, and nearly stumbled to the ground. 

Thankfully, Shi Tian had extended a handout, assisting Vanessa from having to fall on the ground. "If you were this exhausted, then we should have gone back in earlier." He then scolded her. 

"Why are you scolding me as if I did something wrong?" Receiving his assistance, Vanessa raised an eyebrow and asked, feeling wronged. 

"Well, first of all, the mess happens because you insisted on going out and now there are multiple casualties. Secondly, you underestimated your enemies' ability to hire such a strong person to assassinate you." Shi Tian began pointing out the reasons as to why he scolded her.

"Do I need to say anymore?" He then asked, pressing the elevator button. 

"No…" Vanessa shook her head.

As they stood by the elevator, Vanessa's response was subdued, her demeanor shifting from defiance to a more vulnerable state. Shi Tian's words had struck a chord, reminding her of the gravity of the situation and the implications of their actions.

The elevator doors opened, and Shi Tian guided Vanessa inside. As the doors closed behind them, there was a moment of quiet reflection. The events of the day had left an indelible mark on both of them, deepening their understanding of the challenges they faced.

As the elevator ascended, Vanessa's exhaustion was evident in her posture. She leaned against the wall for support, her thoughts undoubtedly consumed by the day's events.

Once they reached their apartment, Shi Tian held the door open for Vanessa, allowing her to enter first. 

The apartment was a haven of relative peace compared to the chaos and danger they had faced earlier. Vanessa moved to a couch, sinking into it as if her energy had been completely drained.

Sensing her exhaustion, Shi Tian remained quiet. He understood that this was a time for rest, for recovery, and perhaps for reflection. 

While he was tempted to discuss the battle's details, he recognized that now might not be the best moment. Vanessa needed time to decompress, to process everything that had transpired.

"I'll get you a cup of warm water to drink," Shi Tian offered. 

"Thanks…" Vanessa replied weakly.

As Shi Tian quietly made his way to the kitchen area of the apartment, he started to replay the battle in his mind. Each movement, every decision, and the intricate dance of combat played back before his eyes. 

Though it was only for a brief moment, given that he had already filled a cup with warm water.

Heading back to the living room, Shi Tian wanted to speak but noticed Vanessa's eyes were already closed. Realizing that she was already in deep slumber, Shi Tian glanced at the cup of warm water in his hand helplessly. 

He let out a soft sigh as he gazed at Vanessa, who had drifted off to sleep. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions—relief that she was finally able to rest after such a tumultuous day, and a tinge of disappointment that their conversation would have to wait.

Carefully placing the cup of warm water on a nearby table, Shi Tian moved quietly, not wanting to disturb Vanessa's peaceful sleep. 

He retrieved a light blanket from her room and gently draped it over her, ensuring she was comfortable.

With a final glance at Vanessa, Shi Tian turned away and walked to a nearby window, looking out at the city's night-lit skyline. The events of the day had been intense, and the emotions that accompanied them were still fresh in his mind.

As he stood there, his thoughts wandered, reflecting on the uncertainties of their current situation. 

The mystery of Kralos Tal, the sinister plot behind the monster wave, and the questions about what happened in the past still remained unanswered—it was a complex web that seemed to tighten with every revelation.

'The city is still shining despite the chaotic battle that had happened. How reassuring is that.' Shi Tian thought to himself, understanding that humans would still keep moving on with their lives no matter what happened. 

Closing the curtain of the window, Shi Tian turned away and moved to his room. He settled into a comfortable position on the bed as he closed his eyes, deciding to sleep.