I would be seriously pissed if I got taken out while I'm busy eating nachos.

There was a moment of silence, long enough to make a cold sweat break out across my back.

Don't tell me the system really had no way to protect my original body.

[Host, Defense Mode will automatically activate. Your original body will release an energy barrier to protect itself until the damage threshold is breached. You will also receive an immediate warning.]

"Well, that's reassuring." I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

It wasn't complete immunity, but it was far better than having nothing at all.

While I was thinking about what other questions to ask, something else came to mind—my Aegis armor.

I tried activating it, and it worked—at least in terms of appearance. Still, I asked the system if it was the real deal.

[Affirmative.]

That answer only raised more questions.

Either my shadow wasn't bound to my body but to my soul—or it came from a separate dimension, one that ignored distance and bypassed space itself.

That was why all of my shadow skills could be used by my clone. Not really a far‑fetched idea, considering how weird this world was.

I tried asking the system about it, but it refused to say anything that wasn't related to the 'Duality skill.'

With no luck getting answers, my attention turned back to the clone. I started testing it—every limit, every rule, every weakness it had.

Only by understanding exactly how it behaved could a real plan take shape. If this power was going to be used properly, there couldn't be any blind spots.

"I think that covers everything." I stretched my back, then started loosening up, working the stiffness out of my limbs.

Time to adjust my original plan.

I slipped back into my original body, left the motel without drawing any attention, picked up a fresh set of clothes from a small, no-name shop, and headed to a nicer hotel for a proper bath.

Once that was taken care of, I changed into the new clothes. I took a moment to tweak my kid default, transforming him into a middle-aged man with a black beard and matching eyes.

I left the clone lying on the bed and slipped out of the hotel, careful to avoid every camera along the way.

From there, I headed back to my mansion, keeping my movements casual.

As I entered, one of the maids noticed me and stepped forward with a polite bow.

"Welcome back, sir," she bowed softly.

I gave a small nod in return, keeping my tone neutral.

"Thank you," I replied.

She smiled faintly and stepped aside, letting me pass without another word. It was clear she understood not to disturb me further.

I went straight to my room and closed my eyes for a brief break.

Opening my eyes, the white ceiling of the hotel came into view.

"Wow… this ability is really handy."

Standing up, I slipped into the old clothes. My plan was to stay here and wait.

If they really tracked me down, then the clone would be the first thing they went after.

And if it really came to that… then fine. I would take control of the clone and show the city exactly how powerful I was when I stopped holding back for real.

Of course, that would only happen after they saw my clone's face—effectively killing their lead on me right then and there.

"I wonder if—"

I stopped midway and threw up a shadow shield just as a violent force slammed into the room.

Split second later, the walls were sliced apart, furniture cut cleanly in half, and shards of metal and concrete ripped through the air like blades.

Even my shadow shield was cut through, the force of invisible slashes forcing me to twist and dodge just to avoid being shredded.

thud!

A woman landed lightly on what used to be the window frame. She wore a black-and-white flexible combat suit that clung to her body, covering her from neck to toe.

A short katana rested in her right hand, its blade vibrating from her earlier attack.

"I've got the target in sight," she whispered into her earpiece, eyes locking onto me without fear. Only killing intent.

My eyes widened—not in shock, but in sheer admiration.

She was beautiful beyond words—dark hair, dark eyes, timeless in a way that didn't feel real. Her skin was smooth like porcelain, flawless and cold.

Not gonna lie, I almost forgotten that she nearly killed me just moments ago.

'Hai-Yen'

Her name echoed in my mind like a broken radio .

To think I would meet my future sister-in-law in a situation like this… and now, seeing her up close, part of me was tempted to imagine making her my future wife as well.

She was really pretty—probably the prettiest woman I ever laid eyes on, with the exception of the demon woman… and Hai‑Min, who would likely surpass her given enough time.

"You are under arrest for killing Senator Rockwell." She pointed her blade straight at me.

"How did you track me down?" I asked, my deeper, manly voice echoing through the ruined room.

"A criminal has no right to ask questions." Her eyes narrowed, and I could tell she was ready to take me down in an instant.

"Young lady, you shouldn't talk to your elders like that—especially when you don't even know their reasons." I laughed, letting the words flow naturally, testing her reaction.

"Reason?" she trailed off , her anger barely contained. "You killed over a hundred of innocent people, and you're talking about reason?"

"A hundred?" I raised an eyebrow. "I'm pretty sure the Wind-User killed most of them. I'm only responsible for four or five. Give and take."

"And besides—"

She drew her sword, and for a split second, I felt my head separate from my body.

Luckily, it was just my instincts warning me of the danger, so I tilted my head in time to avoid the strike.

"Is this how the new generation acts now?" I sighed, massaging my neck.

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