New York City — Queens District — Maid Café.
Inside the warmly lit café, waitresses in black-and-white maid outfits moved gracefully between tables, serving customers with practiced smiles.
Of course—
This was a completely legitimate establishment.
No shady business whatsoever.
"Three omurice, please."
"Right away, Master~"
One of the maid girls couldn't help but sneak a glance—
At the two girls sitting beside Aiden Cross.
One—
Radiant and energetic.
The other—
Almost… divine.
Their beauty wasn't just above average—
It was on a completely different dimension.
Even compared to celebrities—
They were untouchable.
If she weren't working right now, she would've definitely rushed over for a photo.
"Aiden, what is it?"
"Nothing," Aiden Cross smiled faintly,
"It's just that you look too cute today, Zero. The staff can't handle it."
Zero sat there—
Wearing a soft white dress.
Her hair, carefully styled, swayed lightly with every movement.
Tiny starlike glimmers seemed to shimmer faintly around her.
It was enough to make people blush just by looking at her.
"…Cute…?"
Zero froze for a moment.
Then—
Her cheeks turned slightly pink.
A small, soft smile appeared on her lips.
"Really…? I'm glad."
Her voice—
Her expression—
Her presence—
All of it was dangerously endearing.
…Stay calm.
Aiden Cross resisted the urge to hug her on the spot.
That would've been—
A bit too much.
"Am I not cute?"
Stella Nightfall puffed her cheeks slightly.
"Of course you are."
Aiden Cross chuckled, gently patting her head.
Soon—
Three plates of steaming omurice were served.
Each decorated with a ketchup heart.
The taste?
Nothing compared to Hero Alliance cuisine.
But—
Eating out like this…
Together—
Had its own charm.
"Um… excuse me…"
A maid nervously stepped forward.
"May I take a photo with… this cute lady?"
Her eyes were fixed on Zero.
Aiden Cross glanced at her—
His crimson eyes narrowing slightly.
"…You should ask her directly."
Then added casually:
"Though I'd recommend using your real form."
"…!"
The maid froze.
Then quickly forced a smile.
"I—I'll come back later!"
She hurried away.
Her true identity—
Was a mutant from the Hero Academy.
Mystique — Raven.
Just working part-time.
Nothing more.
But—
She had been seen through instantly.
Even without recognizing Aiden Cross—
She knew Stella Nightfall.
An A-Class hero.
That alone was enough reason to retreat.
"Aiden, why was she wearing a different skin?"
"Personal habit. Don't worry about it."
The moment passed.
Forgotten.
But—
Fate clearly had other plans for this "peaceful" date.
Buzz—Buzz—
Aiden Cross glanced at his phone.
Caller ID:
Bald Director — Fury
"…Nope."
Decline.
Instantly.
S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Not his problem.
The Avengers were already absorbed.
S.H.I.E.L.D. now?
Just small fry.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound came—
From behind.
Aiden Cross turned.
Outside the glass window—
Nick Fury.
Bloodied.
Leaning against the glass.
Knocking weakly.
"…Help me."
Aiden Cross read his lips.
"…Aiden, if something's wrong, you can go," Zero said softly.
"I'll stay with Stella ."
"…Alright. I'll be back."
Alleyway
Moments later—
Aiden Cross stood in a quiet alley.
Fury leaned against the wall, pale, wounded.
"You were playing spy games with Hydra, right?"
"What happened to you?"
"…They found me."
"Hydra's taken over. I'm being hunted."
"…Tch."
Aiden Cross raised a hand.
Invisible force—
Pulled the bullet out.
Then—
Forced the wound shut.
"Gah—!"
"That hurts!"
"Sorry," Aiden Cross shrugged,
"I don't do medicine. This is the fastest way."
"I need your help."
"No."
Fury froze.
"…What?"
"I'm busy."
"Listen—Hydra has taken over S.H.I.E.L.D—"
"Shh."
Fury's mouth—
Sealed shut.
Completely.
"You're talking about small fry."
"If you need help—call the patrol heroes in Queens."
"Captain America. Spider-Man."
"You have their contacts."
Aiden Cross's voice turned cold.
"If Hydra ruins my date—"
"I'll show you what the end of the world looks like."
Fury nodded rapidly.
Unable to speak.
He understood.
Aiden Cross turned—
And walked away without hesitation.
Back to the Café
Warm lights.
Soft chatter.
Normalcy.
Alleyway — After
Drip.
Something cold landed on Fury's neck.
Rain.
The sky—
Darkened without warning.
Thunderclouds gathered.
"…What the hell."
"It was sunny just now…"
Rain began to fall.
Soft.
Cold.
Steady.
"Good… better for hiding…"
Fury muttered.
Step.
Water splashed.
He turned.
And saw—
A small girl.
Blue-haired.
Holding a rabbit puppet.
Standing silently in the rain.
Then—
She vanished.
Fury's pupils shrank.
Something—
Far more dangerous than Hydra—
Had just appeared.
The Hermit has entered the stage.
--------------------------------------------------
Read Chapters ahead: [email protected] / KaiOynx