Reincarnated With An SSS-Rank Talent In An Apocalyptic World

While Mandy drove, Jake took the passenger seat while I sat in the back.

Lee Bai's image stayed fresh in my mind—

As if he were sitting right in front of me.

Leaning against the door, I stared out the tinted window of my new jeep.

Jake bought it with my money, proudly claiming:

"A man of high status needs a car of equal standing."

Translation: the black sedan should never be seen anywhere near me—or my residence.

Not that it mattered now.

"Found you."

Those words kept echoing in my head.

He didn't sound threatening, and maybe that's what unsettled me the most.

So… he sought me out.

Which meant he knew about my role in the Louisiana raid.

He lost a major territory because of my actions.

He should hate me.

And the worst part?

He knew my face.

Which meant he could find me anytime.

Anywhere.

Because this was my main world—but it might not be his original one.

My face was public.

My story was online.

I was everywhere.

But him?

The world knew nothing.

Not even America, and they were the ones who retook Louisiana.

He knew me.

But I didn't know him.

He could find me.

But I couldn't find him.

So what the hell do I do now?

"You okay?" Jake's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I looked up and caught his eyes in the rearview mirror.

"You've been shivering for a while," he added.

I frowned, then looked down at my hands.

Goosebumps.

All over.

Was I… scared?

Impossible.

I stood against the heavens.

My resolve never wavered.

I stared into the abyss and didn't flinch.

So how could I be afraid of a man…

When I don't even fear God?

"You cold?" Jake asked again.

I slowly shook my head and leaned back into the seat.

Mandy was also watching me through the mirror.

Jake would keep bugging me unless I gave them something to work with.

"I'm just dealing with the aftereffects of using my [Wild] talent too much during the expedition," I said with a straight face.

"I'll be fine after a good night's sleep."

"Oooh," Jake nodded, completely buying it.

Mandy, not so much. She kept eyeing me with suspicion.

It didn't matter.

It's not like she could force anything out of me.

"Brooo, you don't know how famous you are right now." Jake's annoying voice made me squint.

"Your fanbase is comparing your talent to the top Limitless in the world! They know [Wild] leaves you weakened, but they're saying since it lets you grow, it's only a matter of time before you reach the top—and become number one!"

"You've got a lot of haters too, though. Mostly other Limitless fans, jealous of how fast you're rising."

"You're literally the hottest topic online!"

I ignored him and kept staring out the window.

Will he come for me tonight?

If he did…

I couldn't have these two around.

This wasn't their fight.

No need to drag them into my mess.

They had only just started working for me.

I may be a bastard, but I wasn't an animal.

I wouldn't let them die for a battle they never signed up for.

I glanced at the rearview mirror.

Mandy was still stealing glances at me.

"Jake," I said, "I'll need to rest alone tonight. Why don't you take Mandy out to celebrate my first successful expedition as a professional Limitless? Rent a penthouse. Or stay at the most expensive hotel in town. Whatever you want. It's all on me."

"Really?!" Jake's head perked up, a crazy grin stretching across his face.

"Can we fly to another state?"

Greedy bastard.

Even better.

"Take a speed train. Ride a boat. I don't care. Just be back by noon tomorrow."

Jake's grin stretched even further.

Funny, really.

The son of a billionaire getting excited over something like this.

Maybe he didn't have access to this kind of luxury anymore.

Maybe he was an outcast in his family.

If I survive tonight…

I'll dig into his background.

Maybe take what's rightfully his—and make it mine.

"Are you really okay?" Mandy finally asked.

I didn't answer.

"What do you mean? Of course he's fine!" Jake laughed. "If not, would he be sending us off to party? He probably just wants to rest and not be disturbed."

Then his innocent smile shifted into a mischievous grin.

"Or maybe… he just wants us gone so he can invite Miss Kenza over~"

His face instantly turned red and he covered it with both hands, letting out muffled embarrassed screams.

This boy's a failure.

The hell is this?

How does he tell the naughty joke…

…and then get embarrassed by it?

Shouldn't I be the one flustered?

At least it got to Mandy. Her face turned red, and she avoided eye contact through the mirror.

What the hell is wrong with these two?

I facepalmed and sighed.

Still, their silly talk helped.

The rest of the drive was silent—

And I used that time to mentally prepare for what might be my last night on Earth.

I will not run.

Be it man or god—I will not run from anyone.

Come, Lee Bai. I'll fight you till my last breath.

---

— West Lake Hill —

The building was tall and white, with a wide, clean compound.

Carpet-glass windows glistened in the fading light.

Well-maintained vegetation framed the lot, and flowers were planted everywhere, filling the air with a natural, sweet scent.

The tall walls made it impossible for outsiders to look in.

But what I hated… was the lighting.

There were lights everywhere.

Too many.

I wished it were darker.

"You sure you don't want us to order food for you?" Mandy asked.

I shook my head.

"Don't be silly," Jake jumped in. "Kenza's probably cooking something special to bring over tonight~"

Then he screamed and covered his face again, embarrassed.

"Leave. I need to rest," I said, rolling my eyes.

Mandy chuckled as they backed out of the driveway.

I watched them drive off until the automatic gates slid shut behind them.

Huff.

I let out a heavy breath and leaned against the door, eyes shut tight.

"Wish me luck," I muttered.