— If there is a small number like this, it's called power. — Etia was learning math. — You have to multiply the big number by itself that many times.

— I think I get it. — Alan was teaching her everything she missed by ditching school.

Even without brain implants like Wat-B or Asu-B, her ability to comprehend was far greater than modified Alan's, and he was above average by Earth's standards.

Etia realized that She not only likes but is also very talented in learning after Alan started teaching her English.

— What hour is it? — Alan was falling asleep. He had been teaching her for a few hours and hadn't slept in two days. — Can we go to sleep now?

He was looking for a way to make money by contacting every single person who was looking for a fight, but everyone rejected him. Finally, one person agreed, and he scheduled a fight for the next day.

— I know you were taking care of work, but let's study a bit more. — Etia was very enthusiastic. A bit too enthusiastic.

— Hmm, let me think about it. — Alan was very tired. — No.

— Come on! Just one mo--

Alan picked her up and threw her on the bed. Then he took a blanket before making her into an Etia-flavored burrito.

— Good night, Etia. — It was the best way he found. Calming her down was a hard job.

— Hey, untie me! — She complained, but Alan already went to sleep on the mattress next to her bed.

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When she woke up, Etia saw a sandvich next to a note written in very bad zharian writing. It said, “Me go to police. Will come back later.”

“He probably wants the rest of the things they took”

She got up and grabbed the sandwich. While eating, she was getting dressed for work. This was the first time Etia went to work since getting out of jail because of a law that rewards illegally arrested people.

It didn't take much time for her to get dressed and leave her home.

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At the store, everything went as always. Customers came, she got screamed at by her boss, and someone found out about Etia's secret.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The only big change was the fact, that a smile never left her face. Instead of being sad, she would think about Alan and brighten up.

When she left her workplace, Alan came up to her

— Hey.

— Oh, hey. — Etia was surprised that he came to take her home. — Did they give your things back?

— Yes, but there was a lot of screaming and throwing people around. At least I finally have them. — By them, he meant all of his most valuable mementos from The Ship. — Anyway, good job realizing why I went there.

— So, what are you planning for today?

— I have a scheduled flight in six hours. — It was his second fight. This time he would try to be more careful.

— What are you going to do until then? — Etia asked him.

— I was thinking about going to eat something. Together. — Unknowingly, they both had the same idea.

— I would be happy to.

They walked back into the store and bought a few snacks as well as some alcohol. After leaving, they sat down on a bench. Even if it was possible to buy food, restaurants were off-limits for them.

— I'm really happy to have met you. This is the first time in many years I am truly happy.

— On Earth, I was mostly alone. I'm also happy I met you. — With her, Alan finally felt complete.

— I hope we can stay together for a very long time.

— Wait, is this a hint, or am I misinterpreting? — Alan had no romantic experience whatsoever.

Instead of answering him, she went in for a kiss.

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— On the left stands the Intruder! Last time he wasn't gentle with his opponent, but it sometimes happens with newbies.

— And on the right side, we have Shieldman whose tough skin lets no punches through. Can he stop the Intruder from intruding?

Etia saw a wall-like man stand before Alan. She wasn't scared for him, but it was an impressive sight.

The big man towered like Goliath, but Alan would be his David.

-3…2…1… AAAAAND, FIGHT! — The battle started, and Alan moved.

He punched forward and hit his opponent's stomach, but made no damage.

— You can't hurt me! — The big man said, but his opinion was quickly proven wrong.

Alan slid under his enemy, jumped up, and punched him in the back of the head.

The giant shield fell to the ground, unconscious.

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An hour later, Etia and Alan met up under the arena.

— How much? — Etia knew that he didn't use a very safe way to win.

-3000. I got only 75 after they stole my money.

— We would get more if you wouldn't almost kill your enemies. — She wasn't happy about Alan's fighting style.

— I thought this guy would be a little stronger.

— Well, anyway, let's go back home. — Alan was very tired and wanted nothing but to go back home and sleep.

— Uuh, ok. Let's go. — She grabbed his hand, and they went back to her their house.