The Moore family gathered for dinner with Ethan, Jordan, and Mark. They were talking excitedly, especially the twins.
Julie’s cooking filled the room with a delicious smell. She made roast beef, mashed potatoes, fresh salad, and warm rolls. It was a big feast.
While the boys were at the field, Jessica and Julie went to the store and bought everything.
Ethan ordered Mark to accompany the mother and daugther since he was still worried about Jessica's safety.
Mark hesitated at first, but then he remembered Ethan's feat, so he gladly followed orders.
Josh and Joshua were especially animated, their faces glowing with excitement as they recounted their training with Ethan at the football field.
“Ethan’s incredible!” Josh said, barely able to sit still as he reached for another helping of mashed potatoes. “He pointed out all our mistakes—how we positioned ourselves, our timing, and even how we passed the ball.”
Joshua eagerly nodded and said, “He didn’t just tell us what we were doing wrong—he showed us how to fix it. Like, when Josh was leaning too far forward during his dribbles, Ethan showed him this trick to stay balanced.”
“And that shot!” Josh exclaimed, his eyes wide as he looked at Jessica. “He nailed the top corner from the halfway line like it was nothing. Even our coach can’t do that!”
Jessica smiled, watching her brothers’ enthusiasm. “Sounds like you two had quite the session.”
Jordan leaned back in his chair, grinning. “I told you guys, Ethan’s the real deal. Back in high school, he was practically a legend.”
Ethan, sitting at the end of the table, shook his head with a modest smile. “Let’s not exaggerate, Jordan. I just showed them a few basics—they’ve already got potential.”
Harold chuckled from his seat, slicing into his roast beef. “Well, it sounds like you’ve got yourself a couple of eager students, Ethan. These boys could use someone like you to guide them.”
“I’m happy to help whenever I can,” Ethan said. “They learn quickly and have a lot of passion—that’s half the battle in football.”
Josh beamed. “See, Grandpa? We’re going to make the first team for sure!”
“Don’t get ahead of yourselves,” Harold said with a playful grin. "You still have a long way to go."
“Okay, we understand,” Joshua said with a light chuckle. “At least now we know what we need to improve.”
Julie smiled as she served another dish. “Thank you, Ethan. It means so much to see the boys this excited.”
“It's my pleasure, actually, and it feels great to be back on the field,” Ethan said. “I haven't played seriously in a long time, and it felt good.”
Jessica tilted her head curiously. “Do you miss it? Playing football, I mean.”
Ethan paused for a moment, his fork hovering over his plate. “Sometimes,” he admitted. "Life took me in a different direction, and I am happy with where I am now."
Mark noticed and quietly said, “It’s rare to see someone so skilled and so humble.”
Jordan couldn’t resist. “Don’t let him fool you. He loves the attention—he’s just too cool to show it.”
Everyone at the table laughed. Ethan shook his head but couldn't stop smiling.
As they ate, the conversation changed to lighter topics. The twins asked Jessica about her life in the city, and Julie shared happy memories from Jessica’s childhood.
Harold added to the fun with a clever comment or an amusing story from time to time.
The warmth and togetherness at the table felt strong, especially compared to the earlier tense and dangerous moments of the day.
For a brief time, everything seemed perfect—a shared meal, good friends, and the simple happiness of being together.
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Later that night, Ethan sat on the stairs outside the house, feeling the cool night air on his skin as he looked at his Status Panel hovering in front of him.
=====
[Status Panel]
Name: Ethan Cole
Level: 5
EXP: 14000 / 15000
Ascension Points: 57
Wealth: Unlimited
Physical Stats
Strength: 37
Speed: 37
Endurance: 37
Intelligence: 36
Charisma: 36
Free Attribute Points: 0
Skills:
1. Krav Maga [Basic]
2. Close Quarters Combat [Basic]
3. Tactical Firearms [Basic]
4. Heightened Sense [Passive]
=====
Earlier, before dinner, Ethan had purchased the remaining Lower Grade Intelligence Potions from the Shop Panel and distributed his Free Attribute Points equally across all stats.
It was the most balanced decision he could make at the moment.
His gaze shifted to the small notification at the corner of the Shop Panel, signaling newly unlocked items. However, he had barely had time to review them before dinner.
Sharing a house with others meant shared spaces, especially the toilet, and he did not want to make anyone wait for him for too long.
Now, with the day winding down, he could take his time to strategize. He knew it wasn’t just about spending his points—it was about spending them wisely.
His eyes lingered on the shimmering icons of newly unlocked items, but his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching.
“Ethan?” Jessica gently called to him, waking him from his thoughts.
He turned and saw her in the doorway, lit by the warm lights from the living room. “Can I join you?” she asked.
Ethan smiled and shifted slightly to make room. “Of course you can. It's your house, after all," he said with a chuckle.
Jessica lowered herself onto the stairs beside him, tucking her legs neatly under her. For a moment, she didn’t say anything, letting the cool breeze fill the silence.
"Thank you," she said quietly but sincerely. "For everything you did today. I don’t know what would have happened if I had been alone on the way back this morning. Honestly, I don’t even want to think about it."
Ethan gave Jessica his full attention. "There's no need to thank me. I’m just happy you’re safe."
Jessica shook her head slightly and fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. “I keep thinking about how close it was, and yet… here I am. Alive. Maybe it’s because you and Mark were there. That’s the only reason.”
Her voice wavered slightly as she added, “But I don’t feel safe going back to Novan City. Not yet. Not with everything that’s happened.”
Ethan nodded slowly. He understood what she meant. Dealing with someone as powerful and relentless as Lucien LaRue would leave anyone feeling vulnerable. She had perfect reasons to feel scared.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he thought. “It’s normal to feel this way, Jessica. What you went through today wasn’t normal, and someone like him… he won’t stop easily.”
Jessica looked at him, feeling thankful but still scared. “What should I do? I don't know if I'm safe staying here but going back will be scarier. That Lucien or his men might appear out of nowhere.”
Ethan remained silent for a moment, carefully considering her words. He couldn’t offer her hollow reassurances—it wasn’t his style. He needed a solution, something tangible that could help her feel secure again.
Finally, he turned to her, his voice steady. “You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll think of something—together.”
Jessica blinked, caught off guard by the certainty in his tone. “We?”
Ethan was embarrassed for a moment, "Well... Err... I mean that since you're in this situation, it must be likely because of me."
"What do you mean?" Jessica asked. She was confused by Ethan's remark.
"Well, I believe Lucien has been monitoring me since I started Nova Tech. Then, you and I... we met quite often. So..." Ethan explained halfway. He tried his best to express his thoughts in words.
"Are you saying that Lucien had spied on you and indirectly saw me?" Jessica asked.
Ethan nodded weakly. He did not know if his assumption was right or wrong. That was the only possible explanation. "Now... Everyone near me will be in danger. You, Jordan, Mark, David, and... my family."
"I understand your point, and I’m not blaming you," Jessica said. "Think about it this way. If Lucien saw me somewhere and I never met you, that could cause problems."
"I might just be one of his playthings right now," Jessica said. That thought made her feel uneasy.
Ethan's face grew serious. He didn’t understand why he felt this way. "Please don’t say that," he said firmly. "No matter what, if Lucien tries to hurt any of you, I will make sure he pays for it."
Jessica was stunned to see this side of Ethan. She could only reply, "Thank... Thank you, Ethan."
That was when Ethan realized that he was being a bit overboard just now. "I'm sorry. But... I really mean what I said."
"Just a few days into this world, which I thought would be smooth sailing, it opened my eyes to a reality I never imagined existed," Ethan said.
He let out a deep breath before continuing, "It's a lie to say I'm okay with everything that's happening. I'm deeply worried about everyone, but there’s nothing I can do except be strong enough to protect them."
Jessica fully understood what Ethan was saying. She had never known that people like Lucien existed in this world. It may sound hard to believe, but she had been through it.
It was a matter of life or death.
Before she could respond, Ethan turned to her. "I'll think of the best way to ensure you and the others are safe, including your family. I need to use this time to come up with a plan."
Jessica nodded, feeling overjoyed that Ethan, despite having just met her, considered her one of the important people in his life and was willing to protect her as well.
'You know you're quite charming right now, Ethan,' she thought.
How she wished she could say that aloud, but it felt too early. It wasn't the right time for such words.