I want to be strong like you

Without wasting any time, he flipped to the second page of the book, hoping to find something. However, as expected, the page was still blank. No text, no illustrations, and most importantly—no notification of absorption.

"Looks like it can only be unlocked once I reach level 2…" he muttered, nodding in understanding.

But rather than waiting, Adam wanted to test the skill that was already available. He tapped on the Skyfall Fist section on his panel.

(Skyfall Fist - Level 1) A rapid punching technique (5 - 20 punches) that enhances each strike with consecutive momentum.

Effects (Momentum Strikes): Each consecutive punch increases damage by 5%.(Shockwave Impact): Unlocks at level 5.

"Whoa, 5%?!" Adam was shocked internally.

He quickly grasped the skill description, but the 5% still amazed him. That meant the stronger he became, the greater the impact his attacks could deliver. This skill wasn't just a simple power boost—it was a multiplier that would continue to scale with his physical growth.

His gaze shifted to the second effect, Shockwave Impact, which could only be accessed once the book reached level 5.

"I need to try this out soon," he thought excitedly.

However, when he glanced at his watch, the digital screen displayed 11:47.

"Time to rest," he murmured casually.

Leisurely, he began wiping the floor damp with his sweat before sitting back and waiting for Serina to finish her session.

Not long after, the sound of a door opening caught his attention. Serina stepped out of the training room, looking as fresh as before, as if the workout had barely tired her. Her eyes immediately landed on Adam, who was waiting in the middle of the room.

"Good afternoon, Boss. I'm going to rest upstairs," she said as she approached.

Adam turned to her and nodded casually. "Yeah, of course you can. Let's head up together," he invited before walking toward the elevator.

Serina followed behind him. There was a glint of happiness on her face—her steps were light, her expression radiant. It was obvious she couldn't wait to see her baby.

Ting!

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a spacious room with large glass walls at the front, allowing sunlight to flood in. To the left, a young girl sat holding a toddler in her lap.

Amel.

The moment she saw Serina and Adam stepping out of the elevator, Amel's eyes widened. Her once-calm face instantly lit up with excitement. She lifted the toddler in her arms and walked toward them in hurried steps.

Serina, unable to hold back any longer, immediately ran forward.

"Umm… My baby!" Serina carefully took the toddler into her embrace.

She gazed at her child's tiny face before planting multiple kisses on her chubby cheeks. Warm. Soft. The warmth of a mother finally reunited with her flesh and blood. A bright smile spread across her face, her eyes filled with deep affection.

Meanwhile, Amel turned her attention to Adam. "Boss, good afternoon," she greeted politely.

Unlike before, there was no more anxiety on her face. It seemed she had accepted her situation and was simply grateful to be alive. However, when her eyes met Adam's gaze, a flicker of surprise briefly flashed across her face—just for a second—before being replaced with a gentle smile.

Adam returned her smile and stepped closer. "You seem quite cheerful today," he remarked lightly.

Amel bit her lip for a moment, then looked down, as if weighing something in her mind. There was hesitation on her face, but also a courage that was trying to surface.

"Boss… may I ask you something?" she asked, a hint of shyness in her voice.

Adam raised an eyebrow slightly. Amel's tone and demeanor convinced him this wasn't just any ordinary question.

"Go ahead," he replied casually.

Amel lifted her head, her eyes filled with determination.

"I want to be strong like you."

Her voice was firm, with no trace of doubt.

Adam was silent for a moment. He had already expected that she would eventually ask for this. Amel wasn't a naive child. She had seen with her own eyes how Adam had dealt with those two vile thugs chasing them, using power clearly beyond that of an ordinary human.

"Of course," Adam answered calmly, his eyes still fixed on her. "But what will you give me in return?"

His tone was light, as if the question wasn't all that important to him. Yet he fully understood the value of Amel's request. Becoming an evolutionary wasn't a mere small advantage, and if he were to grant her wish, he would have to gain something from it as well.

Amel bit her lip. She knew full well that she had nothing to offer. The only thing she could put on the table was herself. She looked at Adam hesitantly before asking with an innocent voice.

"Can I… pay you back later?"

Adam immediately shook his head without hesitation. "No. No one knows if you'll even be alive after leaving this place."

His words were blunt and sharp, devoid of any mercy. Amel flinched. Her eyes trembled slightly at his firm rejection.

"Amel, you don't have to do this. Just working as the boss's employee is enough to keep us safe," Serina's gentle voice interjected, trying to soothe her daughter. She stepped closer, resting a comforting hand on Amel's shoulder.

Amel shifted her gaze to her mother. Her expression softened a little, but the fear was still there. The memory of Adam leaving her before replayed in her mind, and the anxiety that had gnawed at her then had yet to fully fade.

"I know, Mom," Amel responded softly, her voice calmer. "But Boss won't always be here."

Serina fell silent. Her daughter's words made sense. Adam was strong, but he couldn't possibly stay in one place just to protect them forever.

Adam, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up.

"I can help you," he said casually. "But there's a condition."

Amel and Serina immediately turned to him, waiting for his next words.