They had kissed in places most people would only dream of.

At the very peak of the Tower of Montclair.

Beneath the silent pressure of the ocean.

And now, inside the Gravity Chamber, where more than thirty kilograms of crushing force dragged at every breath, even the subtle shift.

Amanda’s arms curled around his neck as she rose onto her toes, her body pressing fully against his beneath the oppressive weight.

Kyle’s hands slid around her slender waist, to balance her, pulling her even closer as their lips met in a feverish kiss.

Warm and hungry.

Her head tilted instinctively, soft breaths melting into his mouth as she lost herself in his taste, his heat, the rough tension in the way he held her like he couldn’t get enough.

The artificial gravity made every touch heavier.

Every kiss deeper.

Amanda trembled faintly when his fingers pressed into her waist, the pressure somehow making the closeness even more intoxicating.

But soon Kyle broke away, breathing hard.

"A moment," he muttered between breaths.

Amanda blinked before a smug grin spread across her lips. "Well...this is new." Her fingers brushed his chest teasingly. "For the first time, you’re the one running out of stamina."

Kyle narrowed his eyes at her. "This chamber is cheating." This was the first time for him to experience something like this and she was pushing him into a breathless corner.

His fingers suddenly pinched her waist.

Amanda yelped softly, shoulders jolting.

"Unfair advantage," he murmured near her lips. "I demand a rematch."

Amanda laughed under her breath, eyes glimmering. "Gladly."

The moment the word left her mouth, Kyle suddenly lifted her into his arms.

A startled gasp escaped her before his lips crashed against hers again—harder this time, rough with stubborn determination.

Amanda instinctively wrapped her legs around him as he carried her several steps before pressing her firmly against the wall of the chamber.

*Thunk*

The metallic surface trembled faintly behind her, drawing a soft sound from her throat.

One hand held her effortlessly despite the crushing gravity while the other slid along her side, slowly climbing upward before cradling her face with surprising tenderness.

The contrast made her heart race.

His kiss turned deeper, more demanding, as though he was determined to erase every teasing word she had spoken moments ago.

Amanda let out a muffled moan against his lips when his fingers slipped beneath the edge of her clothes, brushing against warm bare skin.

The way he caressed her there, pressing just enough to let her know his intentions...

A violent shiver ran down her spine.

The added gravity only intensified everything—the heat between them, the weight of his body, the pounding of their hearts.

Kyle kissed her like he was starving.

Slow one second.

Devouring the next.

His tongue tangled with hers in a heated rhythm that left her dizzy, breathless, completely at his mercy.

Amanda’s fingers tightened behind his neck as her thoughts gradually blurred apart.

The world shrank until there was only him.

His warmth. His wild hand exploring her and his hot tongue playing with hers.

His breathing mixing with hers inside the crimson-lit chamber.

And the overwhelming feeling of being wanted so desperately that even gravity itself couldn’t pull them apart.

"Paah...okay, I give up." Amanda pulled back, her face red and breathing uneven. "That’s so unfair of you, Kyle. You know all my weak spots and go crazy over them."

Kyle grinned. "No one said there were rules." He winked at her before slowly lowering the girl back down.

Looking around, he said, "This place is pretty good for training though." Just sharing an intimate moment with his girlfriend had already left him panting and sweating. Training here would definitely help improve his muscle strength and stamina.

"Right? We can come here together and train often." Amanda suggested with a grin as she approached the door and slowly opened it.

Kyle wasn’t too sure about that, knowing the kind of training she probably had in mind.

As he stepped outside, Amanda held the door open for him.

Seeing him, she said, "By the way, why do you look so hot today?"

Kyle chuckled. "What do you mean?"

Amanda grumbled, "You’re wearing formal clothes and asking me what I mean?" She really didn’t want others seeing him like this...agh.

Kyle shrugged. "I mean, this was my first official appearance at the base. I had to look good."

Amanda understood that, but still...

She turned off the gravity chamber and asked, "What’s your plan now?"

"I’m going to meet the Commander and hear from her what I’ll be doing today."

Amanda massaged the bridge of her nose. "Honestly, I feel like you could just leave already since there isn’t anything urgent we need to handle."

Kyle gave her a wry smile. "Amanda...we already talked about this. Veronica is a good friend and, here, my senior. I can’t just disobey her."

"Yes, right...I’m sorry." She sighed. "It’s just that the way she looks at you is concerning."

Kyle couldn’t bring himself to tell her she was overthinking. After all, Veronica had already made her feelings clear on the very first day.

Soon, they parted ways, Amanda heading toward the cafeteria to grab something to eat while Kyle made his way toward the office.

Knock

After knocking, he stepped inside and found himself facing a well-organized workspace.

The office was simple, with little decoration aside from a small plant in the corner and a couch placed beside it. At the far end of the room stood a large desk, behind which sat the senior-most officer of the base.

"Had a fun time fooling around?" was the first thing she asked.

Kyle grew slightly flustered. "What do you mean?"

Veronica sighed and chose not to pursue the matter further. "Well, how was the experience of your first day? I know it must feel awkward right now, but once you start interacting with more people, you’ll get used to things."

Kyle nodded in understanding. The key to his freedom lay in this place and the people working here.

As long as Veronica remained his Commander, he knew he wouldn’t have to worry about being forced into doing something against his will. Because of that, he had already resolved to build good relationships with everyone here.

"Understood. Well, what should I do now?" He figured that since it was his first day and he had already taken a tour around the place, he could probably leave afterward.

However...

"Well, you’re coming with me on a raid." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Kyle blinked in surprise. "Wait. Seriously? On the very first day?"

Veronica smiled. "You’re going to become a Nightwalker, someone who hunts knull residents, not an office worker sitting behind a desk. Of course, the only way to give you a real first experience is by exposing you to field work."

Kyle exhaled a sigh...well, definitely not expecting this. But then again, this could be the first time that Kyle wouldn’t need to worry about using his powers.

Now, he was officially an awakened human.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the Chapter so far, then please leave a review or comment.