Idan had been standing and listening to the new report for some time when he noticed that his sister was not at home.
Finally, his mother noticed her son and, after giving him a fleeting glance, turned her attention back to the TV, where at that moment they were telling about the events of the past day.
"A week ago, on the day when the first disaster was expected, several cities of the Federation were suddenly invaded by strange creatures that appeared out of nowhere," the reporter said. From what Idan heard and saw, it became clear that the first disaster was the opening of rifts and the invasion of alien monsters.
"Thanks to the Heroes, we managed to minimize the damage caused by the monsters. However, unfortunately, due to the limited number of Heroes, there were casualties. Several cities and hundreds of thousands of people were lost," the reporter said bitterly.
Everyone who watched this report realized that even with the Heroes, it was not possible to protect everyone. It became a bitter truth.
It became obvious that there were catastrophically few Heroes.
"In addition, the rift brought with it a strange energy that spread throughout the land. This energy has no effect on humans, but it significantly affects other living beings. Animals began to evolve rapidly, and the entire animal kingdom entered the process of transformation and struggle for survival. The world used to be a dangerous place, but now it has become even more threatening," the reporter said with concern in his voice, describing the upcoming changes.
"Your sister left this," Idan's mother said, pointing to the invitation ticket on the counter.
"A gala ball in honor of overcoming the first disaster?" Walking over to the counter, Idan read what was written on the invitation ticket.
"All the influential people of the Federation will be there, all the heroes and their loved ones. Thanks to your sister, we can attend this significant event. This is the first time your sister has decided to invite us. At least don't disappoint her today, Idan," his mother said sternly.
Idan was holding an invitation card with a complicated expression on his face. He didn't want to go there, but despite the difficult relationship, he couldn't disappoint his sister. Sighing heavily, he took the ticket and headed back to the room.
"Idan?" his mother called.
"Don't worry, Mom. I will come. But first I'll go and clean myself up," he said, giving her the floor.
After hearing her son's answer, Idan's mother finally relaxed. At that time, she missed her husband. His husband was a pillar of support for everyone; he could take everything into his own hands. She looked at Idan's back with a complicated expression, thinking about something.
The capital of the Federation was generally a safe city, but it, like any other, had its own dark side.
Idan, taking credits and a smartphone with him, left the house and went to the nearest hairdresser.
"For a haircut?" the barber asked, noticing Idan had entered.
"Yes," Idan nodded.
"This way," the barber called.
Finally, Idan could enjoy a calm and relaxed time while the master put his hair and stubble in order.
"Everything is ready, that's 500 credits," half an hour later, after paying, Idan left the barbershop like a completely new person.
His next step was to buy clothes for the evening. Going to the nearest boutique, Idan, without hesitation, chose a regular suit, paid and immediately returned home.
Before the appointed time, Idan decided to put his room in order. He collected all the trash and bottles, took them to the dumpsters, then thoroughly washed and ventilated the room. There was still a strong smell of alcohol in the room.
In the evening, Idan changed his clothes and went to the ball with his mother. They didn't say a word on the way. Idan was in a bad mood, he didn't want to attend such events, especially today, when everyone would be paying attention to him and comparing him to his sister, especially his mother.
The largest and most famous building was chosen for the ball, where the largest and grandiose celebrations were held. Fences were installed around the building to keep out those who did not have invitation tickets. There were reporters and cameras everywhere.
Looking at them, Idan felt annoyed. Thanks to his sister's invitation card, he and his mother passed through the registration area without any problems. However, as soon as they entered, they were blinded by the flashes of cameras and cameras.
Idan's face contorted with anger, and he barely restrained himself from cursing.
But before the reporters could run up to them and ask their annoying questions, several people hurried to them and fenced them off from the journalists.
"Sir Idan and Madam! This way, please follow us. Ms. Irene asked me to meet you at the entrance," said a young girl dressed in a black suit like a security officer. Upon hearing their older sister's name, Idan and his mother followed them, and they were led to a private room where Irene was already waiting for them.
Unlike Idan, Irene had long blonde hair and brown eyes like him and his mother. She looked gorgeous in her evening dress and jewelry. Idan noticed that after waking up, her sister's beauty became even more vivid.
Irene greeted her mother with a smile, but her smile froze when she noticed her younger brother's annoyed look. She was aware that her popularity had to some extent caused difficulties in her brother's life. Many people, especially his mother, compared them, and this caused his brother great dissatisfaction.
Irene remembered Idan asking her why she was interfering in his life. At the time, she didn't understand what he was talking about and denied everything.
Yes, Irene was really worried about her brother and from time to time "secretly", without giving herself away, checked his surroundings. However, she soon found out that every time she checked, everyone around her brother found out that he was her brother.
At first, Irene didn't understand how this was possible, but over time, digging deeper, she found out who was behind it all. This made her very angry, and she even had to beat up a descendant of the family who were arranging these machinations behind her back.
Irene didn't want to involve her younger brother in her problems, so she hadn't shared her worries with him yet.
"Sit down and rest for a while. We will be called when the event starts," Irene suggested to her family.
There was a table in the spacious room, filled with various treats and drinks. Idan poured himself some and sat down on the sofa without ceremony, waiting for the start, while his sister and mother talked quietly.
Out of the corner of his eye, Idan noticed his mother turn to Irene with a question: "Irene, when are you bringing your boyfriend home? Is there really no worthy candidate among the hundreds of Heroes?"
"Mom, are you at it again? I don't have a boyfriend yet, and it doesn't seem like he's coming anytime soon," Irene replied decisively.
"But I really want to see my grandchildren..." the mother said, and Idan just rolled his eyes. It seemed that the world was about to collapse, and his mother continued to dream of grandchildren.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door, and the guard opened it a crack and said: "Mistress Irene, it's time."
"Okay," Irene replied, then, getting up from the sofa, motioned for Idan and her mother to follow her: "Let's go."
Soon, everyone was invited to the main hall, where a festive atmosphere already prevailed. Idan was amazed by the number of people gathered. The hum of voices and music filled the space with joy.
"Heroine Irene!" someone exclaimed, and his sister was quickly surrounded by young men, trying to attract her attention. The mother, having found the company of her peers, began to communicate with them animatedly.
Left alone, Idan found the farthest and quietest place with a table from where he could quietly watch what was happening. There was food and drinks on the table, and he happily began to eat, completely immersed in the atmosphere of the holiday.
Time passed incredibly slowly. The Head of the United Federation addressed the audience, delivering a solemn speech in which he praised all the heroes. He ended his speech with a toast.: "For the Heroes of Humanity! For the Heroes of the Federation!"
The crowd raised their glasses with a roar and drained them. Idan noticed his sister among the crowd, surrounded by many young men who seemed to be trying to attract her attention.
This only increased Idan's irritation, and he snorted softly.
Suddenly, an unknown girl with long red hair, dressed in a red evening dress, sat down next to him. Her face showed the same annoyance as Idan's, and she was muttering softly, as if scolding someone.
No one in the hall was paying attention to them, except for two people. One of them was Idan's older sister, Irene, who glanced at her brother from time to time.
The second was a young man with red hair like the girl who sat next to Idan. Young girls hovered around him, trying to attract his attention.
Idan and the girl in red didn't notice each other for a while because of their irritation.
They reached for a drink on the table at the same time and accidentally touched each other. Only then did they notice it and stared at each other.
When their eyes met, Idan heard a sudden monotone voice.
[Ding! The perfect user has been found, and the activation of the Supreme Husband System has begun! 5%]
[Ding! The Supreme Husband System Has Been Activated!]
[Ding! The perfect partner has been found, and synchronization with the Supreme Wife System has begun! 1%]
[Ding! System is synchronized with the Supreme Wife System! 100%]
[The first task of the system has been issued!]
[Propose to your future Wife within 1 day!]
[Failure of the task – deleting the System and losing the opportunity to awakening!]
…
…
Idan heard deafening sounds and voices. He stared straight ahead at the young girl in front of him, who was also staring at him in disbelief. The two of them stared at each other for a while longer, and then exclaimed at the same time,
" WHAT THE FUCK?! "