Upon vanquishing Antares, Jinwoo implored the Rulers to utilize the Cup of Reincarnation. His earnest wish was to resurrect those he had tragically lost during the war against the Monarchs. However, the Rulers cautioned him that this act would not t...
The air shimmered faintly, the remnants of Jinwoo's dungeon dissipating like morning mist. The transition was so seamless it felt as though they had blinked into a new reality. Jagged terrain gave way to the polished floors and warm lighting of Jinwoo's home. Esil stood in quiet amazement, her crimson eyes scanning the surroundings with curiosity. Kalawarner and Mittelt exchanged wary glances, their weariness etched into every movement, while Raynare leaned against the nearest wall, her expression unreadable.
Jinwoo stepped forward, his presence commanding without effort. "Let's head back," he said, his tone calm but decisive, signaling the end of their grueling training session. With a casual wave of his hand, the dungeon fully dissolved, leaving no trace of the otherworldly battleground.
As silence settled over the group, Jinwoo turned to Esil, whose gaze snapped to him as if drawn by an invisible string. "We have much to discuss," he said, his voice softer now, though the weight of his words pressed down on her. "But first, rest. You've earned it."
Esil nodded, but the swirl of questions in her mind betrayed her apparent calm. Rest? How could she rest when the rules of her world had been rewritten the moment Jinwoo extended his invitation to join his party? She had accepted without hesitation, but now the implications loomed larger than ever. What did this mean for her?
The fallen angels watched the exchange with guarded expressions. Mittelt shifted uneasily, her small frame tense as if anticipating another challenge. Kalawarner's piercing blue eyes narrowed, calculating as always, while Raynare let out a quiet sigh, her fingers idly tracing the edge of her light spear. It was Jinwoo's words that finally broke the tension.
"Take the night to rest," he said, addressing all of them now. His gaze swept over each one, lingering just long enough to make them feel seen.
Esil found herself pacing in the guest room Jinwoo had provided, her bare feet padding softly on the cold floor. The pale glow of the moon filtered through the large window, casting silvery streaks across the room. Her sword rested against the wall, its ornate blade reflecting slivers of moonlight as if standing in silent vigil. She couldn't shake the memory of Jinwoo's shadow soldiers—their silent obedience unnerving yet awe-inspiring. The raw, unyielding power of their master lingered in her thoughts like a storm she couldn't escape.
As the night stretched on, her thoughts drifted to practical concerns. With no belongings to call her own and nothing but her armor to wear, she realized she had been clinging to what little she had left of her old life. But how long could she hold on to that?
The next morning, Esil stood hesitantly outside Jinwoo's room. The hallway was quiet, the air cool as she gathered the courage to knock. Her knuckles brushed the wood before stopping mid-motion. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open instead.
The room was dim, the curtains drawn but allowing faint beams of sunlight to seep through the edges. Jinwoo lay on his bed, his shirtless form partially covered by a dark blanket. He looked so at ease, almost vulnerable, in a way that startled Esil. She'd seen him command legions of shadows and strike fear into beings far more powerful than herself, but here, he looked... human.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she stood frozen in the doorway. Her pulse quickened when she realized the intimacy of her intrusion. Hesitating, she considered retreating before Jinwoo stirred, his dark eyes opening slowly.
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