The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

"That matter... what are you talking about?"

Hearing Ais say this, Yoru tilted his head, clearly confused.

Had he done something to Ais? He didn't recall anything like that.

"As I thought… you really forgot? Or maybe it was so insignificant to you that it didn't even register as worth remembering."

Ais pouted slightly in annoyance. Her cute expression made Yoru scratch his head awkwardly.

"Even if you put it that way, I honestly don't remember doing anything that would make you want to challenge me."

"Then… are you saying you refuse my challenge?"

Ais tilted her head as she spoke.

"Well… it's not like I could win against you. What's the point in challenging me?"

But Ais shook her head.

"No, Yoru, your strength is undeniable. The reason I want to fight you is to overcome my fear of your frost. Otherwise, I may never become a true Level 6."

Hearing how serious she was, even Riveria looked slightly surprised.

Did Ais really carry lingering fear of Yoru's frost? When had that fear taken root—perhaps during their first encounter?

Riveria hadn't experienced Yoru's frost herself, so she couldn't quite understand what Ais meant. But thinking back to Bete's condition, things started to make sense.

After narrowly surviving his encounter with Yoru, Bete had changed. He'd gone from a loudmouth to dead silent, and his training had become desperate, almost frantic.

Maybe that change had benefited him in some way… but still, it was concerning.

"To overcome fear, huh…"

Yoru frowned slightly. He knew exactly what his frost power meant. It was a force even he couldn't control. Honestly, he didn't want to rely on it at all.

If even he couldn't rein it in, then how could he claim it as his own? If given the choice, Yoru would rather never use such a dangerous power again.

And he especially didn't want to use it against his friends.

That thought made Yoru turn toward Ais with a serious expression.

"Ais, we're friends, right?"

"Eh?"

Ais blinked in surprise, then nodded firmly.

"Of course. We're friends."

"Precisely because we're friends, I can't agree to your request. A friendly spar would be fine—but if I hurt you with powers I can't control, I'd never forgive myself."

Yoru offered a wry smile as he spread his hands in front of the two girls.

"It may be a powerful ability… but it's not entirely mine."

"…So it must be Yoru's racial talent, then?" Riveria muttered, her knowledge of magic sparking a theory.

But… such a terrifying racial trait. Could Yoru be… the descendant of a god?

She stared at him curiously and then asked.

"Yoru, what kind of blood runs through your veins?"

"What kind of blood…?"

Yoru blinked, caught off guard by the question. Then a confused, almost dazed look crossed his face. He shook his head.

"I don't know… I don't know where I came from. I don't know anything about my past—my parents, where I was born… nothing."

His expression turned a little bitter.

He had thought he could leave those questions behind and focus on living in this world. But clearly, he still cared—deep down, he did want to know where he belonged.

No matter how well he blended into this world… he would always be an outsider.

"I'm sorry… I brought up something painful."

Riveria apologized gently, seeing the look on his face.

"It's okay… because it's you, Riveria, it's okay. It's something I should tell you anyway."

Not missing this perfect opportunity, Yoru said those words with gentle affection. Riveria's lips twitched slightly.

Honestly… you never miss a chance to flirt, do you?

She sighed and rubbed her temple. If it were anyone else, Riveria might have found this kind of thing gross. But when it came from Yoru… she couldn't help but feel a kind of helpless fondness.

It was the same kind of affection an older sibling or parent might feel toward a younger one.

If only Riveria knew that this very indulgence was the reason Yoru had fallen for her so hard, she would probably be speechless.

"But what about me?" Ais cut in. "You left a psychological scar on me. Shouldn't you take responsibility for that? Because of you, I might not be able to improve anymore."

Ais's complaint caused the fighting spirit around her to fade a bit, though she still looked at Yoru with clear resentment. He could only respond with an awkward smile.

Technically, she wasn't wrong—but why did it sound so weird when she said it?

"In any case, let's get out of here. This isn't the best place to talk."

Riveria made the suggestion, and both Yoru and Ais nodded in agreement. The group started making their way back toward the surface.

On the way up, they chatted about recent events. When Yoru heard that the Loki Familia would be departing on another expedition in ten days, he felt a bit disheartened.

"So busy…"

"Well, it can't be helped. We are Orario's strongest Familia. We always have to take the lead."

Riveria's gentle smile as she said that nearly made Yoru lose himself in the moment.

This feeling… isn't good. That flutter in my chest—I can't hold it down anymore.

I want to… I really want to just steal Riveria away right now.

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FF92E

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