The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

A wicked thought briefly flashed across Yoru's mind—but he quickly forced it down. Obviously, if he acted on it, Riveria would definitely not be pleased.

He had to admit… he was kind of dumb when it came to this. Ever since confessing his feelings to Riveria, he had absolutely no clue what to do next.

Dating and relationships… were completely foreign territory.

Should he try asking her out on a date now?

That's how relationships usually start, right?

As they neared the surface, Yoru's gaze darted around nervously, then turned to the girl beside him.

Riveria's profile was flawless. Truly the embodiment of elegance—so completely different from someone like him, who was clumsy and brash like a clueless kid.

Thinking that, Yoru couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head. If just walking alongside her made him this nervous, how was he supposed to survive an actual one-on-one date?

But if Yoru had turned to face her directly, he would've realized that Riveria wasn't doing much better than him.

She was only pretending to be calm.

Her pupils were tightly contracted, lips pressed together, and her movements stiff.

Yoru was nervous—but Riveria was scared. She was afraid that if she stayed with Yoru any longer, he would change her—that she would no longer be herself.

Am I… falling in love with him?

She stole a glance at Yoru out of the corner of her eye. Her heart was in turmoil, confused by these unfamiliar emotions. She didn't know what had changed or when, or why she felt this way toward Yoru.

Riveria was always gentle, always considerate of others—but her feelings toward Yoru were different. It wasn't just kindness or tolerance. It was something new, something deeper—something even she couldn't understand.

Is this… love?

She sighed quietly. Riveria wasn't some man-hating feminist or anything like that. Sure, elves were known to be picky when it came to love, but that didn't mean she didn't want someone she could lean on.

But as one of the strongest adventurers in the Loki Familia—and someone who carried a gentle, maternal presence—everyone just treated her like a respected elder. Even if she had admirers, not one of them had dared express it openly.

Maybe… the moment Yoru confessed to her, her heart had already begun to waver.

Elves are sensitive creatures. Pride and elegance are just masks—once they fall in love, it's deep and unwavering.

Have I truly fallen for him? For Yoru?

But… even if I have, so what? There's no future for us. We're not meant to be together.

Sighing in her heart, Riveria had already made up her mind. She needed to find the right time to have a proper talk with him.

A clean, decisive rejection. That was the only way to make him give up for good.

This mistake had dragged on long enough—she couldn't let it continue.

"Well then… guess we'll part ways here for now."

They were back on the surface. The trip from the fifth floor of the dungeon to the plaza above had only taken around ten minutes. Seeing Ais and Riveria appear in the square together naturally attracted attention—but soon all eyes turned to Yoru.

Who is that guy…? Why is he with the Sword Princess and the Nine Hell?

Standing at a fork in the road, Yoru hesitated. He wanted to say something—but the words didn't come out. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to bring up a date.

"Um… until next time, then," Riveria said, turning her face away slightly. She couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye.

But Ais, glancing between Yoru and Riveria, suddenly spoke up as if she'd just thought of something.

"It's still pretty early… Why don't we go train together?"

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

Both Yoru and Riveria blinked, startled by the unexpected suggestion.

"Yoru… you want to truly master your own strength, right? Whether it's swordsmanship or controlling your magic."

Ais looked toward the large sword strapped to Yoru's back.

"You seem interested in sword techniques. How about I teach you? And Riveria—she's the best mage in Orario. If she helps you with your magic, you'll improve much faster."

Yoru's eyes lit up. Truth be told, Hestia had once made a similar request to Loki on his behalf. But Yoru had flat-out refused at the time.

Back then, he didn't want Hestia to compromise her dignity just to get him some training.

But this was different. This time… Ais was offering on her own.

"Umm… is that really okay? Will Riveria have time?"

Yoru looked toward Riveria, anxious. She sighed inwardly.

Still as sly as ever, huh, Yoru? Instead of asking whether I agree, you're asking if I have time—as if I've already agreed. Shameless.

"I suppose… before the next expedition, both Ais and I have some free time."

Turning her face away, Riveria replied halfheartedly.

"Well then, sorry to trouble you two."

"It's not trouble. As for the price…" Ais grinned. "Once you've mastered your powers, you have to accept my challenge, okay?"

"Of course," Yoru answered with a smile.

Riveria saw everything—the exchange, the smiles, the spark in Yoru's eyes—and for some reason, a strange feeling welled up in her chest.

Wha—what is this feeling…?

Jealousy?

No way! That can't be right. He's just talking to Ais… They're friends, after all…

Riveria didn't dare turn her face back. She knew that if she did, he would see how red her face had gotten.

Her signature elf-like elegance and calmness were already unraveling. She looked just like a sulky girlfriend trying not to snap at her boyfriend for flirting in front of her.

No. This can't go on. I have to… find the right moment to talk to him. What am I doing? This is ridiculous, Riveria.

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