Vargan coughed out as his eyes blinked open.

He was lying in a crater with dirt crumbling around him as he sat up slowly.

"It didn't hurt…?" he muttered, staring down at the armor covering his torso.

That was the spot where the Marrowcruncher bear's skull had collided with him was completely undamaged.

There was no dent… not even a scratch.

He ran a hand across it, blinking in disbelief. "This thing really works…"

Standing up, Vargan brushed the dust off himself and looked around.

In front of him, the battle raged on. Selene's fan whipped through the air, and her wind magic had turned into a barrage of blades that slashed across the monsters' hides.

The gales cut deep, carving glowing marks on the beasts' thick flesh.

Vargan took in the sight and grinned. "She's finally getting serious."

Then, with a deep breath, he crouched low… totally ready to fight again.

A long, resonant howl tore through the forest.

His muscles expanded, bones cracked, and fur burst out across his skin. His human shape gave way to the towering beast within him.

In seconds, Vargan's werewolf form stood tall…

The two remaining Marrowcruncher bears immediately turned their heads, focusing on him. The ground shook under their heavy footsteps as they roared and began to charge.

'Ah, why isn't Ravik here?' Azel thought with a sigh, watching the chaos from the edge of the clearing. 'That lazy bastard. I'll have to discipline him later.'

Vargan looked down at the armor once more.

"It even expanded…" he muttered. The plates stretched seamlessly across his new form, hugging his furred body perfectly. "This really is gear fit for a lord."

He leapt into the air again, shooting right in front of one of the Marrowcrunchers.

The monster sniffed the air and reared its head back for another devastating headbutt.

But Vargan wasn't caught off guard this time.

He twisted in midair, focusing mana into both his legs until they glowed with dark light.

The two forces collided.

A sickening crack echoed across the forest as his mana-reinforced kick met the creature's skull.

The bear's neck twisted violently, snapping with the impact. Its body collapsed in a heap, shaking the ground as Vargan landed on one knee.

He exhaled sharply, then raised one clawed foot and stomped down on the fallen monster's skull, crushing it completely.

"Done," he growled.

Selene moved next, her eyes glowing bright blue as she raised her fan high.

The wind gathered once more…

She exhaled softly and sliced downward.

Dozens of wind blades converged at once.

The second Marrowcruncher didn't even have time to roar.

Its neck was cleanly severed, and its head toppled to the side as the body fell with a thunderous crash.

Selene panted, lowering her fan.

Her body trembled slightly from the drain of mana, but when she turned and saw Azel smiling proudly, she forgot all exhaustion.

"Alright, that's enough for tonight!" Azel called out, clapping his hands.

His grin was wide and full of satisfaction. "Let's take these back and tell Marty to cook them up! I'll be leaving tomorrow!"

And just like that, Selene's world shattered.

…

Azel slept soundly that night, sprawled across the king sized bed.

It was morning now… and Selene sat beside him with knees drawn close to her chest.

She watched him silently.

Every rise and fall of his chest felt like a countdown.

She couldn't imagine life without him anymore.

Lycas had been cold and empty. But after he came, the streets were bright again.

The people smiled.

The children played.

He changed everything.

And now… he was going to leave.

Her throat tightened.

'Why must he go?' she thought bitterly. 'Why can't he stay here… with me?'

A dark idea formed in her mind.

'What if I just destroy the portal to the surface?'

Her breath hitched. The thought scared her but it also tempted her.

If the portal was gone, he'd have to stay.

Even if he hated her forever, at least he'd be here.

Her claws dug slightly into her palm before she shook her head violently.

"No," she whispered under her breath. "He still has a life up there…"

He'd made it clear when he chose her as his Lady what it meant… so she just had to manage.

She buried her face in her hands and sighed, tears trailing down her cheeks.

Then she heard him stir.

Azel groaned softly and sat up, running a hand through his messy hair.

"Those damn goddesses," he muttered, rubbing his temples.

Selene blinked, caught off guard.

The reason they hadn't been communicating was because they had locked the plane and head off to the Realm of gods for shopping… they had even taken Ahrya and that meant Erblim was stuck with him for now.

Then his crimson eyes softened, and he turned toward her.

"What? Are you crying because I'm leaving today?" he asked with a chuckle.

Selene quickly wiped her face, shaking her head though the tears kept falling.

'I am crying,' she thought miserably.

Azel smiled gently and reached out, brushing his fingers against her cheek.

"Don't worry…" he said softly. "I'll be back."

He gave her hair a gentle pat before standing and stretching.

His hand brushed against the wall, leaving behind a glowing red dot that pulsed once before vanishing.

Selene frowned slightly. "What was that?"

Azel waved dismissively. "Nothing important. Just a little something."

There wasn't any trace of magic she could sense, so she decided not to ask.

He turned and smiled again. "Why don't we go check the box?"

Selene nodded quietly and followed him.

…

The Daily Reward Box sat in the side of the throne room.

The surface glowed as Azel placed his hand on it and paid the 20 SP.

Immediately, light burst out… a blinding golden flare that filled the chamber completely.

Selene shielded her eyes with her arm. "My lord, it's so bright…"

The light finally dimmed and Azel leaned closer, peering into the box.

Then his expression changed.

"My lord?" she asked cautiously. "What is it?"

Azel didn't answer at first.

His hand hovered over the box, trembling in exhilaration… He couldn't believe it… Was this actually real?

Then he looked up, and the grin that spread across his face was completely feral.

"How lucky!" he exclaimed suddenly.

Selene jumped in surprise.

Azel threw his head back and laughed. "That elf must die today!"

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