Chapter 11: Moonlit Steel, Blossoming Will
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As the Sikron rabbit darted toward Dian again, he didn't panic—not even when his sword lay a few feet away.
He waited calmly.
The moment the rabbit lunged, Dian caught its head with a firm grip. Gone was the mocking gleam in its eyes—now, only pure fear. Its little limbs kicked in the air, trying to escape, but the power disparity was too vast.
Not wanting to stain himself with blood, Dian twisted its head. A clean break. It slumped lifelessly in his hand.
[Ding!]
A chime echoed in his mind.
...
[Tier 1 Magical Beast Defeated: Sikron Rabbit]
[+5 Love Points Earned]
...
Dian raised an eyebrow. "Love Points… for killing beasts?"
"Yes, Host," the system's voice chimed. "You will now gain Love Points from defeating magical beasts. Higher tiers yield more points."
Another chime.
A new screen appeared, listing Eligible Party Members. The system continued, "You may now earn Love Points passively through your selected party. All their victories contribute to your total."
Dian smiled and clicked the three glowing names:
...
Suzine
Gianna Measter
Skyster Guards ×6
The screen shimmered.
[Party Formed Successfully]
[+15 LP from Suzine]
[+20 LP from Gianna]
[+100 LP from Guards]
...
A grin tugged at his lips. "Now that's more like it."
He dismissed the screen, retrieved his sword, gave the dead rabbit one last look, and continued into the depths of the forest.
The Forest of Twilight Veins had grown more vibrant.
Leaves whispered ancient secrets. Moss glowed beneath his boots. Birdsongs echoed alongside distant roars and rustling brush.
Dian moved quietly, dispatching Tier 1 and 2 beasts with ease—sometimes with his still-sloppy sword swings, other times barehanded. He avoided magic.
Save it for something that needs it, he told himself.
Then he stopped.
Something was wrong.
A stillness hung over the path.
Not silence from nature. A silence enforced by fear.
Then he saw them.
Drake Wolves.
Three of them, circling through the mist. Black-silver fur shimmered. They were massive, graceful, predatory. Their fangs gleamed, and their claws crackled faintly with mana. They didn't use spells—just raw, physical enhancement through internal magic.
Dian raised his sword as the first wolf lunged.
The impact rattled his bones.
He slashed—but the wolf twisted away, unharmed. Another darted in from the side. Claws scraped across his arm.
The third came low, aiming for his legs.
Dian leapt back. His blade swung in wild arcs, grazing one but failing to wound.
He grunted as a claw tore his sleeve.
Then his expression shifted.
Enough.
He flung the sword aside and charged.
His fist collided with the nearest wolf's snout—bones cracked. He spun, grabbed another by the scruff mid-air, and slammed it into a tree. But the last one came again, and this time, Dian was ready.
Wind surged around him. Water curled over his fists. A flicker of lightning danced on his skin.
"Come."
The final wolf lunged—and met a bolt of compressed thunder to the chest.
All three wolves fell.
Dian stood, blood on his knuckles, breaths deep and ragged.
[Ding!]
[Drake Wolves (Tier 3) Defeated ×3]
[+100 Love Points Earned]
He leaned against a tree and let out a breath.
"That… was real experience."
He checked the sky. Over an hour and a half had passed.
Sword in hand, he began the return.
[Total Love Points Earned Today: 550]
• 170 (Self)
• 250 (Guards)
• 130 (Suzine & Gianna)
"I earned a lot," he muttered with a grin.
As he stepped into the clearing, the moonlight framed two familiar figures.
Suzine and Gianna.
Their faces lit up when they saw him, rushing over with joy—and pride.
By their side lay several small magical beasts—each hunted cleanly.
"Impressive," Dian said, glancing down at the kills.
Their eyes dropped to his hand.
He lifted the dead Sikron rabbit. "Got dinner."
Suzine smiled. "So you didn't starve."
Jones approached silently.
"Cook this," Dian said, handing him the rabbit.
Jones bowed. "As you wish, Young Lord. Camp is prepared. Dinner will be served shortly."
Dian nodded, placing a hand on Suzine and Gianna's backs as they walked toward the center tent—the largest, enchanted with layered formation runes.
Before entering, they cast cleansing spells—breezes of mana washed away dirt and blood, and their clothes restored to pristine form.
The tent's interior was opulent—fine bedding, soft cushions, a central low table, and faint glowing sigils on the walls for warmth. The scent of roses lingered faintly in the air.
Soon, Jones returned, followed by guards carrying trays.
Dian took one bite and paused.
"…This is incredible."
Gianna's eyes lit up. "It's delicious!"
Suzine nodded in agreement. "It's better than the palace chef."
Dian looked to Jones. "Who cooked this?"
Jones bowed slightly. "I did, Young Lord."
"You've been hiding this level of skill?" Dian teased.
Jones allowed himself a rare smile. "Only when the ingredients are fresh."
They finished their meal with satisfied hearts and full bellies.
As the camp dimmed into peace, Dian settled in the center of the tent—his arms around Suzine and Gianna, their heads resting on his shoulders.
The soft sound of wind brushed the canvas.
"Tomorrow…" he whispered.
They were going home.
To Elora.
The Next Day – Kingdom of Elves
Their carriages passed through emerald-arched gates of Liora's Root, the western border of the Elven Kingdom.
The path turned golden with magic-imbued stone. Trees bowed faintly, and streams sparkled beside them.
Elora was a realm of nature's perfection and mana's art. Towers grown from crystal, bridges woven from vines, cities cradled by light.
As their convoy entered Elora, citizens paused to watch. Whispers stirred.
"Is that…?"
"The Skyster crest?"
Dian peered through the carriage window.
"Quite the welcome," he murmured.
Suzine snuggled closer. "They've never seen someone like you."
Gianna rolled her eyes, smiling. "Or someone this arrogant."
Dian grinned. "Guilty."
Their carriage crossed over a radiant arch-bridge into the capital.
The Royal Palace loomed ahead—tall, elegant, carved from living stone and sapphire-glass. Flowers bloomed in shifting colors along the walls. Guards in golden armor stood still as statues.
Dian adjusted his robe, brushed his fingers through his hair.
"I'm handsome, right?"
"You're insufferable," Gianna muttered.
Suzine blushed. "…You are."
The doors opened.
And the heir of the Skyster family stepped into the heart of the Elven realm.
.