A beautiful woman with glittering red eyes stood at a considerable distance, her sharp gaze fixed on the small cottages that were slightly covered in frost and snow.
From her vantage point, the woman could see Wendy and the couple taking care of a young boy with a vibrant complexion, despite lying down motionlessly. She noted his rhythmic beating heart, and a look of relief crossed her features.
Of course, this woman was none other than Eve. Because she had promised herself not to involve herself in the fight against the elemental beast, she had watched from about 500 meters away. It was a long distance for most people, but because she was a high-level Awakened, it felt as if she was watching up close.
When Nox had finally dealt with the elemental beast by spamming *Shadow Oblivion*, a surge of pride washed over her body, and a beautiful, radiant smile capable of turning wise men into fools curled up on her face. There was nothing more fulfilling than seeing her disciple defy all odds and come out on top despite the challenges stacked against him.
"It seems little Nox has really grown up and is no longer naive... to think he'd outsmart everyone," she thought, feeling pleased.
As she was watching, her eyes flickered as she caught sight of the red-skinned girl approaching Nyx. A bad feeling welled in the pit of Eve's stomach. Merely watching the girl, she could tell she carried malevolent intent.
She sped up, casting a *Shadow Afterimage* and raising a dust storm. Her expression darkened more and more as dread filled the air. The distance that had provided her a safe vantage point was now an obstacle.
Before she could arrive, the red-skinned girl had stabbed the weakened Nox. She still wanted to help, but someone else had beaten her to it, eventually flying away with the giant jellyfish-like creature she was seeing for the first time.
Eve didn't linger long and quickly followed on the ground. On the way, her expression was filled with worry. The feeling was strange—it was the first time in a long time she felt this overwhelming emotion. Her eyes continued to tremble as she picked up her pace.
Eventually, she tracked Astralux to this cottage.
"I nearly thought he died," she muttered. Then her eyes flashed again as she recalled another memory. The red-skinned girl appeared in her head.
Yes, she'd also tracked the jellyfish/octopus to the cottage. It seemed she was really trying... to end Nox's life.
Unfortunately for her, Eve was around. The two females locked gazes. Eve's eyes sharpened and narrowed, and the red-skinned girl instinctively shifted into a more defensive stance. A look of fear briefly appeared in the red-skinned girl's glowing eyes, reflecting the faint light from the frosted cottages behind her. Though Eve hadn't made any movement, her entire frame seemed to scream danger.
For a moment, silence reigned.
Then the red-skinned girl sighed heavily and disappeared. She was wise... she knew how to choose her battles, and fighting this woman was pure foolishness. The aura Eve gave off was the kind that belonged to the top agents back at the base.
Eve had suspicions about who the girl was, but she didn't dwell on it and returned her focus to the oblivious people inside the cottage, unaware that they'd just dodged a bullet. After that strange encounter, Eve later revealed herself to the others.
The couple was at first frightened, suddenly seeing a red-eyed woman pop out of the darkness. Fortunately, Wendy recognized Eve and explained the situation to the couple, who eventually calmed down.
Later on, Eve bought a larger house in a less deserted area of the coastal city, and everyone moved there. The house was much warmer and more spacious. Despite their refusal, Eve gave the house to the couple as a sign of appreciation for what they'd done.
Presently, she was watching Nox and Wendy spar, aiming to improve themselves. Astralux, Thirteen, and Fluffington were watching from the side, cheering for the two fighters. The two continued to clash, sparks flew, and each seemed to be pushing the other to their limits.
"Mmm, it seems his dagger arts have improved once again," Eve thought, a subtle smile on her face as she saw Nox utilize a series of quick steps and press his dagger against Wendy's neck.
"Ugh, is it that you keep getting stronger, or am I the one getting weaker?" Wendy couldn't help but complain with a pout on her beautiful face, strands of her hair sticking to it. She currently had her back against the wall. Despite being older than Nox by a few years, the two were the same height—one could even argue that Nox was a head taller.
A smile curled up on Nox's lips as he pulled his dagger back, then cleaned the hilt of the blade with a soft cloth with delicate precision, as if it were the most important treasure in his possession. His eyes glinted with satisfaction as he put the dagger in his inventory. He glanced at Nyx and said, "Would you believe me if I told you I'm blessed by the gods?"
"Obviously not," Wendy responded, fixing her hair and wiping her face.
"I thought as much," Nox sighed, seemingly losing interest in the conversation as he briefly excused himself and walked out of the large hall that seemed to be some sort of banquet hall. Meanwhile, Wendy went on to play with Astralux and Thirteen.
During the last few weeks, she had become accustomed to the three pets and was smitten by their cuteness, especially Astralux's unique trait of changing colors depending on her current emotions.
As Nox walked through the hallway, he couldn't help but notice Eve's taste for luxury and ancient antiques. Even her manor back in the barony was similar. This was just a fleeting thought, however.
Nox arrived at the door to the room shortly after and pushed it open. He closed the door and went to sit on the large bed.
Then, he summoned three gleaming crystals...