As Reon's hand lingered on Cloudia's chin, his touch soothing and gentle, her initial resistance began to melt away. The faint tension in her body eased, her narrowed eyes losing their sharpness.
Though her pride was still very much intact, she let out a quiet huff, followed by a slow, dignified nod. She wasn't thrilled about sharing her master's attention, but deep down, she understood.
If her master was to climb higher on his path, more Companion Beasts were not just helpful but necessary.
Her gaze drifted toward the tiny white cat perched on Reon's opposite shoulder. For a moment, Cloudia looked almost resigned, as though silently accepting this new reality.
But then, as if realizing her own importance, her entire demeanor shifted. With a sudden, deliberate movement, she straightened her posture, lifting her chin as though presenting herself to the world.
Her tail swished behind her with a touch of flair, and her chest puffed out ever so slightly, making her appear every inch the queen she believed herself to be.
Her eyes darted to the white cat, studying it with a mix of curiosity and haughty appraisal.
It was as though she was declaring, "If you're going to join our master's circle, you must earn your place and respect me as your superior."
The confidence in her stance made it clear—she wasn't just another beast in Reon's service. She was the Companion Beast, the one who stood by his side first, and the one who set the standards.
Reon couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. He could see the transformation in Cloudia's attitude, from wary jealousy to something akin to prideful acceptance.
It was as if she had taken personal credit for allowing this little cat into their circle.
"That's the spirit, Cloudia," Reon said, his voice warm and amused as he gave her fur an affectionate ruffle. "You're the senior here. It's your job to set the example and show our new friend what it means to be part of the team."
Cloudia responded with a low, approving growl, as though agreeing with her master's assessment of her importance. She shot one last glance at the white cat, her gaze saying, "Stick with me, and I'll show you how it's done."
Reon turned his attention to the tiny creature resting on his shoulder. Its small, fragile body was curled up tightly, but there was a flicker of trust in its bright eyes as it looked up at him.
"Don't worry, little one," he murmured softly. "With Cloudia and me, you'll never have to feel weak or alone again."
As the three of them moved together, Reon felt a spark of hope reignite within him. This wasn't just about strength or power.
It was about building something greater—a family born from trust and loyalty. And in that moment, he vowed to protect them both, no matter the cost.
Reon made his way to the lakeside, his thoughts light yet purposeful. With the white cat now a part of their little team, it felt only right to mark the occasion with a meal.
From his Spatial Ring, he withdrew everything he needed—pots, spices, fresh ingredients he'd collected during his travels. The process felt almost ceremonial, a quiet welcome to his new companion.
As he unpacked, a small frown crossed his face. He realized that the water he had stored in his Spatial Bottle had run out, drained from days of trekking through the Mystic Evergreen Forest. With a sigh, he picked up the empty bottle and made his way to the water's edge.
Kneeling by the lake, Reon dipped the bottle into the cool, crystalline water. The surface shimmered under the sunlight, reflecting the gentle sway of the trees surrounding them.
For a brief moment, the calmness of the scene stilled his thoughts. He paused, his hand hovering just above the water, and caught a glimpse of his reflection.
Startled, he leaned closer, staring at the face staring back at him. It was the first time since his rebirth that he had really looked at himself.
His reflection was unfamiliar yet strangely intimate. His sharp, angular jawline framed high cheekbones, and his dark eyes seemed to hold a depth of intensity that hadn't been there before.
His hair fell messily over his forehead, while the rest was loosely tied back with a simple hairpin, lending him a roguish charm. The faint smirk playing on his lips only added to his air of confidence.
His fingers lightly brushed his cheek, tracing the smooth skin as though to confirm it was real. A dry laugh escaped him. "So this is what I look like now," he murmured, his tone tinged with curiosity and faint amusement.
He tilted his head, studying his reflection as though it were someone else entirely. "Xue Taiyang, huh?" he muttered to himself.
"That bastard really was quite handsome. I suppose if he'd had even half a brain to match his face, he might've amounted to something."
The thought lingered, bittersweet in its irony. Xue Taiyang's striking appearance had probably won him admiration, even envy—but his choices, his greed, and his recklessness had doomed him.
Reon smirked, a sharper, more confident expression crossing his face. "Too bad for you, Taiyang. Your looks are mine now. And I won't waste them or this life like you did."