Zumi carried Leafa gently back to the couch and sat down—letting her settle comfortably onto his lap, her emerald hair cascading over his arm like living silk.
She blinked around at the room full of women—each one staring with warmth, curiosity, or quiet awe.
One by one…
Leafa smiled and greeted them.
Hina stepped forward first, kneeling slightly.
Leafa touched her cheek. "You're touched by darkness… yet warm as spring. Thank you for caring for him."
Hina blushed. "Of course."
Serafina approached next, leaning forward with a smirk.
Leafa's eyes softened with instant recognition. "Goddess of Darkness… sister of night. I feel your power. It's beautiful."
Serafina actually flushed a little. "Likewise, Nature."
Gia bowed politely.
Leafa held her hand. "Administrator of his empire… your loyalty is loud in your aura."
Gia turned bright red. "T-Thank you…"
Kasumi walked forward with a sparkle in her eye.
"You're SO beautiful. Like… unbelievably hot," she whispered boldly.
Leafa giggled softly. "Thank you, little flame."
Kasumi nearly fainted.
Ana, Kathy, Jasmine, Sakura, and Aurora followed, each receiving a gentle touch, a smile, or a soft word from the Goddess of Nature.
When Reina stepped forward—still in her special commander coat—Leafa tilted her head.
"Your spirit burns like a wildfire… and yet kneels for him. A rare combination."
Reina blushed hard but bowed respectfully.
When Carmella and Bethany greeted her, Leafa smiled knowingly.
"Creatures of the night… yet your loyalty to him blooms like a golden flower."
Carmella bowed her head gracefully.
Bethany preened proudly.
Leafa lifted her hands—
Opened and closed her fingers.
Flexed them.
She frowned slightly.
"My strength… it's barely returning. At the moment, I'm only slightly stronger than an above-average mortal."
Instantly—
Every girl in the room spoke at once:
"We'll protect you!"
The chorus was so immediate, so synchronized, that Leafa blinked in surprise… then laughed softly.
"Oh my… he has many lionesses."
Zumi smirked.
They spent the next minutes filling her in:
• Zumi's rise in NYC
• His empire forming • His reincarnation as the Monkey King • The gathering of the goddesses
• His future plans
• The Umbra Court
• Their upcoming high school infiltration
• The dreams of building a new pantheon
Leafa listened wide-eyed, leaning back against Zumi's chest.
When they finished—
She let out an amused, breathy laugh.
"Well then…"
She placed her hand on Zumi's chest. Her emerald eyes sparkled.
"My man is busy."
The room burst into soft laughter.
Leafa leaned up and kissed him—soft, warm, tender.
"I'll help however I can," she whispered.
Zumi stroked her hair, smiling down at her.
Leafa shifted, placing a hand on Zumi's shoulder.
"Let me try to… stand."
She pushed herself upward—
Wobbled immediately.
Her legs trembled like a newborn deer.
She took one step—
The ground tilted—
Her knees buckled—
And she fell forward—
Straight into Zumi's arms.
He caught her instantly, holding her waist firmly.
Leafa groaned softly, embarrassed.
"It's been so long… since I had a physical form. I feel like a sapling trying to stand in the wind."
The girls gathered around her quickly.
"Lean on me," Hina said.
"No—lean on me," Kasumi insisted.
Serafina rolled her eyes. "Please. Let the goddess breathe."
Zumi helped Leafa stand upright again, keeping a steady hold on her hips.
They helped her walk:
• Hina guiding her left
• Sakura guiding her right
• Zumi behind her with steady hands • The girls cheering softly like an encouraging squad
Leafa wobbled…
Took one step…
Then another…
Then straighter…
And straighter…
Until finally—
She released Zumi's hand and walked across the living room completely on her own.
Everyone applauded softly.
Kasumi pumped her fist. "YEAH! Goddess of Nature online!"
Leafa giggled, cheeks warm with pride.
She turned to Zumi.
Her eyes softened.
"Thank you… all of you."
And with steady legs and a blooming smile—
She walked back into Zumi's arms.
🌿 SYSTEM NOTIFICATION — PRIVATE CHANNEL
As Leafa nestled comfortably against him and the others continued chatting, a familiar translucent screen shimmered into Zumi's vision.
Soft, elegant green text pulsed quietly:
🌟 SYSTEM NOTICE — DIVINE RESTORATION COMPLETE
Goddess of Nature: LEAFA Status: Restored
Her physical vessel has been successfully integrated. Her divine power will now regenerate gradually as she acclimates to her new form.
🟢 Because her heart resides within your Soul Space, her recovery rate is multiplied. Her strength will rise faster than normal— and will scale directly with your own growth, Host.
As you evolve, so does she.
🌿 NEW PASSIVE ACQUIRED — "NATURE'S DOMAIN (Fragment)"
You now possess a partial influence over natural forces, including:
• Encouraging plant growth • Healing vegetation • Bloom manipulation • Purification of soil or corrupted ground • Detecting life in nearby flora
As Leafa's power returns, your mastery over Nature will expand accordingly.
This message is private. No one else can see it unless you choose to share.
The screen faded.
Zumi exhaled softly, absorbing the information.
He glanced at Leafa in his arms— her smile gentle, her energy warm— and understood instantly:
She wasn't just restored. She was now deeply connected to his very being.
The mansion slowly filled with soft conversation and calm energy.
Zumi spent time explaining everything to Leafa— the empire he was building, the Kogane Dragons, the upcoming high school infiltration, and finally…
the meeting Carmella had arranged.
Leafa blinked in surprise.
"So… the Umbra Court leader's daughter," she mused. "We'll meet her in just a few days?"
Zumi nodded. "Five days. Catherine Dragna."
Leafa smirked playfully. "Well… I look forward to meeting the girl who thinks she's too strong for most men."
Bia snorted. "Oh, she's gonna melt when she sees Zumi."
Gia nodded. "She really is."
Everyone laughed—except Jasmine, who muttered, "Probably," under her breath with a tiny smirk.
After breakfast, everyone began drifting into their roles for the day:
Zumi tapped his dimensional ring, opened a golden doorway of Qi, and escorted Reina back to the Hyatt Centric so she could return to her duties as First Division Commander.
She bowed to the girls, kissed Zumi's cheek, and stepped through the ring with a glowing smile.
The air outside was fresh with morning dew.
Zumi walked between Gia and Leafa— Gia holding his left arm, Leafa holding his right as she practiced balance and movement.
Leafa marveled at the city around her.
"The mortal world has grown… wild," she whispered. "So loud… so bright… and yet so much life still thrives beneath it."
Zumi squeezed her hand. "You'll get used to it."
Gia smiled at them both. "It suits you, Goddess. You look beautiful under the sun."
Leafa leaned her head on Zumi's shoulder, and he felt her gratitude without a word.
While they walked, the mansion buzzed with activity:
Ana stepped barefoot onto the training mats in the living room. Hina stood beside her as Reina's temporary substitute.
"First," Hina said, "we break your stance habits."
Ana gulped. "Yes, sensei."
Hina smirked. "Oh, this will be fun."
Kasumi swung her blade repeatedly, her black-and-white maid uniform fluttering with each motion— her focus razor sharp.
Every strike carved through the air with lethal precision.
Aurora peeked from the patio sleepily, tail flicking. Kasumi waved at her between sword forms.
Aurora curled up on the couch, tail wrapped around herself, purring softly.
She dozed off mid-sentence, mumbling "Master… food…" in her sleep.
Kathy tapped her clipboard, walking beside Kaito around the perimeter.
"So first," she said, "we upgrade your patrol routes."
Kaito nodded respectfully. "Yes, Head of Security."
She smirked. "Good boy."
Kaito pretended not to blush.
After the walk, Zumi and the girls returned to the mansion, closing the front door behind them—
the home filled with movement, laughter, training, and life.
And Leafa, finally restored, smiled at the warmth of it all…
knowing this was her new family.
When Zumi, Gia, and Leafa returned from their walk, the air in the mansion shifted.
A cool ripple flowed across the floor.
A soft hum of darkness.
Serafina stepped forward, stretching her fingers as shadows curled lazily around her wrists like affectionate pets.
She smirked.
"Alright, Gia. You ready?"
Gia straightened instantly. Her crimson eyes sharpened.
"Yes, Lady Serafina."
Hina—passing through the hallway with a stack of towels—laughed quietly. "Careful. She's strict."
Serafina shot her a playful glare. "I'm not strict. I just don't tolerate mediocrity."
Gia's heart raced. She loved every second of this.
Serafina circled Gia like a panther.
"I've already seen some of your work," she said. "You've mastered fusing into shadows…"
Gia nodded, slipping perfectly into her own shadow— vanishing until only a pair of glowing eyes appeared on the floor.
"…and you can enter the shadows of others."
Gia swiftly slipped into Serafina's shadow next— and the Goddess of Darkness shuddered.
"Oho. Bold."
Gia popped out behind her, smiling shyly.
The other girls clapped quietly from the couches.
"But," Serafina continued, "those are basics. Tricks."
She raised her palm.
The shadows on the wall peeled outward like liquid ink.
"You're capable of more. Much more. Now that you stand beside Zumi… and under my domain… your potential is endless."
She leaned close, her lips curving into a wicked grin.
"It's time to teach you real shadowcraft."
Gia swallowed hard. Her heart was pounding. Her excitement overwhelming.
"I'm ready."
Serafina lifted a hand.
"Lesson one: Command shadows, don't just use them."
And the darkness surged toward Gia like a living wave.
While Serafina and Gia began training, Zumi took Leafa upstairs to the balcony so she could look out at the city again—this time with clearer eyes and steadier footing.
Leafa stood at the rail, her green hair fluttering gently in the breeze.
Her expression hardened.
Her brows knit together.
Her lips parted in a small frown.
"…So many trees," she whispered. "Cut down… gone forever…"
Zumi stepped beside her, placing a hand on her back.
She continued softly:
"The land… the forests that used to be here…" She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply as if feeling echoes. "They stretched far. Vast. Beautiful. Alive."
A tiny shiver of sadness trembled through her.
Then she opened her eyes—and smiled kindly.
"But I understand."
She placed her hand over Zumi's.
"Mortals needed homes. Roads. Warmth. Safety. A place to grow families."
Her smile widened.
"And some of what you built is beautiful."
She pointed toward the skyline.
"That tall structure with the shining glass… the one with your name? It is impressive."
Zumi chuckled. "You mean my hotel?"
"Yes," she nodded with genuine admiration. "It glows with purpose. With pride. It feels… alive, in its own way."
She continued scanning the city.
"And your casino—Gia described it to me. Humans come together, filled with excitement and hope. I would like to visit it when it opens."
Zumi raised a brow. "You want to gamble?"
Leafa laughed—soft, melodic, and bright.
"No. But I wish to see it. The energy humans release in such places… it's fascinating."
Then she turned, pressing her forehead gently to Zumi's chest.
Her voice softened.
"But promise me something?"
Zumi stroked her hair. "Anything."
"When we rebuild forests… when we plant new life… ask me to help."
He smiled.
"I was already planning to."
She looked up at him with eyes glowing like emerald dawn.
"Then your city will flourish in ways mortals have forgotten."
"A shadow is not just absence of light… it is a hand that can grasp." — Serafina
Gia stood in the center of the living room, the lights dimmed to a gentle glow.
Serafina circled her once again, her fingers trailing through the shadows like a conductor commanding an orchestra.
"Lesson Two," Serafina announced, her voice velvety and dark. "Shadow Binding."
Gia inhaled deeply.
"What does it do?" she asked.
Serafina grinned.
"It immobilizes your enemies… or protects your loved ones… depending on your will."
She snapped her fingers.
Instantly, every shadow in the room shifted toward Gia—stretching, lengthening, slithering like living serpents. But before they touched her, Serafina raised a single finger.
"Control them."
Gia closed her eyes.
She could feel the weight, the pressure, the pull of the darkness.
She exhaled slowly…
…then reached with her will.
The shadows stopped.
Hung in midair.
Waiting.
Serafina smirked. "Good. Now shape it."
Gia lifted her hand, fingers trembling slightly.
The shadows twisted—
—folding into a ring —then a chain —then a floating blade made of pure darkness.
The entire room gasped softly.
Serafina whispered with absolute pride:
"You're a natural."
Then she clapped once.
"Final test. Bind me."
Gia's eyes widened. "But—!"
"Do it," Serafina purred.
Gia stepped back, letting instinct guide her.
She spread her fingers.
And shadows erupted beneath Serafina— wrapping around her wrists, ankles, and waist in a perfect, controlled bind.
Serafina didn't resist.
She simply smiled, impressed.
Then ripped the shadows apart with a flick of her hand— but her tone was sincere:
"You'll be terrifying once you master this."
Gia blushed deeply.
"I… I'll do my best."
"You already are," Serafina replied.
The entire household threw themselves into training.
Reina stood barefoot in the backyard, cracking her knuckles. "Alright, Ana. Let's begin."
Hina leaned against a tree, flames flickering faintly. "I'll jump in when you start slacking."
Ana swallowed hard.
Reina charged.
Ana barely dodged, but each day she improved— from clumsy fumbling to fluid motion to precise counterstrikes.
By Day 3, Reina told her:
"You move like someone meant for the battlefield."
Ana lit up with pride.
Hina trained to control her divine flame:
• masking her goddess aura • compressing flames into deadly precision • creating fire constructs (whips, shields, claws)
Kasumi stood in awe.
"Sis… you're unreal."
Hina smiled warmly. "You'll grow too."
Aurora trained with Kaito— jumping, pouncing, dodging, striking.
Her body moved like a feline shadow.
Kaito exhaled. "You're terrifying, you know that?"
Aurora giggled. "Master likes me like this."
Every evening Zumi walked outside with her.
Where she stepped:
• flowers bloomed
• wilted leaves revived
• birds perched on her shoulders • trees leaned slightly closer
"I'm remembering," she whispered. "Nature is returning to me."
Gia continued:
• slipping into shadows instantly • binding anything Serafina threw at her • creating shadow clones • hiding emotions perfectly behind the veil of darkness
Serafina became more and more impressed.
"At this rate," she said, "you'll surpass half the demons I used to fight."
Gia didn't know if she should smile or panic.
Kasumi practiced in the backyard, slicing clean through wooden dummies with sharp precision.
Her stance, her presence, her control— everything sharpened.
Bia lifted absurdly heavy weights, trained her reflexes, and refined her divine body.
She moved like a war goddess preparing for battle.
Zumi refined his:
• divine senses • strength • speed • combat forms • new nature manipulation
Grass bent beneath his thoughts. Flowers bloomed when he passed. Vines curled toward his fingers.
Leafa watched him with adoration.
"You're becoming something the world has never seen."
The sun had barely risen when Zumi came downstairs wearing casual clothes:
He wore a black shirt that hugged his torso, comfortable grey joggers, and dark sneakers that barely made a sound against the floor. His sleek jacket hung open, casual yet commanding, while the golden ring on his finger pulsed with subtle, otherworldly light.
The girls looked up.
Time slowed.
Gia's breath caught. Hina's flames flickered in excitement. Serafina stared at him like he was carved perfection. Leafa's leaves rustled in excitement. Kasumi and Jasmine whispered to each other in awe. Bia grinned like a wolf. Aurora wagged her tail violently.
Even Ana froze, cheeks pink.
Zumi smirked lightly.
"Alright… I'm heading out."
Serafina stepped closer.
"We'll keep things stable here."
Bia cracked her knuckles. "And keep these babies training."
Leafa touched his hand. "Come back safely."
Reina crossed her arms but her blush betrayed everything. "Don't get killed. I'm not done training Ana."
Gia stepped into his space, voice soft: "Text me the moment you arrive."
Zumi placed a hand on her cheek. "I will."
He turned toward the door.
Every girl stared silently as he walked out—
Zumi Kogane. Leader of the rising dynasty. Reincarnation of the Monkey King. And the man about to face Victor Dragna… father of Catherine. Head of the Umbra Court.
He stepped outside.
The air shifted.
And with a quiet exhale—
he vanished.
Off to the Umbra Court.
While behind him… the girls continued training, growing stronger for his return.