Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty-Five – "Just You and Me, Master"
The village was quiet.
Too quiet.
The usual clamor of newbie players grinding quests, selling scraps, or forming parties was gone. Not a soul wandered the cobbled paths of Novice Village. It was as if the world itself held its breath.
Crow stood at the village gate, still cloaked, unreadable as ever. His footsteps echoed softly as he approached the lone figure seated by the gate.
Rose sat there—her black armor polished, spear laid gently beside her. Her eyes, once sharp and unyielding in battle, shimmered with something else entirely now: longing.
She rose slowly, not saying a word at first.
Then, with trembling restraint in her voice:
"I knew you'd come, Master…"
There was no audience. No crowd. No whispers. Just the two of them, alone in a world designed for thousands.
Rose took a step forward. Then another. And without hesitation, she gently wrapped her arms around Crow's waist, her cheek pressing against his chest like it was the only safe place in existence.
"Please don't leave again…"
Crow exhaled quietly, surprised. He hadn't even used Divine Contract again.
It was still in effect. And it was growing stronger.