The city released them without resistance.
After the sparring, after the unspoken acknowledgment of power, no one tried to stop Lunaria and the others as they left the guild district. Eyes followed them, yes—but now those eyes carried caution, respect, and a quiet understanding that some beings were better left undisturbed.
They moved through the city's quieter avenues until the system stirred again.
A soft hum echoed in Lunaria's mind, familiar yet gentler than before, as though it, too, understood the need for rest.
---
[System Notification]
Permanent Residence Allocation Initiated
Preference Detected:
• Low hostility zone
• Natural mana circulation
• Recovery-oriented environment
Location Selected.
---
The world folded.
Light stretched and curved, space warping smoothly instead of tearing. When the distortion faded, the city was gone.
Warmth greeted them first.
Not heat—but a gentle, enveloping warmth that seeped into the skin and settled in the bones. They stood at the edge of a vast valley bathed in golden sunlight. The air carried the scent of clean water and blooming greenery, and the wind felt soft, almost affectionate as it brushed past them.
Ahead, a great waterfall poured down from towering cliffs, its waters glowing faintly as sunlight caught the mist. Unlike the harsh roar of destruction they had grown used to, this sound was calming—deep, steady, alive. The water flowed into a wide lake below, its surface smooth and inviting, steam rising faintly where warm currents met cooler air.
The entire valley radiated natural mana, balanced and soothing, as if the land itself had chosen to heal rather than fight.
Nestled near the waterfall stood their new home.
A modern house shaped to fit the land rather than dominate it—stone and reinforced glass blended seamlessly with nature. Wide terraces overlooked the valley, and a long wooden deck stretched toward the lake, stopping just short of the water's edge. Mana lines glowed faintly beneath the structure, stabilizing temperature and shielding the area from hostile influence.
Juno let out a quiet breath.
"It's… warm," she said, almost reverently.
Ash nodded. "Even the air feels different."
Lunaria stepped forward.
The moment his foot crossed onto the property, the system responded.
---
[System Notification]
Residence Successfully Deployed
• Environmental Stabilization: Active
• Temperature Regulation: Optimal
• Mana Saturation: Balanced
Additional Support Granted
• 20,000 Gold Coins Transferred
---
The tension that had lived in Lunaria's body since the fall of the city eased, just slightly—but enough to matter. His shoulders relaxed. His senses quieted. Even his aura settled into something calmer, less oppressive.
They claimed rooms naturally, without argument. Sunlight streamed through wide windows. The warmth inside the house was comforting, wrapping around them like a blanket rather than pressing down like armor.
After settling their belongings, Lunaria gathered the gold.
"We need supplies," he said. "Food. Clothes. Things we didn't have time to care about before."
This time, when they returned to the city, it felt different.
They walked openly, not as wandering weapons, but as people. Merchants greeted them cautiously at first, then more warmly once gold changed hands. Lunaria moved through shops with quiet curiosity, silver hair loose around his face, mask still in place. The softer look he carried now drew glances—not fearful ones, but intrigued.
They bought generously.
Fresh bread still warm from ovens. Fruits that smelled sweet and bright. Meats preserved with care instead of desperation. Clothes meant for comfort—light fabrics, loose cuts, things suited for a warm valley rather than ruined streets.
By the time they returned home, the sun hung high and bright.
Someone suggested the water.
No one argued.
They followed the stone path down toward the lake, warmth increasing with every step. The water near the shore was not cold—it was pleasantly warm, heated naturally by underground currents and mana flow. Steam rose gently from the surface, shimmering in the sunlight.
Lunaria slipped off his shoes and stepped in first.
The water wrapped around his ankles, soothing rather than biting. He waded deeper, the warmth easing lingering aches in his muscles. His silver hair caught the light, dampening as mist settled on it.
"This feels unreal," Ash said, stepping in after him.
Soon they were all there—splashing water lightly, laughing when someone lost balance, letting the warmth seep into places that had been clenched tight for far too long. The stream feeding the lake flowed lazily nearby, shallow and clear, perfect for sitting and letting the current slide over tired legs.
Lunaria laughed softly when water was splashed at him, the sound rare and unguarded. He returned it without restraint, sending ripples across the warm surface.
For a while, there were no ranks.
No systems.
No wars waiting beyond the horizon.
Only sunlight, warmth, flowing water, and the simple act of being alive.
As the waterfall thundered gently in the distance and the warm lake shimmered around them, Lunaria stood knee-deep in the water, silver hair clinging lightly to his cheeks, eyes reflecting gold and blue.
For the first time since everything had burned—
He felt like the world was allowing him to breathe.