Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Two
Without warning, a sudden weight pressed against Crow's side. Soft, warm, and far too familiar.
"Crow~," Lyravex purred, her arms wrapped around his, squeezing tight as her cheek rested against his shoulder. "You've been giving everyone else attention lately… I'm feeling neglected."
Crow gave her a sidelong glance. The SSS-rank support talent had always been loyal, calm, and distant—until now.
She tightened her grip, ignoring the rising tension from the others. "It's only fair. I've been with you the longest, haven't I? Helped you from level one to now? Doesn't that deserve a little appreciation?"
Her voice dripped with teasing affection, but her aura pulsed with real power—subtle, protective, and jealous.
Liana's eyes narrowed.
Sylvanna's smile vanished.
Aetheria blinked, then looked between them with a faint amused curiosity.
Crow sighed, resting a hand lightly on Lyravex's head. "You're all important. Stop picking fights over who gets the most attention."
Lyravex's tail flicked behind her—yes, she had grown one since bonding to him as a shadow-linked companion—and she looked up with bright, content eyes. "Fine. As long as they know I was first."
Sylvanna turned away with a sharp breath.
Liana scoffed, then stepped closer.
The air thickened with competitive tension.
And Crow… simply walked forward.
"Next dungeon," he said. "Keep up."
Behind him, his growing army of power and affection followed—some ready to fight beside him, others ready to fight for him.