The Dune Phantom was an exclusive vehicle designed solely for Awakeners, outfitted with features that synced only with those who could el Mana through their bodies. What magnifit teology humanity has achieved over the ages.

  The vehicle approached the high building’s rooftop, where a designated nding pad awaited, and touched down with a seamless glide. Ats dismounted, followed by Manna, who now wore her inal attire: a striking red dress yered with light armor over her torso. It gave her a yet formidable look.

  They headed toward the city’s famous sky café, guided by an attendant. Even in such a luxurious setting, filled with refined ahy patrons, Manna’s presenatention, drawing every gaze her way as they entered.

  They settled at a table he edge, granting them a stunning, panoramic view of the city lights sparklih the night sky.

  The table interface lit up, allowing them to browse the menu and order directly.

  Ats sed through the options, quietly makiions without saying muanna.

  “This one looks good,” he murmured, pig a dish. “And this ooo.”

  He tinued down the menu, pointing at various options. “This, this, and… this one.”

  Whatever this Vampire Queen’s stomach was made of, it seemed she could easily rival Karian’s appetite—though, in her case, it was mostly sweets.

  Soon, the food arrived, one dish after another. Ats nudged a few ptes her way without a word, and she took them, equally silent. Without hesitation, she dug into the first ice cream that caught her eye. And yes! He caught it! A smile, faint and fleeting, but unmistakable, grag the Vampire Queen’s lips.

  Ats grinned inwardly, thrilled. He’d just discovered the ultimate secret on to thaw this frozeed Vampire Queen: a froze!

  They ehe meal in silence, both eating steadily, with Ats doing his best to keep up with her pace so she wouldn’t feel like she was the only one indulging.

  “Enjoying it?” he asked, breaking the quiet.

  Manna g him, hesitated, then nodded. “Yes…”

  Damn! She answered!

  After that, the versatio easier, even if every topic she brought up seemed to circle back to the Lord’s struggles and battles.

  “You could bee far more powerful than you are now,” she said. “With my support.”

  “I io. I’ll show you my resolve and dedication,” he replied.

  “Satisfy me with your progress,” she said. “But, I have high standards.”

  He studied her, though she kept her gaze down, focused oe.

  “Thanks,” he said, grateful for this rare opening she’d given him, though he held back the rest of what he wao say.

  Tonight had been incredibly valuable. Finally, a real versation with Manna. He felt like he’d glimpsed a deeper side of the vampire queen. It was a night he wouldn’t soon fet. Time to head back to the hotel.

  After a long and exhausting day, the night seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye.

  By m, Ats had made up his mind to take his subordinates out to explore the city o time. This was their final day in Veymar, and he wao make the most of it. After all, who knew when they’d have the ce to return?

  They started with a tour around the city's best spots, pig up a few items they’d had their eyes on.

  Then, they hit the bowling alley.

  Ats showed everyohe basics, and Edrik quickly got the hang of it. But when it was Karian’s turn, chaos ensued. He hurled the bowling ball with such force that he broke the mae. Ats could only sigh and rub his forehead as he paid for the damages.

  , they tried their hand at golf. Once again, things went awry. Karian smacked the ball so hard it shot clear out of the course.

  “That’s not how you py the game!” Ats scolded.

  “Sorry, Ats, but what’s the fun in this?” Karian replied with a shrug. “I’m used to swinging my greatsword at monsters, not a tiny ball.”

  “Fine, let’s find something else then.”

  But just as they were about to leave, Kurogasa stepped up for a swing. He hit the ball with uny precision, and everyoched, wide-eyed, as it soared across the green—and dropped straight into the hole.

  “Lucky shot?” Ats asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “No, I think he’s just that precise,” Edrik replied with a grin.

  They headed o a fancy all-you--eat restaurant. Ats chuckled to himself, imagining the shock the restaurant owner was in for—after all, he’d brought along someoh an appetite the size of a pocket dimension.

  Karian didn’t hold back, grabbing anything that caught his eye and piling it onto their table, all because Ats had told him he could eat whatever he wanted.

  The dining time was capped at 90 minutes, but even after just one hour, the waitstaff were starting to look nervous, and the manager kept gng over with increasing ay.

  As their time drew to a close, the manager approached their table, his face pale.

  "Thank you for your visit, sir," he said shakily. He probably meant to add “We look forward to weling you back,” but the words never came.

  Ats left the restaurant thhly satisfied, chug to himself the whole way out.

  Well, it had been a fun, short vacation! Thank you, Veymar. He would definitely miss this city. But now it was time to return to Gacha Haven.

  The real haven awaited him, ly a haven, actually, more like a hell that he was determio turn into a paradise.

  He wondered briefly what Mira had been up to on her own.

  As evening approached, Ats, along with his subordinates, headed to the meeting point outside the city wall, where thirty Awakeners he had recruited were waiting. The moment they stepped beyond the city’s perimeter, he spotted the group gathered there, eae bowing respectfully to greet him.

  "My Lord, we’re excited for this journey," one of them said early.

  Ats hen looked to Edrik. "Is everything prepared?"

  "Yes," Edrik replied. "Dots, tracts, equipment, supplies. I’ve firmed we’re set for the hirty days."

  "Good, that’s the first hurdle cleared," Ats said with satisfa.

  Then a thought struck him. "Jackpot, quick question. the teleportation pad hahis many people at once?"

  [Host, lucky for you, the teleportation pad hold up to 100 people. Just open the portal ahem step through one by one.]

  Perfect!

  With everything ready, Ats activated the portal. A magic circle formed on the ground, and a surge of energy shot upward in a radiant der.

  "Wait for me oher side," Ats instructed.

  One by one, Karian, Lyrassa, Manna, and the new recruits ehe portal. Edrik gave a respectful bow, then motioned for Ats to step through. With a nod, Ats followed.

  A few seds ter, he emerged oher side and found himself on… what was this?!

  An isnd bed in flowers, with trees, lush grass, and a geream flowing nearby. And there, right in front of her, was Mira, her face lit up with a wide smile as she greeted him.

  “My Lord… I’ve been waiting for you to return. I’m so happy to see you again! I prepared a wonderful surprise just for you…” she said with that adorably SWEET SMILE!

  Too cute… nearly every new recruit looked pletely ented, captivated by the sound of her voice alone.

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