*Snores...*
Ioki suddenly realized that he had dozed off again despite the night growing more lively due to the influence of divine alcohol. As he glanced to his side, he spotted Elia snuggled up to him, her arms wrapped tightly around him, while Mr. Kross stood guard on his feet.
Sensing Ioki's awakening, Mr. Kross raised his head, yawned, and stuck out his tongue, eyeing Ioki.
Ioki affectionately stroked Mr. Kross's head, patting him gently and playfully ruffling his fur. "I've missed you so much, Mr. Kross," he said with a smile.
In response, Mr. Kross started licking Ioki's calf, barking happily, "Woof! Woof!"
Elia, awakened by the barks, rubbed her eyes and gazed at Ioki as he played with Mr. Kross. "Hey, how's our hero doing?" she asked, pulling Ioki's face closer and planting a kiss on his cheek.
