Inside the small wooden hut, the dim light of the kerosene lamp flickered softly.
Lucian placed two simple meals on the table. Steamed buns, dried beef, and a side of pickled vegetables.
"It's not much," he said with a smile, gesturing for Lin Daiyu to join him. "But it'll do for now."
Lin Daiyu shook her head lightly, a serene expression gracing her delicate features as she gracefully took a seat. She picked up a bun, taking a small, cautious bite.
The food was fresh, its flavor preserved by the Void's inventory system. The steamed buns were soft and warm, as if they'd just been pulled from the oven. Still, Lin Daiyu's expression turned slightly strained, though she said nothing and quietly finished her meal.
The two ate in companionable silence, the modest dinner quickly devoured.
Lucian poured two glasses of water, handing one to her. "One day, I'll build a proper inn or tavern here. With better food and maybe even dishes that boost stats."
Lin Daiyu's lips curved into a sweet smile. "I look forward to it, Master."
Her gentle tone sent a pleasant warmth through Lucian's chest, and he coughed awkwardly to hide his reaction. He retrieved a small mechanical timepiece from his inventory, its intricate gears clicking softly as it displayed the current time.
In the Endless Void, the concept of day and night was not universal. The presence of sunlight or even a visible sky depended entirely on where a Sovereign's territory landed.
Stories abounded of Sovereigns who descended into sun-scorched realms, forced to retreat within minutes lest they be burned alive. Others, like Lucian, found themselves in dark, shrouded environments where time became meaningless without tools like his timepiece.
"11:00 PM," Lucian announced, setting the device aside. "It's time to rest."
Lin Daiyu tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes. "Does Master need a warmer blanket tonight?"
Her teasing tone caught Lucian off guard, and his face turned crimson.
"N-No! You can have the bed. I'll sleep on the floor," he stammered.
Lin Daiyu's gaze softened, her voice firm yet gentle. "That won't do. If you don't mind sharing the space with me…"
Lucian froze, his thoughts scrambling. "I—uh—no, it's fine! I'll manage!"
Unable to refuse her insistence, he eventually settled on the bed, keeping as much distance between them as possible. Despite his best efforts to stay composed, his heart raced as he tried to focus on sleep.
Lucian awoke to the faint scent of something sweet, like a mixture of ginseng and herbs. Turning his head, he froze at the sight beside him.
Lin Daiyu was still asleep, her dark hair unbound and cascading around her pale face. Strands of it draped over her ear, framing her features with an almost ethereal glow.
Her peaceful expression was mesmerizing, her delicate form rising and falling gently with each breath. Beneath the thin fabric of her sleeve, her alabaster skin seemed to glow faintly in the dim light.
Lucian's heart pounded, and he instinctively smacked his own cheek to snap out of it. "Focus, Lucian! Get it together!"
He carefully slipped out of bed, his movements deliberate to avoid waking her. But as he leaned down to retrieve his timepiece, he hesitated, a wave of impulsiveness washing over him.
Before he could second-guess himself, he leaned forward and brushed a quick, featherlight kiss against her cheek.
The moment his lips left her skin, his heart felt like it might explode. He bolted out of the hut, nearly forgetting to grab his gear in his haste.
As the door clicked shut, Lin Daiyu's eyes fluttered open. She lay still, a faint blush creeping up her neck as she recalled the fleeting sensation. Her lips curved into a shy smile, her fingers brushing against her cheek as if to confirm the warmth was real.
Outside, Lucian checked his timepiece: 9:20 AM.
"Can't believe I slept that long," he muttered, grabbing his toothbrush and heading to the fence.
As he brushed his teeth, the faint sound of footsteps echoed through the mist. Lucian paused, his senses sharpening as he peered into the gray fog.
"Footsteps?" He spat and quickly packed up his gear, his gaze fixed on the approaching shadows.
The shapes grew clearer—a group of over twenty humanoid creatures emerging from the haze. They were clad in dull silver armor, their heads crowned with horned helmets. Each wielded a spear, their crimson eyes glowing with malice.
"Well, looks like the second wave is here," Lucian muttered.
Lucian glanced toward the two defense towers at the edges of his territory.
The Inferno Tower and Fart Tower stood ready, their capabilities vastly different but equally vital. Lucian knew the closer the enemies got, the more accurate the attacks would be.
"Time to test these upgrades," he said, activating the Fart Tower first.
A faint hiss emanated from the tower, followed by a greenish mist that billowed out toward the approaching enemies.
The first row of armored figures slowed abruptly, their movements growing sluggish as they coughed and stumbled. Some dropped their weapons, clutching at their throats as the poison took hold.
"Good start," Lucian muttered, his hand hovering over the Inferno Tower's controls.
As the first cluster of enemies collapsed, the Inferno Tower's charge completed.
BOOM!
A fireball erupted from the tower, soaring through the air before exploding in the midst of the enemy ranks. The impact sent bodies flying, flames consuming those caught in the blast.
"Direct hit," Lucian said, satisfaction evident in his voice.
The remaining enemies pressed forward, but their numbers had already been halved. Lucian smirked, preparing to unleash another volley when a soft voice called from behind him.
"Master, shall I join the battle?"
He turned to see Lin Daiyu standing calmly, her hands resting lightly on the hilt of a sword. Though her expression was serene, her eyes gleamed with a quiet intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.
"Not yet," Lucian said, shaking his head. "Let the towers handle this wave. Save your strength for when it gets harder."
Lin Daiyu nodded, her gaze shifting back to the battlefield. "As you wish, Master."
As the towers continued their assault, Lucian felt a growing confidence in his defenses. With each passing wave, his territory became stronger, his strategy more refined.
The Endless Void was vast and unforgiving, but with Lin Daiyu by his side and his territory's capabilities expanding, Lucian was determined to carve out his place among the Sovereigns.