"I know," Rory replied with a small nod, her expression calm but firm. "But you haven’t even brought down a single beast yet. And with you only showing Rank Five strength right now, who knows how many you’ll actually manage to kill once we’re out there?"
Dax froze, staring at her as if she’d just spoken complete nonsense.
What did she just say? Was she questioning his abilities? That was infuriating.
He was a Rank Eight Etherian. Crushing a few level-five beasts was no different from swatting insects with a lazy hand. If he wanted, he could wipe out the whole hunting ground in minutes––all by himself.
"I’m already doing you a favor," Rory continued, unfazed by his internal outrage. "I gave you half a serving of breakfast. If Paros finds out, he’ll probably accuse of playing favorites."
As she spoke, Rory casually began pulling the half-bowl of fruit oatal back toward herself, as though the matter were already settled.
"If you think it’s too little," she added lightly, "you can always skip it. I don’t mind finishing it for you."
"I’ll eat it!" Dax lunged forward instantly, clutching the bowl to his chest as if it might disappear the next second. His pride could wait, but his stomach could not.
"Female Master," he said earnestly, tightening his grip, "I’ll kill plenty of beasts today. You’ll see in a completely different light after this."
Truthfully, he didn’t even know what exactly was in the bowl, but the aroma alone was intoxicating—sweet, warm, and comforting in a way nutrient fluids could never compare to. By the ti he made it downstairs earlier, he’d already been swallowing hard.
Fine. If this female cooked like this, then he would show her what he was capable of. He’d hunt extra beasts—enough to justify every bite of that al.
Rory watched his reaction with knowing amusent. She had already guessed Dax wasn’t the type who could resist food. With a faint, mischievous smile, she added another temptation.
"I know you’ll bring back a good haul," she said. "When the hunt’s over, I’ll make you sothing you’ve never tasted before. On ."
Dax’s eyes lit up instantly, sharp and eager. "Deal. Don’t you dare back out."
Rory thumped her chest once, as if sealing a vow. "If I make a promise, I keep it."
A fox he might be—but how clever could he really be?
If she put her mind to it, she could have him dancing to her tune in no ti.
They finished breakfast quickly and left the villa without delay. Rory had barely stepped outside when a shadow glided soundlessly to a halt outside Paros’s bedroom door.
"Sir," a low voice reported, "we’ve confird it. Female Master has gone out hunting with a woman nad Gina from the front villas. The target beast originated from the outer battlefield. Two high-tier Chitinids are currently hiding inside it."
The door opened without a sound.
Paros stepped out slowly, his black robe trailing behind him. Threads of gold shimred through the fabric with each asured step, giving him the air of a Dragon Kind poised to strike. His sharp brows and cold gaze carried an oppressive authority that silenced the space around him before he even spoke.
He walked into the kitchen, his eyes flicking briefly to the untouched breakfast on the table.
"Send two experts to keep watch on her," Paros ordered coolly. "They stay out of sight as long as she’s safe. Only intervene if her life is truly in danger."
It wasn’t concern—at least, not entirely.
If that female died, no one would be left to calm his mind...
And he would never get to taste food like that again.
***
Rory arrived at Gina’s villa carrying breakfast and handed it over without ceremony.
"Gina, your favorite—fruit oatal."
Gina’s eyes lit up instantly. She’d always been weak to Rory’s cooking, and that oatal was nothing short of divine.
"You really know how to spoil people," she said fondly, accepting the bowl with both hands. She inhaled the sweet fragrance as though it were perfu before storing it away. Her mate had already given her nutrient fluid that morning, so this would wait until lunch.
Rory glanced at the ti. "The two teams you ntioned yesterday—have they arrived yet?"
Because they suspected a high-tier Chitinid, Gina had arranged for two Etherian teams to provide extra security.
"They should be here any mont now."
Almost on cue, a dium-sized Gravicar slid to a smooth stop outside the villa, its violet-gold body gleaming under the morning light.
Rory’s eyes widened involuntarily.
She recognized that model instantly. She’d seen it just days ago on her light-brain’s promotional feed. Starlight Pri Tech had released it only last month, with a staggering price tag of two billion star coins. It wasn’t just fast and spacious—it was sleek, equipped with an advanced defense shield and top-tier weapon systems.
"Like it?" Dax leaned closer, catching the unmistakable gleam in her eyes. His voice dropped conspiratorially.
Rory nodded without hesitation. "The latest model from Starlight Pri Tech. Great specs, solid value."
Her gaze lingered on the violet-gold finish, and without warning, Jasper crossed her mind. A small smile curved her lips.
"I heard you can customize the colors," she said thoughtfully. "When I get back from this hunt, I’m getting one too. Black with a violet finish."
The sa colors as Jasper.
Dax frowned. "What’s so special about black and violet?"
Rory glanced at him. "Taste."
"If you like it, fine," Dax said confidently. "When we’re back from hunting, I’ll buy you one."
Pink. Pink would look amazing. Red too—just like a fox’s tail. There’s nothing good about black!
Rory looked him over and replied flatly, "You don’t even have a single star coin. How exactly are you planning to buy one?"
Dax coughed, suddenly awkward. After a mont, he muttered, "I’ve got a buddy at Starlight Pri Tech. I might be able to get one through him... maybe even at a discount."
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