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Chapter 8: Safe and Soft

  Adrian stood still, his silhouette framed by the quiet firelight. He raised his katana one last time, the edge catching the moonlight perfectly.

  The blade shimmered—and then vanished into thin air, disappearing into the system with a quiet metallic echo.

  “Weapon System,” he said calmly.

  The familiar interface opened in front of him in a soft digital hum, flickering in the air like a holographic screen. He shifted categories with a simple motion.

  [Food Category]

  He scrolled through the selections, his eyes scanning methodically.

  “Good for night foods… and something to make your sleep relaxing,” he muttered, thoughtful.

  His finger paused over two items:

  — Emberrest Soup (Cost: 60 Points)

  A softly spiced stew made from hearthroot, moonbulb potatoes, and dusk hare meat. Known to soothe muscle fatigue and induce gentle sleep. Light enough for an elf’s stomach, warm enough for a human’s night.

  — Clearmist Flask (Water) (Cost: 25 Points x2)

  Crystal-clear springwater infused with a touch of mistleaf and sleepblossom extract. Refreshing and calming. Stored in a simple black-glass flask designed to keep it cool for hours.

  He nodded and tapped them both.

  DING.

  -110 Points. Remaining: 1590

  A warm, lidded clay bowl and two black-glass flasks materialized in the air before him, floating down into his hands with a shimmer of pale light.

  He placed the bowl gently near the campfire, letting the fragrant steam slowly fill the air—smoky, herbal, and just a little sweet. Then, beside it, the two water flasks.

  Without glancing at the dark elf, he said quietly, “Eat. Helps with sleep.”

  And with that, he sat a little distance from her, staring into the fire, arms resting loosely over his knees—silent and unreadable.

  As the soft sounds of crackling fire filled the quiet night, Adrian finished the last bite of his Emberrest Soup and set the empty bowl aside.

  A sudden gurgle broke the silence.

  Lirien froze. Her pointed ears twitched. Her stomach had betrayed her.

  Adrian turned his head slightly, a smirk playing on the edge of his lips.

  “I guess the food’s not enough,” he said, voice dry, amused. It was the first time a smile—however faint—touched his expression since he arrived in this world.

  Lirien’s cheeks flushed pink. She looked down, flustered.

  “N-No… I mean—” she stammered, trying to hide behind her long silver hair.

  Adrian chuckled softly, shaking his head.

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  “It’s fine. Guess I ordered too cheap.”

  “N-No! It’s not that…” she said quickly, glancing up. “The food is really good…”

  Adrian tapped the air again.

  “Don’t worry.”

  The Weapon System shimmered open before him once more. He scrolled to the food section with practiced ease, his finger pausing on something more filling.

  — Moonspiced Grilled Fowl with Velvet Rice (Cost: 90 Points)

  A lightly charred, savory bird seasoned with midnight sage and silverpepper, paired with soft velvet rice that melts in the mouth. Warm, rich, and deeply satisfying—often served during elven celebrations.

  He tapped to order.

  DING.

  -90 Points. Remaining: 1500

  The plate formed in front of him, elegant and steaming. He handed it to her without a word, watching her reaction subtly.

  Lirien looked at the meal, eyes wide and sparkling slightly. She cradled the warm dish in her hands like it was something sacred.

  “Thank you…” she whispered.

  Adrian didn’t respond immediately. He just leaned back, eyes on the sky.

  “It’s late,” he said. “You’ll need the energy for tomorrow.”

  After they both finished the meal, the warm scent of grilled spices lingering in the air, Adrian stood and stretched his arms.

  "You sleep in the tent. I’ll keep watch outside," he said calmly, his gaze scanning the darkness beyond the flickering firelight.

  Lirien clutched the hem of her cloak, hesitating.

  “But… you’ve been fighting all day. You should rest too,” she said softly. “It’s cold out here…”

  “I’ve slept worse,” Adrian replied, unmoved.

  She bit her lip. “Please… at least sleep inside. I’ll stay on my side… promise.”

  He said nothing at first. Just stared at the tent, then at her. Her cheeks were red again, her eyes nervous but earnest.

  Finally, he sighed.

  “…Alright. You go first,” he muttered.

  Lirien nodded quickly and ducked into the tent, still flustered. Once the flap closed behind her, Adrian stepped back, raising his hand.

  Weapon System: Open.

  A cold shimmer lit the air as the menu appeared.

  “Weapon Enthusiast Mode.”

  The familiar voice returned, confident and precise.

  "Enthusiast Mode: Activated. What do you require?"

  Adrian narrowed his eyes. “I need a trap. For the night. To keep pests away while I sleep.”

  "Analyzing current terrain… jungle-type forest, low-light zone, high chance of roaming lesser beasts and goblins. Recommended: Phantom Wire Perimeter Kit."

  A new window blinked open.

  — Phantom Wire Perimeter Kit (Cost: 300 Points)

  An advanced tactical trap system used by elite recon units. Includes nearly invisible spectral wires coated with silent-trigger enchantments. When an intruder steps within 5 meters of the trap, the system emits a low-frequency vibration that directly alerts the user mentally without sound. Wires are laced with mild electric pulses to stun minor creatures. Effective against beasts, scouts, and goblins. Covers up to a 20-meter radius. Easy to install. Reusable for 5 nights.

  Adrian nodded. “Buy.”

  DING. -300 Points. Remaining: 1200.

  The compact trap kit materialized in his hands. In seconds, he was crouched low, expertly threading the translucent wires between trees, rocks, and roots with surgical precision. Every knot, every placement, was clean. Silent. Flawless. Like he’d done this hundreds of times.

  After ten minutes, the perimeter was fully set. He brushed his hands off.

  “Done,” he muttered, satisfied. “Now… let’s see if I even get sleep tonight.”

  He walked toward the tent quietly and ducked inside, careful not to disturb the already sleeping elf.

  Morning sunlight bled softly through the tent fabric, casting golden rays across Adrian’s face. His brows twitched slightly as the warmth nudged him awake. He exhaled slowly and shifted—only to freeze.

  He felt it.

  Something soft. Warm. Bare. Pressed fully against his right side.

  His eyes opened, adjusting to the dim, amber glow within the tent. Slowly, he tilted his head.

  There she was—Lirien.

  Naked.

  Her chest lay gently atop his arm, her delicate hand still clutching onto his shirt. Her leg wrapped over his, tangled beneath the blankets. Her breathing was calm, lips parted slightly, lost in a deep, peaceful slumber. Strands of her silvery-black hair lay across his chest like silk.

  Adrian blinked.

  “…Do elves sleep like this?” he muttered to himself with a low sigh.

  He didn’t move. He wasn’t sure if he should.

  But as her fingers lightly squeezed his shirt in her sleep, he closed his eyes again and murmured,

  “This is going to be a long morning.”

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