As Arfrotian held Eterna in his arms, her trembling form slowly eased under his comforting embrace. The fear and dread that had momentarily overtaken her dissipated like ice melting beneath the warmth of his presence. A small chuckle escaped her lips, and still resting against his chest, she murmured with a playful lilt in her voice,

  "Hmm, Darling, but the most interesting thing here is that you were able to deduce their plans before they could’ve even realized what was going on, right?"

  Arfrotian smirked at that, his sharp eyes gleaming with knowing amusement. He didn’t say a word, but his expression alone was enough of a response. He didn’t need to confirm it—Eterna already knew.

  She chuckled again and leaned in, tracing her fingers along his cheek as she added with a teasing glint in her deep liquid-blue eyes, "Ice Phoenix really said it back there, you truly are perceptive and deductive enough to be known as a monster of deduction, aren’t you, Darling?"

  Arfrotian gave a low laugh, shaking his head slightly. "Oh really? Am I a monster now, Honey?"

  "Perhaps," Eterna purred, her voice dripping with mischief as she placed both hands on his cheeks, "but you are my monster, Darling."

  Her words sent a faint shiver down his spine—not of fear, but of something more profound. The way she claimed him so naturally, so effortlessly, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. She wasn’t just saying words. She meant them.

  Despite this moment of affection, Arfrotian eventually pulled back, creating a small distance between them. However, Eterna still held onto his coat tightly, as if refusing to let him go.

  Arfrotian studied her for a moment before asking, "Hmm, so Honey, you know how to get out of here?"

  Eterna hesitated. "Hmm, but before that, Darling, would you mind me asking you another thing?"

  Arfrotian raised an eyebrow. "What’s with her now asking me questions one after another?" he thought to himself. But aloud, he simply sighed and said, "Hmm, okay, Honey. Ask away…"

  There was a slight pause before Eterna finally voiced her lingering curiosity.

  "So, Darling, if you wanted to test the Eternal Frostheart’s backlash, why didn’t you wield it yourself? Instead, you let Zenian wield it, and when he wasn’t able to accept the test, you took over the backlash. That means you were more worthy than that mongrel, right?"

  Arfrotian blinked. That… was a simple question. Almost too simple. He could tell that Eterna already knew the answer, so why was she even asking? Was she testing him?

  He let out a small chuckle before answering, "Honey, are you forgetting that the only way for the Eternal Frostheart to even begin acknowledging someone is if they belong to this icy omniverse? I’m from another omniverse. Didn’t I tell you already?"

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  Eterna gasped slightly, realization striking her. "Oh… yeah, really, I just forgot…" she mumbled, a little embarrassed. Then, in a desperate attempt to divert attention, she hurriedly said, "How about the next—"

  But Arfrotian suddenly pulled her in close, his arms wrapping around her waist, securing her in place.

  "Just tell me already, Honey," he said in a low, knowing tone. "You don’t want me to leave, do you?"

  At his words, Eterna stiffened. Her lips trembled, and her breath hitched. It was useless to deny it. Tears welled in her eyes as she clung to him, burying her face in his chest.

  "Even though… even though I know it’s necessary for you to go… I just don’t want to stay here all alone…" she whispered brokenly.

  Arfrotian tightened his embrace, running his fingers through her silky blue hair as he spoke with quiet determination.

  "Don’t worry, Honey. It won’t take me long before we reunite again. That’s my promise, okay?"

  Eterna nodded against his chest, her small frame trembling slightly. Even as she tried to pull away, tears continued to spill down her cheeks. Arfrotian gently wiped them away with his fingertips, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

  With a deep breath, Eterna finally said, "I’m not exactly sure how to get you out of here, Darling. But I guess… you were able to stop the Eternal Frostheart’s backlash, so that should’ve been enough for you to become its master. Or…"

  Arfrotian’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "What’s that ‘or’?" he pressed.

  Eterna hesitated. Her fingers clutched his coat tighter, her gaze dropping slightly.

  "Perhaps… you have to make me acknowledge you," she murmured. "I mean, I did acknowledge you, but still…"

  Arfrotian’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Oh? My dear Honey, you mean to say that despite all this, I still haven’t fully earned your acknowledgment?"

  Eterna blushed furiously. "I-I didn’t say that!" she huffed, puffing out her chest. "I just meant that maybe there’s some final step left… perhaps."

  Arfrotian chuckled and suddenly pulled her in again, his hands resting on her waist as he looked straight into her eyes.

  "Okay, now tell me, Honey… what’s the way out?"

  Eterna felt her heart flutter wildly in her chest. His intense gaze, his unwavering confidence—it was overwhelming. Melting into his embrace, she finally murmured, "Darling, I think… you just might have to destroy this world to get out. I guess that’s the only way."

  Arfrotian stiffened slightly. "Destroy it?"

  Eterna nodded, her arms wrapping around him tightly. "It’s not like any test you could take. You already overcame two—the Eternal Frostheart’s icy calamity and… my heart as well, Darling."

  Arfrotian felt a strange warmth in his chest at her words. But even so, he couldn’t help but be cautious.

  "But if I destroy this world… wouldn’t you be—"

  Eterna placed her right index finger on his lips, silencing him. Her deep blue eyes held unwavering trust as she said, "It’s okay, Darling. I am just a fragment of the real me. I will return to the divine spear, the Eternal Frostheart. And once you find my real body, this fragment of me will return to that body as well."

  She smiled softly, her voice gentle yet firm. "So… don’t hesitate. I will be safe."

  Arfrotian exhaled deeply, his grip on her tightening for a moment before he finally nodded.

  "Alright then… I’ll get out of here."

  But as he prepared to do what was necessary, he made one final vow.

  "And once I do… I will find you, my real Eterna. That’s a promise."

  Eterna smiled through her tears. "Then, Darling… I’ll be waiting."