Edric was strong, standing at the peak of Rank 9. But even that wasn't enough. Corvin's mech could crush him. And Silas—there was no point even mentioning him. Lucien was the only one strong enough to keep them all in check. "Emma's other match, the one from the Enchanter Can—he's as powerful as you. You couldn't hold him either." "And Marcus," Lucien added, "the Frostveil Wolf Clan, Rank 11. You're not ready for him." Lucien's tone softened, but his words stayed firm. "I don't doubt how much you love Emma. But she's special. I can't risk her safety. Not yet." He lifted his hand toward the water. A red spark flared at his fingertips. Moments later, rain poured from the empty sky, breaking the stillness with a wild hiss against the lake's surface."Edric," he said, his voice low, "I'll give you the right to challenge me. If you defeat me, the title is yours." The rain hit Edric's shoulders, cold and heavy. He'd already thought about this. He knew his limits. That was why he hadn't lost his temper when he saw Lucien bonded with Emma earlier. "I'll fight you," he said quietly. "But not for that spot. "I love Emma. Nothing means more to me than she does." Lucien fit the role better. Edric knew that. He wouldn't fight for rank. But still— "Lucien," he said, his voice rising with determination, "I'll keep pushing forward. I'll climb higher. One day, I'll beat you." Lucien's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'll be waiting for that day." Every fighter who kept reaching for more deserved respect. "Until then," Lucien said softly, his tone steady again, "focus on your growth. I'll take care of Emma." Edric stood frozen, his mind blank. Lucien didn't even try to hide it anymore. He'd sent everyone away just to keep Emma for himself. In the kitchen, the air was warm, filled with the smell of fresh herbs and steam. Emma had already laid out the ingredients, sleeves rolled up, hair tied high. Lucien walked in quietly. He had changed into a simple home outfit, yet he still looked like a man carved out of light. He smiled as he came closer. His voice was soft, almost teasing. "Emma, what do you want me to do?" Emma brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. "We'll keep it easy. Oatmeal and cookies."She glanced behind him, noticing who was missing. "Where's Edric?" Lucien smiled again, his tone light. "He stayed up all night. I told him to rest. I'll call him when breakfast's ready." Emma nodded and began showing him the steps. Lucien learned fast. His movements were smooth and precise, every action deliberate. He wasn't just watching—he was focused. When the biscuits were done and cooled, he picked one up and offered it to her. "Try this, Emma. Tell me if it's good." Emma bit into it. Her eyes brightened instantly. "This is amazing, Lucien! You're really good at this. I can't believe it's your first try." Lucien's lips curved into a smile he couldn't hide. Pride shone in his eyes. "Then eat," he said gently. "The oatmeal's ready too. I'll get you some."I'll message Edric and tell him to come down." Emma opened her lightcore and sent Edric a quick text. Then she took a picture of the breakfast spread and sent it to Corvin and Silas. She typed, 'Lucien made breakfast. When you're back, I'll have him teach you both.' She didn't plan to spend her mornings in the kitchen every day. But if she could teach them all how to cook, she'd never have to worry about it again. A few minutes later, Edric came down the stairs, his hair still damp, a clean shirt clinging to him. Emma's eyes lit up. She pulled out a chair with a smile. "Edric, try this. Lucien cooked everything. It's so good." Lucien placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of him. "I made plenty. Eat as much as you want." Then he served himself and sat beside them.They ate together, voices low and easy, laughter spilling across the table. For the first time in a long while, it felt like a home. After they finished, Lucien guided the cleaning drones as they cleared the dishes and wiped the counters. Emma turned to leave, planning to help Edric with his mental comfort session. But her lightcore buzzed. It was a message from Drake. Are you free today?' Emma tilted her head and replied, 'Do you need a mental comfort session?' Far away, Thero leaned over Drake's shoulder, peering at his screen. "Mr. Smith," Thero said slyly, "did you tell Ms. Emma you're on Central Planet now? Maybe we should go visit her." He grinned. "I've seen the place Silas picked for her. Way too small. You should buy her something better. Something grand." Then his grin widened. "Actually, invite her to the Aquadome. Let her see the Thalassian Palace. I bet she'd fall in love with it." Thero leaned in, eyeing Drake, who sat frozen, staring at the glowing lightcore like it had personally offended him. He sighed loudly. "Mr. Smith, you can't keep doing this. You're busy trying to conquer the whole interstellar system, sure, but you still need a personal life." He smirked. "Beast God gave you a match. A real huntress. You can't just throw that away and end up like me—single forever." "Quiet." Drake's sharp tone sliced through the room. His eyes flicked toward Thero, irritation flashing across his face. The man was relentless. He turned back to the lightcore, re-reading Emma's message before typing his reply.