"Then let's roll. No reason to stick around anyway!" Ryuuto said, surveying the battlefield one last time. Giants of Jotunheim and robots lay strewn in chaos. Mystique let out a sigh of resignation and immediately began evacuating.
But Lauf? Not a chance. Even after such crushing losses, the humiliation of retreat gnawed at him.
"Damn it! Are you seriously just leaving like this? Was everything you said just… a trick?!" he yelled, veins pulsing.
"Otherwise what? You think you could take down this brat as you are?" Ultron scoffed.
"Here's some advice: get your people out of here, fast. Or the rest of your army won't see another sunrise!"
With a wave, Ultron launched a few damaged robots into the air and vanished in a flash.
"Cowards! All of you!" Lauf bellowed in fury, suddenly alone.
Even so, Ryuuto's piercing gaze sent a shiver down his spine. Fear and frustration warred within him. "Ryuuto… wait for me! Neither Magneto nor I will let you go!"
"The Giants, fall back! Now!" Lauf roared, forcing his remaining followers to retreat. Icicles clutched in massive hands, they fled in panic.
Ryuuto chuckled softly. "Hah… what a mob." He didn't bother chasing them—life potions weren't for wasting on petty scuffles.
"Ryuuto! They're all gone!" Gwen ran to his side, beaming.
"Well, these villains were destined to lose. Victory always belongs to the righteous!"
With the battle over, Ten Thousand Snake disappeared back into the shadows. Ryuuto held Gwen close, inhaling her scent, savoring the moment. But then, Shion's familiar voice rang in his mind:
[Ding! Master has completed the A-level mission. Rewards: five bottles of Life Potion + a bowl of Konoha Village Ninja Ramen!]
"Finally!" Ryuuto's eyes lit up. "Shion, show me this ninja ramen. I want to see it!"
[Okay, Master! Appearing in your hands now!]
Steam curled from a humble-looking bowl of ramen. Ryuuto raised an eyebrow. "This… is ninja ramen? Looks like street ramen for a few bucks."
[Trust me, Master. This ramen replenishes energy like nothing else. But… only one bowl per Master!]
"Just one? And no refill if I'm not full?" Ryuuto's jaw dropped.
[Uh… no.]
"Profit-hungry system…" he muttered, eyes narrowing, but resisted the urge to devour it. After all, this was precious loot from completing the mission.
Gwen sniffed the air and gasped, eyes wide. "Ryuuto… did you just… cast some magic on this? It smells amazing!"
"Haha, nothing special," he said modestly, though his smirk betrayed his pride. Handing her the bowl, he added, "Here, eat while it's hot. I heard this ninja ramen is incredible!"
"Really?" Gwen's eyes sparkled.
"Absolutely. You're one of my most beloved women." Ryuuto squeezed her small hand gently, voice soft yet commanding. "Whatever you want, I'll get it for you immediately."
Gwen blushed, hugging him shyly. She held the ramen in both hands, not rushing to eat, her heart racing.
"This is the best gift I've ever received, Ryuuto. Let's eat together!"
"Good!" Ryuuto grinned, and the two strolled hand in hand, sharing noodles with laughter and teasing.
Almost instantly, warmth surged through Ryuuto's body. Strength coursed through every muscle like a perfect stimulant, his energy fully restored. Gwen's face glowed as well, her fatigue vanished.
"This ramen… it's amazing! I feel like I'm back at peak condition!" she exclaimed.
"See? It's a level-5.2 energy supplement. I'm trying it for the first time too. And… wow. It really works!" Ryuuto said proudly.
"You're so kind, Ryuuto!" Gwen smiled, full of emotion.
"And if you love it, I'll make another for you anytime. Nothing else matters to me compared to you," he said, patting her shoulder gently.
Gwen's heart raced. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him shyly. "Ryuuto… I love you!"
Ryuuto's grin deepened. "I love you too, Gwen."
Hand in hand, hearts full, the pair enjoyed their ninja ramen under the evening sky, victorious and closer than ever.