The sun was warm, lazy, and golden over the slime field. I cleared my throat, trying to act casual even though my chest was still tight from the emotions of earlier.
"Hey," I said, trying for a teasing grin. "You two want to level up too?"
Kael raised an eyebrow, glancing at Zeref, who just smirked faintly. "Our levels?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said, pulling up my system window. "You're 159, and you, 164. Don't worry, I'll carry you through."
My fingers hovered over the party invite button. I paused, taking a deep breath. Could they really trust me? Could I really trust myself not to break?
Their eyes met. In perfect sync, they accepted. Just like that.
Once again, we were a party. My stomach twisted with a familiar warmth, part comfort, part danger.
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to stop myself from feeling too much.
I needed to stay focused.
This was just grinding.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
