Acheron's long hair spilled across the bedsheets.
Cheek resting gently against cheek, Sylvia's hand moved in a steady, rhythmic motion, soothing Acheron's back.
Sylvia had no idea what was going through Acheron's mind just then.
She didn't resist Sylvia's touch, but she didn't make any further moves either.
She just rested there quietly, hands lightly holding Sylvia's shoulders, leaning into her embrace without a word.
Their bodies pressed close, feeling each other's warmth—yet instead of intensifying the intimacy, it somehow softened the tension, making the atmosphere feel less charged.
It was difficult for Sylvia to put this feeling into words.
That alluring, delicate form hadn't lost any of its charm in Sylvia's eyes.
The softness of her touch still left a deep impression.
Yet even with such a beauty in her arms, Sylvia felt an unexpected sense of calm.
So she too stayed silent, bearing Acheron's weight, savoring this quiet that felt entirely different from the stillness of death.
--+--
About a few minutes later.
Sylvia gently lifted her hand and patted Acheron's shoulder, her gaze drifting slightly toward those deep blue locks.
"I told Silver Wolf I'd log back into the game soon. So… could you let me up? I should tell her we're wrapping up for today."
Maybe she shouldn't have brought it up.
At those words, Acheron lifted her head from Sylvia's body, resting her chin on Sylvia's chest, her cheek squishing against the soft fullness there.
"Speaking of the Stellaron Hunters—why didn't you tell me it was Silver Wolf you were talking to? You carry a Stellaron with you. Aren't you worried they might be after it?"
"Uh…"
Sylvia paused. Honestly, she hadn't really given it much thought.
Probably because her first impression came from inside the game.
And after that, whenever she hung out with Silver Wolf, it was all about gaming.
Then, once she got to know Firefly, their discussions had somehow shifted to where they should get married.
But even if the Stellaron Hunters really did want the Stellaron in her possession…
They'd already shown her so much goodwill. If Elio asked, she'd probably just hand it over—it was just a Stellaron, after all.
She really hadn't ever pictured the Stellaron Hunters ganging up to steal it from her.
Still, given their notorious reputation across the cosmos, and considering Acheron didn't have the same insider knowledge or character profiles she did, it made sense she'd be suspicious of their motives.
Seeing Sylvia's expression, Acheron felt a mix of disbelief and irritation. Was this woman really naive enough to trust the Stellaron Hunters just like that?
The Xianzhou Alliance was one thing—they had a decent reputation, reasonable in most matters, except when it came to the followers of Yaoshi. But the Stellaron Hunters? That was a different story.
"The Stellaron Hunters are unpredictable and ruthless. They care only about results, never the methods. Didn't you look into them?"
Though Acheron didn't say it outright, Sylvia could hear the subtext clearly: she wanted her to stay away from the Stellaron Hunters.
But with such a perfect gacha opportunity right in front of her, Sylvia couldn't just let it slip away.
"I know, I'll be careful. It's not like we're meeting in person—just chatting online."
Sylvia offered a lighthearted explanation. Acheron didn't seem entirely convinced, but there wasn't much point in pressing the issue further.
"…Just be cautious when you interact with them."
"Mhmm, mhmm."
Sylvia nodded repeatedly, thinking that would be the end of it.
But after a moment, she noticed Acheron showed no intention of moving.
She was still lying in Sylvia's arms, eyes narrowed as if she'd fallen asleep.
"Acheron?"
"Hm?"
"…Aren't you going to get up?"
"Does this really interfere with you playing the game?"
Acheron's reply was so matter-of-fact.
After all, diving into the game only required a neural link—it was all in the mind. It didn't matter what position you were in, or whether someone was draped over you.
But!
Before, when she didn't know, fine—but now you're right here in my arms. How am I supposed to focus on the game?
And what you did to me earlier—don't you have any idea?
I'm worried if I link in now and play for a bit, I'll come back aching all over.
Perhaps Sylvia's silent stare spoke volumes, because after a brief pause, Acheron added:
"I won't do anything to you."
"Miss Acheron, didn't you do plenty to me earlier when I wasn't paying attention?"
The moment she remembered opening her eyes to find her clothes stripped off, having been secretly undressed and looked over without her knowing—
Sylvia's face burned with a heat she couldn't suppress.
Even though she'd been addressed formally as "Miss," Acheron only seemed to grow more at ease.
"I was just changing your clothes. Weren't they all styles you liked? Anyway, you shouldn't keep that Stellaron Hunter waiting. Go ahead and play."
As she spoke, Acheron reached for the phone that had been tossed aside and held it out in front of Sylvia.
She seemed determined not to let her go.
"…"
Left with little choice, Sylvia tapped into the game, connecting her consciousness to the virtual world with a touch of unease.
--+--
In the game.
Sylvia returned after quite a delay. The moment she appeared, Firefly approached, a hint of concern in her expression.
"Did something happen?"
Sylvia smiled at Firefly, then glanced at Silver Wolf, who was growing impatient.
"No, it's nothing. Maybe I was just imagining things—or someone's thinking about me."
"Shall I start the instance?"
Seeing that Sylvia was fine, Silver Wolf immediately moved to kick off that night's gaming plans.
"Go ahead, go ahead."
Compared to before, Sylvia seemed a bit distracted.
Firefly and Silver Wolf exchanged a look—they could tell Sylvia's mind wasn't fully there. Clearly, something must have happened after she logged off.
Silver Wolf, however, didn't particularly care. According to the script, nothing happened to Sylvia during this part anyway.
As for Firefly, she was thinking about how to ask without being too direct.
But it was clear Firefly wasn't exactly gifted with the art of subtle conversation.
After wrestling with it for just a few seconds, Silver Wolf's challenge party invite popped up—seemingly leaving Firefly no room to speak.
If Kafka had been here, she might have said a thing or two, but teamed up with Silver Wolf? There was no chance.
Once they entered the instance,
Silver Wolf charged ahead without hesitation. She was always the type to dive into challenges—if this place hadn't required a party, she'd have soloed it long ago.
Firefly and Sylvia followed behind, swords in hand, cleaning up the smaller mobs.
Firefly wielded an elegant, slender blade—beautiful to look at.
But contrary to its refined appearance, her swordplay was bold and powerful, full of momentum.
Was this also part of her unexpected charm?
"What is it? You've been looking at me for a while."
Firefly spun her sword deftly and glanced curiously at Sylvia.
"It's just that your swordplay is really pleasing to watch."
"Th… thank you."
A blush spread across Firefly's cheeks. She shyly averted her eyes and turned slightly away, clearly not expecting Sylvia to compliment her so suddenly.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.