Life aboard the Ark became one of strict frugality.
Even the elderly woman's meals were rationed, though naturally, her "modest" portions were still far superior to those of ordinary people.
The only ones who received any special treatment were Fenric and Belle.
To the rest of the Ark's inhabitants, they appeared to be a couple.
Neither Fenric nor Belle bothered to correct this misconception. After all, they were Samsara players—mere passersby in this world. Why should they care about the opinions of the locals?
Still, despite his privileges, Fenric voluntarily chose to forgo special treatment. Like everyone else, he took the standard rations each day.
It wasn't because he enjoyed suffering.
It was simply practical.
With resources tightening over time, favoritism would only breed resentment. Though Fenric feared no one aboard the Ark, unnecessary conflicts were a waste of energy.
And in truth, they had no shortage of food. Belle's storage bag was stocked with several tons of provisions, including premium ingredients. Conservatively, it was enough to last them more than two years.
Since they only needed to survive 128 days, food was the least of their worries.
Fenric even retrieved a set of pots and pans from the kitchen—an induction cooker, a rice cooker, and a frying pan—so they could cook for themselves.
Thus began their strange "cohabitation life."
Each day, Belle cooked while Fenric lounged around reading books. When the food was ready, she'd call him to the table like a dutiful wife.
The routine was simple but surprisingly warm.
Belle's cooking was excellent, far surpassing anything served in the Ark's mess hall.
One month later, Fenric had even put on a few pounds.
After spending so much time together, Fenric realized how much he appreciated Belle's presence. A woman's touch brought a kind of warmth that no solitary "vacation" could provide.
In the evenings, they slept separately—Fenric on the sofa, Belle in the bedroom.
But under the same roof, it was impossible not to have moments of… awkwardness.
The Ark's suite wasn't exactly large, and Belle's bathing or changing routines occasionally led to "accidental" encounters.
Not to mention her morning daze.
Just yesterday, Fenric had been brushing his teeth in the bathroom when Belle wandered in half-asleep, absentmindedly undressing and sitting on the toilet—completely forgetting he was there.
Could you blame Fenric for seeing what he saw?
Of course not.
One month.
Two months.
Three months.
Their relationship had grown increasingly ambiguous.
Belle herself no longer knew how to define it.
They weren't lovers—neither had confessed nor crossed any serious lines.
But could they still call themselves "just friends," when Fenric had already seen… her everything?
Another incident came to mind. Belle had slipped in the bath, hurting her leg. Without hesitation, Fenric had carried her—soaked and vulnerable—out of the bathroom and laid her on the bed.
Moments like that blurred every boundary.
Four months passed in the blink of an eye.
Today, Belle marked "127" in her notebook.
Just one more day, and they'd return with an SSS-level evaluation.
This particular dungeon had been both the easiest and the hardest for Fenric.
Easy, because the mission felt like a long, comfortable vacation.
Hard, because spending every day under the same roof with a beauty like Belle tested even his willpower.
He was, after all, a perfectly normal man.
But responsibility and trouble were things Fenric avoided at all costs. His true focus was still the Samsara Tower. With countless dangers ahead, romance was a luxury he couldn't afford.
Still, he couldn't deny it—Belle had made these four months enjoyable.
Without her companionship, living alone on the Ark for that long might have driven him half-mad.
He'd even heard rumors that some of the Ark's passengers, unable to endure the monotony and despair, had chosen to end their lives.
"Shura."
Belle's voice was soft but clear. She looked at him with luminous eyes.
"Thank you… for taking care of me all this time."
Fenric smiled faintly. "I should be the one thanking you. Without you, my stomach wouldn't have been this happy."
"Then let's remember this gratitude together," Belle said with a bright smile.
She hesitated for a moment before adding in a quiet voice, "Shura, I won't forget this time. It feels… like a dream I once had."
A dream of a faceless lover, a warm home, and simple happiness.
The atmosphere grew quiet, tinged with something unspoken.
"Shura, what's your dream?" Belle suddenly asked.
"Dream?" Fenric blinked, then answered honestly, "I guess… the pursuit of power. I've heard that if you conquer the 99th floor of the Samsara Tower, you can become an all-powerful god. I want to try."
Belle's lips curved into an admiring smile. "Shura, you're amazing. If even you can't do it, I doubt anyone can."
Fenric grinned. "I like that confidence. I'll take it as a prophecy."
Belle laughed lightly.
"Now it's your turn," Fenric said. "What's your dream?"
Belle's expression softened, a hint of melancholy in her beautiful face.
"Originally, I just wanted to become a powerful Samsara player and protect my family, like my cousin. But… after these past few months, I've realized how exhausting that path is."
Fenric paused, slightly startled.
Is this girl going soft on me just because she's been living comfortably?
"That's because your cousin carries too much on her shoulders," he said casually. "Look at me—I never bother joining any factions. Life's much easier that way."
He felt the need to remind her. Aurora Morwyn clearly had high hopes for Belle, judging by the resources she had given her.
Belle gave a gentle smile. "Don't worry, Shura. I haven't lost my fighting spirit. I still have one wish—to be the first to reach the 33rd floor and gain its authority.
"If I succeed, I'll use that power to resurrect my brother. I know it's a slim chance, but I won't give up."
Fenric's eyes narrowed slightly. "Resurrection…? With the 33rd floor's authority, that's possible?"
Belle nodded. "There's always been a rumor about it. They say the 33rd floor grants a single opportunity to bring someone back to life."
The mysteries of the Samsara Tower never ceased to amaze Fenric.
"Shura," Belle said softly, her tone turning serious, "if one day you heard of my death… would you be sad?"
The meaning behind her words was unmistakable.
"Yes," Fenric said without hesitation.
Belle's lips curved into a happy, almost shy smile.
"Thank you, Shura."