Seeing that Fenric didn't say anything more to One Leaf Knows Autumn's invitation, Aurora realized he had no intention of letting the Armand Family off easily.
She sighed inwardly, silently mourning for the Armand Clan.
As the highest authority within the domestic Samsara Department, Aurora had always hoped that the Samsaras of her country could coexist peacefully. That was one of the reasons she had even agreed to relay a message to One Leaf Knows Autumn in the first place.
But of course—she could never say such a thing aloud.
Aurora was no fool. She understood all too well that if she pushed the matter too far, she would undoubtedly offend Fenric. The young man before her was exceptionally determined, unwavering in his convictions, and not someone easily swayed by others. Trying to force him to compromise would only damage the friendship between them.
"Shura," Aurora said with a soft but firm smile, "no matter what you intend to do, I will support you. I won't interfere."
Hearing this, Fenric's lips curved slightly. "Thank you, Aurora."
Aurora chuckled in return. "Since you want to keep challenging the dungeon, then I won't hold you back. I wish you even greater success."
After ending the call, Fenric sat in thought for a moment before actively dialing Belle Morwyn's number.
"Fenric?"
On the other end, Belle's voice carried a note of surprise. She clearly hadn't expected him to contact her first.
"Good evening, Yuhan," Fenric greeted warmly, a faint smile on his lips. "I wanted to give you something."
"Give me something?" Belle's delicate face lit up with astonishment.
"Yes. Meet me at the Trading Center—I'll head there right away."
Without waiting for her response, Fenric ended the call.
So domineering. He didn't even ask if she wanted it.
At the Samsara Square, Belle stared at the darkened communication screen, her pretty features softening into a sweet smile.
By her side, a close friend leaned in curiously.
"Belle, who was that? Someone wants to give you a gift?" she teased. "It's Seventh Night today, isn't it? Valentine's Day in our calendar! Giving you something on this day—he's quite the romantic."
It was August 19, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, known as the Seventh Night Festival. Gifts exchanged on this day carried special meaning between a man and a woman.
Belle's cheeks warmed at her friend's words, sweetness blooming in her heart.
"Lulu, it's not like that…" she murmured weakly, though her denial was unconvincing.
Her friend clicked her tongue in mock disdain, then her eyes widened as a thought struck her. "Wait—it wasn't Shura who called, was it?"
Belle gave a shy nod.
At once, her friend's face twisted with envy.
"Shura! The idol of the whole world—and he wants to give you something?! Then what are you waiting for? Hurry up and go!"
—--
At the Trading Center.
Belle stood before Fenric, her head lowered, face flushed pink with shyness.
"Fenric, why did you suddenly decide to give me something?"
"Uh…" Fenric was momentarily at a loss.
The truth was—he hadn't even realized what day it was.
"There are two special items I think will be useful to you," he explained bluntly. "So I wanted to give them to you."
Belle blinked, then secretly smiled.
She had received countless love letters and flowery confessions in the past, and none of them had moved her. But Fenric's straightforwardness—so typical of him—felt far more genuine. It was unexpectedly… cute.
"Then, if I accept your gift, you must accept mine as well," Belle said suddenly.
"You have a gift for me too?" Fenric blinked.
"Yes, but not right now." She mustered her courage. "I'm still in AH City. I'll contact you during the day."
"Oh?" Fenric chuckled. "All right."
With that, he brought out the items.
The first was the Mark VII Battle Armor—Iron Man's suit from The Avengers.
"This is the Mark VII. Its combat power isn't particularly high, but its flight capabilities are excellent. You can use it as transportation."
The armor gleamed as though brand new—Fenric had spent Samsara points earlier to fully repair it.
"It can adjust its size to fit your body," he added. "And if you don't like the color, you can change it later."
Next, Fenric gestured to the towering figure beside him.
"This is a Sentinel Robot I obtained from the fifteenth-floor dungeon. Its strength is solid, and in the first ten dungeon levels, it should provide strong support."
He had considered gifting her a Lion's Roar skill scroll as well, but the thought of Belle—a refined young woman—screaming battle cries like a street fighter was too much. The image was… unbearable.
"This…"
Belle stared at the two items, hesitating.
She was delighted to receive a gift from Fenric—but these were far too valuable. Either one could be considered a treasure of national importance. Their advanced technology, once researched, could propel a nation's power by decades.
"Fenric… these gifts are too valuable."
But Fenric waved a hand, cutting her off. "Don't overthink it. Just treat them as ordinary gifts. What matters is that they help you—that's their value."
Belle's heart melted, her face flushing red with sweetness.
"…Thank you."
Under the notarization of the Trading Center, both the Mark VII and the Sentinel Robot officially recognized Belle as their master.
Once the transfer was complete, Fenric said, "I'm heading into the dungeon now. See you later."
"Mm. Be careful."
He nodded. Just as he was about to leave, Belle's voice called out in a rush, "Remember not to turn off your phone tomorrow!"
Leaving those words behind, Belle fled the Trading Center in a fluster, her face burning.