CHAPTER 69: BREAKFAST

Meanwhile, in Khione’s tent, sleep eluded her, so she sat on her bed, reflecting on the events of the evening with a heavy sigh. Typically, she harbored an instinctual dislike for those who practiced the Law of Fire, as it was diametrically opposed to her own. Logically, she should have resented her interactions with Nero, a knight wielding the flames of the Law of Fire. Yet, surprisingly, she found no hatred within her; the fire emanating from him was not repulsive, nor was it unpleasant, at least not to her.

Shaking her head to dispel her thoughts, she stood up, dressed in something suitable for the night. Stepping outside, the gentle breeze caressed her face, and her white hair danced playfully in the wind. Choosing to distance herself from Nero, she walked away from the riverbank and instead made her way onto the river’s surface, settling into a meditative posture. The chaotic Prana in the area required careful handling, though she was mindful not to misuse it.

Closing her eyes, she embarked on her breathing exercises, focusing on refining her Prana. Her core, which was on the verge of evolving to the Adept Mage level, began to shrink. But this reduction in size was deceptive; it indicated that it could accommodate even more Prana. The more refined her core became, the greater the capacity for energy it could hold. After perfecting her core at this stage, she would continue the process in subsequent stages. When she reached the final stage, her core would become inexhaustible, allowing her spells to gain immense power.

For two hours, Khione devoted herself to refining her Prana and her core, her concentration unwavering. When she finally opened her eyes, a flicker of determination shone through her beautiful yet cold blue gaze. She exhaled, and a cloud of white mist escaped her mouth, instantly freezing the surface of the lake within a seven-meter radius around her. With a mere thought, the ice vanished, dissipating back into the water.

Instead of heading back just yet, she retrieved some cookies from her spatial ring. Sitting peacefully, she began to savor the treats while gazing up at the stars scattered across the night sky. Her face remained expressionless, yet there was an undeniable tranquility in her demeanor as she enjoyed both the cookies and the celestial scenery above her. The stars twinkled like diamonds, and for that moment, she found a quiet joy in the simple pleasures of the night, a small reprieve from the complexities of her thoughts and the world around her.

Content with her evening, Khione returned to her tent and drifted off to sleep, followed by Nero. A few hours later, the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the pocket world they inhabited.

In this extraordinary realm, the sun hung low on the horizon, its rays spilling like liquid gold across the landscape. The light was soft yet vibrant, illuminating the lush greenery and the gentle ripples of the river with a magical luminescence. As the sun ascended, it painted the sky in hues of orange, pink, and lavender, creating a breathtaking canvas that seemed almost otherworldly. The warmth of the sun’s embrace was comforting, promising a new day filled with possibilities, while the air was infused with the sweet scent of blooming flowers awakening to the dawn. The world around them came alive, each element shimmering in the sunlight, a reminder of the beauty that thrived in this enchanted pocket of existence.

"Morning, Khione!" Nero called out as he finished his morning jog, greeting her with a smile. Khione, who also appeared to have just completed her exercise, nodded in response.

"Morning!" she replied, her tone even and calm.

"Let’s get ready to depart, but first, let’s eat breakfast," Nero proposed.

"I’ll cook breakfast," she suggested, her expression remaining emotionless.

Though it was an unexpected offer, it was certainly welcomed.

"Okay!" Nero replied enthusiastically, pulling out the essential cooking items and letting Khione work her magic.

Khione set to work, her movements precise and deliberate as she prepared a hearty breakfast. She cracked a few eggs into a bowl, whisking them with a splash of milk until they were frothy. Then, she added in diced vegetables—crimson bell peppers, fresh spinach, and aromatic green onions—infusing the mixture with bursts of color and flavor.

As the skillet warmed, she poured the egg mixture in, letting it cook gently, stirring occasionally to create soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. The aroma wafted through the air, inviting and savory. To accompany the eggs, she sliced up some crusty bread, toasting it to a golden brown, and laid out a selection of fresh fruits—juicy berries and sweet slices of melon, adding a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.

With everything coming together, Khione plated the scrambled eggs beautifully alongside the toast and fruit, creating a balanced and nourishing breakfast. Although her face remained stoic, there was a quiet satisfaction in the care she put into the meal, a small expression of her personality shining through in her cooking.

They ate, and much to Nero’s surprise, it was pretty good. He didn’t shy away from admitting it, a genuine smile crossing his face as he complimented her culinary skills.

"This is amazing, Khione! Who knew you could cook like this?"

Khione simply nodded, her expression remaining impassive as she took another bite of her breakfast. Despite her lack of visible enthusiasm, there was a subtle sense of pride in her work. The flavors were well-balanced, and the combination of the fluffy scrambled eggs with the crisp toast and fresh fruit made for a satisfying meal.

As they continued to eat, the morning sun streamed through the trees, casting dappled shadows around them. The peaceful ambiance allowed for a moment of camaraderie, the silence punctuated only by the sounds of their eating and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

After finishing their meal, Nero leaned back, feeling energized and ready for the day’s journey ahead. "Thanks for cooking, Khione. I really appreciate it," he said, looking over at her with genuine gratitude.

She met his gaze briefly before looking away, a small flicker of something akin to satisfaction passing through her cold blue eyes. "It was nothing," she replied, her tone as steady as ever, but there was a hint of warmth in her voice that suggested she appreciated the acknowledgment.

Finally it was the time for some monster’s hunting.