Chapter 96: Feast

Stella was already asleep, curled up beside Adan, his long jacket draped over her like a blanket. Her breathing was soft and steady, blending with the quiet hum of the night. Adan looked down at her with a gentle smile before shifting his gaze to Kai, who was sitting nearby, his eyes fixed on the stars.

Adan broke the silence. "So, your dream is to become the strongest swordsman?" he asked, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb Stella.

Kai shook his head, a small smirk playing on his lips. "No, that's just my goal," he replied.

Adan raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Then what is your dream?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"To become a legend—someone undefeatable, even after death," Kai said simply, his tone unwavering. His words left Adan speechless for a moment, struck by the audacity and depth of Kai's ambition. After a pause, Kai continued, "To reach that level, I must become the strongest swordsman, a warrior whose skills are unmatched even beyond the grave."

Adan, thoughtful, lay down on the ground and looked up at the stars. He felt small yet inspired. "Then my dream—to become stronger than I am now—feels kind of…insignificant."

Kai stopped sipping his sake and glanced over at Adan. "Adan, there's no dream too small or too big. Just keep moving forward, and one day you'll understand what it really means."

Their conversation was interrupted by Mike, who joined them, carrying a calm but intense look. "Aurora went back to the Milky Way realm," he informed them.

Kai nodded, unfazed. "Yeah, that's where we'll head too, once we're done with our business on this planet."

Mike turned to him, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "If Elijah's goal is to become the Overlord, doesn't that mean conquering this entire planet?"

Kai gave him a quizzical look, lifting his sake cup as he chuckled. "What are you talking about?"

Mike pressed on, his brow furrowing. "Why else would someone want to become the Overlord if not to rule the realm?"

Kai chuckled again and shook his head. "You don't know Elijah very well, do you?"

Mike glanced at Adan, hoping for some clarity.

Adan spoke up, his tone thoughtful. "I used to think Elijah wanted to rule this realm, like he was chasing some grand empire. But when I asked him, he said, 'The Overlord is the freest person alive, and I just want to be free.'"

Mike looked more puzzled. "But… why?"

Kai and Adan exchanged glances, both shrugging in mild amusement. "Why don't you ask him yourself?" Kai suggested with a grin.

Mike went silent, processing their words. Finally, he muttered, "You mean… you don't know?"

"I've asked him about his dream," Kai replied, "but he's never given me a straight answer."

"But you still follow him?" Mike asked, his voice skeptical.

Kai leaned back, folding his arms. "Mike, what's with all these questions? It sounds like you're looking for something to convince yourself."

Mike scoffed, looking defensive. "Convince myself of what?"

Adan, his gaze steady, answered, "That you have no dream. Maybe Elijah sees your life as meaningless, all those mindless encounters day in and day out, and he's on a path to something greater. Maybe you're just… lost."

Mike's face tightened, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes. "You're wrong."

Adan raised an eyebrow, waiting for Mike to explain. But Mike said nothing more, turning his gaze back to the stars, his expression distant.

The Next Morning

The sun rose gently over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the ship. Julia stirred, finding herself curled up on Tank's back, comfortably cushioned against his fur.

Blinking her eyes open, she saw Elijah's face nearby, his mouth slightly open as he snored softly. The scene brought a smirk to her lips, but a noise caught her attention, drawing her to the ship's edge.

Looking over, she saw Mike, Adan, and Kai gathered near a firepit on the island's shore, preparing breakfast. Stella sat beside Adan, still wrapped in his jacket, watching as Mike grilled some meat and tended to the flames. Curious, Julia climbed down to join them.

As she approached, she noticed Elijah and Tank following her lead, both of them eyeing the cooking meat with an almost comical eagerness. 'Tank's starting to act just like him,' Julia thought with a sigh as she touched down on the sand.

"Meat, meat, meat!" Elijah chanted, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Gaw, gaw, gaw," Tank chimed in, mimicking Elijah's rhythm. (Meat meat meat)

Mike glanced at them with a smirk, flipping a piece of meat sizzling over the fire. "It's not ready yet," he said, swatting Elijah's hand away as he reached for a piece.

"And that goes for you too, my lady," he added, wagging a finger at Tank, who let out a reluctant "Gaw, gaw" in protest.

Julia crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at Kai. "So, did you drink all the sake?"

Kai held up his hands defensively. "Hey, I'm not like Elijah! There's plenty more on the ship."

Julia grinned, challenging him. "Then go grab a barrel, and let's drink!"

Kai shot her a skeptical look. "Who made you the boss?"

"Then why are you going?" she teased as he begrudgingly headed toward the ship.

"Because it's alcohol, genius!" he called back.

Julia chuckled and turned to Mike, watching him as he carefully arranged fruits and vegetables on large leaves beside the fire. "Is all that food for the journey?"

Mike nodded, still focused on his task. "Adan gave me the heads up, so I gathered everything fresh from the forest last night."

A rich, savory aroma wafted up from the fire as Mike sprinkled a pinch of red salt over the grilling meat. Elijah edged closer, his nose twitching as he took in the scent.

"Can I have a small taste?" Elijah asked, eyes wide with anticipation.

"Gaw, gaw," Tank added in agreement.(Me too)

Mike laughed, shaking his head. "Just hold on a bit longer. Once Kai gets back with the drinks, we'll start the feast."

From the ship, Kai's voice rang out. "Elijah, I'm testing to see which one's best!"

"Just bring any of them, you moron!" Julia called back, rolling her eyes.

"Shut it, thief!" Kai shot back, lugging a large barrel toward the group.

Adan joined him, grinning as he helped carry the supplies. Turning to Elijah, Mike said, "Elijah… do you mind if I tag along with you guys?"

Elijah broke into a smile, clapping Mike on the shoulder. "Why not? It'll be more fun with you around."