Chapter 72: Alone!

It would serve two purposes, establishing my strength and earning the villagers' trust.

Most importantly, it would give me the chance to step in and 'save' Emily, earning her gratitude and possibly something more.

But none of that would work if she started avoiding me.

"I need to give her some time… let her come to me."

The thought made me tap my fingers against my knee, already calculating the next steps. Timing was crucial, and pushing too hard now might undo everything I'd set up so far.

I stood up and stretched, letting my gaze wander to the pile of firewood stacked in the corner. 

Carrying it down earlier had proven just how far my body had evolved, I'd barely felt the weight. It gave me confidence, enough to start considering something even riskier.

"There's that hidden event nearby…"