Chapter 13: A Promise Beneath the Stars 1. A New Beginning

The sun was setting over the vast digital world of The Game of Death, casting an amber glow across the endless horizon. Lukashi and Aiko stood near a cliffside, watching the world slowly darken into a sea of stars. The wind carried a gentle warmth, rustling Aiko's long hair as she leaned slightly into Lukashi's side.

Lukashi, hands in his pockets, glanced at her. "What's on your mind?"

Aiko smiled, a bit nervous. "Lukashi… we've been fighting non-stop in this game, always preparing for the next battle, always surrounded by death." She took a deep breath, then turned to face him fully. "I think… I want to live too."

Lukashi raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Aiko's face turned red. She hesitated, then, before her courage faded, whispered, "Let's get married."

Silence.

Lukashi's brain short-circuited. Did she just—? His heart pounded like a war drum. "W-What?"

Aiko's cheeks burned. She looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. "I mean… in this world. Since we don't know when we'll escape, I want to create something… beautiful."

Lukashi's ears were hot. Married? He had fought countless battles, faced death multiple times, but nothing had prepared him for this.

And then—

"BAHAHAHAHA!"

A loud laugh erupted behind them.

Lukashi turned sharply to see Kuroji, his black panther, rolling on the ground, paws in the air, tail flicking wildly as he wheezed in laughter.

"You—hahaha—you got so red! Hilarious! Oh, Master, I never knew you were this SHY!" Kuroji gasped between laughs.

Lukashi growled. "Shut up, furball."

Aiko giggled, covering her mouth. "See? Even Kuroji thinks it's funny."

Kuroji snorted. "No, no, I think it's the most ROMANTIC thing ever. I totally ship you guys. Oh wait—" He smirked. "DO I GET TO BE THE RING BEARER?"

Lukashi sighed in defeat. "I hate you."

Aiko, still giggling, nudged Lukashi's arm. "So? What's your answer?"

Lukashi exhaled. His heart calmed down. Looking into Aiko's deep, trusting eyes, he found his answer.

He took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "Yes. Let's do it."

Aiko's eyes widened before filling with warmth. She squeezed his hand.

Kuroji wiped an imaginary tear. "This is so beautiful… I need a moment."

Lukashi and Aiko ignored him.

2. Getting Permission

Next stop: Adnan and Kyuki.

The guild hall was filled with chatter, weapons clashing, and the smell of freshly cooked meat from the dining area. Adnan, the guild leader, sat at a large table, polishing his sword, while Kyuki, their strategist, reviewed maps of the next dungeon raid.

Lukashi and Aiko approached them confidently.

"We want a one-month break," Lukashi said.

Adnan's hands froze mid-motion. "…Excuse me?"

Aiko, standing beside Lukashi, smiled sweetly. "We're getting married."

Silence.

A knife clattered on the floor. Several players turned their heads. A merchant NPC almost dropped his goods.

Adnan blinked rapidly. "You—what?"

Kyuki, ever calm, set down his map. His expression darkened. His voice, dangerously low, said, "Lukashi. If you make her cry even once, I will personally end you."

Lukashi gulped. "Understood."

Adnan, still shocked, scratched his head. "Damn… I didn't see this coming." He sighed, then smirked. "Fine. You two deserve happiness. Take the break."

Kuroji gasped. "Wow, he agreed fast! No drama? No long speeches? Lame."

Kyuki glared at Kuroji. "You. Shut up."

Kuroji dramatically covered his mouth.

Aiko clapped her hands happily. "Thank you!"

And with that, they set off to buy their new home.

3. House Hunting Gone Wrong

Lukashi, Aiko, and Kuroji arrived at Floor 26, one of the most breathtaking areas in the game—a land filled with golden forests, shimmering lakes, and mountain peaks stretching into the clouds.

Aiko spun in excitement. "It's so beautiful!"

Kuroji yawned. "Yeah, yeah, but where's my personal luxury bed?"

Lukashi sighed. "We haven't even bought a house yet, idiot."

They checked out three places:

1️⃣ House #1: Looked perfect… but had ghost NPCs.

Kuroji: "NOPE. I ain't living in a haunted house."

Lukashi: "It's just an NPC bug."

A ghost whispered behind them: "Stay forever…"

They ran.

2️⃣ House #2: Beautiful but tiny.

Kuroji tested the bed. "This is the size of my LUNCH SPOT."

Aiko: "I don't want to live in a closet."

Lukashi: "Next."

3️⃣ House #3: PERFECT.

It had a lake, a garden, and a view of the stars.

Kuroji immediately claimed the biggest bed.

Aiko hugged Lukashi. "This is the one."

Lukashi smiled. "Then it's ours."

4. A Night to Remember

That evening, the house felt like a dream. Warm, peaceful, and theirs.

Lukashi and Aiko sat on the balcony, watching the moon reflect on the lake. Fireflies danced around them.

Aiko leaned on Lukashi's shoulder. "Lukashi?"

"Yeah?"

She sighed, smiling. "Thank you for making this world feel like home."

Lukashi wrapped an arm around her, resting his chin on her hair. "As long as you're here, it is home."

Kuroji peeked from the doorway. "Awwww, my humans are so CUTE."

Lukashi threw a pillow at him.

And under the endless sky, a new chapter of their love story began.

To be continue....