LOVE BITE

As Arslan walked down the corridor of the Mythic Base, the quiet night brushing against the walls like a calming breeze, he felt... lighter.

Not just in his steps—but in his heart.

For the first time in weeks, he wasn't carrying the storm alone.

His apology had been heard. Forgiveness was blooming like fragile petals among his teammates. And Nirela… her words echoed in his ears:

> "I love you, Arslan."

And that forehead kiss… something so simple, yet so deeply powerful, had etched itself into his very soul.

He opened the door to his room, stepped inside, and sat quietly on the bed.

Then came a familiar voice, gentle yet ever-present in his mind—

Kar'Thael, whispering with a smile:

> "You've done good… Arslan."

A small smile touched Arslan's lips.

He bowed his head slightly, voice low.

"Kar'Thael… I'm sorry. For everything. For ignoring you. For pushing you away when you were only trying to guide me."

There was a pause.

Then Kar'Thael replied, not with sarcasm or mockery—but with calm understanding.

> "Apology accepted, Vessel. But just don't do it again. You broke more than bones out there—you broke bonds."

Arslan's voice became softer, a little more vulnerable.

"Please… Don't leave me again."

Kar'Thael was silent for a second.

Then his tone shifted, more teasing, more familiar.

> "Fine. I won't. As long as you don't start doing stupid things again."

Arslan let out a laugh under his breath.

"Deal."

He leaned back slightly on the bed, eyes glancing toward the stone-textured ceiling.

"By the way…" he said, his tone curious, "That fight skill you activated during the battle with ZARELLE… What was that?"

Kar'Thael's voice came with a bit of pride.

> "Ah, you mean Fight Skill Tier 1?"

Arslan nodded. "Yeah. It was… intense. My body moved on its own, the energy… it surged."

> "Those are skills that don't come with names. They awaken—only when your heart and mind align during real danger. You can't train them. You earn them."

Arslan's eyes narrowed. "So, they'll only come out when I need them the most?"

> "Exactly. You won't feel them until you're in the middle of a true battlefield. I'll only hand them over when the timing is right. Even I can't force them early."

Arslan nodded again, understanding. "So there are more?"

Kar'Thael chuckled.

> "Plenty. Tier 2, Tier 3… and eventually, Ascended Form. But let's not spoil everything tonight."

There was a moment of quiet between them.

Then Kar'Thael's tone turned… mischievous.

> "Now, let's talk about that kiss."

Arslan froze.

"Seriously?"

> "You kissed her forehead. Oh how innocent… How pure." Kar'Thael chuckled like a proud older brother.

"You've come so far from that cold, edgy guy who told me not to interfere in his 'personal life'."

Arslan ran his hand down his face, red creeping into his cheeks.

"Shut up."

> "Don't act shy now, Romeo. You heard the words, you kissed the girl, you smiled—I saw it all."

"I wasn't smiling," Arslan muttered, clearly lying.

> "Oh please. You looked like you just won the entire War of Realms."

Arslan sighed, then—without even realizing—his voice softened.

"You think I should… marry her someday?"

A silence followed. Then Kar'Thael answered, surprisingly sincere:

> "Yes. If that's what your heart tells you, then yes. She's not just a warrior… she's your anchor."

Arslan blinked. He hadn't expected such a heartfelt reply.

"I will," he whispered. "Maybe not today… but soon."

> "Awww… look at you!" Kar'Thael teased again, dragging out the words.

"My little Arslan is falling in love. Shall I start preparing the invitations?"

"Just stop."

> "Shall we name the first child 'Voidling' or 'Shadow Jr.'?"

"I said STOP." Arslan threw a pillow at the wall, even though Kar'Thael couldn't possibly be hit.

> "Fine, fine! But admit it—you're not afraid of being alone anymore, are you?"

Arslan paused.

Then softly, with a smile…

"Not anymore."