CHAPTER 296: CHAPTER 296- CLOSER

The trio emerged from the treeline, the last vestiges of daylight clinging to their forms. The tense atmosphere around the camp immediately shifted as the others rushed to meet them.

"What happened out there? We heard some noises!" Clarissa asked, her voice full of concern.

"Did you find the monster?" Emma chimed in, buzzing with curiosity.

Julian held up a hand, silencing the questions. "A nest of mutated monsters. They’re evolving, becoming more aggressive and capable. They’re even cannibalizing each other’s cores to accelerate the process."

Before the others could process this disturbing news, Aya and Beatrix approached, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and breakthrough. Beatrix held up the dormant area nullifier device.

"We’ve analyzed it," Beatrix began, her voice weary but clear. "The principle is... it’s a type of core, but fundamentally different from anything we’ve seen. It doesn’t generate energy; it creates a field that actively disrupts and neutralizes skill-based energy signatures."

Aya nodded, adding in her soft voice, "It requires a massive amount of energy to activate, far more than a standard monster core provides. And after use, it needs a significant cooldown period to ’recharge’ its disruptive potential. It’s not a weapon you can spam."

Julian listened intently, his mind connecting the dots. "A high energy cost and a long cooldown," he mused. Then, he reached into his Inventory and produced the pitch-black core they had just retrieved. It seemed to suck the fading light from the air around it.

"Then perhaps this will be of interest," he said, handing the dark core to Beatrix. "The monster we fought wielded tangible darkness. This core’s energy signature is aberrant. It feels... dense, potent. See if its unique properties can be applied to the nullifier’s function, or if it presents its own possibilities."

Aya carefully held the pitch-black core, her skilled eyes analyzing its structure. "This... is completely different from a normal core," she murmured, her voice filled with a crafter’s fascination. "The energy isn’t just dense; it’s... cohesive, almost like a solid. If my hypothesis is correct, we could potentially fuse it with a high-quality core during the forging process. It might create a weapon that’s not only incredibly durable but also synergizes with the unique properties of this darkness."

A faint glimmer of interest showed in Julian’s usually impassive eyes, but it was quickly suppressed by pragmatism. "A promising theory," he acknowledged. "But not for tonight. We’re all running on fumes." His gaze swept over the weary group. "Everyone, set up for dinner."

Fey, who was still trying to mentally scrub away the image of the mutating monsters, let out a groan. "How can you even think about food after seeing... all that? You really are built different, and I’m not sure it’s in a good way."

Emma, already rummaging through supplies for something to cook, scoffed without looking up. "That’s exactly why you need to eat, dummy! After all that fighting and running, your body needs fuel! A full stomach fixes everything!" she declared with her typical, boundless energy, already moving to start a fire and completely undeterred by the day’s horrors.

The campfire crackled, casting a warm glow on the group as they settled down with their meals.

Veronica, stretching languidly, broke the silence with a sly smile. "So, who’s accompanying Julian tonight? I think it’s my turn, unless I’ve lost count..."

Emma immediately pointed a finger at her. "Your turn? You were with him just two nights ago, you shrimp-brain! It’s someone else’s turn!"

Fey, who had been quietly observing the exchange, suddenly spoke up, her voice carrying a rare, uncharacteristic hint of vulnerability. "Julian... I want you to hold me tonight too."

Julian paused, his spoon halfway to his mouth. He turned his calm gaze towards her. "Hmm? Is that so? Why the sudden request?"

Fey fidgeted slightly, avoiding direct eye contact. "I’m just... tired. Tired of being treated like an outsider, always suspected of being a spy. I want to feel closer to everyone... to feel like I truly belong here." It was a partial truth, masking a deeper curiosity.

"Don’t rush it," Julian replied, his tone neutral.

Fey misinterpreted his calm response as rejection. Her head snapped up, a flash of indignation in her eyes. "What, am I not attractive enough for you?"

Julian’s eyes swept over her, from her lazy posture to the defiant glint in her gaze. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "On the contrary. You have always been remarkably attractive in my eyes."

A triumphant smirk replaced Fey’s pout. "Good. Then it’s settled. You’re holding me tonight."

Veronica, who was still being scolded by Emma, groaned dramatically. "Hey! Don’t just cut in line, you newbie! Wait for your turn tomorrow!"

Fey shot her a look. "Can’t you be a little accommodating? This is my first time. I want it to be special."

"Liar," Veronica retorted, though without real heat.

Emma, ever the agent of chaos, then turned her attention to Beatrix, who was trying her best to remain absorbed in her book. "Hey, why not Miss Beatrix too? Shouldn’t we celebrate her freedom?"

Beatrix nearly dropped her book. "W-What? Why me?"

Emma grinned. "Eh? Didn’t you say your body now belongs to Julian after he freed you from your shackles?"

Beatrix’s face flushed a deep red. "T-That was a figure of speech regarding my commitment as a worker! Don’t twist my words!"

Veronica chimed in, her voice singsong with teasing. "Aha~! I know for a fact you sometimes listen when the rest of us are... busy with him, Sensei~"

"That is absolutely not true! Don’t spread such embarrassing misunderstandings!" Beatrix protested, hiding her burning face behind her book.

"Enough, all of you," Julian’s voice cut through the banter, calm but firm. "Even if we do it together, it might lack the specialness Fey desires. And Fey," he looked at her, "don’t twist my words either."

Fey simply winked. "Relax. My intention is genuinely to get closer to all of you."

Finally, Julian’s gaze landed on the flustered Beatrix. His voice was softer, leaving no room for pressure. "And Beatrix. I will not force you. Your will is your own."