In the heart of Eastern Dam, Jack drove a luxurious SUV into the city. Lupus sat beside him in the front passenger seat, while Frain, Lumie, and Lumus chattered excitedly in the back.

  As they cruised through the main streets, Jack swept his eyes over the towering buildings.

  "Aurelia wasn’t exaggerating… Lunarius Canis really did rebuild this city beyond its former glory."

  What was once a ruined metropolis had been transformed. The skyline was now adorned with a seamless blend of ancient and contemporary architecture, creating a striking aesthetic.

  "Only a week has passed. The power of Lunarius is both awesome and terrifying, isn’t it?" Lupus asked, her voice soft with admiration.

  Sculptures and statues of gods and goddesses lined the streets, adding an air of grandeur to the city.

  "Yeah, so many landmarks now. Travellers are going to love it when they visit Eastern Dam!" Jack remarked to Lupus.

  Lupus, dressed in a dark blue, form-fitting gown, gracefully adjusted her skirt as it brushed against her ankles. Her high heels brought her height to match Jack’s, and on her ring finger, she proudly wore his ring — a symbol of their bond. He had noticed she had never once removed it since the day he proposed.

  Jack brought the car to a stop in front of a two-story restaurant. The venue was bustling, with people gathered at the entrance, their laughter and chatter carrying through the evening air.

  Four Armatus suits stood stationed by the entrance — a clear display of both security and power.

  After handing his keys to the valet, Jack and Lupus made their way toward the entrance. Jack had chosen a dark navy suit to match her, and behind them, Frain and the bunny twins followed, their eyes brimming with curiosity.

  A rough, unmistakable voice called out from behind.

  "Looking sharp, you two!"

  Jack turned to find Rhok Wagner, the former Gold Knight, still clad in his armour.

  He frowned. "Why aren’t you in a suit? You’re not joining us?"

  Rhok shook his head. "No, I’m on security duty, making sure the perimeter is secure. Hence the Armatus." He gestured toward the massive, ten-metre-tall machine standing like a silent guardian.

  Jack clasped his friend’s shoulder. "Thank you, brother."

  "Go have fun for me too. I’ll be stuck here babysitting that rookie." Rhok gestured over his shoulder at Steve, the former Copper Knight, who immediately snapped into a military ‘at ease’ stance.

  Jack raised an eyebrow at Rhok. "Did you set him up again?"

  Rhok didn’t answer. He just chuckled.

  Jack’s gaze darkened with thought. "They’re not joining the celebration… I wonder if they’re still carrying the guilt of their empire. Maybe they feel like they don’t deserve to enjoy..."

  Beside them, a familiar voice chimed in.

  "Well, look who it is."

  Jack turned to see Hein, the shop owner, approaching with his usual easy-going smile. His signature cap was gone, replaced by a neatly tied ponytail. Unexpectedly, he was dressed to impress, wearing a dark crimson suit that gave him an air of charisma.

  "Jack. Lupus." Hein greeted them with exaggerated politeness.

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  Lumus dipped into a small bow. "Hi, Hein! Nice to see you without that ragged jumpsuit for once!"

  Hein chuckled. "Thank you. Shall we go in?"

  Jack nodded, placing a hand gently on Lupus’s lower back. "Shall we?"

  Before he could turn to check on the kids, Lupus giggled mischievously.

  "They already went in, Jack. Old people’s conversation bores them."

  Jack blinked in surprise.

  Hein scoffed. "Old?" He raised an eyebrow but continued walking toward the entrance.

  As they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.

  Soft pop music played in the background, growing louder as they moved deeper into the venue. Conversations blended into a lively hum, filling the space with warmth and joy.

  At one corner table, Frain was seated among the Hoffmann mages, seemingly engaged in yet another food contest.

  Seated nearby, Aurelia, her prime guardian, and David’s crew sat together. Triss and her Novitcius mages joined them at the table, their demeanour as reserved as one would expect of the Virgo mages.

  Jack immediately noticed David’s flushed face and chuckled.

  "Eh? How long has he been drinking?" Jack asked, wrapping Lupus’s arm around his.

  Lupus scanned the venue, then answered casually. "I don’t know, but the bar’s been open since 10 AM."

  Jack smirked. "So… since 10 AM, then." He knew his friend too well — David never passed up a free bar.

  Two graceful figures approached.

  Magistrate Petra and Ludwig, dressed in regal attire, glided through the crowd with glasses of champagne in hand.

  "Ohhhh, Lupus!" Petra enveloped her daughter in a tight embrace. “I’m so sorry, I haven’t had the time for you, dear.”

  Meanwhile, Ludwig turned to Jack and Hein. "Jack, apologies — I couldn’t get Jazz for the night. There was a special request."

  Jack waved a hand dismissively. "It’s fine, sir. Pop is nice too."

  Ludwig nodded, then glanced at Hein. "You’re looking sharp tonight, Hein. Out to impress someone?"

  Hein let out a hearty laugh. "I’m not a womaniser like you, Ludwig."

  Ludwig smirked. "I’ve washed my hands of that life." He raised both hands in surrender.

  Petra smiled warmly. "You all must be starving. Let’s head upstairs."

  They followed her up to the second floor, where the air was lighter and less crowded. The open floor plan made the space feel grand, and the large round table they were led to overlooked the illuminated city skyline — one of the best views in the venue.

  A familiar bunny Wildren was already waiting for them.

  Lunice Hoffmann, the eldest Hoffmann daughter, waved energetically. She was draped in a crimson dress that revealed her delicate shoulders and collarbones. Her silver hair curled at the tips, framing her alluring, seductive gaze — one that could captivate both men and women alike. The Hoffmann bloodline truly carried a legacy of beauty.

  Once everyone was seated, the waitstaff began serving.

  Roasted chicken, sausages, seafood boils, sashimi platters — each dish looked mouthwatering.

  Petra placed a gentle hand on Jack’s. "Jack, you haven’t ordered a drink yet. What would you like? Wine? Ale? A cocktail? Don’t be shy, dear."

  Jack thought for a moment. "Maybe… something refreshing? A Mojito?"

  Petra beamed. "Excellent choice! Waitress!" She called over the server to order for him.

  As the night continued, the atmosphere buzzed with energy.

  Petra admired the city’s architecture, captivated by Canis’s vision. Meanwhile, Hein rambled endlessly about optimising Armatus production and his near-breakthrough in decoding the Arcanite disruptor’s blueprints.

  Then, an upbeat melody drifted through the speakers.

  "Yaaaa yaaa yaaaa daaaaa, I am so lonely, I am broken heart. Call me a heartless man! Hammers didn’t have a gem but grace, this town ain’t yeah! But I don’t care. But nothing could change me into a wolf… But I’m a lone wolf!"

  Jack scowled. "What in the hell am I listening to…?"

  It wasn’t bad, but it definitely wasn’t good.

  Then… something felt off.

  A lingering presence. Someone watching him.

  Jack subtly swept his gaze around — until he saw her.

  A woman.

  Not just any woman.

  His breath hitched. "…Elenore."

  His vision distorted. The party’s noise faded into nothingness.

  His world froze.

  She sat at a table nearby, her beauty untouched by time.

  His heart skipped a beat.

  Cold sweat formed on his forehead.

  His hands trembled.