{Exit The Tower}

The familiar sensation hit Ethan.

Then he opened his eyes and immediately red eyes stared back at him.

"Again?"

Elara stood there, watching him, unblinking and silent.

He didn’t even question it anymore and just laughed under his breath.

"Are you really going to do this every day?"

She tilted her head slightly, still observing him keenly.

"Good morning to you, too."

Without another word, he stood and headed straight for the shower.

Cold water hit his skin, sharp and refreshing, washing away the lingering sensation of acid and fatigue.

"Needed that."

Once done, he stepped out, drying himself quickly before getting dressed.

Then, without hesitation, he summoned his beasts one by one.

"Talon."

The Griffling appeared first, sleek and sharp.

Its feathers now carried a faint green hue, subtly shimmering in the light. Meanwhile, its posture was still proud, regal almost, as it stood before him.

Ethan raised his hands, a soft glow forming.

"Beast Mend."

Warm energy flowed into the creature, healing any lingering fatigue or damage.

"You’re getting bigger," Ethan muttered, to which Talon cawed in response.

It was true, and the creature was still evolving.

’Griffling...’ he thought to himself. ’Yeah, you’re definitely heading toward a Griffin.’

Just thinking about commanding and assimilating with a mythical beast made him smirk.

"All I need now is a higher rank Race Crystal and a shit ton of Evolutionary Shards."

Once done, Talon let out a soft cry before disappearing, and Ethan moved on to the next.

"Spark."

The small flame-like creature buzzed into existence, flickering happily as it circled him.

"No damage, as usual," Ethan chuckled.

He still ran Beast Mend anyway, just in case. Then spent a couple of minutes letting it drift around him, the warmth oddly comforting.

Then came the final beast.

"Wolfy."

The moment it appeared, Ethan braced himself.

But it was too late.

The massive Ulfen lunged forward, knocking him flat onto the ground.

"Hey-!"

He groaned as over 300 kilograms, nearly 700 lbs, of muscle and fur pinned him down. Its tongue lolled out as it licked his face enthusiastically.

"I just showered!"

It slobbered all over him as Elara laughed quietly in the background. Ethan groaned again, but despite complaining, he was smiling.

Then, after some effort, he pushed Wolfy off and gave it a firm pat.

"Alright, alright. I missed you, too."

Once done, he dismissed the beast and stood up.

"Let’s go," he said, glancing at Elara.

She nodded.

They headed out, but this time not to train.

’It’s my nephew’s birthday. The first one I’m going to be here for, and I’m going to make it special.’

As such, he needed to buy Adonis a gift.

Despite it being last minute, he had Elara with him, so budget wasn’t an issue, and he was sure they’d find something.

"Your treat, right?" Ethan said shamelessly.

She rolled her eyes, but ended up enjoying herself as she dragged Ethan around a mall. It was her first time going shopping with someone, and even if it was for someone else, it felt like a date.

And all it took for them not to be recognised was for Elara to wear some sunglasses and Ethan to keep his head low.

Then, gift in hand, they made their way to Mark’s family home.

But as they approached, Ethan slowed, spotting someone ominously waiting outside.

"Why today of all days?" he groaned under his breath.

The moment his eyes landed on the hooded figure standing outside Mark’s family home, his mood soured instantly.

He had expected this.

After what had happened the last time, after Mace had been scared off by Elara’s presence, Ethan knew it wasn’t over. People like Mace didn’t just walk away; they circled and waited.

Still...

"To show up here?" Ethan muttered, jaw tightening.

That wasn’t just persistence; it was a message.

A silent threat: "I know where your loved ones reside."

Mace stood there like he owned the pavement, hood pulled low, a ski mask covering most of his face. But even through the layers, Ethan recognised him immediately: the broad frame, the slight hunch in his posture, and most notably, the crooked, mangled nose that still distorted the outline of his mask.

There was no mistaking him.

And the moment Mace’s gaze shifted and locked onto Elara, he stiffened.

Even from a distance, Ethan saw it.

That tiny, involuntary reaction and flicker of fear.

’That bitch really is always with him.’

Mace had been watching, waiting, and trying to catch Ethan alone for the past two weeks. But every time he stepped out of that damned bar, Elara followed him like his shadow.

But that shadow just so happened to be a frightening A Rank.

For a brief moment, Mace’s body language shifted, ready to turn and bolt like he had last time he interacted with her.

But then he hesitated.

’Today’s the last day.’

Whatever it was he needed to say to the blue-eyed man was important enough to risk standing his ground. And to his surprise, it seemed as though he wouldn’t have to deal with Elara.

"Just go on ahead, don’t worry about it," Ethan said calmly, handing Elara the bag containing Adonis’s gift.

She didn’t move immediately; her red eyes flicked between Ethan and Mace, tension clear in her expression.

Even without words, the question was obvious.

*Are you sure?*

Ethan gave a small nod.

"I’ll be fine."

She lingered for a second longer, then slowly nodded back, taking the bag from him.

’He’ll be fine.’

She was sure of that after seeing the three C Rank beasts he could summon at will.

And with the current level of control she had over the demon’s power, she would likely only get in the way here. Her raw strength might surpass Ethan’s in bursts, but her lack of control made her unpredictable.

Elara was a liability.

And if the demon took over here, she was even more so, especially with his Mark’s family home so close. If Sir Demon let loose here, it would be a disaster.

Recognising that, she silently walked towards the house.

Ethan watched her go and knock on the door.

Warm light spilt out along with voices and laughter as she was excitedly ushered inside.

"Hey! You’re here!"

"Where’s Ethan?"

Even from outside, he could hear it all.

Elara paused briefly before pulling out her phone, typing quickly.

"He’ll be coming soon."

The voice, robotic and flat, echoed faintly before the door closed behind her.

Mark noticed something was off instantly, knowing Ethan well enough, but he didn’t push Elara. Meanwhile, outside, the moment the door shut, the atmosphere shifted.

It was cold, sharp, and heavy as Ethan’s eyes locked onto Mace before approaching him slowly and confidently...