Extra's POV: My Obsessive Villainous Fiancee Is The Game's Final Boss-Chapter 38: Homecoming Plans

Ren stood before Knight Commander Arlen, the older man’s gaze assessing him with a mixture of pride and scrutiny.

The battlefield had already been cleared, and all that was left was the aftermath.

The tending of the wounded, the burning of the dead, and the acknowledgment of those who had proven themselves.

Arlen crossed his arms, his expression stern but approving. "You fought well, Terence. Lord Ross will be proud. He sent you here a boy, and in four years, you’ve become a true warrior."

Ren inclined his head in acceptance of the praise. "I only did what was necessary."

Arlen let out a gruff chuckle. "Spoken like someone who’s seen too much of war too young. Still, you have exceeded all expectations. That is something to be proud of."

"Thank you, Commander."

The Rank 5 Knight nodded. "You’ll be returning to the Ross castle in a week’s time. I expect you to carry yourself with the same strength there as you have here."

Ren nodded. "Of course, Commander."

That would be the first time he’d be coming home in four years. At this point, he’d spend more time on the battlefield than he had at home.

But that was for the best. Unfettered Enhancement had pushed him to the fullest that he suspected that if one removed the power of Bloodbinding, he could defeat even Knight Commander Arlen in pure swordplay.

Arlen studied him for a moment longer, then gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "Dismissed. Get some rest. You’ve earned it."

Ren left the commander’s tent, making his way back through the encampment.

The flickering torch light dimly illuminated the muddy ground, and the familiar sounds of sharpening blades and murmured conversations surrounded him.

This had been his home for four years, but soon, he would be returning to where it all started.

When he entered his shared tent, Thorn was already inside, leaning back on his cot with his hands behind his head.

He cracked an eye open as Ren stepped in. "So, you finally got your pat on the head?"

Ren smirked. "Jealous?"

Thorn snorted. "Please. I’d rather keep my head down than be paraded around as the ’golden boy of the Ross family.’"

He sat up, stretching. "Still, it’s weird to think we’re actually leaving. Feels like just yesterday we got here."

Ren pulled up a chair, exhaling as he sank into it. "A lot’s changed."

Thorn nodded. "You’re fifteen now. I’m eighteen. You outrank me, but don’t think that means I’ll start calling you ’sir.’"

Ren chuckled. "Wouldn’t dream of it."

His relationship with Thorn had drifted from lord and guard to very close friends and he was glad for it. At least, there was someone he could openly discuss his plans with.

Thorn leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You’re a Rank 3 Knight now. How does that feel?"

Ren glanced at his right hand, staring at the palm. "Honestly? I don’t feel that different."

"Well, it’s still Rank 3." Thorn yawned. "That puts you in a new league. It won’t be long before I catch up."

"You’re not far." Ren admitted. "But Rank 3 changes things."

They both knew the structure of Bloodbinding by now—had lived it, grown into it.

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"Rank 1 was the start of the journey," Thorn mused. "The ability to create and charge Bloodbound objects. It’s what separates Knights from common soldiers."

Ren nodded. "Rank 2 expanded on that. It gave us a connection to our objects. Even without touching them, we could sense them at all times. We became extensions of our weapons, and they of us."

Thorn smirked. "And now, Rank 3. You can repair your equipment with your own blood or stamina. That’s a game-changer."

Ren flexed his fingers, glancing down at his boots, which showed faint signs of wear. "Well, it’s not just repair."

He could feel it at the back of his mind. "I can feel the… structural integrity of all my blood bound objects."

At the level that they were in, their Bloodbound objects had the same structural integrity as normal objects. If they don’t maintain them, they degrade like anything else.

"With the Rank 3 skill, I can restore my weapons. Slowly. If I keep at it, I can return them to pristine condition."

Thorn leaned back, crossing his arms. "Sounds useful. Try it."

Ren hesitated for a moment before closing his eyes, focusing inward. He could feel the familiar presence of his Bloodbound objects, their essence tied to his own.

Directing his energy, he willed the flow of his blood to mend the minor damages on his boots.

A faint, warm sensation spread through his limbs as the magic activated. The scuff marks faded, the worn leather smoothing out ever so slightly.

But the process drained him faster than he expected. He exhaled sharply, bracing himself against the chair as a wave of exhaustion washed over him.

Thorn raised an eyebrow. "Not as easy as it sounds, huh?"

Ren exhaled. "Takes more stamina than I thought. I’ll have to pace myself."

Thorn grinned. "Probably best, since you’re sneaking off to see Lilith later."

Ren shot him a look. "I’m not sneaking."

Thorn waved a hand. "Call it what you want. Just don’t come crying to me when she’s got you wrapped around her finger."

Ren smirked. "I think it’s the other way around."

Thorn laughed. "Sure, let’s go with that. Now come on, let’s get some supper before you collapse on me."

They exited the tent, walking toward the mess area.

The scent of roasting meat and fresh bread filled the air, a welcome change from the blood-soaked battlefield.

Soldiers laughed and talked, exchanging tales of the recent battle, some exaggerating their kills, others drinking in silence.

They got their food and found somewhere to sit.

As they ate, Thorn leaned over. "So, what’s the plan when you get back? You think your father’s going to throw some grand feast for his prodigal son?"

Ren snorted. "Unlikely. He’ll probably evaluate me, test if I’ve actually improved. Then he’ll focus back on whatever it is he always does."

"But that’s good." Ren grinned. "Because all I need to do is to win his approval."

"And we’ll have his blessing to go to the Capital?"

Ren’s grin morphed into a smirk. "And we’ll have his blessing to go to the Capital."