Snow, after deciding it was time for everyone to wake, quietly took it upon himself to prepare breakfast. The aroma drifted through the house, carrying with it a warmth that drew Lola down the stairs in a rush. She was the first to claim her seat at the table, where the dishes were neatly arranged, while Snow remained standing, making sure everything was perfectly in place.
"You're early, as usual," Lola remarked, eyeing the spread.
"Well, you don't fight on an empty stomach, right?" Snow teased.
"Yeah, yeah," she replied with a grin, reaching toward a perfectly roasted chicken leg—only to have her hand lightly tapped by Snow.
"Wait for the others," he said, wagging his finger in playful disapproval.
"How can you two be up so early?" Clair's voice came from the stairwell. She appeared looking fresh from the shower, hair damp and clinging to her shoulders, dressed casually in an oversized shirt and hotpants.
"You're bold, coming down like that," Lola teased.
"Yeah? Says the girl in a yoga suit," Clair shot back.
"What are you two arguing about this early in the morning?" Theresa asked as she walked in from outside, noticing Clair about to take her seat.
"Wow, you really don't skip your morning training," Lola observed.
"The beach air was refreshing, but I enjoyed the jog more," Theresa replied. She glanced at Snow. "By the way, there are no roads connecting to this little island. How exactly are Lisa and Maria supposed to get here?"
"I see you've already done a perimeter check," Snow said with a feint smile. "Don't worry. I have my own way of bringing them in."
"I see..." Theresa nodded, then joined them at the table.
"Mmm... this is so good," Lola said, her expression a mix of joy and nostalgia, her eyes suspiciously glossy.
"Yikes... could you not embarrass me like that?" Snow muttered, a bit flustered.
"But it's... really good. I missed this," she said softly.
Snow watched her for a moment, silent. He remembered the promise he'd made to his sister—to let go of grudges, to start anew. That included forgiving Lola, giving her a place in his life again, and perhaps... allowing Theresa the chance to form something new with him.
Across the table, Theresa took a bite. Though the food was undeniably delicious, there was a subtle flicker of surprise in her expression—as though what she had expected from Snow's cooking had been different.
"So, what's the plan for today's training?" Clair asked.
"You'll be working with Lisa and Maria," Snow replied.
"Lisa isn't a combatant, though," Clair pointed out.
"Exactly. She still needs some basic battle experience," Snow said.
"And Maria?" Lola asked.
"She's been through plenty of dungeons with Arthur and Ibrahim. She's a support type, but I want to see how she handles herself."
"I see..." Lola murmured.
"What happens if we succeed in training?" Clair asked.
"You sound optimistic, considering it's hopeless to finish in the four months you have left," Snow said with a faint smirk.
Clair fell silent, lips pressing into a line.
"Snow, that's cold," Lola chided.
"Am I?" he asked mildly.
"Yes. She's your fiancée—you should at least be nice," Lola said bluntly.
Snow said nothing for a moment, the wall he'd put up between himself and Clair weighing heavier than he liked to admit. "...I apologize," he said quietly, returning to his meal.
Both Clair and Lola looked at him in mild surprise.
"Yikes. You really are a sis-con," Lola teased, grinning.
"C'mon, Lola..." Snow muttered, embarrassed.
"Yeah, yeah. Eat up, then let's watch TV." She stood, her plate clean, and headed off.
"I'll take a quick shower and be back," Lola called over her shoulder.
"Alright," Clair and Theresa replied in unison.
Theresa finished her meal soon after and excused herself to prepare for training, leaving only Snow and Clair at the table.
Snow's gaze drifted toward her. She ate with quiet grace, every movement deliberate yet natural. In that moment, he noticed—truly noticed—the subtle beauty in her features. Her hair framed her face perfectly, her birthmark and her eyes... they were more captivating than he'd ever allowed himself to admit.
"Do you enjoy staring at ladies?" Clair asked, her gaze sharpening into a stern glare.
"Not really," Snow replied casually. "There are... a few exceptions."
Without elaborating, he rose from his seat, walked over to the fridge, and retrieved a jar of orange juice. Reaching for a glass on the counter, he began to pour.
"Here." He extended the glass toward her.
"You should have shared this with the others," Clair said, still sounding mildly annoyed.
"I know you're upset," Snow replied evenly, "but first—have a sip."
Clair eyed him with suspicion. She couldn't fathom why he would suddenly offer her juice, but she also knew Snow wasn't the type to poison her. Reluctantly, she accepted the glass and took a cautious sip—
—and her eyes widened in shock.
[ +5 DEXTERITY ]
[ +5 STRENGTH ]
[ +5 STAMINA ]
[ +5 MANA ]
[ +5 DEXTERITY ]
[ +5 STRENGTH ]
[ +5 STAMINA ]
[ +5 MANA ]
A radiant glow enveloped her body. Clair could only stare in disbelief as her already maxed-out stats surged beyond their limits. Just a drink... and she had grown stronger.
"Why would you give me such a potion?" she demanded. "You could have shared it with the other girls!"
Snow shook his head. "This was specifically made for you. Even if I gave it to the others, it would taste like nothing more than ordinary juice."
Her expression wavered as he continued. "Although you failed to complete yesterday's training—for reasons I still find... amusing—I don't want to favor you just because you're my fiancée. But I admit I've unintentionally built a wall between us. I became cold. And for that... I sincerely apologize."
"I... see." Clair looked away, embarrassed. "Thank you for your consideration."
"One more thing," Snow added, his tone dipping slightly. "There are matters I can't discuss in front of Theresa. So, I hope you won't bring up certain questions about our future plans when she's around."
"Alright," she agreed.
Snow refilled her glass. "Lola is sharp at things like that so i understand when she does that unknowingly, but you are their leader, your job is to lead them and protect them" snow said
She drank it down without hesitation this time, and once again—her stats rose. Her heart pounded with excitement, but curiosity gnawed at her. Why was Snow suddenly acting this way? and why was he cautioning her towards theresa
"Come with me," he said, extending his hand.
"Where are we going?" Clair asked.
"Just come." Snow took her hand and led her away. With a snap of his fingers, the table cleared itself, and the two ascended the stairs.
When they reached his room, he surprised her by guiding her to sit before the dressing table.
"...Are you going to do my hair?" she asked, unimpressed.
"I wanted to try working with hair like yours," he said with a faint smile, picking up the dryer.
A warm breeze brushed through her strands as he carefully dried her hair, then switched to a straightener. Minutes passed before his hands began weaving her locks into neat braids, his focus steady, his movements practiced. Small ornaments—each gleaming like treasures from a dungeon—were threaded into the braids, catching the light like scattered diamonds.
Through the mirror, she saw his faint smile.
"You're pretty good at this," she admitted.
"I lived with my sister," Snow said softly. "I had to learn."
"I see..." Clair glanced at her reflection again—and blinked in disbelief. She looked stunning.
Snow had braided both sides of her hair, leaving the upper section flowing naturally. A golden hairpin secured everything in place, allowing it to fall gracefully yet remain perfectly arranged.
"Do you like it?" Snow asked.
"..." Clair was momentarily speechless.
"I could change it if it's not to your taste," he said.
"It's perfect," she replied, rising to her feet.
"I see." He smiled awkwardly. "Glad you do like it."
Reaching into his pocket, Snow pulled out two items—his earring and a ring. Without a word, he gently placed the earring on her ear, then slid the ring onto her finger. His expression softened, as though this moment stirred a sense of déjà vu within him.
"Why are you giving me these?" Clair asked, fully aware they were dungeon items.
"The ring contains the guild prototype battle uniform," he explained. "It will automatically suit you up whenever you need it—or even just think about it."
"Although the design's still a prototype," he continued, "I've adjusted it close to the ideal version suitable for you."
"I hope you're not expecting me to wear that veil," she said flatly.
"The veil can transform into a mask if you prefer," Snow replied. "The ring also symbolizes your position in the guild. Yours, specifically, represents the leader—engraved with six stars alongside your class."
"I see... you've really thought out every detail of how the guild should look and operate," Clair said with quiet admiration. "But why give me your earring?"
"You'll know in due time." He smiled faintly.
"I see," she murmured, then stepped forward and embraced him.
"I'm thankful," she whispered, resting her head against his chest. In his arms, she felt safe—until the sudden chime of the doorbell shattered the moment.
"I guess Vivian's here with the others," Snow said.
"Alright, let's go welcome them," Clair replied.
The two made their way downstairs, only to find Lola entering with Vivian, Maria, Lisa, and Aura.
"Aren't you the lucky one, Clair?" Lola said with a grunt.
"You had Snow do your hair?" Aura's voice was tinged with surprise.
"This is different from Ruciel," Maria remarked, clearly impressed by how stunning Clair looked.
"You three don't have to tease her," Snow said with a faint smile.
"Yeah, right—you're doing my hair next," Aura demanded, grabbing his shirt.
"C'mon, sis, you're still recovering!" Snow protested.
"You deserve it though," Lola said with a smirk.
"It's just a hair makeover," Clair interjected.
"I wouldn't say that if I were you," Maria replied. "Do you know how many girls lined up to meet Ruciel just to get her hairstyle back when she was dating Snow?"
"So you were the reason behind that whole fashion trend uproar?" Theresa asked.
"What are you talking about?" Lola frowned.
"Are you referring to Forbes reaching out to Ruciel to feature her hair in their magazine?" Maria asked.
"Well, yeah," Theresa admitted. "It was a lowkey incident, but impossible for women not to notice."
"Are you sure you're not secretly a professional hairstylist?" Theresa asked, still admiring Clair's hair.
"It's just hair," Snow said dismissively, now seated with Aura in front of him so he could start on her makeover.
"I'd believe you... if that weren't clearly false," Theresa said, brushing his words aside.
"Anyway, everyone's here as requested. I'll be taking my leave," Vivian announced, clearly unimpressed after being ignored for most of the visit.
"Ah, thank you so much, Vivian," Snow said, but her expression remained cold—her eyes practically accusing him of being a womanizer surrounded by adoring women.
"What's that look for?" Snow asked.
"Hmph." Vivian turned her face away in disgust.
"See you later, Viv," Aura said.
"See you soon. Please do try to relax, alright?" Vivian replied, her sudden shift in tone catching Snow off guard.
"Unbelievable," he muttered.
"You're being biased," he called after her, but Vivian was already walking away. In response, she casually raised her middle finger before stepping out of the building.
"Pfft." Aura stifled a laugh.
"That's not funny, sis," Snow said, scowling.
"She's just not fair with her emotions," he grumbled.
"Yeah? Says you—the one who's never fair with his," Aura shot back, laughing at him.
"Yeah, you win," Snow sighed, realizing he couldn't refute her.
"Everyone's here, Snow," Lola said.
"Yeah." His gaze swept across the room, landing on each familiar face.
"How are you, Lisa?" he asked, eyes softening.
"I... I'm fine," she replied nervously.
"Shy as always, I see," Aura teased.
"C'mon, Aura, don't tease me," Lisa said, cheeks flushing in embarrassment.
Snow chuckled quietly at her reaction, saying nothing as his attention shifted to Maria.
"You've changed," he said.
"W–what do you mean?" Maria asked cautiously.
"You stopped being cunning and proactive."
Maria froze, caught off guard by how easily he had read her.
"Life not suiting you at the Elohim Guild anymore?" Snow asked.
"The guild wasn't bad," Maria admitted. "But it felt too restrictive. I had to keep taking contract support work for other guilds."
"So you want to be part of a guild that actually acknowledges you as one of its own?" Snow asked.
"You're right," she agreed.
"And that's why you decided my guild was the perfect place to start?"
"I could've gone to Pendragon or Ogun," she said, "but they already have stronger healers than me. I had to pull strings just to get into their groups sometimes—the last time was during the Chronos Avatar incident. My reputation's been in decline, and my growth has stagnated. I just... want to start over."
Snow was silent for a moment, then gave a small nod.
"Then welcome to the guild."
"So... what's the guild's name?" Maria asked.
"Genesis Guild," Snow replied. "A place for those starting from scratch or seeking a new beginning."
"Our training routine will be from eight to six for the next four months," he continued. "Clair has been appointed Guild Leader in my place. She'll take full responsibility when I'm not around. Lola and Lisa will serve as Fifth-Star and Fourth-Star Leaders respectively. Maria, you'll be our Third-Star Leader."
"Could you explain this leader system?" Lola asked.
"Leaders are responsible for certain hunters under their care," Lisa explained before Snow could speak. "Their duty is to ensure the hunters are properly divided into divisions and fulfill their roles according to their leader's assignments."
"So, as a Third-Star Leader, I'd have other hunters assigned under me, and my job is to keep them in line?" Maria clarified.
"Yes," Lisa confirmed.
"And would everyone under me be from all classes, or just one?" Lola asked.
"Take Maria as an example—she's a support class," Lisa explained. "All hunters under her care will also be support class."
"Wouldn't that mess with class harmony?" Theresa asked.
"Not at all," Lisa replied. "Every month, captains will exchange select members with other leaders for joint training. That way, coordination and understanding between classes improve."
"It's a bit confusing, but I think I get it," Theresa said.
Snow leaned toward Aura and whispered, "I'm done, sis." Then he straightened. "With that said, how about we head to the training center?"
"Finally!" Lola said, brimming with energy.
"Slow your horses," Snow said, pausing.
They all watched curiously as he walked to the refrigerator, retrieving bottles in different colors and flavors.
He handed one to each of them—Aura included.
"Enjoy it on the way down," Snow said.
They accepted reluctantly, except for Aura, Lola, and Clair, who drank casually as they stepped into the hidden passage.
------------------------------------
to be continued...