A full month had passed since the nightmare of the Ice Monster.
Liuke's condition had improved drastically.
His body had slowly rebuilt itself, strength returning to his veins as blood flowed normally once again.
But one thing would never return.
His right arm was gone forever.
The doctors finally signed his discharge papers, and Liuke stepped out into the crisp air.
Yet, a strange emptiness weighed on his heart.
Since the day he woke up… Elysia had never come to see him again.
Liuke stood silently outside the hospital entrance, staring up at the vast blue sky.
"Why… why does she keep appearing in my mind?" he muttered to himself.
"Why didn't she come to see me after I woke up…?"
He let out a long, weary sigh.
"Maybe I was right. Maybe Klane really is the only one who actually cares about me."
Just then, Liuke's instincts flared. He glanced toward a third-floor hospital window.
For a split second… he saw that same shadow again.
Liuke narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp.
"I have a feeling someone sent people to keep an eye on me…"
He shrugged it off, his face turning indifferent.
"Whatever. I don't care. I'm going back to my hotel room."
The mysterious shadow watching him was indeed a member of the Stealth Force.
Hidden behind the glass, the man spoke quietly into a small communicator.
"This is Lime, member of the Stealth Unit, reporting on Subject: Liuke."
"So far, the subject has not displayed any unusual or excessive use of his power."
"He appears to be behaving like a normal soldier who has suffered from Burnout State."
"Report sent to the Solar High Council."
Later that day, Liuke returned to his hotel room.
The moment he entered, he collapsed onto the bed, the silence of the room engulfing him.
For most of the day, he stayed inside.
He scrolled aimlessly through his phone.
He cooked a simple, lonely meal for himself.
He did almost nothing.
Evening slowly arrived, painting the room in shades of orange.
Liuke was lying down, lost in thought, when suddenly—
DING DONG.
The doorbell rang, echoing through the quiet suite. Liuke sat up instantly.
"Who could it be? Klane? Elysia? Or that stalker?"
He walked toward the door, his heart thumping. "Probably Klane…"
He pulled the door open and froze.
Standing in the hallway was Elysia.
Liuke blinked, wondering if his mind was playing tricks on him again.
"E-Elysia? What are you doing here? How did you know I was discharged?"
Elysia offered a faint, hesitant smile.
"I kept contacting the doctors every day to ask about your condition."
She looked away, appearing slightly embarrassed.
"You must think I'm selfish… since I never came to see you in person after that first time."
Liuke quickly shook his head, his voice earnest.
"No, no! You're misunderstanding. I never thought that."
Elysia lowered her gaze, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"The truth is… I couldn't bear to see you like that, Liuke."
"That condition… it hurt too much to watch. That's why I couldn't come back."
"I felt really, really bad for you."
Liuke felt a surge of warmth and gently stepped aside.
"You don't have to stand outside. Come in."
Elysia entered the room, and her eyes widened slightly.
The place was… a complete mess.
Clothes were scattered everywhere. Dirty dishes sat on the table.
Liuke panicked, his face turning a bright shade of red.
"Wait, wait! Just give me two minutes! I'll clean this up and bring you a chair!"
Elysia chuckled softly, the sound like bells in the quiet room.
"It's fine. I won't judge you. You live alone, after all."
Liuke moved like a whirlwind, gathering the scattered items and tidying the space.
He finally brought a chair over for her. "Would you like something to eat?"
Elysia shook her head. "No, I'll eat at home."
"But I actually wanted to ask you something."
Liuke nodded, sitting on the edge of his bed. "Go ahead."
Elysia looked down at his missing arm, her expression softening with sadness.
"Don't you feel sad… about losing your hand?"
Liuke smiled calmly, his voice steady and sincere.
"No. Not at all."
"In fact… I'm happy. If I ever lose my way in life, this will remind me of something."
"It will remind me that I managed to save an innocent person. Even if it cost me my arm."
Elysia looked at him with pure admiration in her eyes.
"You're really strong, Liuke. Truly."
Liuke then asked the question that had been bothering him.
"You had a serious injury in your abdomen. How did you recover so quickly?"
Elysia shook her head, looking just as puzzled.
"I don't know either. The doctor said my abdomen regenerated from that huge wound."
Liuke laughed lightly. "Maybe you really are special. Maybe you're magical, Elysia."
Elysia hesitated for a long moment, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her skirt.
Then she asked quietly, "Liuke… would you go to dinner with me tonight?"
Liuke froze. "D-Dinner?"
He clearly wasn't expecting that.
"There's something important I want to tell you," Elysia continued.
Liuke's heart started racing like a drum. Important?
He swallowed nervously. "If that's what you want… then sure. I'll come."
Inside his mind, a spark of hope flared into a flame.
Maybe… the moment I've been waiting for is finally here.
Elysia smiled softly. "I knew you wouldn't refuse."
"Maybe… today will be the happiest day of my life."
Liuke repeated her words under his breath. "The happiest day…"
Elysia stood up to leave. "I should go home now."
"Let's meet at Shigari Hotel at 9 PM."
Liuke brightened instantly. "Shigari Hotel? The food there is amazing!"
"I've been there alone a few times. This will be fun."
Elysia smiled gently. "Take care, Liuke."
Night – 8 PM.
Liuke stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his collar.
"Today might be the best day of my life," he whispered to his reflection.
"A suit would look perfect for this."
He dressed with care—a high-quality suit and neatly styled hair.
For the first time in weeks, he looked confident. He looked alive.
He arrived at the Shigari Hotel exactly at 9 PM.
Elysia was already there, waiting outside.
She wore a long white skirt and a classy, fitted top.
For a moment, Liuke completely lost himself just looking at her. She looked breathtaking.
He walked toward her, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Hey, Elysia. Let's go inside. And tonight, I want to pay for our dinner."
Elysia shook her head gently. "But Liuke, I arranged this. I want to treat you."
Liuke couldn't argue with that look in her eyes. "Alright… if you insist."
They entered the restaurant and took their seats.
"I'd like us to finish eating first," Elysia said calmly.
"Then I'll tell you the important thing I wanted to say."
Liuke nodded. "Sure. Whatever you prefer."
They began eating, but Liuke's thoughts were far from the food.
"Is this really the same Elysia?" he wondered.
"When we ate sushi before, she couldn't stop talking."
"But now she wants to finish dinner in silence. Maybe she's become more mature…"
Deep inside, Liuke could barely contain his excitement.
He had already convinced himself of the truth.
Elysia was going to confess her love to him tonight.