After two days, Ren (with Kento) and Jerry stood ready for their next training.
Ren (thinking): I'm fully recovered now. But what happened to my body in that fight...? Anyway, I'm alive, and that's enough.
Levina: Okay, today we'll do some cardio—20 rounds around my forest.
Ren's mouth dropped open.
Ren: What?
Levina: Let's go!
They began running: Levina, Ren, Kento, and Jerry, all pushing through the dense forest.
Ren: Uff... uff... (panting)
Ren: Mom, how many rounds left?
Levina: We just finished 5.
Ren & Jerry: Oh nooo... (disappointed)
After 14 rounds—
Levina: The path gets harder now. Stay alert!
Immediately, golems emerged from the trees, attacking Ren and Jerry. Levina vanished into the forest.
Levina (echoing): Come home quickly!
More and more golems appeared.
Ren: Kento, ready?
Kento: Sure. This time I don't need to cover your hand with my scales—I can control it directly now.
Ren smiled.
Jerry and Ren fought side by side, slashing and attacking.
Ren: Eegghh!!
His blade slashed through 3–4 golems at once.
Jerry: Chain Crush!
Her chains wrapped around multiple golems in a circular formation, then she crushed them.
Ren: Ooo wow! Impressive!
Jerry: Hehehe~ (blushes)
Suddenly, another golem snuck up behind Ren.
Jerry: Watch out!!
Before Ren could turn, Kento stabbed the golem in its core.
Kento: Be careful, bro.
Ren nodded.
Then a massive 20-foot golem appeared—clearly the boss.
Ren: Alright... what do we do now?
Jerry: Kento, can you attack from long range?
Kento: Yeah, sure.
Jerry wrapped her chains around Ren's legs and threw him into the air.
Ren: Wait—WHAT?!
Kento: Seirei Dan—7% (Astral Severance)!
A beam-like ray shot from his blade, destroying the golem's head. Jerry uses her chains to shattered its legs, finishing it off.
Ren (falling): Aaaah! Someone save me!
Jerry caught him with her chains and brought him down safely.
Ren: Thanks!
Jerry (nodding): ...
Kento: Thank ME too!
Ren: Oh... Thanks. (grumbling)
Kento: Why so rude?!
Jerry laughed.
They arrived back home.
Ren: Mom, we're home. Done with our exercises!
Levina: Not yet.
Ren: Huh?
Levina: 50 squats, 50 pushups, 30 minutes of mountain climbing, and 200 jumping jacks. More exercises to do.
All three: WHAT?!
—
Hours later, exhausted, Jerry carried Ren in her arms.
Jerry: Mom... we're back... (tired)
They collapsed.
Levina tucked them both into Jerry's bed.
Levina: I'm going to collect medicinal herbs. I've left food and a protein shake for you. Kento's coming with me.
Ren (weakly): Yes, Mom...
Levina left.
—
Two hours passed.
Ren's eyes fluttered open. Something soft rested on his face. He froze.
Jerry, fast asleep, had her chest pressed against his head.
Ren's face turned red.
Ren (thinking): W-What kind of sleeping position is this?!
Carefully, he sat up, embarrassed. He looked at Jerry's peaceful face.
Ren (thinking): She looks... beautiful.
He shook his head to focus, remembered the protein shake, and brought it to her.
Jerry stirred awake.
Ren: You're up. Let's have our protein shakes and eat.
They sat together and began eating.
Jerry: Why were you staring at me while I was asleep?
Ren froze mid-bite.
Ren (thinking): I couldn't say she looked beautiful... but what excuse do I have?!
Jerry: Answer me.
Ren: Hehe... I was looking at the pillow, not you. Hehe...
Jerry: That's the best lie you could come up with?
Ren: No! I swear, I wasn't lying!
Jerry: Tell me the truth!!
She slammed her hand on the table.
Ren (panicking): Aaa... You looked really beautiful sleeping! But I swear, I didn't stare in a pervy way!
Jerry (blushing): O-Okay. Eat your food.
Ren finished quickly and lay on the sofa. Jerry finished eating, saw him there.
Jerry: Ren, sleep on the bed.
Ren (nervously laughing): Haha... I'm fine here.
Jerry: I SAID sleep here!!
Ren, terrified, returned to the bed.
Moments later, Jerry wrapped herself around him completely—arms, legs, everything. Her head rested gently on his back. She breathed steadily, and though Ren was still half asleep, he shifted slightly in her embrace. Neither let go.
They slept peacefully.
—
Hours later, Levina and Kento returned.
Seeing the two together:
Levina: Awwww~
She placed a carpet over them.
Levina: (Time to make another bed...)
—
Two months later...
Ren, Kento, and Jerry stood at the gate.
Ren: Mom, we'll be back soon.
Jerry: Mom, believe us—we won't die that easily.
Kento (tearing up): Bye, Mumma! We'll be back for sure!
Levina (with wet eyes): Come back soon... I'll be waiting.
To Be Continued