Ark Simulator, don't I have no physical form?

Su Rui looked at them, the sharpness in his eyes slowly fading, and he returned to his languid demeanor, sprawling back onto the soft couch and picking up the terminal. "Hmph, it had better be this way," he muttered indistinctly, ignoring them as if he hadn't uttered those murderous words just moments before.

But Enya and Yela knew he wasn't joking. This seemingly lazy and indifferent boy had his own bottom line and... inviolable sore spots deep inside. And they, it seemed... had already been categorized as "one of his own," becoming part of the "territory" he wanted to protect.

This realization warmed Enya's heart and also caused a faint, subtle...gentleness to flash in Yera's cold eyes, a gentleness that even she herself was unaware of.

The "three-person" life in the monastery, after the initial adjustment, testing, and the subtle intimacy brought about by the "special bond" between Suri and Enya, seems to have formed a new, tacit balance. Suri (the snow leopard version) has completely accepted her life as a "domesticated" parasite, Enya enjoys her role as both "owner" and "confidante," and Yera... this icy maid (goddess)'s daily "pet-the-leopard" routine has quietly evolved from "secret" to "blatant," and even... "taking an inch and wanting a mile!"

At first, Yera's intimacy with Suri carried a subtle, almost imperceptible, divine reserve and observation. She would quietly approach when Suri was engrossed in something, and with her fingertips, very gently, tentatively, touch the tips of his slightly trembling, furry ears. Or, while Suri slept, she would stand by the bedside and, with her calloused fingertips, very lightly, with an almost reverent solemnity, comb the softest strand of fur on his tail. The movements were slight, a fleeting touch, as if handling a rare treasure, afraid of disturbing his slumbering dreams.

Most of the time, Suri remained in a state of tacit acceptance, half-asleep. When focused on games or research, he would barely notice the ticklish touch on his ear, or shake his head impatiently, but he wouldn't actually pull away or protest. When fast asleep, he was completely oblivious, even unconsciously grumbling when Yera's fingertips left, as if protesting the cessation of the "service." This tacit acceptance was like a pebble thrown into Yera's cold heart lake, creating ripples and causing her latent yearning for "fuzziness" and "warmth" to erupt like an avalanche, becoming unstoppable.

Thus, Yela's "petting the leopard" behavior gradually escalated, from "dabbling" to "unbridled".

For example, when Suri was curled up on the couch by the fireplace in the afternoon, dozing in the sun and emitting even, soft snores, Yela would no longer be content with simply standing at a distance and watching. She would move a low stool, sit quietly beside the couch, and then… extend her “claws” to begin her “work”—first, with extremely skillful and even pressure, massaging the base of Suri’s ears, feeling the wonderful sensation of the soft cartilage slightly deforming under her fingertips. In her sleep, Suri would subconsciously turn her head, placing more of her ear into Yela’s palm, making satisfied gurgling sounds in her throat, as if enjoying a top-notch spa treatment.

Next, Yera's attention would shift to the bushy tail. With both hands, using an almost professional touch, she would carefully comb and press the tail, inch by inch, following the direction of the fur, starting from the base. She would knead the tip of the tail, feeling its softness and elasticity; she would gently press along the direction of the tailbone, relieving the slight stiffness caused by Suri sitting or curling up for too long. Under this professional "service," Suri's tail would completely relax, softly resting on Yera's knees, even unconsciously and gently wrapping around Yera's wrist, the tip occasionally twitching happily.

Yera would lower her head, her dark eyes fixed intently on the sleeping, defenseless body in her arms, watching the fluffy ears rise and fall gently with each breath, watching the beautiful, silvery-white tail become exceptionally soft and docile under her touch. A barely perceptible, satisfied smile would curve upwards at the corners of her lips. The ice in her cold black eyes would melt away, leaving only a deep, warm tranquility. It seemed that only in moments like these could her age-old, divine loneliness and alienation be dispelled and soothed by this warm, vibrant touch, brimming with life.

Suri usually accepted this level of "service" without hesitation, and even...really enjoyed it? In his sleep, when Yela massaged him to a comfortable spot, he would make louder gurgling sounds, his body completely relaxed, like a pool of melting snow, letting Yela do as she pleased. Occasionally, in his drowsy state, he would rub his head against Yela's palm or press his cheek against the cool back of her hand, seeking even more comfort. Whenever this happened, Yela's heart would soften completely, and an indescribable sense of satisfaction, akin to "possessing" and "being needed," would fill her chest.

However, Yera's desire to pet the leopard seems endless. When Suri is awake, especially when he is bored or in a good mood and not completely immersed in his own world, Yera will also... "seize the opportunity" to engage in some more "interactive" petting behavior.

For example, when Suri is curled up on the sofa, listlessly switching between terminal screens, unable to muster any interest in anything, Yela will "just happen" to pass by. She will very naturally, as if it were just a casual gesture, reach out and grab Suri's large tail, which is dangling unconsciously from the sofa armrest, and then... begin her "daily work"—brushing, pressing, and smoothing the tangled fur... Her movements are fluid and natural, as if this is one of her daily job duties.

At first, Suri would click his tongue or glare at her irritably, his eyes accusing her of "You're doing it again!" But Yera usually remained expressionless, her dark eyes calmly meeting his gaze, her hands moving without slowing down. Suri would struggle a couple of times, finding it futile to break free (Yera's strength was astonishing), while the professionally applied pressure from her tail was undeniably comfortable... He would usually... roll his eyes, and with a resigned snort, "...Whatever." Then he would continue to lie there, letting Yera "serve" him, though his furry ears would twitch slightly back and his tail would stiffen a little, showing his "unwillingness" and "forced service."

Volume 18, Chapter 1138: Breathing!

But Yera could keenly sense that Suri's tension would slowly dissipate under her sustained, perfectly timed massage; her tail would soften again, and even... unconsciously and gently curl around her wrist. She knew that this little guy, though saying no, was being very honest with his body.

For example, when Suri is in a good mood, perhaps even because he's finished a game or seen something interesting, and a barely perceptible smile appears on his lips, Yera will "just in time" appear beside him, and then... very naturally, lightly scratch his chin with her fingertips, or knead the soft flesh of the back of his neck. These are, besides his ears and tail, another... extremely sensitive and pleasurable area on Suri's (snow leopard version) body!

Every time Suri was touched there, his body would stiffen abruptly, and then… a strange sensation, a mixture of tingling and comfort, would instantly spread throughout his body! He would instinctively, like a real cat, raise his chin, letting out an uncontrollable, pleasurable purr! His eyes would become hazy and relaxed! Although this state usually only lasted a few seconds, he would suddenly snap out of it, then, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his face flushed, he would slap Yella's hand away and growl angrily, "...Don't touch there! You bastard!"

But Yera had already withdrawn her hand with satisfaction, a subtle, triumphant smile flashing deep in her dark eyes. She knew that while Suri's flustered appearance was amusing, it was that momentary, unguarded, cat-like relaxation and pleasure that she truly wanted to see. That posture of complete trust, of surrendering one's vulnerability, filled her cold heart with an unprecedented and strange sense of satisfaction.

However, Yela's grand project of "petting the leopard" finally reached the limit of Su Rui's "paper-thin" patience one day.

It was a peaceful afternoon. Su Rui had just finished a thrilling (virtual) battle and was in a good mood, lounging lazily on the soft couch, casually scrolling through the news on his terminal. Yela finished her chores, quietly walked to his side, sat down very naturally, and then... began her routine "relaxation massage."

At first, Suri just gave a perfunctory "humph" and let her do as she pleased. Yera's technique was indeed professional; the way she kneaded his ears and combed his tail made him feel so comfortable that he almost fell asleep. He even somewhat enjoyed the feeling of being "served."

But gradually, Yera seemed to get a little carried away. She was no longer satisfied with the usual massage and began… to “go further”! Her fingers began to linger restlessly on Suri’s ears, sometimes gently pinching and rubbing the ear tips, sometimes scratching the softest part of the inner ear with her nails, and even… trying to knead the extremely sensitive area behind Suri’s ears, the area covered in fine downy hair!

Suri's ears perked up instantly, turning bright red! A strong, tingling, itchy, and...indescribable sensation surged through his body like an electric current! He shuddered violently, letting out a short, nasal gasp from deep within his throat: "...Mmm!"

That wasn't all! Yela's other hand started "messing around" with his tail! It wasn't just grooming anymore; it began gently scratching the base of his tail with its fingers! Even... it used its fingertips, extremely slowly and with a sense of exploration, to press down segment by segment along the direction of the tailbone! The feeling was simply... agonizing!

"!!!" Suri's fur (though only his ears and tail had fur) almost stood on end! He sprang up from the soft couch like a cat whose tail had been stepped on! The terminal fell to the carpet with a "thud"! His face flushed red, and his obsidian eyes were filled with shame, anger, and... a hint of panic! He turned around and glared at Yella, his chest heaving slightly from the intense emotions surging within him.

"You...you've had enough!" Su Rui's voice trembled with agitation. He pointed at his bright red ears and bristling tail, gritting his teeth and growling, "Touching it is one thing! But what...what are you doing?! Pinching and squeezing it! When will this end! It's so annoying!"

He was so angry that his tail stood on end, the hairs at the tip standing out clearly, making him look like a large, bristling feather duster. He glared at Yela with fierce eyes, but combined with his flushed cheeks, his fluffy ears trembling slightly with excitement, and his upright, unusually bushy tail... this "fierce" appearance, in Yela's eyes, was not intimidating at all, but rather... full of an indescribable, vivid... cuteness?

Yes, it's just adorable! That kind of petulant, furious yet helpless look, like a little animal that's been teased until it bristles, simply... touched a hidden, incredibly soft spot in Yela's heart!

In Yela's dark eyes, the icy light instantly melted away, replaced by a light that was extremely rare, brimming with intense interest and...doting? She looked at Su Rui's "fierce" appearance, and the corners of her mouth curved upwards in a much more pronounced arc than usual. She didn't speak, but simply watched Su Rui quietly and with great interest, her gaze...like that of someone watching a kitten that had been provoked and was hissing at her, but was helpless due to the difference in size and strength!

"What...what are you looking at!" Suri felt uneasy under Yella's strange gaze, and his anger flared even more. He felt severely offended! This icy maid, usually so quiet, was so ruthless with her hands (claws?)! And...and she looked at him like that! It was simply...outrageous!

Overwhelmed by anger and shame, Suri did something... in retrospect, something so childish it would make him want to crawl into a hole in the ground—he took a deep breath, and then... facing Yera's face, like a taunted kitten trying to scare away an enemy, he bared his teeth and let out a threatening, yet somewhat distorted, feline warning... sound, delivered with such haste and force.

"ha--!!!"

The air froze instantly.

Yela: "…………"

Suri: "…………"

Suri himself was stunned. What had he just done?! He hissed like a cat?! At Yera?! At this icy-faced maid with (suspected) unfathomable divine power?! He must have been furious! He must have been!

A wave of overwhelming shame washed over him, instantly drowning out his anger. Suri's face flushed crimson from his ears to his neck, even his exposed collarbone turning a pale pink. He abruptly took a step back, wishing he could disappear into the ground! His tail tucked tightly behind him, and his ears drooped completely, giving him a look of utter despair and utter utter utter disbelief.

Volume 18, Chapter 1139: Yera can laugh.

And Yela...

After a brief moment of stunned silence, a crack finally appeared on Yela's perpetually icy face! Looking at Suri's pitiful, furry, bristling, and huddled-up state—a look of utter shame and indignation, wishing he could disappear on the spot—the interest and doting in her dark eyes instantly ignited like a wildfire, transforming into…bright, undisguised…joy and…love?!

"Pfft-"

A very faint yet exceptionally clear laugh escaped from Yela's tightly pursed lips! Although she immediately pursed her lips, the curve of her eyes and the almost overflowing smile in them completely betrayed her!

She...she smiled?! That ice-cold, expressionless, perpetually poker-faced Yela actually...smiled?! And she herself...made her laugh?!

Suri felt like his face was burning hot enough to fry an egg! He wanted to die! Immediately! Right now!

"What...what are you laughing at!" Su Rui shouted, her voice trembling with shame and lacking any real force.

Yera didn't answer, but the smile in her eyes deepened. She took a step forward, ignoring Surina's utterly intimidating breath and warning, and reached out, with a clear purpose... to pinch Surina's soft, furry snow leopard ears, which were drooping completely in shame!

This time, her movements were no longer a massage, but... a kneading motion that was almost "ravaging," yet with controlled force! She even mischievously used her fingertips to gently scratch the sensitive area behind Su Rui's ear that had just caused him to react so intensely!

"Ugh—!" Suri's body trembled violently, letting out a short, tearful whimper. He tried desperately to dodge, but Yella's hand was like an iron clamp, rendering him immobile. He could only flail his arms and legs in vain, like a cat whose scruff of the neck had been pinched, his face flushed red, emitting muffled, protesting gurgling sounds from his throat, but... that sound... it sounded like... a whim?!

"Stop...stop pinching!...Let go!...Bastard!...Ah...stop...it tickles..." Suri's voice grew softer and softer, finally turning into a weak, nasal plea for mercy. He completely gave up resisting, collapsing into Yella's arms, burying his face in Yella's shoulder in despair, leaving only his bright red ears and slightly trembling tail tip exposed, revealing his shame and...his inescapable embarrassment.

Yera felt the slight trembling of the boy in her arms and his warm breath, inhaling the fresh scent of his hair. A smile almost overflowed from her dark eyes. She lowered her head and, in a voice only the two of them could hear, whispered in her cold, deep voice near Suri's flushed ear:

"...So cute."

Suri: "!!!"

He felt his brain explode and completely shut down! All the blood rushed to his head! His ears felt like they were burning! He jerked out of Yela's arms like a startled rabbit, and without looking back, he scrambled back to his room, slamming the door shut with a bang, the sound of it being locked coming from the inside!

Yera stood there, looking at the closed door, then looked down at her hand that had just "misbehaved." The smile in her dark eyes slowly faded, transforming into a deep tenderness and...satisfaction that even she herself didn't realize. She raised her hand and gently stroked her fingertips, as if she could still feel the soft, warm touch from just now.

"Looks like... I'll have to be a little more 'careful' from now on," Yera muttered to herself, a faint but real smile playing on her lips. But was this "carefulness" simply "restraint," or... a more blatant form of "teasing" him without truly provoking him? Only Yera herself probably knew.

Inside the room, Suri buried himself under the covers, his ears and cheeks burning hot. His mind was filled with Yera's words, "So cute!" and the undisguised smile and...doting affection in her eyes! And his own embarrassing breath!

“Damn it!...Bastard!...Next time...Next time you dare to do this again...I...I'll...I'll..." Suri thought through gritted teeth, but couldn't think of any effective way to retaliate against Yera. In the end, he could only give up, cover his face with a pillow, and let out a frustrated, muffled growl.

"Ugh! This is so embarrassing!!!"

It seems that Yera's "pet-the-leopard" career, under Suri's "indulgence" and "tacit approval," is racing headlong in an increasingly "dangerous" (for Suri) yet... increasingly "interesting" (for Yera). And Suri's already dwindling "dignity" and "bottom line," under Yera's "claws" and the brutal blow of that "So cute," seem to have... shattered into pieces?

The afternoon farce, sparked by Yera's "petting the leopard" and ending with Suri (the snow leopard version) angrily "hissing" and fleeing in disarray, was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake; the ripples had quietly dissipated by dinnertime. Suri locked himself in his room and sulked for a while, but ultimately succumbed to hunger (and the aroma of his favorite salty grilled fish and vegetable soup, which Yera had placed outside the door on time). He walked out of the room with a stern face, ignoring Yera's nonchalant, as if nothing had happened (but the lingering smile in her eyes only fueled Suri's anger!), giving her a fierce glare before burying his head in his food, demonstrating with his actions, "I'm still angry, don't mess with me."

Enya observed the silent, somewhat childish standoff between the two, finding it both amusing and exasperating. She knew Yera was doing it on purpose, but also understood that Yera knew her limits and wouldn't truly anger Suri. Suri's awkward "I'm so fierce" yet utterly intimidating demeanor only evoked Enya's tenderness. The dinner atmosphere, subtly blending the aromas of food, the crunching sounds of Suri chewing, and the occasional knowing glances exchanged between Enya and Yera, passed relatively peacefully.

However, this rare moment of peace after dinner was soon shattered.

A secret letter, delivered urgently by a special messenger from the foot of the mountain, was quietly placed on Enya's desk by Yela. The letter's seal bore an exquisite double-axe cross emblem, representing the Shivaish family.

When Enya saw the emblem, her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. She put down her herbal tea, picked up a letter opener, and carefully peeled back the wax seal. The letter was on fine parchment, the handwriting delicate yet slightly hurried, clearly indicating that the writer was not at peace.

Volume 18, Chapter 1140: Su Rui Wants to Go Out

Enya's gaze swept quickly across the contents of the letter. The relaxed smile that had lingered during dinner in her lake-blue eyes melted away like thin snow in the sunlight, replaced by a mixture of worry, helplessness, and... a hint of cold understanding.

The flickering firelight from the fireplace in the meditation room illuminated her face, making her expression appear somewhat uncertain. Her fingers, holding the letter, tightened slightly, her knuckles turning white.

Like the most perceptive shadow, Yera immediately noticed Enya's change in mood. She silently took a step closer, her dark eyes calmly looking at Enya. Although she didn't ask any questions, her eyes conveyed the message of "whether or not to take action."

Suri, who had been nestled on the soft couch, clutching his terminal and trying to forget the afternoon's "humiliation" with intense gaming, also keenly sensed the genuine gravity that permeated the air, unlike the earlier "farce." He put down his terminal, looked up, and his obsidian-like eyes turned to Enya, his furry ears perking up alertly, capturing every subtle change in the air.

"What's wrong?" Su Rui's voice broke the silence, carrying a hint of...concern? Although her tone remained calm.

Enya took a deep breath, as if to expel the pent-up frustration and chill from her chest. She put down the letter, looked up at Suri and Yera, and forced a bitter smile: "It's news from down the mountain... the Shivaesh family... my brother seems... not to be waiting any longer."

Her voice was soft, yet it carried a heavy weight, like the calm before a storm.

“The letter said,” Enya continued, her tone calm, but a complex emotion surging deep within her eyes, “that Silver Grey—my brother Enciodes—has begun gathering people and setting up temporary camps in the area near the Blanto family’s traditional hunting grounds and the Perroch family’s grazing routes, under the pretext of ‘exploring mineral veins and ensuring resource security.’ The movements were swift and… forceful. Although no direct conflict has occurred, the atmosphere… is already extremely tense. The Blanto and Perroch families are clearly angered by this action and, I’ve heard, are also secretly mobilizing manpower and strengthening their defenses.”

“And…” Enya paused, her gaze falling on the end of the letter, a genuine worry flashing in her lake-blue eyes, “The letter was delivered at great risk by an old acquaintance of mine at the Shivaesh family. She said… SilverAsh seems to be… dissatisfied with the Holy Maiden Temple (referring to Enya’s stance and attitude) for not yet clearly expressing its support for the Shivaesh family. He might… try to put some… pressure on the Holy Mountain.”

Applying pressure? Su Rui's dark eyes narrowed instantly, a cold, sharp glint flashing within them. He sat up straight, his bushy tail unconsciously taut, the tip gently patting the soft couch. "What does he want?" Su Rui's voice deepened, carrying a predator's dangerous aura.

“I’m not sure.” Enya shook her head, her worry deepening. “He might send someone to ‘petition,’ or he might… use public opinion, or… a more direct approach. SilverAsh… he’s always ruthless in his actions, willing to use anything to achieve his goals. I’m worried… he might use… Enya.”

When the name "Ensia" was mentioned, Ensia's voice trembled slightly, her eyes filled with undisguised worry and heartache for her younger sister. "Ensia... she's too kind, and too naive. She's always respected and loved her brother SilverAsh, but she doesn't know the true nature beneath his gentle exterior. I'm worried... SilverAsh will take advantage of Ensia's trust in him, making her do or say things that... might influence the Holy Mountain's judgment, or... force me to take a stand."

Enya's concerns were not unfounded. When faced with family interests, kinship can sometimes be used as a bargaining chip. This is especially true for ambitious individuals like SilverAsh who believe in the supremacy of power.

As Suri listened, his brow furrowed deeper and deeper. Although he didn't have a good impression of the Shivaish family (mainly because of Enya's description) and had little interest in the squirrels and bears' squabbles down the mountain, he sensed the deep, genuine concern and worry Enya had for her sister. This slightly shook his initial "it's none of my business" attitude.

Looking at Enya's worried yet powerless expression—a look of helplessness stemming from her saintly status and principles, preventing her from directly intervening and leaving her only able to passively wait—a strange urge to do something surged within him once more. Just like before, he couldn't help but make tea for her and clean her house.

“That SilverAsh…” Su Rui began, her voice tinged with coldness, “is he troublesome?”

“It’s very troublesome,” Enya said with a wry smile. “He is one of the most ambitious and cunning people I have ever met. He will stop at nothing to revive the Shivaesh family. My leaving the family was largely… to avoid him.”

Suri was silent for a few seconds, his dark eyes flashing as if he were quickly thinking about something. Then, he looked up at Enya, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable determination:

"Since you're so worried about your sister... I'll go down the mountain to check on her."

Upon hearing this, Enya and Yela were both stunned!

Enya looked up abruptly, her lake-blue eyes filled with shock and disbelief: "Suri? You... what did you say? You're going down the mountain? No! That's too dangerous!"

Yera's dark eyes sharpened instantly, locking onto Suri. Although she didn't speak, her suddenly tense body and the silent pressure emanating from her fully expressed her opposition.

“Danger?” Suri raised an eyebrow, his face showing an almost disdainful expression. “What danger could there be? It’s just a bunch of people arguing over ore and land… um, ‘Squirrel,’ ‘Bear,’ and one… troublesome ‘SilverAsh.’” He used the same words Enya had used to describe him, his tone light, as if he were talking about something trivial. “I’m not going to fight them. I’m just… going to check the situation, to make sure your sister is safe. And while I’m at it… to see what SilverAsh is up to.”

He paused, then added with an air of self-assured confidence: "I'm fast and stealthy. They can't find me." This wasn't boasting. With his past experience as a top executor—his stealth, reconnaissance, and counter-reconnaissance skills—infiltrating a family settlement lacking modern security without resorting to force was not difficult. Moreover, he now possessed ears capable of picking up the slightest sounds and a large tail that helped him maintain balance and concealment in the snow and forests (though he might not have thought so himself).

Volume 18, Chapter 1141: She was worried

"No!" Enya's reaction was unusually strong. She almost immediately stood up from her chair, rushed to Su Rui, squatted down, and tightly grasped Su Rui's arms with both hands. Her lake-blue eyes were filled with anxiety and... a hint of barely perceptible fear. "Su Rui, you don't understand SilverAsh! He... he's much more dangerous than you think! He also has capable people around him! And the situation down the mountain is complicated. The three major families are watching each other. You're a stranger, and... like this," she pointed to Su Rui's fluffy ears and tail, "you're too conspicuous! What if you're discovered? What if SilverAsh is hostile to you? I... I can't let you take such a risk!"

Her words were filled with worry, even tinged with a sob. Su Rui was someone she had "picked up" from the void; she had carefully nurtured him, watching him grow from weakness to recovery, from wariness to affection—a "little snow leopard." In her heart, Su Rui was already more important than blood relatives. She couldn't imagine how she would bear it if Su Rui had to leave the mountain because of her family's situation and encountered some misfortune.

“I…” Su Rui opened his mouth, wanting to say that he wasn’t that weak, but looking at En Ya’s tearful, pleading eyes, he swallowed the words back. He could feel the strength of En Ya’s grip on his arm, and he could feel the trembling and coldness of her fingertips. She was really… afraid, worried about him.

A strange feeling, mixed with helplessness, warmth, and... a touch of bewilderment, welled up in Su Rui's heart. He... seemed a little unaccustomed to being worried about so... so intensely and without reservation.

“Suri,” Enya’s voice softened, tinged with pleading. She released one hand and gently stroked Suri’s cheek, her fingertips damp with a cool sheen (were they tears?). “I know you mean well, and you’re worried about Enya. But… please, don’t act for now, okay? Let’s see how things go. SilverAsh’s actions might not actually threaten Enya. Maybe… maybe there’s still room for maneuver. Besides, Yera will send people down the mountain to investigate, won’t she, Yera?”

Enya turned to look at Yera, her eyes filled with pleading and... a barely perceptible hint of hoping Yera would help dissuade her.

Yera stood there silently, her dark eyes unreadable. But after her gaze shifted between Su Rui and Enya for a moment, she finally nodded almost imperceptibly to Enya and said in a deep voice, "I will arrange for reliable people to closely monitor the situation down the mountain, especially... Miss Enya's situation."

This was a promise, and also a kind of indirect rejection of Suri's proposal. Yera also disapproved of Suri's hasty descent down the mountain. Not only because of the danger, but also because... Suri's significance to her, to Enya, and to this sacred mountain had long since changed. She would never allow him to take such a risk lightly.

Seeing Enya on the verge of tears, and glancing at Yera's silent yet unwavering gaze, Suri's impulse to "help" vanished instantly, as if doused with cold water. He irritably scratched his silver hair, his ears drooping slightly in frustration.

"...Alright, alright, stop crying." Su Rui's voice was muffled, with a hint of impatience, but his tone softened. "Fine, I won't go then. It's so annoying." He turned his face away, not wanting to look at En Ya's tearful appearance, but his body relaxed, letting En Ya hold his arm.

Enya breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Su Rui agree, but the worry in her eyes hadn't completely disappeared. She reached out and gently pulled Su Rui into her arms, patting his back softly like comforting a frightened child, her voice gentle yet undeniably firm: "Su Rui, you must remember, your safety is more important to me than anything else. I'll figure out what to do down the mountain. You just... stay here with me, that's all, okay?"

A warm, soft body, carrying a familiar fragrance, enveloped Suri. He could feel Enya's slight trembling and her deep, undeniable love. He stiffened for a moment, but ultimately did not push her away. He only let out a barely audible, muffled murmur in response.

Yera stood to the side, watching Enya hold Suri tightly in her arms. Seeing Suri's awkward yet non-resistant posture, a complex emotion flickered deep in her dark eyes. There was a resonance with Enya's feelings, satisfaction with Suri's "obedience," and... a subtle touch of emotion she herself hadn't even noticed—a touch of something more profound about the scene of their embrace.

But soon, her gaze turned cold and sharp again as she looked out the window at the pitch-black night of the snow-capped mountains, a night that seemed capable of swallowing all light. Silver Grey… the Shivaish family… the undercurrents below the mountain had already reached the foot of the sacred mountain. Whether Suri descended the mountain or not, a storm seemed inevitable. And she had to be fully prepared to protect this pure land, to protect… everything she cherished.

Suri was held in Enya's arms, his cheek pressed against her soft fabric, her reassuring scent lingering in his nostrils. He closed his eyes, the frustration of being unable to "move" gradually replaced by a strange tranquility. But at the same time, a vague thought quietly flashed through his mind: if things really came to a head, if Enya and Yera couldn't handle it... then perhaps... he would still do something. After all, this was his "home," and Enya and Yera were the only people in this world who were willing to care for and protect him in such an awkward yet sincere way.

He shifted slightly, finding a more comfortable position in Enya's arms. His tail unconsciously curled up and gently rested on Enya's leg.

"I know...you're so nagging." He mumbled indistinctly, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible.

Night, like the thickest ink, spilled across Mount Kjerag, swallowing the snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and the solitary monastery. A fierce wind howled outside the window, swirling fine snowflakes that pounded against the ancient stone walls with a mournful sound. The fire in the fireplace had long since burned out, leaving only dark red ashes that emitted a final, faint warmth.

The meditation room was completely silent. Only the sound of wind and snow outside the window, and… three intertwined, steady, and drawn-out breaths could be heard.

Enya lay on her side on the large bed, her long, silvery-white hair spread out on the pillow, gleaming softly in the dim light reflecting off the snow outside the window. She slept soundly, and the worry that had clouded her brow during the day due to the conflict down the mountain seemed to have faded somewhat in her sleep.

Volume 18, Chapter 1142: Yera: I see you.

Enya's arms remained in the same position as before she fell asleep, gently and possessively embracing the silver-haired boy in her arms.

Suri (the snow leopard version) nestled in Enya's arms, his head resting on her arm, his body enveloped in the warm blankets and the comforting scent emanating from her. His eyes were closed, his breathing even, and his fluffy snow leopard ears twitched slightly, unconsciously, as if trying to catch sounds in his dreams. He seemed to be sleeping as soundly as Enya.

However, just as another gust of wind violently slammed against the window with a muffled crash, Su Rui's tightly closed dark eyes suddenly opened! There was no trace of sleepiness in her eyes, only a clear and sharp glint!