Lin Lu sighed as he watched the con artist vanish from this world. Though some resentment lingered in his chest, resignation settled over him like a shroud - the Absolute Defense of Starlight Avenue was an unassailable barrier no amount of determination could breach.

Yet two pieces of information from Ling Yi's parting words ignited new resolve: six other Walkers had formed an alliance, and one among them harbored Rule Power. Even if none proved to be Level 3, a coalition of six at Ling Yi's Level 2 tier would present formidable opposition. With only five incomplete Rule Powers currently accessible, his chances against such numbers were bleak.

Of course, he wasn't entirely alone. Misato and the others would awaken soon enough, and the three Knight Kings would reincarnate in half a month. When their combined forces coalesced, six opponents wouldn't stand a chance. Even more promising was the revelation of another host possessing Rule Power.

Ling Yi had been only. The fact that Lin Lu could dispatch her with a single strike suggested his current strength must be at least. If he could locate and unite with this other powerful Walker, their combined might would become unstoppable.

Even if three Level 3 Walkers remained in enemy ranks, when his full strength returned the battle would end in comprehensive victory. The thought lifted his spirits, banishing the sour taste of Ling Yi's escape.

"Hey, what's wrong, Myō?" Lin Lu noticed Myō's distant gaze as he approached her, gently patting her shoulder.

"Huh?" Startled from her trance, Myō shuddered slightly.

"Did I scare you?" He teased, noting her deer-in-the-headlights expression. "I thought for a moment you..."

"...No." Myō shook her head, eyes dimming slightly. "For just an instant, I thought you'd been lost."

A warm glow spread in Lin Lu's chest - back when Myō was known for coldly discarding comrades to achieve victory. This display of concern marked clear progress.

Yet guilt gnawed at him too as he clasped her hand. "Sorry about that. You have to pretend to lose faith first, you know? As apology, let me give you a little killjoy..." He attempted to draw her into an embrace, surprised when she offered no resistance.

Myō's confession came softly: "I used to think my Level 5 abilities made me invincible... until now." Lin Lu recognized the familiar arc from shounen manga - powerful sidekicks who feel useless once faced with greater threats.

"Stop talking nonsense," he soothed, squeezing her shoulder. "You're more than just a tool in my eyes. Even if your powers vanished completely, nothing would change how I see you."

"But earlier, when you..."

"Just some strange circumstances to test that woman. I promise this won't happen again." Only partially true; while Ling Yi had indeed posed a threat, his defensive posture also stemmed from probing her heart-eye ability.

As night deepened, Lin Lu proposed camp for the evening. After eating and starting a fire, they settled beside it. Later, Myō slipped into his arms during sleep, their intimate encounter echoing previous nights' patterns with ironic symmetry - this time not as passive compensation but active participation.

Her kiss was assertive, tongues entwining in passionate exploration before hands roamed heatedly across smooth skin. When Lin Lu's fingers encountered resistance at her final boundary, Myō halted him firmly: "Not yet. I need to decide first."

Frustration simmered as Lin Lu pleaded his case until Myō compromised with manual relief, their bond deepening despite the night's unresolved tension. As dawn approached, they lay entwined in mutual exhaustion.

P.S.: Regarding earlier chapters' power dynamics - yes, Level 2 progression doesn't require World Heart. The fight scenes showcased foundational Rule Power limitations; a thug given twenty years of martial arts mastery wouldn't suddenly wield it perfectly either. Complete control takes time. As for the upcoming developments... let's just say the most caring character will be chosen in this volume.