It had been an entire week since the world's fracture was sealed. Kage trained indoors while Lin Luo finally filled the Book of Covenants' level gauge on the seventh night.

Lin originally wouldn't need this much time, but the book absorbed several codexes which required painstaking integration. This delay proved beneficial though - by synthesizing these disparate abilities so thoroughly, his foundation became more solid and his potential expanded exponentially. At that moment he could immediately grasp Ruleforce if he took the Serpent's "Creation" ability, yet Lin refused to do it.

When he stepped out of his room as expected no one was in the living area. Scanning the house's energy signature revealed only activity on the second floor where Hayato's room glowed faintly - she was probably gaming. Others were likely still training outdoors.

He nearly left when the door creaked open to reveal Fujirin An, her violet hair disheveled and breathing heavily from exertion.

"Hey An, you're back early," Lin greeted with a smile as she grabbed a soda can from the fridge. After downing two cans in quick succession he knew she hadn't slacked off during training.

"Are the others still outside?" Fujirin was already opening her second drink when Lin asked.

"Perfect timing. I wanted to discuss something important - shall we talk in your room?" "PFFT!" Fujirin sprayed soda across her chest, her face burning crimson as she instinctively clutched there and sputtered, "Y-you said w-what?!"

Lin easily dodged the flying soda can despite lacking Windstep training. Watching Fujirin's flustered state he asked, "I meant to discuss something in private. If your room is inconvenient..."

"I-I don't have anything embarrassing!" Fujirin snapped before mentally correcting herself - her undergarments were neatly folded! No, it wasn't that!

Her mind briefly short-circuited before quickly regaining composure with visible shyness, "U-um, why must we talk in a room?"

"Because it's rather important for both of us. Others might see otherwise." Lin said nonchalantly.

It was definitely about that! Otherwise why the awkwardness? Fujirin mentally guessed Lin wanted to discuss... that thing. Her legs suddenly felt weak and she stammered, "I-I think this is premature and today I'm too exhausted..."

"Not at all," Lin calmly replied with a smirk as her face flushed again. "Just follow my lead without effort - it won't be tiring."

Why could he say such things so casually?! Fujirin wanted to hide underground while slapping his face but instead hugged herself like a little girl facing a creepy uncle, barely whispering, "R-really... have to do this?"

Lin's serious response made her heart race even more. "Not exactly unwilling..." she mumbled, twisting the soda can into a pretzel as she finally mustered courage to look at him directly.

"Then let's go," Lin smiled and took her hand toward the second floor.

Fujirin didn't remember ascending those stairs - her whole body floated helplessly until she suddenly found herself in her room where the door slammed shut. The sound felt like thunder as she realized it was locked...

Her already nervous heart quickened further while avoiding eye contact with Lin who remarked, "Your room is nicely decorated and fragrant unlike my previous doghouse accommodations."

"Ah!" Fujirin nearly fainted - had they slept together before?

Lin suddenly checked her feverish face up close. She instinctively tried to pull away but hesitated, stammering about fatigue while asking pointedly, "What exactly needed discussing?"

"This," Lin said solemnly, gripping her shoulders. "We're in a dangerous situation where one misstep could be fatal. We must unlock our full potential together."

Fujirin nodded distracted - yes, dying with the man she loved would be better than being an unwed girl. She never realized Lin's vision was shorter than hers.

"Then let's become each other's strength," he continued earnestly. "Though the path ahead is perilous and irreversible, will you walk it with me?"

Fujirin kissed him passionately as her body softened completely... until a voice interrupted:

"The Heart's Covenant activates - binding contract mode engaged."