Kiana's greatest strength was her optimism.
She could get herself riled up but also shake off negative emotions from external sources on her own. It might sound silly, but her happiness had a contagious effect on everyone around her.
"Bronya, to your left—there's a super tough knight lurking in the shadows!"
"No need to tell me; Bronya knows this game better than anyone! Once we defeat this one, the boss will spawn. Kiana, be ready with your shield at the front. Sin, stack those bleed debuffs and prepare to engage!"
"Roger that! I'll hold the line with my shield—time to show off your fully maxed lightning spear! We're counting on you to carry us through!"
"Yes, Sin is ready!"
"Crackling!"
"Boom!"
Their every move was projected onto the holographic display hovering above the living room. Coupled with serene yet grandiose backdrops and intense combat scenes, it provided a visual feast for the spectators.
The grueling battle lasted over ten minutes, during which Sin, playing as an Assassin-type character, even sacrificed herself to shield Bronya from harm. Finally, amidst a dramatic storm of lightning, it came to an end.
"Yay! We won! Ha-ha-ha!"
Kiana emerged, helmet raised high, her rosy cheeks beaming with unclouded joy.
She had truly managed to cheer herself up, momentarily forgetting all her troubles.
Zeke watched her energetic figure, feeling both relieved and more indebted than ever. He stood up from the central sofa, where he had the best view of the action, and approached her side.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
The audience erupted into applause nearby. Although most of them weren't gamers themselves, appreciation for art and beauty transcends all boundaries. The game's exquisite environments, subtle yet profound storytelling and character development, along with dazzling combat moves—despite being just gameplay, it felt more like watching a unique and captivating film to the spectators.
Amidst the clapping, Zeke gently wiped away the beads of sweat from Kiana's forehead with a towel.
Kiana grinned, her smile slightly goofy but overflowing with joy and pride as she asked Zeke,
"How was my performance?"
"Even though it's just a game, you were absolutely perfect."
"Hmph! You've got good taste!" Kiana nodded gleefully.
Soon, Bronya and Sin joined them.
"And how about Bronya's performance?" asked Bronya.
"What about mine?" chimed in Sin.
"You both were fantastic," replied Zeke warmly, also wiping their perspiration with tenderness.
In this harmonious atmosphere, the remaining spectators gradually stood up to bid their farewells—even Seele and Wendy, despite their lingering discomfort, showed understanding by giving these four some private time.
Having just endured Zeke's Herrscher incident, these uniquely connected individuals desperately needed quiet moments together for rest and recuperation.
"Bye, Dad and Mom; Goodnight, Auntie; Night, Durandal sis; Night, Mei... Everyone, see ya~"
Kiana gleefully waved goodbye to each person individually with her usual goofy grin.
Once only the four of them remained, Kiana turned around to find Bronya and Sin had already seized control of Zeke's arms, engaging him in conversation.
Hands on her hips, Kiana puffed out her cheeks in mild irritation.
But after a brief moment, her eyes sparkled mischievously. With a swift move, she circled behind Zeke, leaped, and draped herself over his shoulders.
"Eh hehe!" Still grinning goofily, Kiana nuzzled against Zeke, her shapely thighs tightly encased in black pants wrapped securely around his waist, displaying an affectionate clinginess that seemed impossible to pry off.
Triumphant, she raised her eyebrows at the two on either side below—See that? Who cares if you got here first? The best spot always belongs to me!
Bronya merely rolled her eyes; competing at such a level was akin to fighting over toys with children, hardly worth her concern.
However, Sin reacted differently, her ponytail bouncing upright.
"Zeke! I-I want a hug too!"
Sin leaped up, wrapping her arms around Zeke's neck and dangling precariously off him.
Helpless, Zeke had no choice but to encircle her waist with his arms, holding Sin's petite body securely against him.
And so, Kiana and Sin, longtime rivals always at odds, found themselves glaring fiercely at each other from their positions on Zeke's back and in his embrace, the tension palpable like gunpowder ready to ignite.
"Sigh..."
Zeke felt a familiar ache between his brows once more.
The tricky part was dealing with the aftermath of recent events. Sin had been extremely worried about Zeke, almost coming to blows with Welt and the others. Meanwhile, Kiana had just suffered emotional distress.
Zeke couldn't bear to be forceful with either of them now, leaving him unable to control the situation effectively.
"All right, it's late already. The priority should be getting cleaned up and going to bed. If you two keep this up, Bronya and I won't wait for you."
"Oh! Sin understands!"
"Uh, that makes sense."
Bronya's reminder hit the nail on the head, prompting both Sin and Kiana to step down from clinging onto Zeke.
Zeke secretly sighed in relief and gently patted Bronya's head as a gesture of appreciation.
Although Kiana and Sin continued vying for position next to Zeke, pulling and tugging at each other, they finally followed him towards their room.
They bathed together, even soaking in the tub collectively.
After changing into comfortable and refreshing nightclothes, they lay side by side on the large bed.
Tonight, there was no warfare.
Love isn't solely about physical intimacy; it's just a touch of brightness or perhaps an accompanying backdrop. What truly matters is companionship, spending time together, and the warmth and connection their hearts share.
Zeke gradually began to grasp these truths. At least tonight, instead of resorting to rough exchanges, he opted for gentler and more nurturing ways.
They simply slept together, sharing each other's body heat while chatting.
Kiana mentioned enjoying some delicious desserts earlier that day.
Zeke responded, "I'll ask Little Fuxi for the recipe tomorrow."
Kiana expressed her desire to live in a grand castle someday, reminiscent of those majestic fortresses from video games.
With a soft chuckle, Zeke silently added this request to the Hive System's command codes.
Bronya shared her thoughts on recent games.
"Ah, the old master has fallen from grace. The latest release lacks the depth of previous works; Bronya is quite disappointed... Although, the visuals are indeed impressive."
Despite her words, the subtle upward curve at the corners of Bronya's lips betrayed her genuine enjoyment of the new game.
Zeke reached out, bypassing Sin's presence, to tousle Bronya's hair gently. Simultaneously, he sent commendations and urgent requests for updates to the game development team.
Taking advantage of the positive atmosphere, Bronya subtly brought up Seele's situation—until Zeke lightly tapped her head, signaling her to fall silent.
Sin had fewer topics she wished to discuss.
"Zeke..."
"I'm here."
"Zeke..."
"Hmm?"
"Zeke, Zeke, Zeke!"
Sin persistently called his name with childlike innocence, clinging closely to him. In her repeated calls, Zeke detected the anxiety and fear she had finally allowed herself to express.
When Zeke lost control, Kiana dared to confront him directly, while Bronya remained composed, observing and strategizing from the sidelines.
But Sin was different; all she could do was anxiously await Zeke's return. If not restrained by overwhelming force, during that battle, she would have recklessly rushed to the moon, to Zeke's side, without any other thought or choice.
"Zeke, please don't leave me behind again..."
"Of course, I won't."
"You promise? You're not just saying it?"
"I'm not lying to you; Sin is incredibly valuable and essential, so I won't leave you behind."
"Yes! Sin will always strive her utmost. No matter what enemies stand in Zeke's way, she'll tear them apart!"
"Good girl."
Zeke wrapped his arms around Sin's head, gently stroking her hair.
Sin's spirits lifted once more, revealing a pure and radiant smile.
They talked late into the night before falling asleep together.
The night was serene, mirroring their tranquil hearts.