Zeref finished talking.
I didn't need to hear the last words to know what they were.
Leveling routes. Rotations. Efficiency. Survival.
The things people cling to when the world starts cracking.
When he finally looked at me, his eyes softened in that quiet, apologetic way. Not pushing me out. Just… letting me go.
It was my cue.
I exhaled slowly, then carefully lifted Lufe off my lap like he was made of glass and unresolved grief. I set him down, ruffled his hair once, twice.
He leaned into it without thinking, then froze like he'd caught himself being vulnerable.
"Time for me to go," I said lightly. Too lightly. "If you're not busy… I'll come back."
He nodded. Small. Tight. Brave.
My chest did that stupid squeeze again.
I opened my inventory before I could overthink it.
The necklace shimmered in my palm, cold and impossibly clear.
[GLACIER'S TEAR]
[Grade: Rare
Stats: Water Magic +25%, Ice Magic +25%, Cold Resistance +40%
