Ficool

Chapter 36 - Chapter 36 — A Day of Choice and Comfort

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the wide windows of Lunaria's modern apartment, brushing the polished floors with warm streaks of gold. The previous night had been quiet—peaceful even—filled with laughter, chatter, and the gentle chaos of four S-ranked hunters sprawled across the living room floor. Ash, Kael, Riven, and Juno had slept over, exhausted from the games, jokes, and teasing that had carried them late into the night. For once, no dungeon alerts, no crimson warnings—just the soft hum of city life outside, blending with the quiet pulse of the apartment's system.

Lunaria woke first, silver hair falling like moonlight across the floor as he stretched languidly. The ribbon he usually wore for battle was folded neatly beside him; today, it was unnecessary. He allowed himself a soft, rare smile as he rose and quietly moved to the kitchen. The system had already prepared breakfast—light, warm, and perfectly balanced. The aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled with toasted bread, subtle fruit, and warm pastries, filling the room with a welcoming scent.

The four hunters stirred slowly, groaning and rubbing their eyes as they realized morning had come.

"Finally awake," Ash muttered, sitting up and running a hand through his dark hair. "Did you even sleep?"

"I slept enough," Lunaria said softly, pouring tea into delicate cups. "But I wanted to be the first awake to make sure you all were comfortable."

Riven stretched exaggeratedly, yawning, then leaned back. "Comfortable? After last night? My back is screaming. But yeah… it was worth it."

Kael, still half-asleep, muttered, "We're lucky you're here. Otherwise… chaos would've won the night."

Lunaria smiled faintly, setting the tea tray on the low table in the center of the room. "Breakfast first. Then we prepare for today."

The hunters moved with groggy anticipation, gathering around the table. They ate slowly at first, the silence of the morning allowing them to savor the calm. But soon, Ash leaned forward, eyes sparkling with mischief. "So… what do you have planned for us today, Lunaria?"

"I thought we could go out," Lunaria said softly, stirring sugar into his tea. "Get some supplies. Food, snacks… and clothing."

The four hunters exchanged glances, curiosity and excitement dancing in their eyes.

"Clothing?" Juno asked, leaning forward. "You already have plenty of combat gear and casual wear. What do you mean?"

Lunaria tilted his head, silver hair brushing across his shoulders. "I mean… clothes I want to wear. Comfortable, simple. Something that suits me outside of dungeons, outside of missions."

Ash grinned, sensing an adventure. "Then it's settled. We're coming with you. Let's see what you pick."

By mid-morning, the group had left the apartment, stepping into the bustling city streets. The system hovered silently, scanning routes, ensuring safety while remaining unobtrusive. Lunaria's presence drew attention, naturally, but today he seemed unconcerned. Today, there were no threats, no dungeons, no obligations—only choice.

The first stop was the market district, a modern stretch of stores, boutiques, and street vendors. Lunaria moved calmly among them, guided subtly by the system, eyes scanning racks and shelves with deliberate precision. Ash and the others followed, teasing him lightly, offering opinions, and occasionally debating which colors or styles might suit him best.

Lunaria's choices were simple, understated yet striking. He picked mostly white turtleneck tops, appreciating their clean lines and the way they complemented his silver hair. For bottoms, he gravitated toward big jean trousers, roomy and comfortable, allowing freedom of movement without sacrificing style. Black shoes with subtle detailing completed the ensemble. Small touches—like pink ribbons—were added at his discretion, tied at sleeves or hair, delicate and elegant.

The hunters watched silently, some in admiration, some in amusement, as Lunaria selected outfits with quiet decisiveness. Kael whispered to Ash, "He's… precise. Every piece matters."

Riven laughed softly. "Of course it does. He's Lunaria Vale. Even choosing clothes is an art form."

After the main outfits, Lunaria moved to casual wear: shorts, a cap, comfortable tops, pieces for lounging or traveling, each carefully chosen to balance comfort and elegance. Juno reached for a bright-colored hoodie. "You sure about this?" he asked.

"Yes," Lunaria said simply, fingers brushing the fabric. "Comfort matters as much as style. I'll wear what I like, and that is enough."

With bags in hand, they moved to the food and snack districts, purchasing fresh fruit, baked goods, and delicacies from across the city. Lunaria paused occasionally, considering ingredients, imagining meals he could prepare with care. The hunters helped carry the bags, teasing each other over who could fit the most in one trip.

By early afternoon, the group returned to the apartment. The system, already analyzing their purchases, adjusted storage spaces, shelving, and counters. Food was arranged neatly in the kitchen; clothes folded or hung with precision. It was seamless, the apartment responding instantly, anticipating needs before they were voiced.

Lunaria set down his shopping bags and leaned back slightly, letting out a soft breath. The apartment now smelled faintly of bread, fruit, and new fabric, the air warm with sunlight streaming through the windows.

Ash stretched, grinning. "Looks like we survived your fashion and grocery trip."

"You survived me," Lunaria said lightly, pouring fresh tea for everyone. "That is the important part."

They sat in the living room, tasting snacks, testing new outfits, and discussing trivial things—games, plans for future missions, and favorite foods. Laughter flowed easily, filling the apartment with warmth. Lunaria moved among them, serving tea, adjusting pillows, guiding where to sit, gentle hands occasionally brushing against arms as he passed. He was quiet, refined, yet undeniably central to the calm and joy that filled the space.

Even the system participated subtly, keeping temperatures perfect, adjusting airflow, and enhancing lighting to complement the natural glow of the afternoon sun. Lunaria felt the apartment shift around him, living with him, responding to him. It was more than a house now; it was an extension of his presence, a sanctuary where friends could gather without worry, without danger, without the weight of the world pressing down.

By evening, the group had tried on every outfit, sampled every snack, and explored every corner of the apartment. Ash sprawled across a sofa with a satisfied sigh. Kael leaned against the window sill, watching the city lights awaken. Riven organized a small snack tray for night, and Juno fiddled with the cap Lunaria had purchased, tying it just so.

Lunaria stood in the center of the room, silver hair falling around his shoulders, ribbon in hand. He looked at them all, and a small, rare smile curved his lips. "Today was simple," he said softly. "But it is enough."

Ash nodded, voice low and warm. "Simple… but perfect. You've done more than any mission could give us."

The system hummed softly, unobtrusive but present, scanning the apartment, monitoring comfort, ensuring perfect balance. Lunaria glanced at it briefly, almost affectionately, then returned his gaze to his friends.

Night fell over the city, lights glittering like stars below. The hunters settled comfortably, some lounging, some testing their new snacks, and some simply relaxing. Lunaria moved among them, ensuring everyone had blankets, adjusting pillows, and occasionally brushing a stray strand of silver hair from his own eyes.

The apartment was alive—not just with systems or upgrades, but with laughter, warmth, and the quiet magic of shared peace. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Lunaria did not think of missions, gates, or monsters. Diamond-ranked missions could wait. E-ranked or Silver missions could wait. Today, there was only sunlight, laughter, tea, and the soft comfort of friends.

And as the hunters drifted toward sleep, sprawled across couches, cushions, and the floor, Lunaria looked out the window at the glowing city. He held the pink ribbon loosely, silver hair falling over his shoulders, and allowed a deep, serene exhale. The city continued to hum, but here, in this modern, upgraded sanctuary, Lunaria Vale had chosen peace, comfort, and the gentle rhythm of life.

For once, he was not a weapon. Not a hunter. Not a rank or a threat. He was simply himself—refined, elegant, human—and surrounded by those who mattered most.

The system whispered softly, almost in approval:

[Residents fully relaxed. Environment optimized. Comfort levels maximal.]

Lunaria smiled faintly and closed his eyes, letting the apartment cradle him and his friends, safe, warm, and whole.

More Chapters