The path back to the gate was not as simple as it had once seemed when they first entered the battlefield, because the land itself felt alive with danger, shifting constantly as if testing them one last time before allowing them to leave.
What should have been a simple return turned into a three-day journey filled with relentless encounters, each step forward demanding strength, patience, and trust in one another.
On the first day, the air was still heavy with remnants of demonic energy, and although the Frost Sovereign had fallen, the balance of the region had not yet stabilized. Packs of high-level monsters roamed without clear hierarchy, attacking anything that moved, forcing both Lee Hyun and Min Seoah into continuous combat.
Their coordination had evolved far beyond what it once was, their movements naturally aligning, attacks flowing into one another without the need for words.
A massive beast lunged toward them from the shadows, its body armored with dark scales and its claws carrying venomous energy, but before it could reach them, Min Seoah's frost erupted beneath its feet, freezing its movement for a fraction of a second.
That moment was all Lee Hyun needed as he stepped forward, his sword cutting through the frozen body with precise force, ending the fight instantly. They did not pause longer than necessary. Because both understood that this place did not allow complacency.
By the second day, exhaustion had begun to build, but so had their strength. Continuous battles pushed their limits, forcing their bodies to adapt rapidly, their levels rising steadily, their control over abilities becoming sharper and more refined. They faced creatures stronger than before, monsters that required both of them to go all out, yet instead of struggling separately, they fought as one.
At one point, they were surrounded by a group of elite creatures, each one at a level that would have overwhelmed them individually, but standing back to back, their breaths steady despite fatigue, they did not panic.
"Left side."
Lee Hyun spoke calmly.
"I've got it."
Min Seoah responded without hesitation. Her frost surged outward, creating a barrier that slowed the incoming attacks, while he moved through the openings she created, his blade striking with deadly precision. The battlefield turned into a coordinated dance, their trust in each other evident in every movement, every decision made without doubt.
By the time the last monster fell, both were breathing heavily, their bodies marked with signs of battle, yet neither complained. Instead, they smiled. Because they knew. They were no longer the same as before.
The third day was quieter. Not because the danger had disappeared, but because they had adapted to it completely. The monsters no longer felt overwhelming, the environment no longer felt oppressive, and even the cold that once threatened to freeze them now felt like a familiar presence.
During brief moments of rest, their conversations deepened. Not about battles, or about power. But about each other. They sat together near a frozen ridge, the faint light of dawn reflecting off the snow, creating a calm that contrasted everything they had been through.
Lee Hyun looked at her.
"…You know."
She glanced at him.
"What."
He hesitated for a moment.
Then spoke honestly.
"I love you."
The words were simple, but heavy and real. She didn't respond immediately. Her gaze shifted slightly, looking ahead rather than at him, her expression softer than usual.
"…You say things like that so easily."
He shook his head.
"…Not really."
She stayed silent for a moment longer. Then spoke quietly.
"…I don't hate it."
He smiled faintly.
"…That's enough for now."
She glanced at him again.
"…Idiot."
But there was no anger in her voice, lnly warmth. Throughout those three days, they shared more than just battles. They shared moments that stayed with them, small things that might have seemed insignificant to others but meant everything to them. Sitting close to stay warm, sharing food, teasing each other during rest, even arguing over small things that ended in quiet laughter.
Their distance had disappeared completely. By the time the gate finally came into view, marking the end of the battlefield, both of them had changed in ways that went beyond power. They stood at the edge, looking at the exit. The journey was completed.
Lee Hyun stretched slightly, letting out a relaxed breath.
"Well then…"
He glanced at her with a faint smile.
"Now, my dear wife…"
"…shall we leave?"
She froze slightly. Then looked away.
"…Don't call me that yet."
Her voice carried hesitation.
"…We don't know what will happen later."
He raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean."
She hesitated.
Then spoke quietly.
"…I'm still engaged."
"…To Seo Jinwoo."
The name carried weight.
"…His family…"
"…you know what they are."
Lee Hyun stepped closer. Without hesitation, he placed his hand gently around her waist, pulling her slightly closer.
"Don't think about them."
His voice was calm and firm.
"If you really love me…"
"…then trust me."
She looked at him, her eyes slightly trembling.
"I won't let you become someone else's."
"…unless you choose it yourself."
Her expression changed instantly. She raised her hand and stopped him from speaking further, her voice soft but filled with emotion.
"Don't say things like that…"
"…I don't want anyone else."
"…except you."
Her grip tightened slightly.
"…Just don't let go of me."
"…Don't leave me behind."
He looked at her for a moment. Then smiled gently.
"That's not something you need to worry about."
"…because it's impossible."
She let out a small laugh, soft and relieved. They stepped forward. Toward the gate. The guards stood there, watching them carefully as they approached, their eyes scanning them with suspicion, as if trying to confirm something beyond just identity.
"Identification."
One of them spoke. Lee Hyun handed over the document. The guard looked at it. Then at them. His gaze lingered. As if questioning, testing. Before he could say anything further, Min Seoah suddenly stepped closer.
She held Lee Hyun's arm naturally. Then spoke with a calm, slightly playful tone.
"Can we go now…"
"…hubby?"
Lee Hyun froze completely. The guard blinked. Then nodded slowly, handing back the identification.
"Proceed."
They walked past. Silence followed for a few steps. Then, Lee Hyun turned to her.
"…Hubby?"
She looked ahead, trying to remain calm.
"…Just acting."
He smirked.
"…Should we continue the act tonight?"
She glanced at him.
A faint smile appearing.
"…We'll see."
The battlefield remained behind them. But something else had moved forward. Something far more important.
---
To be continued..