Primordial Heir: Nine Stars

Khione carefully selected ripe fruits, including juicy strawberries, crisp apples, and succulent oranges, slicing them into bite-sized pieces. The colors were a feast for the eyes, each hue representing the freshness of the morning.

Nero joined her, helping to chop the vegetables—crunchy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and a handful of leafy greens. They mixed everything together in a bowl, adding a handful of nuts for a delightful crunch. As Khione drizzled a light vinaigrette over the top, the aroma of the fresh ingredients filled the air, invigorating them both.

Once the salad was ready, they quickly sat down to eat in silence. The flavors melded together beautifully; the sweetness of the fruits contrasted perfectly with the crispness of the vegetables and the nutty texture. Each bite was refreshing, a perfect start to their day, providing just the right amount of energy without weighing them down. They savored the meal, appreciating the simple yet delicious combination, knowing they needed to fuel up before the challenges ahead.

The duo immediately departed, plunging deeper into the forest; the first place mustn’t be taken.

Meanwhile, at the princess’s location, her team had finished their morning training and were now feeling hungry. Unlike Nero’s team, who opted for a light breakfast, the princess’s team had something quite different in mind. Elreth had prepared a copious breakfast, and Lux sat calmly, waiting for her to finish. Today was her turn to take charge of the meal.

Elreth rummaged through her spatial ring, pulling out an array of ingredients. She began with fluffy eggs, whipping them in a bowl before cooking them to a golden perfection. Next, she sliced thick pieces of bread, toasting them until they were crispy and warm. She also prepared savory bacon, letting it sizzle in the pan until it was perfectly crispy.

To accompany the hearty fare, she mixed a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables—bell peppers, onions, and spinach—seasoned to perfection. Finally, she added a bowl of fresh fruit on the side, featuring juicy berries, sweet melon, and zesty citrus slices, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich breakfast.

The aroma of the cooking wafted through the air, enticing everyone in the vicinity. When the meal was ready, it was a feast fit for royalty: fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden toast, and vibrant sautéed vegetables, all complemented by the fresh fruit.

It was a hearty start to the day, fueling them for the busy hours that lay ahead.

"You don’t have to restrain yourself today," Elreth announced as they set out. This took Lux by surprise; he was well aware of his unique situation and had been prepared to hold back. But now, hearing that he could unleash his other persona, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of astonishment and excitement.

"Are you sure?" he asked, not out of fear of injuring the princess, but because he knew that once his second persona was unleashed, it tended to monopolize every kill, unleashing devastation and slaughter beyond description. Most people found this unsettling, so he wanted to be absolutely certain.

Elreth smiled, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Let’s see who kills the most monsters today."