Hollow Crown: SSS-Ranked Godslayer’s Rise

As they rode, Ethan broke the silence.

"Lirael," he began, voice steady. "Is there a way we could form… not just a party of adventurers—but something bigger. A group that takes on high-paying work. Dangerous jobs that need numbers."

Lirael tilted her head, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "A group? A big one, huh? You mean like a mercenary company. We could join the Mercenary Guild and register one, sure… but we'd need at least ten members for that." She glanced sideways at him, narrowing her eyes. "And we're only three. Don't tell me you're planning to buy seven more slaves."

Ethan gave her a deadpan look. "…What? Do I look like a fool?"

"Yes?" she said without missing a beat.

A vein twitched at his temple. "Tsk. Looks like today you're in for a lesson. Letting you sleep peacefully yesterday was a mistake."

Lirael flinched ever so slightly at the warning in his tone, her ears turning red as she quickly looked away. "…You wouldn't dare."

He smirked but didn't press further. Instead, he leaned back slightly, eyes turning thoughtful. "What if my summons counted as members?"

Her expression shifted at that, lips pursing as she considered. "Hmm… I have heard of a necromancer who commands a mercenary company with about fifteen or twenty undead. They're tireless, so they're often hired for grueling labor jobs. If the guild accepted his creatures as members, they might accept yours too." She looked at him seriously. "But are you certain? Revealing your power openly… you can't take that back once it's known."

Ethan looked out across the road, where the wolves' shadows stretched long. "I know. But it's better than hiding in plain sight forever. Strength draws eyes, but also respect."

Lirael sighed softly, though her lips curved into a faint smile. "Well… whatever you decide. I'll follow your lead."

Just then, Sylvie stirred. Her eyelashes fluttered as she blinked herself awake. Lirael quickly shifted her hold, steadying the girl so she wouldn't tumble off.

"Mmmh… Big sister?" Sylvie murmured groggily, rubbing her eyes. But then she felt the gentle sway beneath her, and when she glanced down, her drowsiness melted away instantly. "W-wait… are we—are we riding the wolves?!"

The excitement in her voice rang like a bell. She pressed her small hands into the thick fur, her face lighting up with wonder. "It's so soft…!"

But as the memory of battle returned, her joy faltered. Her gaze snapped to Ethan. Relief washed over her features, but it was quickly replaced by guilt. She lowered her head, her voice trembling. "…I'm sorry, Master. I wasn't… I wasn't useful enough."

Lirael frowned, her hand brushing gently over Sylvie's hair. "What nonsense are you speaking, Sylvie? You literally saved Ethan's life. Don't you dare belittle yourself."

Ethan also added. "Lirael's right. Sylvie, you were incredible out there. Don't forget it. And the wolf you're riding… her name is Seloria." His lips curved faintly. "Take good care of her."

Sylvie's eyes widened, her sorrow vanishing in an instant. "Seloria…" She whispered the name reverently, then hugged the wolf's neck with a grin. "Thank you, Master! I promise I'll take care of her!"

Seloria rumbled approvingly, tail swishing as if in agreement. Sylvie giggled, burying her face in the thick blackish fur, and for a moment the heaviness of the day lifted—replaced by the warmth of family, trust, and the promise of a new beginning.

The wolves' steady rhythm lulled the road into a kind of quiet peace. Ethan glanced back at Sylvie, who was still glowing with excitement from discovering Seloria. A thought struck him, and his lips curved faintly.

"By the way, Sylvie," he said, "Did you check your status recently? Go ahead—take a look."

She blinked in surprise. "Hmm? Master, what's there?"

Obediently, she brought up her status window. A moment later her eyes went wide, sparkling with disbelief. "M-Master! There… there are new skills! And—my class! I can finally use it now! I can even distribute stat points too!"

Ethan's chest loosened with relief and warmth at her happiness. "That's what I'm talking about, Sylvie. Now you can truly grow stronger with us… but…"

Her eager expression wavered. "…But?"

Ethan's eyes met hers, serious now. "Do you still want to remain a slave? You understand, right? If any temple knew what you really were—a Saintess—you'd be treated as a princess."

Sylvie's answer came without hesitation. She shook her head firmly, golden hair brushing her cheeks. "No, Master! I want to stay with you. Even if I'm a slave, it doesn't matter!" Her voice wavered, but her conviction did not. "You and Big Sister do not treat me badly… I like being with you both. So please, let me stay."

Lirael's eyes softened. She reached out and clasped Sylvie's hand, her own smile tender. "You don't have to worry about that, Sylvie. We'll always be with you. We like you too—more than you know."

Ethan added quietly, but with complete certainty, "Yes. I love you, Sylvie."

The words caught her off guard. Her breath caught, and her face flushed scarlet as she buried herself into Seloria's silken fur. "I… I love you too, Master," she whispered, voice muffled, before hiding her embarrassment deeper in the wolf's mane.

Ethan just chuckle. Lirael shook her head but laughed too, the sound carried away by the cool evening breeze. For a while, the heaviness of their battles lifted, replaced by warmth and unspoken bonds.

---

By the time the guild building came into sight, its lanterns glowing like golden beacons against the twilight, the three of them had calmed from the moment's intimacy. They dismounted gracefully from the wolves, their boots touching cobblestone once more.

Lirael glanced at the massive beasts, then at Ethan. "So… will you leave them here?"

Ethan's lips curved slyly. "No. Let's see…" He raised a hand, dark mana curling like smoke around his fingers.

[Netherworld Pocket Dimension]

A swirling, black-violet portal opened, its edges lined with shimmering glyphs. One by one, the wolves stepped through, their glowing eyes lingering a moment before disappearing into the otherworldly space. With a whispering hiss, the portal collapsed, vanishing into the air as if it had never been.

"Good. That should do." Ethan dusted his hands with satisfaction.

Lirael clicked her tongue. "You and your cheat of a system…"

Sylvie clapped her hands in delight, eyes sparkling. "So cool, Master!"

"And of course," Lirael muttered under her breath, "we even have someone who feeds your smug behavior now." Her pointed gaze shifted to Sylvie.

But Sylvie didn't hear her, her eyes fixed only on Ethan with awe and admiration.

Ethan laughed, shaking his head, and the three of them pushed open the guild doors together—stepping once more into the noisy, lamp-lit hall of adventurers, where new paths awaited.