Limitless Evolution: I’m The New Dragon God?

The house had only three bedrooms. One belonged to John and Maki, who were still struggling to secure a place of their own in the expensive city. Another was chosen by Evangeline and, now, little Runa who clung to her warmth. The last room was naturally shared by Ryuzen and Venus.

Evangeline noticed it, of course. She saw the way her daughter leaned into Ryuzen's presence, and how he instinctively placed himself beside her as if they had always belonged together. But she said nothing. She was an understanding woman, and she knew her daughter was no longer a child. Venus was grown, capable of making her own choices.

Still, as a mother, her heart felt both tender and heavy. She was glad—truly glad—that Venus had found someone she could trust with her whole being. Yet at the same time, she could not help but think of her late husband.

Versalon…

The name whispered through her heart like a ghost. If he were alive, she was certain he would have put Ryuzen through trials, tested his resolve, and demanded he prove himself—no matter what it took. He had always been a man of unyielding standards, fierce yet deeply protective of his family.

Her eyes softened with sorrow, tinged with the melancholy of memory. Though years had passed, the wound of his loss had never fully healed. Watching Venus stand beside Ryuzen, however, brought her a measure of peace she hadn't expected. Perhaps, in a way, this was the kind of happiness Versalon would have wanted for their daughter.

That night, after everyone had gone to sleep, the quiet of the house made every sound feel sharper, every heartbeat louder.

Ryuzen and Venus sat side by side in their shared room, the faint lantern glow casting soft shadows across the walls. At first, they spoke of trivial things—Runa's smile, Evangeline's kindness, John's antics—but the more their conversation trailed off, the more they became aware of the silence pressing in around them.

Venus tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, her cheeks faintly flushed. "It's strange, isn't it? Sharing a room like this…"

Ryuzen gave a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Strange, yeah… but not bad."

The air between them shifted. Neither knew how to move forward, both aware of the closeness. When their hands brushed on the blanket, Venus instinctively pulled back, only for Ryuzen to gently catch her fingertips. His palm was warm, and the simple touch sent a nervous tremor through them both.

Venus's eyes widened, her breath catching. "Y-you…" She couldn't finish, her voice breaking into a whisper.

"I know," Ryuzen murmured, just as flustered. He released her hand quickly, afraid his pulse might betray him. "I shouldn't… I mean, not yet."

The room filled with an awkward stillness, yet neither moved away. Instead, Venus leaned against his shoulder, trying to steady her racing heart. She could feel the strength beneath his frame, steady and protective, and it both comforted and unsettled her.

Ryuzen turned slightly, his face inches from hers. The faintest brush of her hair tickled his cheek. For a fleeting moment, their lips hovered dangerously close. Neither dared to move further, both trembling from the weight of unspoken desire.

Venus shut her eyes, then quickly pulled back with a laugh that was too soft, too nervous. "I… I think we should sleep before I do something silly."

Ryuzen exhaled, a shaky smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah… good idea."

They lay down side by side, their backs turned, yet their hearts beat so fast it was impossible to rest. Both inexperienced, both overwhelmed, they struggled through the night, knowing their feelings were real but fearing how fragile the line between tenderness and temptation truly was.

Venus fell asleep quickly, her breathing soft and steady, a faint little snore escaping her lips. For a long time, Ryuzen lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts too restless to let him drift off.

Only when he was sure she was truly asleep did he slowly turn onto his side. Hesitant at first, he slid closer and carefully wrapped an arm around her waist. His body stiffened the moment he felt her warmth.

Her figure pressed gently against him—soft, yet shaped by years of training. She was strong, but her femininity lingered in every curve. The contrast made his heart hammer painfully inside his chest.

"Venus…" he whispered, his voice trembling as if afraid the silence would shatter. His breath brushed her hair as he pulled her closer, inhaling the faint, sweet scent that clung to her. It was intoxicating.

"After Maya, you're the only person I can truly call family. And I don't just want to protect you… I want to stay by your side. I want us to build something together, something more than just survival. A happy family."

His words were fragile, carried only for the night to hear.

Yet, as his embrace tightened ever so slightly, his gaze grew heavy with doubt.

"…But in this chaotic world, can I even make that dream a reality?"

As the words left his lips, Ryuzen sighed softly, thinking she remained lost in her dreams. But then, Venus stirred.

Her body shifted faintly against his, almost instinctively, as though searching for his warmth. Her hand moved in her sleep, brushing over his arm before resting on it gently. She snuggled closer, her back pressing tighter into his chest, her breathing never breaking rhythm.

Ryuzen froze, his entire body tensing. Heat rushed to his face, and his heartbeat pounded so hard he feared it might wake her.

"V-Venus…" he whispered, almost panicking at the closeness.

But she didn't wake. Instead, a soft sound escaped her throat—something between a sigh and a murmur of contentment. Her fingers curled slightly, holding onto his arm as though she didn't want him to let go.

That small unconscious gesture melted away the storm inside him. His nervousness remained, but warmth replaced the fear. Slowly, carefully, he relaxed into the embrace.

For the first time in a long while, Ryuzen allowed himself to close his eyes, whispering one last thought.

"Maybe this is enough, for now."