The Married Life Of Immortals

Bane stood up, his resolve clear. "Alright, Onyx. I understand. I'll go back, learn all I can, and then enter the dungeon. But before I go, I have one last thing to take care of here."

He turned to Daigatz, who watched him with a wary gaze. "This place... it has immense potential. Instead of using it as a prison, I will transform it into a training ground. Those who seek power will come here, and they will face trials that will either break them or make them stronger. This domain will become a crucible for the worthy."

Daigatz's eyes widened in surprise. "You would turn this cursed place into a sanctuary for strength? You're mad."

Bane shrugged. "Maybe. But for now I will use the place as intended, and start sending the strong people and monsters. They will bend to my will, and they become the trial in the future."

"And what of me?" Daigatz asked, already knowing the answer deep in his soul.

Bane's eyes gleamed with a mixture of determination and cold resolve. "You, Daigatz, will be the first to be tested. I have no intention of ending your existence. Instead, you will serve as the guardian of this domain, ensuring that only the truly worthy can survive its trials. Fail to protect the sanctity of this place, and you will face my wrath."

Daigatz's massive form shuddered. The notion of being reduced to a mere gatekeeper in his own domain was a blow to his pride, but he recognized the strength in Bane's eyes. This child was not one to be trifled with.

"Very well," Daigatz rumbled, bowing his head in reluctant submission. "I will guard this place as you have commanded. But know this, mortal: the trials here will be ruthless. Only the strongest will survive."

Bane nodded, satisfied. "That's exactly what I want. The stronger the trials, the stronger those who pass through them will become. Now, Onyx, let's get this started."

Onyx's face disappeared, replaced by a series of glowing symbols that danced around the sphere. The energy in the room shifted, and the portal began to re-form, but Bane put up his hand.

"Wait! Can you just open it so only I can see it is open? Then kick start time out there?" Bane asked, then said, "while I really don't want to leave Lysia to worry about me, I think that her and Eve need to have a talk. She is clearly jealous of Eve, and no amount of my explaining will convince that little firecracker!"

Onyx's symbols whirled and reformed into a contemplative pattern. "That's possible. I'll open the portal only for you to see, and time will move forward at its natural pace in the outside world. As for Lysia and Eve, let them resolve their differences. It's crucial for your team to be united."

Bane nodded, appreciating Onyx's understanding. "Thanks. Alright, let's get this done."

The portal shimmered into existence, visible only to Bane. He took a seat on a chair while using his magic to create a container and then popcorn to put in it.

Create Food was a spell that used pure mana to create a familiar food from the memory, but it was only 20% as satisfying as the real thing. There were also other down sides, but they were all due to the basic spells' lack of power. Twenty green spell rings later, Bane now had popcorn that was 100% better than he was used to.

"Alright, turn on the tele,” Bane asked, and then said, “Lysia loves to torment me, so I want to see what happens when she tries to boss Eve around. Eve will be the first time that damn fiery girl has probably ever met someone she could bully. I have a feeling like she was probably born strong, and a genius, and probably has always been that way. Besides Bilgarth, but I think he is one of them demi gods like that other one you scared away."

---

Eve's holographic form flickered into view, her serene expression contrasting sharply with the fiery determination in Lysia's eyes. They stood facing each other in the dimly lit chamber of the cave, an unspoken tension crackling in the air.

"Who are you?" Lysia demanded, her voice sharp. "And what are you doing with Bane?"

Eve met her gaze calmly. "I am Eve, Bane's guide from the future. I was sent to help him achieve his destiny."

Lysia's eyes narrowed. "Destiny? And what destiny might that be?"

"To defeat the Supreme Ones and prevent the catastrophic merger of worlds orchestrated by Guardian," Eve replied evenly. "It is a monumental task, and Bane requires guidance and support."

Lysia crossed her arms, her posture defiant. "I see. And what is your relationship with Bane? Do you really not care about him? Or did you have a past with him?"

Eve's serene demeanor did not falter. "My relationship with Bane is one of guidance and support. I am here to provide him with the knowledge and assistance he needs to fulfill his destiny. There is no past between us, Lysia, only the present and the future."

Lysia's eyes blazed with suspicion. "I don't trust you. You've been by his side, teaching him things I couldn't, guiding him in ways I can't. How do I know you're not manipulating him for your own purposes?"

Eve's holographic form flickered slightly, a hint of sadness crossing her features. "Your concern for Bane is understandable, Lysia. But I assure you, my only purpose is to ensure his success and survival. I have no hidden agenda. My existence is tied to his mission."

Lysia stepped closer, her voice a low growl. "I've seen too many betrayals to trust so easily. Bane is important to me, and I won't let anyone use him or hurt him. Not even you."

Eve nodded, her expression softening. "I respect your loyalty and your strength, Lysia. Bane needs people like you in his life. I hope that, in time, you will see that we are on the same side, working towards the same goal."

Lysia's glare didn't waver, but there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "We'll see about that. But know this: I'll be watching you closely."

The tension between them was palpable, but it seemed to reach a temporary truce. Bane watched the interaction with a mix of amusement and relief. He knew Lysia's fiery spirit was an asset, but it also made her fiercely protective and sometimes difficult to reason with.

Onyx's symbols danced around the sphere, creating a faint humming sound. "It appears they are beginning to understand each other. This is a positive step, Bane."

Bane nodded, still munching on his popcorn. "Yeah, but it's going to take more than a conversation to get them to fully trust each other. I'll need to keep an eye on them."

He stood up, brushing off the crumbs from his clothes. "Alright, Onyx. Let's get back to the village. I've got a lot to learn and not much time to do it."