Abyss Draconis

Even after Old Jack was long gone, his words still echoed in Ryuk's head as he stuffed down dish after dish into what seemed like an unending black hole.

He didn't know why — even though his stomach wasn't growling for food at all — he kept downing plate after plate. His stomach didn't bulge in the slightest, yet none of the food went to waste.

The more he ate, the more his satisfaction grew. After downing the last plate in the room, he finally felt full.

But even then, his attention remained on Old Jack's words.

'I only get young once, huh... I guess I could take that make some more enemy advice,' he thought, before rising to his feet, stacking all the dishes into the largest tray and carrying it.

"Even after getting out of that Restrictive area, I still feel weightless," Ryuk muttered, looking at the tray in his hands.

No matter how light, it was still supposed to send some feedback of weight — but as always, Ryuk felt nothing.

Although he definitely had the sensation of holding onto something and for now, that was all he needed.

He turned to the side, faintly drawing in a breath through his nose.

Each smell was distinct.

Along with it, he felt an image of the direction the scent came from, quickly drawing a path in his head.

With a second sniff, he identified the smell and opened his eyes, locking on a corner passage.

Walking forward, tray in hands, only thirteen seconds passed before Ryuk arrived before a half-open door.

When he entered into it — alas, it was the kitchen.

He had been able to find its approximate location by tracking down the origin of the dish's scent, leading him directly here.

It proved one thing:

"Not only did my hearing go through a substantial evolution, the same is true for my nose too. It's like their attributes have been improved by a factor of 100 from what they originally were," he noted, moving toward the sink and washing the dishes.

While doing so—

STEP

STEP

STEP

He heard footsteps heading toward the dining room, only to eventually halt when it reached it and resume toward the kitchen.

'Moving to the dining to check if I've finished eating... in order to pack up the dishes and bring them to the kitchen,' the thought echoed in Ryuk's head.

Judging by the calm tempo of the feets, he already guessed who it was.

KNOCK.

A knock came, followed by the soft turn of the doorknob — and peeking in from outside was none other than Mrs. Lynia.

"And what's my proud, handsome boy up to?" she teased, as Ryuk turned his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Just doing some exercise," he said with a harmless shrug as she walked up to his side.

"Oh, Ryuk. You don't have to get your hands dirty with such a task," she said, trying to take it from him, but he softly shook his head.

"I know. And that's why I said I'm just trying to get some exercise," he reassured.

Eventually, she let him continue with a sigh, standing quietly at the side.

"You know, Ryuk," she called as he turned toward her.

"Morgaine told me what happened — the reason why you activated that power that caused all that," she said, watching a gleam of light crisscross his purple eyes.

"She did?"

"Yes. And I just want to say thank you," she said, watching as his eyebrows gently creased.

"For what?"

"For sticking with her when she was helpless."

"Even though here in Ammomara, it's clear how status seems to determine everything — even possessing a little less of it can make you look down upon as lesser by many."

"And even Morgaine, being the Chosen One, didn't seem spared from being looked down upon by the Elders of the Dominare family."

"I love that you stood up for her — didn't just let it slide, even though things would have been totally fine and no one would've questioned you if you hadn't," she said, to which Ryuk nodded.

"And I'm glad you see it that way."

"Right now would've been the perfect time to scold you for activating a forbidden skill and getting yourself in danger for such a thing — but now, I know better," she said, watching him chuckle.

"Good for me poor ass then," he said, and she chuckled at his uncouth words.

It was something she had been trying to erase from her husband's mouth, but it seemed to have rubbed off on Ryuk too.

It would take more than a scolding to knock out the rough edges, but he made her happy. For that, she could let him off this one time.

Ryuk finished washing the utensils, draining the foam before rinsing them in warm water.

Mrs. Lynia simply stood at the side, a dreamy mist in her eyes.

'Isn't he just perfect?'

The thought echoed in her head.

She knew—

Ryuk was not only devastatingly handsome.

He is also incredibly charming, yet carries none of the arrogance or womanizing traits that usually accompany those who possess such qualities.

Not only did he excel in physical prowess, being the strongest in their small family, but his love for her daughter — though never worded — was clear.

He hadn't hesitated to fight an Elder beyond the Eternal, just for the fact that the man had looked down on Morgaine as a Fallen.

He is fiercely protective.

And he is very easygoing, not once had she seen him in any real quarrel with her daughter, except during the times she had a hand in it.

While she had once thought that particular event would be enough to shatter their bond, she had been proven wrong — and had watched as their relationship only grew stronger.

To her, one might say he was merely the boyfriend of her daughter, but the bond he had with them now was thicker than many women shared with their own sons.

He understood her husband in areas where she was only just beginning to grasp — and he had earned his trust, something she knew wasn't easy.

To their little family, he was a blessing—One, they still couldn't believe they'd been lucky enough to receive.

That was why, to her, he wasn't just the perfect man for her daughter—He was also the son she never knew she needed.