Near a small, quiet lake, rippling under the gentle breeze, we could see Anos and Isabella Ruth holding each other as if afraid the world might pull them apart again.

"Anos…" Isabella whispered softly, her son's head resting against her bosom, her hand absently stroking through his hair.

"Mm… Mother," Anos murmured, tilting his head up, locking his deep reddish-black eyes with hers.

For a moment, Isabella only stared, her chest tightening. I know very well how he feels right now… The thought pierced her, leaving her troubled.

Celestia Ruth foresaw this. She knew… and still, she chose to vanish, just so I could have this time with him. Isabella's heart ached as she released a small sigh.

"Mother?" Anos's confused voice tugged her back from her spiraling thoughts.

"Ah—yes… Follow me." Isabella managed, standing and gently tugging his hand as they walked toward the shimmering waters of the lake.

Anos tilted his head, watching her back with quiet curiosity. And then, that cold, monotone voice of the No.777 system hummed inside his mind.

[You have fulfilled one of two requirements to upgrade Imitation Spiral Eye: (1/2)]

[First Requirement: Host must experience the trauma of loss – (1/1)]

[Second Requirement: Host must reach Soul Saint realm – (0/1)]

Anos's expression darkened slightly. So… my Imitation Spiral Eye awakening isn't like others. It demands more. Trauma of loss, huh…

Anos tilted his head, watching her back with quiet curiosity. And then, that cold, monotone voice of the No.777 system hummed inside his mind.

[You have fulfilled one of two requirements to upgrade Imitation Spiral Eye: (1/2)]

[First Requirement: Host must experience the trauma of loss – (1/1)]

[Second Requirement: Host must reach Soul Saint realm – (0/1)]

Anos's expression darkened slightly. So… my Imitation Spiral Eye awakening isn't like others. It demands more. Trauma of loss, huh…

His chest tightened with the memory of Celestia Ruth fading into his arms.

"…No. She's still here." He muttered under his breath, his gaze softening as he looked at Isabella, who was subtly peeking back at him.

By the lake's edge, Isabella stopped and with a small flick of her hand, drew something from her space ring.

Anos blinked. "A… frying pan?"

Her lips curved into a smile, warm and gentle. "Mother will cook for you."

Anos's eyes widened, then softened into an almost childish grin. "Really? …Then, I'll be waiting."

"Mm." Isabella nodded firmly, determination sparkling in her eyes as she brought out cooking ingredients and tools from her space ring, lining them up neatly.

Mm." Isabella nodded firmly, determination sparkling in her eyes as she brought out cooking ingredients and tools from her space ring, lining them up neatly.

Anos lowered himself onto the grass by the lake, leaning back on his arms, watching her intently. His smile lingered as a thought bubbled up.

The High Priestess of Soul Haven… making food for me?

The High Priestess of Soul Haven… making food for me?

He chuckled quietly. No. She's not just the High Priestess. She's my mother.

Meanwhile, Isabella's mind was elsewhere. After Celestia fused into me, I not only inherited her memories, but also the experiences of her six years with him. She even trained… knowing her realm could not advance further.

The memory burned her chest. She shook her head and focused on her task.

With practiced grace, Isabella cut fresh meat from a soul beast, her knife strokes precise. She filled a pot with clear lake water, set it atop stones, and coaxed a fire into being with a flicker of soul power. Vegetables, meat, and herbs soon followed.

She roasted spices in the pan, the sharp scent of pepper and the sweetness of cinnamon bark mixing in the air, before pouring them into the simmering pot.

Anos's nose twitched as the aroma reached him. His eyes lit faintly. "Hot pot?"

Isabella's lips curved into a soft smile. "Mm. You should eat something warm."

Steam curled from the pot's lid, carrying the fragrance into the air.

She prepared bowls and spoons with care, her hands steady, her expression serene. But her eyes—those were filled with quiet anticipation.

Minutes passed, small talk fluttering between them like fireflies in the dusk. At last, Isabella removed the lid. Steam burst free, carrying with it a heavenly fragrance.

"Hm. Perfect." She took a careful sip of the broth, her smile deepening.

Anos leaned forward, eyes fixed on the pot. That aroma… It's so familiar. This… this is hers.

Isabella noticed. "Do you want to taste it?"

His lips curved but he stayed silent. She could already read the hunger on his face.

She ladled broth, vegetables, and slices of meat into a bowl, the steam rising into the evening air. "Here. Careful—it's hot."

Anos blinked as the bowl was set before him. He hesitated, staring at it with a strange expression, as if afraid it might vanish if he looked away.

He brought the broth to his lips. The flavor washed over his tongue, warm and nostalgic, flooding his chest with emotions too heavy to contain.

"…It tastes the same." His voice broke faintly, overwhelmed.

Isabella smiled and quietly offered him a spoon. "Here."

He accepted, his fingers brushing hers briefly. Then he ate—slowly, savoring every bite, every spoonful.

And Isabella? She only watched, her heart swelling at the sight of her son enjoying her food, a gentle smile lighting her beautiful face.

"Do you want more?" she asked softly, noticing his bowl already empty.

Anos didn't hesitate. "Mm. I want more."

Her laugh was soft, full of life as she refilled his bowl and handed it back.

As he accepted it, Anos's thoughts stirred. Her movements… they're the same. Just like Celestia Ruth's.

He took another sip, the warmth spreading through him, before raising his eyes to meet hers.

"Thank you, Mother." His voice was steady, but his smile—bright, genuine, unguarded—was the kind that made Isabella's chest tighten until she thought her heart might burst.

She reached out, brushing her fingers over his cheek. "Always, Anos. Always."

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