They found a small cave to rest in.

Yanai gently set Dian down, then quickly cleaned the space. He laid out soft animal furs for Nina before stepping outside to gather some firewood. Taking out his cooking tools, he hesitated.

"Nina, wait a moment. I’ll make something for you. I can’t leave you here to hunt, so... would you mind eating something simple today?"

There were still some preserved vegetables in his storage, but no meat.

Nina shook her head.

"There’s no need to cook. Let’s just eat some jerky."

She took out dried meat and handed it to him. As for Dian, as long as he was given the Soul Stabilizing Pill regularly, his condition would hold for now.

Yanai accepted the jerky, guilt flickering across his face.

"But this feels like I’m neglecting you."

"It’s fine. This is a special situation. Simple is enough," Nina said gently.

He didn’t argue further and quietly ate.

That night, Yanai heated water so Nina could wash.

She bathed inside the cave while he stood guard at the entrance.

After she finished, he helped pour out the water, then washed himself outside before returning.

"Nina," he said softly, a faint flush on his face, "it gets cold at night. My beast form has thick fur... you can sleep on me if you want."

He paused, a little embarrassed. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"I’ve cleaned myself thoroughly."

As he spoke, he shifted into a massive snow wolf and curled up on the furs.

"You can use my tail as a blanket. It’s warmer than fur bedding."

Nina had been about to refuse, but seeing him already settled, she hesitated.

And... that thick, fluffy coat was undeniably tempting.

She had always liked big, soft animals.

Without overthinking, she sat down beside him.

Yanai’s heart leapt with quiet joy.

"You can lie on my belly. It’s the softest," he added.

Nina glanced at Dian.

Yanai stiffened. "He... doesn’t need it. Merfolk don’t feel the cold."

There was no way he was letting another male lie on him.

Nina coughed lightly. "I just wanted to move him closer."

"I’ll do it."

He quickly shifted back to human form, carried Dian closer, then returned to his wolf form.

Nina adjusted slightly and leaned against his belly.

It was unbelievably soft, like resting on a cloud.

Warm and comforting.

Yanai curled his tail over her, covering her gently.

"Sleep. I’ll keep watch."

His tail was fluffy and light, wrapping her in a cocoon of warmth.

Before long, Nina drifted off.

As she slept, she instinctively hugged his tail, occasionally nuzzling against it.

Yanai trembled slightly, heat rushing through him.

His tail was sensitive.

Being held like that... it was both torment and delight.

He looked down at her, his eyes filled with quiet happiness.

Morning light filtered into the cave.

Nina stirred awake, still holding something soft and warm. Without thinking, she gave it a few gentle strokes.

Yanai’s face flushed deep red, but he didn’t move, letting her do as she pleased.

He had once thought she didn’t like his beast form.

But now... Watching her like this, he finally understood.

It wasn’t that she disliked it.

She had only disliked the person he used to be.

That was only natural.

After all, he had once said such hurtful things. Anyone in her place would have been the same.

All he could do now was try harder... do more for her, until one day she no longer disliked him.

After waking, Yanai prepared water and simple washing supplies for Nina.

Once she finished, Nina gently wiped Dian’s face, her movements careful and tender.

They ate a quick breakfast, then set off again.

Along the way, they encountered several powerful high-tier beasts, but managed to deal with them one by one.

After a long journey, something finally came into view.

A massive circular stone altar.

"Could that... be the legendary altar?" Nina murmured.

The space around it was eerily empty. No vegetation, no movement. Just silence.

"It should be," Yanai said. "We’re probably at the center of the Sky Star Forest."

Nina frowned slightly.

"Something feels off. They said the central area was extremely dangerous, but... it hasn’t been as terrifying as described."

There had been danger, yes. But not enough to trap countless powerful warriors.

Yanai smiled faintly.

"That’s because you’re strong. To you, it doesn’t feel as dangerous. But for someone at my level... I might not have even made it this far."

Nina shook her head.

"But over the years, stronger people than me must have come here. Why didn’t they make it out?"

"They might not have been able to enter the core at all," he said. Then his expression grew more serious. "But you’re right. There could be hidden dangers we haven’t seen yet."

"Mm. We should stay cautious."

Her gaze returned to the altar.

"But where is the star source? There’s nothing here."

"I don’t know either." Yanai frowned. "Maybe we should take a closer look."

Nina nodded.

They approached slowly.

As Yanai stepped forward to climb onto the altar, Nina caught his arm.

"Wait."

She had Little Bun scan the area first. No immediate threats were detected.

Still cautious, she picked up a few stones and tossed them onto the altar.

Nothing happened.

Only then did they step up.

Nina studied the surface carefully.

The altar was covered in intricate carvings. Some resembled star charts, others looked like symbols or instructions.

After a while, she spoke thoughtfully.

"I think... this is saying the star source only appears at night."

Yanai nodded. "I thought the same."

They searched for more clues but found nothing else.

"Then we wait."

They stepped down and rested nearby.

Nina handed him additional equipment.

"Take these weapons and shields. I have a feeling tonight won’t be peaceful."

Yanai accepted them without hesitation.

With these, he could protect her better.

Night fell.

The sky filled with countless stars, forming a vast, shimmering sea of light.

They kept their eyes fixed on the altar, waiting.

Time passed slowly.

Then, one by one, the star patterns carved into the altar began to glow.

Light spread across its surface, flickering and pulsing.

Nina’s eyes lit up.

"It’s starting."

Yanai’s gaze brightened as well.

Once they obtained the star source... Nina’s curse could finally be broken.

They watched intently.

The glowing patterns converged toward a single point, resonating with the stars above.

Gradually, a faint golden energy began to take shape.

Just as they were absorbed in the sight, a sharp, piercing cry split the air.

A massive golden eagle descended from the eastern sky, circling above the altar.

Its eyes locked onto them, cold and vicious.

Then, without warning, it dove straight toward Nina and Yanai.