Apocalypse: Transmigrated with an Overlord System-Chapter 254: Morning

Liora had fallen asleep in his arms—quietly, deeply, without nightmares to drag her under.

And Xu Kai hadn’t let go.

Even long after her breathing steadied, he continued to hold her close, his gaze fixed on her peaceful face like he was afraid she might disappear. His mind was still racing, his pulse still fast, but his hands never wavered. They stayed steady, wrapping around her with a gentleness that no one had ever taught him, but one he always gave to her.

She’s back. My Liora.

The thought repeated in his mind like a prayer.

The same girl who once chased him through the academy courtyard just to throw a bottle at his head.

The one who used to steal his field rations when she thought he wasn’t looking.

The only one who ever smiled at him like he was human. Not a weapon. Not a rank. Just... him.

And now, somehow, she was here in his arms.

Her breath brushed lightly against his throat, her hand curled gently over his chest. Even in sleep, she leaned into him like some part of her still remembered him—if not with her mind, then with something deeper.

Without even thinking, he leaned forward and brushed the softest kiss against her lips.

A whisper. Nothing more. But it was enough to make his heart twist with everything he hadn’t been able to say.

"I missed you," he murmured, voice raw and quiet. "So damn much."

And finally, with her warmth pressed to him, Xu Kai let himself rest too. He fell asleep holding her like the world could end tomorrow—and he wouldn’t care, not if she was here with him tonight.

The Next Morning. Liora woke to warmth.

Not the kind that brought fever or panic, but the soft, slow warmth that melted into her limbs and made her feel like she was wrapped in sunlight. Her eyes fluttered open, lashes brushing her cheeks, and for a moment she just lay there—still, quiet, breathing.

There was no dread this time. No tension coiled in her stomach. No cold weight dragging her down.

She was still in the small hut filled with warmness.

She felt good. but then she noticed—Xu Kai was gone.

She sat up quickly, heart skipping, but before panic could settle in, the scent of firewood and sizzling meat drifted in from outside.

Her stomach growled.

Liora pushed off the covers and stepped barefoot into the morning light. The sun filtered through the trees, painting the forest in gold. And there he was—Xu Kai—crouched by a small fire, sleeves rolled up, completely focused on flipping something over a heated Pan.

"You cook now?" she called out teasingly, arms crossed and lips curling into a sleepy grin. "Since when did General Ice-Block become a househusband?"

Xu Kai turned. The second he saw her—disheveled hair, sleepy eyes, bare feet—something in him softened instantly.

"You’re awake," he said, voice gentler than the morning breeze. Then he added with a dry look, "And I’ve always cooked. You just never noticed because you were too busy stealing my food."

She wandered closer, swaying a little as she walked. "Mmm, it smells amazing. Did you use spices? Wait—did you make it extra spicy for me?"

He gave her a long-suffering look, but she caught the faint smile tugging at his mouth.

"Sit," he said. "Eat before you faint again."

She plopped down beside him with dramatic flair, leaning her shoulder against his. "You’re not going to feed me?" she asked sweetly, fluttering her lashes.

He stared at her. "No."

"But you kissed my yesterday," she added with an exaggerated pout.

He let out a soft laugh—an actual laugh—short and startled, like it had been locked away for too long.

"You’re so annoying," he muttered, but he still tore a piece of grilled meat and offered it to her.

Liora opened her mouth smugly, letting him feed her. "Mmm," she sighed dramatically. "Ten out of ten. Would eat again."

"Drama queen."

"But your drama queen," she shot back.

That made him pause.

He looked at her, and for a heartbeat, the teasing quieted. He remember the exactly same words from past. The warmth in his gaze returned—steady, grounding.

After Breakfast

They finished eating in a peaceful silence, the fire crackling gently beside them. Liora let the quiet stretch, the sunlight filtering through the trees like a blanket. But the calm was fraying at the edges now. That heavy knot in her chest had returned—something she couldn’t ignore.

"Xu Kai..." she began softly.

He looked up instantly.

"I... I don’t remember." Her voice was small. "After the academy. After everything started changing. I remember something acting strange. And then—"

She swallowed, her throat tight.

"Then it’s blank. Just darkness."

He didn’t interrupt. He let her speak.

"My last clear memory is from the academy. It was night. I was scared. Something was pushing into my head. Like my own body wasn’t mine anymore. I remember collapsing. Then... nothing."

She shut her eyes tightly.

Xu Kai reached out and took her hand in his.

"You don’t have to force it," he said gently.

But she shook her head. "It’s just—every time I try to think about what happened after that, my head hurts. Not like a normal headache but like... like I’m going to break if I remember. And it scares me. I don’t even know what I’m afraid of. But the fear is always the same. Like if I look too deep, I’ll explode."

His grip on her hand tightened—not too much, just enough to anchor her.

"Then don’t look deep right now," he told her.

She turned toward him.

"When you’re ready," he said, voice steady. "When your mind is strong enough, we’ll figure it out. But Liora—you’re here now. And you’re not alone."

Something inside her broke open. Not in pain—but in relief.

She leaned against him again, resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes drifting closed.

Her memories were still out of reach. She needed to level up first—only then could she unlock more. The system had clearly stated that 50% of her memories would be accessible once she reached Level 20.