Crimson Overlord
Chapter 400: Another Ruin

Chapter 400: Another Ruin

A Night Under the Stars

As the last remnants of the ruined temple crumbled behind them, Luna emerged victorious, her breathing heavy but exhilarated. The trial had pushed her to her limits, testing both her combat skills and her ability to think under pressure. Her body ached from the intense battle against the ancient guardians that had stood in her way, but the glow of triumph in her golden eyes outshone any exhaustion.

Orpheus watched her with a small, knowing smile. He had stayed in the background, observing, ready to step in if necessary—but she hadn’t needed him. She had overcome each challenge with determination, and now, as she looked up at him with wide, expectant eyes, she reminded him of a puppy eagerly awaiting praise.

A chuckle rumbled from his throat. "You want me to praise you that badly?"

Luna pouted, crossing her arms. "Of course! I worked hard in there."

Orpheus sighed playfully before stepping closer, placing a hand on her head. He ruffled her hair gently. "You did well, Luna. Better than I expected."

A bright smile spread across her face, and she practically beamed under his touch. "Hehe, I knew you’d say that!"

Orpheus shook his head, amused. "Come on. We’ll rest here for the night before heading to the next ruin."

Setting Up Camp

They found a secluded clearing near a crystal-clear stream, surrounded by towering trees that whispered in the breeze. The night sky above stretched infinitely, painted with countless stars, the twin moons casting a soft glow over the land. It was a perfect place to settle down.

Orpheus swiftly set up their campsite, summoning a small fire with a flick of his fingers. The flames crackled warmly, illuminating the space as Luna stretched her sore limbs.

"I’m going for a quick bath," she announced, already heading toward the stream.

Orpheus hummed in acknowledgment as he continued preparing their meal. He could hear the splashing of water and Luna’s relaxed sighs as she bathed. The cool night air was crisp, but the fire kept the campsite comfortably warm.

A little while later, Luna returned, her golden hair damp, dressed in a fresh set of nightwear. She plopped down next to Orpheus, her eyes drifting toward the sizzling pan where he was cooking.

"Smells good," she murmured, watching as he expertly flipped pieces of seasoned meat, the aroma blending with the natural freshness of the night.

He glanced at her. "You’re awfully quiet now. Worn out?"

She huffed. "Not at all. Just... enjoying this."

Orpheus smirked but didn’t comment further.

Once the food was ready, they ate together under the open sky, the peaceful silence between them filled only with the occasional crackling of the fire and the chirping of distant night creatures.

Luna leaned back, gazing at the constellations. "It’s moments like these that make everything worth it."

Orpheus simply nodded, taking a sip from his drink. He knew what she meant.

Tomorrow, another ruin awaited. But for tonight, they simply existed in this moment—just the two of them, under the endless stars.

The night passed peacefully, the gentle crackling of the fire and the rustling of leaves in the wind creating a soothing lullaby. Luna had fallen asleep first, curled up in her blanket with a satisfied smile, still basking in the afterglow of her victory. Orpheus sat by the fire for a while longer, gazing at the stars, lost in thought.

She was growing stronger. That much was clear. But strength alone wasn’t enough—he needed to refine her instincts, her control, her ability to adapt. The ruins they had explored were mere stepping stones. What lay ahead would test her in ways she couldn’t yet imagine.

With a final glance at the sleeping Luna, Orpheus closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift into a light meditation rather than true sleep.

As the first rays of dawn peeked over the horizon, Luna stirred. Her golden eyes blinked open, adjusting to the soft morning light. She stretched with a satisfied sigh, her muscles still sore from the previous day’s battles.

"Morning..." she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

Orpheus was already up, standing near the stream, his shirt discarded as he rinsed his face with the cool water. The morning light danced across his toned form, droplets of water sliding down his skin.

Luna turned red and quickly looked away.

"You’re up early."

"I never truly slept," he replied simply, turning back toward the camp.

Luna rolled her eyes. "Of course you didn’t."

Shaking off her drowsiness, she got up and stretched before heading toward the stream herself. She splashed some water on her face, the refreshing chill waking her up fully.

By the time she returned to the campsite, Orpheus had already started breakfast. The rich aroma of sizzling meat and toasted bread filled the air. Luna plopped down beside him, eagerly waiting for her meal.

"You spoil me," she said with a grin as he handed her a plate.

"Consider it your reward for yesterday," he said, smirking.

Luna hummed in delight as she dug in. "Then I’ll just have to keep winning so I get more rewards."

Orpheus chuckled. "Good motivation."

As they ate, they discussed their next destination.

"There’s another ruin about half a day’s journey from here," Orpheus explained. "It’s said to house an ancient guardian far stronger than the ones you’ve faced before."

Luna’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Perfect. I’ll take it down."

Orpheus arched an eyebrow. "Confidence is good. Overconfidence is dangerous."

She stuck her tongue out. "I know that. But I’m still excited."

He smirked, finishing his meal. "Then finish up. We move out soon."

With their camp packed up, the two set off toward the next ruin. The path took them through dense forests, where the air was thick with the scent of earth and blooming flowers. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the trees, casting dappled shadows along the ground.

Luna walked beside Orpheus, occasionally glancing at him. "So, what do you think this guardian is like?"

Orpheus kept his gaze forward. "Strong. Ancient. Relentless."

Luna grinned. "Sounds fun."

He glanced at her, amused. "You have an odd definition of ’fun.’"

She shrugged. "Battling strong opponents is the best way to improve, right?"

He nodded. "True. But only if you survive."

Luna huffed. "Have some faith in me."

"I do. That’s why I’m letting you face it alone."

She blinked. "Wait, what?"

Orpheus smirked. "You heard me."

Luna groaned. "You really like throwing me into the fire, don’t you?"

"It’s the fastest way to forge strength."

She sighed but couldn’t argue. With each challenge, she was growing stronger. And deep down, she relished every moment of it.

As they continued their journey, the air began to change. The atmosphere grew heavier, charged with an ancient energy.

The next trial awaited.