Limitless Evolution: I'm The New Dragon God?
Chapter 59: Lockdown

Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Lockdown

Venus’s smug face lit up with anticipation, clearly expecting an excited response from Ryu.

But all she got was a burst of laughter.

"Haha... no need to tell me," Ryu said, leaning back slightly, his tone relaxed. "I already know your big news. You’ve awakened the System, haven’t you?"

Venus blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering in visible confusion.

"Huh. How did you know?" she asked, voice soft. "I don’t remember ever telling you that."

Ryu was still smiling. "Because I heard your cheers this morning while I was leaving for a Hunter mission."

She pouted, but his smile was pure and refreshing, like the breeze that carried the scent of dew-soaked grass at sunrise. It carried no mockery, only genuine amusement.

Venus froze for a second. Her gaze drifted to his eyes. The golden shade shimmered in the morning light, deep and radiant. Something about them tugged at her memory. They looked strangely familiar. Familiar in a way that stirred something from deep within.

Her thoughts drifted to the dream she had not long ago. The one with the dragon.

That overwhelming yet gentle presence.

That voice she remembered so vividly. The one who had called himself the Mana Daddy.

She stared at Ryu’s face, lips parted slightly.

’Could it be... him?’ the thought echoed through her mind like a whisper in a cavern.

She shook her head firmly, her shoulder length hair swaying with the motion.

’No, impossible. How could this arrogant, annoying guy be that kind and noble dragon? There’s no way. I must be losing my mind to even think such a thing.’

And yet, despite brushing off the idea, her eyes drifted back to him.

His features had become sharper than before. His snow-white hair framed a face that seemed too flawless for a normal human. His body, though clothed in a simple shirt, carried an air of contained strength. Not bulky, but lean and defined, like a predator resting in plain sight.

’He looks...more handsome,’ she thought, biting her lower lip. ’Stronger, more refined. Just what kind of mission does he go on? What level has he reached already?’

The questions piled up in her mind, swirling in a storm of curiosity and intrigue.

She didn’t even realize she had been staring for too long until Ryu tilted his head.

"Venus?" he asked casually, a brow slightly raised. "Are you okay?"

"I-I’m fine!" she snapped, her face heating up. "But don’t get full of yourself just because you guessed right."

Her words were sharp, but her voice trembled just a little.

"Anyway, get freshened up and come downstairs. Mom called you for breakfast."

She turned to leave, her steps quick, but at the doorway, she paused. Venus glanced back once, her eyes lingering on him for a moment longer than she intended. Then, without another word, she disappeared down the hallway.

Ryu stood there quietly for a second. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

He walked over to the window and pushed it open fully. A gust of cool morning wind swept in, fluttering the curtains and filling the room with fresh air and sunlight. The warm glow touched every surface, brushing gently across the floorboards and lighting up the simple, worn furniture with new life.

The air smelled clean. Alive.

With a satisfied breath, he stretched slightly and made his way to the bathroom.

Calling it a bathroom felt generous. In truth, it was a small, stone-walled washroom attached to the side of the house, with a wooden door that creaked every time it opened. A clay basin sat atop a worn oak stand, filled with water drawn from the well earlier previous day. A rough cloth and a piece of lye soap rested nearby. There was no mirror, only a polished piece of bronze nailed to the wall, warped and spotted with age.

The cold water made him shiver slightly as he splashed it over his face and hair, but he endured it without complaint. It was far from luxury, but to a commoner, it was enough.

After a short while, Ryu emerged, his body refreshed and cool drops of water still clinging to his skin and hair. His white hair was damp, slightly messy, clumping in soft strands across his forehead and the sides of his face.

He ran his fingers through the strands with a slow swipe, pushing them back as they glistened faintly under the light.

There was something effortlessly handsome about him. Despite the simple setting, he looked like a prince in disguise.

Tugging the collar of his shirt to settle it properly, Ryu exhaled and made his way down the stairs.

When Ryu entered the dining room, he was greeted by the warm scent of freshly baked bread and stew simmering over the hearth.

The Versalon family sat together around a long wooden table, simple yet polished with care. Steam curled from clay bowls, and the morning sun streamed through the latticed windows, casting golden light across their modest home.

The scene struck Ryu in a place he rarely let anyone touch. It was a simple, quiet moment of family—something he had always longed for but never truly received. His father had been too selfish to show warmth, and his mother... she had died before he could even remember her face.

At the head of the table sat Versalon, the stern landlord of the house. He looked up and noticed Ryu lingering in the doorway.

"What are you doing standing there, boy?" Versalon barked, his voice rough but not unkind. "My daughter awakened her system, so we’re giving you a free breakfast in celebration. Now come, sit down and eat."

Ryu offered a polite nod and took a seat at the end of the table. Just then, Evangeline, Venus’ mother, glanced up and smiled warmly.

"Oh my, you’re turning into more of a lady charmer every day, Ryu. Has your growth spurt still not stopped?"

Ryu gave a sheepish grin. "No. You’ll have to get used to it, Auntie. But don’t worry, I won’t even dare to charm your family’s most precious jewel."

He threw a playful glance at Venus.

Venus narrowed her eyes and scoffed.

"Please. As if I’d fall for some pretty-faced prince. My husband will be the most powerful man in the world, not some charming showpiece."

She turned away with an exaggerated "hmph," but a faint blush betrayed her flustered heart.

"Brat, even if you try to take her away, I won’t let you," Versalon grumbled, eyeing Ryu with a protective glare.

Ryu raised his hands innocently. "I wouldn’t dare, sir. I value my life too much."

"Come on, dear," Evangeline chimed in, her voice teasing. "Stop being such an overprotective father. One day she’ll have to go into another man’s arms whether you like it or not."

Versalon huffed and crossed his arms but didn’t argue back.

"Well, whatever," he said. "Let’s talk about something more serious. There’s an important matter I need to tell you all. The city has gone into lockdown. No one’s allowed to leave its walls—strictly prohibited."

The cheerful atmosphere at the table shifted at once. Venus leaned forward, eyes narrowing with concern.

"Wait, what? Why is that, Dad? Our field instructor was supposed to take us out today for a training mission."