25: Chapter 25 Sleepless Night

The blood mist gradually dissipated, and a pale golden shimmer spilled down from the horizon, coating the mountain Villa in a warm hue.

Lin Zhou stood in the center of the courtyard, the chill of the Ice Spike still lingering on his fingertips, his heart still pounding rapidly within his chest.

Although he now possessed sufficient strength, that scene just now, especially seeing the Tier 3 Soul-Devouring Bat King, had truly made him tremble a little.

That thing looked terrifying; it was truly a fear that reached the depths of his soul.

However, he also knew that he had to gradually adapt.

In the future... things would likely only get more terrifying.

But seeing the women beside him, the fear in his heart immediately vanished.

Even if not for himself, he had to protect this home well.

Because now, he was no longer alone.

Jiang Wanxing and Professor Su Qinghan had completely given their hearts to him; they were already family.

And Qin Lan's favorability had already reached ninety; it wouldn't be long before she was the same as Jiang Wanxing.

So, if not for himself, then for them, he had to lead everyone to survive.

This was not only a promise to them but also a promise to himself.

"Hubby, you were so handsome just now... I was stunned."

Just then, Jiang Wanxing in his arms couldn't help but praise him.

Her voice was soft and trembling, filled with undisguised adoration, her fingertips gently tugging at the corner of his clothes.

Clearly, this was driven by her favorability, making Jiang Wanxing now like a clingy little kitten.

He subconsciously lowered his head, looking at her reddened eye corners and dewy eyes, his heart softened, and he raised his hand to ruffle her hair.

"From now on, with me here, you can just be the lady of the house in peace!"

A simple sentence made Jiang Wanxing's heartbeat instantly accelerate, her cheeks burning so hot they could drip water.

Unable to control herself, she couldn't help but tiptoe and gently peck his lips.

Like a child who had stolen a taste of honey, she immediately buried herself in his arms after the kiss, not daring to look up.

[Detection: Jiang Wanxing's heart-flutter value is stable, the bond between the host and the first mistress has deepened, shared talent [Phantom Acceleration] effect permanently increased to 120%.]

The system prompt sounded softly. The next second, Lin Zhou felt the power of speed within him surge again, his body seemingly surrounded by a layer of pale cyan afterimages.

Detecting this feeling made him feel incredibly exhilarated.

He hadn't expected that after favorability reached the maximum level, it could still increase attributes; this was too awesome.

In this way, couldn't it reach 140%, 180%, 200% in the future?

Wouldn't that make him incredibly badass?

He was originally just sharing their talent abilities, but in the end, he was outperforming them all.

Wasn't this too discouraging for others?

However... he liked it.

Hehehe...

Professor Su Qinghan stood to the side, her cold brows filled with gentleness and shyness.

Her gaze at Lin Zhou had long since changed from initial admiration to deep adoration.

The image of him standing in front of everyone just now, resisting the mental impact of the Soul-Devouring Bat King, was deeply etched into her heart.

As a university professor who had been aloof for many years, she had never felt this moved by anyone before.

Just then, Lin Zhou turned to meet her gaze, a faint smile curling on his lips as he reached out to gently wrap his arm around her waist.

This sudden movement made Professor Su Qinghan's body stiffen abruptly.

Then, she leaned softly against his side, a light flush rising on her cheeks.

The warm touch came through the fabric, making her breathing shallow and her heart chaotic.

Thinking about what she had just promised Lin Zhou, her heart became even more flustered.

"Qinghan, your control of the Ice Spike just now was beautiful."

Lin Zhou said gently. Hearing this gentle tone, Professor Su Qinghan's long eyelashes trembled, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz:

"It was all... all because you commanded well."

[Detection: Professor Su Qinghan has completely given her heart to the host, favorability maintained at 100, shared talent [Micro-Ice Condensation] effect permanently increased to 100%.]

Hearing this prompt, Lin Zhou grinned.

He hadn't even fully taken her yet, and he had already maxed out her favorability.

If he were to have her, wouldn't the benefits soar rapidly?

At this moment, he felt a bit expectant.

At the same time, he was also looking forward to the future apocalyptic life.

To others, this apocalypse was cruel and the end of fate.

But for him, it was the beginning of the happiest life.

Subconsciously, he turned his head to look at Qin Lan on the side.

Seeing that she had met his gaze, she subconsciously tightened her grip on the sniper rifle in her hand.

Her knuckles turned slightly white, her eyes full of undisguised panic and shyness.

As a retired female soldier, she had always been calm, decisive, and ruthless, never showing such a side in front of anyone.

But Lin Zhou's words just now, "My melee ace," were like a pebble, ruthlessly thrown into the calm lake of her heart.

Ripples spread out, never to be calmed again.

"Qin Lan, your precision is getting higher and higher. I believe it won't be long before you can definitely become a Gun God!"

Lin Zhou couldn't help but say.

"No way? I didn't even hit the vital spot just now..." Hearing Lin Zhou actually praise her like this, Qin Lan blushed and couldn't help but say.

"If you had hit the vital spot just now, you would have already become a Gun God. Don't forget, that was a Tier 3 Strange Monster, and a flying one at that; speed is its advantage. Being able to hit it under such an innate advantage is already precise shooting."

Lin Zhou said with a very serious face.

"Yeah, Sister Qin Lan, being able to hit that Soul-Devouring Bat King is already really impressive."

Jiang Wanxing on the side couldn't help but join in the praise.

By joining in the praise, she could seize the opportunity to touch Qin Lan's heart.

In this way, her sisters could increase.

No matter how you looked at it, this was beneficial to them.

"The Soul-Devouring Bat King is a speed-type Strange Monster. Among Strange Monsters of the same level, it is definitely a leader in speed. Qin Lan, Lin Zhou is absolutely right; you are already very impressive!"

"If you could hit its vital spot, then your level would definitely be at a master's existence!"

Professor Su Qinghan also spoke up.

"I... I will work hard to improve myself in the future!"

Hearing everyone's praise, Qin Lan was already embarrassed and said in a low voice.

She could feel that everyone was sincere, and the words they spoke were from the heart.

This made her feel very at ease.

Wandering in the apocalypse, chased by Strange Monsters, she had long been accustomed to bearing everything alone.

No one had ever affirmed her, protected her, or kept her in their heart like this.

Qin Lan looked up and met Lin Zhou's deep eyes, instantly falling, her cheeks turning bright red, her heart beating like a drum.

[Detection: Qin Lan favorability +5, current favorability 95.]

Hearing this, Lin Zhou grinned.

Favorability... wasn't it just coming?

Seeing that it had already gotten dark outside, tonight... was destined to be a sleepless night!