Master has pull quite a few strings since long ago to obtain one. She got it recently, and decided to use it on Isla without any hesitation, Catherine replied.
She gave it to someone else while she’s still only a Low Rank Species herself? Isaac frowned slightly as he continued walking beside the staff member.
Even knowing the Sword Empress’s personality, that decision left him speechless.
Yes. Don’t worry, though. I should be able to convince Master to accept your Bloodline Evolution Potion soon, Catherine replied with a quiet sigh.
Honestly, I thought you would have already convinced her by now. Isaac glanced ahead as they approached another corner of the hallway.
Since Catherine and the Sword Empress were so close, he had expected that matter to be settled in a few hours.
I thought the same. But for some reason, Master has been avoiding every topic related to you like the plague, Catherine answered, her voice carrying a teasing note
Isaac’s steps stiffened for a split second before returning to normal. The Sword Empress was avoiding conversations about him, yet he couldn’t think of any reason why she would do that.
He truly couldn’t.
The VVIP breakthrough room finally came into view.
Celia and Arlene were already waiting outside the entrance, both still dressed in the outfits they had worn to the celebration party. Celia immediately stood up and waved enthusiastically, while Arlene quietly watched Isaac approach without saying a word.
The staff member excused himself after opening the area for them, leaving the ’three’ alone in the hallway.
Isaac smiled at Celia before asking, "So, what class are you advancing into?"
"It’s a sec~ret. You’ll find out after I finish my breakthrough." Celia clasped her hands behind her back and grinned mischievously.
She looked entirely too pleased with herself, clearly enjoying the opportunity to keep Isaac guessing.
Isaac chuckled and didn’t push for an answer. The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and the two chatted casually for several minutes while Catherine listened beside them. Throughout the exchange, Arlene remained unusually quiet.
Celia eventually noticed the silence and looked between Isaac and Arlene several times. She had ignored it before the concert because everyone had been under pressure, but now it felt too obvious to overlook. Suddenly, her eyes widened as if she had reached a shocking conclusion.
"Hold on. What’s going on between you two? Wait... don’t tell me you two are—"
Before she could finish, Isaac flicked her forehead.
Celia rubbed the sore spot and glared at him, while Isaac looked back with a mildly stern expression.
"Don’t make people uncomfortable by saying things like that. What if she has a boyfriend? You’re putting her in an awkward position," he said.
He wasn’t angry with Celia, but he genuinely disliked being grouped with Arelene. If she hadn’t been someone Celia cared about, he would have eliminated her long ago.
"Boyfriend? Her? If I don’t help this girl, she’s going to end up single forever." Celia rolled her eyes dramatically.
Arlene immediately shot her an annoyed glare, prompting Celia to raise her chin as if challenging her to prove otherwise.
The two continued staring at each other until Arlene finally looked away with an exasperated sigh. Isaac simply shook his head while Catherine quietly smiled, already accustomed to their usual banter.
A few more minutes passed before Celia checked the time and reached for the heavy door behind her.
"I should get started now. Elite Rank breakthroughs can take anywhere from half a day to an entire day, so I wanted to see you first," she said.
Isaac nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Good luck, and don’t overthink anything. If something unexpected happens, I’ll step in."
Celia’s cheerful smile returned immediately. "Okay. I’ll leave the rest to you."
She stepped closer, kissed Isaac lightly on the cheek, and entered the breakthrough room before the massive reinforced door slowly sealed shut behind her.
Isaac left one of his clones outside as an additional safeguard. Although the facility was already secure, having another layer of protection cost him almost nothing.
Of course, Celia could have made the breakthrough in Soulbind Pendant. But doing it was more of a publicity event. It would show to the other awakeners that this was a safe place, and doing a breakthrough in a place where others could know about it would make sure they talk about it, which would cause a boost in her popularity, however small.
Once everything was arranged, he and Catherine left the building together.
Their next destination was Selene’s mansion, where she was already waiting near the entrance. She held a neatly packed picnic basket with both hands and still wore a simple apron, while a small streak of cream remained on one of her cheeks from her recent baking.
The moment she saw Isaac, a shy blush appeared on her face.
"This is for you," she said softly as she offered him the basket, trying her best not to meet his eyes.
Isaac accepted it with a smile before tilting his head slightly. "How come you get more embarrassed every time you see me? Shouldn’t you be getting used to me by now?"
His teasing only made the blush spread farther across her cheeks.
The memory of their intimate kiss from the last time was still clearly fresh in her mind. Selene lowered her gaze, unable to look at him directly, while Isaac watched her with an amused smile.
He stepped closer and gently wrapped his arms around her waist. Selene immediately closed her eyes and turned her head to the side, whispering,
"I-Isaac... wait..."
Instead of kissing her lips, Isaac simply leaned forward and licked the bit of cream from her cheek. He stepped back with a satisfied nod before smiling.
"Mhm. It tastes pretty good," he said.
Selene slowly opened her eyes as realization dawned on her. Although she remained deeply embarrassed, her tail drooped ever so slightly behind her, making her look faintly disappointed that he hadn’t kissed her after all.