Chapter 3: Awakening and Separation

Beneath the lush, verdant trees, a secluded corner shielded from the sunlight.

Slurp~ Slurp~

Suddenly, a series of soft, oddly alluring sounds echoed through the air.

Following the sound, one would discover that the source was a stunningly beautiful, fair-skinned girl. At that moment, her delicate cheeks bore a rosy hue, akin to the blush of someone slightly intoxicated, while her almond-shaped eyes, marked with a crescent moon, sparkled with an unusual light. Below these captivating eyes, her luscious, cherry-red lips slightly parted.

A tender, slightly translucent tongue slowly emerged, delicately licking the boy’s pale skin, marked with two faint tooth marks, as if savoring an ice cream. With each lick, the two small bites on the boy’s neck began to miraculously heal.

In a matter of moments, his flawless, ivory skin returned to its original state.

Watching this, Tang Yue, who had just ‘consumed’ her husband in a literal sense, reluctantly pulled herself away. After savoring the moment with a satisfied smack of her lips, she spoke with renewed vigor.

‘Hehe, Ye Yu, you’re even more delicious now that you’ve awakened your abilities! So, what power did you awaken? I’m so curious!’

As she spoke, Tang Yue, who had been teasing her ‘husband-since-childhood’ since she was two, moved closer, her feminine curiosity piqued. Just as their noses were about to touch, a vibration came from within her school uniform, disrupting the moment.

Last year, Tang Yue would have ignored the message, preferring to continue teasing her husband, Ye Yu. But this year, as she neared the end of her compulsory education, the world outside was fraught with danger. In this realm where supernatural abilities and demons coexisted, firearms were useless, and demons often attacked.

Thousands of years ago, China had adapted its education system to address these realities. Despite the military presence in every city, demons often slipped through, posing a threat to civilians. To counter this, China implemented a unified, 13-year compulsory education system, teaching not just knowledge, but also physical training, self-defense, and combat skills.

Even without awakening abilities, students like Ye Yu could cast basic spells like fireballs or summon creatures. As a top student in her final year, Tang Yue was akin to a senior in college, already considered a part of society due to her internship requirements.

Her job as a City Demon Hunter, part of a guild, was both ordinary and common. Their mission was to hunt demons within the city, a perilous task given the demons’ strength and aggression. Each hunter was crucial; losing one meant increased danger for the rest.

Though she loved teasing Ye Yu, Tang Yue knew her work was vital. Opening her phone, she read a message that caused her brows to furrow. Ye Yu, noticing her concern, tried to see the screen, but she quickly turned it off.

As a young man, Ye Yu understood that Tang Yue was hiding the message to protect him. He felt a mix of relief and worry, wanting to protect her while respecting her independence. He knew that as a normal person, he might hinder her missions.

Every time Tang Yue went on a mission, Ye Yu prayed for her safety. Now, with his newfound abilities, he clenched his fists, determined to grow stronger.

‘Ye Yu, I’m going on a mission. I’ll be back on Friday, and we can go home together on Saturday. Sunday, we…’

Before Tang Yue could finish, Ye Yu covered her lips with his hand. He knew her words were inviting trouble. For the woman he had loved for 15 years, he didn’t want anything to go wrong as they prepared to get married.

With a soft kiss on his cheek, Tang Yue left, carrying her parasol and walking away with grace.

Ye Yu stayed behind for two reasons. First, he was a bit anemic after being fed on; moving too quickly might cause dizziness. He had grown accustomed to this over the years. Second, he was a bit embarrassed. While Tang Yue was on the phone, his own phone buzzed with a delivery notification. He had recently ordered something special for her.

Thinking of the gift, his newfound resolve, and his unique ability to transform, Ye Yu made a decision. ‘Sorry, dear, but your cat costume is calling my name! As your husband, I should try it on first!’