Limitless Evolution: I’m The New Dragon God?

The next day, after a light breakfast, Ryuzen and the group headed toward the nearest graveyard for Venus's father's funeral.

The funeral wasn't grand. They wore the same old clothes, carried the same weary expressions, but the grief in their eyes was unmistakable.

Venus cried silently. What hurt the most was the absence of her mother. She wasn't even there to see her husband one last time. Still unconscious, locked in a world of silence, unaware that the man she loved with her whole heart had left this world while protecting their family.

Ryuzen stood quietly beside her, a deep sense of respect swelling within him. The man may not have been strong, but he was a real father. The kind Ryuzen had never experienced. A father who loved, who sacrificed.

Regardless, In that moment Ryuzen realized what he had to do.

He gently placed a hand on Venus's shoulder and spoke in a low voice,

"It's alright, Venus. Uncle was happy to see you and your mother safe in his final moments. To him, your safety and happiness meant everything. If you stay sad forever, he'll carry that sadness with him in the afterlife."

John and Maki exchanged glances at his words, touched by the sincerity behind them.

On the other hand, Venus's eyes blurred with tears. Those words, though meant to comfort, cut deep. They reopened the wound in her heart and flooded it with more sorrow.

Her lips trembled. Then, without warning, she stood up and hugged Ryuzen, clinging to him tightly as she broke down.

"Sob… Ryu… Dad… he left me… You won't leave me too, will you?"

Ryuzen froze. The sudden closeness caught him off guard. He didn't know what to do with his hands, with the storm of emotion pressing against his chest. Still, he knew this wasn't romance. Not now. It was pain. Raw and helpless.

At least, that's what he told himself.

But John and Maki quietly shared a knowing smile. They saw something different blooming in that embrace. Something tender. Something that neither of them had realized until now.

"No. I won't," he finally answered.

It was a simple reply, but it carried the responsibility of a promise.

For Venus, it was enough. Strangely enough, she wasn't sure why she had needed to hear that so badly. Maybe it was the fear of losing another person. Maybe it was something more.

Either way, she let herself relax in his arms for a little longer. But as her breathing steadied and the intensity of the moment faded, she slowly realized just how shamelessly close she was holding him.

Her cheeks flushed a deep pink.

She pulled away in a hurry, awkwardly brushing her hair back and pretending not to be embarrassed.

"Alright, that's enough, love-birds. Time to head home. Or are you two planning to spend the whole day cuddling?" Maki said, arms crossed and an amused grin on her face.

"We're not love-birds—"

Both Ryuzen and Venus answered at the same time.

Then came a long, awkward silence.

"Whatever," John said with a shake of his head. "Just don't forget you two have a gathering with the Second Blood Legion later."

He turned and began leading the way.

John was right. They had a meeting to attend, and there was no time to waste.

Still, on the way back, the group made a short stop for shopping. Just something simple—some new clothes and fresh gear to replace their worn-out sets.

It wasn't much, but for a moment, it felt normal. Almost peaceful.

And for people who had been through so much, even a little peace was precious.

---

In the afternoon, Ryuzen and Venus finally reached the meeting place.

It was a small but stylish restaurant tucked into the corner of the Upstart District.

The Upstart District was known for its blend of youth, ambition, and bold new money. Buildings here stood taller, signs were flashier, and the streets bustled with activity. Everything screamed progress and confidence, even if it still wore the scent of something freshly built.

The restaurant they entered was modest in size but modern in design. Transparent glass walls shimmered faintly, filtering sunlight in a calming hue of soft blue. The interior had clean wooden tables, stone floor tiles with glowing patterns, and floating lights that gave the place a subtle, mystical glow.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Venus asked, adjusting the collar of her new coat, her eyes scanning the modest building.

Ryuzen nodded confidently. "Yeah. The address matches, and the restaurant's name is correct."

They stepped inside. The warm aroma of grilled meat and herbs hung in the air. A few diners sat scattered throughout, quietly eating or chatting. But in the far corner, shielded by half-closed curtains, sat four figures. The air around them was tense, charged with power. They weren't ordinary. Not even close.

"They're already here," Ryuzen murmured, a small smile forming.

Whoosh!

Before they could take another step, a figure flickered into view before them like a ghost in daylight.

"Ryuzen. Are you alright? Feeling okay?" a sweet voice asked with genuine worry..

It was Irina Raiku. Her eyes sparkled with worry as she gently reached out and placed the back of her hand against Ryuzen's forehead, checking his temperature.

"Slap!"

But before Ryuzen could reply, Venus stepped in and slapped Irina's hand away.

"Hmph. He's fine. What could possibly happen to him in such a short time?" Venus snapped, her voice mixed with jealousy.

Irina's eyes narrowed slightly.

"And why are you being a busybody? Who are you to him?"

Venus stammered as she answered,

"I-I am... his friend. "

Hearing her answer, Irina smiled faintly.

"Just friend... Then There's nothing to be worried about..."

A subtle crackle of energy shimmered around her as Irina locked eyes with Venus. It was brief but intense.

Their expressions stayed neutral, but the silent clash between them was almost palpable.

Ryuzen blinked and looked between them, confused, but chose not to comment. He stepped around them and approached the corner booth.

"Come on, you two. Settle down please,"

Seated there were the other 3 members of the Second Blood Legion.

First was Luthor Damon, the one they all called big brother. Towering, broad-chested, with calm eyes and a composed expression, he offered Ryuzen a warm smile.

"You've grown stronger from the last time I saw you," Luthor said, giving a firm nod. "I could tell the moment you walked in."

Ryuzen was surprised by his sharp observation.

"Ohh, brother Luthor seems have keen senses." heu answered without flinching.

Next to Luthor sat Felix Von Sanguine, refined and poised, with long crimson hair and pale skin that contrasted sharply with his black tailored coat.

He gave a courteous nod and raised a tea cup.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Ryuzen," Felix said with a trace of nobility in his voice. "Let's make this introductory meeting a success."

"Hehehe.. You're all so cute..." Laughed Rudos Forger, the youngest member of the grouo.

His legs were on his chair, goggles resting on his head and a grease-stained glove tapping the side of his cup.

Despite his childlike frame, his smirk oozed confidence.

Ryuzen gave him a curios glance.

"What's up?" Rudos grinned.

"Nothing."