Limitless Evolution: I’m The New Dragon God?

After the meeting concluded, Ryuzen and Venus stepped out into the night air, the city lights of the upstart district gleaming faintly behind them. Waiting at the curb was a sleek, steam-age carriage humming with quiet energy. Its bronze-and-iron frame bore the charm of a bygone era, but the soft thrum beneath the floorboards revealed a modern marvel—Mana Engines, powered by refined Mana Crystals, pulsing like the heartbeat of a machine half-alive.

The driver, an older man with silvered hair and gloves that had seen decades of use, tipped his cap wordlessly and turned the wheel with practiced ease. The vehicle set into motion, gliding over the cobblestone road with a low whir, lanterns flickering on the sides like gentle fireflies.

Inside, the space was surprisingly comfortable. Upholstered in dark velvet with brass trim, the interior smelled faintly of old leather and fresh polish. It wasn't overly ornate, but everything had weight and thought to it—a design made for both comfort and function.

Ryuzen sat on the left side of the cushioned bench, Venus beside him, their shoulders just barely brushing. The ride was smooth, yet the silence between them was anything but.

Venus stared forward, her arms crossed tightly under her chest, but her posture betrayed a quiet tension. Her cheeks held a soft pink hue, the kind that refused to fade even under the cool evening breeze slipping in from the half-cracked window.

Ryuzen turned slightly, stealing a glance at her. The warmth of her body pressed lightly against his leg, their thighs touching in a way that neither of them had the heart to shift away from. He saw the faint blush trailing up her neck, and the way she pretended not to notice his gaze only confirmed it.

He exhaled softly, amused. "You alright?"

"I'm fine," Venus replied a little too quickly, her voice clipped. "Just… warm in here, that's all."

"Must be the Mana Core heating system," he teased gently, letting his arm rest casually on the back of the seat, not quite touching her shoulder.

Venus side-eyed him with a half-glare, but the corners of her lips twitched.

Outside, the world rolled by—lamplight reflected off the windows of tall Iron buildings, and the distant hum of other carriages echoed through the streets.

But inside that softly lit space, the air carried something more delicate. Not the tension of battle or the stress of decisions. Something quieter.

Once they arrived at their assigned house, the carriage rolled to a gentle stop outside a modest yet sturdy single storey building made of stone and reinforced timber. Mana lamps flickered near the entrance, casting soft golden glows over the cobbled path.

Ryuzen stepped down first, then helped Venus out with a casual hand. She accepted it silently, her fingers lingering just a second too long before letting go.

Ryu paid the driver after a good amount of bartering. The old man clearly wasn't interested in cutting deals, but Ryu still managed to knock the fare down to 150 silver coins (1.5 gold coins)—still pricey, but affordable.

But if this goes on for too long, he would be broke in days.

Venus looked away, slightly embarrassed. Back in her prime, she would've thrown five gold without blinking, but the Wave had stripped her of everything. Her posture stiffened, and she refused to meet Ryu's eyes.

"I'll pay next time," she muttered.

"I understand..." Ryu said, not minding at all.

This made her secretly glad.

Inside the house, the scent of spiced broth and sizzling meat greeted them instantly.

Maki, who'd taken up temporary residence to assist with things, peeked out from the kitchen wearing a floral apron that did not match her usual tough exterior.

"Ohh, you two are here," she called. "There's an official letter of appointment in your room. It came an hour ago."

"Thanks, Sister Maki." Venus replied as she kicked off her boots.

The two went to their room directly. Inside they found Evangeline still resting peacefully on the bed, her breathing calm, chest rising and falling beneath warm blankets.

The wind from the open window rustled a parchment envelope resting on the desk nearby.

Ryu walked over, cracked the seal, and unfolded the letter.

The writing was elegant, the ink pressed neatly into thick, textured paper.

~ To Ryuzen De Manus and Venus Versalon,

The Junior Blood Legion, as recognized by the Horizon Alliance, is hereby officially stationed at Garrison No. 7, near the western ground border of Atlas Skycity.

Under the guidance of Garrison Leader Boron Varn, your Legion will undergo training, participate in coordinated field missions, and serve as regional support against Hollow emergence events. All further orders will come directly from Central Dispatch or the Garrison Leader.

May your strength bring honor to the alliance.

Ryuzen blinked. "So… nothing exciting."

Venus flopped onto the bed beside her mother and sighed. "I was hoping for something cooler than 'go train at the border.'"

Ryu tossed the letter back on the desk. "Well, every legend starts with a boring assignment."

Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "Garrison No. 7… That means we'll be right near the edge. Hollow activity will be a lot there."

"Good," she whispered. "I am waiting for them."

Venus then dropped onto the bed, her lively brown hair spilling across the pillow. Her twin peaks bounced slightly with the movement.

Ryuzen stole a few glances.

He thought Venus didn't notice. But she did.

Despite that, she didn't react or scold him like she used to. Something had changed within her.

Though she had to try hard to cover her shyness.

In the end, she turned her back to him, leaving Ryuzen lightly slapping himself with guilt.

Idiot.

He didn't mean to be rude, but as someone who had just come out of puberty, he simply couldn't ignore it.

Ahem, shameless as it might be, Venus was really growing into an attractive woman in his eyes. The snub-nosed girl from the past was finally shedding her childish skin.

That night, deep into the night, Ryuzen decided to begin the Fusion Process, but this time, he decided to add another guest— Venus.

It was finally time for the Mana Daddy to appear again.