F/VoH Ch 101: Absorption and Fusion of Temperature

This item has a unique ability to absorb both hot and cold temperatures, then merge the two into a fragile balance. The opposing temperatures press against each other, conflicting within a single energy space, creating constant tension. This is the secret behind Ryan's change in expression when he is near Cheonghee.

Ryan, known for his cold, emotionless facial expression, appears more alive in front of Cheonghee. It is not without reason, as both possess Skill Level EX—the highest level held by only a few people in the world.

The energy from their abilities continuously suppresses each other, creating an effect that disrupts Ryan's emotional control, like sparks in oxygen-rich air. At a glance, Ryan seems like his former self, before all the loss and violence stripped away his emotions.

However, the Absorption and Fusion of Temperature is an item with limitations. It can only be used once and lasts for a full day before requiring a week to recharge. This means Ryan must use the item very carefully, precisely at the most critical moments.

On the other hand, Cheonghee is a descendant of one of the Legendary Heroes summoned from Earth centuries ago. With an extraordinary Fire-Based Skill at Level EX, Cheonghee can generate heat capable of burning an entire city. Ironically, Cheonghee's incredible power comes with a cruel curse: she cannot have children and cannot touch a man without instantly killing him. Any touch from Cheonghee will turn any man to ash.

It is ironic because Cheonghee is the greatest ruler of the Red District in the Kingdom of Polons, a region where worldly pleasures are sold at a high price.

Today, Ryan decided to face the situation in an unexpected—even strange—way. Ryan knew that to activate the Absorption and Fusion of Temperature, he needed to momentarily halt Cheonghee's thoughts. So, in a swift and unexpected move, Ryan grasped Cheonghee's chest with a firm yet careful hand.

This move succeeded; Cheonghee fell silent, shocked by the boundary-crossing action. In that brief moment of emptiness, Ryan activated the item, allowing the hot and cold temperatures to begin interacting between them.

Ryan's face, usually emotionless, now radiated an expression that was hard to interpret. The hot temperature from Cheonghee and the cold from Ryan battled within the item, which was a Ring with a Heart-shaped top, yet at the same time, the two temperatures blended, creating a strange harmony. For a moment, Ryan looked almost like a normal human again.

However, time continued to pass, and Ryan knew that the item would only last until the end of today. A full day in which Ryan could speak, act, and feel, as he once did.

Cheonghee remained silent for a moment, frozen and speechless. A deep silence enveloped her, as if she were diving into something invisible within herself.

Slowly, Cheonghee began to feel a warm sensation creeping between her fingers, climbing up to her heart. Cautiously, she looked at her hands, as if searching for certainty in what she was feeling.

Cheonghee's gaze then changed—from an expression of shock, confusion, to wonder, followed by a deep sense of emotion, and finally, an almost uncontrollable happiness.

Various emotions flickered across Cheonghee's face, creating a complex and stirring blend. Cheonghee's smile slowly blossomed, as if it were the first time she truly felt the meaning of real happiness.

Ryan, watching the transformation from the side, could only smile faintly. A smile that might seem simple, but held much meaning that only Ryan understood.