"Don't forget the flight boosters," Shuri chimed. "And the environmental shielding. That thing can take you from underwater trenches to lava fields without breaking a sweat."
Dave flexed his fingers, and the armor moved like second skin. "Feels like wearing rage and elegance at the same time."
Signora stepped forward, her eyes scanning Dave from head to toe. "You look like a war god."
Xinxue frowned slightly. "This color scheme… doesn't match your face at all."
Shuri laughed and stepped in. "Here—use this and check out how it looks," she said, handing over a sleek device. She tapped a few buttons, and in a shimmer of light, the armor's black and red tones shifted. The new palette emerged: royal blue and silver-lined armor with an elegant high-collared robe flowing behind.
"Damn… now you look hot," Shuri grinned as the others nodded, clearly impressed by how refined and regal Dave looked now.
"I might need armor just like that," Tony said, nudging Xinxue. But she only gave him a flat look and stepped back, arms crossed.
"Don't mind her," Dave said casually. "She's just not used to compliments."
Tony shrugged. "Fair enough. Honestly, I'm used to cold glares around here. Most people are either deadly geniuses… or own the place."
Dave chuckled as Xinxue, unable to hide her flustered look, turned away slightly with a huff.
Tony gave Dave a sideways glance as they walked deeper into the workshop. "You really missed a lot while you were off doing your Demon Prince thing."
Dave smirked slightly. "I heard about Liu Yue. Hard to believe Flander and Erlong Sheis now going to awaken her Martial Spirit."
"thats also I cam back to see it" he said as he missed that little packet of mischief, who would call him big brother only to add spicy mix in his drinks.
Tony snorted. "Yeah, well… brace yourself. They've got two now."
Dave stopped in his tracks. "Wait, what?"
Tony turned, grinning. "Yup. Liu Yue's six now—sharp, quick-tempered, and already acting like she owns half the Academy. She's set to awaken her Martial Spirit next month, and Shrek's throwing a big ceremony for it."
Dave nodded slowly, still wrapping his head around it. "Right… I figured I'd be back for that. But two?" Fresh chapters posted on novelꜰire.net
"Mhmm." Tony held up two fingers. "They had a boy. Just turned one. Name's Liu Feng, though most of us call him 'Little Ox.' Chubby little guy with hands like hammers and a laugh that could shake the roof. Every time he falls down, he punches the ground like it offended him."
Dave let out a short laugh. "You're joking."
Tony grinned. "Not even a little. Kid's a walking spirit core in diapers. Erlong's convinced he's going to awaken something absurdly strong. Flander just keeps making excuses to carry him around like a badge of honor."
Dave chuckled again, shaking his head. "So Flander's gone full dad mode."
"Oh, completely," Tony said. "He even gave up his weird collection of feathered cloaks—well, most of them. Now it's all 'discipline, structure, family values' and bedtime stories about battle formations."
Dave folded his arms, a warm smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Glad to hear they're doing well… and Yue awakening next month, huh? Think she'll inherit her mom's dragon?"
Tony shrugged. "Could be. But that girl's got something wild in her. You'll see. Even the elders are curious."
Dave's gaze softened. "Yeah… I wouldn't miss it for anything."
Tony nudged him. "Told you, man. Time moved on, but you made it back right when the good stuff's starting."
It didn't take long for Tony to lead Dave out of the workshop and across the academy courtyard. The sun was high, children training in open fields while instructors watched from shaded pavilions. And there, near one of the side gardens, stood a familiar sight—Flander and Liu Erlong.
Flander was crouched low, his usually dramatic robes replaced by a modest tunic and some loosely tied boots. His arms were held out like a goalpost, and seated proudly on his shoulders was a round, red-cheeked baby boy with a messy tuft of dark blond hair—Liu Feng.
The boy blinked his wide, curious eyes at Dave as the group approached… and then slowly raised one hand to point at him.
"Ungh!" he squealed, as if making a declaration.
Dave blinked. "Is… is he pointing at me?"
Liu Erlong sighed loudly from the bench nearby. "He does that when he likes someone."
"He dares someone," Flander said proudly, bouncing the boy a little. "That's his 'come fight me' face. The little ox recognizes a challenge when he sees one!"
"Flander, stop making everything a martial declaration," Erlong muttered, rolling her eyes, but she couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips.
Dave stepped forward and squatted down slightly, looking up at the chubby toddler now half-lunging in his father's arms. "So this is the mighty Liu Feng?"
"Don't let the cheeks fool you," Flander said, puffing up. "He's already broken one training dummy. By accident."
The baby blinked slowly at Dave… then leaned forward and patted his head.
"Boom," he said in a serious tone, as if declaring a victory.
Dave grinned. "Oh yeah, he's yours."
Flander looked like he was going to explode with pride. "Exactly!"
Erlong shot him a look. "Will you please calm down? You're going to give him delusions of world domination before he even learns how to walk straight."
Tony was chuckling from behind them. "Too late. Kid already thinks he's emperor of the playpen."
Liu Feng let out a delighted laugh, clapping both tiny fists together. Dave reached up and caught one gently in his palm—and was surprised by the strength behind the grip.
"Strong little guy…" he muttered.
Flander grinned. "He trains with me every morning. Just watch. In a few years, he'll be throwing spirit beasts out of the ring."
Erlong sighed again, standing and brushing off her robe. "Or he'll be a gentle healer with a flower spirit. Who knows? Stop projecting."
As she walked over and took Liu Feng from Flander's shoulders, the boy made a content noise and promptly buried his face in her shoulder—his "challenge mode" deactivated for now.
Dave stood up, smiling at the family scene. "He's adorable. You two really pulled it off."
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