My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 1049 - 1051: Half Forgetten Promise

A full year has now elapsed.

Damon found himself squatting, facing a toddler who regarded him with an astonishingly fierce glare for one so small.

He ran a hand over his chin, offering an awkward smile. "I understand your frustration, but please consider this: you've consumed an excessive amount of sugar, which isn't beneficial for your health."

The infant paid no heed to his dietary advice. Her sole concern was his refusal to let her have her way.

Despite being only a little over a year old, she was already displaying a remarkably strong will and a stubborn nature. Damon found she rarely complied with his wishes.

And why would she? He was a softie who indulged her every whim; all she needed to do was cry.

Just as her face began to contort, signaling an imminent tantrum, a young woman with white hair entered, letting out a weary sigh.

"What are you doing, brother? You're letting her manipulate you. This is the moment you're supposed to assert your authority as the adult," she chided.

The instant Ranar heard that voice, her impending tantrum vanished, and she attempted to crawl away as rapidly as her little legs would carry her.

Her escape was short-lived.

The young woman moved with swiftness, effortlessly scooping the child into her arms.

"Caught you. Ranar has been a very naughty girl, troubling my big brother like that."

This was Luna, Damon’s sister and Ranar’s aunt.

Ranar looked up at Luna, who lifted her into the air, and began to laugh. A soft giggle escaped the baby as if the previous moments hadn't occurred.

Damon stood by, watching with a gentle smile as Luna interacted with her.

Then, Luna spoke in a tone that was stern yet playful. "No more sweets, alright? You've just been weaned. Naughty. Very naughty."

Ranar appeared unbothered, simply erupting into louder laughter while held by Luna.

Damon let out a sigh and shook his head.

The world felt undeniably unfair.

He cast a look towards Luna.

"Well, I suppose I have nothing to fret about now."

Luna raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing him closely. "Why would you be worried? Did something happen?"

Damon slowly shook his head. "No. I'll merely be away for a few days, perhaps a week. I have some matters to attend to with the guild, as the war is progressing quite smoothly."

The moment he uttered these words, Ranar ceased her laughter.

Her entire expression shifted. She turned towards Damon, extending her small hands, and made soft, urgent sounds, beckoning him to hold her.

Despite his heart urging him forward, Damon didn't immediately reach out. He understood that if he took her now, she would refuse to let go.

Although Ranar was still an infant, she possessed a far greater understanding than most people realized. She knew he was departing, and she knew she wouldn't see him in the same way for a significant period.

When he continued to hold back, she dissolved into loud, heartbroken sobs.

Damon sighed and finally extended his arms.

Ranar practically flung herself into his embrace, holding onto him with all her might.

He gently stroked her hair.

Luna grasped the situation instantly. The moment Ranar fell asleep, Damon would depart.

"Where are you going?" Luna inquired softly.

Damon paused before answering, taking a slow breath. "To the capital. There's something I've been postponing. It shouldn't take long."

"Is it perilous?" Luna asked, her voice laced with concern.

Damon shook his head. "I certainly hope not. I'm just going to take a look and return."

Luna cast her gaze at the blonde-haired baby resting against his shoulder. "Then, perhaps we could accompany you? You have business in the capital, so we could explore and sightsee while you attend to your tasks."

By saying 'we', she was referring to herself, Ranar, and Iris.

Damon considered this for a moment. He saw no immediate issues with their joining him.

In truth, he wouldn't be spending much time within the capital itself.

His real objective lay at the Tomb of Lesser Gods. He was scheduled to meet Lilith there and consequently open the passage to the Lake of Tears.

Technically, he wouldn't even be within the capital's confines. The tomb's actual location was a secret known to very few, himself included.

However, he recalled reading military dispatches indicating that Seras Blade was actively engaged in a mission to pinpoint the tomb's physical coordinates. As he understood it, she was currently in a dangerous zone situated beneath the Sky Continent, known as Vuldren.

Those privy to such information referred to that desolate region as the Spiral Abyss.

"Very well. You may all come along," Damon conceded with a sigh.

Upon hearing this, Ranar lifted her head slightly, looking at him as if attempting to discern any insincerity in his words.

He offered her a smile. "You too, Ranar. I would never leave my Ranar behind, would I?"

She seemed mollified and rested her head back on his shoulder.

Luna smiled, gently stroking Ranar’s back. "Did you hear that, Ranar? We're all going together."

Luna then turned her attention back to Damon. "Oh, that's right. That reminds me. We really should pay Xander and Emilia a visit once we arrive."

Damon frowned slightly. "Xander? Why is he in Valerion? Shouldn't he be at the front lines?"

Luna let out a soft chuckle, covering her mouth with her hand. "My dear brother, are you unaware?"

Damon gave her a deadpan stare.

"Know what? Did something happen that I should be aware of?"

Luna’s smile widened. She placed a hand on her waist.

"Emilia is staying in the capital at the Ravenscroft home, and Xander took a break to be with her."

Damon still did not understand why she was dragging this out.

"Can you just tell me already, or I am leaving."

Luna rolled her eyes.

"Xander is looking after Emilia because she is pregnant. They are about to have a baby."

Her excited voice did not reach Damon.

Instead, he felt his heart sink.

A promise made years ago surfaced in his mind with terrifying clarity.

A contract.

One where he had demanded Xander’s first born child as payment.

He looked down at Ranar in his arms.

And for the first time, he understood exactly what he had asked Xander to give him.