Two weeks had vanished in the blink of an eye since Moss plunged into his relentless training. Meanwhile, Levin, his thoughts consumed by concern, sought out Luna, who was still recovering from her brutal injuries. As he neared her room, her aura, faint but distinct, brushed against his senses, and his heart gave an involuntary lurch.
Luna, acutely aware of Levin's approach, swiftly disconnected herself from the humming machines. She lowered her head in a gesture of profound respect and sorrow as he entered. "Levin," she began, her voice a fragile whisper laced with self-loathing, "I'm so sorry to disappoint you."
Levin's usually stern features softened instantly. He stepped closer, his hand gently reaching out. "Calm down, Luna. You don't need to bow. I know you're royalty, but still..." He trailed off, a shy awkwardness in his tone, his eyes brimming with genuine concern.
Slowly, Luna straightened, her face still etched with profound sadness. "You gave me the tools to fight, yet I still failed."
Levin's expression became incredibly gentle. "You haven't failed, Luna. In fact, I'm more than impressed you accomplished so much with just the boots I gave you." He paused, his gaze locking with hers, a silent understanding passing between them. "You were the only one who truly believed in my inventions back on Typhoon.
Those boots weren't just gear; they were a gift, a symbol of my unwavering promise to support you in every battle."
A soft, almost ethereal smile graced Luna's lips. She reached out, her hand gently patting Levin's head, a gesture of deep affection. "I know this might be selfish, but... I need the gloves ready soon, Levin."
Levin's expression turned stark, his eyes burning with a fierce, almost desperate determination. "They'll be ready by the third round, but you haven't even had a chance to practice with them. Are you truly certain you can handle their power?"
Luna's voice, once hesitant, now surged with a bold, unshakeable confidence. "Trust me, Levin. Once I have those gloves, I'll be tearing through opponents like a B-rank agent in no time!" She punctuated her declaration with a playful wink, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous light.
A soft chuckle escaped Levin, his face relaxing into a rare, warm smile. "You never change, do you? Still as prideful as ever."
Luna's gaze softened further, her eyes filled with profound gratitude. "Because thanks to your tools, Levin, I've come this far. Thank you."
Levin's voice shifted, becoming gravely serious, his eyes burning with an almost painful intensity. "I truly hope you're right about becoming stronger, Luna. Right now, you're sitting on two losses. One more defeat, and you're disqualified from the Rank Rumble."
Luna's eyes, filled with an unwavering promise, locked onto his. "Levin, I swore to you that with your tools, I would make it through. A Typhoon never breaks a promise! So please, just wait for me. I will become one of the Core-3 using your inventions. Believe in them, Levin, and believe in me."
As Luna spoke, her eyes radiated a soft, warm light that flooded Levin's heart with a potent mix of hope and longing. He knew, with an absolute certainty, that he would do anything to support her, to help her achieve her dreams and conquer the impossible challenges ahead. Standing there, basking in the warmth of her gaze, he felt their bond solidify, an unbreakable promise etched not just in their souls, but in the very fabric of their destiny.
With the looming threat of disqualification and the untested power of Levin's new gloves, can Luna truly harness their full potential in time to defy fate and claim her place among the Core-3?
End of chapter 29