Chapter 168: I know who they're looking for.

The day began with an almost celestial serenity. Strax, still resting beside his wife, was absorbed in reading updates from the System, taking in the latest information and improvements that had been implemented. The sun filtered through the windows, casting soft light patterns over the two of them, while the morning tranquility enveloped the surroundings.

His wife, with her hair spread out over the pillow and a relaxed smile, was deeply asleep. Strax, aware that any movement could wake her, remained still. The warmth of her body was comforting, and he felt a sense of peace being so close to her.

The sensation of being completely numb was not a discomfort for Strax but rather a reflection of how immersed he was in his reading and how much he enjoyed this moment of tranquility. He was absorbed in the details of the System updates, but the constant thought of how everything had changed recently was always present.

After what seemed like an eternity of contemplation, Strax finally closed the tab and set it aside, focusing on observing his wife. He did not want to disturb her rest and decided that, at least for now, it was better to stay where he was.

The surroundings were silent, only interrupted by the soft sounds of her breathing and the occasional chirping of birds outside. Strax allowed himself to relax completely, enjoying the calm and comfort that the moment provided.

With a gentle smile on his lips, Strax began to stroke Samira's head, his fingers gently running through her loose, silky hair. Each movement was carefully calculated not to disturb her but to convey the tenderness and affection he felt.

The delicate touch of his hands seemed to have a calming effect on her, and Strax noticed that, even in deep sleep, Samira's body responded to his affection. She nestled a little closer to him, as if unconsciously seeking the comfort he offered.

As he stroked Samira's head, Strax began to make plans for the next day. He wanted to ensure that everything was well for her, that her needs were met, and that she continued to feel safe and loved.

"The day has already started," he thought, looking at the blue sky outside, and then Strax leaned slightly, his face close to Samira's, and whispered softly in her ear, trying not to wake her abruptly: "Dear, it's time."

The sound of his voice was a soft murmur, almost like a gentle breeze, and he hoped his words reached her calmly.

Samira stirred slowly, her eyes beginning to open as she was still enveloped in the haze of sleep. Her lips curved into a slight smile upon feeling Strax's comforting presence. She reached out and, with an automatic gesture, touched his arm, still half-asleep.

"Hmm... is it time already?" she murmured, her voice hoarse and sleepy. Despite the lightness of the situation, there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes as she tried to adjust to reality.

Strax continued to stroke her hair, his expression full of tenderness. "Yes, my love. It's time to start the day. But don't worry, we still have time to enjoy." He offered her a loving smile and wrapped her in a light embrace, helping her wake up gradually.

"But before..." Strax murmured, leaning in slowly, and with palpable affection, sealed Samira's lips with a soft, gentle kiss. When he pulled away, his eyes were filled with sincere affection but also with a worried determination.

"Now..." he murmured, his tone becoming more serious, "how about telling me what happened yesterday that left you all bruised?"

The question made Samira flinch slightly, her eyes looking down. The relaxed smile that had begun to form on her face disappeared, giving way to a more closed and thoughtful expression.

She avoided his gaze, clearly embarrassed by the suggestion, but her actions didn't lie.

She was worried and uncomfortable with the idea of Strax meeting Rogue, and it seemed to be more than just a matter of safety.

"It's not jealousy," Samira tried to respond, but her voice betrayed a hint of insecurity. "It's just that... Rogue is a woman who... I don't want you to get involved with her, especially now. I don't know what she might do."

Strax observed Samira's expression, seeing the genuine concern in her eyes.

Although he was still amused by the situation, his expression became more understanding. He leaned closer to her, his voice soft and comforting. "I understand your concern. But you don't need to worry about me. I can take care of myself, and if I need to deal with Rogue, I will. I don't want you to be burdened by these things, and besides...

I doubt she's that charming..."

He caressed Samira's face tenderly, his eyes fixed on her with firm confidence. Samira sighed, her gaze meeting Strax's finally, with a mix of gratitude and reluctance. "I just... I just don't want you to get hurt or for something bad to happen because of this."

Strax smiled, his gaze soft and encouraging. "You can trust me to handle it. Now, let's focus on what we need to do without getting overwhelmed by what might happen. Alright?"

Samira gave a faint smile, still a bit hesitant but with a sense of relief seeing Strax's confidence. "What we need to do now is find Cristine then..." Samira murmured, but before she could finish, a voice interrupted the moment.

"Cough-cough... I've been here for a while, waiting for you to notice." The sound of a woman coming from a corner of the isolated room made Strax open his eyes in surprise. "H-how did you—"

"Sorry, I needed to find you, but I ran into some problems..." Cristine said, bowing slightly.

"You don't need to bow to me," Strax said firmly, his voice laden with authority.

"It's courtesy for intruding into your quarters," she murmured back, still maintaining a respectful posture.

Strax observed Cristine with a keen eye. The woman, despite her courteous demeanor, radiated an aura of strength and confidence that didn't go unnoticed. He sensed a powerful presence, something that suggested Cristine was much more than she appeared to be.

'This woman is much stronger than she seems...' Strax thought, a look of curiosity and respect forming on his face. 'Is she suppressing her cultivation?'

Cristine, sensing Strax's evaluative gaze, straightened up. "I understand your surprise," she said with a slight smile. "I just expected you to be up earlier. I have something important to discuss."

"I already know who you're looking for," Cristine said, without hesitation.