Feeling the changes in his body after digesting that wisp of golden energy, a flash of astonishment crossed Eren's face.
The effects of the [Byron Conversion Array] had exceeded his expectations.
However…
If he wasn't mistaken, the energy the array had just drawn from the void seemed to be Dark Energy from the Dark Dimension!
But… Dormammu was always the being that the Ancient One was most vigilant against.
To protect Earth from being devoured by the Dark Dimension, the Ancient One had always strictly guarded against its influence.
She had sealed off any erosion of dark energy from that realm.
By logic, even if there were traces of the Dark Dimension's power on Earth, it should've only been a few stray remnants summoned by Dormammu's cultists.
Not like this—where the [Byron Conversion Array] was drawing it constantly and abundantly from the void.
Looking at the array still in operation, drawing out tendrils of dark energy, Eren shook his head slightly.
"Looks like the Ancient One's current situation… is even worse than I imagined."
But after frowning for a bit—
Eren chose not to dwell on it.
If the sky was falling, there were bigger people to hold it up.
Some things were still far beyond his concern.
Instead of worrying about that, it was better to think about how he was going to make Gwen happy at the upcoming dance.
······················
Maybe it was because all the recent chaos had finally passed.
Or maybe even the villains of this world needed a break.
In the days that followed, a rare calm settled in.
Soon, the weekend arrived.
As night fell, Midtown High's gymnasium lit up in dazzling colors. The brilliant lights shining through the giant glass panels cast a magical glow over the entire campus.
Though low-key in design, the event carried a subtle air of luxury and grandeur.
Naturally, as one of New York's prestigious elite schools, most of the students at Midtown High came from wealthy or influential families. And with the support of their parents—
The school's dance was bound to be nothing short of spectacular.
At that moment, Eren stood at Gwen's front door, wearing a dark magician's tuxedo, a blood-red mandala brooch on his chest, and a black magician's top hat on his head.
"Eren, you're here…"
Opening the door, Helen's eyes lit up as she saw Eren dressed impeccably, exuding a noble and mysterious aura like a princely enigma.
"What a great outfit. You look so handsome in it."
Eren smiled, "Thank you. I have you to thank for raising Gwen so well. She helped me pick this magician's outfit."
"Oh really?"
Helen looked delighted to hear that, a smile reaching even the corners of her eyes.
"Come in, Gwen will be ready soon."
Not long after she let Eren in, the door to Gwen's room creaked open with a soft squeak.
Hearing that sound, Eren instinctively turned his gaze in that direction.
And in the next second—
A dazzling figure filled with youthful sweetness entered his view.
Even Eren, who had seen many things, was stunned by her beauty.
At the doorway—
A pure white corset paired with a sleek black dress outlined Gwen's curves in striking contrast, like the last strand of white struggling free from the darkness.
The tailored black evening dress made her snowy skin look even more flawless and delicate.
Golden blonde hair cascaded like silk over her shoulders, and her lightly flushed cheeks and gemstone-bright eyes fixed on Eren with an alluring gleam never seen before.
Seeing the amazement in Eren's eyes, Gwen's lips curled into a charming smile.
Wearing crystal heels and holding a small white purse, Gwen walked gracefully toward Eren.
Though he was briefly stunned, Eren quickly collected himself.
Helen, watching nearby, smiled and teased, "Well? Isn't our little princess beautiful? She's been getting ready for the dance since early this morning."
Hearing that, Gwen's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she dragged out her reply in protest, "Moooom~"
Helen chuckled at her daughter's bashful tone, then made a zipping-lips gesture.
Eren, on the other hand, smiled as Gwen stepped up beside him and said, "You look stunning. But something's missing…"
He carefully looked her over, then his gaze settled on her slender, swan-like neck.
"I know what it is. My princess is missing a necklace."
As if just remembering, Eren snapped his fingers.
In the next moment, a silver angel necklace—encrusted with dazzling diamonds and intricately designed—appeared in his hand.
Raising it slightly, he stepped behind Gwen and leaned close to her ear, whispering, "My princess, may your knight put this on you?"
Before Gwen could object, Eren had already fastened the necklace around her snowy, delicate neck.
Seeing him act so boldly and place what was clearly a very expensive necklace on her without asking, Gwen rolled her eyes.
But even that eye-roll only made her look more charming.
Her fingers lightly brushed the elegant necklace. Gwen's gaze flickered with both fondness and hesitation.
Even without knowing much about jewelry, she could tell this necklace was no ordinary trinket.
Wearing it made her feel both happy—and a little pressured.
For a moment, Gwen had the urge to take the necklace off and return it.
But after a pause, she chose not to.
After all, this necklace was a heartfelt gift from Eren.
If she returned it now, it would hurt his feelings.
Still, after the dance, she planned to give it back.
Eren, standing beside her, noticed the hesitation in her eyes and understood her thoughts instantly.
He merely smiled.
A gift I give… isn't so easy to take back.
Once the necklace was on, Eren returned to stand in front of her and smiled, "Now it's perfect."
Then he bowed slightly and extended a hand with an inviting gesture.
"My princess, may I have the honor of accompanying you to the dance tonight?"
Gwen placed her gloved hand in his and gave a radiant smile.
"Of course!"
Click!
Helen, who had been prepared with her camera, couldn't help but capture the precious moment.
Hearing the shutter, Gwen turned to her mom with a mock-glare.
"Mom!"
Helen chuckled, "Trust me, Gwen. You'll thank me someday for recording this special moment."
"In fact, I think we should take another one."
Eren, smiling at the heartwarming scene, stepped over and confidently took Gwen's hand, standing beside her and facing Helen with a bright smile.
Helen's eyes lit up at the sight of the perfect pair. She quickly raised her camera and urged:
"Closer, Gwen!"
With a sigh, Gwen glanced at Eren, then took a small step closer.
"That's it. Smile!"
"Perfect!"
Click!
Time froze again as that beautiful moment was captured in a photograph.
"Wonderful."
Helen looked at the camera screen excitedly. "I'm printing these two tomorrow and adding them to our family album."
"No, Mom! You can't! Dad will go nuts!"
After stopping Helen from escalating things, Gwen glanced at the clock on the wall and said, "Mom, I have to go, or we'll be late."
"Of course."
Helen walked them to the door, hand-in-hand, then reminded Eren, "Take care of my baby."
Eren smiled, "Of course. It's my mission. I promise I'll have her back before midnight."
Though most parents in the US supported high school dances, to prevent things from getting too "passionate," they often set certain restrictions—
Like curfews.
Some even waited outside the school to pick up their kids after the dance.
Out of trust and affection for Eren, Helen had turned down George's offer to do so, instead simply asking that Eren bring Gwen home safely before midnight.
And Eren would never betray that trust.
After saying goodbye—
He opened the door of his Aston Martin and removed his top hat, then performed a gentlemanly bow as he invited Gwen inside.
"My princess, please."
Gwen, beaming at his gesture, picked up her gown and gracefully stepped into the passenger seat.
After closing the door for her, Eren swiftly got in and started the engine.
Vroom!
With a low roar, the Aston Martin sped out of the driveway, racing toward Midtown High.
······················
As the engine roared—
Scenery blurred past both sides of the road.
In the passenger seat, Gwen gently touched the angel necklace at her neck, then reached into her purse and pulled out a small, ribbon-wrapped white box.
Catching it from the corner of his eye, Eren glanced over and asked, "For me?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Thank you. Can I open it?"
Gwen quickly shook her head, "Of course—but only after you park."
"Nope, I can't wait. Trust me, I'm a better driver than you think."
Before she could stop him, Eren reached over with one hand and deftly opened the gift box.
Gwen's big eyes widened in surprise.
He opened the neatly wrapped box one-handed?
Inside was a finely crafted black leather belt—smooth, delicately oiled edges, and a sleek alloy buckle that was both simple and stylish.
Eren smiled. "It's beautiful. I love it. Thank you, Gwen."
"But… you know," he added with a grin, "in my hometown, when a girl gives a guy a belt, it means she wants to tie him to her for life. To spend the rest of her days with him."
"So Miss Gwen… are you ready to spend your life with me?"
The symbolism of gifting a belt wasn't just in the East—it carried the same meaning in the West.
Gwen had chosen this handmade belt to subtly confess her feelings, but Eren's straightforward response caught her completely off guard.
After a long pause—
Gwen finally looked up with a flushed face and asked, "Was that a confession?"
"Of course. A bit sudden, a bit unpolished, but… yes. I like you, Gwen. Will you be my girlfriend?"
"I will."
Eren, who was preparing to say more and convince her, suddenly heard her cheerful response.
Stunned, he blurted out, "What?"
"I said—I will."
Turning to look at her, he saw Gwen resting her head gently on her shoulder, sapphire eyes twinkling as she winked playfully. Her nose was tilted up slightly, her lips curled into a mischievous grin—
Like a little fox that had just stolen a treat.
After the dance invitation, Gwen had long confirmed her feelings for Eren.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so jealous when Hillary invited him.
And it was exactly that jealousy—and the sense of competition—that pushed her to prepare this gift for tonight.
(End of Chapter)
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