The Life of Lust Demon

Chapter 69 The Frosty Fellowship

Anos followed suit and hopped out of the car, immediately feeling the chill in the air. Though he wasn't bothered by it, the temperature had clearly dropped by at least ten degrees compared to Flower City. And this wasn't even Chillwater Valley—just the outskirts. If it was this cold here, he could only imagine what was coming. This was no ordinary weather.

The group gathered around, each shouldering a sturdy backpack—everyone except Zoey, who was intently focused on a small computer. Her fingers flew across the keys, her brow knitted in concentration. Clearly, she was calculating something important, and the others instinctively formed a loose perimeter, keeping watch around her.

Curious, Anos stepped over, leaning in to see what she was doing. "Running calculations on something?" he asked casually.

Zoey jumped, nearly dropping her computer as she whipped around to face him.

"Ugh! Do you mind? Ever heard of personal space?" she snapped, eyes flashing in annoyance.

With a soft "Ding," a notification popped up.

"Zoey's favorability towards you -5."

Anos blinked in surprise. "..."

Really? He was just curious! Was it that big a deal to ask a question? Sure, his timing might've been a bit off, but still, did she have to be so prickly? Then again, he reasoned, anyone would be startled if interrupted mid-focus.

The others exchanged helpless smiles. Knox spoke up, "Zoey, better keep at it. It's not exactly calm around here. The sooner we wrap this up, the sooner we're back on safer ground."

Zoey shot a glare at Anos before turning back to her computer, focusing intensely.

Anos scratched his nose and backed off.

So stubborn! How was he supposed to win over this pint-sized genius? What did girls like her even enjoy? Candy, maybe? Did he even have any on him? No luck. Besides, Zoey was more mature than most her age—she probably didn't go for things as simple as lollipops anyway.

Anos' mind shifted into darker thoughts. When the time comes, Zoey... let's see how I make you scream with My Lollipop, you little bitch. A twisted smirk crept across his face as he imagined how she might react when he finally pushed her too far. That's the real way to get her attention.

He quickly shook off the thought, his smirk fading. No, I need to keep my cool for now. Timing is everything.

Knox walked over to Anos and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "Zoey's scanning Chillwater Valley for any unusual data. If we find something, we might have to cut our trip short."

"I was thinking, why don't we just drive in? It's wide enough for a car," Anos asked, a bit surprised as he looked down the path ahead.

Zoey rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, you think you're the only one with that idea? As if no one else here has thought of that."

"Erm—" Anos rubbed the tip of his nose, swallowing back a sharp response. Her attitude was getting under his skin, and if it weren't for all her people around, he'd have gladly taken her down a peg or two. Maybe even given her a good spanking on those stubborn butt cheeks to remind her who she was talking to, he thought, barely hiding a smirk.

He forced himself to stay calm, reminding himself that patience was key. But a part of him couldn't wait for a moment alone with her—to see if she'd still have that smirk when she was the one feeling flustered. His irritation only fueled his resolve.

Oscar, sensing the tension, stepped in and directed his explanation to Anos. "We could drive in, sure, but the ground ahead is slick with ice, and we'd be crawling along. The risk is high, especially with so many demonic beasts around. Slow movement in a car would make us easy targets, and if they surrounded us, we'd end up damaging the car and having to jump out to fight anyway."

Anos nodded, his mind sharpening with focus. Chillwater Valley held more mysteries than he'd imagined, and the challenges only made his resolve stronger. With every step, he could feel the weight of the unknown pressing against him, but it only fueled his curiosity. As they prepared to venture deeper, he shot one last glance at Zoey, a flicker of intrigue crossing his expression. One day, we'll see who's really in control here, he thought, the idea settling deep in his mind like a promise he couldn't yet fulfill.

With a smirk, he glanced at Zoey. "What? I think asking questions when you don't know something shows strength. Admitting what you don't know is rare."

Zoey scoffed, folding her arms. "Only weaklings need to ask questions. Real strength doesn't come from whining for answers," she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Anos raised an eyebrow, catching the challenge in her voice. "Oh? So you're saying you're not weak?"

"Of course! I'm stronger than you," Zoey replied, her smirk widening, her stance practically daring him to disagree.

He tilted his head, sizing her up. "So... you've never needed to ask for help or had questions, right?"

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Zoey froze, her confident expression faltering for just a second. Of course, she'd asked questions before—she wouldn't be where she was if she hadn't learned from others. But there was no way she'd admit that to Anos.

She quickly regained her composure, her chin lifting defiantly. "I only asked questions back when I was weaker. I don't need anyone's help now."

Anos chuckled, clearly entertained by her stubbornness. "Alright, if you're so confident, how about we have a little duel when we get back? I'd be happy to show you who's the real weak one here."

Zoey's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, Oscar quickly slipped between them, sensing that this challenge was escalating. He pulled Anos aside and leaned in to whisper urgently. "Anos, let's not be hasty about this," he murmured, his voice low. "Sister Zoey's not just strong—she's a Stage-Nine Elemental Foundation Realm Cultivator. Going up against her... well, let's just say, you'd have your hands full."

....