Tower Cat, Let Me Pet You 3/3

The next day, the first rays of dawn shone through the windowpanes, casting a warm glow on the ground.

However, a shadow was cast, spreading out in a dark and eerie way, gradually enveloping Atalanta, who was fast asleep on the ground, and quietly encroaching upon her.

The changing light and shadows around her, along with the subtle sounds, caused the Huntress's ears to twitch, her eyelashes to flutter, and she to suddenly open her eyes and jump up.

Atalanta swiftly snatched the claw that reached above her head, pinned the attacker to the ground, pressed her knee against his back, summoned the Sky Bow with her left hand, looped it around his neck and twisted it, while her right hand drew the bowstring taut.

The moment the hand is released, the taut bowstring is enough to sever a human's fragile neck, and the force of the air held between the fingers can pierce the opponent's throat, killing them instantly.

"Boss, I... I... I!"

Samael immediately slapped the ground with one hand and turned his head to cough.

"What are you doing so early in the morning? How many times have I told you not to come near me while I'm sleeping? Do you know I almost killed you just now..."

Atalanta recognized the newcomer, gradually loosened the bowstring, frowned and snorted coldly, but when she caught sight of Samael's neck, reddened by the bow's back, she turned her head away and lowered her voice.

"... Again!"

After the ancient snake obediently finished its training, it pointed to the tray on the table.

"I asked the kitchen to prepare some food, in case it gets cold, so I wanted to wake you up."

"Just for this?"

"Um..."

Samael nodded earnestly, muttering to himself.

Since it's all about waking someone up anyway, it's reasonable to casually pet their ears, right?

"There's no need to do all that. I have hands and feet; I can go out to eat by myself."

Atalanta gazed at the steaming food on the table, her expression softening slightly, but she still couldn't help but grumble a few words.

"Don't you dislike hanging out with those men? I got up early, and since I was free anyway, I just grabbed some food."

Samael shrugged slightly and then handed over the tray.

Did he notice?

Atalanta was taken aback, a strange emotion welling up inside her.

As a hunter in the forest, she was used to being alone and had to do everything by herself.

This method of feeding her by bringing food directly to her mouth made her somewhat uncomfortable.

"Try them, they're all to your liking."

Samael lifted the tray, winked, and a hint of anticipation flashed in his eyes.

The huntress snapped out of her daze, instinctively pulled the tray in front of her, picked up a piece of bread, dipped it in the broth, and began to eat.

He's right, the taste is just right, and even the temperature is perfect.

After they had eaten their fill, a glass of hot milk was handed to Atalanta, who took it and gulped it down cleanly.

Samael, squatting to the side, looked at the huntress from left to right with a serious expression, his brow furrowing and relaxing.

Is there a problem?

Atalanta felt uncomfortable being stared at, and turned around, frowning as she asked.

Samael stroked his chin, looking somewhat serious.

"Hey boss, shouldn't cats lick their drinks with their tongues?"

"Yes, what's wrong..."

Atalanta answered instinctively, but halfway through her sentence, her ears twitched, her pretty face darkened, and she raised her hand and smacked Samael hard on the head.

"Idiot, it's not cat ears! It's a lion! A lion! It's a symbol of the blessings bestowed upon it by the sacred beast under the command of the goddess Artemis!"

But then, the Huntress spat, her teeth grinding together, her face showing even more embarrassment.

"Pah! No, wait! You brat, are you making fun of me?"

"Am I just curious?"

"No!"

"Can I touch your ear? I promise I won't mistake it again next time."

"No!"

Where's the tail?

"You brat, that's enough!"

Under Samael's persistent questioning, Atalanta, unable to bear it any longer, punched the ancient serpent on the head.

It's just a little rub, it won't cost you anything. If you don't want it, you don't want it. Why get so angry?

Samael squatted on the ground, rubbing his somewhat dazed head, and muttered to himself.

When Atalanta finished the last dessert, the Huntress pushed the tray away, and the serpent immediately cleared away the plates, chuckling as it inquired.

"Are you full?"

"Yes, but don't do such pointless things again..."

Atalanta nodded indifferently, got up, removed her bow and arrows, and prepared to go out to meet them in the main hall.

The ancient snake lowered its eyes, a sense of loss filling its heart.

However, just as Atalanta was about to step across the threshold, the Huntress paused slightly, turned her back to Samael, and began to murmur.

"However, I'm not happy today, thanks..."

"Ah?"

This sudden change left Samael stunned.

"What are you 'ah' about! Hurry up and pack, we need to meet up in the main hall!"

"Okay, I've got it done!"

Atalanta snorted coldly, glancing slightly to the side. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the flustered figure, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. The unpleasantness that had accumulated the night before was completely washed away by the arrival of the next day.

Rather than saying she completely hates men, it would be more accurate to say she hates those malicious maggots.

However, getting used to loneliness does not necessarily mean enjoying it.

"Boss, come here..."

As he approached the door, Samael raised his fist and smiled in acknowledgment.

"Boring!"

Atalanta turned her head away and refused.

"Come on, we need a little ritual before the hunt begins."

Samael, without saying a word, took one of Atalanta's soft hands and helped her curl her fingers one by one towards her palm.

"I can't stand you..."

Under this relentless pursuit, the Huntress softened her tone and reluctantly raised her hand.

"Alright, let's go!"

Samael summoned the Golden Bow, pondered for a moment, his expression turning slightly serious, and the instant his left foot stepped out of the threshold, his right hand curled into a fist and lightly touched the outstretched fingers and palm on the other side.

After having had their fill of fun, the ancient serpent followed Atalanta, heading towards the main hall in high spirits.

At this moment, inside the main hall, all the heroes had basically arrived.

Samael glanced around for a moment and was surprised to see Circe in the corner happily eating a plate of honey-filled pastries.

Furthermore, this great Witch of Ayu Island didn't forget to give the dessert on her plate to Caenis, who was standing next to her.

"Tch, I would never bother eating something this cloyingly sweet in Athens."

The dark-skinned beauty gave a soft hum, showcasing her refined taste.

If it weren't for the fact that her hand reached for the plate without the slightest hesitation, and she quickly swallowed three or four pastries, Circe would almost have believed it.

"Hey! Don't eat so fast, I can't beat you to it!"

The great Witch protected the plate, frowning and complaining.

"Tsk, you're worried about this little bit? Once we slaughter that demonic boar, come back to Athens with me, and I'll treat you to a feast!"

As she spoke, Caenis picked up two more pieces of pastry from the plate, put them in her mouth and chewed, her eyes slightly narrowed and a look of pleasure blooming on her face.

Circe twitched his lips, looking speechless.

They only slept together for one night, when did they become so close?

Amidst the crowd, Samael stroked his chin, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes.

Soon, the two noticed the arrival of Samael and Atalanta, and they approached.

"You want to team up with us?"

"That's right. Meleager has already located the Boar's lair and activity area. Just in case, he plans to have the heroes advance from all sides in groups of five to encircle it. I don't like the others, so it's you guys."

Little sister, if you don't like something, what's it to us?

Seriously, your attitude of joining us reluctantly is just too irritating, isn't it?

Samael raised his hand to his forehead, speechless at his self-important little sister, Caenis.

But considering that she had helped him last night, and that she got along well with Circe, the ancient snake simply turned a blind eye and didn't bother to make a fuss.

However, there are five people, but it seems like we're still missing one?

"Are you guys forming a team? How about I join?"

Just as Samael was pondering this, a blond-haired young man from the atmosphere group approached him with a grin.