Her white shirt was still stained with the Symbiote's dark red fluid, and parts of her black trousers had been corroded into tiny holes.
Her black hair was slightly disheveled, and faint traces of exhaustion from the battle still lingered on her face.
But her eyes were bright, gleaming amber in the sunset light.
The Necrosword hung at her waist, its black glow nearly invisible in the setting sun.
But Loren could feel its pulse—steady, satisfied, like a well-fed beast.
She walked up to Loren, stopped, and looked at him.
"Master, the mission is complete," Eve said.
Loren reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair hanging by Eve's ear behind it.
His fingertips lightly brushed her ear, making it redden slightly.
"I know. I've been watching you the whole time."
The corner of Eve's lips lifted slightly.
"Are you getting used to this sword?" Loren asked.
Eve lowered her head to look at the Necrosword at her waist, then raised it again and met Loren's gray eyes.
"Very well. It and I... are one."
Loren nodded.
"Knull will not let this go. Tyrant was only his vanguard. Knull himself is still asleep, but his power is recovering.
When he fully awakens, he will come to Earth himself."
A glint flashed through Eve's dark brown eyes.
"If he dares come, I'll kill him."
Loren looked at her, the corner of his mouth curling upward.
"This guy won't be so easy to kill. Your strength alone probably won't be enough, but don't worry. I'll find a way to make you stronger."
"Thank you, Master. Oh, right, the sisters said there are rewards for successfully completing missions. When can I claim mine?" Eve abruptly changed the subject, her face full of anticipation.
"When do you want to claim it?" Loren looked