The Snake God with SSS Rank Evolution System

Several days had passed since the duel.

The morning of their departure arrived with the soft glow of silver lanterns casting long shadows across the stone paths of the Dark Elf village.

The villagers had gathered at the edge of the settlement, their yellow eyes watching the group prepare for their journey. Azrynn stood with a pack slung over her shoulder, her bow resting against her back, her yellow eyes scanning the faces of her people one last time.

The Elder stood at the forefront, his weathered hands resting on his staff, his voice carrying the weight of centuries.

”May the shadows guide your steps, and may the light of the surface world welcome you with open arms. Travel safely and remember—you are always welcome here.”

Adam bowed his head slightly, a genuine smile crossing his face. ”Thank you, Elder. Your hospitality, your wisdom... and your gifts. I won’t forget what you’ve done for us.”

The Elder’s lips curved into a faint smile. ”We are the ones who should be grateful.”

Drizt stood a few paces behind the Elder, his yellow eyes fixed on Azrynn. His father stood beside him, a quiet, steady presence. Casil’s hand moved, a subtle nudge against his son’s back.

Drizt stumbled forward, caught off guard. He shot a glare over his shoulder at his father, who responded with an unwavering, expectant look. Drizt’s jaw tightened, then relaxed. He turned back to Azrynn, his voice coming out quieter than usual.

”Azrynn... I know I’ve said a lot of things. And I know I acted like a fool. But I want you to know—I’ll get stronger. I’ll become someone you’ll regret leaving behind.”

Azrynn’s expression softened. She studied him for a long moment, her gaze steady and unwavering.

”That’s a good thing, Drizt. Keep that resolve. Use it to become the person you want to be.”

Drizt’s shoulders eased. A small, genuine smile crossed his face.

”Thank you. And... I hope you find what you’re looking for out there. I hope you’re happy.”

Azrynn’s lips curved into a faint, gentle smile. ”I will. You too, Drizt.”

Adam, watching from the side, muttered under his breath, dry and bemused.

”What is this, a confession scene? He’s practically handing her over to me. It’s like I’ve already claimed her or something.”

Isolde’s voice drifted over, cool and disinterested, but carrying a note of pointed demand.

”Before we go—don’t forget the monster fur. I refuse to sleep without it. It’s too comfortable to leave behind.”

Adam blinked, his brow lifting in mild surprise. ”Huh. You’re actually demanding something for once.”

Isolde’s chin lifted, her pale eyes steady and unyielding. ”Of course. A woman should be treated properly. That includes comfortable bedding.”

Lilith’s voice drifted over, smooth and teasing, a low, amused hum threading through her words.

”My, my. The vampire is getting bold. How cute.”

Isolde’s gaze snapped to Lilith, sharp as a blade, her voice cold and cutting.

”Quiet, spider. Just so you know, I’m no longer afraid of you. So if you try to provoke me, I won’t hesitate to strike.”

Lilith’s smile widened, her crimson eyes gleaming with open delight. ”Ufufu~ What a thrilling threat. I almost feel honored.”

Adam let out a long, weary sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as he glanced between the two women.

”It’s barely morning, and you’re already at each other’s throats. We’re in front of the entire village. Can we please save the bickering for later?”

Ignis’s voice cut through the tension, bright and cheerful, completely oblivious to the brewing storm. She was practically buried under an armful of packages, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement.

”Adam! Adam! Quick, open your pouch! I need to store all this!”

Adam blinked, taking in the mountain of items Ignis had somehow acquired. ”What... what is all this?!”

Ignis beamed, utterly unrepentant. ”Gifts! The Dark Elves gave me so many things! Dried meat, travel bread, some really nice spices, and this—” She held up a small bundle wrapped in cloth. ”—they said it’s a special kind of dried fruit that lasts forever!”

Alice’s cat ears twitched, her voice flat with dry amusement, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

”You’re such a glutton, Ignis. Don’t you have any shame?”

Ignis’s smile didn’t falter. ”Nope!”

Alice let out a soft, resigned sigh, her tail swaying behind her. ”Fine. Give them here.” She gestured toward her Void Locker, the space rippling as she opened a small pocket of dimensional storage. ”I’ll store them for you.”

Ignis’s face lit up like the sun. ”Alice! You’re the best!”

Alice’s cheeks flushed faintly as she took the items, her voice carrying a note of reluctant fondness. ”Yeah, yeah.”

Azrynn watched the exchange, her yellow eyes soft with quiet amusement. Her voice carried a note of warmth, edged with a hint of bemusement.

”Truly a lively group.”

Adam’s voice came out dry, layered with tired humor, as he shook his head slowly.

”Lively is one word for it. Chaotic is another.” He turned to face the path ahead. ”Alright. Let’s move.”

Adam walked at the front of the group, his gaze fixed ahead, not once looking back. Ignis, however, had no such restraint—she bounced along beside him, glancing over her shoulder with her usual boundless enthusiasm, waving cheerfully at the retreating figures of the Dark Elf village.

”Hey, Azrynn,” Ignis called out, her voice bright and curious, completely lacking any sense of tact. ”Where are your parents? Why didn’t they come to see you off?”

Adam’s internal voice was a quiet, pained sigh.

’Ignis... you really know how to pick the most sensitive topics, don’t you?’

Azrynn’s expression remained calm, her voice steady as she answered without a hint of hesitation.

”They died when I was young. I don’t have any parents. I was raised by Drizt’s father—he took me in when I had nowhere else to go.”

Isolde’s voice drifted from behind, thoughtful and composed. ”Ah. That explains why you’re so close to him.”

Ignis tilted her head, her golden eyes softening with understanding. ”Hee... so it’s the same as me, then. I didn’t have parents either, when I was little.” Her voice brightened, a warm smile spreading across her face. ”But it’s okay! Because I met Adam, Alice, and Lilith. They made my life not lonely.”

Adam’s cheeks flushed slightly. He cleared his throat, his voice carrying a note of discomfort.

”You’re saying embarrassing things, Ignis.”

Lilith’s voice drifted over, smooth and teasing, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.

”Oho? Are you embarrassed, Adam?”

Alice’s ears twitched, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. ”Ignis should be grateful. At least she’s honest about it.”

Adam’s ears reddened, his voice coming out a little rougher than intended. ”I don’t really know how to respond to that kind of thing.”

Isolde’s voice cut through, calm and measured. ”It’s a good thing. You’re like family to each other.”

Adam’s face reddened further. He quickened his pace, muttering under his breath.

”Don’t say such cringey things...”

Ignis giggled, falling into step beside him, her voice light and teasing. ”Adam’s blushing! How cute!”

Adam turned his head away, his voice carrying a note of denial. ”I’m not.”