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They ignored the endless speculation from the outside world.
With Adrian Vale leading the way, the two of them headed straight toward the forest.
But along the road, they slipped right back into their old rhythm—both quiet, both expressionless—walking in silence like they didn't even need words.
That made the livestream viewers itch.
"Man, I thought after what happened earlier they'd be closer. Still two sealed jars."
"You're a team! At least talk to each other!"
"Wait… they've literally never introduced themselves, have they?"
"No way. Don't tell me it's been this long and they still don't even know each other's names?!"
And then—almost like she'd heard the chat—
Raven Shaw finally spoke first, calling out to the figure ahead of her.
"Hey, kid. What's your name?"
"..."
Adrian Vale didn't answer. Not even a pause.
Raven Shaw narrowed her eyes slightly. "Kid?"
"..."
She asked again.
This time, Adrian Vale finally stopped.
He turned his head and gave her a brief look—flat, unreadable.
Then he just… stood there.
Not moving.
Not speaking.
Only staring.
It wasn't a lewd stare. He wasn't scanning her.
If anything, he was staring at her face like he was working through a problem—because if he looked too long, he wasn't sure he'd be able to stop himself.
Not in the usual sense of "losing control," either.
He was afraid of losing control and eating her.
For once, Raven Shaw looked genuinely uncomfortable.
That blank, direct gaze made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle.
Just as she was about to snap, Adrian Vale finally spoke.
"…Adrian Vale."
The livestream instantly detonated.
"THE HEAVENS HAVE ANSWERED!"
"Hahahaha—bro, I just realized they really didn't know each other's names. This is killing me."
"I'm tearing up… the 'deep communication' is finally starting."
"Public indecency! Arrest them!"
"Wait—Raven Shaw knows his name now, but does Adrian Vale even know hers?"
Raven Shaw absorbed his answer, then nodded once.
She didn't speak right away—she simply looked at him expectantly, waiting for the obvious next step.
Now you ask mine.
And for a split second, with her gaze like that, she didn't look cold or distant at all—she looked almost… patiently hopeful.
The chat couldn't handle it.
"I never thought I'd see Boss Raven Shaw make that face…"
"Boss Raven Shaw!! What happened to your icy queen aura?! Why do you look soft now?!"
"This gap-moe is lethal."
"BOSS Raven Shaw!! STEP ON ME!!"
But Raven Shaw's expectant look got her absolutely nothing in return.
Adrian Vale stared at her for another moment…
Then calmly turned away and started walking again—like the conversation was over.
Raven Shaw froze.
…Excuse me?
In what universe did she ask someone's name, get an answer, and then receive zero follow-up?
Even if he was socially dead inside, there was basic logic here:
I ask your name → you answer → you ask mine → I answer.
That was the script.
Adrian Vale tore it up and tossed it into the sand.
By the time Raven Shaw snapped out of it, Adrian Vale had already walked several steps ahead.
She hurried after him and called out at his back, half annoyed, half amused:
"Kid—normal conversation says you're supposed to ask my name next."
This time, Adrian Vale stopped again and turned.
Still expressionless.
But his gaze—somehow—managed to become even more unsettling than before.
Raven Shaw's patience was wearing thin.
Then Adrian Vale spoke, tone flat but genuinely puzzled:
"Are you the idiot, or am I the idiot? The Will of Blue Star already announced your name to the whole world."
Raven Shaw blinked. "???"
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