Chapter Twelve — So it begins (Ash Zenith Arc)

◽ 3240.12.01 — The Next Day ◽
Carlton stepped outside and paused, feeling the oppressive heat settle against his skin.「It’s that time of the year again.」「Ash Zenith,」Phipher replied calmly.Carlton glanced at her, puzzled. 「Ash… what?」「Ash Zenith,」she repeated. 「The hottest month of the year is coming. It grants Calzors immense strength—but at a steep cost.」Carlton folded his arms, intrigued. 「A double-edged sword, then.」
He moved closer, standing beside her.Phipher tilted her head up toward him, her gaze lingering. At 7’1” (216 cm), he towered over her, and the faint shift of color along her antenna betrayed her awe.
「Did you grow taller?」 she asked softly.「Yeah.」 He chuckled. 「My height changes with the climate. For this month, while the heat peaks, I’ll stay around seven-one. At the hottest point, which I believe is next month, I’ll reach seven-four.」Her eyes widened. 「So when it gets cold… you shrink?」「Exactly. Another side effect of carrying my friend’s blood.」
As he spoke, the color of Phipher’s antenna shifted—darkening into black with a muted green undertone.Fear.Carlton noticed immediately. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.
「Something wrong?」 His voice was low, steady.Phipher clutched him tightly, as if anchoring herself to his presence.「Between the 1st and the 20th of next month… I’ll undergo a trial.」 Her voice trembled.He gently rubbed her back. 「And what do you need from me?」She held him tighter. 「Stay. Please. I don’t want to face it alone. Can you do that for me?」「I’ll be here, Phipher. Now and always.」
Slowly, color returned to her antenna—a faint yellow threading through the dark hues.
「Thank you… truly,」 she said, smiling. 「Thank you, Carlton.」He lowered himself to her eye level. 「That’s what I’m here for.」
Before either of them could think further, Phipher leaned in and kissed him.They remained like that—silent, still—for nearly half a minute before parting.
Carlton straightened, clearing his throat.「Um… Phipher. What was that?」She smiled, unashamed.「It was what we are. A human male and a lou’cal Calzor female who want each other—but refuse to cross the final line.」「Because once we do… there’s no turning back,」 Carlton replied cautiously.Her antenna flushed deep red.「Maybe that’s the point,」 she said softly. 「We’re not meant to go back.」【That shade of red… passion.】Carlton swallowed.【She wants more than just a kiss.】He stepped back slightly. 「We’ll talk about this when I return.」Phipher giggled. 「Don’t keep me waiting.」
Carlton left soon after, the weight of unspoken tension lingering in the air.Phipher remained behind.A faint hum echoed as a drone floated into the room.
⟦Would you look at that—our little tribal princess is taking initiative.⟧ Alice’s voice carried amusement.Phipher glanced at the drone. 「If Carlton won’t make the first move, then I will.」⟦If you hurt him—⟧ Alice’s tone sharpened.「I never would.」 Phipher met the drone’s gaze, unwavering. 「Once a lou’cal woman finds a worthy mate, he becomes her reason for living.」⟦…⟧ Alice ran a silent scan.Phipher smiled calmly. 「Watch, Alice. My actions will prove my words.」⟦Best believe I’ll be watching.⟧Phipher turned away. 「I have work to do. The territory won’t secure itself.」
She left the room.Alice rerouted her signal, linking to a drone deep within Levia’s lair.
⟦Levia, I have a question.⟧Levia, currently in her human form, glanced up.「Is this about what Phipher said?」⟦You already know—good. So… is it true?⟧Levia laughed softly.「Do as she said. Just watch. Ash Zenith strips restraint from a lou’cal princess' instincts—they'll act on every impulse.」⟦Meaning?⟧Levia smirked.「Telepathy is just frequency. Once you understand the wavelength lou’cals resonate on… you’ll hear everything she’s holding back.」⟦Holding back… what?⟧「Yes.」Levia chuckled.「I believe on your old world, you call it lust.」
◽ Meanwhile — Grath’Mol ◽
Varn ate quietly in the mess hall.【A Crimson Faith high priest… defeated so easily. Perhaps this ‘human’ truly is as formidable as the princess claims.】「So this is where you’ve been hiding.」Varn sighed without looking up.【Not him again.】Drasson, Chief of the Dravel Stone Tribe, grinned.「Come now, Chief Elder Varn. No need to be so cold. You can call me Drasson.」She continued eating. 「And your kin wouldn’t appreciate that familiarity. After all, I’m just a lowly lou’cal.」She stood.「Wait,」 Drasson said quickly.Varn turned.Despite standing only 5’8” (176 cm) beside the 8-meter Mid’cal, her gaze carried the same fury as a disturbed Varrak Titan.Drasson swallowed.【No reason to feel pressured. I’m Mid’cal.】He cleared his throat.「The ship you requested costs 650 million credits. I’ll deduct 150 million.」Varn narrowed her eyes. 「What do you want, Drasson?」【Still fierce.】「Just… time. To spend together.」She laughed dryly. 「I’m a grandmother.」Rolling her eyes, she added, 「Chief of the Dravel Stone Tribe.」「And you look exactly as vibrant as you did thirty years ago,」 he replied smoothly.She smirked. 「You think you’re clever.」「Slicker than machine lubricant.」Varn held his gaze. 「Say you swear.」「Swear.」