Supreme Spouse System.

Chapter 546: Chapter

The two soulmasters froze like statues. Isabella Ruth’s words had shattered their composure, and for a few long, stunned seconds, neither of them could even blink.

Anos tilted his head, watching them with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

It’s funny to see them so shocked, he thought.

But then again, he couldn’t really blame them. If he were in their position, he would’ve been just as dumbstruck.

The Shadow stood on the left, his slender frame wrapped in black robes. His face was hidden behind a pale mask, shielding the cruel disfigurement beneath. His presence was silent, eerie, like a wraith standing in daylight.

On the right stood Cody. His long hair was tied up in a high ponytail, his wide, bright eyes almost comically sunny. Yet, paired with his flowing feminine robe, the man radiated such exaggerated grace that one could only call him "extremely sissy."

Anos studied them both, lips curling ever so slightly.

Now that I think about it, these two were said to have a bond stronger than brothers... Closer than family, really. Huh. Makes sense why they stand side by side like this.

As Anos observed Isabella Ruth’s loyal subordinates, the two soulmasters were, in turn, scrutinizing him.

’Your Majesty’s son...? He looks six, maybe seven... at most eight. But that’s impossible,’ the Shadow thought, frowning behind his mask. Six years ago, Isabella Ruth ascended as High Priestess of Soul Haven. Since then, she has lived under constant duty and grief, ever since her teacher’s death forced her onto that throne... she had no time for men. No chance at all.

Cody’s mind spun in a different direction.

’Your Majesty’s son... what is his soul rank?’ he wondered, his gaze narrowing. He stretched his perception toward Anos—and nearly stumbled backward.

’N-No way. This child is barely eight, but his soul power...!’ His lips parted as he slapped a hand on the Shadow’s shoulder.

"Check his rank," Cody muttered sharply, his eyes wide with disbelief.

The Shadow complied, his senses flowing out carefully—only to jolt. His voice cracked, rising in alarm:

"H-His soul rank... it’s level 29!!"

The words echoed like thunder in the clearing. Cody nodded furiously, face pale, his earlier flamboyance completely erased.

They both turned toward Isabella Ruth, eyes trembling.

"Shadow, Cody," Ruth’s voice cut through the silence, calm yet sharp as a blade. "You two are my most loyal subordinates. That is why I reveal this secret to you."

Their heads snapped toward her, and they both bowed deeply, sweat beading on their brows.

"But..." Her tone dropped, icy as the void itself. Her violet eyes hardened. "If a single word of this escapes your mouths... if even the faintest whisper puts my Anos in danger..." She paused, her killing intent rolling like a storm, "...I will make sure your deaths are slow. And very, very painful."

A shiver ran down their spines. Even the Shadow, accustomed to terror, felt his mask grow damp with sweat.

"W-We understand, Your Majesty!" they blurted in unison, their bodies stiff as steel under her piercing gaze.

Her expression softened like the sudden break of winter into spring. She smiled faintly and nodded. "Good."

Behind them, Lira had been standing silent, but her disbelief finally slipped past her lips.

"Level 29..." she whispered, eyes fixed on Anos as if she were staring at an impossibility. "At only six years old?!" Her fists clenched at her sides. How can a monster like this even exist...?

Cauli, who had been quieter than usual, was gripping her small hands tightly. Her lips trembled as she muttered so softly that only she could hear:

"He’s... become stronger."

Beside her, Chloe’s eyes shone, her smile tender and certain. Our choice wasn’t wrong, she thought, pride swelling as she gazed at the mother and son walking ahead.

Isabella Ruth let her eyes linger on her companions for a brief moment, then turned with a flick of her robes. "Let’s return to Soul Haven."

---

Seven figures emerged from the dim edge of the Starshade Forest. The afternoon sun poured down, warm and golden, brushing away the heavy shadows of the woods.

Anos glanced at his map from the 3rd Dimension Pocket. "Hmm. We’re almost out of Starshade Forest."

"That was faster than I thought," he mused, scratching his chin.

Isabella chuckled beside him.

Well, with three titled soulmasters walking together, it’s hardly surprising, Anos thought, smirking. The presence of just one of them would scare most soul beasts off the path. With three? It’s like walking with storm clouds at your back.

Suddenly, his eyes narrowed. "Hmm? Another soul beast?"

From the bushes emerged a small, snowy-white creature.

"It’s a cat?" Cauli blurted suddenly.

Anos turned toward her with a bewildered expression. "...No. It’s a white fox."

From the undergrowth padded a small Gracious White Fox, its bright fur gleaming like snow under sunlight. It hissed warily at him, body tense.

"Whoa, easy there, buddy." Anos crouched low, his hand extended gently.

[Name: Gracious White Fox]

[Species: Soul Beast]

[Age: 99 years old]

[Special Skill: Spiritual Shock]

Anos rubbed his chin. "Hmm. How about this..."

He pulled a tiny red berry from his space ring, holding it out carefully.

The fox’s nose twitched. After a cautious sniff, it snatched the fruit, crunching down with greedy satisfaction.

Isabella Ruth approached, her regal aura softened by curiosity. "Rare. A Gracious White Fox shouldn’t even be in this region."

"Maybe it strayed from its group," Anos replied, watching the creature finish its meal. He smiled faintly. "So you’re lost, huh, buddy?"

The fox licked its paw delicately, then surprised everyone by padding right up to him. It rubbed its snowy head against his hand, purring softly.

"This one’s a female," Isabella noted, spotting the faint black mark at the tip of her tail.

"Eh? You’re a girl?" Anos lifted her gently, blinking as she yawned and curled around his neck like a scarf.

The fox nestled against him, already half-asleep.

"...She likes you," Isabella said with a knowing smile.