Amidst the chaos of the moment, the Electricity-Devouring Clam transformed by Benson let out a noxious stench from its gaping maw, careening straight toward Edward and Evelyn."Bravo!" bellowed Bellum with unbridled enthusiasm. "Keep it up! Their golden round protective shield around them is teetering on the brink of oblivion."Bellum's words hit the mark, as Edward and Evelyn saw their defensive bulwark revealing subtle cracks."What's the game plan, Edward? Got any aces up your sleeve?" Evelyn asked with bated breath."It seems I might have to unveil my Crane Divine Sword," Edward replied with casual assurance. "Although I'm not entirely certain. This will be my first time to go against this blasted Electricity-Devouring Clam breathing down our necks with my new weapon."Without a moment's hesitation, Edward retrieved the Crane Divine Blade from his item inventory in his system.In a heartbeat, a three-foot-long blade materialized in Edward's grasp, deceptively akin to an ordinary s

Edward burst into laughter, his voice dripping with sarcasm."Well, Bellum, that's, of course, the shit of my mystical crane! How does it smell, I wonder?"Seated behind Edward, Evelyn couldn't contain herself and also let out a hearty laugh."You rascal," Bellum seethed, his face crimson with anger. "Dare you mock me! Don't rejoice too soon, for I promise you, I'll have my revenge.""Don't get your knickers in a twist," Edward sneered. "Remember, getting all worked up will only add more lines to your forehead. Just so you know, I've been following your orders. You did ask me about Benson, didn't you? Well, I can tell you he's now turned into that pile of dung."With that, Edward burst into another fit of berserk laughter.Bellum was positively fuming, his rage practically visible in the bulging veins in his eyes. It looked like his eye would soon pop out of his sockets.At the moment, the moon was hanging high in the sky outside the hall, through the windows of which the silvery moon

"I reckon you ought to hunker down and take care of your old man," Edward's intense gaze bore into Evelyn's eyes as he dished out his wisdom. "But I can't shake this nagging feeling about you wandering into the belly of the beast alone, you know? Blue Cloud Mountain's one heck of a treacherous pit. Maybe if I ride shotgun, I could lend a hand," Evelyn replied, her voice a mix of concern and determination. "Go on, Evelyn, saving your mom's the name of the game. Don't you lose sleep over me; I'll be just dandy. I figure that fella won't be bugging me anymore. Just make darn sure you wrangle your mom back," Jeff, reclined in his hospital bed, chimed in with a twinkle in his eye. Evelyn inquired, her tone heavy with worry, "You really sure about this, Dad?" "No sweat, darling," Jeff managed a weak grin, "your old man used to run the show back in the day. What haven't I faced in my day? Just go and look for your mom now. I'll be fit as a fiddle." "Alrighty then, Dad," Evelyn said, "Edw

In the silvery moonlight, Edward's grin danced with mischief as he countered Laura's audacious claim."Darling, you've got me pegged all wrong," he quipped, a hint of devilish charm in his voice. "I'm no gallant knight in gleaming armor. When peril rears its ugly head, I'm more prone to a swift disappearing act."Laura fixed her gaze upon Edward's eyes, radiating quiet assurance."Edward, you've misjudged yourself," she declared, her words dripping with conviction. "I trust my instincts, and I see a man with a heart of gold beneath that rugged facade of yours."Edward chuckled with his charm impossible to resist."Well, since you've placed such unwavering faith in me," he purred, flashing another irresistible grin, "I reckon I'll begrudgingly lend a hand if you ever find yourself in a tight spot."Struggling beneath the weight of a box that raised more than a few eyebrows, Edward felt his forehead was now shimmered with perspiration. Suddenly, a note of concern crept into his mind."W

As Evelyn and Laura had a light conversation, Edward was knee-deep in the fun of culinary wizardry, his kitchen prowess rivaling the gods of gastronomy.Before you could say "Bon appétit!", the very air itself became a canvas for the symphony of sizzling beef and melodious potatoes. Like dancers who couldn't resist a stage, a handful of onions waltzed their way into the mix.Edward orchestrated this culinary ballet with the finesse of a maestro, working on the birth to a masterpiece known far and wide as the Beef and Potato Stew.Edward had prepared approximately five hundred grams of beef, so tender and juicy it could make a stone weep, and he let them tango in the skillet until they surrendered to a divine golden hue.Then, in went four medium-sized potatoes, each a thinly sliced medallion worthy of culinary accolades. A sprinkle of petite onion slivers, pirouetting with grace, followed suit.To everyone's astonishment, Edward produced a bottle of red wine from his personal item inv