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[A sense of satisfaction welled up within you as you surveyed the crystals. The sheer dominance you held over the situation was undeniable, reinforcing the fact that you were on a completely different level from most avatar masters.]

[With a simple thought, you activated your Space Storage (Purple) talent.]

[A faint, violet shimmer surrounded the 13 crystals as they were carefully lifted into the air and disappeared into your spatial storage. It was a secure and convenient way to keep them, and the sense of power that came with possessing such a rare collection of avatar crystals was palpable.]

["Impressive," Evangeline\'s voice broke through the silence.]

[You turned to see her standing at the entrance of the stronghold, her icy blue eyes focused on you with a mixture of awe and relief. "I knew you were powerful, but seeing it in action… It\'s something else entirely."]

[You shrugged, trying to downplay the moment. "I did what needed to be done. Cerberus was too dangerous to be left alive. And the fact that it was a Zenith Avatar only made it more crucial."]

[Evangeline nodded, her gaze shifting to where Cerberus had been moments before. "It\'s over now, thanks to you. My family and I owe you a great debt, Phantom Reaper."]

[You waved off her gratitude. "No need for formalities. I took the job, and I completed it. That\'s all there is to it."]

[Evangeline smiled softly, her expression a little more relaxed now that the immediate danger had passed. "Still, you\'ve done more than just complete a job. You\'ve saved countless lives today, including mine."]

["Including yours," you pointed out with a smirk, causing her to chuckle softly.]

[The two of you stood in silence for a moment, the tension of the battle slowly fading away, replaced by a mutual understanding and respect.]

["Well," you said, breaking the silence. "I suppose it\'s time to collect the reward—and the avatar crystal promised by your family."]

[Evangeline nodded, gesturing for you to follow her back into the stronghold. "Of course. My father will want to thank you personally as well. And… we should discuss the other part of the reward."]

[You raised an eyebrow, curious. "The hand in marriage offer, you mean?"]

[She glanced at you, her expression unreadable. "Yes. But we can talk about that later. For now, let\'s focus on getting you what you\'ve earned."]

[You followed Evangeline back into the stronghold, the weight of her words lingering in your mind.]

[The offer of marriage was an unexpected twist, but it wasn\'t something you were prepared to dwell on just yet. For now, you were more focused on securing the rewards you had been promised.]

[As you walked through the grand halls of the Solstice Family\'s stronghold, you couldn\'t help but admire the luxurious surroundings. Despite the recent battle, the interior remained pristine, a testament to the wealth and influence of the Solstice Family.]

[Eventually, you arrived at a large set of double doors, intricately carved with the Solstice Family crest. Evangeline paused before opening them, turning to you with a serious expression.]

["Before we go in," she said, "I want you to know that my father is… protective of me. He\'ll be grateful for what you\'ve done, but he\'ll also want to make sure you\'re worthy of the rewards being offered. Just be yourself, and everything should go smoothly."]

[You nodded, understanding the unspoken warning in her words. "Understood. Let\'s get this over with."]

[Evangeline pushed open the doors, revealing a spacious room adorned with elegant furniture and priceless artwork.]

[At the far end of the room, seated behind a large mahogany desk, was a man who could only be the Solstice Family patriarch. The desk, polished to a deep sheen, reflected the room\'s soft light, adding a touch of elegance to the already imposing atmosphere.]

[The patriarch was an imposing figure, his presence commanding the room with a quiet authority. Dressed in a finely tailored suit, his posture was one of effortless confidence, his demeanor radiating the experience and power that came with his position.]

[His sharp, icy blue eyes—so similar to Evangeline\'s—studied you carefully as you approached, their gaze intense and calculating. There was a shrewdness in those eyes, a depth that suggested he was not merely observing you, but assessing you on multiple levels, weighing your worth with each step you took closer.]

["Father," Evangeline began, her voice respectful yet firm, "this is Phantom Reaper, the avatar master who protected me and defeated the Hellhound."]

[The patriarch nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving you. "So, you\'re the one who saved my daughter and preserved our family\'s future. For that, you have my gratitude."]

[You inclined your head slightly in acknowledgment. "I was just doing my job, but I appreciate your gratitude."]

["A job well done deserves to be rewarded," the patriarch continued, his tone measured. "As promised, you will receive the avatar crystal, the monetary reward, and the favor of the Solstice Family. But there is also the matter of the marriage proposal."]

[He glanced at Evangeline, who met his gaze with a calm expression. "Evangeline\'s future is of the utmost importance to our family. I hope you understand the gravity of what\'s being offered."]

[You met the patriarch\'s gaze steadily, considering your response. "I understand the significance, and I don\'t take it lightly. However, I believe this is a decision that Evangeline and I should make together, without any pressure or obligation."]

[The patriarch\'s expression softened slightly, and he gave a small nod. "That is a wise approach. I will leave the decision to the two of you, but know that our family would be honored to welcome someone of your strength and capability."]

[With that, he gestured to a small, ornate box on the desk. "The avatar crystal, as promised. And the rest of your rewards will be arranged promptly."]

[Evangeline stepped forward, picking up the box and handing it to you with a small smile. "Thank you, Phantom Reaper. For everything."]

[You took the box, feeling the weight of the crystal within. "You\'re welcome. And please, call me Linley."]

[She nodded, her smile growing a bit warmer. "Linley, then."]