As the members of Jake''s team gasped in shock at the swift beheading of Jess, a heavy silence settled over the group. While some understood the implications behind Cilia''s actions, others felt a shiver of fear ripple through them as they witnessed her cold and emotionless gaze.

    With Jess eliminated and the message delivered, Cilia turned her attention to the rest of the team. Her gaze swept over each member, her demeanor unwavering and resolute.

    "This is the end for traitors," she declared, her voice cutting through the silence with icy clarity. "Don''t forget, we are a team here."

    Her words resonated with finality, a stark reminder of the consequences of betrayal within their ranks.

    Jake nodded, observing the tense atmosphere. "You heard her, and if she hadn''t killed Jess, I would have done it."

    This time, everyone gulped in fear. Although Cilia appeared intimidating, her rank was lower than some of the members of Jake''s team. However, Jake held the Rank 1 position, and they knew that challenging him would only result in defeat, considering his expertise in battle tactics.

    Jake scanned the room, noting the fear in their eyes and the tension that pervaded the air. Despite understanding their apprehension, he also recognized the importance of maintaining discipline and unity within their ranks.

    "Well, Jess was acting anyway," Jake reflected, recalling the events that had unfolded earlier. Jess''s apology to Cilia had been nothing but a facade, an attempt to manipulate her emotions and avoid punishment for his betrayal.

    Jake had appointed Cilia as a team leader for a reason. He understood her strengths as a leader and respected her ability to make tough decisions for the team''s greater good. There would be no leniency for those who jeopardized the safety and cohesion of their group.

    [Tsk, tsk,] Nexus mocked in a voice filled with disdain. [That idiot forgot why Cilia was even a sub-team leader.]

    ~ "Of course, he was an idiot. He should have aimed for the neck, not the legs."

    ''Yes, he would have killed the troll, if his strings made contact with Troll neck'' Jake thought hearing them, Jess''s strings after all cut deep into the bone of Troll too.

    Jake then shook his head and told them to return, everyone nodded and then they started returning while not forgetting to watch out for surroundings for any valuable stuff, especially ores her.

    "Come on, guys, we''re running late," Jake said, noticing everyone looking around and moving at a slow pace.

    Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

    He sighed and added, "We can always come tomorrow or later."

    Upon hearing this, everyone nodded and stopped scavenging, started returning in earnest.@@@@

    And just as they left the mountain region they found another team, Jake''s team got ready for battle seeing this and Jake looked ahead at the Team leader ''That Succubus'' and thought seeing Melina.

    ~ "Hmm, but she is Dragonoid," Myne remarked.

    [She tried to seduce Jake once, since then she has been named Succubus,] Nexus added with a hint of amusement.

    ~ "Ara," Myne responded, acknowledging the comment. "It means another bed warmer for our Jake," he added with a chuckle.

    As they walked back, Melina couldn''t shake the worry that she might have ruined the first day of their relationship. Her thoughts raced as they rejoined the rest of the team.

    Jake observed his relaxed team contrasted with Melina''s nervous one, but they all sighed in relief upon seeing her return safely. He rolled his eyes at their apparent concern, thinking, "I am not such a coward," knowing they might have thought he would eliminate Melina.

    Jake bid farewell to Melina''s team, and each team went their separate ways.

    As they walked back to their camp, Cilia couldn''t help but ask, "What did she want?"

    Jake , knowing that his relationship with Melina would soon be known to all. "She wants to be my girlfriend," he replied simply.

    Cilia nodded in understanding, surprised that Jake hadn''t rejected Melina''s proposal like he usually did with others who expressed interest in him.

    "Why didn''t you reject her like always?" Cilia couldn''t help but ask, her curiosity getting the better of her.

    Jake paused for a moment, considering his response carefully. "Maybe because I am into strong and big...girls," he replied with a hint of amusement.

    Cilia nodded, understanding his cryptic answer, and decided not to ask any further questions as they continued walking back to their camps.

    ******

    "Captain, what was the result?" A member from Melina''s side asked, eager for details about their conversation.

    Melina nodded and replied, "It was a success."

    "I told you, he didn''t hate you," Melina''s friend remarked, walking beside her.

    Melina blushed and nodded in response. Then, her friend leaned in with a mischievous voice and asked, "So, how big was it?"

    Confused by the question, Melina looked at her friend and asked for clarification.

    Sia sighed, realizing Melina''s innocence, and a thought flashed through her mind, "Unknowingly a Succubus."

    Sia leaned in and whispered something into Melina''s ear, causing her face to turn as red as an apple.

    "W-we didn''t g-go that f-far," Melina stuttered in response.

    "No, I thought given your looks he would pounce on you," Sia said, teasingly. "No wonder you like him. He''s not a pervert who hoards girls despite being the strongest."

    Sia looked at Melina, taking in her striking features. Melina possessed curves in all the right places, with golden hair cascading down to her waist. Her red eyes added an intriguing allure, complementing her cute face. Not to mention, her ample breasts were enough to attract the gaze of other females as well.

    Melina nodded and added, "He even asked me if I still want to be his girlfriend when he already has two."

    Sia nodded in agreement. "A good guy then. How lucky for you," she remarked with a smile.