CHAPTER 399: VERDANT CELESTIAL [PART 2]

The Goblin High Shaman was already a step away from the grave, and Alex had no intention of letting it make a comeback.

"Shield Chaser," Alex said softly as he pointed his finger at the Field Boss, who managed to survive the combined attacks of his allies.

Dozens of flaming shields rained down on the monster, finally taking its life.

The moment it collapsed on the ground, the young man heard a notification sound inside its head, and a blue window screen appeared in front of him.

———

You have completed a Hidden Quest!

Quest Name: Preventing an Outbreak!

Mission Goal: Prevent the Goblins from taking over Ashenbark Forest, which they would use as their base to conquer the nearby villages and towns.

Rewards: 5,000 Arcana Points, 2,000 Gold Coins, 3 Level Ups!

———

Level Up!

Level Up!

Level Up!

The sound of the Level Ups was like music in Alex’s ears. However, the battle had not truly ended.

To prevent any future troubles, he and the rest of his allies hunted down the remaining Goblins, who had started to scatter after their leader was defeated.

Unfortunately for them, it didn’t matter where they ran or hid. Alex easily found them with his map, which showed their locations.

Many were hurt, and some were seriously hurt during this battle. But thankfully, no one died.

Those who could use healing skills administered first aid on themselves, while the rest used potions to recover.

Alex landed in a secluded clearing, well away from the rest of the group.

Sensing no threats in the surroundings, he deactivated the power of the Verdant Throne.

Latifa materialized in front of him and looked at him with a smile.

Her mouth opened as if to say something, but before she could make a sound, her legs suddenly gave way, and she fell face-first toward Alex’s chest.

The young man caught her, but just like her, he could feel his legs about to give way at any time.

To prevent the two of them from falling, Alex leaned his back against a tree, using it as support to keep both of them steady.

For a moment, Latifa didn’t say anything. She let Alex wrap his arms around her, holding her in place.

A minute later, she pulled back and looked at the young man’s face, which revealed his exhaustion.

No words were spoken between them because there was no need for it.

Alex lowered his head and kissed Latifa on the lips.

She returned his kiss, which lasted only for a few seconds.

"Latifa..." Alex was about to say something more, but Lumi and Lotte materialized beside the two of them.

"Go on," Lumi said with her arms crossed over her chest. "Don’t let us disturb you. Treat us as air."

Lotte looked at Alex with embarrassment and mouthed a few words that said "I tried to stop her," allowing the young man to understand the situation.

Latifa, who was too embarrassed to look at her Alters, once again buried her head on Alex’s chest.

The young man lightly patted her head, while glaring at Lumi, who had once again gotten in his way.

"I have a feeling that you’re doing this on purpose, Lumi," Alex said. "Can’t you pick a better timing?"

"I have no idea what you’re talking about," Lumi replied. "What is this timing that you speak of? Is that edible?"

Alex wanted to roll his eyes at her reply, but decided that it wasn’t worth the effort. He was feeling lethargic after undoing his union with Latifa.

’I have to consider the side-effects when using the Verdant Throne,’ Alex thought as he continued to hold the young lady in his embrace.

Fortunately, Lumi didn’t say anything like "How long do you plan to hug Latifa?", which allowed Alex to have a semi-intimate moment with her, under her Alters’ watchful gazes.

A few minutes later, Lumi coughed lightly as if telling them that time was up.

"The others will start looking for the two of you, so it’s best that we return now," Lumi stated. "Can any of you walk on your own?"

Alex and Latifa glanced at each other before shaking their heads at the same time.

"Lotte, please carry Latifa," Lumi said. "I’ll carry this brute."

"Brute?" Alex blinked. "Who are you calling brute?"

"Hmph!" Lumi ignored him and reached out to support his body. "You have two choices. Get carried like a princess, or I piggyback you."

The young man pondered for a while, and decided to choose the less embarrassing option.

"Piggyback me," Alex answered.

Lumi looked at the young man with contempt as if she was looking at a disgusting worm.

But, since she was the one that gave those options, she allowed him to mount her back, allowing her to give him a piggyback ride.

One of the reasons why Alex had chosen this option was because he thought that it would be a unique experience being carried by Lumi in this manner.

While Lulu might be his favorite among Latifa’s Alters, Lumi was his second best.

He knew that despite her fierceness, Lumi was actually a very caring, and loving person.

She was Latifa’s fearless side, which she never showed to anyone.

"Already this old, and still needs a girl to piggyback him," Lumi grumbled as she carried Alex, following behind Lotte, who was carrying Latifa. "Such a disgrace, and you call yourself a man? Pitui!"

"A lady shouldn’t spit on the ground, you know?" Alex commented, enjoying Lumi’s complaints along the way. "It’s very unladylike."

"Shut up," Lumi hissed. "If you have the strength to talk, you should have the strength to walk."

"But, I don’t have the strength to walk right now..."

"Weakling!"

Lotte couldn’t help but giggle as she heard the bickering behind her.

Latifa, on the other hand, only sighed as she remembered the moment when Alex was about to tell her something.

She didn’t know if he was about to confess to her, or not.

Truth be told, she was both regretful, and relieved that Lumi and Lotte appeared when they did.

Regretful because a part of her wanted to know what Alex wished to say.

Relieved because her heart wasn’t ready for it. At least, not yet.

Latifa already knew what Alex felt about her.

She discovered it after they merged together back in the Heracle Mountain, and confirmed it after today’s union.

Since she knew about his feelings, she also knew that she wasn’t the only one, who holds a position in his heart.

Still, this knowledge made her feel happy, especially after Alex kissed her earlier.

It was his silent confession of his feelings towards her, and for now, that was enough.

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