CHAPTER 64: THE FIRST AND LAST HELP(2)

The group of six made their way through the forest, moving quietly along the faint trail that led toward the Academy. Behind them floated a massive block of earth — roots dangling, clumps of soil slowly shedding as it levitated a few meters above the ground. Inside it rested the grave of Kevin’s mother, held intact by William’s telekinesis.

"Are you sure you’re okay?" Natalie asked, glancing at him. "We can stop and rest if you need to. That thing must weigh over a ton."

William didn’t even look winded. "I’ve never pulled such a large section of ground with that much precision before," he admitted, his tone steady. "That’s why I was a bit shaky earlier. But I’m fine now."

Natalie studied him for a moment — no heavy breathing, no trembling hands. Just calm focus. She decided not to press further and slowed her pace, letting him and Emma walk ahead together.

Laila, who was a few steps in front, asked softly, "What did he say?"

Natalie shook her head. "He’s fine. And I believe him."

Behind them, Lizel hugged a small basket of fruit and water she’d prepared for others. She hesitated for a long moment before whispering, "Can you give it to him?"

Natalie smiled faintly as she looked back at the two walking side by side. "For now," she said gently, "let’s not disturb them."

The others couldn’t help but look as well — at William, gesturing animatedly while Emma listened with her usual composed expression. It was almost comical: the same young man who had stared down a Baron and silenced a mob now looked like a flustered boy trying to explain himself to someone he couldn’t bear to upset.

"Why don’t you understand?" William asked, exasperated. "What else was I supposed to say back there?"

Emma crossed her arms, eyes narrowing slightly. "You kissed me first," she said, "then called me a friend in front of everyone. I think I’m owed an explanation for having my innocence stolen only to be labeled as that."

William let out a groan. "You’re putting me in an impossible spot here..."

He rubbed his temple, then sighed. "I haven’t even asked you out properly, didn’t propose — nothing. What was I supposed to call you if not a friend?"

Emma’s brows arched. "So you *did* have plans to ask me out and propose?"

William stiffened. "Why do you think I asked if you were free today?"

Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. "That’s not fair. You could’ve just said it outright."

William chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head. "Oh yeah? Do I look like some smooth-talking casanova with a list of successful confessions behind me?"

Emma tilted her head slightly, lips pressing together to hide the hint of a smile that threatened to appear.

"But you were dating Lizel for quite a while, weren’t you?" Emma asked softly.

William sighed. "Yeah... but with her, it always felt like we were just hanging out — playing games, joking around, having fun. It never felt serious." He scratched the back of his head and added, "But it’s different with you."

Emma’s lips curved into a smile. "Hmm? And why is that?"

"I don’t know," he said after a pause. "I just don’t want things to be ordinary. I want our first date to be something you’ll remember — something that feels right."

Her smile deepened as she reached out and held his hand. The warmth of her touch made his heart skip a beat. "Even if we just sit by a river and listen to the silence," she said gently, "it’ll still be special to me... because you’ll be there."

William was caught in her gaze — soft, sincere, and impossibly charming.

He smiled back. "Tomorrow... let’s go out."

Emma nodded without hesitation. "I can’t wait."

Before the moment could stretch further, Kevin’s voice called from ahead. "This should be a good spot."

They had reached a small clearing deep within the forest — quiet and untouched, far enough from the town that no one would ever find it easily. William had already checked for pursuers, and it seemed the Baron had been wise enough not to send anyone after them.

William stepped forward and motioned for everyone to move back. Raising his left hand, he focused his power, and the ground began to tremble. A massive section of earth lifted, curling up as if peeled by invisible hands. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the loose dirt aside and carved several wide holes — deep enough to hold the grave block.

When the spot was ready, a few uneven gaps still remained.

"I’ll fill them in," Kevin said, gripping the shovel.

"I can do that," William replied.

Kevin shook his head firmly. "Let me handle this."

William exhaled through his nose and nodded, stepping back. As Kevin began to work, William turned to Emma. "Did you bring anything to eat?"

"I did!" Lizel blurted before anyone else could answer. Her sudden enthusiasm made everyone look her way, and she instantly shrank back, embarrassed. Hesitantly, she handed the basket to Natalie.

Natalie walked over and offered it to William, but Emma reached out and stopped her. "Let me check first." She opened the basket, picked up an apple, and inspected it before finally handing it to William.

Lizel gave a weak, awkward smile. *I wouldn’t have poisoned it...* she thought miserably.

William bit the apple as he leaned against a tree.

They silently watched Kevin filling the gaps with soil, his movement slow but he never stopped.

After he was done, he did the prayer one last time.

Kevin felt sad that his mother was cursed by so many people and they were forced to take her away.

However, thankfully, everything turned out well.

His mother was resting somewhere more peaceful and close to nature.

Kneeling before the grave, he faintly whispered, "Please continue to look over me, Mother. There are a lot of things I must do to avenge you."

Soon, he got up and the rest of the girls walked forward to pray. Emma was with them.

Kevin stepped toward William and said, "Thank you...for whatever you did for me. I will never forget this."

William looked at the guy and said, "But don’t make a habit of it." He coldly muttered, "This is the first and last time I am helping you."

Inching closer, he growled, "I have yet to forget what happened in that mine."

Kevin’s breath choked in his throat, his eyes widened.

William grinned, "I will get back to you for that, one day."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Please don’t forget to leave a review.