CHAPTER 303: CHAPTER303-THE BATTLE BETWEEN ALICE AND ALLY

In the depths of the Luminous Forest, Alice, having just completed her Star Upgrade Quest, once again set foot on the path toward challenging an underground labyrinth. She knew she had to raise her level as quickly as possible—only by doing so could she contribute meaningfully to the upcoming Millennial Apocalypse.

This time, the labyrinth she had chosen was one that could not only grant her rapid experience but also had the chance to drop skill books. It was the perfect hunting ground for someone eager to grow stronger.

However, before she was even halfway to her destination, Alice’s sharp senses caught the presence of another.

She halted, walking over to the trunk of a massive tree. Looking up into its leafy crown, she spoke calmly, her voice cutting through the quiet air:

"May I ask—what business do you have with me?"

The entire forest was silent for about ten seconds, the stillness so complete that even the rustling of leaves seemed to hold its breath. Then, from high above in the branches, a lively voice rang out.

"Well, I didn’t expect to be noticed, meow... Crossbridge’s devoted follower."

As she spoke, Ally leapt lightly down from the treetop, her figure as agile as a cat’s.

"I came here to ask for your help."

Seeing Ally, Alice’s lips curved into a smile.

"And what might I be able to help you with?"

At present, Alice was already Level 198, just shy of the coveted Level 200 milestone. Once she reached that point, she would be able to accept another Star Upgrade Quest.

Ally waved a hand dismissively.

"No need to rush. Before that, I want to ask you something—what’s your opinion of the God of the Forest?"

The God of the Forest was, in ancient times, a deity worshiped by the elves.

Hearing the question, Alice didn’t even hesitate before answering:

"I have no personal opinion about the God of the Forest. I am a faithful believer of Crossbridge, and nothing in my life will ever change that faith.

As for the God of the Forest, it’s true that we elves revere him, but among us, such belief is not compulsory."

Ally let out a quiet breath of relief at that answer.

"In that case, that’s good to hear. Still, before I get into the details, I need to test your strength."

Her tone became slightly more serious as she continued.

"The action I have planned carries some risk, and I’d rather not trouble Daniel over something this minor. So I thought I’d come to you instead. Don’t worry—it’ll benefit you as well. Daniel doesn’t really need what’s at stake here.

But I am concerned about whether your strength will be enough. If you die because of this, it will be hard for me to explain."

A small, somewhat embarrassed smile appeared on Ally’s face—though it quickly turned into a more casual expression as she added:

"Still, it’s not too dangerous. After all, Daniel has set up so many resurrection points lately—you know what I mean."

As her words faded, a long sword materialized in Ally’s hand.

Alice’s mind immediately flashed back to the last time she had seen Daniel and Ally clash. At that time, she had only been Level 60, far too weak to participate in a battle of that scale.

But now? Now she finally had the strength to stand in the ring.

Her resolve firmed, Alice nodded. Her tone was solemn, respectful.

"It is an honor to cross blades with a devotee of Her Excellency Luna, the Moon Goddess.

Great Crossbridge, your loyal servant offers her prayers to you."

Meanwhile...

Daniel was, unsurprisingly, extremely busy. None of his avatars were idle—one was stationed in the City of the Undead, managing resurrections; another was endlessly farming silver-rank monsters; the rest were tirelessly grinding their way through underground labyrinths.

Even with his efficiency pushed to the limit, completing his Reshaping Quest would still take at least half an hour.

As for Daniel’s true body, he was currently deep within the Abyss, in territory ruled by Sarko. Bored, he had started gambling matches with Sarko.

Predictably, Daniel won—every time.

This time, he didn’t even need to use Time Stream to secure victory. Ever since receiving the Luck Goddess’s blessing, his Luck stat had become absurdly high. And luck was not like other attributes—each point brought a qualitative change, not just a small numerical boost.

At that moment, Daniel felt Alice’s prayer reach him.

"Ah... is it that time again? Alice and Ally’s sparring match?"

The last two times he had used Time Stream, something similar had happened. In both cases, the result had been the same: Alice lost.

Later, after Daniel unlocked several new skill effects for her, she won easily.

Even while continuing his wagers with Sarko, Daniel shifted part of his focus toward Alice.

He couldn’t help but notice how much she had changed. With her level now so high, Alice’s beauty and figure had transformed considerably. The little elf girl he had once met—plain and unremarkable—was gone. In her place stood a lithe, striking elven woman.

Elven genetics really are something else...

Her strength, too, had risen rapidly. Upon reaching Level 200, her attributes would be nearly maxed out—and even now, she wasn’t far from Ally’s level.

Daniel thought for a moment, then decided to grant Alice access to two additional God Rank Skills.

With a wave of his hand, he summoned a Spirit of Skills and commanded it to cast Reflective Shield.

"Go and assist her."

The spirit vanished from his side instantly, reappearing beside Alice in the Luminous Forest.

Alice was his first devotee, after all. There was no way he would allow her to suffer a loss. And besides—Crossbridge was the ruler of God Rank Skills. Bestowing a few to his followers was only natural.

Alice had expected only a single God Rank Skill as a blessing. But to her surprise, she was granted two more on top of that.

Her combat strength soared instantly.

On the other side, Ally’s sharp instincts told her something had changed. She could clearly sense the shift in Alice’s aura—and when she glanced at the elf’s status display, she spotted several God Rank Skills listed there. Her brows drew together in surprise.

To make matters even more conspicuous, a Spirit of Skills floated lazily at Alice’s side.

Even Ally, formidable as she was, couldn’t help but frown.

"Alice... don’t you think this is a bit of cheating, meow?"

Alice gave an embarrassed smile.

"To be honest, I didn’t expect Crossbridge to grant me such overwhelming power either. But I think... it’s time to ask you for guidance."

Her voice grew more serious, her grip on her weapon tightening.

"Please, senior—teach me well!"