V3 Chapter 44

“It’s really him!”

Celia cried out in surprise as she looks at the boy in her arms. Her body naturally moved before she had become aware of it.

As if led by instinct or subconscious, she flew in the air with incredible speed and caught the falling boy from the air.

When she saw that very familiar face, her eyes widened in pleasant surprise.

Although she already recognized who it was when he appeared but truly confirming his identity was still a pleasant surprise.

And did he change a bit compared to the last time she saw him?

But that was just a few weeks ago. Can someone really change in that short amount of time?

“You!!”

Miyabila was stunned, at the same time, relieved since Rain was safe and sound. However, a few moments later, relief turned to anger.

She was almost there, almost catching him. But she was just a bit slow. But that is certainly not a reason for a human to hold him!

“Unhand him!!”

“Calm down,”

Celia was startled from the sudden angry hiss. She turned at the raging red-haired Lamian and scowled in annoyance.

"I won't do anything, okay."

Her body landed on the ground like a feather, as she stared at the sleeping face of the black-haired boy that she had not seen for so long. She placed her hand on his face and felt his steady breathing.

“He’s fine, thank god.”

“I said unhand him!”

Miyabila hissed loudly and her tail whipped against her. Celia hurriedly jumps in shock. But the tail was not aiming to attack her; instead, it coiled around the boy’s lower body and successfully snatches him from her when she jumped backward.

“What’s the problem with you?!”

Celia lashed out, completely irritated.

But as she was about to curse more, suddenly swords appeared around her, accompanied by angry expressions of the Lamians that appeared. She turned around and glare at them, not the least bit scared.

Her patience is really running low, and these Lamians are just too hard to understand.

"Look, I'm not going to be intimidated by all these blades at my throat, and all of those 'I'll kill you' glares your throwing at me. But, can someone please tell me, what the hell do you all think you are doing? Do I look like someone who can do something to an unconscious boy? And besides, he's my savior, I would even dare think of hurting him! Much less, do it!"

"That is none of your business. If you dare touch our Rain again, I will be the one to cut those arms of yours!"

One of the Lamians hissed angrily.

"You are all insane!"

“That’s enough, Celia,”

Leticia steps forward and hurriedly stopped the enraged Celia. She looked at the black-haired boy lying within the red-haired Lamian's embrace.

The red-haired Lamian was hugging the boy with an obvious overprotective action, while other Lamians surrounded her.

The way they look at them, was as if they were looking at the most hateful enemy who wanted to hurt the boy. But why? What's with all these strange, and exaggerated reactions?

She watched as the red-haired Lamian skidded backward, seemly trying to gain a safe distance from them, with a bewildered expression.

"What is all this?" she said as she turned towards the Medusa.

“Why don’t you explain this to us. What had happened? Why did they come from there?!” she pointed at the part of the ceiling where the space rift had just appeared.

The air now had slowly calmed down, even the atmosphere returned to normal. However, the sudden appearance of the boy, and his incredible entrance, rattled the princess heart.

A crazy thought appeared inside her mind and the fact that the Lamians sudden interest on the Great Hero Arthuria steeled those suspicions.

Leticia seethed with frustrations.

"What do you know that you're not telling us, Lamians?"

She glared at the Lamians who she had felt had betrayed them, hiding something very important from them.

"Answer me!!"

“There’s nothing to explain.”

But the Medusa only sneered in response.

The Human Princess feeeling of betrayal are not of her concern. especially, not at this very moment. Her expression now relieved, loosening.

It was incredible... a human boy had such influence on a Monster King. Much less, to a Medusa. However, when she looked at her, Leticia still felt that icy cold disregard for her from the Medusa.

Why do they treat that boy like this?

Who and what is he to them?

Leticia couldn't understand no matter how she tried to think about it.

“Rejoice, we won’t need this place anymore. You can do whatever you want with it,”

Leticia opened her mouth but found no words to say.

Well, indeed, the Lamians never have any intention of helping them. So, her accusations and outburst are nothing to them.

But, be that as it may... Leticia tried to find the words to say, as she watched the horrifying Medusa walked towards the red-haired Lamian, and then took up the black-haired boy into her arms.

"Finally, you've made me worried, Rain,"

Zarda's lips curved into a faint, but clearly relieved smile. She caught his scent, the essence of him, unchanged from weeks ago, her body responding. And as effective as always on calming her down.

She stared at him for a while, her expression finally softening.

I will not let you out of my sight, again...!

“Let’s go,”

The moment she said that, the Lamians started leaving one after another- some even disappearing in thin air. Although the elite humans can still feel their presence, their naked eyes cannot see them through the shadows of the cave.

Perhaps this is some kind of concealment skill. But seeing this happening; they just can’t help but feel a cold chill in their spines.

Not one person didn't feel their skin crawled with gooseflesh as they look around them in vigilance.

They felt as if, a Lamian would suddenly appear beside them and take their lives away from them.

So strong… truly, if the Lamians wanted them dead, they would have died without them knowing it.

“Wait, you’re going to leave just like that?!”

Leticia cried out in anguished.

“You haven’t answered any of my questions yet! You knew about the Holy Sword’s whereabouts, did you?! You know about the Great Hero Arthuria, and the treasures she left behind! Why didn’t you say anything all this time?!”

“Say what exactly?”

Zarda snapped at her.

The small serpents at the top of her head all stood up, their tiny red-eyes glaring at her.

“If you think we know anything about what you’re looking for, then you’re greatly mistaken. If we did, we would have told you already so you can all get out of here as soon as possible! Do you think we wanted you here?! The earlier you leave this place, the happiest we will be. Don't delude yourself, human princess. You are never welcome in this place!”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Is that really true?”

Leticia narrowed her eyes and stared at the monster that could invoke fear to anyone just by looking at her without retreating. Anger sizzled deep within her, and her turbulent emotions helped alleviate the pressure she was feeling from the Monster King.

She stood her ground, “Then, how can you explain him coming out of nowhere? Don’t lie to me and says it’s not related at all!”

“Why would we need to explain anything to you, damn human? Did you really think we are your minions?!” the golden-haired Lamian stepped forward and scowled in annoyance.

“Never forget human, we didn’t want you here. We only agreed to guide you, not help you. And your time is running out! Whether you wanted it or not, once the time runs out, you will leave here.”

“You!”

At this moment, a voice suddenly said.

“That’s not the right thing to say, Drova,”

Everyone heard the Princess furious cries, thus they knew she wasn't the one who said it the second time.

However, the second person's voice was very unfamiliar.

The voice was very calm but with a hint of helplessness. In fact, it sounded very gentle and filled with affection as if the voice was addressing a very intimate person.

What's even more, the voice was crisp and clear, and the intonation and pronunciation of the words were very clear. However, this voice sounded very weak. It sounded as if it was panting.

Everyone who heard it couldn't help but feel worried.

After saying one word, he didn't have the energy to say the second word. However, he said every word clearly. Although he sounded very weak, he still managed to finish everything in one breath.

The only weird thing was that…no one heard this voice before!

Of course, aside from the Lamians, and a single human that had recognized the voice, that is.

Everyone was instantly stunned!

Even Zarda, Drova and Leticia were stunned!

After that instant, everyone turned around at the same time.

The young man on the Medusa's embrace had finally regained consciousness and opened his eyes. He didn't seem to have any strength, but the look in his eyes was very clear.

“?!!”

Drova’s eyes widened in shock but anyone can see that her expression glowed with an excited color.

“Rain? You’re awake?!”

All eyes locked on the black-haired boy.

Even Leticia couldn’t help but focus her attention on him. He was dressed in a black coat, with fur-lined on his shoulders. It was obvious to see, just by the appearance that it was a high-level magical item. It looked simple, but the materials it was made from seemed to be from very expensive leather, or hide.

And looking closely, even the sword on his waist, the boots, and every item he was wearing emitted quite a significant amount of magic power, affirming the fact that each and every one of them are Magical Items.

But so many?

And with the level of magical power they were releasing, it was safe to assume that each and every one of them is not merely low-level items.

But how did he acquire so many of such magical items when he is living in the Desolate cave?

Each of those things can be sold for an extremely high price in the market and would make any person drool in envy.

A full set of magical items.

Then, Leticia’s attention turned towards the boy’s appearance—now extremely curious, and full of interest.

His face appeared extremely familiar, but she couldn’t recall why. It’s not like she had seen him before. He just appeared familiar…that’s all.

His exquisite face was flawless without a trace of blemish. He had a pair of sky-colored, beautifully clear eyes. The gentle expression that covered his eyes and smile, makes him appear even more mysterious and pretty handsome.

What was even more unusual was that his body gave off a temperament as pure as a child. He had been smiling since the beginning, even when he was asleep just now.

Since the time he appeared, the corner of his mouth was lifted into a radiant arc that hadn’t gone down. Despite this, he appeared very weak, his face pale and his eyes appeared rather blurry.

Just looking at him, even Leticia felt a strange heart-ache, or sympathy on what he had suffered, whatever it was, that made him so weak like this.

The next thing that Leticia noticed as well, was the reaction of the Lamians. Even the furious and beast-like Lamian with the golden hair, that seemed to be thirsty for a fight every time, had an incredible transformation on her character.

When the golden-haired Lamian saw this person, her fierce expression loosened immediately and a smile appeared on her face, as if the murderous intention she was emitting just now has been a lie. A bright color of happiness and relief flashed across her eyes.

It seems like, him having a large influence on the Lamians is but an understatement. It’s even as if they worshipped him, though, there’s no worship zeal on their faces, instead, warm, loving adoration.

Just what is this human boy to them?

... ...

Rain still felt tired and exhausted, though, he doesn't know the reason why. But he was certain, it has something to do with the incredible energy that assaulted them through the teleportation array.

It's like when they first entered the Dungeon, where the impact of the energy from the sudden teleportation made them exhausted and numb. It's like riding a plane for the very first time, he almost wanted to puke.

Nevertheless, even though this wasn't the best time for him to regain consciousness, he forced himself to wake up.

He had felt a very familiar warmth that seemed to caress him, comfort him as if he was snuck under a warm embrace. It was a blissful feeling; he felt as if he was like a baby that had drawn his first breath.

And he had recognized this aura. It was certainly Zarda. The Medusa's gentle, and loving aura surrounded him…it was a comfort that he desired for quite a long time.

This feeling made him much more relaxed.

When he is finally able to recover his condition, he heard voices. Familiar voices. Because of that, he tried to wake up. Though, he felt his eyelids were extremely heavy, and his body was completely strengthless. He felt as if he was paralyzed. Like floating on water, though, it also seemed as if he was drifting in the sky. For a long time, he couldn't calm himself down.

He could only hear people talking, which sounded both clear and unclear to him. He felt that whatever he was hearing was clear, but it also seemed as if he was still stuck in a dream.

After a long while, Rain realized that he might actually have returned to the Desolate Cave.

Rain smiled and struggled to stand up. He revealed a smile on his face and weakly said, “Yeah...just, a bit muddle-headed. But seeing you, I guess this is true. We’re finally out? Lafetti and the others?”

“They are fine. And yeah, you are,”

Zarda was the one who answered it, clinging in his arms. Her expression was beautiful, as gentle as can be, completely unlike that of just a while ago where she looked as cold as a block of ice.

“And we’re going home,”

Rain tilted his head, with a relieved smile.

“Yeah, I’m back. It seems like I’ve worried you,”

Looking at his face, suddenly Zarda kissed him.

The humans, even Celia and Princess Leticia was so shocked, their jaws literally hanged from this sudden intimacy. Even the Lamians as well, though more of a pleasant surprise. Since Rain didn't pull back or retreat from their chief's sudden action, and instead, kissed Zarda back.

They have never expected this. This has some unexpected impact on the Lamians, and sweetness overflowed in their hearts, causing the dark, dim, solemn cave, appearing more lively, and warm.

After all, it’s as if Rain himself was declaring his affection and love he had for them to the humans. And he wasn’t the little bit afraid, or ashamed of it.

Though Rain surely didn’t have any intention like that, and he just really missed Zarda, causing him to forget everything and get intimate with his long-separated lover.

The kiss was almost fleeting,. But for others, it seemed as if it had lasted longer.

Rain took Zarda’s hand and squeezed it lightly.

“I’m sorry; being away for so long was not in my plan at all, believe me.”

“I know, that’s why I will not say anything. It’s an accident. But you will still have to get an earful about this later. You don’t know how you almost worried me to death.”

With Rain finally back in her embrace, tears couldn't help but began collecting in her eyes.

She felt washed over by a wave of relief and comfort.

At that moment, the Monster King; Medusa found herself wanting to cry despite all she had lived through and the strength of her character.

This sudden feebleness had nothing to do with courage; it was the type of feeling that could only be felt in front of family. After all, only on Rain would she find solace. Not having him by her side was like torture. Especially, when their connection was suddenly cut off, she had almost gone insane from anxiety.

“…I think so, as well,”

Rain smiled bitterly, feeling somewhat apologetic for making her worried. He reached his hand and wiped the tears coming from the corner of her eyes. Her eyes come up to meet his, and Zarda grasped the hand touching her face, bringing it in front of her, and kissed it.

Rain smiled. Then, suddenly he caught sight of the dumbstruck humans staring at them with a shock expression, and he recalled where they are.

His face flushed, but with how pale he still is, it only gave her a seemly healthy color. So no one noticed his embarrassment.

He coughed and then turned back his attention to the humans. His eyes flashing a bountiful amount of curiosity. Some look familiar, however. Especially one of them.

“In any case, what’s happening here? Where are we? And who are they?”

“They are…”

“Rain, right?”

Celia was surprised, but she was better off as she had already understood more or less, Rain’s relationship with the Lamians. After all, with how much importance the Lamians gave to a mere human boy, it would be strange if it’s not something like this.

Though, she just can’t understand why Rain seemed to be in love with a Monster like a Medusa. Though, no offensive intention at hand, in her eyes, the Medusa’s appearance was certainly ugly and scary even.

Oversized fangs, red, scary eyes that seemed to look through your soul, and look through your every hidden secret. Not to mention the snakes atop of her head, but her entire body was also being covered with hideous and livid, green scales—not only her body but also her entire face, and every part of her body. She just couldn’t understand how a human can love something like that.

But still, Celia was able to snap her daze immediately as she found his gaze locked at her in confusion as if trying to remember something.

“Do you remember me?” she asked, a bit hopeful.

“You are…that’s right, you are that…that girl being chased by Grandpa Arfa, aren’t you?”

Rain was about to call her a thief, but suddenly he thought that it wouldn’t be that sensible to call a girl a thief, much less, a beautiful one like her.

“As expected, you are still here…but what’s going on in here?”

“You must be Rain?”

Leticia stepped forward, causing the Lamians to once again began staring at her with intense vigilance. Some even had the expression of warning, seemly trying to convey that they would not hesitate to cut her down where she stood if she made some suspicious behavior. Really overprotective.

Rain looks at Leticia.

“And you are?”

Still, in something of a stupor, he stared at her with a bewildered expression.

“I’m the first princess of the Delouria Kigdom, you can call me Leticia.”

Leticia said with a smile that seemed completely effortless. She then bowed elegantly as she introduced herself. She even gave him her permission to call her name, which was unexpected and surprising. But Leticia shared the same thought with Celia.

It was clear that the Lamians strangely treasured him. And perhaps, he might even become the key figure that can connect her with them. Just that alone, Rain was more qualified to call her by her name, and stand equal.

“Princess?”

Rain’s eyes widened in surprise.

She’s a princess? This is the first time I see a real one? Like Snow White? Elsa?

“Real?”