Luna observed the figure of Blue as he led them to a stream inside this rainforest.
It was now a downpour with lightning hitting the trees at random times but it was frequent enough to even make her raise her guard a bit. Her present level self would be significantly injured if she got hit by such a lightning bolt.
Defensive skill naturally couldn't be used all the time as she needed to preserve her stamina for the occasional combat that this forest threw at her. Anyways, as long as she kept an eye out for the signs then a mere lightning bolt was nothing much to mention.
She, however, was more focused on observing her current life's boyfriend. When she read his mind earlier it was a pleasant surprise that he was a genuinely good hearted young man. Because he still hadn't faced much cruelty from the void, this pureness within him remained quite… envious of her.
She had decided to keep that pureness in him after she had her confirmation earlier.
In her new life, though she couldn't return back to loving him wholeheartedly like before but as long as he was still the man who she had judged him to be she would keep her relationship intact and help him on his path. It was an appropriate decision but that being said her past life’s mistake had left her with hidden trauma.
That's why she had noticed that even after having made up her mind she still subconsciously found herself scrutinizing him constantly. She seemed to keep trying to find any fault in him that would appear as he aged by the day.
Luna couldn't help but feel bitter inside as it seemed she had underestimated the damage her past husband had done to her which even carried to her present reincarnation after who knows how many years had passed since her demise. She could only hope that time would take its course to help her move on from it.
Time heals, after all.
Earlier, Blue had told the party about his Artifact Compass of Fortuity and the sudden activation of it after they had settled down on the newly built log house. As players with aura attributes present within them, making a simple base for the ten of them within a dozen minutes was nothing if they utilized their own aura attributes efficiently.
He had already told her way before about the specifics of this gift given by House Auburn for his safety and she genuinely was surprised to see such goodwill from the nobles like them to an outer denizen. It seemed that her boyfriend was appreciated no matter who he had an acquaintance with. This point inadvertently made her feel good about her present decision and she also couldn't help but view this noble house with a favorable light.
At present, that compass had activated and pointed him to a direction which he had speculated to contain either a clue for an emerald block or a chalice. The party was also happy to have gotten such a convenient means and all of their speculations were also the same as him.
She also thought the same as in this map only those two could be considered truly auspicious for him as the Artifact owner.
Near the stream, the party looked around but quickly became puzzled that there wasn't anything of interest at the first glance. Could it be that the Artifact was malfunctioning? Some of the ignorant players asked him to which Blue showed a troubled smile as it was his first time using this compass.
Luna knew that the Artifact wasn't malfunctioning or anything as any item and equipment that could be considered an Artifact would never be hindered so mundanely. Thus she used some methods to check what was suspicious in this place and sure enough found it instantly.
“Don't be so quick to reach a conclusion. We still haven't checked inside the stream. Let's go there.”
Upon her words the party went into the stream but just as they took three steps in the entire stream lit up with dazzling light before teleporting them away. When they saw where they had been teleported to they couldn't help but be puzzled again.
It was the same place they were in earlier but the stream had turned into a lake instead.
Luna looked at the lake and then at the hands of everyone who now had an iron axe in their grip. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as she knew where this was heading towards.
Stolen novel; please report.
Her boyfriend spoke up to relay new set of orders in this mysterious place,
“It seems that we are in the right area. Let's head to the lake. As for these axes… let's keep them for now. Maybe these are a necessity for the sub quest?”
He seemed unsure but going with a logical deduction his orders were indeed appropriate. The party headed towards the lake with axes in tow. Ten people walking around with axes was indeed quite the menacing scene.
If any mortal human had seen it they would probably call law enforcement to apprehend these suspicious individuals.
After they arrived near the lakeside all of them felt an incredible pull that made them drop the axe towards the lake forcibly. All of them became even more alarmed and their previous battle formation suddenly tightened for an immediate clash against any incoming opponents.
Luna also acted the same as them but inwardly she couldn't help but shake her head in amusement as it seemed her earlier speculations were correct.
Sure enough, the sub quest seemed to have started as all of them were again teleported in the similar scene but now they were separated.
Luna watched as a figure emerged from the middle of the lake.
The figure was a female humanoid with butterfly wings on her back, she was of fairy species from the beast-kin race. She held three axes in her hand. The iron axe that was dropped, a smooth silver axe and a shining golden axe.
Luna patiently waited for her to come to the lakeside as she observed the little fairy.
“Nice to meet you, young player. I am called the Lake's Fairy. I was awakened from my deep slumber when you dropped your axe. However, I have noticed that you possess unparalleled providence and heavenly fate. My meeting with you in this strange lake was no coincidence. As a gesture of goodwill I will give you the golden axe. This axe holds many mystical powers. Here you go.”
The little fairy said in a gentle tone with a smiling face as if she wanted to give the world to her, not just the axe.
Luna replied politely,
“Miss Fairy, how can I accept such a precious gift? It is my first time meeting you.”
The fairy assured her,
“There's no need to be so modest. The matter of fate is elusive and should always be treated with great care. I have heard that many young players are looking for emerald blocks and some, what was it, chalices? With this golden axe you can find those easily.”
Luna showed an excited expression before asking,
“Really!? Then does that mean all of my party members could go to the central plains easily? Thank you, Miss Fairy.”
The fairy shook her small head as it gave further explanation,
“This golden axe can only bring you to success. For those other young players who came with you I am afraid they need to work hard on their own. Those with average potential can't receive this Fairy's grace.”
Luna's excited face quickly returned to a troubled one and then she showed a deep pondering expression before giving her final answer a few moments later,
“... If that's the case then I will have to refuse your goodwill. I can't be the only one going further when my party members would lag behind like this. I treasure them all deeply.”
The fairy was stunned as she couldn't believe someone would so readily refuse an opportunity like this. She then gave a mysterious smile as if everything was under her control and she had already predicted her answer.
The little fairy offered,
“It seems that you are not selfish enough but it's fine. With the long life of players one day you might regret not being selfish today. However, I must still give you something as a meeting gift. Take this silver axe. Unlike the golden one this can ensure the prosperity of both yourself and another person of your choice. Here you go.”
Luna shook her head as she instantly gave her answer,
“I can't take this axe. I don't want to especially favor just one person while neglecting all of my other party members. I am afraid I have to refuse your goodwill again. Do forgive me.”
She bowed in apology.
The little fairy was stunned again as she didn't expect that even though she had given her an option that would help both her and the one she was most close to but again she was unwilling to take it.
The fairy this time showed an angry expression as she revealed her higher level pressure on Luna,
“Junior, are you mocking me? Not accepting any of my gestures, do you think this Fairy's dignity could be trampled so easily?”
Luna felt slight suffocation but she kept her head bowed in apology. Even though she was a core denizen and much higher in existence, that was all in the past. Now she had to be flexible to handle her circumstances. Just like now, she didn't hesitate to give the ideal answers to this fairy.
She noticed that this sub quest would see its end shortly so she decided to maximize her gains.