Chapter 152: Falling back into the Whispering Expanse
Some time later, back in the Pocket World…
Elton and his group were no longer in the Fae region surrounded by towering crimson trees. By some cruel twist of events, they had been knocked into a rift that spat them out into the Whispering Expanse once again.
Only four individuals had passed through the rift away from the many who had fought beside them in the prior battle: Elton, Christy, Shayleaf, and Tongsheng.
All four bore heavy injuries and deep fatigue from the constant battles. Elton grimaced as he checked the fresh gauze wrapping nearly his entire body.
Shayleaf had already used her magic to create a dense cover of plants, both to hide them and to release faint, nearly invisible waves of recovery and healing magic.
Christy sat still, a dispirited expression on her face as she gingerly examined her wounds. Movement was difficult for her right now.
Ironically, Tongsheng was in the best condition of the four. She calmly manipulated nature magic to direct a swarm of insects, using them as lookouts.
"Really… how did things come to this?" Christy muttered with a sigh.
"Well, at least we survived, Mistress Christy. We've had so many close calls I'm honestly grateful," Tongsheng replied with a flat tone, though her voice held genuine appreciation.
"…Ugh. Even so, things should never have gone this way. Ending up in this cursed place…" Christy sighed again, unable to shake her gloom.
Shayleaf, trying to lighten the mood, spoke up, "Well, it doesn't matter to me as long as I'm with Brother Elly. Besides, it's thanks to him we're still alive to even end up here."
"It's not exactly because of me…" Elton gave a small smile. "But that last battle—who could have imagined a Late-Stage Mortal Lord showing up, let alone more than one? They were brutal."
"Keh! Those pests deserved what they got. The ones chasing us got exactly what was coming to them," Tongsheng sneered.
"Hahaha, right! We still managed to kill two Mortal Lords. As for what's-his-name—Raschlong? I can't believe he managed to outlive Harowlecta and that other guy who came out of nowhere! If it weren't for all those reinforcements we'd probably be dead," Shayleaf said with an odd mix of relief and excitement.
"No kidding," Elton agreed. "And that other Mortal Lord demon only died because of his own stupidity. Hunting us in that condition while we were falling through the rift… his life was forfeit the moment he made that decision." He glanced toward the remains of the demon's corpse lying off to the side.
"Gege," Christy said, her eyes lighting up, "I'm actually glad that fool came after us. Not only was he a Mortal Lord, but he had special ocular abilities. If I study and absorb some of their essence, I might unlock something amazing for my Aka Boshi no Tengan—something that'll help me evolve it."
"Really? Then maybe it was—eh, forget it. I'm glad it happened," Elton said, stopping himself from saying the word that annoyed him.
"Heheh, just say it—it's fate, right?" A booming voice echoed in Elton's mind, making him scowl.
"…That word has little meaning to me. I'll create my own destiny," Elton replied inwardly.
"You will indeed. That's my wish too. But you're still too weak—until then, let's stroll through fate until we shatter its chains," the voice said arrogantly.
Elton sighed and ignored it.
Suddenly, Christy, wincing from the effort, dragged herself closer until she leaned against him. The unexpected closeness made them both blush.
"Chris, is there something?" Elton asked, unsure of what to say.
"Gege… no matter what happens… I will forever be with you," she murmured, cheeks flushed, looking away as if the effort had drained all her courage.
Elton smiled warmly. "That makes two of us. You've been a vital part of my life for a long time now."
Christy's heartbeat sped up. She opened her mouth, "Gege, I—"
Before she could finish, Shayleaf swooped in, wrapping herself around Elton's arm, her expression soft and—uncharacteristically—seductive.
"Brother Elly," Shayleaf said with a blush, "back then, I didn't really understand my feelings, even though I knew I liked being with you. But now, seeing Sister Chris's efforts… I love you. I really, really love you."
Christy's eyes went wide. "S-S-S-S-Shay!!! How could you?! You stole my moment!!"
"Eh? Ah—sorry, Sister Chris, hehe." Shayleaf stuck out her tongue in mock apology.
Christy sighed in defeat, tears pricking her eyes.
Tongsheng, watching this unfold, was stunned for a moment before quietly giggling and focusing back on crafting nature-forged arrows.
Elton, on the other hand, was completely speechless. He'd long known their feelings, but this was the first time either had voiced them so plainly. The weight of the moment made his injuries feel like a distant concern. Both women had gone quiet, as though awaiting his answer.
"You two… To be honest, I have feelings for both of you. I love you, Christy. I love you too, Shayleaf. And even Erica, I—"
"Hehehe, Brother Elly, no need to overcomplicate it," Shayleaf cut in. "We know your circumstances. While polygamy isn't common in Celebi Forest Kingdom, there are exceptions. In Brawlmanica and other kingdoms, it's mostly for powerful nobles. None of that will matter when you're strong enough to make your own rules—like with the future White Star Radiance Sect." She smiled devilishly, pressing her cheek against his like a mischievous cat.
Christy, still glowing from Elton's words, ignored her usual worries at first… until she processed Shayleaf's meaning. She gasped in disbelief. That the naive-acting fanged elf could scheme like this… Elton also felt a strange chill crawl up his neck, though he told himself it was just his imagination.
"Are you two… really okay with this?" he asked cautiously.
"Y-Yes, Gege! In fact, my parents and many in my clan already approve—even if you have three wives! No more than three, though… Well, maybe Amberleaf is an exception," Christy mumbled, blushing too much to meet his gaze.
"…You've really thought this through, huh?" Elton muttered, just as bashful.
"Hehehe, then that means we can officially start using the next level of synchronized cultivation—as your women." Shayleaf's eyes gleamed with excitement, a hint of hunger in her tone.
"…Huh?" Elton's eyes went wide, sweat beading at his temple.
Christy said nothing, but shyly rested a trembling hand on Elton's leg.
A headache was already forming for him. Was this the plan from the beginning?