Even with two wives and a loving, yet missing, girlfriend, it was only after their shared journey that Rio began to see Rose in a new light - as a cherished sister, a sibling bond he had never experienced before and might never have again.
He was aware that Second Mother wished for him to marry Lily Havenglow, but after growing closer to Rose and strengthening their bonding during their recent adventure, Rio now saw her as a beloved little sister, distinct from his potential relationship with Lily.
Rio playfully ruffled Rose's hair, his voice warm and teasing, "You better hurry, I don't want Second Mother to worry anymore because of this little demoness."
"Big brother, you're mean," Rose playfully pouted, her eyes shining with gratitude, as she continued, "okay, I'm going now..."
She reluctantly pulled away from him and turned toward the portal capsule.
As she took a step forward, she glanced back one last time, her hand waving a heartfelt farewell and a gentle smile gracing her lips. With that, she closed the door and disappeared within the portal capsule, leaving Rio to his thoughts.
Sighing, the boy turned to face the guard who had been watching the siblings' exchange.
"Will you not be returning as well, Sir?" The guard asked, wondering if Rio intended to use the portal capsule too. However, Rio simply shook his head.
"I have some business to take care of," he replied, his voice firm. With a purposeful stride, he left the shelter behind him.
After fleeing from the shelter and ensuring no one was observing him, Rio cast [Astral Projection]. A shimmering light enveloped his body, causing him to vanish into thin air.
Materializing in his bedroom near the couch, his gaze fell upon Lia sitting beside Helia, assisting her with sipping soup.
The blonde-haired beauty's eyes welled up with tears at the sight of Rio, and she attempted to rise.
Rio, however, quickly approached her and gently insisted, "You should rest lioness. Don't bother getting up."
Upon hearing his words, Helia complied, her obedience stemming unconsciously from the effects of the slave mark.
Despite her compliance, the blonde-haired girl's mind was teeming with questions.
She looked at Rio, her eyes flickered with sorrow, and she struggled to keep her emotions in check. She had spent months thinking that the boy was dead, and the weight of that belief had been crushing her.
"I-I'm sorry," she choked out, her voice quivering with emotion. "I thought you were gone because of me. Please forgive me. I'm a horrible person for putting your life in danger and treating you badly..."
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, and her body shook with sobs.
Rio could see the pain etched on her face and the anguish in her voice, and he was moved by her raw emotions.
Gently, he took her hand and wiped away her tears with his thumb, trying to comfort her as best he could.
"How did the fierce lioness become so foolish? Don't cry now..." Rio's voice was soft and soothing, and Helia found herself starting to relax in his presence as her sobs began to subside, and her tears slowed to a trickle. His words were like a balm to her wounded heart, and she found herself feeling grateful and relieved.
The boy continued with a bittersweet smile, "It was actually my fault that I didn't clearly tell you where I was going, and you thought I was dead. In fact, you were lucky for me."
As Helia listened to Rio's words, she felt the weight of self-blame slowly begin to lift, replaced by a growing sense of confusion. Rio's touch and reassuring words were like a lifeline, pulling her out of the depths of despair, but she couldn't quite grasp what he was trying to tell her. The mixed emotions swirling inside her made it hard to understand the message he was trying to convey.
"That day..." The boy began to narrate the story, and Helia's eyes remained fixed on him,
***
"Welcome to the death trial. I am the person in charge of this place. In a minute, a trial will begin. A shadow will pursue you as you play the game.
If one of you can outrun it and reach the space rift portal in the east, then the first person who enters it will be able to escape this place. The second person will have to enter the death realm. If neither of you escapes before getting caught by the shadow, then you will both enter the death realm. You have thirty seconds to decide."
As the announcement echoed through the air, the weight of their situation settled heavily on both Rio and Helia. They were now caught in a twisted game of life and death, with no time to waste.
For a moment, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of confusion, both wondering what move to make next.
Rio's mind raced as he heard the announcement. "Ah... Shit... We need to run..." he thought, his eyes darting around as he tried to formulate a plan.
Without warning, Rio stood up and swiftly lifted Helia off the ground. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck as he began to run, his body bursting with mana enchantment.
Rio could feel the weight of Helia in his arms, but he refused to slow down or abandon her.
As he traveled, The boy was furrowing his brows in confusion as he communicated with Eve telepathically.
"What do you mean I'm lucky to be in this situation and thank Lioness?" he asked, incredulous.
Eve chuckled mischievously as she spoke to the boy through their telepathic connection, "The Death realm may be a cursed land for those who don't know how to survive, but it's also filled with treasures beyond your wildest dreams! And guess what? I happen to know of a treasure that could help you save Lia in the future. This is your chance, partner!"
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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l