Elena tried various methods to talk to Shin but it was useless. Every time monster interrupts her. 'What should I do?'
As Elena had always acted cold in front of others. It was somewhat hard for her to break the Ice.
"Elena, what's the matter? Why do you look so pale?" Shin's voice sounded close to her ear.
Elena flinched in surprise.
"N-No, I'm fine. I was just thinking about something." Elena panicked but her outside expression was cold.
Shin stayed silent and smiled.
"Now that I think about it. It's been a long time since we talked like this." What Shin said was indeed right.
And it was all his fault. Before Elena had tried to open up to him. But he was too dense to notice and Elena couldn't speak her mind. So it was troubling.
"Yes, you are right. A lot has changed in a short time." Elena replied while reminiscing about their past. Although there was not much to it.
"Yeah, back then I only had you and Simon whom I could call friends. Without your help, I don't know where would I have been." Shin uttered with a solemn look on his face.
'You cared for me even when I was at my lowest. I can never forget that.' He thought of the incident 4 years back. That ruined many things.
All the nervousness inside Elena vanished at that moment. 'Right, why was I nervous again?'
'He is the same Shin I had known for years. No, he is the better version of Shin.'
'I don't have to rush and why should I even be worried about Alice? It doesn't matter who came first. Right now I am by his side. Why should I be worried about getting close to him? We were already close. I just have to relish this moment.'
Elena's disordered mind was slowly calming down.
"By the way Shin, what is the reward for winning the contest?" Elena asked, even Marine and Jenny were interested, as their ears perked up.
To their disappointment Shin said. "I haven't decided yet."
"If that's the case, can I ask for something?" Elena's asked.
"Do you have something specific in mind?" Shin asked, he was worried he may not be able to fulfill her wish.
'I don't have much money.'
Seemingly understanding Shin's worries Elena said.
"Don't worry, it won't be anything extreme. You can easily fulfill it."
As her words sounded Jenny and Marine gave her meaningful looks.
"If that's the case I can do it. But what about others? If I give you a favor. It would be a loss for them." Although Shin had decided to give them other rewards. He just wanted to see their reaction.
Elena glanced at Jenny and Marine.
Marine had no problem with that. 'It's best if I don't interfere.' She thought inwardly.
Jenny wondered what should she do. 'It's obvious that Elena likes him and wants to get closer to him. But my lady loves him. Whom should I choose?'
She was in a predicament. 'Wait a minute? My lady must have known about Elena's feelings. But she still decided to let them go together. She must have thought of something. I can't ruin it.'
"I have no problem."
Elena was overjoyed.
Shin was very surprised at their answer. "Don't worry, all the winners will get rewarded."
***
Party B was also going around hunting. This group's main focus was on physical attacks. So their attack formation was very different.
Everyone was busy fighting, while Alice was keeping a watch on them. She had an emotionless expression on her face.
Everything was amazed by how strict Alice was.
'We have to try harder.'
They were afraid of angering Alice.
Alice was not the least bit interested in what they were thinking or doing. Her mind was preoccupied with thinking about Shin.
'Was that a bad idea to let them go together?'
'It's so annoying. Just how long do I have to wait?'
(Hey Mom, what should u do?) Alice.
(Shut up let me count properly or I might forget the kills.) Mia.
Yes, Mia was busy counting their kills.
Alice pouted her cheeks but didn't say anything.
(It's your choice, why are you regretting it now?) Mia said.
(Because I'm not sure.) Alice's reply was casual. But Mia understood the stirring emotions inside her.
***
The contest continued while both sides hunted all the monsters they came across. Shin and Alice also collected everything without missing out on anything.
The leveling speed also increased and the result was pretty good.
The contest was going to end soon. As the end of the contest approached both teams did their best.
Alex was also working very hard thanking all the attacks from the monsters. Simon used his hammer to smash those monsters into bits. Janes summoned 2 golems and they shot down many monsters with their stone bullet.
Selene's performance was also amazing, she coordinated her attacks with others, and her water attacks were very effective.
***
Elena unleashed more power as the clock was ticking. 'I can't save mana at this point. I should do my best.'
She froze the monsters instantly killing them. Her attack was very lethal. Everything was frozen around them.
'The mana cost is high thankfully my reserves are big.'
And with that, the content came to an end.
[Alice, ] Shin sent a voice via Mind control.
Alice had placed a soul marker in Shin so she had no problem finding him.
Shin gazed at the group. They had minor injuries in them and they seemed tired. Let's see how much they improved.
***
[Selene Fred]
[Level - 36] (34+2)
[Marine Scott]
[Level - 37] (35+2)
[Alex Wetland]
[Level - 32] (29+3)
[James Felbert]
[Level - 25] (19+6)
[Jenny Felbert]
[Level - 22] (17+5)
[Simon Adger]
[Level - 33] (31+2)
[Elena Adger]
[Level - 43] (40+3)
***
Everyone leveled up nicely.
'The contest was worth it.' Shin thought inwardly as he smirked.
Shin took a deep breath and said in a loud voice.
"Now it's time to announce the result." Shin's words caught everyone's attention.
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