Chapter 83: Chapter 82: A Sword That Seeks Approval

Dark fur shimmered as the beasts made their way towards Celina, her eyes were narrowed in anticipation, her sword dripping with the blood of the many beasts she had killed.

Her eyes landed on Zoey as she took a quick glance back, taking in the calm and collected expression on her mentors face as she silently watched the battle play out, arms crossed, and leaning back against a wall, her aura radiating with a mysterious brilliance.

’I can’t afford to make anymore slip-ups!’ Celina thought, dodging an attack of a beast as she leaped to the side, it’s massive jangs biting into the air with sickening power as she air shook.

She countered, her sword slashing, a blow on it’s side.

The beast growled in pain, but she wasn’t done, as with her insane speed, more attacks were dealt at fast rates, cuts appearing all over it’s form as it was killed.

The beasts began swarming her, running at her with their fangs bared. She didn’t falter, even as her lungs burned and her stamina was weighing thin, she pushed through, determined to conquer them all with her blade.

“Take this!” She roared, her voice echoing in the air as she sidestepped an attack, before delivering a strong stab along it’s side, impaling it with her blade.

’She’s trying really hard…she doesn’t have to take them all on.’ Zoey thought, observing the battle between Celina and the small pack of Dark Hounds.

Their numbers were a more than she could handle, and yet she fought with all the strength in her body, taking them down one by one with her strength and speed.

Celina’s blade flashed once more as she delivered a slash upward, killing the last of the beasts around her, gaining an extra level and becoming level 5, her lungs on fire as she leaned over her sword to catch her breath, sweat starting to form on her forehead.

“I’ve dealt with my enemies, I think we could catch a bit of a break now that everyone has killed theirs too.” A Mage said out loud, capturing everyone’s attention.

“Everyone rest up and regenerate your Stamina, you’re all going to need it for the Boss battle.” Zoey ordered everyone, observing their tired conditions.

Everyone immediately started to take a well deserved break from all the fighting, as they all sat on the grass of the second floor, the golden particles of the beasts disintegrating, floating up into the air, creating a warm atmosphere.

The Hunters started to engage in conversations as they rested, mostly talking about the strange nature of the Dungeon and the monsters they faced, as well as the levels and loot they managed to secure so far.

“I’m halfway there to becoming level 3! I feel so accomplished, I’ve never killed anything before, but now it feels so rewarding.” A Hunter said.

“I have 6 Points that I managed to gain from levelling up twice, but I still don’t know what to invest it into. Miss Zoey told us Mages to invest into Intelligence as that will improve our Mana capacity, as well as the proficiency of our Skills.”

Another Hunter talked to their partner.

Meanwhile Zoey was secretly listening to all of these conversations to gain information from the group. From her observation, she had deduced that most of them were level 2, with a few exceptions being level 1, and some rare ones being level 3, while Celina was level 5, ahead of the group.

“I’m about to level up again…I just need to kill a few more…” She managed to hear the words of Celina, which sounded more desperate, as if she wanted to desperately prove something, and Zoey wasn’t blind to this, as she could easily notice it.

“Are you okay?” Celina’s eyes widened in suprise as she heard the voice of Zoey behind her, turning around to face her.

There she stood, arms crossed as usual, but a kind and concerned expression plastered on her face this time, a brow raised curiously, and a presence of comfort settling around her.

“I-I’m fine, you don’t have to worry about me.” Celina said, her voice cracking a bit, something Zoey had managed to pick up as well with her enhanced perception.

“Are you sure? You’ve been acting strange, and it wasn’t unnoticed y’know? I could tell just from how aggressive you were when dealing with the monsters, that something is clearly bothering you.”

She told Celina, a look of nervousness appearing on the blonde girl’s face as she could feel her facade slipping through her fingers.

“I’m not bothered by anything…” Celina said, her voice, her voice barely audible as she nervously fidgeted with her fingers, looking away from Zoey.

“Don’t make me force you to tell me, a good leader doesn’t keep secrets from his party. Now say it, what’s going on?” Zoey asked, her voice turning cold as her eyes glowed intensely, the air immediately charged with tension.

Celina nervously looked Zoey in the eyes, her cheeks flushed as she let out a small sigh. There was no point in hiding it, as Zoey’s gaze had already seen through her.

“I…” She started, gulping nervously, “I want to make you proud.” Celina said, her words causing Zoey’s eyes to widen in suprise for a big moment.

’Make me proud? But you’ve already been doing that since the day you awakened.’ Zoey thought, scoffing to herself inwardly as a smug grin formed on her face.

“I want you to see the efforts you put out grow, I want you to see the changes you’ve brought by simply being here and training us, I want you to be proud of all you’ve managed to do for everyone here….and I especially want you to be proud of me.” Celina said, her gaze dropping to the ground beneath them.

Before the Apocalypse had even descended onto their world, Lana and Celina had lost their mother due to an illness, leaving them greatly sad and empty inside, as their mother was the pillar in their lives.

They still had their father, who worked extremely hard to not only bring happiness to his daughters, but to make help them with their dreams as well.

They truly loved their father, but the absence of their mother was an emptiness that weighted heavily in their hearts. That was….until….

“You silly girl,” Zoey said with a smug grin on her face, gently patting Celina on the head as she let out a small chuckle.

“Don’t you see? You’ve been making me proud this entire time.” Zoey continued, “You’re a very brave girl for someone your age, your hard work and determination are what few in this world actually have, making you an incredible person.

You showed me time and time again just how much you can improve during my time mentoring you, and it feels me with joy to see someone as young as you taking the lead in leading your peers to a better future.

As your mentor, and friend, Celina, I’m truly proud to have had you learn under me.” She finished off with a kind smile, the sweet gesture enough to make Celina’s heart leap in her chest as she felt all the weight pressing down on it….instantly vanish.

Her heart felt light, as in that moment, within the bright and cheerful smile of Zoey, she saw a glimpse of a woman she hadn’t seen in ages, her mother.

Her chest clenched as she dropped her sword onto the ground, eyes wide, burning with an intense heat as they were on the brink of tears.

“H-hey?” Zoey panicked, wondering if she might’ve said something wrong, her heart skipping a beat as she looked at the broken and almost crying expression of Celina.

’Did I say something wrong? I was just trying to comfort her.’ Zoey thought, placing a hand on Celina’s shoulder as she got down on one knee, her expression full of concern.

“Sniff…I’m sorry…I wasn’t expecting that.” Celina said, wiping her tears away as she took a moment to recollect herself.

Zoey watched her kneel down and pick up the sword, her expression hardening once more as she looked full of determination and purpose.

“Thank you, it makes me very happy to hear that. Miss Zoey.” Celina expressed her deepest gratitude, “I won’t let your words of kindness go to waste, and I’ll continue to make you proud. I will make sure that we clear this Dungeon.”

Celina said, her voice full of determination as she looked ready to face the world in that moment.

“Hehe,” Zoey chuckled, rising up from the ground as she straightened her posture, “I’ll be counting on you, okay~?” Zoey said, finishing off with a playful wink.

Celina nodded, a happy smile on her face. Zoey started walking away, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She brought her clenched fist to her chest as she took a deep breath, exhaling slowly afterward, her eyes gazing upwards at the rocky ceiling.

“Are you okay, sis?” Lana asked, tugging on her sleeve.

“Of course I am! Everything’s fine.” Celina said, gently patting Lana.

Lana looked at Celina in the eyes, her gaze narrowing in suspicion for a moment, before shrugging casually, “Well if you say so.” Lana said, before walking back to her squadron of Mages, conjuring a small flame in her hand as she hummed to herself a sweet song.

’I will sure everything goes right, the stakes are much higher now.’ Celina thought, her eyes glowing a cold blue as the air around her grew chilly, a powerful expression of a leader appearing on her face, as all traces of weakness were eliminated.

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