Chapter 44 Crying Luna..?
Then, reality struck.
"Wait a minute!" Anos scanned his surroundings, memories flooding back. "I\'m... I\'m not dead!"
He tentatively touched his body, marveling at its transformation. "It feels... even harder."
Recalling the system\'s voice before he fainted, Anos eagerly checked his Elements.
Physique: +50 points!
Thunder Element: Permanently Activated
His eyes widened as he gazed at the Thunder Element\'s power.
Without hesitation, Anos opened his palm, focusing his energy. The air crackled.
Zi zi zi—
A purple thunderbolt flickered to life in his palm, its power coursing through him.
Elation and exhilaration burst forth in Anos\'s heart! He had permanently activated the Thunder Element!
"I did it! I really did it!" Anos\'s voice trembled with joy.
No longer attribute-less, he now possessed all the Elements! The thrill of this reality felt almost surreal.
"Wait, where\'s the Snow Qilin?" Anos sprang to the top of the pit, scanning the horizon. But the gentle creature was nowhere to be seen.
He called out, hoping the Snow Qilin would respond, but only silence answered.
After then,
Anos sat in stunned contemplation, his mind racing with questions.
"Why did it help me? Why did it bestow such a precious gift upon me? The Thunder Element is far beyond my current strength, yet it aided me in harnessing its power. And those crippling injuries... it healed them in an instant."
Memories of the Snow Qilin\'s selfless actions flooded Anos\'s heart, overwhelming him with gratitude.
"Why did it leave without a word? Why did it change my fate so profoundly?"
Anos\'s determination solidified. "I must find the Snow Qilin. I have to thank it, to repay its kindness. Its appearance has transformed me, elevated me to unprecedented heights."
....
On Earth, legend spoke of qilins as harbingers of good fortune. Seeing one was said to foretell auspicious events. Anos had once dismissed this as mere myth, but now he was a fervent believer.
That majestic Snow Qilin had transformed his destiny.
"Kid, I\'ll find you! I\'ll repay your kindness then!" Anos\'s eyes blazed with determination.
His encounter had shattered preconceived notions. Not all Demonic Beasts were malevolent; some were noble allies to humanity.
...
As Anos pondered, his mind racing with limitless possibilities. With all Elements at his disposal, including the formidable Time and Space Elements, his potential was unprecedented. However, apart from the Thunder Element, the others remained dormant, awaiting activation.
To unlock their permanent use, Anos knew the solution lay in absorbing corresponding Elemental energies. For instance, to wield the Fire Element, he needed to find a heavenly treasure imbued with intense flames and assimilate its energy.
This epiphany ignited a burning determination within Anos. He envisioned a journey fraught with challenges, yet promising exponential growth. With each new Element mastered, his strength would skyrocket.
The ultimate goal beckoned: mastering all Elements, commanding them at will, and attaining true invincibility.
Anos steeled himself for the long and arduous path ahead, knowing that each triumph would bring him closer to unrivaled power.
"I will absorb every Element, harness their might, and become the most formidable warrior this realm has ever known."
Anos realized he faced a dual challenge: elevating his cultivation level and acquiring treasures with potent Elemental energy to absorb.
"As I grow stronger, the risks will diminish," Anos reassured himself. "But for now, I have a more pressing concern."
He glanced down at his charred attire, his face twisting in amusement.
"My clothes are gone. How am I supposed to return?"
Anos chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I suppose I\'ll have to find new attire – and quickly."
.....
Anos\'s feet pounded the ground with incredible force, propelling him forward at breathtaking speed. His cultivation level allowed him to transcend human limitations, unlocking the secrets of the elemental forces.
As he sprinted, the wind whipped through his hair, leaves rustling wildly around him. The world blurred, becoming a green and brown streak. Trees, buildings, and lamp posts transformed into fleeting silhouettes.
Anos\'s speed approached the threshold of light, his movements almost imperceptible. The air rippled with his passage, creating miniature whirlwinds. His bare feet barely touched the ground, as if he were flying.
Earlier, Anos had realized he was without clothes, his attire having been incinerated by the Thunder Element\'s energy. Undeterred, he utilized the surrounding foliage to craft a makeshift loincloth, securing large leaves around his waist.
The improvised garment fluttered behind him, a symbol of his resourcefulness. The few witnesses to his passage blinked in awe, unsure if they\'d truly seen a human or a blur of energy.
Anos\'s arrival at his doorstep was almost instantaneous, his stop as abrupt as his start. He stood panting, his chest heaving with exertion, yet a triumphant grin spread across his face.
Then..
Anos pushed open the door, revealing a warm glow from the living room. Soft lamp light danced across Luna\'s worried face as she sat on the sofa, eyes fixed on the TV.
Her attempts to reach Anos had been futile; his phone, destroyed by the lightning, remained silent. Luna\'s hands were clenched, her nails digging into her palms.
As Anos entered, Luna sprang up, rushing into his arms. She enveloped him in a tight hug, unaware of his makeshift leaf garment.
"Little Fairy, what happened?" Anos asked, startled by the desperation in Luna\'s voice.
Luna\'s tears flowed uncontrollably, her body shaking with sobs. Her usually icy demeanor had melted away, revealing a depth of emotion that touched Anos\'s heart.
He felt a surge of protectiveness, his resolve strengthening. What reason did he have to not cherish her? She cared for him deeply, her love and concern etched on her face.
Guilt gnawed at him, knowing he had caused her such distress. Anos gently reached out, his hand cradling Luna\'s slender back.
"Okay, it\'s okay," he soothed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I\'m safe now."
Luna\'s trembling voice whispered in his ear, "Tell me where you\'re going next time. Don\'t leave without letting me know." Her tone echoed the desperation of a helpless child, scared and vulnerable.
Anos\'s heart swelled with affection. He pulled her closer, holding her securely.
"I promise, Luna," Anos whispered, his voice filled with conviction. "From now on, you\'ll always know where I am."
Luna\'s sobs gradually subsided, replaced by ragged breathing. Anos continued to hold her, offering comfort.
As they stood there, Anos realized his feelings for Luna went beyond gratitude. He wanted to protect her, to be her rock.
.....
Few minutes later,Luna released Anos, her tear-stained face gazing up at him. Anos gently wiped away her tears, his touch soothing.
"I promise there won\'t be a next time," he reassured, his smile warm and comforting.
Luna\'s eyes lingered on his, her brow furrowed with concern. "How did you become like this?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Anos chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, on the way here, I had an unexpected encounter. A few admirers took a liking to me and relieved me of my clothes," he said, his tone lighthearted.
"They stripped me bare, leaving me no choice but to improvise," Anos continued, gesturing to his makeshift leaf garment. "If I hadn\'t run fast enough, I would have been in trouble. I didn\'t even dare take my phone. I just fled."
Luna slightly rolled her eyes at Anos. "As long as you\'re safe and sound, that\'s all that matters," she implied, choosing not to pry.
"Hurry up and shower. You\'re covered in dirt," Luna said, her gaze tracing the leafy garment.
"Give me a kiss on the cheek first," Anos teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Luna playfully pushed him away. "I\'m going to sleep."
After wiping away her tears, Luna retreated to her room.
Anos\'s smile faltered, replaced by a determined glint in his eye. He clenched his fists, a silent vow forming.
"I\'ll protect her for the rest of my life," he swore to himself. "No harm will come to her. Ever."
With renewed resolve, Anos headed for the shower, his thoughts consumed by Luna and their unwavering bond.
....
Luna leaned against the door, her body sliding down until she squatted on the floor. Despite Anos\'s safe return, her fear lingered, refusing to dissipate.
Her cold exterior was a shield, a protective mechanism to deter others from taking advantage of her. But beneath that facade, Luna was fragile, vulnerable.
The thought of losing Anos sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn\'t bear the possibility of a world without him. The memory of being unable to reach him on the phone still haunted her.
As she reflected, Luna\'s mind drifted back to her conversation with Teacher Sofia.
....
Luna recalled her first meeting with Sofia, where Sofia revealed her knowledge of Anos\'s deadly disease.
"Sofia, I\'ve heard you\'re familiar with Anos\'s... condition," Luna had said, her voice laced with concern.
Sofia\'s expression turned somber. "Yes, Luna. Anos\'s disease is rooted in his emotional turmoil. His heart is locked, suppressing his true power."
Luna\'s eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"Anos\'s emotions are the key to his healing," Sofia explained. "But his heart is shielded, preventing his body from accessing its full potential."
Luna\'s determination ignited. "Can you teach me how to reach him?"
Sofia smiled knowingly. "I\'ve been waiting for you, Luna. You have the potential to awaken Anos\'s heart."
Now, Luna sat in Sofia\'s living room, ready to learn the art of seduction.
"Sofia, I need your help," Luna pleaded. "Confirm what you told me before. Is Anos\'s disease truly linked to his emotional state?"
Sofia nodded. "Yes, Luna. His heart is the key. Seduction alone won\'t cure him, but it\'s the first step."
Luna\'s resolve strengthened. "Teach me, Sofia. I\'ll do whatever it takes to save Anos."
Sofia began instructing Luna in the art of irresistible allure, sharing secrets of:
.....
Sofia smiled. "First, confidence is key. Own your sensuality and sexuality."
"Show me," Luna requested.
Sofia stood, her movements graceful. "Posture, darling. Shoulders back, hips swayed, and make sure to accentuate that luscious ass."
Luna mimicked Sofia\'s pose.
"Next, eye contact," Sofia instructed. "Sultry, seductive, and inviting. Make him feel like he\'s the only one who matters."
Luna practiced the smoldering gaze.
"Now, smile," Sofia said. "A hint of mystery and promise. Make him wonder what you\'re thinking."
Luna\'s lips curled into an enigmatic smile.
"Voice, Luna," Sofia continued. "Husky, sensual, and commanding. Tell him what you want, and how you want it."
Luna\'s voice dropped to a sultry whisper.
Sofia nodded approval. "You\'re a natural, darling."
Luna\'s face glowed with excitement.
"Remember, seduction is about subtlety," Sofia emphasized. "Tease him, tantalize him, and make him beg for more."
Luna committed Sofia\'s words to memory.
As Luna prepared to leave, Sofia handed her a small package.
"What\'s this?" Luna asked.
"A little something to enhance your allure," Sofia whispered. "Lingerie that will make him lose his mind."
Luna\'s eyes widened as she unwrapped the elegant, sheer lingerie.
"Thank you, Sofia," Luna said, her heart filled with gratitude.
Sofia smiled knowingly. "You\'ll make Anos crave you like never before."
[Flash-back end]....
....
Luna\'s expression turned resolute as she recalled Anos\'s words. She had misinterpreted his statement, but it only strengthened her determination.
"Sofia was right," Luna thought, her eyes narrowing. "Anos\'s emotional turmoil is suffocating him. I must help him."
The memory of Sofia\'s words echoed in her mind: "Anos\'s disease is linked to his emotional state. Seduction alone won\'t cure him, but it\'s the first step."
Luna\'s jaw clenched. She would stop at nothing to save Anos.
With unwavering resolve, Luna retired to her bed, her mind racing with strategies.
....
Anos\'s system notification rang, piercing the silence.
"Ding... Made a big sister cry to a very deep extent. Scumbag Value + 500000."
Anos\'s eyes widened as he stared at the notification. The sheer magnitude of Luna\'s distress hit him like a ton of bricks. He could almost feel her terror and desperation.
His expression softened, and a pang of guilt struck his chest. He realized that his actions had caused Luna such profound pain. The weight of his mistakes settled heavy on his shoulders.
Without hesitation, Anos made a decision.
"I won\'t go to school tomorrow," he vowed. "I need to be with Luna, to comfort her and make things right."