Alaric standing their utterly astonished, could not believe that Lilia had just kissed him on the cheek.
He unconsciously raised his hand to where her lips had been and then his face and ears turned read as a tomato.
Lilia herself despite being do bold as to make the first move was blushing quite a bit herself. Surprised how bold she had been in the moment.
“How about we leave them alone for a bit.” Marcus suggested to Mrazivý, Quillon, and Lyra who had been watching the match.
Quickly they all headed back inside and allowed Lilia and Alaric a bit of time to cool down.
Within around ten minutes the two of them came back inside. And while they still seemed a bit embarrassed, they both had happy grins on their faces.
‘I suppose it really was worth all the effort to train him.’ Marcus thought, seeing his little sister so happy.
After a bit of rest and relaxation with some light tea and confections, the six of them moved into a private room to discuss their coming plans.
“So, it is decided. In a week and a half, we will make our way back to the special dungeon.” Marcus said confirming their schedule.
In response everyone nodded their heads, more than happy on the date.
In fact, Quillon and Mrazivý were especially raring to go and were hoping to move the date up even more.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHowever, this was the absolute earliest that they could get out there, because James was currently out leading the sky knights and would not go on leave until then.
Also, Marcus needed some time to make a few things before they delved into the impeccably dangerous place.
‘I need to fill the order I got from the Viceroy of Lethallan, create an updated weapon and set of armor for Alaric, new kukris for Lyra, and make some accessories for all of us out of the amethros ingot Mrazivý gave me.’ Marcus thought, going over the list of what he needed to accomplish.
There were other things that needed to be done as well, like stocking up on food, potions, and other magical items.
They already knew that the special dungeon would split them up, and each of them needed to make sure they had the necessary amount of supplies to stay alive for at least two weeks.
“Now when we get there we will need to wait until our two newest members finish the first ten floors. Both Inten and Alaric will have to go in alone.”
Looking curious, Alaric asked Marcus more about what he could expect from the special dungeon, and everyone here who had already been through it told him about their own experiences.
“That sounds quite rough. If I was forced to choose between Lilia or my parents, I am not sure what I would do.” Alaric said with a distressed expression.
“I would not worry about that. The dungeon seems to be able to read people’s minds and hearts. Since you already know what it put us through, there is a good chance you will receive a different challenge.” Quillon said, analyzing the situation.
All of them had similar tests, though catered to each of them. Except one of their members who had not weakness in their heart, being Roxene, received a wholly different kind of trial.
Once they had fineish giving Alaric the details they knew and made the plans for their preparations, they started talking about frivolous things for a few hours and just enjoying each other’s company.
Eventually though the day started to come to an end, and Mrazivý had to return to the castle since she had a prior engagement with Frostine tomorrow.
“I will be dropping by the castle soon anyway to use the forge there. So, I will make sure to pay all of you a visit then.” Marcus said to Mrazivý who was reluctant to leave.
“Got it. Make sure you do not get caught up in your work and forget.”
After saying this Mrazivý turned around to leave, but Marcus did not immediately let go of her hand and slipped something to her.
Immediately Mrazivý could tell what the spherical object in her hand was.
“This is a gift from me. It contains the sharp reflexes skill. Which will boost your agility stat even higher.”
Hearing this, Mrazivý glanced down at the orb in amazement.
Stat boosting skills were quite powerful, and very rare. They were some of the few normal skills that could only be obtained from skill orbs.
This meant that only the extremely lucky or those brought over from another world who could purchase them with skill points normally were able to get them.
“Thanks, I will make sure to pay you back with the spoils we got. We may not have anything as special as this, but we did get a few choice skill orbs.” Mrazivý said before heading off to her waiting carriage.
Once the carriages holding Mrazivý, Lyra, and Quillon had left, Marcus went back inside with Lilia and Alaric and brought his little siter aside.
“I got something for you as well.” Marcus said as he handed over a skill orb to Lilia.
This was the last one he had gotten as payment for agreeing to make the second son of the Viceroy of Lethallan new armor and an amethros weapon.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTaking it, Lilia activated it and was surprised to find what skill was inside.
“Herculean strength. But this is the skill that raises the strength stat!”
“Yes, it is. Since you are already incredibly strong, I figured we might as well pile it on and give you the highest possible strength stat.”
Rolling the orb around in her hand, Lilia contemplated for a moment whether she should actually accept something so valuable, but ultimately used it since she knew Marcus would not let her give it back.
For a moment after she learned the skill, her muscles tensed up and seemed to get bulkier. Before slimming back down and looking the same as before.
“How do you feel?” Marcus asked, having seen the momentary change in Lilia’s body.
“Stronger.” She said in almost a daze as she flexed her hands.
With her strength stat suddenly receiving such a boost, the change was practically immediate, and she could feel difference.
“I think it would be a good idea to keep anything breakable out of my hands for a while. I should probably use metal tableware until I adapt to this.” Lilia suggested.
She remembered the time immediately after she got her unique skill, and the glass, plates, and even doors that did not survive her getting used to her new power.
“Good idea. Also, you should probably make sure to hold back on your hugs with Alaric. He may be higher level now, but his stats are geared more towards magic and agility. Strength is actually his lowest.”
Nodding her head Lilia agreed with Marcus.
“Well enjoy reading with Alaric, but make sure not to keep him up too long. He does not have a unique skill like yours that allows him to sleep less.” Marcus said as he saw Lilia off in front of the library.
‘Now I have a bit of time. I might as well get a head start on my work.’