A/N: From this chapter onwards, I wanted to try a different approach in relaying things to make it appear more vivid, so it might feel a bit weird for some of you. The way I previously wrote felt a bit restrictive to my expressions, but please do bear with the change, thanks.
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After locking eyes with the individual for what seemed like an eternity, as if they both had a tacit understanding of each other, they made sure to not make any sound escape from themselves lest they want the soon-to-be dinner gone. Upon taking a closer look, Leo now noticed that this very individual was actually a girl. A very cute and beautiful one at that. The hood that she was wearing wasn't enough to hide her allure from the light that penetrated through the forest leaves above them.
To the girl in subject, she started to burn a bit red from embarrassment as the kid in front of her, who appeared to be about the same age as her, gazed thoughtlessly. She wondered about what the handsome boy before her had in her mind. He's noticeably taller than me, had green eyes that almost seemed to be glowing, and… adorable. But not just 'adorable' like any other noble kid. Leo then snapped out of it as he realized that he indeed had been staring too much and looked down in embarrassment. The girl gently smiled at his antics, and a soft giggle escaped her lips.
"Ah!" The rabbit briskly made its attempt at escape from the two as it hopped away. The girl then had a sad expression on her face, and the next thing that would follow after that would be another expression.
*GRRRRRRRUMBLEEEEEE*
…
The girl fainted. Perhaps due to hunger? Shame? But for all we know, it was both. Dumfounded, Leo stood still for 10 solid seconds before deciding to check on what happened.
"She seems fine. Probably just hungry." Leo then pondered what to do from here on out. He couldn't just leave her unconscious here on the ground. Who knows what goblins might do to her.
A/N: It definitely isn't what you think it is.
With a sigh of reluctance, Leo started to pick her up and carry her on his back. Perhaps too much skinship for strangers, but it was better than dragging her across the forest. Leo had no ill intention but he couldn't help but marvel at the sensation this situation brought him. She had this fragrant scent that seemed to put him into a trance, a soft and delicate skin that occasionally came brushing between his own.
Leo eventually got used to this as time flew by. He had been carrying the girl for about half an hour now, and he could still go for more as the girl weighed less than him. Also, if his ears didn't deceive him… he could hear the distant sound of a waterfall.
"Oh, have the gods blessed me indeed! I've been feeling extremely parched for some time now."
As he followed the sound of the waterfall, he noticed a series of porous rocks lining the water's path. The rocks acted as a natural filter, cleansing the water as it cascaded down the mountainside. With cautious optimism, Leo cupped his hands under the waterfall, savoring the cool, refreshing drink that nature had purified for them.
*Haaaaah* Leo finally felt alive, but the sun was about to set, which made him look around. He couldn't help but make a wry smile as he had no idea where they were and how to get back.
"Yep, I'll definitely get in a lot of trouble if I get back by midnight."
Feeling the weight of the journey sink in, Leo decided to check his completion rate and was quite happy with his progress.
[Explore]
[Explore the surrounding forest and achieve a completion rate of 100%]
[Progress: 77%]
[Reward: Unlock 'Mana']
"I guess it still paid off quite nicely. Just a bit more now." Leo then decided to find some food, as he felt that hunger would find its way to him soon, especially for the unconscious girl, who had her stomach grumbling as her last words.
Leo then looked around for a safe place near the vicinity of the waterfall to hide the girl while he looked for food. As he was looking around, he then noticed that there was something dimly glowing behind the waterfall, barely noticeable in the morning but as the night approached, it became somewhat recognizable.
Leo then smirked as he recognized where these kinds of events would eventually lead to and knowing that it would be good fortune, he carried the girl and prepared to dash through while shielding the girl from the water.
A/N: I'm referring to the mystery alright? Not them getting soaked in water.
Just as Leo was getting ready, the girl woke up with a slightly disgruntled face, which was, needless to say, still incredibly beautiful. Leo noticed this but ignored it as he prepared to launch himself through the waterfall.
"W-what are you-" Before the girl could finish, Leo leapt off the ground with great speed. They passed through the waterfall with just Leo getting wet as he had planned.
"Why did you do that? Now I'll get wet on the way back!"
"Don't worry I'll carry you on the way back too."
The girl was stunned as she had not expected the boy to be so shameless. However, after that short skit, she was now alarmed as they were somewhere dark and now had a wary look towards Leo.
Leo noticed this and teased the girl for a bit, trying to make menacing and mischievous faces. He seemed to be doing a pretty good job... or so he thought. The girl calmed down each time he did a different face, which confused Leo. The girl smiled at his goofy display and somehow felt that he meant her no harm.
*GRRRRRRRUMBLEEEEEE*
…
"Yeah… and that's why I brought you here, I wanted to get some food while I left you somewhere safe."
The girl was embarrassed but didn't fail to appreciate the boy's concern for her. She gave him a warm smile, which made Leo's heart melt. Despite that, Leo managed to maintain his poker face this time and told the girl that he'll be back with some food.
Leo came back after a few minutes, which surprised the girl at how fast he got back along with a rabbit that was quite large enough for the two of them. They prepared it inside the cave within the waterfall and made a campfire. Surprisingly spacious, the cave allowed the smoke to curl upwards and escape through unseen fissures. In a way, this also helped them avoid any unsuspecting monster that could get attracted to the smoke. They could also just go out if it felt odd at some point.
After some preparation, Leo skewered the rabbit on a sturdy stick, and the savory aroma of roasting meat filled the cave they were in. If looks could cook, the rabbit would have been burnt to ashes by now as the girl stared intently at the rabbit. Perhaps noticing the boy's gaze, she quickly turned to the side.
The flames of the campfire flickered with hues of crimson and azure, casting a mesmerizing dance of colorful light upon the cave walls. In the air, glowing embers swirled like fireflies, and those alone filled the silence between the two as they sat around them.