A world drenched in death.
For a moment, it seemed as though rivers of blood flowed freely.
Qin Keqing was visibly drained, her grip on the Wind and Moon Mirror shaky, her forehead beaded with sweat.
Her exquisite face was pale and fatigued. She could no longer count how many spells she had cast, how many monsters she had frozen or killed. Her actions had become mechanical, spells flying out with no need for precision—there were simply too many enemies.
At this point, anything she cast would hit something.
From being terrified by the sight of blood and corpses to becoming entirely desensitized, her only remaining thought was to retreat to the shabby cabin and rest.
And if she could lean against Lucian for comfort and safety, that would be even better…
"Are you exhausted?" Lucian asked with a faint smile.
Qin Keqing nodded slightly, her voice soft and weak. "Young Master, based on the usual pattern of these waves, the battle should be over by now."
Hearing this, Lucian turned his gaze outward.
Indeed, the lethal mist that had birthed wave after wave of monsters now showed no signs of activity.
"It seems so..." he muttered, before suddenly stopping himself. His expression darkened.
"No, it's not over yet!"
Lucian's sharp instincts were confirmed as he focused inward.
The notification signaling the battle's end had yet to appear.
Before he could voice his thoughts, a soft voice chimed in.
"There will be more," Lin Daiyu declared, leaping gracefully onto the wall near Lucian and Qin Keqing.
Her once-pristine figure was smeared with blood and dirt. Lucian wasn't sure where she had been, but she looked utterly disheveled.
"Daiyu, are you hurt?"
Qin Keqing's concern was genuine, her voice trembling slightly.
Lin Daiyu waved her off with a dismissive laugh. "Don't worry about me. I'm not some frail damsel!"
Despite her words, Lin Daiyu's expression betrayed a mix of satisfaction and pride. She flexed her bloodstained fists. "I'm stronger than ever before!"
She paused, turning her gaze to Lucian.
"Young Master, as you predicted, the tenth day's wave was not only larger but stronger. However, I'm certain it's not over yet. Perhaps at dusk or nightfall, we'll face another assault."
She exhaled deeply, rolling her shoulders with a smirk. "I'll take a quick rest while I can!"
Her tone was teasing, her face playful as she winked at Lucian.
Lucian rubbed his temples, exasperated yet amused. "Fine, but make it quick. Don't leave everything to me!"
"Of course, Young Master!" Lin Daiyu replied sweetly, her lively demeanor returning as she headed off with a light step.
Qin Keqing hesitated, glancing between Lucian and the battlefield.
"I... I can stay and help you clean up," she offered softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"There's no need. Go rest," Lucian said firmly, offering a reassuring smile.
With that, Lin Daiyu tugged Qin Keqing along, leaving Lucian alone to survey the aftermath.
The battlefield was a gruesome sight.
Blood and mangled flesh stained the ground in every direction.
Lucian's steps squelched in the viscous mud as he moved across the battlefield, grimacing at the putrid stench that clung to the air.
Using his unique ability as a Lord, he collected the countless loot boxes scattered among the bodies without needing to bend or strain himself.
Box after box disappeared into his inventory.
One hundred… Five hundred… A thousand…
Over the course of half an hour, Lucian had gathered them all.
"4,320 boxes… Unreal," he muttered, both amazed and exasperated.
By the tenth day, most fledgling Lords would barely face a handful of elite monsters. Yet here he was, facing waves of thousands due to the overwhelming strength of his territory.
"Luck and strength… a double-edged sword," he sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Returning to the cabin, Lucian found the two women inside.
Lin Daiyu was already fast asleep, her petite form bundled in a simple white robe. Her usually sharp features were relaxed, and a faint smile graced her lips as she dreamed.
Qin Keqing, however, was still awake.
She sat up abruptly when Lucian entered, her face flushing as she hastily grabbed a shawl to cover herself.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, Qin Keqing's gaze held something unspoken, vulnerable, and alluring.
"Keqing," Lucian said, breaking the silence. "Help me open a few boxes."
Qin Keqing nodded immediately, eager to assist. She fumbled slightly as she moved, her nerves evident.
"No need for shoes," Lucian added, stopping her mid-motion.
Instead, he joined her on the floor, taking out several loot boxes.
As she worked, Qin Keqing couldn't help but steal glances at Lucian, her heart fluttering at his closeness.
With trembling hands, she opened the first box.
Loot Results:
Void Crystal x1
Void Essence x7, Source Stone x2
Void Crystal x2
Void Crystal x1
Void Essence x1, Gray-Grade Equipment [Handgun]
The mundane rhythm of opening boxes provided an unexpected sense of comfort amidst the chaos. For the moment, both the battlefield and its horrors felt a world away.