NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 41: Alicia's Breakthrough
'Awesome.' A satisfied grin appeared on Luis' face as he saw his status. 'This is just the start. I still have a long way to go before I can be the strongest.'
Luis was surprised to find that even though he was a little excited but his mind was calm, as if this increase in power was not of much significance for him.
'Is this also the effect of Mental Fortitude?' Luis was even more satisfied with this skill.
"Congratulations! Luis." Lumine exclaimed excitedly. As soon as she felt Luis' rank was stable, she came over quickly.
"Congrats! Luis," Alicia said with sparkling eyes.
"Thank you, Mom, Alicia," Luis replied with a calm smile.
Alicia was very excited. She also couldn't wait to break through. Sensing her excitement, Lumine turned to Alicia and said. "Alicia, it's your turn."
"Yes, Aunty," Alicia replied with eager eyes.
"Wait, Alicia,"
Luis stopped her.
"Huh?" Alicia let out a confused sound.
He took out the Akasha's Necklace from around his neck and gave it to Alicia.
"Wear this at the time of your breakthrough. It will be beneficial."
Alicia didn't doubt Luis' words because she trust him that he wouldn't hurt her. But she still didn't understand something.
"Isn't this what you got after challenging the legacy? Why would you let me use it?"
She knew that this artifact was very precious because for Luis to get the complete legacy of the Ghost King, this artifact was an important piece that was needed. So she didn't understand why would Luis allow her to use it. She couldn't help but hesitate.
Luis saw the hesitation in her eyes. He held back the smile from appearing on his face. Titling his head, he acted confused.
"What are you talking about?"
"Eh?" Alicia also became confused. "Did I misunderstand something?" She asked.
Seeing the frown on her beautiful face, Luis wanted to laugh a little.
Then, with a chuckle, he got close to her ears and said, "You'll be mine in the future anyway, so what's the problem?"
Hearing Luis' possessive words, Alicia couldn't help feeling shy. She blushed heavily and snorted, trying to hide her embarrassment.
*Hmph*
She took the necklace with a snort but didn't deny his words.
Luis had a teasing smirk on his face. 'So cute.' He couldn't help but want to tease her even more.
*Ahem*
A cough sounded beside them. They turned to look at Lumine in unison.
"If the two of you had enough flirting, then we can get started?"
Luis saw Lumine's smile and knew she was very irritated.
"Yes, Mam," Alicia shouted, almost saluting her in fright. She looked like a cat who was stepped on her tail as she rushed to the center of the formation.
"She is yours, huh? Aren't you too domineering?" Lumine scoffed.
Her irritation was now shifted to Luis, who couldn't help but smile bitterly.
"I meant as my fiancee."
He tried to clarify.
"Whatever."
Although Lumine seemed annoyed, inwardly, she was happy that Luis and Alicia were getting closer.
She couldn't help but give a side glance at Luis. At first, she used to think it might be difficult for Luis and Alicia to get along with each other.
After all, Alicia was famous for her cold nature. After Maria's death, no one could get close to her, not even her father. As a potential future husband arranged by their parents, Lumine thought Alicia might have repulsion towards Luis.
She thought they might not come together. But contrary to her beliefs, everything happened so fast and smoothly, as if it was all a dream.
In the last week, she had seen similar scenes many times, and she was surprised every time. But when she saw Luis teasing her just now, and that shy reaction. She couldn't express her inner shock.
Before, she just thought that they were slowly getting closer and opening up, but that wasn't it. That cold beauty opened up to Luis and was now acting like a little girl in love.
She knew all of this was possible because of Luis. And she was very interested in knowing what method he used to melt her heart.
Luis felt the sharp glare Lumine was giving, so hiding his nervousness, he asked. "What is it, Mom?"
"Did you have a girlfriend before?"
He was taken aback a little. 'Why is she asking something like that?'
"No, if I had, you would have known."
Lumine nodded her head. She knew Luis didn't have anyone like that. But that made her even more curious.
"Then how did you handle Alicia?" She asked with her eyes twinkling. She looked like a viewer asking for spoilers of her favorite drama.
Luis gave her a side look and said as matter-of-factly. "What handle her? We naturally got close."
"You want me to believe that?" Lumine asked, raising her left brow. If it was someone else, she might have believed him. But it was Alicia they were talking about.
Luis nodded his head in understanding and said, "I think I know what might have been the reason."
Lumine looked at him with curious eyes and asked, "Tell me." She thought she might get some interesting information.
"She fell for my charms. I was too handsome for her to resist."
*Cough*
Lumine almost choked at his narcissism. But before she could say anything, Luis said. "Oh, Alicia has completed her breakthrough." With those words, he left hastily.
Though she was annoyed that Luis messed with her. She held back the annoyance and went to congratulate Alicia.
***
After they returned from the mana training room. The three separated and went back to their rooms.
Luis immediately went to shower and then couldn't help but take a dip in the bathtub.
"Ahh, so refreshing."
Yeah, today was an exhausting day for him. Fighting hordes of Skeleton Soldiers and Zombies. Defeating a G-rank boss monster, challenging a legacy, defeating a D-rank monster, and then breaking through. He felt that his growth in one day was far more than what he achieved in his last week altogether.
"As expected, just training won't help. I'll need a lot of fighting experience."
He was already thinking of going to various dungeons to accumulate fighting experience. But before all that, he wanted to obtain something.
"It seems it's time for my Technician Talent to shine."
Luis' eyes were sharp, and there was a handsome smile on his face. Letting out a relaxed sigh, he uttered.
"It's so comfortable."
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Quiz Time:
What will be Luis' first invention?
1) A gadget for reconnaissance
2) An A. I
3) A range weapon
4) Protective Gear
5) Mini-bots