Chapter 447

Chapter 447

TL: xLordFifth

ED:

Ah.

Iniquity, Shin Nara felt the strong force with which Leeha embraced her. And even as the endless sounds continued, she couldn’t open her eyes within his arms. The moment she opened her eyes, she thought she would only see Leeha’s corpse turn gray. It was only then that she suddenly understood Leeha’s heart. How did he think about her? Did he develop an interest in other women? Chiyou tried to ignite the flames with a few words, but how could she have such foolish thoughts?

From the first time they met until now, Leeha had never changed once. He was someone who would risk his life for anyone in danger in front of him. Someone who would sacrifice himself to ensure that others didn’t suffer because of him. Wasn’t she also drawn to his kind and selfless heart? Shin Nara thought that Ram Hwayeon, Ram Hwajung, and even Rubini might share the same feelings.

What could express this feeling? The emotions that had been held back until now unraveled smoothly. Beyond mere possessiveness or shallow love, true ‘understanding’ had found its place in Shin Nara’s heart.

“I’m... I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Leeha.”

There was nothing more to say. Love’s cruelty might be something much more extensive and intricate than words could express. Shin Nara could only apologize to Leeha.

Thump-thump, the sound of the final blow piercing Leeha’s back echoed, and the long series of impacts ceased. Now, all the attacks should be over.

Since she was still alive, there might be follow-up attacks. She was aware of that fact, yet Shin Nara still couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes.

The moment she opened her eyes felt like everything would come to an end. She gripped Leeha’s clothing tightly, pulling him closer. She didn’t want to miss even the ashen body of Leeha, driven by the desire not to let him go.

‘What should I say or how should I react when we meet again?’

Fortunately, Shin Nara didn’t have to worry about that right now. Just say it ‘now.’

“Lee-“

“... Ouch. It hurts a lot. But why are you apologizing, Nara-ssi?”Yôur favorite stories at novelhall.com

Shin Nara was startled and opened her eyes wide. Even in the middle of the night, Leeha’s face shone with color. He was not ashen.

“Leeha, are you okay? How did...? Isn’t it painful? Did you take damage?”

“It hurts more than I thought. Imagine getting hit on the back with a giant acupuncture needle. It’s just that... even if they tell me to tank, I can’t. Well, this isn’t the time to talk about that.”

Leeha, who had been hugging Shin Nara, turned his body with a sound like a sweep and shouted toward the towering tree like a barrier, toward the “red goats” standing on it.

“Stop! We are not enemies! We have no intention of fighting you; we want to talk! Stop the attack!”

Leeha’s voice also roared through the darkness, forcefully cutting through it. The red goats indeed didn’t launch another attack. It wasn’t just because Leeha’s voice was loud. It was because he had boldly survived and proved himself amid their concentrated assault.

“We didn’t counterattack even after your surprise, preemptive attack! However, enduring it will only happen once!”

“We have this level of strength! We could have easily defended and launched attacks as well! However, we chose not to! Show us the same understanding! I’ll say it again! We want to talk! If you attack, we won’t hold back this time!”

Empowered, Leeha shouted even more forcefully. The red goats definitely showed no signs of further aggression. Shin Nara looked at Leeha’s back facing the red goats. Something seemed to slip smoothly under Drake’s coat, disappearing into his clothes.

“What is that...?”

It wasn’t just Shin Nara who questioned if she saw it correctly. All members of the New Continent Expedition Team witnessed the thin layer enveloping Leeha in the relentless rain of fire.

“What is that...? A conversation?”

There was an option to rush out, bring Leeha and Shin Nara, and use defensive skills, but they couldn’t move impulsively right now. Each action could be seen as a signal for an attack.

‘Good. Everyone is doing well. Don’t move hastily. They must be frightened right now.’

What Leeha contemplated was the clash of civilizations. NPC races using primitive methods, coupled with an unknown possession. While communication was possible, it was evident that dialogue wouldn’t work from the start. What’s the best way to convince them?

One way is to completely suppress them through a show of strength. Another is to demonstrate complete goodwill, showing that they didn’t come to fight.

‘Or show both at the same time.’

Leeha was still looking at the red goats with no clear response. The voice resonated when it happened, coming from the tree trunk-like structure.

“I’ll give it a try. Stay still and wait right there.”

With the voice, black silhouettes descended from the giant tree trunk.

“I saw something like this in a documentary where goats were walking on cliffs. No, was it goats or maybe sheep?”

“See, did you see it, Raphaela-ssi? Did you see it? Master Kay was such a person! What’s so cool about this guy!”

After the awkward admiration that made even the listener uncomfortable, Bobae, perhaps out of rivalry(?), tried to check Master Kay. The tension of the New Continent Expedition members, who were quite nervous, eased a bit. The number of red goats descending from the tree was considerable. Including the humanoid Bailephus, there were about 42 in total.

However, the red goats could surround them in two to three layers, showing a significant level of organization.

Were they here to observe?

It seemed like they were saying, “Let’s welcome those who attacked us first.”

Nara: Ha Leeha-ssi! What’s the plan? Just stay still like this?

Leeha: Right now, we can’t show any intention to attack. We have to wait.

Nara: But the current position is too disadvantageous. It will get even worse as time goes on. If those guys suddenly launch a surprise attack, we won’t even have time to cast anything!

It was natural that the users’ complaints reached Leeha. The anxiety was escalating.

Whispering to each person individually, Leeha eventually had to raise his voice through group whisper.

Leeha: Is everyone going to build a mana relay tower? If anyone wants to end the quest right now and attack, feel free to do so! Otherwise, follow my instructions for now!

Leeha’s shout had a clear effect. Everyone trusted his judgment, which had never been wrong so far. Of course, Leeha was also thinking about it. Thanks to the Platinum Shield and Jellypong, he realized one thing! If they fought, they would win.

This became even clearer as they were able to defend against the ambush. They were attacked, but their strength was preserved, and Bailephus had not yet revealed his true form. With the power of Bailephus and Alexander alone, they could easily deal with them.

But what comes next?

If the first move goes wrong and the battle begins, there will be no chance of restoring relations. Everyone knows this fact.

If they win this battle and build the relay tower, what’s next?

This is not their land. It’s their land. Through constant battles, if the intimacy becomes -100%, the relay tower will eventually be destroyed.

No, even before that, it might become impossible to build it at all.