Chapter 174 There's No Going Back . . .

[BONUS]

When Edward's five thousand strong armies came into the battlefield, they found no enemies to slay. All they found were rubbles and rotting corpses.

I was surprised that they could amass that amount of soldiers in a short time.

Though the first thing that Edward checked upon climbing down his horse was Amara. He was searching for her, even ordering his armies to look for the woman.

It looked like he was obsessed with her.

<It looks like Host would have a hard time acquiring the beauty with a strong competitor like that>

You mean my other self. I corrected it.

I didn't see any reason why I should go through all this trouble for a single woman. He could have her.

<Too bad. The System wanted war to happen over a girl like in those popular movies in your world>

I chuckled. You apparently like drama and unnecessary troubles.

<Was it too obvious?>

I was already inside the castle walls, hiding in one of the battlements, back to my usual newbie garbs. And by the time I went down from the stairs, the drawbridge was already brought down, and soldiers were pouring inside.

The soldiers didn't even stop to spare me a glance. They quickly searched the area while the healers healed the injured, and some of the advisors asked the survivors of what had happened.

No one really knew since everyone was hiding and didn't dare to go out from their hiding place for fear that the Goblins might see them. So no one could really tell, especially the truth of what had happened.

There were many versions like a god descended from the woodlands and killed the Grendelkin. Or a High Septon happened to pass by and defeated the army of goblins. Or it was the Goddess Zephora herself who went down from the clouds and saved their town.

I was pleased with the rumours. The more absurd the better. I then went towards the Academy and found that Thomas, Amara, Jin, and Lina were already out in the open courtyard together with the other players who were hiding before.

I was about to call for them when Amara saw me first and shot into my arms for the whole world to see.

"Cross! Thank god you're alright!"

I sighed under my breath when I knew this was going to be trouble, and I was not mistaken when I heard Edward's voice from behind.

"Amara!"

Amara pushed me, and she was surprised to find that Edward was standing behind us with a grim face. He was not happy based on his dark constipated expression.

And instead of asking how she was, he stared me up and down and snarled, "Aren't you that gil guy?"

He then looked over at Amara and asked with an accusing voice. "So you know him after all? No wonder you keep staring at him in the past."

Whoa. He noticed that when I didn't? Just how obsessed was this guy that he even noticed Amara's stolen glances?

Amara's face was ashen before she tried her hardest to regain her cool. She retreated away from me, face reverted back to being indifferent.

"Yes. I know him," she told Edward in a cold voice. "He's my classmate from the real world. I wasn't sure before until I had spoken to him just recently."

Edward's piercing eyes glared at me before they softened when they went to Amara. He approached her and held her hands. I saw the subtle change of demeanor on Amara's face, and I bet she was disgusted with the touch from the wrinkling of her nose.

"I'm glad that you're fine," Edward said, "I couldn't eat and sleep knowing that you're in danger. I hurried here with my army so I could rescue you."

That's why he left her in the first place. I mused to myself.

"Don't worry. You're fine now." Edward swept Amara's fringe to the side of her ear and gently brushed a finger over her cheek. "We can go to my fief, and you'll never have to worry about a day in your life."

". . ." Amara didn't comment, trying hard not to look my way.

Edward shot me one lasting glance before he ordered his men. "Help with the clean-up and protection of this town until the Asuka Army arrives. The rest of you come with me back home."

He then smiled at Amara. "Should we go, my love? This place had a lot of smoke and dust. It's not befitting of your beauty."

". . ." I got hives just hearing him talk.

<He is a classified Casanova! You should be like that, Host! For sure, a lot of women would fall before your feet. Even more so if you take the Handsome Elixir!>

Not a chance.

Even if I didn't have to make myself a fool, women still flock around me.

<Keekeekee>

It was time to go.

Amara swiftly looked in my direction, and I my heart doubled over when I saw the helplessness in her eyes. It was short before her face turned hard again.

"Goodbye, Cross. It was nice seeing you again."

When she turned to go with Edward, it was at that moment I knew that my other self influenced me again when I grabbed her hand, stopping her from moving.

I knew what she was doing. She was protecting me again from potential harm. Edward's obsession with her was unusual. If she stayed with me, Edward would kill me.

I shouldn't care. It was no longer my problem. But my other self thought otherwise.

In the second that I closed my eyes shut, everything seemed to stop.

Are you sure about your decision? I asked my other self. You know what would happen. If you start this, there is no going back.

I got his reply and opened my eyes with a small smile tickling my lips.

Very well then . . .

I asked Amara, "Right here, right now. Chose. Do you want to go with that guy . . . or do you want to come with me?"

A collection of gasps percolated in the air, and I knew that all eyes were on us. Amara was shocked as well, mirroring everyone's expression.

( . . . continuation on NOTES)