Chapter 251: Saving the Queen 17

After finishing our meal, Elena and I emerged from the shelter of the cave, ready to continue our journey towards the heart of the northern lands. Despite our determination, our progress had been hindered by a myriad of challenges, causing significant delays along the way.

Traversing the rugged mountainous terrain and navigating through treacherous snowstorms had tested our resolve, while our encounters with monsters and demonic entities further impeded our advance. Though the frequency of demon attacks had diminished since our journey began, their continued presence remained a persistent annoyance.

Despite my initial reluctance, I found myself shouldering much of the responsibility for Elena's well-being. While her divine heritage bestowed upon her extraordinary abilities, even she was not immune to the harsh realities of our environment.

The bitter cold of the northern lands posed a threat to her health, forcing her to rely on her own divine energy to stave off the chill.

Even with her innate connection to the sun's divinity, Elena still required constant vigilance to maintain her health and vitality in the unforgiving cold. The harsh conditions drained her of her divine energy, leaving her vulnerable to the biting chill of the northern winds. Depending on the severity of the weather, she often found herself expending more energy just to keep warm, further depleting her already limited reservoir of divinity.

As if our struggles with the elements weren't challenging enough, our dwindling food supplies added another layer of concern to our journey. The provisions we had brought with us were nearly exhausted, a testament to the length and difficulty of our travels.

"Adrian, where are we going next?" Elena's voice interrupted my thoughts, pulling my attention back to the present moment.

"Lombra," I replied, consulting the map in my hands. The city of Lombra lay approximately 30 kilometers ahead, the second closest settlement to our ultimate destination. From there, the towering branches of the frosted world tree were said to be visible—a beacon guiding travelers towards the heart of the northern lands.

....

Despite the promise of civilization, Adrian couldn't shake the looming sense of dread that accompanied their approach to Lombra.

The city, like much of the surrounding region, had fallen under demonic control—a fact that spelled danger and uncertainty for them both.

As if on cue, a cacophony of chilling cries and unearthly screeches shattered the silence, heralding the arrival of their adversaries.

Before them stood a horde of demons, numbering in the hundreds, their grotesque forms and bat-like wings a stark reminder of the perilous path they tread.

With weapons drawn and malice gleaming in their eyes, the demons advanced upon them with a hunger for blood and violence that chilled Adrian to the core.

As they were all low-ranking demons, they were mere mobs, but that didn't mean they weren't annoying.

With a tired sigh, Adrian summoned his holy sword, preparing to face the approaching horde.

"Elena, stay still for now. I'll take care of them,"

"But won't it be faster if I took care of them?"

Elena's suggestion held merit; her sun divinity could effectively neutralize large swathes of enemies in one fell swoop.

However, Adrian shook his head, knowing the toll it would take on her energy reserves.

"Reserve your energy. There's another storm up ahead,"

Reluctantly, Elena acquiesced, her reluctance palpable as she backed off to allow Adrian to handle the incoming threat.

Adrian's golden sword began to glow, his holy sword made the flying demons instantly think twice of what they were all doing here.

As the familiar sensation of power surged through him, Adrian felt a surge of nostalgia for his days at the academy.

'It's not as powerful back then'

Though the power he wielded now was not as potent as it once was, the connection to his hidden authority, Hero's Will, granted him a significant boost in strength and prowess.

With a focused mind and unwavering determination, Adrian tapped into the depths of his potential, unleashing a surge of power that heightened his senses and honed his abilities to their maximum potential.

'The old man always tells me to rely on my sword during training... now let's see how powerful I truly am right now if I combine it with the goddess's cheat like skills'

As the world around him seemed to slow down, Adrian stood ready to face the oncoming horde with newfound confidence and strength.

As Tristan hurried into the tent, he immediately spotted the woman he had been searching for. Despite the stress evident on her face, her pink hair and beautiful features remained pristine, untouched by blemish.

"Princess,"

"What—" Princess Christine began, ready to reprimand him for adding to her already taxing workload. However, her words faltered as she turned to face him, her gaze locking onto the woman beside him.

In an instant, Christine's eyes narrowed, taking on a reptilian quality as they activated of their own accord. Born of draconic ancestry, her eyes possessed a keen ability to see beyond the surface, to perceive the truth hidden within.

With a sense of recognition dawning upon her, Christine's breath caught in her throat. Before her stood none other than the very fairy queen she had once known.

"Queen Mavis?" Christine managed to utter, her voice barely above a whisper as she approached the woman, her eyes searching her features for confirmation.

Getting Mavis back on her feet, Tristan offered his support as she struggled to stand upright.

"Your Majesty, why are you here? We heard you were alive, but we—"

Princess Christine's words were cut short as she noticed the sick look on Mavis's face.

Then suddenly Mavis grabbed on to her....

Blerghhh~~!!

Before anyone could react, Mavis retched violently, expelling a frantic stream of acidic liquid from her body.

Christine just stood there in a daze as she watched her clothes get stained, the frantic smell of the disgusting liquids made her want to puke as well.

The sight left everyone in the tent wide-eyed, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

Moments later.

Once the ordeal had passed, Tristan helped Mavis to relax, ensuring she was comfortable before they retreated to a secluded spot at the edge of the campsite.

With Christine and Siena by their side, they settled onto metallic chairs, the tension in the air palpable.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Mavis began, her head bowed in shame as she addressed Christine.

The queen felt a deep sense of disgrace and humiliation at her uncontrolled reaction.

"It's fine, Your Majesty. It happens to most of us,"

Christine reassured her, eager to lighten the mood despite her own lingering discomfort.

The revelation of Mavis's survival and her presence alongside them now overshadowed any momentary discomfort.

Despite Christine's forgiveness, Mavis continued to keep her head bowed, unable to shake the feeling of embarrassment and self-condemnation. The thought of vomiting on her former disciple and the princess of the empire, upon whom she desperately relied for assistance, filled her with a sense of incredulity and shame.

If there were a god capable of granting oblivion to one's most humiliating moments, Mavis would have fervently prayed to that deity in that moment.

"Sheesh, and here I thought you were going to become one of the demons' playthings by now. I got to say, I'm extremely surprised, Mavis... considering your beauty and all"

Siena's casual, blunt comment cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention.

With a nonchalant smile, she leaned against a nearby tree.

"I'm sure everyone here wants to hear your story right away, but before we get to that, allow me to say this: I'm glad you're alive, Mave," Siena added, her expression softening with genuine warmth.

Mavis couldn't help but return her old friend's smile, a sense of relief washing over her despite the lingering embarrassment.