Chapter 117 Hot Springs

Flashback.

"I want to avenge them!" Dallan yelled, his voice shaking with terror and rage. His face, illuminated by torchlight, revealed an eighteen-year-old archer determined to make those responsible pay for their heinous actions.

He had just witnessed his brother being slaughtered before his very eyes. "I won't rest until I get my revenge!" he declared, his voice reverberating across the room.

Mason, a man in his twenties, approached, gripping Dallan's shoulder. "You need to stay calm," he said firmly. "Otherwise, they'll hear us and discover what we're talking about."

The night before the final battle of the CEHA entrance exam participants was to take place, the two of them were inside an igloo, whispering quietly, trying their best to keep their conversation a secret.

Dallan had a determined look in his eyes as he said, "I have to do something. We can't just sit here and do nothing."

"What can we do?" Mason asked, "We're just two people, after all." He pointed at the door and continued, "That boy... he confidently fought dozens of people, and even narrowly wiped them all out."

Dallan exclaimed, his voice trembling with rage, "Jake, my brother offered them the chance to join The Void peacefully - but they chose to go to war instead!"

"I was with Jake, trying to help him improve his ranking." His face suddenly filled with terror. He said, trembling with fear and rage, "Let him experience suffering, unforgettable suffering!"

Mason stood up, his brows furrowed, and his face cast downwards as if he was deep in thought. After a moment, he looked up and spoke to the young man sitting in the corner of the room. "I'll help you, Dallan," he promised. "What you're about to attempt is highly dangerous. Your life is on the line. You should be aware that he is so powerful that even the leader of the dark elves homage to him. Can you conceive of any way to overpower him?"

Dallan's voice was trembling as he spoke. "I want to give him suffering and regret," he said.

Mason said firmly, "You cannot hurt him; instead, you should teach him a lesson in a different way." He then stepped forward and put his hand on the man's shoulder, "That's enough," he implored. "Do not say anything else; otherwise, Nina will find out and figure it out."

"Nina..." Dallan lifted his gaze, looking vacant. "I followed her, believing she could bring me victory. But what has she done? She shamelessly licks his ass!"

Dallan glared with his darkened eyes, hissing her name. "Nina...."

He menacingly added, "Nathan, I promise to make you suffer, and you will remember it for the rest of your life."

***

Upon arriving at the hot springs, one was immediately taken aback by the barren and desolate landscape. The only signs of life were the occasional wisps of steam rising from the ground, a reminder of the warmth that lay beneath.

Upon closer inspection, one could not help but be astonished by the size and beauty of the area. The various pools were of different sizes, and the water was deep, with billowing steam rising above it. It seemed to be illuminated from within, exuding magical energy.

The springs were surrounded by tall, snow-covered trees and numerous plants, all of which seemed to be in perfect harmony with the area. Even the air had an enchanting quality to it, seemingly filled with indescribable energy.

"Woah..." Linda stared at what was in front of her with sparkling eyes. "Why are you only telling me about this place now, Oppa?" She said, then turning her gaze to Nathan.

"That's because I only just discovered this place after scouting the area with Geen's help," Nathan answered slowly.

He stepped closer to one of the pools, which was surrounded by lush plants, trees, and rocks that were quite covered.

Nathan confirmed using Geen's eyes that there were no cameras in the vicinity, and upon determining there was no risk, he nodded at Linda. "You can feel free to use this pool, Linda," he said before he glanced to the side and saw that his golem, Silver, had suddenly appeared standing near them.

"Silver will guard you," he added.

Nathan spun around and took a step forward, but the sound of Linda's giggle made him pause. He turned around and saw her smiling, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

"What do you say, Nathan Oppa?" She grinned. "Come and join me, I promise I won't let you get into any trouble."

Nathan's lips quivered into a half-smile, and he replied, "Hmmm.... I'm afraid.... that.... I might do something dangerous to you...." Then, shaking his head, he spun around again and walked away.

Nathan strolled towards the steaming hot spring, only a short distance from Linda's. Without hesitation, he quickly stripped off his clothes and immediately felt the chill of the air against his skin. Settling himself on the rocky edge of the pool, he carefully slipped his feet below the water's surface.

Nathan flinched as the icy water engulfed his feet, but within moments pleasure began to wash over him, and he eagerly submerged his entire body in the warm spring.

Nathan closed his eyes as he sank into the water, releasing bubbles of air as he exhaled. He could feel the exhaustion leave his body, and his stiff skin suddenly seemed to soften.

He stayed in the water for what felt like minutes, simply appreciating the warmth and the way it seemed to soothe every muscle in his body. He eventually opened his eyes and paddled back to the edge of the pool, feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Nathan inhaled deeply, taking in the warm and humid air, and instantly felt soothed.

Nathan sighed deeply, his tense muscles gradually beginning to relax. He felt a twinge of guilt for not having invited the rest of his friends to join him.

Nathan's eyes shifted to the side, and he saw Luna gently hovering nearby. She waved her hand at him in greeting, a warm and friendly gesture.

At that moment, Linda stepped into the pool, and Nathan was taken aback; he quickly looked away, feeling embarrassed that she was only wearing a wet towel.

"Woah..... Nathan oppa.... You don't mind if I accompany you, right?" Linda asked timidly. She settled down in the pool, keeping her distance from Nathan.

"I don't really mind," Nathan replied in a low voice. He glanced at Linda, who had submerged her body in the water, leaving only her head above the surface.

Nathan smiled and asked Linda, "So, do you like it?"

Linda nodded enthusiastically in response. "Yep, I sure do! Why don't we do something fun, Nathan Oppa?" Linda smiled warmly at him. "Let's make the most of this time together!"