Extra's Descent

Chapter 199: Push and Pull [2]

"Will you give me a chance?"

"Eh?"

Amelia found herself perplexed. She was already used to Brandon teasing her.

But this...

This took the cake.

Several thoughts emerged within her thoughts. Before she realized it, she felt her face starting to heat up.

He was close.

Too close.

She could hear the sound of his breathing right close to her ear.

Chance.

What kind of chance?

Was he talking about—

"A chance to repay you."

Oh.

So that's what he meant.

"...I told you."

She shook her head.

"Just sit back and relax."

"Heh. It was worth a try."

Brandon pulled away and shrugged.

He laid down on the grass with his hands behind his head.

Amelia turned back around and fixed her attention towards the stew.

"Haaa..."

She breathed out a sigh.

'Why does he keep teasing me...'

She found herself rubbing her right ear.

***

The stew finished and the group enjoyed the meal.

"Thanks, Amelia. Food's good as always."

"Thank you, Amelia."

"Thank you."

Brandon, Carl, and Aurelia gave their thanks.

Amelia nodded in appreciation with a smile plastered on her face.

"Mhm. You're welcome."

They sat together, enjoying each other's company, faces illuminated by the flickering campfire.

The night was serene, with the moon hanging high and the stars twinkling brightly in the clear sky.

Right in the middle of their meal, Aurelia suddenly stopped and placed her meal down.

Noticing her sudden demeanor, Brandon asked.

"What's wrong, Aurelia?"

"...Someone."

They immediately understood what Aurelia meant.

She sensed someone's presence.

Rustle... Rustle...

Just at the right time, the bushes suddenly rustled.

"....!"

They immediately settled the bowls down and stood up. Brandon and Amelia positioned themselves in front of Carl and Aurelia.

Aurelia clung tightly to Brandon's pant leg.

Brandon gazed down and flashed her a warm smile, ruffling her lilac hair to ease her tension.

Aurelia closed her eyes and pressed her head on the cloth of his pants, bracing for the worse to come.

The little elven girl was clearly shaken.

All of a sudden...

"Hua... help."

A man emerged from the bushes, crawling down on the cold hard ground.

"...."

"...."

"...."

They were speechless.

But regardless, Aurelia was still alarmed.

There was clearly something off about the man.

Brandon kept his guard up.

Mana coalesced in his palms.

He didn't plan on giving the man his number in the first place...

Guess an alias would do.

"It's Cid."

"Hm... Cid, okay. I'm Lumian, nice to meet you."

He gestured his hand for a handshake and Brandon accepted it.

"Is that all? I'll be going now."

"Wait..."

Again?

"What?"

"Uh, I'm actually quite lost. Are you guys planning on leaving the forest?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, great. Can I join you guys, just until we exit the forest?"

"Uh...."

Brandon pondered for a while.

He remembered Aurelia's expressions earlier. It seemed like she didn't want the man around.

"Actually, we'll be camping here for months before we leave."

"Oh. I'm actually in a hurry... thanks anyways."

The man turned around and waved his hand.

He started walking back and Brandon walked ahead as well.

"Ah, wait. Your number?"

"Uh...."

He gave a fake number.

"Saved. Alright, see you around, Cid."

"Sure, you too, Lumian."

"Brandon?"

Amelia's voice suddenly reached his ears from behind.

"Ah, Amelia. What are you doing here?"

"I came to check up on you."

She leaned her head and looked at Lumian who was about to leave.

"Everything settled?"

"Yep."

"Okay, let's go."

"Amelia... hmm..."

But yet again, they halted in their steps as Lumian suddenly spoke.

"Yes?"

Amelia asked.

"Do you know me?"

"...."

It was then.

The atmosphere suddenly changed around Lumian.

Brandon and Amelia's alarm bells rang.

"Amelia Constantine, huh?"

"Yes, that's me. Do you know me?"

"Blonde hair and blue eyes. Imperial Army. General Amelia Constantine."

All of a sudden, blazing dark–purple embers appeared around the Lumian's hand and a sword materialized shortly after.

"....!"

"....!"

Brandon realized.

This man was trouble.

He didn't notice it earlier, but the mana around Lumian suddenly shot up.

Swoosh—!

Lumian instantly appeared before them and Brandon had no time to react. All he could do was leap backwards.

Lumian was fast.

Extremely fast.

His eyes weren't able to keep up at all.

Lumian's sword swung vertically, aiming for his arm.

"Shit."

Again.

He couldn't react.

The swing was way too fast.

His arm.

It was about to be severed.