Chapter 371 - 372: Crystal Winslow, Sorry!
Chapter 371 - 372: Crystal Winslow, Sorry!
At the same time, after sealing the void rift connecting to the Demon Abyss, Aster Grant had already brought Vera to the Snow Domain.
At this moment, he was standing on the old battlefield where the Swarm King had once struck at him.
Returning to this familiar land, he felt a little emotional.
His gaze fell on the remains of the completely drained Colossal Tortoise, and Aster Grant fully understood why the Insect Emperor’s Will had taken advantage of Vera back then.
A body that surpassed Totem Level had been completely drained by Vera.
For Vera to fully control that power was impossible!
As Vera watched Aster Grant standing there stunned, she understood that he had remembered her past misdeeds.
A hint of guilt appeared in her eyes, and she said softly:
"Master, I’m sorry!"
Because of me, Lazuli got injured.
And, she had almost harmed Aster Grant.
Aster Grant shook his head, letting bygones be bygones, no need to mention it again."
He then changed the topic and asked Ford about something.
"How is your situation with merging the Swarm King’s power now?"
Vera carefully perceived her internal condition and gently shook her head:
"For some reason, it seems the fusion process has hit a bottleneck and can’t advance further."
Upon hearing this, Aster Grant stroked his chin, lost in thought.
This situation wasn’t unexpected.
After all, Lazuli managed to break through to Origin Level using the Angel Fortune, Divine Pattern, and Demon Core’s multiple blessings.
Though the Insect King’s Will that Vera absorbed was strong, it might still lack some momentum for her to break through to Origin Level.
However, even the system hasn’t given a detailed solution yet.
Aster Grant could only wait for Vera to absorb more of the Swarm’s will, hoping the system might offer a breakthrough plan to Origin Level.
"Continue absorbing! Try to fully integrate the Swarm King’s power, and first master the Devouring Law!"
This law is most suited to Vera.
Combining Vera’s Life Law with the Devouring Law...
Aster Grant felt she could demonstrate power not inferior to Lazuli.
After advising Vera, Aster Grant took her deeper into the Snow Kingdom.
Not long into their journey, they encountered the Snow Wolf Clan.
Aster Grant’s past deeds in saving the Snow Kingdom had already engraved his name in the memories of the entire Snow Wolf Clan.
Thus, he was soon brought before Shirley and Crystal Winslow.
"Aster Grant?!"
Crystal Winslow’s voice trembled with disbelief, her gaze locked tightly on the familiar figure led by the Snow Wolf.
The surrounding wind and snow seemed to pause in that moment, leaving only the figure walking steadily towards her in her world.
Since learning of Aster Grant’s disappearance, she had been one of those most affected.
For countless days and nights, she could only rely on Lilith’s assurance that his life was safe to barely hold herself together.
Now, without warning, he appeared before her again, so real that she felt dazed.
A thousand words swirled in her chest—
Wanting to ask where he’d been, what he’d experienced, wanting to express her worries...
Yet when she met his calm eyes, all the words choked in her throat, transforming into a simple greeting:
"Are you... okay?"
The present Aster Grant had grown, his mindset no longer the same.
He could see the subtle affection Crystal Winslow held for him.
But now he understood...
He only loved Lazuli!
Thus, he consciously maintained a polite yet slightly distant demeanor, nodding gently and replying steadily:
"I’m okay."
This subtle gesture and tone was like a cold needle, lightly pricking Crystal Winslow’s heart.
She keenly felt the deliberately maintained distance; her bright eyes dimmed slightly, a challenging bitterness spreading swiftly.
Yet she was Crystal Winslow.
She quickly lowered her eyelashes, and when she raised them again, she wore an effortful, seemingly relaxed smile, though its curve was somewhat forced.
"That’s good to hear."
She spoke quickly, afraid that any delay would lead to emotional overflow:
"You’re... here to see Lilith and the Snow Maiden, right? I’ll take you there!"
As soon as she spoke, she gave Aster Grant no chance to respond or inquire further.
She promptly turned around, stepping briskly into the thick snow, her stride hurried with a hint of rashness.
Only her slightly trembling, slender silhouette in the wind, its subtle swaying betrayed her tumultuous emotions.
Aster Grant watched her with a trace of silent regret, softly sighing.
"I’m sorry!"
Within the Beastbond Space.
Lazuli’s initially tense nerves finally relaxed a little upon witnessing the previous scene unfold outside.
She exhaled lightly, and even the sharp pain from her yet-unhealed wound seemed to ease somewhat.
Because of Lazuli’s injury, Aster Grant kept her in the Beastbond Space.
Initially seeing Crystal Winslow like that, she was afraid of losing her master to a human.
But now, it seemed...
She had been overthinking.
Not far away, Vera leaned against the thick branches of the Life Ancient Tree, her emerald eyes took in the subtle changes in Lazuli’s expression.
She curled her lips with mild bemusement, feeling a complex emotion rise within her.
This whole time, hadn’t she experienced Aster Grant’s deliberate aloofness?
Every time she attempted to get closer, she felt an invisible barrier.
This made her bold plan of winning over her master slow in progress, nearly stalled.
But... give up?
This thought had never truly come to her.
Her fingertips unconsciously caressed her lips, where the touch seemed still imbued in her consciousness...
The transcendent contact Aster Grant left when awakening her.
The resolve and warmth of that moment imprinted deeply in her soul.
"No matter what, I won’t give up."
She told herself again, resolutely.
Watching Lazuli’s slightly smug side profile, Vera didn’t provoke, but her gaze flickered, pondering deeply.
Ask her master to give up Lazuli?
That was categorically impossible!
Therefore, Vera never considered asking Aster Grant to forsake Lazuli for her.
She only wished for a place by Aster Grant’s side!
And while Vera continued plotting.
The rejoicing Lazuli suddenly felt a chill, as if she was under the calculating gaze of something.
She raised her head cautiously, scanning the tranquil Beastbond Space, finally settling her gaze on the slender green figure under the ancient tree.
Vera was quietly gazing downward, her lips possibly with an ineffable smile.
Instantly, Lazuli’s brows furrowed, her inner alarm nudged:
"That little schemer... What trick is she up to now?"
...
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