Chapter 60

"Cough, cough"

Aether spluttered, his chest heaving with the effort as he expelled blood from his lungs. His hazy eyes fixated on the gaping void where his left arm used to be, a trail of crimson staining the ground beneath him.

'Drip, drip'

Blood continued to ooze from the severed stump, a stark reminder of the brutality they had just faced.

"A-Aether!" Stella's voice trembled with fear and urgency as she rushed towards him, her hands trembling as she clutched the severed arm that had once belonged to him.

"You really are something, aren't you?" Blake's cold voice sliced through the air like a knife as he loomed over them, a malicious grin twisting his features.

Stella let out a pained cry as Blake seized her by the hair, his grip cruel and unyielding.

"Arrhh!!" Stella's voice wavered with agony as she felt the roots of her hair being mercilessly yanked. Despite the searing pain, she refused to release her grip on the severed limb, her fingers clinging desperately to the last remnants of hope.

"B-Bastard, Let me go!!!" she screamed, her voice raw with defiance and anguish, her eyes blazing with unbridled fury.

With a disdainful snort, Blake tore the severed hand from Stella's grasp, his grip unyielding as he lifted her effortlessly by her hair, causing her to cry out in anguish as the pain radiated through her scalp.

In her desperation, Stella released her grip on the severed limb, her hands flying to her head as she fought to endure the agony coursing through her.

'Thud'

With a callous disregard, Blake discarded the severed hand, his attention turning to Stella as he delivered a brutal blow to her gut.

"PUFF!!"

The impact sent Stella hurtling towards Aether's side, her body crumpling in a heap as she landed beside him, her breath coming in ragged gasps as unconsciousness threatened to claim her. Despite his own injuries and fading strength, Aether summoned what little resolve remained within him, mustering the strength to reach out to Stella.

"Tsk, tsk..." Blake clicked his tongue in annoyance, casting a disdainful glance at Aether as he spoke, "What's wrong with this girl? She's supposed to be helping us catch the Stray Slave, not aiding him... Hmm... Wait!!"

Suddenly, Blake's eyes widened in realization, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Don't tell me you two are an item? Ahh... Now, that makes everything clear," he mused aloud, nodding to himself as he pieced together the situation.

However, Aether paid no heed to Blake's words. His sole focus was on Stella, whom he cradled tenderly in his arm, desperately trying to rouse her from unconsciousness.

"S-Stella, W-Wake up..." Aether's voice was tinged with urgency and fear as he felt his own consciousness slipping away, the loss of blood taking its toll on his body.

"Hehe..." Blake chuckled softly, thoroughly entertained by the unfolding drama. He was curious to see how they would react, knowing full well that they were both in no condition to mount any sort of escape. Unlike before, when they had managed to catch him off guard with a surprise smoke attack, this time Blake was prepared.

He had already called for his party members to join him, confident that victory was within his grasp.

"A-Ae... Aether?" Stella's voice quivered as she slowly regained consciousness, her gaze meeting Aether's worried expression.

"I-I try to hold him off sometime... Please, run away," Aether whispered urgently, his eyes filled with concern as he pleaded with Stella.

"N-No, W-We--" Stella's response was cut short by Aether's interruption, his words piercing through the haze of uncertainty that clouded her mind.

"Do you think we can defeat him?" Aether's voice was firm, his gaze unwavering as he confronted the harsh reality they faced.

When faced with reality, Aether was quick to acknowledge that there were no 'buts' or 'ifs'... the reality was harsh and unforgiving.

The Reality was Reality!!

Biting her trembling lips, Stella glanced at Blake, who appeared to be patiently awaiting the arrival of his party members.

"N-No, I w-won't go..." Stella's voice quivered with determination, her resolve unyielding.

"Stella... Their target is me, a Stray Slave. Are you prepared to risk your life for a mere stranger whom you've known for less than 12 hours?" Aether's tone was serious, though he couldn't help but admire her courage. Yet, there were times when idealism annoyed him.

Stella's retort was swift and fierce. "The same could be said of you!!" she fired back, her voice tinged with defiance, "Why are you willing to sacrifice yourself for a mere stranger whom you've encountered for less than 12 hours?" Her words resonated with raw honesty, challenging Aether's resolve.

"Haha..." Aether chuckled wryly, though deep down, his desire to save Stella... but in truth he was doing... His Mission!!

Yes, he was on a mission that required not only seducing her but also ensuring her safety. As long as he could save her, he knew his peculiar ability... his mysterious fuck log.... would fuck him, just as it had plucked him from the hotel and deposited him in the forest without a trace.

Aether still couldn't fathom how he had eluded the watchful eyes of the guards and receptionists at the hotel.

Nevertheless, saving her was his ticket out of the forest, and that was the mission this strange fucking log had given him.

'Sigh, so many 'Fuck''!!

With a heavy sigh, Aether finally confessed, "Because you are important to me..." though he added inwardly, 'For the mission, of course!'

'Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump..'

For once in her life, Stella felt a surge of warmth envelop her as she absorbed Aether's words. Her heart skipped a beat again, and this time her face flushed crimson with embarrassment, as if her deepest dreams had suddenly come true. She had spent her entire life yearning to hear those simple yet profound words.... "You are important to me."

In that fleeting moment, she felt a profound sense of validation and worth. For once, she felt truly seen and cherished, as if she mattered in someone else's eyes.

+1000 Affection

The unexpected surge of affection from Stella left Aether stunned, his expression a mix of shock and bewilderment. Before he could comprehend the significance of her actions, Stella rose to her feet and reached out to touch his torn hand.

/Recovery/

A gentle warmth enveloped his left hand, spreading a soothing sensation throughout his body.

"What are you doing?!!" Aether tried to stop her, but Stella was undeterred.

"B-Because you are also important to me," Stella's voice trembled with sincerity as she continued to focus on her healing, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She knew it might take some time, but she was determined to see it through. Glancing at Blake, who was busy scanning their surroundings with a furrowed brow, she reaffirmed her resolve.

As long as Aether remained conscious, everything would be alright...

That's what her heart told her!!

'Tsk,' Aether inwardly clicked his tongue, torn between appreciation for Stella's unwavering kindness and frustration at her stubbornness. While he cherished her innocence in this harsh world, he couldn't help but resent her naive persistence at times.

But something felt off...

'Why didn't I feel the pain?' Aether thought as he observed his left hand slowly beginning to regenerate. It was a bizarre and somewhat unsettling sight, simultaneously disgusting and fascinating. Yet, unlike previous experiences when Stella healed others, he didn't feel any pain accompanying the process.

"Why didn't I feel the pain?" Aether voiced his confusion, his gaze fixed on his miraculously healing hand, seeking an explanation.

Stella remained silent, her focus solely on the task of healing Aether. However, a small drop of blood trickled from her lips, betraying the strain of her efforts.

!~Ding~!

+1 Agility

Agility: 8↑

"H-Hey!!" Aether's voice carried a sense of urgency as he hastily intervened, stopping Stella in her tracks. He cast her a stern look, his expression demanding an explanation.

"What the hell are you doing?" he questioned, his tone tinged with concern.

Before Stella could formulate a response, a deafening roar shattered the air.

"WHAT THE HELL!!!"

Blake's enraged voice thundered through the forest, causing both Aether and Stella to freeze in fear. With bated breath, they turned to face the source of the commotion... only to freeze in fear!