Watching Mary’s retreating back as she jogged away, Eros blinked. Actually, his Brilliant Sun was more than capable of purifying filth. With just a flash of its light, there’d be no need for a bath—every speck of dirt on her body and stains on her clothes would have been vaporized instantly. It was time-saving, effort-saving, and water-saving.
With that thought in mind, Eros turned and walked toward his own vine hut. After using the purification light of the Brilliant Sun to help Undine and the others freshen up, it wasn't long before Annie and Claire came looking for him.
"We need to set out again shortly," Annie said, her expression grim as she looked at Eros. "Otherwise, we won't be able to leave the fog-prone zone before nightfall."
Eros nodded. "We’re ready to move whenever you are."
Beside her, Claire’s tone carried a hint of concern. "Are you sure you don't need to rest? Based on our past experiences, it's impossible for a camp to spend the second half of the night without a single spirit wandering near. The reason no spirits attacked the camp last night must be because you handled them all yourself. That means you likely fought multiple battles while we slept. Do you really not need a break?"
Eros waved her off nonchalantly. "It’s fine. I’ve endured continuous combat for two days and three nights before; one night is nothing."
At those words, a faint blush crept onto both Claire’s and Annie’s beautiful faces.
"I... I’ll go organize the other students!" Annie blurted out before practically fleeing the scene.
Claire tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her eyes shimmering with an amused, double-edged light. "Your stamina is truly impressive. I look forward to fighting by your side again."
Eros smirked. "I look forward to it too. I have some very unique insights into the 'Backstab' skill; we should discuss them when the time comes."
Claire instinctively brushed her backside, her face flushing crimson once more. But seeing the teasing glint in Eros’s eyes, she gave a soft huff. "I hope those unique insights of yours are as... solid as you claim." With that, she also beat a hasty retreat.
Watching Claire’s quickening pace, the corners of Eros’s mouth curled upward. Undine, having overheard the exchange, blinked and asked curiously, "When did you fight for two days and three nights? How come I didn't know about that?"
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Eros laughed it off. "I was just bragging!"
"Oh," Undine replied, not suspecting a thing.
Soon, the group was back on the road.
"Do you want me to carry you?" Undine asked, looking at Eros with wide, shimmering eyes.
Eros blinked in surprise. "Why would you carry me?"
"Well, you didn't rest last night," Undine said as if it were obvious. "If I carry you, you can lean on my back and take a nap while we walk."
Eros glanced down at Undine’s slender, delicate shoulders. Sensing his lack of confidence, Undine immediately grew annoyed.
"What’s with that look? You doubt I can carry you? Stop stalling and get on! I'm going to prove it to you!"
Looking at her stubborn little face, Eros found it hard not to laugh. "You said it, not me!"
"Yup! I said it!"
And so, Eros climbed onto Undine’s back.
About one kilometer later... "You're so heavy!" Undine grumbled.
Two kilometers later... "How can you be this heavy?! Forget it! I... I need to rest a bit."
Eros couldn't help but chuckle. "I thought you were going to prove it to me?"
Undine’s face turned bright red as she defended herself. "Who knew you weighed so much?!"
Eros reached out and ruffled her hair, his voice full of warmth. "Alright, alright! It’s my fault for being too heavy."
"It is your fault!" Undine muttered under her breath.
Eros laughed, then leaned down and swept Undine up into a bridal carry.
"What are you doing?!" she squeaked in surprise.
"We’ve already fallen a hundred meters behind. If we go any slower, the others will have to stop and wait for us. If we keep wasting time and don't make it out of the fog zone by nightfall, what then? We might be fine, but what about the rest of them?"
Undine bit her lip. She knew he was right, so she stopped fussing. With a flick of his wrist, Eros tossed her onto his own back and began sprinting toward the main group.
Undine huffed twice. "Just so you know, you chose to carry me. I didn't ask for it."
"Right, right. I’m carrying you against your will."
"Hmph!" Undine gave a soft snort, then leaned down and nipped the side of Eros’s neck. "Bite you!"
Feeling the damp sensation of her tongue against his skin, Eros felt a wave of goosebumps. "What was that for?"
Undine didn't answer for a while. When she finally let go, she looked at the red mark on his neck and smiled triumphantly. "Hmph! That’s your punishment for bullying me!"
"When did I bully you?!" Eros was completely baffled.
"You doubted me just now—that counts!"
"Fine, fine," Eros sighed helplessly.
Watching Undine humming a cheerful tune on Eros’s back while swinging her legs, Joanie said in a low, hollow voice, "I often get the feeling... are those two just here in the Sin Realm on vacation?"
Shifreya nodded in deep agreement, while Ayesha gave a nearly imperceptible nod of her own.
"Dog, exactly how much strength do you have now?" Undine stopped singing and asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Eros thought for a moment. "I’m not entirely sure of the exact number. Probably six or seven tons... maybe more."
Undine’s jaw dropped, her face full of shock. She knew he was strong, but she hadn't expected it to be that high. "Is Elven strength really that great?" she whispered to herself.
"I’m probably an exception," Eros said quietly. "You should know the reason why."