Selene panted, holding her injured arm as she stared at the corpse on the ground.

After a stressful battle of dodging and running around, she had finally stabbed the mutated lizard plenty times enough for it to die.

[You have slain a Level 21 Mutated Lizard! +9 Mana points gained!]

[You have leveled up to Level 19! +8 Stat points gained!]

Only after killing it did she realize how strong the beast was.

’Level 21, huh? Are there creatures at Level 30 already?’

She straightened, pulled out the ice sword that was already melting, took the single ability scroll that had been dropped, then walked away from the corpse.

Ensuring to remain more subtle, she eventually found a clue about Leon’s whereabouts.

However, what she saw wasn’t what she expected.

"How...?"

She saw the mutated gorilla’s body on the ground, its head severed completely. She couldn’t imagine how he could have killed it.

For a moment, she even thought it had been attacked by another beast that had killed it in the end.

However, the beheading accurately suggested that it had been killed by a blade.

Stepping closer, she gently brushed her fingers against its metallic fur, feeling its insane durability like a shield.

’I definitely can’t break through this unless I use up all my mana in creating a single sword.’

Sucking a cold breath, she straightened her back and looked at its head. The yellow crystal she had seen from afar was missing, causing her to turn curious.

Was it anything special?

’That’s not important, though. Where the hell is that fool?’

Selene looked around, her eyes narrowing as she tried to search for him. Soon, she found a suspiciously deliberate trail of footprints.

’Hm? These... seem like they were meant for me to see. Could it be a trap?’

She paused, eyes narrowing as she studied the footprints that led into the forest.

Unknown to her, Thyra was flying right beside her, reigning in the urge to facepalm.

’You’re too paranoid, girl! Just go take him already before another dangerous beast finds you both!’

Unfortunately, she couldn’t be seen by the silver-haired girl, and her voice definitely wouldn’t be heard.

So, she could only wait in exasperation while the girl made her choice.

Selene stared at the footprints for a full minute, then made a decision. The half-melted sword in her hand returned to its full length, as she poured more mana to make it stronger.

’If this were a trap... I’ll kill.’

She then followed the steps into the forest. However, she only needed to move for a few meters before she found Leon lying on the ground, unconscious.

’Huh...’

Squatting beside him, she confirmed he was truly unconscious before assessing his injuries. Although Thyra had covered him up again, it could still be seen that he was heavily injured in the battle.

"Idiot."

She delivered a sharp knock to his head, only for her to be surprised when he winced.

’He’s awake?’

Leon’s eyes fluttered open, the black pupils staring into the sky blankly before shifting to her face.

"Hah? Selene? Did you guys die too?"

She glared at him, then stood up. "Looks like you’re fine."

Leon snorted, then slowly sat up. His chest still hurt, but at least he could move. Only his left wrist still seemed like it wasn’t going to relieve him anytime soon.

’Ugh... damnit!’

"Where are the others?" He asked, looking at their surroundings.

Selene turned away, shrugging her shoulders. "Probably searching for someone."

"Huh?"

Before he could ask her to clarify, Thyra appeared beside him and spoke.

"Leon, it’s good to see that you’re okay. But you both need to get out of the forest soon. This place isn’t safe—especially when you’re this injured. Don’t risk it."

He glanced at her, sighed, and nodded.

"That aside, we have to return. Now." He said to Selene who still had her back turned to him.

She looked around and agreed. "Alright. Get up."

Leon’s lips twitched. "I’m injured. Assist me."

"Hah?" She wheeled around in surprise, glaring at him instantly.

However, seeing his condition, she swallowed her next words.

Suppressing the discomfort in her heart, she walked up to him and pulled him up.

A groan escaped his lips, and he almost toppled to the ground from how roughly she pulled.

"Stay still."

She immediately supported him, putting his right arm around her shoulder while she placed her other hand around his waist.

With her help, he was able to balance, and they got back onto the road.

As they passed by the gorilla’s corpse, Leon glanced at it and noticed the lack of shiny rewards or its soul crystal.

"It’s okay, I have them. Including your greatsword."

Thyra gently reassured him, waving her storage ring as she walked beside them.

He gave her an appreciative nod, then remained silent.

They passed by the corpse of the lizard too, which surprised Leon. Although he knew it wasn’t a Tier One creature, it was definitely strong.

"You killed this?"

Selene didn’t answer immediately. Only after walking past it did she nod.

Leon sighed inwardly. He had seen how the creature had died, and couldn’t help but feel a bit of pity.

Being stabbed several times in the stomach until you died was definitely not a smooth way to die.

Soon, they left the east wing of the university and found their way back to the field house, just in time to see Reymond, Samson, Gwen, Miguel, and Marie scouting the area for them.

"Selene! Leon!"

Gwen cried out and immediately rushed over to them. The others were also excited when spotting them, especially Marie.

"Boss!"

Reymond rushed over to them, his expression clouded with worry. "Selene. Are you alright? Injured?"

He was extremely shocked when he found out that she left without informing anyone. However, he was even more shocked now.

’Selene is... touching him?’

As far as he has known the girl for years, she always avoided basic contact with men, including handshakes. Only if ultimately necessary would she comply.

Yet, here she was, allowing Leon to lean against her for support. It was stunning, and he could barely hide his shock.

The ice-cold beauty shook her head to assure him as they all entered the field house.

Leon glared at the guy, almost sneering at his blatant bias.

’Can’t you see I’m the one who’s injured?! And why is there jealous in your eyes?’

Reymond was definitely a simp for the beautiful girl, and there was nothing that could convince Leon otherwise.

As if sensing his gaze, Reymond turned to him and said with an awkward smile.

"Uh... Leon. You look injured."

Leon’s glare intensified. ’No, your father! I’m very fine!’

After receiving greetings from them all, Leon asked Miguel to support him to his private room before sending the guy out.

"Now, Thyra. Do the thing."