Mel POV
"System? System!" Mel mumbled. "Mind explaining what that rift thing is? System!"
Even through the
The Witch of Lust glanced at the air for the familiar panel. Nothing. Her System, for the first time, went radio silent.
[ Ah, Host! Sorry, the Saintess almost caught me again! ]
Frowning at the panel and suddenly darting out, Mel's suspicion of the System subsided. There are priorities set for the Witch of Lust: Harem, good ending, and kisses, lots of them. The rift could be considered a significant threat, and she needed information from the 'System' regardless of her guesses.
Her eyes darted forward before pulling Lila behind a boulder. "You know what that rift thing is?"
[ Rift? Ah! It's a
Mel tilted her head, unbothered by the
She mused and cast
Diving her unoccupied hand into her
But right as she read the System's response, she caught a glimpse of a
Bam!
A snow and ice barrier blocked the bolt, the sharpened water splattering into the wind. Mel watched as Lila's outstretched hand swiped mid-air, the
Splat. The
"Lila."
A squeeze in her hand, and her emerald eyes refocused. Her other hand moved to conjure an
Lila hung her head. "So-sorry..."
Mel's eyes scanned the forest. "It's alright. It takes time to get used to." At least it was when Mel first started using her magic to hunt.
The Witch of Envy felt the softness of Mel's skin. Smooth and milky, just as she remembered these past 3 months. She was reminded of that night they kissed, and how comforting Mel's hand felt around hers.
She shook her head. Her Mel had already hidden secrets from her. Hesitate again? And she might not keep up at all!
[ The Witch of Envy's resolve flared up! ]
[ Favourability: 69.9 -> 71 ]
New milestone! Mel excitedly tightened her hand over the blushing Lila, her eyes darting to the System panel.
[ Peeking from Saria's Report! The Rift seems to be an 'accidental discovery' instigated by the Cult! It is unknown what is inside that Rift! ]
"Alright then." Mel nodded, drinkig a
[ Nothing more! I'm withholding zero information from you, Host! ]
As she tossed the emptied vial away, a menacing grin curled up on Mel's expression. Against a (former) experienced anime watcher, the System's 'excuse' could not be more of a cliche, red-flag line to Mel.
"Mel-Mel?"
Glancing at the worried Lila, who was likely startled by her bloodlust, the Witch of Lust sighed and hugged her, burrowing her head into Lila's neck.
Chuckling at how Lila hiccuped and returned the hug on instinct, Mel stopped to think momentarily. Currently, while Mel was confident in winning against the Witch of Pride's familiar, the Witch of Pride herself and the Saintess were the sole exception.
Whatever came out of that rift, as long as it's not an awakened Witch of Wrath, would cause no issue for Mel. And based on her knowledge, Wrath's
"Unless..." She peeked at the System panel. "There's some information hidden away from me."
[ ...*whistle*]
Mel's eyes narrowed, feeling like she was scammed for a second-hand deal. As she was about to ask for more information, an explosion boomed across the forest.
[ Calina Forgevein: 42 -> 46 ]
[ Rosana Winterscourge: 37 -> 41 ]
[ Total eliminated: 101/123 ]
The Witch of Lust gazed to the South, where dust clouds kicked up. Unfortunately, she was currently trapped in the Exam Venue. For now, the only surefire method to examine the Rift herself was to finish the exam as soon as she could.
Nyxia. Keep an eye on the Rift and Saria.
Understood.
A couple of quick commands later, Mel readjusted her focus by rubbing her cheek over Lila's, the grumbling moan soothing her anxiety inside.
Most of them have been wiped clean thanks to her brilliant 'Grand Invitation' strategy and Lila's support fire on the Adept combatants. And all that's left are those hiding, and the two nukes responsible for eliminating most of the examinees.
The Witch's eyes curved at the two frozen combatants. "You two. Ever heard of the Geneva Convention?"
The two 'puppets' looked at each other in confusion. Unfortunately, due to the Saintess's overpowering presence, the concept of 'War-crime' preventions was non-existent due to nations' tacit agreement for peace and harmony that lasted for decades.
"Fantastic." Mel nodded approvingly, letting go of Lila with a slight regret. She could not stain her pure, blue bun for whatever travesty she was about to plan next!
"Hm... I see excellent talents in you two as Fire mages!"
Using a heightened pitch reminiscent of a cartoon villain, Mel approached them. "So, I shall give unto you the powers you desire!"
She took from the inventory two silver rings before handing them to her 'great-potential-arsonists'. "These will boost your
Mel smiled as sweetly as a neighbourhood grandpa would, as she uttered. "Burn the whole forest down. And flush out anyone from within."
Even when 'hypnotized', the two visibly shuddered at Mel's cruelty. The villainous strategy sent chills down the two's spines, imprinting a trauma they will never forget.
Mel watched the two dashing off with what they were fated to do all along, swelling with immense pride for herself.
Lila stood as the witness from the side, squinting her eyes in disgust. "Mel. I won't judge you since it helps us win, but... don't you think this takes things too far?"
"Eh~?" Mel pressed her fingers into her cheeks, mustering the most innocent, glitzy eyes she could. "It is the flames that killed them, not me. What could you be talking about, Lila?"
"..."
[ The Witch of Envy found your shamelessness almost unbearable, but your expression is cute, so it was glossed over! ]
[ Favourability: 71 -> 73 ]
"Hehe." Mel grinned. "I love you so much, Lila."
"Wha-what is with this all of a sudden...?"
Lila's eyes flickered away, pulling Mel's hand and leading ahead. "Come on. Mountains ' up ahead."
"Understood!" Mel laughed at the reddened ears she was all too familiar with. She wanted nothing to push Lila down now, but that could wait after the Exam and the Rift Issue.
-----------------
Soon enough, they arrived at a mountain. A vibrant green grass blanketed the broad slopes, inviting their steps to stroll upwards without much trouble. Mel surveyed the surroundings: no covers, tall bushes, or even a log in sight.
A perfect place for a final battle! After all, no ambushes could be had here without hiding spots.
A cunning glint flashed across Mel's eyes as they scanned the forest at the mountain's top. The smoke from afar that indicated the two 'Top Elites' battle drifted lazily towards the sky, bearing for all to witness.
In the meantime, another smoke rose on the right side of the forest, flames smothering the trees. The Duos' potentials were paying off magnificently, and Mel had only gratitude for their sacrifices before Calina or Rosana inevitably cut them down.
"Alright. Lila."
Mel clapped her hands together. "This is the final stage of our plans. Listen carefully."
The Witch of Envy's emerald eyes glimmered with anticipation. "You already have a plan in mind?"
"Yep!" She stretched out a hand. "A direct confrontation with them is impossible. We're against an Adept ranked
"That's why," Mel smirked as she presented something to Lila. "We'll cheat with the good-old, classic method."
While the
"Hm..." Lila held her chin. "Will this work? Even I can see it as pretty obvious."
The fellow Witch could picture the ending, though not precisely the climactic one she envisioned. Lila had hoped for a showdown that would prove her strength, to prove she could stand as equal to the top Elites, to Mel herself, enough to carry even one of her secrets.
"Mhm. Don't worry!" Mel put an index finger over her lips, signalling a 'shh'. "I promise, the Northern Heiress would be too ecstatic to see it coming."
"...mm."
The Witch of Envy was about to rebut for such a tactic, but their victories must come first. She would not allow her petty desire to fester, not now, not ever.
"Then it's decided!"
Mel smirked, before chanting. "