The blizzard gradually weakened, but lasted for fifteen minutes before completely disappearing.
After everyone regained their vision, all they saw around them was destruction.
The flames Garnet started had also died down thanks to the snow that melted, but everything around them was now damp.
Ethan, who was standing beside Luna, used his left hand to pull her close to him as he scanned the surroundings.
The Ancient Wendigo might be inside Morrigan’s Ring now, but the Bronze Giant Snake was still at large.
Fortunately, it seemed that the Boss Monster had taken the opportunity to escape when the Blizzard descended, leaving the battlefield and returning to the Harrowing Desert.
Even so, no one lowered their guard and scanned their surroundings just to make sure.
Emma even used a Scrying Spell to make sure that they were truly safe from harm.
“I don’t see either of the two Boss Monsters in the surroundings,” Emma reported as she approached Ethan. “We are safe… for now.”
Ethan nodded as he looked at his Promised One, who was looking back at him with a smile on her face.
He couldn’t tell if Emma was aware that he had captured the Ancient Wendigo or not.
However, the Assistant Librarian, who had reverted back to her old, boorish, appearance, didn’t mention anything and simply stood a few meters away from him, acting like a loyal subordinate.
Luna finally sighed in relief before leaning against Ethan’s body, using him as support.
Although the Sea God’s Trident had boosted her Physical and Mental Abilities, it didn’t change the fact that the damage had been done and that she was physically and mentally drained.
Seeing how weak she looked, Ethan felt an ache in his heart. He wrapped his arms around her, assuring her that everything was going to be fine.
Luna nodded before closing her eyes.
Ethan’s protective embrace made her feel safe and loved. However, now that she was relaxed, she also felt very drowsy.
“Hold it in for a while,” Ethan said softly as he took the Sea God’s Trident from her hand. “Let’s look for a safe place for you to rest.”
“Mmm.” Luna hummed as she allowed Ethan to carry her like a Princess.
She was really too tired and could barely keep her eyes open. A few minutes later, she finally fell asleep, leaving everything in her lover’s very capable hands.
——————
A few hours later…
When Luna opened her eyes, she found herself lying on a makeshift bed.
The first thing she saw was Ethan, lying beside her and hugging her close.
After scanning her surroundings, she assumed that she was inside a magical tent given to them by the academy for this journey.
There was a magical lamp at the center of the tent, emitting very faint light that was just enough to allow her to see her surroundings.
Ethan didn’t want Luna to wake up in complete darkness, worried that it might trigger a panic attack.
For this reason, he turned the magical lamp to the lowest possible setting, allowing a subtle light to illuminate everything while allowing people to sleep peacefully without worries.
Suddenly, Ethan opened his eyes and looked at the angelic beauty in his arms.
“Feeling better?” Ethan asked.
“Yes,” Luna replied as she burrowed her head in Ethan’s chest, feeling his warmth. “Much better.”
The young man smiled and kissed Luna’s forehead while holding her close.
“Where are we?” Luna inquired.
“We’re still inside the Deathseeker Forest,” Ethan replied. “Everyone set up their camp and took turns as night watch.”
“It’s only past midnight, so you can go back to sleep if you want.”
Luna didn’t say anything and a silence descended upon the tent, lasting for a few minutes.
“Ethan, starting tomorrow, let’s separate from the others,” Luna said softly. “I want to be with you. Just the two of us.”
“… I don’t mind, but can you tell me why?” Ethan inquired.
The angelic beauty in his arms pulled back as she held Ethan’s gaze with a determined look on her face.
“Two times,” Luna replied as she cupped Ethan’s face. “I almost died from Wendigos two times. During the times when I was about to fall into their hands, I always thought of you. I regret the missed opportunities to tell you how I truly feel.
“As I stared death in the face, all I could think of was calling out your name and saying sorry. Sorry for not being brave enough to say the words that I wanted to tell you.”
A tear slid down the side of Luna’s face, as her lips trembled.
“I don’t want to have any regrets ever again,” Luna said softly. “Ethan. I love you. I want to be with you forever.”
She then kissed his lips and let her tears fall.
Ethan, who felt Luna’s determination, returned her advances and kissed her in return.
Soon, the rustling of clothes echoed faintly within the tent, making Lilith, who was hiding in Luna’s shadow, blush due to the scene that was unfolding right in front of her eyes.
Part of her wanted to stay and watch everything. But this idea of hers became impossible the moment she heard Ethan’s words inside her head.
“Lilith, make sure that no one disturbs us,” Ethan ordered. “Also, place a soundproofing spell outside our tent. Make sure that no one hears anything.”
“Y-Yes, Master!”
Lilith moved in the shadows and slipped out of the tent.
She then immediately cast several layers of soundproofing spells around the tent, making sure that no one would be able to hear anything.
Fortunately, Ethan’s and Luna’s tent was dozens of meters away from the others.
His Protectors also made sure that their tents were set up a few meters away from him so that they’d be ready to protect him just in case the Boss Monster returned.
Ethan didn’t tell anyone that he had captured the Ancient Wendigo for two reasons.
The first was that the fewer people who knew about the matter, the better. He was certain that Nightfall Academy would not sit still after knowing that he had captured their target, creating future troubles.
Second, he didn’t want anyone to lower their guards because, even without the Boss Monster, the Deathseeker Forest was still teeming with Magical Creatures that could ambush them in the night.
After making sure that the entirety of the tent had been coated with several layers of soundproofing spells, Lilith went to talk to Bridget, Sefarina, and Emma to tell them what was happening inside Ethan’s tent.
lightsnοvεl Naturally, the three ladies were surprised, especially Emma, who didn’t expect that the two teenagers would be bold enough to do the deed while others were nearby.
Because of this, the four protectors stood guard and made sure that no one would disturb their Master.
All of them knew that this was going to be a long night, and they probably would not get a single wink of sleep until morning came.