Chapter 418: Alone with Artemis

While Aiden and Artemis enjoyed the wonderful tranquility by the lake, the camp was an entirely different scene.

Hermes and the unfortunate adventurers had been dragged back, hanging their heads in utter defeat as they accepted the baptism of disdainful glares from the female adventurers.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Focalors appeared silently beside the suspended Hermes. Her voice was so soft that only the two of them could hear it.

"Ah, you're out. What are you talking about, though? I don't understand a word you're saying." Hermes swayed his body, playing dumb.

"I can tell," Focalors said, her voice as calm as still water, yet carrying unquestionable certainty. "That person is not Artemis herself."

Hermes's smile froze for a fraction of a second. He quickly pulled down the brim of his hat, letting out a soft chuckle. "Heh, I really can't hide anything from you, can I?"

"You purposely lured him to Artemis so he could better unleash the power of that spear, didn't you?" Focalors looked at him as though she had seen through everything.

"Yes." Hermes dropped his joking demeanor, his voice deepening. "Only when their hearts draw closer can the power of that spear be fully realized. Only then is it possible... to fulfill Artemis's true wish."

"Does it have to be this way? Is there no other method?" Focalors furrowed her brows.

"It has to be this way." Hermes gritted his teeth. "We are completely out of options. Whether it's time or methods..."

"He won't do as you wish. I know him," Focalors said flatly.

"Ah, I look forward to it." Hermes's lips curled back into a smile.

----

"The current Lady Artemis is truly very different." Looking at the goddess before him—who didn't mind displaying her charm and even showed a hint of playfulness—Aiden spoke softly. "If the real you were just like how you are now, Lante and the others... would probably be very happy."

Artemis's body trembled slightly. The smile faded from her beautiful eyes, replaced by a complex, indescribable emotion.

"You noticed," she said, her voice dropping a register. She turned her head slightly, as if afraid to meet his gaze. "I'm sorry for making you shoulder a burden that was never yours to bear."

"No, this is exactly what I should bear, Lady Artemis." Aiden's tone was dead serious. "It's fine. I will protect you."

In his eyes, he had had the ability to prevent this tragedy, but because of his past hesitations, it had still come to pass. Therefore, it was his absolute responsibility to fix it.

Artemis stared at him blankly, captivated by the absolute sincerity in his eyes. Then, as if she had just heard the most beautiful music in the world, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh. Her smile was like a night-blooming cereus under the moonlight—dazzling and genuine.

"I believe you," she said. "You are a hero, after all."

"A hero, huh... I wouldn't go that far." Aiden sighed. He never felt he deserved that title.

"Don't sell yourself short." Artemis took a step forward, cupping his face in her hands and forcing him to look her in the eye. Her tone was completely resolute. "I believe in you. You will become the strongest, greatest hero."

"If Lady Artemis holds me in such high regard, I suppose I'll just have to live up to it." Infected by her emotions, Aiden smiled back.

"Call me Artemis. Using honorifics feels too distant."

"Alright, Artemis."

The moment the words left his lips, Aiden's eyes widened. Artemis slowly leaned in, pressing her soft lips gently against his forehead.

"This is a Goddess's kiss," she said, taking a half-step back and smiling like a child who had pulled off a successful prank. "You are the first, and you will be the last."

Feeling the fleeting warmth and softness on his forehead, Aiden reaffirmed his resolve.

He was going to personally shatter this damned, preordained fate.

Artemis took a few steps back, wading into the shallow water once more. The moonlight traced a holy silver outline around her figure. She reached out her hand toward Aiden on the shore, her smile as bright as the stars.

"Let's dance. This is the first time I've ever invited a man to dance."

"I'd be honored." Aiden smiled, stepping forward without hesitation to take her cool hand.

There was no music. Between heaven and earth, there was only the rustling of the night breeze sweeping through the treetops and the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore. The moon acted as their sole spotlight, turning the shallow shoal into the most surreal stage.

Aiden held Artemis's hand, resting his other hand lightly on her waist. He wasn't a skilled dancer by any means, but in this moment, his body seemed to possess a will of its own. He led her, taking the very first step.

Their steps were slow and feather-light, as if they were gliding across the water. With every step, silver ripples bloomed beneath their feet, expanding outward to intertwine with the gentle waves rolling in from the shore, shattering into fragments of shimmering moonlight.

Artemis's blue hair danced in the night breeze, her strands brushing against Aiden's cheek, carrying the cool essence of the lake and her own unique, fragrant scent.

As they danced, dots of light—one, two, then hundreds and thousands—slowly rose from the reeds along the bank.

They were startled fireflies.

As if drawn to the two dancers beneath the moon, they converged into a flowing ribbon of light, spiraling and dancing around them. The gold-and-green specks traced dreamlike arcs through the air, enveloping them entirely, as if the entire Milky Way had plummeted down to offer its grandest blessing.

For a moment, all was silent.

The world seemed to contain only the two of them and the silent, star-filled sky above. They exchanged no words, merely gazing into each other's eyes, allowing their footsteps to guide their bodies. Within this dream woven from moonlight and fireflies, they felt the warmth of each other's palms and a profound, unspoken understanding.

----

The morning mist had yet to fully dissipate, and the air in the camp was cold and damp.

Standing tall on a newly erected platform, Artemis was fully armored, her moon-white battle skirt reflecting a soft glow in the faint morning light.

Below the platform, hundreds of adventurers stood in solemn ranks, forming a slightly mixed but entirely unified army. They had polished their swords, calibrated their bows, and shoved the last of their potions into their pouches. A tense silence enveloped everyone; only the plumes of their white breath quietly vanished into the air.

"As you all know, the area surrounding the ruins has been completely reduced to a monster nest." Artemis's voice was cold, yet it reached every single ear clearly. "Antares is accumulating power. Make no mistake, we are facing unprecedented difficulties. But do not cower, do not fear! In this battle... failure is not an option."

There were no impassioned slogans, only an unquestionable resolve.

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