Chapter 306: An Agreement for a Decisive Battle?

The two of them walked along the forest path toward the mine.

Freya’s gaze swept over the seemingly hidden mountain terrain as she couldn’t help but remark, “So your secret treasure is hidden here? If someone were looking for it, I doubt it would be that hard to find.”

Celia glanced at her sideways, her tone carrying a hint of disdain. “You’re overthinking it. Even if I told you the exact location, you wouldn’t be able to find it.”

“Oh?” Freya raised an eyebrow.

Celia didn’t bother wasting any more breath on her and quickened her pace. “Once we’re back, I’ll see him first. You wait outside.”

Freya’s gaze grew suspicious.

“I’ve already let you follow me this far; what reason would I have to lie to you now?” Celia said indifferently. “Don’t worry, I’ll let you see him. Besides—”

She gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Ansu probably misses you quite a bit, too.”

Freya nodded. “Lord Ansu was injured before and was corrupted by a demon's self-destruction. I need to examine and treat him, so don’t make me wait too long.”

Celia snorted. “As if he needs you. I already healed him long ago.”

“In terms of healing, you couldn’t possibly surpass me. Have you forgotten that I now have the blessing of dual divine power?” Freya shook her head slightly. “You’d best let me re-examine him. Don’t let your arrogance delay Lord Ansu’s recovery.”

Celia originally intended to continue her mockery, but the moment she heard it concerned Ansu’s safety, the words died in her throat.

She fell silent for a moment before saying awkwardly, “Fine...”

After that, the two walked in silence along the steep path up the mountain.

The forest wind carried a chill, and the sound of their footsteps was exceptionally clear in the silence.

Suddenly, Celia stopped.

“Freya.” She turned her head, her tone icy.

The atmosphere, which had just begun to feel slightly harmonious, came to a screeching halt.

“Right now, I do indeed need you.”

“But once our common cause is over, and once everything has settled...”

Freya stopped walking and watched her quietly.

“I will take action and kill you without mercy.” Celia’s voice was devoid of emotion, as if she were stating something perfectly natural.

“You mean...” Freya let out a helpless sigh. “After the World Ending Crisis has subsided and everything is over, we’ll have our final battle to the death?”

She really does keep her grievances and favors clearly separated...

There’s progress.

“Should we tell Lord Ansu about this?”

“There’s no need,” Celia said flatly. “This is a matter between you and me.”

Freya’s expression also grew cold. “Fine! If you show no mercy, then I will certainly give it my all.”

“Good.” Celia nodded slightly, turned, and continued forward.

Freya followed quietly behind her, watching her back.

After a moment.

She suddenly spoke up.

“Have you... ever thought of another possibility? Another ending?”

Celia paused and looked back at her. “What ending?”

“We don’t necessarily have to fight until one of us is dead.” Freya looked at her, having lost count of how many times she had lowered her stance and compromised before this woman.

There was no resentment in her tone, only sincerity.

“We could be friends.”

Celia was stunned for a moment, a flicker of bewilderment passing through her dark red eyes as if she had heard something inconceivable.

In her entire life, she had never had anything like a 'friend' by her side. As a selfish individual, she had never imagined someone would suggest being friends with her. She wasn’t used to this kind of relationship that seemed equal but was actually a mutual burden.

Seeing this, Freya tried to guide her further. “There are things you cannot do alone, and I can help you. In your life, do you really not need a friend you can trust? Not a lover, but just someone you can talk to?”

Just like her and Vera.

However.

After she finished speaking, she saw Celia’s expression grow increasingly disdainful and cold, and she couldn't help but feel disappointed.

“Oh... right.”

She lowered her eyes. “You’ve always been selfish and extreme; the concept of equality doesn’t even exist in your mind. A lone wolf and power-ist like you probably disdains such a ridiculous relationship.”

There was no malice in her words, only a hint of weary realization.

“Hmph...” Celia sneered expressionlessly. “After all that talk, you just want me to spare your life, don’t you?”

She turned her head away, leaving Freya with only her back.

“I don’t need friends, and I have never needed anyone’s help.”

Freya wasn’t angry; she simply shook her head gently.

“Then, let me put it another way... what about allies? How about being allies?”

Celia curled her lip, her face remaining cold.

But she didn’t object.

“Right now, in terms of strength, you are indeed worthy of being my ally.”

“Until our common goal is achieved, and before our final battle to the death, I will allow you to be my ally.”

Freya breathed a secret sigh of relief.

At least there was some sign of their relationship improving—at least until the final duel.

As they spoke, the two crossed the mountains and finally saw the sealed mine entrance.

Celia looked back and said coldly, “Wait here.”

With that, she turned and strode into the entrance, leaving behind only an aloof silhouette.

Outside the cave, Freya watched her back and sighed helplessly.

The pressure of dealing with that woman is just too much... how does Lord Ansu usually put up with her?

She paused, and a bizarre thought suddenly crossed her mind.

Could it be that Lord Ansu... actually enjoys it...?

...

On the other side, inside the mine.

Ansu, who had been trying to crack the magic seal for quite some time, was currently meditating with his eyes closed, slowly recovering his mana.

Celia appeared behind him like a ghost.

She looked at the splinters of bed boards scattered across the floor and instantly realized he had dragged the bed frame out with him. She was both annoyed and tempted to laugh.

Hmph, you’re not even feeling well and you won’t stay put. Do you really want to escape from me that badly?

Her low voice suddenly rang out.

“Don’t waste your energy. This is a 9th Circle magic seal...”

Ansu jumped in surprise and snapped his eyes open, staring at Celia, who had suddenly appeared before him.

There was a faint, almost imperceptible trace of fatigue on her face, but none of the murderous aura from battle. Her expression was remarkably calm.

It was a bit... strange.

Seeing him staring at her, Celia tried her best to suppress the surging emotions in her heart.

She reached up to touch her cheek, tilting her head in confusion. “Hmm? Why are you looking at me like that? Is my face scratched?”

“No, no...” Ansu hurriedly looked away.

The corners of Celia’s mouth slowly curled upward.

Just seeing him made her feel inexplicably happy, and all her worries seemed to fade.

Silly boy~

...