Floating Island - Triple S Talent

[Killed (Fryon - Solar Empowerment) exp +411,500]

The system notification echoed again in Lein's ears.

"Not bad... 400k exp," Lein said casually. The extra exp bonus he received had increased the amount of exp gained from killing monsters significantly. Even though he relied on tier-5 exp bottles to level up, 400k exp was still the equivalent of four tier-5 exp bottles.

Not far from Lein, Ayumi watched as Fryon shattered into pieces. A wide smile spread across her face, unable to be hidden.

"Finally dead," she exclaimed with joy.

Close to her, Elen, who was always calm, also smiled. Her lips curled slightly, eyes glimmering as she whispered, "That ugly monster is finally dead."

Outside the walls, the atmosphere erupted with explosive joy. Soldiers jumped up and down, tears flowing uncontrollably. Tight embraces between soldiers felt like a release from the heavy burden that had weighed on their chests for so long.

"Hahaha... our brothers' revenge has finally been taken!" said a female soldier, sobbing in the embrace of her comrade. Her crying mixed with laughter full of victory.

"Hooray! We won! We won!"

Their cheers echoed throughout, breaking the tension left over from the battle. Wide smiles and hugs replaced the fear that had previously filled their hearts.

Among them, Captain Kaito stood tall, watching his soldiers. A faint smile played on his face, unable to be hidden, as his hand patted each of their shoulders, offering unspoken congratulations. They had survived. That alone was a victory.

"Congratulations, Captain! Our mission is complete!" A soldier looked at him with bright eyes, full of pride.

Kaito bowed his head slightly, his once heavy breath now feeling lighter. "Thank you all... you are extraordinary," he said, his voice filled with pride and sincere appreciation. Every word was like a new energy enveloping them.

Lein, from a distance, observed it all. The laughter, tears, and cheers that echoed in the air. He could feel how frustrated and oppressed they had been, how darkness and fear had gripped them. But now, seeing how they celebrated, Lein knew that burden had been lifted.

Light footsteps approached. Ayumi, her eyes sparkling, stood before him. No words were spoken immediately, but her actions spoke clearly. She bowed deeply, at 90 degrees, showing full respect.

"Master Lein, thank you so much for saving us..." her voice trembled, revealing the deep relief and gratitude, even though her words were few.

Lein smiled slightly, looking at her gently. "You're welcome, Princess Ayumi. This is all the result of our teamwork," he replied. His warm smile reflected an empathy unseen from the outside, especially when he realized the great sacrifices made by the Japanese forces—many had fallen for this victory.

Ayumi was silent for a moment, staring at the man before her, who seemed kinder than her first impression. Not wanting to prolong the debate about the praise, she finally opened her communicator.

For a moment, her eyes scanned the stream of requests for help pouring in.

"Forgive me, Master Lein. I must go immediately. There are still many areas in need of assistance," she said, looking at the screen.

Lein nodded slowly, his expression remaining calm. "Alright... I won't hold you back," he said. As the strongest leader, he knew for sure the state of the battle right now, and everyone needed help. As president, Ayumi was responsible for aiding her allies.

"And don't overexert yourself either. The attacks from foreign invaders will stop for a while," Lein continued, reassuring Ayumi.

Hearing Lein's statement, both Ayumi and even Elen, standing beside her, were confused. "What do you mean, Master Lein?" Ayumi asked, somewhat hesitant. "Have the foreign enemies surrendered?"

Lein gave a small nod, then said with a slight smile, "You could say that... just wait for the latest news."

Ayumi actually wanted a direct answer from Lein, but seeing that Lein seemed unwilling to reveal more now, she could only nod and say, "Alright, I understand."

Elen beside her also nodded, though in her silence, her respect for Lein grew even more.

"So, what is your next plan, Leader Lein?" Elen asked, mustering the courage. At the moment, she had no intention of continuing the battle; she planned to return and restore her energy first.

Hearing the girl's question, Lein was a bit surprised, but he held back a smile at the corner of his lips.

Elen's gaze, mixed with embarrassment, made it impossible for him not to look at her with a gentle expression. "I will stay by your side for a while," he said softly but firmly, accompanied by a charming smile that made the air around them feel warm.

Puff!

Just after those words were spoken, Elen's body suddenly weakened. Her face turned bright red, like a balloon running out of air, and in an instant, she collapsed, losing consciousness.

But before her body could hit the ground, Lein was already by her side, swiftly catching her in his arms. Elen's breath was weak, but her face was calm, as if she were enjoying a sweet dream.

Lein chuckled softly, looking at the girl. "It seems I joked a little too much..." he murmured.

At the same time, Ayumi, witnessing the moment, gave a wry smile. Awkwardly, she stepped back slowly. "Ah... I should take my leave now, Master Lein," she said quickly, feeling the atmosphere around them shift strangely.

Without waiting for a response, Ayumi activated her Purple Lightning, and in an instant, her body disappeared in a flash of light, speeding away from Lein, who still held Elen.

Lein watched Ayumi's departure with a blank stare for a moment, letting his mind drift to the past. He recalled the times when he had once dreamed simply—a dream of marrying a Japanese woman. A small smile played on his lips, reminiscing about his youthful days full of hope.