NOVEL WEB Chapter 9 : After Fighting
Alice is currently lying on extremely arid ground that appears to have never been touched by water for decades.
For now, Alice wants to take a short rest because she is very tired, with only about 5% of her mana remaining. Alice is also trying to regulate her breathing, then she removes her helmet and places it right beside her.
"Unexpectedly, I didn't expect that having so little mana left would have such an impact,"
In the game Monsterland, if Alice's character runs out of mana, she would only suffer debuff effects that reduce her speed and agility. However, Alice didn't expect her body to become so weak due to her low mana.
The clouds of smoke slowly dissipate, revealing a beautiful night sky. This makes Alice quite comfortable lying down for a long time.
Like someone looking to refresh themselves after working overtime.
Arina then approaches Alice, and she seems to have taken off her helmet, revealing her beautiful face. She clips her helmet to the left side of her body with her left hand.
Behind Arina, the White Fox is walking rather slowly, and it seems to be running low on mana. This is because during the battle, the White Fox used magic attacks to target TADL.
Arina then reaches out her right hand to Alice with a gentle smile.
"Alice-sama," Arina says softly.
Alice falls silent for a moment when Arina extends her hand. In her previous life, only a few people had ever reached out to Alice, and it makes her slightly touched and nostalgic.
On Earth, Alice didn't even have any friends because most of her colleagues were too focused on their work, often competing against each other.
This is the first time in 15 years that someone has reached out to Alice like this. Alice is truly touched, but she decides not to shed tears.
Because she didn't have friends, Alice spent most of her time playing the game Monsterland and only had virtual friends in the game. That's why Alice almost played the game non-stop when she wasn't working or resting.
Alice smiles warmly and looks at Arina. Then she takes Arina's hand, and Alice stands up.
She doesn't forget to take her helmet.
"Thank you, Arina,"
"It is only right for me to serve my creator, Alice-sama,"
The White Fox then immediately runs towards the humanoid body of the True Abyssal Dragon Lord, which has been split into several pieces. It quickly picks up several items with its mouth by biting.
After that, the White Fox runs toward Alice and makes typical fox noises while giving her some of the items dropped by TADL.
Alice smiles and pets the White Fox's head for a few seconds.
"Thank you, throw all those items into my inventory,"
A small black hole appears near the White Fox, and it immediately puts all the items into that black hole.
"All right, Arina, let's go home,"
"Okay!"
Currently, Alice and Arina are seen walking towards the Tower of Azaroth, which is Alice's private base. Alice is leading the way, while Arina and the White Fox are walking behind Alice.
Alice takes a moment to think as she walks.
(Arina sees me as her Master or creator,)
(Then, have I been behaving appropriately as the Master or creator she expected?)
(I hope I haven't disappointed Arina)
(I don't want to let down someone who has high hopes for me; I'll strive to fulfill the expectations of my servants)
(Well, that battle was exhausting, but at least we managed to defeat the True Abyssal Dragon Lord quickly)
(If this were in the Monsterland game, I should have set a record, but that's in the past; let's forget it,)
"Oh my, Alice-sama, you're so amazing! Kufufu ~"
Arina praises Alice while giggling, and her expression looks very joyful.
Alice turns around as she walks because she hears Arina praising her. Of course, Alice is pleased, but she needs to make sure if Arina is genuinely complimenting her or if Alice misheard something.
"What is it, Arina?"
"Nothing at all," Arina says in a voice filled with happiness.
"But, Alice-sama, why did you decide to use your most powerful magic just to defeat those low-level monsters?"
Alice stops walking, still facing Arina.
"Why, you ask? This is a different world, and we shouldn't draw too much attention. If the battle isn't finished quickly, there's a chance that stronger enemies could approach, and we wouldn't have time to prepare."
"I see. But wouldn't it be better to use the True Abyssal Dragon Lord as bait to lure out hidden enemies?"
Alice thinks for a moment, and now she and Arina are facing each other.
(It does make sense, but it's still risky,)
"Can you explain in more detail, Arina?"
"Of course, so we would use the White Fox's origin skill to drive the True Abyssal Dragon Lord away from the area potentially threatening Azaroth, and then we would wait for other players to arrive,"
(Makes sense, but it still carries a high risk,)
"But, Arina, we don't have information right now. Of course, I believe in our strength, including yours, but without information, it's still high risk,"
"I apologize for my foolishness, Alice-sama,"
"This is a different world from Monsterland, and we must assume that there are still stronger enemies than us here,"
"So that's why Alice-sama wanted to quickly kill the True Abyssal Dragon Lord before any enemies come and to save valuable skills for preparation if stronger enemies arrive,"
(Yes, that's right, Arina. I didn't expect you to guess my plan so accurately,)
"That's absolutely right,"
"But I truly apologize for not being able to withstand attacks aimed at Alice-sama,"
Arina lowers her head.
"It's okay, Arina. You've performed perfectly in your role as Tanker and Support,"
Alice remembers a friend in her guild who had a similar Tanker and Support role, and Arina reminds her of that friend. Alice smiles after reminiscing.
(Such wonderful memories...)
Alice also touches Arina's cheek and gently lifts Arina's head to prevent her from bowing.
"Lift your head, Arina,"
"Okay!"
Arina's cheeks appear slightly flushed as Alice still holds her cheek, and realizing this, Alice quickly lets go.
"I'm sorry,"
"It's alright, Alice-sama; it's not your fault,"
"In that case, let's go home,"
"Okay!"
Alice and Arina then walk towards the Tower of Azaroth. On the other hand, Alice observes the aftermath of the destruction caused by her previous battle and swears to herself that she will fix it all later.
(I swear I'll fix this)