Chapter 41: The End of the Expedition

When I came back to the camp where Emea and others were, it was late in the evening.

I saw a lively scene, all the girls in addition to Snow were chatting and laughing around a big table filled with foods.

Emea and the others noticed my arrival, Emea beckoned me to come sit beside her, so I did.

Kaguya served me my food, however before I could eat Snow sat on my lap and started eaten it. I watched her powerlessly as she swallowed everything.

'' Snow, you've your own serving why do you eat Kyle's serving instead of yours? It not good to do something like that. You must let Kyle eat while you eat yours. '' rebuked Emea

'' Let her be, Mea. I'm not even hungry, she can.. ''

I stopped talking when I noticed Emea was glaring at me.

'' I understand Big sister Mea. So, don't be angry. I just wanted to tease husband a little. '' Snow responded weakly.

Oh! It seems that Emea has succeeded taming Snow for her to be this respectful.

'' Snow, come sit beside me. '' Emia asked.

'' Oh! Why would I do that? I don't want husband to mistaken thinking that I'm part of your game. Do you think he's blind? Let me tell you... ''

''Snow, what are you talking about? " I stopped her and asked as though I don't have any clue about what she was talking about.

'' Nothing that concerns you, Kyle. '' Emia responded while using her hands to block Snow's mouth to stop her from speak any further. Emea and Nui looked down ashamed to look at me. Kaguya was laughing, Nemesis as well. The remaining girls looked blankly at Emea, Emia, Nui, and Snow alternatively, totally obvious to what they are talking about.

'' I see. I'll let you chat between girls then. "

After saying this, I stood up but I was stopped by Kaguya, the latter asked me a question.

'' Don't be so hasty Kyle, sit down. We sisters would like to know about our new sister. Emea and Nui had said you will explain about her once you came back. So, we are listening. ''

'' There's nothing much to say. Snow and I were childhood friends back in our hometown. Our parents knew each other and because of how close the two of us were, they decided to let us marry each other once we will be adults. I sneaked out and here I am. I never thought that Snow would have also followed me shortly after I was gone. She loves me too much. I don't know how she had known that I was here and to think she will come even knowing how dangerous this forest is. I'm extremely moved. '' I explained and acted as though I was truly moved to tear.

Emea, Nui, Emia, and Nemesis were looking at me wondering how I could fabricate that kind of lie. They are clearly astonished.

As for the remaining girls with the exception of Kaguya, they were extremely moved by my fake story, they were even crying, praising Snow for her loyalty. As for Snow, she was looking at them as if she was looking at some idiots. How could you believe that kind of lie, she quietly muttered.

Kaguya looked at me and muttered. ' Do you think I'm an idiot?'. I winked at her while muttering that I will explain things to her later on.

I left the girls and went to sleep. It not like I'm sleepy, It was just I was running from their constant questioning. If I'd stayed any longer, I could have let something slip, that could blow up my lie. So, I tactically chose to retreat by saying I was sleepy.

It seems the girls went to sleep two hours after me. Snow wanted to sleep in my tent, but Emea stopped her and said they need to talk between sisters. Snow reluctantly agreed.

The next day, we continued our adventure but this time with a New member, Snow. Only a few days remain before this Expedition comes to an end.

≛≛≛≛≛

Time steadily flowed in the Lost Forest, as the remaining days of the Expedition come to an end.

Today is the day we go back to the academy. In order not to attract too much attention, I decided to separate myself from the girls and go to the meeting place myself. Emea and others agreed but suggested that Snow should follow me.

So, I and Snow are on our way towards the meeting place.

'' Snow, You won't visit your subordinates before going back with me? '' I asked Snow.

'' Not really, they will be fine on their own. They are independent, they can think for themselves. So, don't worry, husband. '' Snow responds

''I see, it's good then, but won't you feel lonely not to see them for a while?'' I raised another question.

'' Why would I? Don't I have you, husband? You're my new home, my husband for life. I'll always stay by your side even if it comes a day you don't want me anymore. '' Snow tilted her head and said in a matter of fact. As if it's obvious.

I felt extremely moved. So, I caressed her Snow-white hair, they felt nice like silk. I vowed to protect her.

[Pathetic, truly pathetic, you a... You must act like a tyrant and dominate your women, instead, you're loving them. Something like love is unnecessary for us. I don't understand you] suddenly said the mysterious entity inhabiting inside my soul.

' So, it's Black. Welcome back, I was wondering where you've been since our last conversation. I thought maybe you left. However, to think that you were still around, Truly detestable.'

[Black? Huh! a nice name I like him. Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm going to be around for a while. I'll disappear when you'll accept who and what you are. In the meantime, I'll keep you company. Then take care of me. Soon you will come to accept me because you have already begun to change. The old you would never decide to have all the beautiful women you'll like. Hahahaha! Soon you will totally awaken. ] Black said, but I couldn't hear the last part of what he was saying.

' I will never treat my women coldly nor I want a loveless relationship. So, Forget about that, I didn't hear what you said after taking care of me. Can you repeat it? ' I asked.

[Forget it] Black responds refusing to repeat what he had said no matter how many times I asked him.

Suddenly, I heard Snow's voice and opened my eyes to see her in front of me looking at me.

'' Oh! You're finally back when we were walking, you suddenly stopped and close your eyes. No matter how many times I called you or shake you, you didn't wake up. So, I chose to wait for you by admiring your face instead of continuing to try to wake you up. '' Snow explained.

'' I see, now I'm back. I was thinking about something it's why. Let's go. '' I said and we continued walking.

Half of an hour later we came out of the Forest to the meeting place.

In front of us were students from the Second year and Third year, compared to the initial Two thousand students that came at the beginning, the remaining students here numbered around five hundred at most. It shows how hard this Expedition was.

When we came out, all eyes were on us, especially Snow because of how beautiful she was, because of her Goddess class beauty, the same category as Emea, Emia, Nui, Nemesis, and Kaguya. Also, she is a new face, they were sure to have never seen her or heard about this White-haired girl even once.

Leon and Luxor expression were really ugly, when we looked at each other, I winked at them with the corner of my mouth curled up forming a smirk. Leon's face darkened.

Lumis and Grimm expression changed but they gritted their teeth when they saw Snow. I'm sure they must have felt her real cultivation and what she truly was. I even saw Angel, I secretly winked at her and she snorted and look away. I joined Emea and others avoiding Principal Jasmine's questioning gaze. She can only let out a sigh and vowed to question me later.

'' Welcome back students. I'm glad that you made it back, even if it's few students that managed to last until the end, Four hundred and seventy (470) to be exact. Like I said at the beginning for those who will manage to last until the end of the Expedition will be rewarded with Five hundred points (500) besides the point you'll earn from the mutated Beasts you have killed. Sadly, ten students lost their lives on the two thousand and fifty that came in the beginning. It pains me but it how life works. I hope you will be more prudent in the future. Let's go back to the academy I'm sure you all missed your warm bed at the academy. Each one of you will give back his/her black bracelet. Later, your respective teacher will inform you of your rankings. '' Jasmine said before asking the teachers to get us in order before teleporting us back.

After a few minutes everybody was ready and Principal Jasmine waved her hands teleporting us back to the academy.

Each student, myself included had returned the black bracelet we were wearing, before returning to our respective dorms.