Chapter 426: Embarrassed Lefiya

Lefiya, severely injured and barely able to stand, clenched her teeth and forced herself upright.

"I am Lefiya Viridis, an elf from the Forest of Vincennes, bound by contract to the god Loki and a proud member of the most powerful, most glorious, and greatest Familia in Orario! How could I fall here?!"

Overcoming her fear and pain, Lefiya gripped her staff tightly and began to chant a spell under her breath.

"In the name of Vincennes, and by my will, I call upon thy power!"

As she uttered these words, a surge of magical energy began to gather around her. Lefiya braced herself to unleash her spell—

CRACKLE!

A massive bolt of lightning suddenly tore through the sky, striking the three enormous Venomous Demon Flowers that loomed before her. The monsters were instantly reduced to ash, leaving only a few glowing magic crystals behind.

"Wha—?" Lefiya froze in confusion. Had she done that? No... She had just found her courage! How could everything be resolved so effortlessly?

Meanwhile, Tiona, Tione, and Ais, who had been battling nearby, noticed the sudden lightning strike. However, the figure responsible didn't linger. Assured that the girls were safe, he turned and departed without looking back, leaving behind only his striking silhouette.

"Alexander?! That was him! He's incredible!" Tione exclaimed in awe. Tiona nodded enthusiastically beside her.

Ais, however, lowered her head in silence.

"I... I didn't even get the chance to thank him," she murmured softly, a hint of regret in her voice.

In the aftermath, Alexander landed gracefully elsewhere in the city. The thunderstorm had dissipated, leaving behind piles of monster corpses. Alexander exhaled, dismissed the holy sword in his hand, and gently set Hestia down.

"Let's go," he said calmly, preparing to leave.

Before he could take another step, Ais's voice called out from behind him.

"Alexander, wait!"

He stopped and turned around, seeing Ais running toward him.

"What's the matter, Ais?" he asked, already scanning the area for water to quench his thirst.

"I..." Ais began, taking a moment to steady herself. Finally, she bowed slightly and said in a soft voice, "Thank you."

"Thank me?" Alexander blinked. "Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

It had been a casual effort on his part, not something he considered worth much acknowledgment. Without another word, he turned to leave again, pulling Hestia along with him. But Ais stopped him once more.

"Alexander..." Her voice was quieter this time, and her usually stoic demeanor was replaced with an uncharacteristic awkwardness.

Alexander frowned slightly. "What is it, Ais? Is there something else?"

Noticing Ais's expression, Hestia narrowed her eyes suspiciously. She clung tightly to Alexander's arm, her tone defensive.

"What do you want, girl?! Don't tell me you're after Alexander too! No, no, no! Alexander is mine—ours! I won't let you have him!—Ow!"

Hestia's tirade was cut short as Alexander flicked her forehead.

"Enough of that nonsense," Alexander sighed. Turning back to Ais, he asked again, "Ais, what is it?"

Ais hesitated for a moment before finally blurting out her question.

"Alexander, can you tell me how strong you are? Are you... Level 7?"

Her curiosity was palpable. To Ais, Alexander had become a goal—a symbol of the strength she aspired to achieve.

Alexander, however, shook his head with a faint smile. He understood her determination, but he also knew how vast the gap between them truly was.

"You're only Level 5 now. If I told you the truth, it might crush your confidence. Keep working hard, and when you've proven yourself to me, I'll let you know."

With that, Alexander walked away, his departure as effortless as his earlier feats. Ais stood frozen, watching him leave, her thoughts swirling.

Seeing her dazed expression, Tione approached with concern.

"Ais, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Ais replied quietly, though her mind lingered on Alexander's parting words. Level 5 isn't enough?

Clenching her fists, she made a silent vow. "Next time we meet, I'll gain your approval. No matter what it takes."