Tears

[Relationship with Alissa:

Trust: 80 (Strong Bond)

Affection: 70 (Positive)

Sexual Desire: 80 (Strong Bond)

Fear: 10 (Negative)]

Aldebaran froze upon receiving the system's notification. "Don't tell me this is because of the Hand of God," he murmured to himself.

[The Hand of God heightened existing feelings.]

"Does that mean Alissa had thought of this before?"

His heartbeat quickened, the warmth of her skin against his and the subtle fragrance of her hair clouding his thoughts. For a moment, Aldebaran felt his mind slipping. His hand moved instinctively, reaching to stroke her back, but he stopped midway, hesitating.

Alissa sighed as she released her embrace. Her beautiful face was still flushed. "Thank you so much, Master. I feel incredible right now."

Aldebaran was aware of what was happening but maintained his usual innocence. "Good. Then, shall we continue?"

The woman nodded, though she seemed to struggle as she tried to stand. Aldebaran quickly stepped in to help her, their movements slow as they both rose from their kneeling positions.

"Your magic," Alissa said, her voice curious as her eyes darted around before settling on him. "How does it work?"

"What do you mean?"

"The sensation, it's... different. So intense."

"As far as I know, no healing magic feels like that. Even Goddess Thalendra's blessings don't have such an effect. But you, Master..." Her words were measured and filled with wonder. "Your talent goes beyond healing. It's not just meant to mend, it brings a deeper relaxation."

Alissa was naturally curious and quick-witted, a combination that made her special. It was no surprise she had earned the title of the best Prophet among her peers, renowned and respected not only in the town but across distant regions. Aldebaran held her in the highest regard.

"Well, I suppose that's what sets me apart from the Goddesses," Aldebaran said with a chuckle, shrugging his shoulders.

Just a few hours earlier, this same man had been hurled through a wooden door, an ordeal that might have broken his back. Yet here he was, acting as if it never happened. His resilience and ability to adapt impressed Alissa, solidifying her decision to follow him without regret.

"I agree," Alissa responded with a warm smile. "Let's not waste time!"

"Now that's the spirit!"

"You seem more energetic than before, Master," Alissa observed.

"Do I? Well, I can't wait to see the Orbivians up close!"

"After that farm ahead, we'll enter one of their habitats!"

The farm stretched out before them, a vast expanse of orchards brimming with colorful fruits. A red storehouse stood tall at the center, its walls weathered, accompanied by a creaking windmill that turned in the breeze.

Horse-drawn carts occasionally passed by, merchants steering their goods toward the town. The air was filled with the earthy scent of fresh produce and the rhythmic clatter of wagon wheels.

They climbed a small hill, leaving the farm behind and entering the forest once again. Unlike before, this forest was shrouded in a light, eerie fog that clung to the ground like a veil.

"Be careful here," Alissa said, her voice taking on a cautious tone. "The foliage in this area can be very poisonous."

Aldebaran's brow furrowed with concern. "Which ones?"

"Almost all of them," she replied. Her sharp gaze scanned the surroundings. "Just keep your distance from anything with those blade-like leaves."

Aldebaran swallowed hard, unease. While both of them could cast healing magic, that didn't mean they could afford to be careless. For now, he chose to follow every advice Alissa gave, trusting in her knowledge and experience.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air became thick and humid, reminiscent of the swamp lands Aldebaran had once traversed. The dense mist curled around them, blurring the edges of their path. He glanced upward, only to see the canopy cloaked in silvery clouds. Moments later, water droplets began to fall, dampening everything beneath them.

"Wait, is it raining here?" Aldebaran asked, his confusion evident.

"This... isn't normal rain," Alissa replied, studying a droplet that had landed on her palm. Her expression darkened as she examined it. "This essence could be extremely dangerous for humans."

"What? How does that even work?"

"We call it the Forest Tears," Alissa explained, turning to face him. "It's a natural defense of this forest—meant to harm humans who dare enter."

"So, in other words, humans aren't supposed to be here at all," Aldebaran concluded.

Alissa nodded, her gaze drifting to the towering trees around them. "It might explain why this area remains untouched despite its abundance of lush foliage. No one can stay here long enough to exploit it."

This was beyond reason—an entire forest adapting to repel humans. It was as if nature itself had decided to fight back, a response to the destruction humans had wrought on other continents.

"Let's hope the rain doesn't get worse," Alissa said. There wasn't much else they could do but move forward.

Alissa had insisted this was where the Orbivians lived, but so far, he hadn't seen a single one. No sounds, no movement—just the haunting stillness of the forest, broken by the relentless rain.

As if on cue, the rain becomes heavier, it turning the ground into a slick, treacherous mess. The dense downpour obscured their route, and even though they were resistant to its harmful effects, the sheer force of the rain was enough to slow their movements.

"It's no use," Alissa conveyed as she ducked under a fallen tree trunk. Its massive leaves offered some semblance of shelter from the storm. "We can't risk going any further like this."

Aldebaran took the initiative to cast out the White Ember, its soft glow illuminating the immediate surroundings. Yet, unlike in the swamp, the skill is less effective here—the dense rain absorbs the light, reducing its reach to a few feet.

"Yeah. Better we stay here until it subsides a bit."

"That light… can it be brighter?"

"Of course!" Aldebaran responded. "But it takes time. It still needs more refining and control."

"I see." Alissa nodded, lowering herself to the floor. She bent her legs and hugged her knees, her expression contemplative as her eyes stayed fixed on his skill. "Does it give off heat?"

Aldebaran noticed the subtle signs. Alissa's body trembling, her breath forming small puffs of mist in the cold, damp air. She was trying to suppress the chill. Meanwhile, he felt fine, his outfit apparently offering more protection than he'd realized.

"No, it doesn't," he said, referring to the White Ember's lack of heat. Without a second thought, Aldebaran shifted closer to her, sitting right beside her. With a quick motion, he unclasped the outer layer of his feathered cape. "But this might help a little."

Before Alissa could react, Aldebaran wrapped the cape around both of them, pulling her close into a tight embrace. Alissa froze as their faces were so close and she could feel his breath on her skin. She turned her head, her cheeks burning bright red.

"It's warm, right?"

She responded in a voice so low it was almost a whisper, "Yes… it is."