Extra's Descent
Chapter 198: Push and Pull [1]

The journey continued from there as they had finally crossed the forest.

Throughout the entire time, there were several attacks from Frostwolves.

But Brandon and Amelia quickly dealt with them with ease. It became apparent to them that the Behemoth was caused by Aurelia's mana, spiraling.

As if it was something out of her control, Aurelia had never shown them any feats similar to the Behemoths.

She had no attack skills, and all she could do was materialize small crystal golems.

They were kind of cute.

The group stopped and set up camp.

"Channel your mana from your mana core."

"I'm trying."

With gritted teeth, Carl did as Brandon instructed.

But it seemed like he was having a hard time as his face scrunched up.

"It's fine, you've just barely awakened two weeks ago. For now, just continue to feel the mana around you."

"...Okay."

"Mhm."

Brandon nodded.

They took breaks throughout the journey. During these breaks, Brandon or Amelia would teach Carl how to use his mana and utilize his affinity.

At the moment, they needed to take Carl back to the human domain. Carl's journey was over.

There was no need to bring him along with them. It would only put him in danger.

But for Aurelia, Brandon was quite at a loss. He didn't know where to bring her.

She wouldn't tell them where the elven forest was. Or rather, she didn't even know where it was.

He couldn't bring her to the human domain. It would start an uproar, and who knows what the humans might do to the little elven girl.

The next time they stopped, Brandon and Amelia gathered Carl for another lesson.

The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves. They decided to stop there and set up camp.

Brandon sat cross-legged on the ground and motioned for Carl to do the same.

"Alright, Carl. Let's try again. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Feel the mana within you and around you. Let it flow naturally."

"Okay."

Carl closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Huuu…."

For the past few weeks, Brandon could well agree that there was improvement.

Looking at Carl, he could see faint traces of mana coalescing around the boy.

Amelia added gently,

"Remember, mana is like a river. It needs to flow freely. Don't force it. Guide it."

Carl nodded slightly, trying to absorb their instructions.

All of a sudden, the mana around Carl started gathering in his palms. And his figure started to emit a faint glow.

"That's it."

Brandon encouraged.

"Now, try to direct it to your hand."

Carl's brows furrowed.

But slowly, his palms were starting to emit an even brighter glow. The wind around him seemed to flutter.

"Good."

Amelia praised.

"You're getting there. It takes time and practice, but you're making progress."

"Hoo…"

Carl let out a breath, and his lips pulled up.

"Thank you. I'll keep practicing."

Brandon clapped him on the shoulder and nodded.

Turning his head to the side, there, he could see Aurelia—who seemed to be doing the same as Carl.

Her legs were crossed and her eyes were closed.

"Hah~"

Brandon stifled a chuckle, seeing the sight of the little elven girl puffing her cheeks.

Aurelia could already use some form of magic. Yet for some reason, it seemed like she was struggling.

Brandon approached her and Aurelia suddenly flinched.

"Oh?"

"Ah."

Aurelia shook her head.

"Sorry."

Aurelia seemed to be hyper–sensitive to mana. There were instances when she would sense danger coming from miles away.

And despite her small stature, Brandon could surmise that Aurelia wasn't a little girl at all.

With each passing day, Aurelia's English was improving. It wasn't as broken as when he had met her for the first time anymore.

"Aurelia."

She raised her head slightly as soon as she heard his voice.

"Yes?"

"Do you remember now?"

"...."

Aurelia shook her head.

"No."

"Okay."

Brandon could surmise that Aurelia had lost her memories of her past.

The only thing she knew was that she was an elf.

As to how she found herself inside the crystal tree, she didn't know.

Either that, or she was lying.

But Brandon could see how genuine Aurelia was. She meant no harm. She was just a lost elven girl with no memories of her past.

Brandon nodded and left Aurelia to her own devices.

Looking up, the sun was about to set. For the sake of Carl and Aurelia, they decided to rest for now.

Lowering his head, his attention fixed on Carl.

He was a hard worker. He continued practicing.

Since Aurelia and Carl were busy, Brandon decided to approach Amelia—who was preparing dinner.

"Need any help?"

"It's fine. You can sit back and relax."

"Sure?"

"Yes."

Brandon did as she instructed.

No, he didn't.

He appeared behind Amelia and leaned close to whisper something in her ear.

But before he did, he…

"Fuu…"

Blew on her ear.

"Hiee—"

She yelped, but instantly covered her mouth.

"Let me help."

Brandon whispered.

"Like how I'll rely on you. You can rely on me as well."

But truth be told, Amelia was an excellent cook. Even better than him even.

He wasn't that good, just passable. But Amelia on the other hand, Brandon could consider her a professional.

He was relieved.

Finally, someone who actually knew how to cook.

She was fun to tease.

And Brandon…

He was taking his time. Trying to score points with her.

He couldn't deny it anymore.

This girl beside him.

Amelia Constantine.

She was slowly capturing his heart.

But did she feel the same way as him?

He looked at her. Her full focus was on the stew she was stirring.

"Heh."

He chuckled.

He couldn't tell.

Amelia had tons of admirers. He could even tell from the way Carl looked at her as if he was smitten.

'Sorry, you have no chance.'

He didn't want to lose her to anyone else.

Push.

"Amelia."

She turned around slightly and met his gaze.

"Yes?"

And,

He neared her once again.

He suddenly leaned close, right behind her ear.

Pull.

"Will you give me a chance?"