NOVEL NEXT Chapter 304 The Chains of Self-Esteem
Chapter 304 The Chains of Self-Esteem
Gazing upon Viviana, still bleeding from her wounds, and observing her status information, Tyler's heart was stirred.
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Viviana Scarlet - Magic Swordsman - Lv90
Life Energy: 373 / 5220
Endurance: 1002 / 3665
Magic Energy: 1870 / 5370
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Tyler didn't know what Viviana had been through, but he knew that she now had less than a tenth of her life energy remaining.
In this Labyrinth: Aqua Nest, her condition could be likened to a flickering candle in the wind.
Yet, even though she could barely take care of herself, she still wanted to repay Tyler's kindness first.
This undoubtedly placed Tyler's life as a higher priority than her own.
Tyler wouldn't shamelessly accept such help; on the contrary, he intended to help Viviana escape the labyrinth first.
Of course, the astute Tyler didn't forget his mission and would take the opportunity to probe for information about the Scarlet Family's plans.
However, there was a problem: Viviana's perception of Tyler was still primarily based on the "hunter youth" concept, which posed some difficulties for him.
Despite Viviana's seemingly amiable demeanor and her shyness after their intimate moment, she possessed the pride and self-esteem of a powerful warrior when it came to combat prowess.
One reason Tyler used the "Goblin's Secret Treasury" during their last magical exchange was to change Viviana's impression of him. Regardless of whether they would meet again after leaving the labyrinth or if Tyler would have a chance to formally pursue Viviana, gaining her recognition was a meaningful step for him.
.
Admittedly, in some emotional relationships, a strong woman and a weak man can form a loving bond.
Men can rely on pity, cuteness, and vulnerability to gain women's sympathy and transform it into love, which is one path to romance.
However, Tyler's approach was different; he attracted women by demonstrating his own value.
Therefore, whether or not Tyler was actually stronger than Viviana, he had to find a way to make her acknowledge that the hunter youth she once knew had become a more formidable presence than the "Silver Wasp Queen."
What truly mattered was Viviana's perception, not the "facts" such as levels, values, or battle records.
Tyler's first step was to make Viviana realize that her magic energy had been surpassed. Next, he would continue to demonstrate his growth to her in a "natural and unpretentious" manner. Helping Viviana leave the labyrinth presented the perfect opportunity.
"I do remember my exit, though do you remember how to get out of here, Viviana? You didn't enter the labyrinth from the Delis Town entrance, did you?"
Tyler didn't accept Viviana's proposal and instead expressed concern for her situation.
"I'll figure something out; you don't need to worry about me."
"How can I not worry about you? You're injured so badly."
Tyler gently touched the arrow wound on Viviana's thigh, causing her to wince in pain.
"Moreover, you just used such a powerful technique, which must have consumed a lot of magic energy. If you encounter danger again, won't you be unable to escape?"
Tyler's continuous questioning left Viviana speechless, and they both fell into a brief silence.
.
In truth, Viviana knew all too well the extent of her own dire situation.
However, she could not possibly accept the protection of someone weaker than herself. Neither her noble status nor her identity as a powerful individual allowed her to continue accepting Banning's help.
"I... I can handle my own affairs. Thank you for your kindness."
Viviana had no choice but to cut the conversation short. After she spoke, Banning finally relented, but he soon asked about other matters.
"By the way, why is Viviana in this labyrinth?"
"I..."
As she began to speak, Viviana hesitated.
The Scarlet Family's current operation required secrecy, so she could not divulge any information, even to Banning.
"I... I came to conquer the labyrinth, but... but... I didn't expect the monsters inside to be stronger than I anticipated, so I had to give up."
Viviana did not lie; she merely concealed part of the truth. However, even such a simple "lie" came out in fits and starts. The ever-innocent and honest Viviana was not adept at deceitful acts.
"I see. I saw some powerful individuals fighting monsters on the ground earlier, flying and escaping. When I saw you in the labyrinth, I thought they were your companions."
Upon hearing Banning's words, Viviana realized he must be referring to the Elders.
Viviana sighed inwardly, knowing that Banning had only seen the "spectacle" and not the "truth." Even the Elders were not the opponent of the labyrinth boss.
\Viviana did not want to deceive Banning, but she could not reveal her family's plans either. So, she remained silent in response to Banning's words, neither confirming nor denying.
At this point, the two had almost reached the exit of the ravine. A few more steps, and they would be back on the surface.
This meant they had to decide on their next course of action.
.
"Viviana, can you tell me where your exit is first?"
Banning asked a question Viviana could answer, and without much thought, she pointed out the direction of the Scarlet Family's labyrinth exit.
"So, it's that way! Well, it turns out we're going in the same direction!"
Banning was excited and immediately informed Viviana of the location of Delis Town's exit.
Based on their current positions, they could reach the Scarlet Family's exit first and then head to Delis Town's exit without taking a detour. Hearing this, Viviana was also invigorated, as it increased the likelihood of both of them returning safely.
"So, Viviana, let's not talk about who's escorting whom. Let's just head to the exit together. You can accept that, right?"
Banning changed his approach and made a new proposal to Viviana.
This time, Viviana had no objections, and she was happy to help each other.
—(Helping each other... isn't that what "friends" do?)
Viviana had always wanted a friend, but her family had always insisted on her actions being as secretive as possible, so she never had the opportunity to make friends. So now, as Banning became more and more like a friend, Viviana was overjoyed.
However...
—(If we've already kissed... can we still be considered friends...?)
Viviana was unsure of her relationship with Banning and could not determine her feelings towards him.
As the two returned to the surface, the red light pillar enveloped Viviana once more.
A few hundred meters away, a carefully laid trap began to close in on them.