novelraw Chapter 243: A Fresh College Graduate? No Wonder
Chapter 243: A Fresh College Graduate? No Wonder
Abigail didn’t retaliate with a playful punch when Leon laughed at her.
After all, they were inside a dangerous mine. She wasn’t about to fool around and risk Leon getting caught off guard by a monster.
She knew perfectly well that there’s a time and place for everything. Messing around was best saved for somewhere safe.
When Leon finished breaking the rocks near the staircase and found no pit leading to the next floor, he led Abigail deeper into the mine.
“So dark.”
The farther they moved from the staircase, the darker it became. After walking dozens of meters, they could only see about a meter around them.
“No rush.” Leon, unfazed, took a torch from his backpack and lit it.
The torchlight instantly illuminated a five- to six-meter radius, opening up their field of vision.
“You actually brought a torch?” Abigail’s eyes lit up. With that warm glow around them, her fear eased.
“Of course. No one knows what’s in the mines. Better to be prepared—it’s safer that way,” Leon replied.In truth, he knew full well that floors 31 to 39 were pitch-black. In the game, without a Glow Ring or a torch, you couldn’t see your own hand in front of your face. You might even break open a staircase pit and not notice it.
Not to mention, Marlon had warned him about floors 31–39 during his first trip here. With accurate intel in hand, how could Leon not bring a light source?
Hearing this, Abigail felt a little embarrassed. Aside from her weapon, she had brought nothing else. And here she was, always talking about wanting to be an adventurer. Clearly, she had a long way to go.
Leon ignored her discomfort. He listened carefully for a few seconds, then shoved the torch into her hands.
“Hold it. Keep it up high.”
She quickly took the torch and held it aloft, not realizing this made her a prime target for any light-hating monsters.
Sure enough, as soon as she raised it, Leon clearly heard the sound of wings flapping grow louder and closer.
He drew the Galaxy Watermelon Knife, extending its length as he planted one foot forward, both hands gripping the hilt.
A sharp screech split the air. A shadow dove from above, aiming straight for Abigail. Leon leapt, his blade sweeping upward in a single, practiced motion. The shadow split cleanly in two.
When the body hit the ground, Abigail finally saw what it was—a massive bat with a wingspan over a meter. The cut through its body was as smooth as if a stone slab had been sliced in two.
“Amazing.” Abigail stared at Leon in awe. “How did you know? And you moved so fast!”
“I heard it,” Leon explained. “Aside from us, only monsters make noise in here. If something sounds off, you get ready.”
“And how did you know where it would come from?” she pressed.
“The sound was from flapping wings. That meant it could fly. Flying monsters don’t attack from the ground—they come from above. I had you hold the torch high to improve visibility above us, and because it would make you a clear target. All I had to do was wait.”
Abigail didn’t realize he’d just admitted to using her as bait, so Leon spelled it out. He wanted to teach her an important lesson—never trust anyone too easily in dangerous places.
But instead of being upset, Abigail just grinned. “Perfect teamwork. I knew I could help you.”
Leon stared at her oddly. “Did you graduate college yet?”
“Huh? Not yet. Why?”
“That explains it,” Leon muttered, shaking his head. He took back the torch.
“Let’s keep going. Next time we meet a big bat, you try taking it on.”
“Are you tired?” she asked quickly.
“Why would you think that?” Leon gave her a look. “It’s just a cave bat. One swing and it’s done. How could I be tired?”
“Then why have me fight it?”
“You came here to explore. You can’t just trail after me doing nothing. If you don’t have a proper fight, isn’t this trip wasted?”
“Haha, true.” Abigail scratched her face awkwardly. “But… can I really handle one on my own?”
“Have some confidence. You’ve been practicing swordsmanship for ages. These monsters aren’t scary—they can be injured and killed just like anything else.”
He gave her a reassuring smile. “Besides, I’ll be right here to back you up.”
“Mm.” Abigail nodded, looking more confident. She might not have caught all of what he said, but the last part was clear—Leon would protect her.
Pumped up, she took the lead, though she stayed within half a meter of him.
Leon kept the Galaxy Watermelon Knife ready, eyes sharp as he scanned the surroundings—not to protect Abigail, but to make sure he didn’t get ambushed himself. She had the protection of a magic talisman; he was still just flesh and blood, and a surprise attack would hurt.
No disrespect to college students—just a bit of teasing. And to those still in school or freshly graduated, no offense. By the way, this chapter was written during my lunch break. Now it’s back to work, no overtime please. Tonight I’ll be playing some SVE and thinking of fun ways to work it into Stardew Valley.
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