Free Web NovelChapter 61: Chapter 61 Feral Nexus Gamble
Elara’s POV
I proudly displayed my savings stash. Alistair’s expression tightened, pain flashing across his features. His brow furrowed deeply, eyes blazing with intensity.
"I’m sorry," he murmured.
"Why do you keep saying that?" I asked. "I’m not angry with any of you. I understand you’re all trapped here. I didn’t share this to guilt-trip you—I wanted you to see I can handle myself. Just concentrate on recovering and quit stressing."
I arched an eyebrow teasingly. "Or did I bruise your ego with my mad skills?"
"Of course not," Alistair replied softly. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
When you care about someone, guilt becomes your constant companion.
They were imprisoned, unable to shield me from harm—yet here I was, offering comfort instead.
"Then what’s eating at you?" I pressed.
"I’m still sorry," he insisted.
"You’re just wound too tight," I told him.
I tapped his metallic skull playfully, then wrapped myself around him. "Take me to the shower."
That’s what spouses are for—being pampered and put to work.
I’d already chosen to embrace them all—no sense playing coy now.
Alistair went rigid, though his arms responded automatically. My rapid thought shifts left him scrambling to catch up.
Joy crashed over him like a tidal wave.
With my warm, pliant form nestled against him, his spiritual energy erupted wildly. After a long period of silence, the control system’s voice rang through the sanctuary once more.
"Chamber Five, Alistair: Spirit collapse reduced by 3 points. Current level: 68."
Silas jumped up, his anxiety finally easing.
"What? Huh? Elara’s conscious."
——
In the quarters, Elara luxuriated in a long, hot shower. Alistair crouched by the bathroom door, listening to the cascading water. He burned scarlet internally, caught between anguish and shame.
There he sat, guarding the doorway, harboring no improper thoughts—just drowning in self-recrimination.
——
When I emerged on my long legs, Alistair’s gaze snapped upward, and his systems crashed entirely.
I stared, bemused.
Is this what pure innocence looks like? Brought down by a single limb?
But judging by the robot’s frozen condition, Alistair had retreated his consciousness. I clicked my tongue.
What incredible influence I wield.
I dressed and groomed myself swiftly. Two urgent priorities awaited—more pressing than checking on my husbands, and I couldn’t delay.
Reaching the greenhouse, I shrouded it once more with my wood ability before entering.
I hadn’t visited in a while. Countless tomatoes and strawberries had decomposed.
My heart shattered.
These weren’t mere tomatoes and strawberries. This was currency.
Produce like this didn’t exist anywhere in Glimmeraven Port. Pure profit.
Whatever. The spoiled ones would make decent compost.
I cleaned up the garden and gathered armfuls of vibrant flowers. Finished, I retrieved my prizes from that evening: the three B-class male insect heads.
Classic me—even half-dead, I never abandoned valuable loot.
Time to see what treasures they held.
I fought back revulsion and reached inside. Slippery and disgusting. I searched thoroughly—nothing.
"Damn. Completely random, huh?"
What if luck just isn’t on my side? Did I risk everything for zilch?
I gritted my teeth and probed the second one—still empty.
My temper began flaring.
Really? Two duds back-to-back? Where’s the justice?
Well... actually fair. Valuable items are scarce by nature. That’s why they command high prices.
Time for the third attempt.
I rubbed my palms together, crossed my fingers, and reached in anxiously. The instant I made contact, something solid met my touch.
Just like before, when my wood ability had instinctively absorbed wild spiritual energy, my Level 1 aqua power responded as well.
My pulse quickened. The moment my aqua power contacted the Feral Nexus, relief flooded through me.
My power interface appeared immediately after: Level 2 aqua power activated; combat skill: Water Weave—summons water-element creatures for assault, devastatingly potent but severely depleting.
I stared in shock.
Just end me. What kind of advancement is this? I’d be better off having Kaelen drool on targets.
Typical rotten luck.
Three B-class insects, one Feral Nexus. And to make matters worse, a massive attack I can’t use without completely exhausting myself.
Without reliable energy reserves to sustain it, this Level 2 aqua power would drain me completely.
I nearly wept.
But I reasoned with myself.
Fine. Something beats nothing.
I ground the three insect skulls into dust.
Worthless garbage. Only suitable for plant food.
