100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full? Chapter 548 - Love

Lucien embarked on a quest to find Lilith.

Having ascended to the Eternal Realm, she had deliberately erased her name from the annals of the universe.

Nevertheless, a peculiar thing happened: Lucien’s memory of her remained entirely intact.

Genesis Forger. That was the new designation she adopted for herself.

However, others in the realm had begun to refer to her as the Divine Forger.

It wasn't long before Lucien located Lilith standing at the precipice of the Stillness Palace.

She was positioned alone, gazing down upon the expanse of Lootwell.

A gentle breeze swirled around her person. She maintained her customary posture: upright, radiating dignity, strength, and an aura of composure.

Yet, from the rear, she presented a solitary figure.

Lilith had already attained the Eternal Realm. Her very essence possessed a depth and stability that would typically impose a sense of pressure on ordinary individuals simply by being in close proximity.

Still, in that precise moment, an unexpected thought crossed Lucien's mind: she resembled a child who had misplaced something cherished and was feigning indifference, as if merely stepping outside to observe the weather.

A tightness gripped his chest.

The knowledge that she held affection for him did not alleviate the difficulty of the situation.

He harbored no desire to inflict pain upon her.

However, he also felt an aversion to becoming the sort of individual who passively accepted affection merely because it was offered.

Seraphine had previously conveyed that she was amenable to him forming other significant connections.

This notion, however, had yet to bring Lucien a sense of ease.

This was not a matter of political arrangement.

This was not a transactional agreement.

This involved a heart.

And hearts, it turned out, were considerably more complex than Origin Core fragments, Abyssal Arch-Lords, or even dungeon batteries.

At the very least, those tangible items possessed discernible connections.

Lucien drew a slow breath.

Then, he began to walk forward.

"Sister Lilith."

Lilith turned toward him.

An immediate transformation occurred.

Her eyes, prior to any conscious effort to conceal it, lit up with recognition.

The sense of loneliness evaporated with such rapidity that Lucien felt an intensified pang of guilt for having perceived its presence.

She adjusted her stance, standing straighter.

"Luc..."

Her voice, though, remained serenely modulated.

He offered a gentle smile and stopped beside her.

For a span of moments, a comfortable silence settled between them.

Far below, Lootwell shimmered with countless sources of light. The distant sounds of laughter could be faintly heard. The territory itself seemed to breathe, alive and expansive—much of it existing because Lilith had constructed what Lucien could only envision.

Lucien’s gaze first swept across the cityscape.

Then, he spoke, "Thank you."

Lilith’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"For what?"

"For dedicating such immense effort," Lucien replied. "For establishing the branches. For taking every improbable request I casually make and manifesting it into reality before I could even second-guess the unreasonableness of my words."

Lilith’s lips drew together subtly.

"That is my responsibility."

"It is far more than mere responsibility."

She averted her gaze.

Lucien continued, "Primarily due to your contributions, the West Continent achieved stability at an unprecedented pace. Lootwell’s branches were erected ahead of schedule. Our influence extended significantly. Our people found secure housing, thriving halls, bustling markets, safe roadways, and robust defenses, all because you persevered in your building efforts."

He turned to face her fully.

"And I have been remiss in expressing something else."

Lilith’s attention shifted back to him.

Lucien carefully produced the wrapped hammer.

"It is perhaps belated, but congratulations on your attainment of the Eternal Realm."

Lilith became completely motionless.

Lucien extended the gift with both hands.

"I fashioned this for you."

For several drawn-out breaths, Lilith remained frozen.

Then, with deliberate slowness, she lowered her gaze.

The covering fabric was carefully unwrapped.

Dawnbirth Anvilheart was revealed, resting within Lucien’s hands.

Lilith’s tightly pressed lips parted slightly.

A minute fracture appeared in the composed facade she presented.

It was just enough for Lucien to glimpse the young woman beneath the veneer of her Eternal status.

"You forged this?" she inquired.

Lucien offered a confirming nod.

"For you."

Her hand tentatively rose, then paused midway, suspended in the air.

It was as if she feared that making contact might shatter the delicate harmony of the moment.

Lucien smiled encouragingly.

"It ought to harmonize with your Law of Genesis Forging. The handle is specifically attuned for divine-vessel responsiveness."

Lilith’s attention was fixed upon him.

Then, her gaze drifted to the hammer.

Subsequently, it returned to him.

Lucien added, with a hint of helplessness in his tone, "I simply thought you might appreciate a hammer."

For a single, suspended heartbeat, silence reigned supreme.

Then, a soft sound escaped Lilith – laughter.

It was gentle, tinged with surprise, and filled with an almost overwhelming happiness.

She reached out and accepted the hammer.

The instant her fingers closed around the handle, the artifact seemed to awaken.

A subtle pulse surged through her entire being.

Her innate Law responded in kind.

The aura of Genesis Forging enveloped her. The hammer adjusted itself within her grasp, its weight shifting until it felt perfectly balanced for her hold. Intricate golden inscriptions briefly traced along the handle and flowed into her palm, vanishing thereafter as if absorbed directly into her veins.

Lilith’s eyes began to emit a soft glow.

She drew in a sharp breath.

Lucien observed her expression transition from initial surprise to profound wonder, and finally, to something akin to sheer reverence.

"It… it responds," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

"It is designed to."

"No," she insisted, tightening her grip on the artifact. "It truly, profoundly responds."

The hammer emitted a single, resonant hum.

A smile spread across Lilith’s face.

It was a smile of pure, unadulterated joy.

Lucien had witnessed her expressions of satisfaction on numerous occasions previously.

However, he had never before seen her smile in quite this manner.

The sight of it momentarily caught him off guard.

For a fleeting, almost absurd instant, he found himself unable to recall what he had intended to say next.

Lilith’s smile widened further, radiating warmth.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice resonating with genuine emotion. "I truly like this."

Lucien swallowed once, the sound audible in the quiet.

"I am glad."

Following this exchange, they remained together, standing at the edge of the terrace.

Their conversation commenced with a degree of awkwardness, but it gradually softened, becoming more fluid and natural.

Lucien let out a chuckle.

Lilith joined him, her laughter light and airy.

The pressure around her gradually lessened.

For a time, they were merely old companions standing high above a city they had brought into existence together.

Then, silence descended once more.

This silence felt distinct from the previous.

Lilith observed the hammer clutched in her hand, its metallic gleam contrasting with the distant city lights.

Her voice, when it eventually emerged, was hushed. "I had believed that by working diligently enough, I would become too occupied to entertain foolish notions."

Lucien's expression softened perceptibly.

"Did your strategy prove effective?" he inquired.

"No," she replied simply.

Lucien offered a slight smile. "At the very least, the branches of the great tree have seen benefit."

Lilith turned her gaze upon him.

A moment later, both began to laugh.

The sound of their laughter slowly waned.

As it faded, Lilith looked directly at him, her gaze unwavering.

All pretense was gone now.

"I believe I have developed feelings for you," she confessed.

Lucien became utterly still.

Perceiving his reaction, Lilith let out a soft laugh.

Then, she gently shook her head.

"No," she corrected herself, her tone almost tender. "That description feels insufficient."

Lucien instinctively straightened his posture.

Lilith's eyes remained fixed on his.

"Perhaps... it is love."

A gentle breeze stirred the air between them.

Lucien felt a bead of sweat form at the nape of his neck.

He desperately wished to articulate something profound.

Yet, regrettably, every coherent thought that might have served him seemed to have abruptly fled the Stillness Palace, abandoning him entirely.

Lilith took a step closer.

In that instant, she appeared remarkably youthful.

Not vulnerable. Nor unsophisticated.

Simply genuine.

And her unvarnished honesty made her radiance undeniable.

"I am aware that you are already involved with someone," she stated. "I know Seraphine holds significant importance for you. That knowledge used to fill me with apprehension."

Lucien finally managed to find his voice. He began, "Sister Lilith..."

She gracefully raised a hand, signaling him to pause.

"Allow me to conclude," she requested.

He fell silent again.

Lilith offered a subtle smile.

"I distanced myself from her because observing her presence made the truth more difficult to conceal. She is beautiful, formidable, and resolute. She stands by your side in a manner I once felt I had no standing to question." Her voice softened further. "However, I can no longer evade my own emotions. If I cannot even confront my own heart, then what right do I possess to claim the title of an Eternal?"

Lucien simply stared at her.

Lilith chuckled softly.

"I am not soliciting an immediate answer to everything tonight."

Reaching out, Lilith extended her hand.

Her fingers lightly grasped his collar.

Initially, the touch was gentle.

Then, it was imbued with the undeniable power characteristic of an Eternal Solhorn.

She drew him nearer.

Lucien possessed the capability to resist.

Perhaps.

Potentially.

He chose not to ascertain the certainty of this.

For a single, suspended moment, Lilith gazed deep into his eyes.

Then, she kissed him.

The kiss was not timid.

Nor was it hesitant.

It wasn't possessive, either.

It was a self-evident declaration.

Lucien's eyes widened in surprise.

Then, for the briefest fraction of a second, all thought ceased within him.

When Lilith finally drew back, a faint blush colored her cheeks.

Yet, she wore a smile.

A genuine smile, returning after a long absence.

"Now," her voice was softer but carried a new lightness, "I can focus on my work properly."

Lucien remained dumbfounded.

"What?" he managed.

Lilith stepped away from him.

Then, before he could fully process her actions, she launched herself from the edge of the Stillness Palace.

With her hammer held firm and her hair streaming behind her, Lilith descended towards Lootwell below, her laughter echoing upwards like the joyous peal of freedom's bells.

Her laughter was unrestrained, bright, and utterly unburdened.

Lucien remained fixed to the spot, unable to move.

His collar bore a slight crease.

His lips retained the lingering memory of her kiss.

His mind, however, was embarrassingly delayed in comprehending the entire sequence of events.

Slowly, he raised a hand and touched his forehead.

His thoughts turned to Seraphine.

Then, they shifted to Lilith.

He considered the undeniable fact that he had offered no resistance.

Not in any meaningful way.

Perhaps, not at all.

He then lightly struck his own forehead with the heel of his palm.

He muttered, "I'm a fucking scumbag."

A voice from behind him responded, "At least you possess self-awareness."

Lucien froze in place.

With deliberate slowness, he turned around.

Seraphine stood by the entrance to the terrace.

Her arms were crossed before her.

Her expression was composed, betraying no outward emotion.

Lucien's soul felt as though it were attempting to abandon his body.

"Sera," he stammered.

She regarded him with her gaze.

Then, she glanced in the direction Lilith had departed.

Finally, her eyes returned to him.

She remained silent for several long moments.

Lucien contemplated the possibility of leaping from the terrace himself.

At last, Seraphine emitted a soft sigh.

"You truly are beyond hope."

Lucien opened his mouth to speak.

However, Seraphine moved closer, stopping directly in front of him.

"Did you kiss her?" she inquired directly.

Lucien stared at her, speechless for a moment.

"I..." he hesitated. "She kissed me."

Seraphine's eyes narrowed slightly.

"And you actively resisted?" she pressed.

Lucien offered no verbal response.

Seraphine gave a slow nod.

"At least you are not attempting to deceive me."

Lucien lowered his head, a gesture of resignation.

"I offer my apologies."

She studied him intently.

Then, to his considerable surprise, her expression softened.

"I informed you previously," Seraphine said calmly. "I harbor no fear of another person loving you."

Lucien looked up, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

She continued, her voice steady, "My concern stems from the possibility of you acting foolishly, causing hurt to others because you refuse to understand the depths of your own heart."

Her words struck him with a profound impact, far more deeply than he had anticipated.

Seraphine reached out and, with meticulous precision, adjusted the slight crease on his collar.

"Lilith is strong, but she is not unfeeling. Do not approach her confession as though it were a problem to be solved. Instead, treat it as a profound truth that someone has entrusted to you."

Lucien felt a tightness constrict his throat.

"I... I am unsure of how to proceed."

"I am aware."

She lightly struck his chest once.

"That is precisely why I am guiding you."

Despite all that had occurred, Lucien nearly let out a laugh.

Seraphine's gaze drifted toward the heavens, following Lilith's ascent into the lower districts.

A faint smile then graced her lips.

"She appeared quite joyful."

Lucien mirrored her gaze skyward.

"Indeed."

He turned his attention back to her.

Seraphine’s smile, though delicate, was genuine.

"I still wish to forge a connection with her."

Lucien let out a slow breath.

The tension in his chest began to dissipate, though not entirely vanishing.

"My gratitude."

Seraphine met his gaze.

"Don't express your thanks prematurely. You have many more trials ahead."

Lucien's eyes widened slightly.

"Pardon?"

She turned away from him.

Seraphine advanced towards the exit of the terrace, halting just before it.

"And Luc?"

"Yes?"

"Should you present her with that magnificent hammer and then overlook my subsequent gift, I shall undertake a series of… medical inquiries into your common sense."

Lucien straightened his posture.

"Understood."

A smile touched Seraphine’s lips.

Then, she departed.

Lucien found himself alone again on the terrace.

Far below, somewhere within the sprawling expanse of Lootwell, Lilith’s joyous laughter had dissolved into the urban soundscape.

Above, the heavens remained serenely undisturbed.

Within him, anxieties about the Abyss, the pressing concerns for the future, the weight of worldly expectations, and the burden of the sealed timeline persisted.

Yet, for a fleeting interval, these were not the most dominant sensations within his heart.

There was also a presence of warmth, bewilderment, remorse, and a surprising tenderness.

And the lingering sensation of a kiss bestowed by an Eternal Solhorn, one who had finally resolved that evasion was no longer befitting her profound resolve.

Lucien gazed down at the twinkling lights of Lootwell and emitted a soft sigh.

His existence had indeed taken a turn, becoming intricate in an entirely new manner.

But paradoxically…

He found he did not resent this new complexity.