The Invincible Full-Moon System Chapter 1916: Waiting Period

Rex found the portal that would lead him back to Larta City without much delay.

He was on the verge of entering the building when a sudden glance over his shoulder halted his advancement. Though he had acquired his objective within the Cavity, Rex remained acutely vigilant, his System ceaselessly monitoring the surroundings for any unseen threats.

This particular pause, however, stemmed from a potent gut feeling, not an alert from his System.

A soft “Hmm…” escaped Rex as he surveyed the people milling about, eventually shrugging it off.

He proceeded into the building and returned to Larta City via the portal.

Beyond accomplishing his errand, a strong desire to quickly check on Lilliana propelled his return. He worried about her condition, having left her after her first rampage and the acquisition of the Predator Mind passive skill. While Davina was present, he felt his own presence—the Alpha's—might be crucial for Lilliana's well-being.

Consequently, Rex made his way directly back to the penthouse.

…

Meanwhile, within a distinctive café in Larta City, a middle-aged man, impeccably dressed in a suit, occupied a corner seat. He savored the rich aroma of his freshly brewed coffee, inhaling deeply for several moments before taking a thoughtful sip.

A slight smile touched his lips; the coffee was precisely to his liking.

Bitter and hot—the perfect blend to awaken the senses in the early morning.

He then gazed out the window, appreciating the unfolding morning scene, his eyes eventually drifting upward towards an apartment building.

This building had been the object of his silent observation for the past few days.

Were Rex to witness the man’s face at this moment, he would immediately recognize him as Liebert.

“Still no sign of him,” Liebert murmured, turning slightly as the chime of the café door announced new arrivals.

Two men entered, their gazes sweeping across the café until they settled on a figure in the far corner, near the glass wall. Seated there, facing the street, was the individual they sought. They crossed the floor and took seats opposite Liebert.

“Is something amiss?” Liebert inquired casually, projecting an air of indifference to potential complications.

“No, quite the contrary,” one of the men replied, resting his arms on the table and leaning forward. “As you instructed, we maintained our watch in the Southern Cavity. I had assumed you were mistaken, believing there was no possibility a mere Demigod from the Spirit Realm could elude your perception. However, you were correct. He was indeed there.”

“Is that so…?” A faint smile played on Liebert’s lips as he glanced again towards the apartment building. “Then the trails he left behind were merely diversions.” He nodded and redirected his attention to the man before him. “And? What transpired in the Southern Cavity? Was he meeting someone?”

“Pale Defender Zev. He met with Pale Defender Zev. It’s highly probable he's the one responsible for the disappearances of the other Pale Defenders.”

“If that is the case, why aren't we apprehending him immediately? The unlawful slaying of Pale Defenders carries a sentence of execution.”

Liebert gestured dismissively, silencing their misguided reasoning.

That hadn't been his sole objective in dispatching them to the Southern Cavity; caution was paramount.

“Did you ascertain the subject of his conversation with Pale Defender Zev?”

“No, we couldn’t risk getting any closer. He possesses exceptional perception.”

“And his current location?”

“He must have already returned to his penthouse. We departed the moment he exited the Southern Cavity.”

“Pale Defender Zev, intriguing…” Liebert rose, adjusting his suit jacket, reluctantly abandoning his enjoyable morning coffee as duty called. “Do not engage him, nor attempt any rash actions. He has been designated to represent the High Lord, granting him immunity in such matters.”

From the outset, High Lord Rashal harbored the suspicion that Rex was the perpetrator.

Rex’s entry into the Primordial Meadow via the Southern Cavity, immediately followed by the vanishing of multiple Pale Defenders, presented too significant a coincidence. Though lacking concrete proof, High Lord Rashal was certain of Rex’s involvement.

There was no necessity to penalize him for actions that had already been implicitly pardoned.

This situation... This is not about that.

Before the two men could respond, Liebert had already exited the café.

…

The following days passed in a swift succession.

Rex found himself with no recourse but to await instructions from High Lord Rashal regarding the next course of action.

During this period of waiting, his time was not solely occupied with idleness within the penthouse.

He diligently continued his training, focusing on a new mastery path for his lightning element. Now situated away from the Hall of Anvil Ages, and lacking the aid of a Transcendent-rank treasure, deconstructing his lightning had become considerably more challenging.

This difficulty presented precisely the kind of trial needed to occupy his mind during the anxious wait.

Maintaining composure was a struggle when he was unaware of the unfolding events within the Mortal Realm.

Had Adhara survived?

Was bestowing her a skill and equipping Amanir and Devo sufficient for them to contend with Kaiser?

What was the state of the empire?

A multitude of questions swirled in his mind the moment stillness and silence descended.

For him, this state might even prove more unbearable than being consumed by rage.

At least then, he could unleash his pent-up emotions through combat. This situation, however, offered no such release; even strenuous physical activity wouldn’t quell his unease. Only by grasping the circumstances in the Mortal Realm could he find true peace.

An answer he could only obtain by returning there himself.

Evelyn’s presence offered a potential balm, her role as Luna capable of soothing him.

But she was engrossed in cultivating the Realm Fertilizer.

He was unwilling to disturb her.

Hence, facing this challenge with his new elemental master served as a significant aid.

He vowed not to cease his efforts until he unraveled the three layers of his lightning.

At the very least, not until High Lord Rashal finally provided him with the necessary information.

Beyond his rigorous training, Rex had also been diligently tending to Lilliana. She remained alarmingly weak and frail, even days after the incident. Her days were primarily spent in bed or reclining on the sofa, her strength returning at a glacial pace. He had meticulously examined her stats window but discovered no anomalies.

No visible wounds. No lingering afflictions. Yet, her persistent weakness clearly indicated an underlying issue.

It was peculiar, but for the time being, he didn't dwell on it.

Rex also paid visits to Gistella and Evelyn, eager to witness their progress firsthand.

While the realm itself experienced no major upheavals, the concentration of minor divine strands was steadily increasing.

This was an encouraging sign that the Realm Fertilizer was functioning as intended.

Inside the shower, Davina hummed a gentle melody as she worked a brush through her hair. One of the aspects she genuinely cherished about her current surroundings was the effortless accessibility of conveniences. Back in the Spirit Realm, a proper bathing ritual demanded considerable preparation or a journey to a natural water source.

Typically, she would cleanse herself using life energy.

However, there were occasions when she desired the simple pleasure of manual cleansing. To truly savor the experience.

Here, within Larta City, she could indulge in this at any moment without venturing outside.

Upon finishing, Davina wrapped herself in a towel and proceeded to dry her hair with a portable hairdryer. It was her inaugural experience with such a device, and a delighted trill escaped her lips as the warm airflow playfully tousled her locks. She continued her soft humming, reveling in the tranquil morning, but abruptly ceased when she entered the living room.

Standing nearby, Lilliana had halted directly in front of the guest bedroom door.

For days, she had remained confined to her bed, clinging to Rex like a koala, insisting on his proximity due to the recent events. She claimed to feel nauseous whenever he was out of sight and even required him to carry her like a princess to the sofa whenever Rex intended to resume his training.

Lilliana professed an inability to walk, or at least, that was her assertion.

Now, standing plainly before Davina’s astonished gaze, she was perfectly mobile.

Furthermore, her mouth was stuffed with food, puffing her cheeks out like an overstuffed chipmunk.

Davina found herself speechless. Her gaze drifted to the table beside the sofa, where she observed an empty plate amidst a scattered mess. It appeared as though someone had ordered food, consumed it there, and then abruptly decided to depart in haste.

In that instant, all the pieces clicked into place, and she exclaimed, "Lilliana, you venomous little snake!"

Before Davina could make a move, Lilliana darted into her room, slamming and locking the door behind her.

It had all been a pretense.

Lilliana hadn't been weak all along; she was merely feigning frailty to garner more of Rex’s attention. In truth, she might have already made a full recovery since the night she nearly lost control. All subsequent behavior was nothing more than subtle manipulation.

And the most infuriating part was Davina's realization that she had been completely fooled.

Perhaps it was simply her position as Lilliana’s elder sister that had caused her to let down her guard.

Regardless, she had fallen for the charade.

Davina began pounding relentlessly on the door, her assault so forceful it seemed she intended to tear it from its hinges.

"Open this door immediately and face me!"

"Don't misunderstand, I only recovered today!"

"Nonsense!" Davina scanned the penthouse, searching for any sign of Rex—but he was nowhere to be found. It seemed his absence had prompted Lilliana to abandon her act, driven by hunger. "It's quite the coincidence that you'd suddenly recover just as Rex isn't around, sister!"

"Coincidence can be quite unbelievable at times. Besides, I'm feeling rather dizzy again right now. I believe it's best for me to rest once more, so please leave!"

"In that case, allow me entry. I shall provide you with my finest therapeutic care."

"No, thank you. I have no desire to burden you."

For days, Davina had stepped aside, allowing Lilliana to monopolize Rex's attention, laboring under the belief that she was still frail and delicate. Now, the truth had been revealed—it had all been an elaborate performance. The thought of those lost days was unbearable.

Especially since such opportunities rarely presented themselves again.

The preceding few days had been a remarkable period, during which Rex found himself compelled to wait patiently for High Lord Rashal’s instructions.

Frankly, Davina hadn't anticipated such a perfect window for bonding to reappear.

Davina’s fingers brushed against metal as she reached the top of the doorframe, the same spot where Rex had once hidden a key. A smile bloomed on her face; it was a spare. Slipping the key into the lock, she turned it, and the door swung inward with a slow creak. Lilliana’s face instantly paled.

It was like watching a final defensive line in a desperate battle finally crumble before her eyes.

Davina’s eyes, gleaming with a suppressed smile, peeked through the narrow opening.

"Don’t forget, big sister. Remember, I’m stronger than you," Davina taunted.

"W-Wait a moment!"

Before Lilliana could utter another word, Davina charged forward.

They tumbled onto the bed and then the floor, like a pair of wolves locked in a minor dispute, wrestling fiercely.

Fortuitously, their neighbours did not seem to hear the commotion and rush over to complain about the noise.

At that precise moment, the distinct sound of the main door opening and shutting echoed through the house, abruptly halting their squabble. Rex entered, a slight smile gracing his lips, pleased with a recent success. He paused, however, upon reaching the living room.

He observed Davina and Lilliana standing in an awkward, frozen tableau in front of the guest bedroom.

One was clad only in a towel, clearly having just stepped out of the shower. The other bore tell-tale food stains smeared across her lips.

And, strangely enough, both of their hair was dishevelled.

"Am I interrupting something?" Rex inquired, unsure of how to process the scene before him. "Perhaps I should return at a later time?"

"Huh?" Davina glanced at Lilliana, then back at Rex, a sudden realization dawning on her. She instantly pulled away, exclaiming, "What? It’s not what you assume. Really, what is going on in your head? We are sisters by blood! I was merely checking on her."

"I had no idea your mind was so… dirty, Rex," Lilliana chimed in, covering her mouth with a hand and letting out a soft, amused giggle. "I’m quite surprised."

Rex was about to offer a defense, as his intentions were entirely innocent, but just then, the doorbell rang.

He walked over and peered through the peephole, revealing Liebert standing on the other side.