Chapter 43: Most Protected

However, the danger was far from over. It wasn't just the Star Energy Creatures. Now that they were back in the inner region, a lot of Star Energy Warriors roamed about. To put that to scale, Lian's group passed by six different groups on their way to the core region. Usually, everyone moved in groups of five or more unless they were strong enough to protect themselves.

It wasn't that Lian's group was weak, especially with Lian there. However, Joani was obviously in terrible shape. Not to mention that Lian and Carol didn't look like the average Star Energy Warrior. Another problem was Carol herself. One must remember that back in Tume City, she would have been raped had Tuly not intervened. She wasn't really a model or anything like that, but she did look great compared to the majority of the women in Tume City. Last but not least, there was Lian's problem with attacking other humans.

Lian, Carol, and Joani passed by two groups at first, but the other side didn't try anything against them. Unfortunately, the third one, close to the outer region, didn't let the chance pass up. They were forced to stop as that group blocked their way.

"Well, well, well... look at what we have here," said the leader of that group. "You seem to be in quite the shitty situation, don't you think?"

Lian narrowed his eyes as he watched the eight people in the other group, saying, "We don't want any trouble. I would move away if I were you."

"Sure, no problem," the guy answered. "However, we can't possibly let you carry so many burdens. How about you leave your belongings and the girl behind? You and the cripple can get away."

Joani immediately whispered in Lian's ears after that. 'If you think you can't deal with them, just accept their offer. Once we get to the settlement, I can use my status as a Star Apothecary to get people to go after these guys and get rid of them. I'll tell them to bring your girl back too.'

Lian wasn't really surprised that Joani would sacrifice Carol here. Most people in this world were pretty much like him, after all. 'Dream on.'

Lian looked back at the guy before raising one of his silver coins. Soon after, he used his Star Energy to generate Lightning Element and controlled the magnetism around the coin. Lian already had a plan in mind.

*Kabrum!*

A ray of lightning passed by the enemies, destroying several trees in its path. After that, he lifted his hand as Fire Element gathered together with Wind Element, creating a giant fireball above Lian's head. He was once again specifically picking oxygen out of the air in the area to increase the power of his Fire Element.

"This..." The guy looked at the destroyed trees as well as the giant fireball. He felt like he and his group provoked the wrong person.

Seeing that, Lian snorted as he said, "Hmph! If you think you have what it takes to fight a Level Three Star Energy Warrior, then come at me. I might have had a rough time in the core region, but I can at least take two or three of you down with me. Even if I can't win, I can definitely escape. So you better be prepared to never leave this forest anymore since I'll look for you back in the settlement as well as Tume City."

One must remember that everyone thought Lian was definitely at the Third Level when they saw him use his Star Energy for the first time. Let alone the fact that he could use different elements at once.

Carol also helped, gathering a mist of Purple Star Energy around her and Lian. In any case, she could at least control it to not touch Lian nor Joani's body. "I wonder if you guys can fight for a long time under the effect of my poison. The winner hasn't been decided yet. Also, I wonder if your dicks will have a nice ending once you force them in me."

Well... Carol's warning instilled more fear into the enemies than Lian... even Lian and Joani felt a chill on their backs after hearing what Carol said.

"L-Let's go!" The leader of the group understood that it was not worth the danger and immediately turned around to leave. His group, obviously, followed right behind. None of them wanted to make enemies out of a Level Three Star Energy Warrior.

Lian and Carol sighed in relief after seeing that. "Fortunately, the people of this world also are quite scared of dying for no reason. If there's nothing to be gained or the losses surpass the rewards, they don't think twice before giving up."

Lian then looked at Joani after that. "Carol, this guy here wanted to give you up just a moment ago. Do you still want to save him?"

Carol was taken aback for a moment as she looked at Joani's nervous expression. "Sigh... it's not like we don't know what to expect in this place. Since we made it this far, let's take it to the end."

Joani immediately nodded in response. "Thanks, thanks! Once I pay you, you definitely won't regret it."

Carol ignored Joani before asking Lian, "Do you think we can scare everyone?"

"I hope so," Lian answered. "I don't really think I can aim my attack at a person. I don't care what others say. I won't kill anyone if I can help it. That part of me will never change."

Carol smiled in response. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you."

"You... can't kill people?" Joani found it quite funny. "You do know that anyone else wouldn't think twice before taking a life, right?"

Lian didn't care. "Do you have a problem with that? I can leave you here if you don't feel safe enough."

"No, no, no... I'm feeling very, very safe." Sure enough, his tone changed instantly. "I feel like the most protected person in the entire world!"

"Shameless," Carol and Lian spoke at the same time.

"Thank you." Well, Joani took it as a compliment. He was also curious about another thing, though. "By the way... how many elements can you use, Lian?"