Chapter 157: The Capricious Lioness Princess
"Poor creature..." As they prepared to depart, let's not forget Holo's mount was sent flying by the colossal rhinoceros. By the time the group found the Xingela, it was barely clinging to life.
Holo's face was etched with guilt, blaming herself for the dire state of her mount.
"What do we do? None of us knows any healing rune techniques," lamented the group, all skilled in combat but lacking in the art of healing.
"Let me try," Zhang Fan said, brows furrowed, unsure if he could save the Xingela.
"Can you really help?" The group turned their hopeful eyes to Zhang Fan, surprised at the prospect of an otherworldly hero possessing healing abilities.
"I'll give it a shot." A blue sigil appeared in Zhang Fan's hand, different from any rune, a novelty to the onlookers who could only watch anxiously.
Suddenly, a golden magical circle materialized beneath him. Unfamiliar to all, it cast a golden light over the Xingela, miraculously healing its wounds at a visible rate.
Zhang Fan's intervention was thanks to a healing sigil he acquired for 1,000 game points. Though only level 1, it came with a healing spell that proved its value.
Despite the spell's potency, the Xingela was not fully healed. Zhang Fan spent an additional 40 points on a potent herbal pill, restoring the Xingela to its lively self.
"Miraculous!" The group looked at Zhang Fan with reverence, witnessing a feat akin to divine intervention.
"It was merely a small trick. Now, let's get moving," Zhang Fan modestly ushered the group, his actions earning even Eclair's altered gaze.
The journey back to the Galatea Lion Brigade was uneventful. Upon their arrival, Princess Leong unleashed her fury, confining Galou and punishing the girls.
"Thank you, hero. We owe you a great deal," Leong expressed her gratitude to Zhang Fan, acknowledging his crucial role.
"It was nothing. It's the princess's concern for her friends that prompted my action," Zhang Fan shrugged, omitting how the adventure also netted him 2,000 game points and a breakthrough in power.
"Regardless, I must thank you. But about Mierxi..." Leong hesitated, her confidence waning at the mention of Mierxi.
"What's wrong with the princess? Did the star readings reveal something alarming?" Zhang Fan inquired, puzzled by the mystical nature of star reading.
"I can't see anything anymore. Just endless blood-red visions filled with sorrow and hatred. What does this mean, hero? Can you tell me?" Leong trembled, overwhelmed by the ominous portents.
"Calm down, Your Highness. We must remain composed," Zhang Fan reassured, fearing Leong's descent into despair.
"How can I be calm when every attempt to reveal the truth only darkens the omens? What should I do?" Leong was visibly distressed, seeking guidance in her confusion.
"Don't worry, I won't let any tragedy befall us," Zhang Fan promised, cradling Leong, his vow echoing a deep affection for the world he had grown to love.
"Really? No tragedies will occur?" Leong's usual strong demeanor melted away, revealing a vulnerable side as she sought solace in Zhang Fan's assurance.
"Trust me," Zhang Fan's firm voice instilled Leong with hope, warming her heart amidst the chilling premonitions.
"Alright, I understand," Leong relaxed in Zhang Fan's embrace, basking in the warmth before suddenly reverting to her stoic self, pushing Zhang Fan away with a perplexed gaze.
"Everything rests on you, brave hero of Fronielde," Leong resumed her formal tone, though Zhang Fan remained unfazed, accepting her charge with a nod.
"Just remember, this stays between us. If a third person learns of it, you're doomed!" Leong warned, her rapid shift in demeanor showcasing the many facets of the lioness princess.
"Understood," Zhang Fan chuckled, marveling at the princess's unpredictable nature.