.
The woman smiled a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I've been having trouble identifying so of the herbs around here. Perhaps you could take a look and tell what they are. I will also help you in your search after that."
Adrian hesitated for a mont, weighing his options. He needed to keep the woman's trust while finding a way to uncover the location of the bandit hideout. He nodded slowly, maintaining his shy deanor. "O-Of course, Miss. I'd be happy to help."
The woman smiled, seemingly satisfied with his response. "Wait a mont then," she said, stepping out of the water. "No peeking alright?"
"Of course!" Adrian replied like a normal young man.
'I'll be damned if I even think of peeking you know.' He muttered inwardly, his gaze eting a pair of purple eyes peeking at him through the bushes a little far from him. He could only smile wryly at the owner of the eyes. He had no other choice. Well, had one but it would be difficult.
'I bet those two are already under Lila's surveillance.' He chuckled inwardly guessing Ardel and Kairen's actions being watched by Lila. 'Well, it would be rude to look at as well. Not that I'm interested.'
"I'm done, you can look now." After another minute the woman called. "A-Are you sure?" Adrian asked without looking back while waiting for Aria's signal. The purple eyes blinked once indicating he was free to look.
Adrian slowly turned around, relieved to see the woman already dressed in a hooded robe over her dress. She looked at him with a knowing smile.
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet," she said, her tone casual yet filled with an undercurrent of confidence. "My na is Selene. I'm an Awakener at the peak of the Nebula Tier, which is why I wasn't afraid to co here alone. So, don't think of attacking and..."
"Of course, I wouldn't dare." Adrian nodded, smiling awkwardly. "And... Nice to et you, Selene. My na is... uh, Marcus," he said, choosing a fake na on the spot. "I'm also a peak Nebula Tier Awakener."
'Giving a fake na, huh, at least he is cautious.' Selene raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Really? You don't look like a warrior to ."
"Ah, haha..." Adrian laughed nervously. "Well, maybe a bit of both. She's the expert on herbs, and I'm just here to make sure she stays safe."
Adrian chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I'm actually more of a... scholar. And... To be honest... I don't have that much knowledge about herbs either. But since I'm a peak Nebula Tier like you, I decided to follow my friend and protect her."
Selene chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusent. "Are you really just friends?
"H-Huh? Of course, we are!"
"Why are you getting flustered, I was saying you seed more like an escort."
"Ah, haha..." Adrian laughed nervously. "Well, maybe a bit of both. She's the expert on herbs, and I'm just here to make sure she stays safe."
Selene seed to relax a bit, her suspicion easing. "Alright, Marcus. Let's see what you can do then." She led him to a small clearing near the waterfall, where various herbs and plants were laid out on a flat rock.
Adrian started to examine the herbs, his mind racing to co up with a plan. "These are quite common herbs," he said, pointing to a few of the plants. "This one is a dicinal herb used for treating cuts and bruises. And this one is good for reducing fever."
Selene nodded, her eyes never leaving him. "You're quite knowledgeable for soone who claid not to know much about herbs."
"You think so?" Adrian smiled awkwardly. "I've picked up a few things here and there. But, uh, maybe you can show what you're looking for? I might recognize it if I see it."
Selene's expression turned serious as she regarded Adrian. "In that case, Marcus, I've been searching for a rare herb that grows in these mountains near water sources at this type of ti. I've searched the shore and underwater but haven't found it yet."
Adrian nodded, trying to maintain his composed deanor despite the anxiety bubbling inside him. "Alright, let's search the places that are hidden from plain sight then."
Selene agreed, and they began to scour the area together. They searched under rocks, behind dense bushes, and around fallen logs. Despite their thorough efforts, they found no sign of the elusive herb.
Adrian then 'suddenly' had an idea. He turned to Selene, excitent in his voice. "What if we search behind the waterfall? Herbs sotis grow in secluded, damp areas, and the constant spray of water might provide the perfect environnt."
Selene's eyes widened slightly, and after a few monts, she nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That's a good idea, Marcus. Let's check it out."
They made their way back to the waterfall. The sound of rushing water filled the air as they approached the cascade. Adrian led the way, stepping carefully over slippery rocks as he approached the curtain of water. He glanced back at Selene, who was close behind him, her eyes scanning their surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and determination.
"You should stay here, or else you will get wet, I will see and tell you if find anything. In case my voice might be blocked by the water, I will shout, ok?" Adrian suggested. 'I'll have to inform them sohow after all.'
Selene nodded, her eyes glinting with interest. "Alright, Marcus. Be careful."
Adrian took a deep breath, steeling himself as he approached the waterfall. The roar of the water grew louder, and the mist from the cascade sprayed his face. He carefully navigated the slippery rocks, moving closer to the powerful curtain of water.
As he reached the edge, he extended his hand and felt the cool, rushing water. He hesitated for a mont before stepping through the waterfall, the water drenching him instantly. The force of the cascade was overwhelming, but Adrian pressed on, determined to find the cave.
After a few steps, he felt a slight gap between the mountain and the waterfall. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the slick, moss-covered rock. He found a narrow ledge and began to climb, his movents cautious and deliberate. The rocks were treacherously slippery, and he struggled to maintain his grip.
'Slit-!'
''Oh, sh*t!"
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