Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 169: The Final Phase

{December 31st}

As the girls gathered at Garriden’s gates, Miss Taylor stood before them.

The night breeze carried a sense of quiet celebration as the aftermath of their recent triumph lingered in the air.

Miss Taylor’s expression was a mix of pride and fondness as she regarded the group before her.

"You’ve all done exceptionally well," she began, her voice carrying a weight of authority tempered by warmth. "I’m sure Garriden will forever remember your bravery and heroism. You’ve not only defended the city but also embodied the spirit of resilience that defines us over at the Watchful. You should feel very proud of yourselves, ladies."

Lianna felt a swell of gratitude and accomplishment hearing those words. Enverna stood tall, her usual stoic demeanor softened by a faint smile.

Mel’s purple eyes shone with a mixture of pride and determination. Zura just nodded in agreement, her eyes lingering on Vayn in the distance.

"As much as I’d love to travel with you, I’m afraid I likely have a lot of paperwork to get back to as quickly as possible, so I’ll be going on ahead."

Lianna stepped forward, her gratitude evident in her voice.

"Thank you, Miss Taylor. We owe you."

Miss Taylor walked forward then, placing a hand on Lianna’s cheek.

"You owe me nothing, Lianna. If anything, I still have a lot to make up for."

[Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry. Don’t even think about it.]

With a final nod, Miss Taylor turned to her sear.

"Safe travels, everyone," she remarked, a note of anticipation in her voice.

With practiced ease, she mounted her sear, a picture of grace and authority.

The group watched as Miss Taylor’s sear lifted into the night sky, a symbol of hope and protection vanishing into the stars.

"We should head back too," Enverna suggested, breaking the thoughtful silence that followed Miss Taylor’s departure. "We..."

Enverna stopped as she spotted someone.

Lianna followed her sight.

Caroline stood a short distance away, her expression reflecting a mix of uncertainty and admiration as she watched the farewell between Lianna, Enverna, Mel, Zura, and Miss Taylor.

Enverna, always composed and graceful, approached Caroline with a dignified air about her.

Her steps were measured, her gaze calm yet perceptive as she closed the distance between them. Caroline couldn’t help but feel a pang of nervousness, knowing she was about to bid farewell to the woman she had grown to admire.

"Caroline," Enverna greeted her warmly, her voice carrying a gentle reassurance. "You’ve been a valuable asset to us. It was nice working with you."

Caroline nodded, her gaze shifting briefly before meeting Enverna’s eyes.

"I’m glad I was able to help. Hopefully, uh... Next time you come around, it won’t be on business."

A smirk found its way onto Enverna’s face.

"Don’t hold your breath... But, if I do find myself back home in the future, I’ll let you know."

Caroline’s expression softened, gratitude flickering in her eyes as she absorbed Enverna’s words.

Enverna extended her hand towards Caroline.

Caroline pressed a gentle kiss to the back of Enverna’s hand.

"Take care."

With a final nod and a warm smile, Caroline bid her farewell, her steps carrying her towards her next endeavors. Enverna remained rooted in her graceful poise, her gaze following Caroline until she wasn’t in view anymore.

At that moment, Vayn walked over to Zura.

"Well, kid," she put a hand down on the girl’s shoulder, "don’t forget the shit I taught you, alright?"

"I won’t," Zura nodded.

"Alright. Remember to keep an eye over your shoulder. See ya!"

Just like that, Vayn walked away as well.

"Ready to head back?" Mel’s voice broke the tranquility, her expression reflecting a mix of determination and readiness.

Lianna nodded.

"Yeah, let’s go."

---

The car ride hummed with the steady rhythm of the road as Enverna navigated the emotional waves brought on by her recent conversation with her mother.

Her delicate features bore a thoughtful expression, her mind lingering on the words exchanged during the call.

"Is everything alright?" Mel’s voice, tinged with concern, cut through the quiet ambiance of the vehicle.

Enverna nodded, offering a faint smile.

"Yes, everything’s fine. Mother is doing well," she assured them, though her tone hinted at the complexity beneath her composed facade.

Lianna glanced at Enverna through the rearview mirror.

Verana’s voice echoed in Enverna’s mind, her words a blend of maternal pride and distant formality.

"I heard about your heroics in the raid," her mother had said, breaking through the barriers of their strained relationship with a moment of genuine acknowledgment.

"I’m proud of you."

Those words, laden with unspoken history and unexpressed emotions, resonated within Enverna’s heart.

Despite their differences and past disagreements, the genuine pride in her mother’s voice brought a bittersweet warmth to Enverna’s thoughts.

"Thanks," Enverna murmured softly, her gaze turning towards the passing scenery outside the car window.

A fleeting smile graced her lips as she wrestled with the conflicting emotions swirling within her.

As the call ended, Enverna’s attention returned to the present moment, her eyes meeting the gazes of her companions.

"You know, this is going to be my first birthday outside of Garriden."

Again, Enverna’s eyes met Lianna’s through the mirror.

And, Enverna said:

"Hopefully, it won’t be the last."

---

{Lianna}

Lianna’s fingers curled around the edge of the door, her polite smile strained as she gently nudged the overly eager girl away from her dorm room.

The aftermath of their heroic deeds at Garriden had unexpectedly thrust them into the spotlight back in Telvan, and the incessant demands for attention were beginning to wear on her.

"Sorry, maybe another time," Lianna offered apologetically, trying to maintain a balance between courtesy and firmness.

The girl, undeterred by Lianna’s subtle attempts, continued to chatter excitedly about the recent events, oblivious to Lianna’s growing discomfort. Lianna nodded along politely, her mind already anticipating the familiar scene awaiting her inside.

As she finally managed to close the door, Lianna released a weary sigh.

The weight of their newfound celebrity status hung heavy in the air, an unexpected consequence of their valiant efforts. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"I didn’t think we’d be coming back as celebrities," Lianna remarked with a wry smile, sinking onto the couch beside her friends.

Mel nodded in agreement, her features reflecting a mix of amusement and weariness.

"It’s been... overwhelming, to say the least."

"Having fans feels fucking weird," Zura chimed in softly.

Enverna quickly leaned on Lianna’s shoulder, her expression a blend of amusement and resignation.

"I suppose saving cities brings its own brand of fame," she remarked dryly.

The constant barrage of texts, requests for autographs, and unexpected visitors had disrupted their normal routines, turning their once-private spaces into public domains.

"It’s not just that," Lianna added, her tone tinged with frustration. "People showing up at our doors, wanting details about what happened, wanting to be part of the excitement... it’s a lot."

"It’ll probably pass over time," Mel said. "Probably."

[On the bright side,] Lianna looked up at her HUD. [That Love Rush buff... Holy crap.]

After having sex two nights in a row with two different people, these were Lianna’s attributes:

Lianna Velcross

MP: 250/250

RP: 60

---

STR: B+

END: B+

DEX: A-

MYS: B-

L: S

Lianna wasn’t reacting more strongly to this bit of news because, in all honesty, she just couldn’t believe it.

That new passive had turned Lianna, a girl who previously had no talent and no potential, into probably one of the highest-ranked players in the world.

Simply because she fucked two friends.

Lianna shook her head with a smile.

[Unbelievable.]

Granted, what Lianna and her friends had to accomplish, saving an entire city, was a historic accomplishment.

But, it still felt odd.

Not as odd as the following quest that appeared, though.

{Quest: Prevent the world from ending}

{Reward: Undying Love (Instinct)}

Lianna sighed.

[So, that’s it, then? That’s the last part of all of this.]

As worrying a notification as it was, Lianna wasn’t about to let it get to her. Not when they were just coming off a victory.

In the midst of their shared exhaustion and the weight of their newfound fame, a comfortable silence settled over the group.

For the first time in a while, they could truly relax. No impending battle, not soon at least, no Fiends to think about.

It was all just... calm.

Then, like a gentle breeze stirring the stillness, Enverna’s affectionate gestures brought a spark of warmth to the room.

Lianna felt the soft press of kisses against her neck, a tender caress that stirred a flutter of surprise within her. Despite the presence of their friends mere inches away, Enverna’s attentions seemed to transcend any sense of inhibition or restraint.

Lianna’s breath caught in her throat as Enverna’s lips continued their gentle exploration, each kiss igniting a flicker of desire within her.

The sensation of Enverna’s fingers tracing teasing patterns over her clothed pussy sent a shiver of anticipation coursing through her veins, her pulse quickening in response to the tantalizing touch.

With a knowing glance and a silent understanding, Enverna took Lianna’s hand, guiding her to her feet with a gentle tug.

Lianna’s heart raced with a mixture of excitement and apprehension as Enverna led her toward the bedroom.

"Excuse us, please," Enverna told Mel and Zura. "I’m claiming my birthday present."