Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 64: Search and Rescue, Part One

{October 16}

{Enverna}

Enverna sat on the edge of her dorm room bed, a mix of exhaustion and anxiety etched across her face as she held her phone in hand. The device emitted a soft glow, illuminating the dim room. She took a deep breath before dialing her mother’s number, her heart pounding with a blend of emotions.

After a few rings, the call connected, and her mother’s warm voice flowed through the phone.

"Hello, sweetheart. How are you doing?" her mother greeted her with a cold tone. Enverna didn’t need to see her to know she was making a sour face.

Enverna managed a weak smile, her eyes reflecting the weariness she felt.

It had already been a week, but Enverna was still exhausted.

"Hello, mother. I’m... I’m okay. Just a bit tired from our recent exploration."

Her mother’s voice softened, which was incredible for someone like her. A testament to the dramatic nature of the news she’d heard.

The news a large number of people had heard.

"You know, I worry about you, Enverna. These expeditions you go on, facing dangers and creatures with no friends or family around you to help... I’d figured you would have been done with that place by now."

Enverna sighed, knowing that her mother only wanted the best for her.

"I appreciate your concern, Mother, but I still have quite a lot to do. Besides, I have to remain close to Lianna to receive my strength. I will not be leaving her side anytime soon."

There was a pause before her mother spoke again, her tone shifting. That glimmer of warmth left instantly.

"I heard about the incident with the Greater Fiend. Are you really okay?"

Enverna hesitated, then chose her words carefully.

"It was tough, Mother, but we managed to get through it. I’m doing my best to stay strong."

She didn’t ask about it again. For a while, Verana remained silent.

Then, she stated:

"Enverna, I’ve been hearing things. Rumors about you and that girl, Lianna. I hope they’re not true."

Enverna’s heart sank. She knew her mother’s reservations about her friendship with Lianna, especially after the recent events.

"Mother, it’s not what people are saying. Lianna and I are just friends. Teammates. Nothing more, on a personal level anyway."

Her mother’s voice carried a note of urgency.

"Enverna, sometimes you need to be careful about the company you keep. If there’s anything going on, maybe it’s best to distance yourself for a while. I don’t want you corrupting your spirit just for a bit of power."

Enverna’s shoulders slumped, a mixture of sadness and resignation settling in.

"I understand, Mother. I’ll continue to keep things professional."

Her mother’s tone softened again. It always did once she heard Enverna say she’d do whatever Verana told her.

"Good. Your safety and reputation matter to me. I just want you to be happy and secure, Enverna."

"I know, Mother. I love you," Enverna replied, her voice tinged with melancholy.

"I love you too, sweetheart. Take care of yourself."

After exchanging goodbyes, Enverna hung up the phone, the weight of her mother’s concerns and the strain of recent events pressing on her.

With that scheduled conversation out of the way, Enverna tried to relax and just watch the TV for a while, walking out of her bedroom and sitting on the couch.

Lianna had gone out earlier, intending to find more useful Spells or Techniques at the library.

Enverna couldn’t help but feel a little irritated with the thought of her friend, at the moment. Ever since Mel left to go join the Starlight Association, Lianna had been acting different.

It was hard to put into words exactly how she was acting different, but she simply was.

And, Enverna found it annoying.

Thankfully, she was distracted from her quiet simmering.

A soft knock echoed through the hallway, pulling Enverna from her somber thoughts. Surprised, she opened the door to find... a complete stranger standing in the doorway, a warm smile on his face.

"Good evening, Ms. Alteri," the man, a young boy wearing some incredibly stylish pants and a turtleneck, greeted, "I have an invitation for you."

"Invitation to what?"

"We’re putting together a photoshoot for the Players’ Choice and we’d love for you to be a part of it," he explained, gesturing to the holographic display. Images of various Players posing in different outfits and locations flickered across the screen.

Enverna raised an eyebrow, unsure of what to make of the unexpected offer.

"A photoshoot?"

"Yeah," he nodded, "We do it every so often to showcase the diverse personalities and styles within the player community. You, of course, have become quite popular, and we believe you’d add a unique touch to the spread. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to have some fun and express yourself."

Enverna glanced at the images on the holographic display, contemplating the idea. It seemed like a welcome distraction from the recent intensity of her adventures.

"I understand if it’s not your thing," the boy added, sensing Enverna’s hesitation. "But it could be a chance to lighten the mood a bit. What do you think?"

Enverna pondered it for a moment.

"I take it my fiance is invited to participate as well?"

Surprisingly, the boy shook his head.

"We want you to be the focus. Having Mrs. Velcross on would... turn off some of our readers."

That was odd to hear. Enverna considered what she’d just heard and quickly arrived at the conclusion:

[Is it... because she’s a child of mana?]

If that was the case, Enverna wanted to decline off principle alone. But, given that she didn’t know for sure, she took a moment to think about it.

"When is this photoshoot?"

"Tonight," the boy answered. "9:00 pm, by Ocean View. Mrs. Velcross can be there, but..."

"I get it."

"So, what do you think?"

"... Can I get back to you on that?"

"Certainly."

He left her his number and Enverna promptly closed the door.

As Enverna mulled over the unexpected photoshoot invitation, Lianna returned to the dorm room with a couple of books in her hands.

As always, it was as though the girl had brought the sun itself indoors with her through that amazingly warm smile on her face.

"Hey, Envy," Lianna greeted, dropping her books onto the couch. "I got you something."

"You did?"

"Yep." The girl flopped onto the couch next to her. "I found a couple of things you might like. You... Something on your mind?"

"Hm? Uh, yes."

"Oh. What’s up?" Lianna adjusted her position, assuming a far more serious manner of sitting.

Enverna turned to face her friend, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Someone just came in and approached me about participating in a photoshoot for the Players’ Choice."

Lianna’s eyes widened with curiosity.

"A photoshoot? Seriously?"

"Oh?" Enverna arched a brow up high. "Don’t you always go on and on about how good I look? Were all of those just honeyed words?"

"What? No, no, no," Lianna laughed nervously. "I’m just... Shocked someone came outta nowhere."

Enverna nodded, explaining the details of the offer and the potential exposure in the player community. As she spoke, Lianna leaned against the couch, absorbing the information.

"So, what do you think?" Enverna asked, her gaze fixed on Lianna.

Lianna grinned, a mischievous spark in her eyes.

"I say we go for it! It sounds like fun."

"Really?" Enverna asked. "You don’t think we might run into trouble?"

Lianna pondered that for a moment.

"Well, maybe. But... living in fear for the rest of our lives can’t be the right thing to do. Besides," she quickly added, "my {Target Analysis} leveled up again! I imagine I probably still can’t see every single little thing, but that has to count for something."

"What did the level-up message say?"

"Nothing," Lianna shook her head. "Literally just that it leveled up. But, I mean, I have to have gotten something out of it."

"I see..."

Lianna wasn’t the only one who’d leveled up following the fight that happened in the ruin. On Enverna’s end, she’d gotten this:

Cascade (Level 2) - 1-minute cooldown

{Coat your weapon in the power of water. Attacks leave behind a line of liquid that applies bonus damage. Every time an enemy takes damage from this ability, the amount of damage they take from you is increased by 20%.}

"So, what do you say? How about we go and shake stuff up a little?"

Enverna smiled, appreciating Lianna’s enthusiastic response.

"You’re right. It could be a nice change of pace. Let’s do it."

---

The southern sun bathed the Ocean View bridge in warm hues, creating a picturesque setting for the Players’ Choice photoshoot.

Enverna and Lianna arrived at the location, dressed formally for the occasion. Lianna wore a white dress, a silver necklace, and high heels. Enverna went in a sapphire suit with a tie and black gloves. The gentle breeze from the ocean was like a cold blanket being wrapped over the pair.

As they approached, the bridge was abuzz with activity. Various players posed against the stunning backdrop striking dynamic or elegant poses. A team of photographers and coordinators orchestrated the shoot, capturing the essence of each participant.

Enverna and Lianna observed for a while, taking in the diverse styles and personalities showcased by the players. The vibrant energy of the scene intrigued them, and the duo couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement building within.

Lianna nudged Enverna playfully.

"Looks like everyone’s having a blast. Ready to step into the spotlight?"

Enverna smiled, the prospect of joining the photoshoot filling her with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

"I am slightly nervous, to be honest."

"Why? You’re gorgeous!"

That casual declaration was a little embarrassing.

"I agree," Enverna replied with a cocky smile, "but... Next to all of them? Relatively, I’m not too sure."

They approached the registration area, where a friendly coordinator greeted them.

After a quick explanation of the process and a review of potential poses, Enverna prepared to take her position in the center of the area.

She noticed everyone around them staring, but she ignored it. It was normal, at this point.

The photographers guided them through various setups, capturing candid moments and dynamic shots against the breathtaking ocean view. The more she did it, the more comfortable Enverna grew.

After her part of the shoot concluded, Lianna went and showed her some of the images they captured.

"Look! See? You’re such a heartbreaker!"

"I... Is that good?"

"Yes! Very," Lianna nodded eagerly.

As she looked down at her own pictures, she got an idea.

Walking back up to the event’s coordinator, Enverna said:

"Excuse me, but can you just let us take one picture together?"

"I..." The coordinator was visibly cringing at the prospect.

"Just for us," Enverna argued as Lianna stood there, wide-eyed. "You don’t have to publish it, I just... You know, I want the memory."

Sighing, the coordinator nodded.

"Alright."

Tugging on Lianna’s hand, Enverna pulled her over to where she’d been standing.

"How’s it feel to get a taste of your own medicine, huh?" Enverna asked with smirk.

"Okay, yeah... This is pretty embarrassing," Lianna giggled, a faint blush on her cheeks.

The reddening of her face soon spread to Enverna as Lianna snaked an arm around one of hers.

"...!"

"What? It would be weird if the soon-to-be married couple weren’t more... friendly, right?" Lianna asked quietly.

[I... suppose.]

Shaking her head, Enverna pulled herself together just as the coordinator took the next picture.

A moment later, Lianna and Enverna were sitting together while the rest of the players finished up.

Then, Lianna saw someone.

"OH! Envy, hold on. I’m gonna go say hi to someone. BRB!"

She left so quickly Enverna barely even caught what she said.

"I still have no clue what BRB means," Enverna murmured.

Thus, Enverna was on her own for a little while.

As Enverna admired the stunning ocean backdrop, a woman with an undeniable presence gracefully took a seat beside her.

The lady exuded confidence and beauty in a way that captured Enverna’s attention and refused to let it go.

Her black dress, adorned with intricate details, featured a daring slit that revealed just enough to be enticing as the woman crossed one leg over the other. The low-cut neckline was a little much for Enverna, but at the same time, she was having trouble looking away.

Her brown eyes soon fell on Enverna herself. Smiling, she brushed away some of her blonde hair.

"Enjoying the view?" the woman asked, her voice smooth and inviting.

Enverna turned to meet the gaze of this unexpected companion, offering a warm smile.

[Don’t let this city turn you into a degenerate, Enverna. Be normal.]

"Absolutely. It’s a beautiful setting for the shoot."

The woman chuckled softly.

"Indeed. My name’s Xi, by the way."

Enverna extended a hand in greeting.

"Enverna. Nice to meet you, Xi."

As they exchanged a friendly handshake, Enverna couldn’t help but be captivated by the subtle charm emanating from Xi.

"Are you participating in the photoshoot as well?" Enverna inquired.

Xi nodded, her eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement.

"I couldn’t resist the opportunity. It’s not every day we get to showcase ourselves in such a stunning location."

Xi’s eyes glinted with a playful charm as she turned her attention toward Enverna.

"No matter where I go, it appears everywhere I look there’s a sight for sore eyes."

Enverna couldn’t help but offer a shy smile in response, given that Xi was looking right at her as she said that.

"Thank you. Admittedly, everyone here looks far more... Elegant than I expected."

Xi chuckled, a melodic sound that seemed to linger in the virtual air.

"Well, elegance has a way of making itself known," she gestured to the ocean view. "Though, when you arrived, it almost felt as though the world itself stopped to look."

Enverna felt a subtle heat rise to her cheeks, a reaction she hadn’t anticipated in the virtual world.

"You’re too kind. I didn’t even participate too much, I’m just enjoying the scenery."

Xi leaned in slightly, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

"Perhaps, but there’s an undeniable radiance about you. It’s as if the moon itself can’t help but want to announce your arrival."

Enverna chuckled nervously, appreciating the compliment.

"You... have a way with words." Enverna took a deep breath. "Are you a player, by the way?"

"Indeed," she responded. "I am a member of the Silver Blade Guild."

"Ah... I’m a member of the Watchful. Well, um, recruit, really. I haven’t even gone on any missions yet."

"Oh? Why’s that? Nothing worth attempting?"

"No, no, I... I’ve simply been busy."

"I see... Well," Xi reached into her purse and pulled out a card. "If you feel like doing some cross-guild activities, give me a call. You can also call me if you feel like continuing this conversation in a more... Intimate space," she said, as she stood up.

She then suddenly left, just as Lianna was returning.

"Ooooh, who was that?" Lianna asked. "She’s hot!"

"Xi," Enverna replied. "She... well, I’m not too sure what just happened, actually."

"Sounds like you enjoyed it, though," Lianna teased with a playful tone. "Your cheeks are so red!"

"T-They are not!" Enverna looked away to hide her expression.

She couldn’t deny it, however. That woman was stunning.

She did touch on something that was very true, though.

[Lianna and I really should look for a mission to do... Maybe I should look for one on our behalf.]