Melina

"First, we need to deal with you..."

Lin Luo narrowed his eyes. Not far away, a person and a horse, clad in heavy golden armor, held a golden halberd in their right hand and a golden shield in their left. Their entire bodies were encased in golden armor, appearing completely impenetrable.

"The Tree Sentinel, the nightmare of the starting village."

Lin Luo licked his lips and raised the Staff of the Death Prince in his left hand.

"Heh heh, don't say I, the Sorcerer King, am unreasonable..."

"Comet Azur!"

A green laser beam, about three meters wide, appeared in the forest, instantly engulfing the Tree Sentinel. The immense magical power left the Tree Sentinel no room to resist.

The Tree Sentinel could only let out a pained howl and, under the might of this "legendary magic," died in regret on the spot.

After a while, only a giant golden halberd remained.

The poor village bully, who met Lin Luo, the Elden Ring bully, was like a tiny frog facing a great dragon.

"My apologies, Brother Tree."

Lin Luo jumped down from a high rock, took out a blue dewdrop from his satchel, and drank it. He then put the golden halberd into his satchel (equivalent to a spatial ring).

"Return to the embrace of the Erdtree."

After tidying up his equipment, he put on a set of armor with higher resilience, which would also prevent his spellcasting from being interrupted. After all, a man with the makings of a king could not be easily executed by others.

Before long, Lin Luo arrived at the Church of Elleh, where a traveling merchant named Kale resided.

Kale appeared to be an elderly man, wearing a large red robe similar to that of a Santa Claus.

He wore a black mask on his face, and his eyes revealed a hint of vigilance and fatigue.

"Ah... a Tarnished..."

Kale emitted a hoarse voice, "You don't look like you'll harm me, so... is there anything you need to buy?"

"Hmm..." Lin Luo pondered for a moment and said, "Please give me the Crafting Kit. I need it to craft items."

"Oh... a discerning customer,"

Kale's voice rang out. "The Crafting Kit is indeed an indispensable item for a Tarnished when traveling."

"Here you go."

Lin Luo took the Crafting Kit and handed Kale five Golden Runes, totaling five hundred runes.

"Oh... a pleasant transaction..."

Kale chuckled and lowered his head, remaining silent.

"Let's rest at a Site of Grace first."

Lin Luo hung the Crafting Kit at his waist and sat cross-legged at the Site of Grace in the center of the Church of Elleh, skillfully drawing upon its grace.

After activating the Site of Grace, Lin Luo did not linger. He headed straight for the area in front of Stormveil Castle.

He bypassed the soldiers of Limgrave along the way, heading directly towards his beloved's location.

Of course, some foolish soldiers occasionally got in his way, and Lin Luo casually severed certain parts of them before they fled in disarray.

Before long, he arrived at the international sword-testing ground, oh no, the entrance to Stormveil Castle.

Lin Luo skillfully activated the Site of Grace, sat cross-legged at the grace point, and a smile crept onto his lips.

A gentle breeze blew, and a cluster of white specks gathered in the air, transforming into a woman wearing a brown cloak.

The woman removed the brim of her black hood, revealing a beautiful face. Beneath the cloak was lightly curled, wine-red hair, and her fair complexion was serene yet charming.

Her light golden right eye held a hint of doubt and curiosity, while her left eye was closed, with a tattoo resembling a beast's claw next to it, giving her a unique allure.

"Greetings, Tarnished, who has come through the fog."

The woman looked at Lin Luo.

"My name is Melina, and I wish to propose a deal."

Melina slowly crouched down, looking into Lin Luo's eyes.

"Do you know of the Finger Maidens? They are those who serve the Two Fingers, assisting and guiding the Tarnished..."

"I can be your maiden, guiding you forward and transforming Runes into your strength. In return, you must take me to the foot of the Erdtree..."

Melina parted her rosy lips, her voice incredibly beautiful, sounding like the softest music.

"Will you always accompany me?..."

Lin Luo rested his chin on his hands, gazing at Melina.

"..."

Melina paused for a moment, then continued, "You will eventually become king. A king's growth cannot always have someone by his side."

Lin Luo listened to Melina's voice and sighed deeply.

If you find this book to be good, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

"I accept your offer, but... please wear this..."

Lin Luo took a necklace from his hand, from which many crystal mirrors hung sparsely.

He had taken it from Iji's Mirrorhelm, and it was originally worn by the "blasphemous" to deflect all interference—including the Greater Will.

"Oh?..."

Melina let out a sound of surprise, hesitated for a moment, then agreed.

"Can I put it on you? It looks rather ugly, though..."

Lin Luo scratched his head. He had painstakingly pried off and pieced this thing together himself.

"Mhm..."

Melina nodded, a smile appearing on her face.

Seeing this, Lin Luo didn't stand on ceremony. He wrapped his arms around Melina's neck and connected the necklace's clasp and chain.

Their faces were very close, so close he could hear her breathing.

"There... done?"

A ripple passed through Melina's calm tone, and a blush flickered across her fair face.

"All done... all done..."

Lin Luo clicked his tongue, a look of contentment on his face.

"It looks so good..."

He didn't say whether he was referring to the necklace or Melina.

"Then... this means we have a deal."

Melina said softly, then handed him a ring.

"Take this ring. It can summon the spirit of the steed called Torrent."

"...Torrent has chosen you. I hope you will treat it well."

Melina curled her lips upwards. "Please tell me your name, Tarnished. That way, we will be companions from now on..."

"Me? Just call me Lin Luo."

Lin Luo slowly stood up and blew the whistle in his hand. The spectral steed, Torrent, materialized beside Lin Luo.

Its pure white body was fitted with an exquisite saddle, and two curved black horns grew from its head.

Torrent affectionately nudged Lin Luo's face, snorting and exhaling two wisps of white mist from its nostrils.

"Lin Luo, if you intend to pursue the Elden Ring, you can head to Stormveil Castle first," Melina said. "That is where Godrick the Grafted rules..."

"No..."

Lin Luo licked his lips. "I'll go to the Weeping Peninsula first."

Lin Luo's goal was clear: to first obtain those few "legendary armaments." Only by possessing and merging these armaments would he gain the strength to directly confront the Greater Will.

"That is also fine..."

Melina looked at Lin Luo with some confusion. The Tarnished seemed surprisingly familiar with the "Lands Between."

"Will you travel with me, Melina?"

Lin Luo looked at Melina and asked sincerely.

"I will always be with you, Lin Luo..." Melina said softly.

"If you need help, you can summon me at a Site of Grace..."

"That would be quite boring..."

Lin Luo shrugged and extended his right hand. "May I 'travel together' with you, beautiful Miss Melina?"

Lin Luo deliberately emphasized the words 'travel together': "If you refuse, I think I would be very sad..."

"..."

Melina froze for a moment, and a barely perceptible golden light was about to pierce into Melina's body.

At this moment, the crystal necklace around Melina's neck flickered, and the golden light immediately dissipated.

"...You are very interesting."

Melina smiled. "Then... I am honored."

Melina placed her right hand into Lin Luo's palm.

Lin Luo curved his lips upwards.

"Mount up!"

"Let's go!"