Demands

Yet now, although the ceiling of his strength had risen significantly, the difficulty of breaking through those limits had deepened just as much.

For this reason, Kast had no choice but to venture out in search of an opportunity to achieve a breakthrough.

Regarding this, Kast already had a lead.

However, Kast had never expected that Laila would try to block his path, refusing to let him leave, and even going so far as to risk injury to stop him.

As mentioned before, Kast did not want to hurt her; after all, she had helped him a great deal, but at this moment, he had no choice but to do so.

This left Kast feeling utterly helpless.

With no other options, a frustrated Kast stared into Laila's eyes and said earnestly.

"This is the last chance. What exactly do you want?"

Looking at the serious Kast, Laila opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something.

"I..."

Yet, the word died on her lips, and she swallowed it back, leaving only a faint blush on her face and a bashful expression.

"..."

Watching Laila's demeanor from the side, Kast felt a wave of helplessness in his heart. He wasn't a fool; given their time together and her current behavior, he knew Laila had feelings for him. But for Kast, now was not the time to talk about romance.

Because Kast knew and understood the opponents he would face in the future.

It was precisely because he knew of those powerful beings and understood the vastness of the universe that Kast could not afford to neglect his cultivation.

Yet, he couldn't simply reject her outright. Through their time together, Kast knew Laila had a stubborn streak; if he refused her directly, it might trigger a breakdown or an outburst, which was something Kast did not want.

Furthermore, there was another reason: Kast held an indescribable feeling toward Laila—it seemed like affection, perhaps friendship, or even something akin to love?

Regardless of what that emotion was, Kast did not want to hurt her.

With no other way forward, Kast furrowed his brows and said tactfully.

"Laila, you probably don't know what my goal is."

Hearing this, Laila calmed her restless heart and asked in confusion.

"Goal?"

Looking at the puzzled Laila, Kast spoke directly.

"My goal is to become stronger—to constantly grow stronger and break through my limits. But as I am now, I cannot break through in the short term. That is why I must leave this place to seek a breakthrough."

Having said this, Kast looked at Laila with earnest eyes and added, "I thought you would understand me, but what about your current behavior?"

"It's not like that, I... I..."

Listening to Kast's words, Laila opened her mouth, but the words wouldn't come out.

Seeing the flustered Laila, Kast comforted her, saying, "Alright, alright, don't say it. I know what you want to say. You didn't mean it that way; you just had something else to say, right?"

"..."

Watching the silent Laila, Kast continued.

"How about this: I can promise you one more condition. As long as it is something I can do, I will agree to it, provided that you no longer stop me from leaving."

With that, Kast looked at Laila, waiting for her to state her condition.

Laila, standing to the side, reined in her emotions, closed her eyes, and fell into deep thought.

Soon, after a moment of reflection, Laila opened her eyes and looked at Kast earnestly.

"Fine! Then I will state my request now."

"What is your request!"

Kast did not hesitate and told her to continue.

"I have only one request! You can leave this place, but I want you to take me with you!"

After speaking, Laila looked straight at Kast with expectant eyes.

"..."

Speechless. Although he had a slight premonition, Laila's words still left Kast unable to respond.

"What do you say?"

Seeing Kast's silence, Laila hurriedly pressed him for an answer.

With no other choice, Kast looked at the expectant Laila and sighed helplessly.

"I knew it would be like this, but it's not possible, Laila—at least, not right now."

"Why!?"

Seeing Kast reject her, Laila said, unwilling to give up.

"You just said you would agree to anything I asked as long as I didn't stop you from leaving! How can you go back on your word now!"

As she spoke, Laila's emotions began to grow a little unstable.

Kast watched Laila's expression and offered a comforting explanation.

"Laila, it's not that I don't agree, it's just that now isn't the right time. Once I've finished handling a certain matter, if you're still willing to come with me then, you can join me."

Hearing this, Laila's eyes lit up, and she said happily.

"Really!"

"Yes."

Watching Kast nod, Laila said excitedly.

"Alright! But I need you to give me a time limit. Within one year, regardless of whether you've finished your business or not, you must agree to my request."