The whole story

On the other side of Lumina Square, Griseo had just left Meflor and the others' sight when her knees suddenly buckled, pitching her forward.

"Boss, watch out!"

Behind Griseo, a hand reached out in time and caught her securely. It was Cui Ji, of course. She had remained hidden until the incident was over before showing herself.

With Cui Ji's support, Griseo steadied herself. Her face was slightly pale, and fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, but her purple eyes remained calm.

"Boss, are you okay?" Cui Ji asked with concern as she looked at the weakened Griseo.

Just a minute earlier, inside the barrier, Griseo had been floating in midair, commanding ether to surge like a tide and forcing seven powerful opponents to stand down with a wave of her hand.

With such an imposing presence, calling her a deity would hardly have been an exaggeration.

Yet now, she was simply a small, somewhat frail girl.

"I'm fine, Cui Ji." Griseo gently shook her head. Once the weakness eased a little, she smiled. "I just used up a bit too much energy."

Cui Ji glanced at her without saying anything more. She simply draped Griseo's arm over her shoulder, crouched down, and lifted her securely onto her back.

"???"

"Boss, you have no idea," Cui Ji said with a faint smile, her tone light and teasing.

"For a moment back there, even I almost thought you were some kind of deity. But seeing you get tired and struggle to stay on your feet now—it means you're human too."

Griseo froze for a moment on Cui Ji's back.

"Cui Ji..."

"Don't talk, boss. Just rest."

Cui Ji cut her off and continued, "First you saved me and my sisters, then you personally planned the destruction of the Ravenlock Family.