The Extra's Rise - Chapter 413

Chapter 413: Prelude to Exchange Program (3)
We changed separately—Seraphina inside the villa and I in a poolside cabana. When I emerged in my swimming trunks, I found myself unconsciously running a hand over the network of scars across my torso and back—permanent reminders of the Well of Miasma. Advanced healing techniques had proven futile against injuries inflicted in that place; the miasmic energy had altered the very nature of the wounds, making them resistant to conventional restoration.

I was still adjusting to this new reality—this permanently marked body—when Seraphina appeared from the villa.

She wore a simple white bikini that contrasted starkly with her pale skin and silver hair. The sight immediately transported me back to another day, another body of water—the freezing basin beneath Mount Hua’s waterfall where we’d swum months ago. Then, as now, I’d been struck by how naturally she belonged in water.

Her eyes caught on my scars, her steady gaze tracking each one with analytical precision. Unlike others who might have politely averted their eyes or expressed sympathy, Seraphina studied them openly, missing nothing.

“Miasmic corruption,” she observed, closing the distance between us. “Fascinating. The scarring pattern suggests systematic exposure rather than chaotic encounters.”

“The Well was… methodical in its challenges,” I acknowledged.

Without asking permission, she reached out, her cool fingertips tracing a particularly prominent scar that ran from my shoulder to the center of my chest. “This one nearly killed you.”

It wasn’t a question, but I nodded anyway. “Several times.”

Her eyes flickered up to mine, questions evident despite her composed expression. But instead of voicing them, she simply said, “The ocean awaits.”

We walked together down to the water’s edge, where gentle waves lapped at pristine white sand. The water was crystal clear, revealing colorful fish darting through coral formations not far from shore.

Seraphina didn’t hesitate, walking directly into the waves with the confidence of someone returning to a natural habitat. I followed, enjoying the pleasant temperature—warm but refreshing, nothing like the bone-chilling cold of the Mount Hua waterfall basin.

“Better than our last swim?” I asked, catching up to her as the water reached our waists.

“Different,” she replied simply. But after a moment, she added, “Warmer. More private.”

With a fluid movement that reminded me of her combat grace, she dove beneath the surface, her silver hair streaming behind her like a banner. I followed, the salt water stinging slightly against my scars but otherwise feeling wonderful after the long day.

When we surfaced, we were further from shore, floating in deeper water with only each other and the endless horizon for company.

“Race you to that rock formation,” she challenged, pointing to a distinctive outcropping about fifty meters away.

Without waiting for my response, she began swimming with powerful, efficient strokes. I laughed and gave chase, pushing my enhanced body to match her natural affinity for water.

Despite my improved capabilities, Seraphina reached the rocks first, pulling herself up with a fluid motion to sit on a flat surface just above the waterline. I joined her moments later, pleasantly surprised by the exertion.

“You’re still faster in water,” I noted, settling beside her.

“Of course,” she said, the faintest hint of smugness coloring her tone. “I’m half-elf. Aquatic adaptation is genetic.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the sun begin its gradual descent toward the horizon. The air was filled with the scent of salt and tropical flowers carried on the breeze from the island.

“I never thanked you,” I said finally.

“For what?”

“Looking for me. When I disappeared.”

Seraphina shrugged, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “The others looked too.”

“I will thank them as well,” I pointed out, “And you almost made the Mount Hua sect come all the way to the Northern border for me.”

She turned to face me then, her ice-blue eyes more intense than usual. “It was necessary.”

“Why?” I asked, genuinely curious.

Her expression changed subtly, a rare vulnerability flickering across her features. “Because my heart only seems to beat properly around you now,” she said, the words coming out in an uncharacteristic rush. “When you disappeared, everything felt… wrong. Incomplete. Inefficient.”

Coming from Seraphina, this was equivalent to a passionate declaration. I reached out, tucking a strand of wet silver hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering against her cheek.

“I missed you too,” I said softly.

“You already said that,” she pointed out, though she leaned slightly into my touch.

“It bears repeating.”

This time, when our lips met, there was no hesitation from either of us. The kiss deepened immediately, her cool lips warming beneath mine. Her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer as we balanced on the rocky outcropping.

When we separated for air, Seraphina’s usual composure had completely vanished. Her breathing came in quick, shallow gasps, her cheeks flushed, eyes bright with an intensity I’d previously only glimpsed during our most challenging training sessions.

“We should get back in the water,” I suggested, acutely aware of how precarious our position was on the rocks.

She nodded, and we slipped back into the sea together. But instead of swimming apart, Seraphina moved closer, her body pressing against mine as we treaded water. Her legs intertwined with mine, arms looping around my neck once more.

“Better,” she murmured, her face inches from mine.

The next kiss was even more intense—none of her usual restraint remained. This wasn’t the Seraphina who had run from emotional intimacy before, who had frozen me in ice when I’d surprised her in the mountain pool. This was Seraphina without barriers, without the walls she’d carefully constructed around herself.

The cool touch of her skin contrasted with the heat building between us, creating a fascinating interplay of sensations. Her fingers traced the scars on my back and shoulders, mapping each mark with careful attention.

“I wanted to kill them,” she whispered against my lips. “Everyone responsible for taking you.”

The fierce protectiveness in her voice sent a shiver through me that had nothing to do with the water temperature.

“I’m back now,” I assured her, holding her close as we floated together, the gentle current rocking us in a soothing rhythm.

“Don’t leave again,” she said, the words somewhere between a command and a plea.

“I’ll do my best,” I promised, knowing better than to make guarantees in our uncertain world.

We stayed like that for a long time, holding each other in the water, exchanging kisses that ranged from gentle to desperate as the sun continued its descent, painting the sky in vivid oranges and pinks.

Eventually, as dusk approached, we began swimming back toward shore. The villa’s lights had automatically activated, creating a warm glow that guided our return.

As we reached the shallows, walking hand in hand toward the beach, Seraphina stopped suddenly. She turned to face me, water lapping at our waists, her expression unusually solemn.

“Arthur,” she said, my name softer on her lips than I’d ever heard it before.

“Yes?”

She stepped closer, her hands resting lightly on my chest, one directly over a scar, the other over my heart. “I have a wish,” she said quietly.

“What is it?” I asked, curious about this unexpected vulnerability.

Her ice-blue eyes met mine directly, unwavering despite the emotion evident in them. “Stay with me tonight,” she said. “Please.”