The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 209: The Golden Snitch, No, Squirrel

Chapter 209: The Golden Snitch, No, Squirrel

She barely had the strength to catch herself before she fell face-first into the dirt, but before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist. Cassian’s presence was immediately comforting and frustrating all at once.

"You’re exhausted," he said, his voice low but firm. "Heal yourself."

Adeline shook her head weakly, her body trembling as she tried to regain her footing. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, and her words were barely audible.

"I can’t," she whispered. "Father... He doesn’t allow me to use it." She never blamed him, she understood his concern. The Holy Temple still existed, Edward still stood and the enmity between them only grew. She could not let her guard down.

Cassian’s brows furrowed deeply, his lips pressing into a tight line. He knew what her father feared. The power that Adeline possessed was as much a blessing as it was a curse. Using it came with risks—risks her father wasn’t willing to take. But Cassian wasn’t her father, and he wasn’t going to let her collapse from sheer stubbornness.

"Well, your father isn’t here," Cassian said, his tone firm yet gentle. "I am. And I’m telling you to use it."

Adeline glanced up at him, her eyes filled with hesitation and frustration.

"There’s no one else here to witness it," he continued, lowering his voice. "And you know I can keep a secret."

Adeline frowned at that, her expression shifting into a glare. "A little too well," she muttered.

It was a jab, a direct reference to how he had cut off all contact with her without explanation. Even now, with him standing here, helping her, that wound was still fresh. She hadn’t forgiven him, not entirely.

Cassian didn’t flinch, though her words clearly hit their mark. Instead, he met her gaze with calm determination. "That doesn’t matter right now. What matters is you getting through this. Heal yourself, Adeline."

She hesitated for a moment longer, glancing down at her trembling hands. Her body was screaming for rest, and she knew she couldn’t keep going in this state. But using her power... It felt like admitting weakness. It felt like breaking the rules she had lived by for so long.

But she also knew she didn’t have a choice.

With a resigned sigh, Adeline closed her eyes and called upon the power she had kept suppressed for years. It had... Been a while since she used her powers.

As she released it, a soft glow enveloped her body, seeping into her aching muscles and battered limbs.

Relief washed over her almost instantly. The pain subsided, and her strength returned, filling her with a sense of rejuvenation.

Cassian watched the transformation with quiet awe, his gaze steady as the light faded. When Adeline opened her eyes, she looked stronger—more determined.

"That’s better," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Adeline didn’t return the smile. Instead, she straightened her back and brushed the dirt off her clothes, her expression serious. "I still have more monsters to kill," she said firmly.

Cassian’s smile faded, replaced by a flicker of concern. "Fine, but I will be coming with you."

Adeline rolled her eyes. As if he didn’t follow her until now! There was no use telling him to stop anyway, he would not listen, just like a stubborn ox.

As Adeline moved deeper into the hunting grounds, her newfound strength gave her a renewed sense of confidence. Each step felt lighter, each swing of her weapon more precise. It was almost like... Her healing powers gave the effect of harmony and boosted her skills.

The further she ventured, the stronger and more aggressive the monsters became. Adeline gritted her teeth, refusing to back down. She met each challenge head-on, her body moving with a fluidity and grace that surprised even her.

And even though she asked Cassian to back down, that did not stop him from weakening the monsters. He still refused to use any of his powers which kind of annoyed her. There was no one here! He would get rusty if he didn’t practice or use his powers.

The mere sight of him frustrated her.

The Goddess’s voice echoed softly in her mind, guiding her toward the next challenge. "You’re doing well," she said. "But don’t let your guard down. The hunt isn’t over yet."

Adeline nodded, her jaw set in determination.

With each step, she grew more confident and more certain of her abilities. The monsters were relentless, but so was she.

And as the hunt continued, Adeline knew one thing for sure: she wasn’t just keeping up anymore.

She was ready to win.

The Goddess’s voice carried a mischievous tone. "Adeline, I have a special mission for you. Go after the golden squirrel. It’s an instant win if you catch it."

Adeline stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "A golden squirrel? An instant win? Are you serious?"

"Completely serious," the Goddess replied, though there was an undeniable hint of amusement in her tone.

Adeline crossed her arms. "Did you take inspiration from Harry Potter?"

There was a pause, followed by the Goddess’s nervous laughter. "Well... I might’ve borrowed the concept. It’s a great idea, isn’t it? Adds a bit of drama to the hunt."

Adeline was not amused but she did not say anything either.

Even the ruins you led me to before were straight out of some ruin-exploration movie! I thought you were supposed to be an all-powerful deity, not a plagiarist.

The Goddess could read her thoughts so she quickly came to defend herself.

"Creative borrowing," the Goddess corrected indignantly. "Besides, does it really matter? You need to win this hunt, and the golden squirrel is your best shot."

Adeline sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. Where do I find this ’creative borrowing’ of yours?"

"Deeper into the forest," the Goddess said, her tone shifting to something more serious. "But be warned, it won’t be easy. The squirrel is incredibly fast and clever. It knows how to evade hunters. You’ll need all your wits about you—and maybe a bit of luck."