[Chapter 263: Liv's Request]
The white gauze wrapped around La Llorona's body rapidly darkened to black, and a chilling, viscous water-fiend energy spread out from beneath her feet.
The once-dry riverbed suddenly oozed a large pool of black, stagnant water in an instant.
Pale human faces surfaced on the water -- resentful souls she had drowned.
"Playing with water? You've picked the wrong person," Daniel snorted coldly, gripping the Dominion Rod in his left hand, thunder patterns flickering across his fingertips.
"Five Thunder Doctrine, Water Thunder!"
Zzzz--!
Dazzling arcs of electricity crackled wildly along the black water.
The angry human faces let out high-pitched screams before being shattered by the lightning bolts.
La Llorona's soul trembled violently under the electrical assault, layers of resentment on her form shaving away under the thunder technique.
Realizing the terror of the man before her, she recoiled violently, trying to retreat into the swirling dark vapor of the water.
"Trying to run now? Too late!"
Daniel shifted his feet, activating Spatial Stride.
In the blink of an eye, he was already behind La Llorona.
The Sovereign Yearblade solidified in his hand, its glowing orange-red magic radiating like the sun.
"Go to hell, bitch!"
Daniel swung the sword with a crack of thunder, striking directly at the back of La Llorona's head.
Caught off guard, La Llorona twisted around abruptly, crossing her claws in front of her chest to block.
Bang--!
A violent explosion erupted in the riverbed's center.
The clashing magic of fiery orange-red and black resentment shook the surrounding trees until they snapped.
Like a broken kite, La Llorona was hurled through the air by that single strike.
She slammed heavily against the rock wall.
Her soul form flickered, nearly transparent, barely holding together.
Daniel pressed his advantage, moving forward without a pause. Slowly advancing to the rock face, magic pulsed along the copper coin sword in his hand, casting a blood-red glow on the stagnant water pooled beneath.
La Llorona collapsed in the rubble, her once-pristine white wedding dress now tattered and soaked as if buried in silt for centuries.
She looked up at Daniel, the corners of her mouth curving into a tragic, raspy laugh beneath the veil.
"Hehe... killing me... is useless." Her voice was faint, carrying a heavy dampness. "You'll soon... be like me... dying even more miserably."
Daniel paused, narrowing his eyes as his gaze sliced into her.
"Want to know?" A flicker of vengeful delight sparked in La Llorona's eyes.
Her body began to dissolve under the crushing pressure of the Earth's Essence energy.
"I won't tell you... I want to watch from hell... as you're torn apart piece by piece..."
Daniel sneered, his tone flat and emotionless.
"Isn't it just the Ram Cult? They are like the rats hiding in the shadows."
La Llorona's gray-blue face froze instantly. Her once-smug smile hardened. Her eyes, all-white and unblinking, locked onto Daniel. A gurgling sound escaped her throat. "You... how could you know..."
"No need to worry about that." Daniel flicked his wrist, electricity gathering on his fingertips once again. "You won't get the chance to go to hell again. Strike!"
With a low shout, a bolt of lightning struck, submerging La Llorona completely.
"Ah--!"
Her last scream pierced the silent wilderness.
Pure thunder power erupted inside her, instantly shredding the thick black resentment.
The white afterimage faded quickly in the lightning's glow... Finally dispersing into glowing fragments that vanished into the damp, cold air.
In mid-air, the water-fiend energy suppressed to its limits dissipated completely.
[Ding! Killed a D-rank ghost. Obtained 500,000 merit points.]
Daniel turned to see Green on the slope holding two children tightly.
...
Green was kneeling, clutching Anthony and Emma closely.
The children's faces were pale, but their breathing stabilized significantly.
"Mr... Mr. Cross..."
Green looked up at Daniel, his eyes full of terror, but even more so with the gratitude of a survivor.
Daniel approached and casually sent two streaks of magic into the children's bodies.
Cough! Cough cough!
The kids suddenly vomited several mouthfuls of foul black water, then slowly opened their eyes.
"Daddy..." Emma's tiny voice broke the silence.
Green trembled violently, tears streaming down his face.
He nodded vigorously, voice hoarse, "Daddy's here. We're going home. Right now."
Daniel straightened his rumpled collar and spoke calmly, "Let's go. And remember -- not to underestimate the supernatural."
Green nodded repeatedly, as if hearing divine truth.
"I understand! I won't ever again! Mr. Cross, thank you for your great kindness..."
"No need for thanks. I already got the check."
With a wave, Daniel gathered the paper bird from the ground and turned toward the woods' edge.
"Take the children; let's go."
...
When they returned outside the villa, dawn was breaking.
Ignoring the mud on his clothes, Green bowed deeply to Daniel once more before leading his wife and children inside their luxury home.
Liv stood on the second-floor terrace, watching Daniel return safe and sound. Her heart finally eased.
Daniel entered the bedroom and pushed open the terrace door.
Liv wore a silk nightgown, the night breeze flowing through her long hair.
She walked over, reached out to caress Daniel's face, her voice soft and husky, "Is it resolved?"
Daniel naturally pulled her close, warmth spreading through him. "It's resolved. That 'Weeping Woman' won't cry ever again."
[T/N: La Llorona = Weeping Woman]
...
The morning light of Beverly Hills pierced through the mist, spilling over the wide bedroom terrace.
Daniel opened his eyes in the soft, spacious bed.
Next to him, Liv rested her chin on her hand.
Her blue eyes, melancholy and deep like the sea, watched him quietly.
Her black hair spread across the pillow, making her pale skin almost translucent.
"Awake?" Daniel wrapped his arm around her shoulder, his voice carrying the magnetic calm of morning.
Liv gave a soft "mm" and leaned against his chest.
Her fingers unconsciously traced the contours of his pectoral muscles.
"The Green family's house was surprisingly quiet last night," she said softly, her tone tinged with emotion. "If I hadn't seen it myself, who would have believed something like that lived next door? Daniel, you saved another family."
Daniel smiled faintly. "I get paid to handle things; that's Karma settled."
Liv was silent for a moment, then suddenly rolled over and lay on top of Daniel. Her gaze grew serious, shadows of long-suppressed anxiety flickering in her eyes. "Daniel, I have something I want to ask of you."
He looked at her, smiling gently, "Go ahead."
"My career," Liv bit her lip, voice dropping. "The Lord of the Rings gave me the world's most dazzling halo. 'Arwen' became my name. But..." Her words faltered. "This halo is too heavy -- so heavy I can barely breathe."
*****
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