Encounter (Part 1)

Galan patted his cheeks and straightened his posture, but for some reason, he still felt uneasy.

After leaving [Äußerst], the three of them walked for some time.

They encountered almost no danger along the way, and didn't even see any monsters, but there was a strange feeling that was hard to describe.

Amber and Lia chatted idly, although Amber initially had some reservations because of Lydia's Elf identity.

But after actually talking to her, she discovered that Lia was really just like any other ordinary human girl, except for her age.

She saw that Lia looked petite and cute, and didn't know how old she was. Before this, she had actually called Lia "little sister" several times. But when she learned that the other party had actually lived for hundreds of years, she was stunned. Then she remembered the legend that the elders had told her that "Elves have almost infinite lifespans." She was amazed, but also a little envious.

"Do Elves really have near-infinite lifespans?" Amber asked curiously.

"Yes, at least that's what the village priest told me."

Lia responded nonchalantly, seemingly unaffected by her longevity.

Come to think of it, if a person has lived for over three hundred years, most things probably no longer have any meaning in their eyes.

And time is contained within this "major part".

However, for ordinary people, the ability to escape natural death and achieve immortality probably only exists in myths and legends...

Longevity isn't necessarily a blessing... Even the fear of time and the perception of the world around us can be gradually worn away over the long years...

Galan recalled the past, seemingly with some emotion, and unconsciously began to speak. However, he then realized that what he wanted to say was inappropriate in front of Lia, so he stopped talking and continued walking forward.

However, it was hard to tell that Galan's pace was significantly slower than at the beginning, and it was unclear why.

However, the two women were still engrossed in their conversation and failed to notice this detail.

A strange, oppressive atmosphere permeated the Forest Path. The birdsong that had been ringing out from time to time suddenly stopped, as if a radio had been paused, emitting no sound at all.

The first to sense something was amiss was Galan, followed by Lia, and finally Amber. To be fair, this girl's ability to read the atmosphere was lacking. Even if her [Mana detection] level wasn't that high, she should have known something bad was about to happen if she noticed a significant change in the surrounding environment in a short time. As they walked, Lia suddenly stopped, nervously tugging at Galan's sleeve, her eyes darting nervously towards a shadowy spot behind a tree in front of them.

Clearly, she sensed something.

"Galan..."

"Yes, I know."

Because of her innate talent, Lia possesses a large amount of Mana power and keen senses, but before she was reminded, Galan had the same feeling as her.

Actually, he had considered turning back immediately with the two women, as that would be the safest option.

As long as we can return to [Äußerst], we can be somewhat protected no matter what happens.

But things are different now; they're being watched, or perhaps he is.

By the time he realized this, it was already too late.

Galan knew that any unusual action he took could trigger a sudden attack from that terrifying being.

So even though he was unwilling, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and keep going.

The being currently targeting the three of them could not possibly be the burly man Garan had previously clashed with. Galan knew very well that the other party didn't have that kind of strength, and the aura he was exuding was different from what he was sensing now.

Most importantly, if it really was that big man, the three of them would definitely have been attacked by now.

Although that man was somewhat cautious in his actions, it was impossible for him to have refrained from attacking them for so long. Moreover, he had inadvertently revealed a few weaknesses before arriving here. He really couldn't understand how that big man had managed to hold out until now.

If that's the case, then it can only be some other terrifying entity.

He was able to lock onto several people without them noticing, and even intentionally or unintentionally draw them closer to him.

This person is terrifying!

His mind was racing, and his pockets were already open, ready to pull out any necessary tools at any time.

"Master... have we stumbled upon some ominous place...?"

"Well, it seems that's the case. I just don't know who would be interested in us. What bad luck!"

Who could it be?

Could it be...?

Just as a bold idea popped into his mind, a tall figure appeared on the road in front of them in an instant.

The person had a pair of thick horns on their head, symbolizing the Demons race, making them clearly a Demons.

"Is it... a demon... Demons?"

Amber recognized the other party's identity and was immediately stunned, somewhat unable to believe that she would encounter such a being.

The Demons that appeared before her hadn't made any move or released any aura, yet just standing there gave Amber an almost suffocating sense of oppression.

This was the first time she had ever seen Demons in person, and the moment they met, her survival instinct told her that she had to run right away, or she would die!

But reason reminded her that if she made even the slightest attempt to escape at this moment, she would likely be killed in the next second. "What... is your relationship with Serie?"

·... soft?"

The Demons's sudden speech caught Amber off guard. She instinctively raised her arm to block, though she knew it would be futile.

Under absolute and overwhelming force, any form of resistance is futile.

Realizing that the other person hadn't attacked him but had only asked a question, he awkwardly withdrew his action.

Galan didn't have any bad thoughts about her actions. After all, it's normal for an ordinary person to be afraid when facing an opponent of this level. Even he himself was a little unsure of himself at the moment.

However, the other person's words sounded somewhat nonsensical, and this inexplicable question left Amber somewhat bewildered, leaving her standing there dumbfounded, unsure how to respond.

What does it mean to say... "What is the relationship between me and Serie?"