Whispers in the Woods

The group continued north, the trees gradually growing taller and denser. Sunlight was cut into dappled patterns by the layers of canopy, scattering across the soft, humus-covered ground. The air was moist, carrying the fresh scent of earth and vegetation, yet it also seemed to carry a faint, otherworldly atmosphere, distinct from that of the human realm.

Himmel walked at the front, his blue hair appearing serene in the dim light filtering through the forest. He slowed his pace, walking alongside the silent and steady Eisen beside him. His gaze swept across the increasingly dark forest ahead, and he spoke gently, breaking the silence of the woods. "Eisen, we're about to truly step into the territory actually controlled by the Demons. Are you... afraid?"

Eisen continued walking, carrying his battle axe, his bronze face expressionless. He simply replied in a low voice, "It seems you asked me a similar question a year ago."

Himmel paused slightly upon hearing this, then suddenly realized, a look of recollection appearing on his handsome face, and chuckled softly, "Ah... indeed."

The scroll of memory quietly unfolded. It was a year ago, on the edge of the northern snowfields, when they caught a glimpse of the region's overlord—an ancient dragon as massive as a mountain, with a pale, enormous horn on its head, the White-Horned Dragon. Just feeling its overwhelming dragon might from afar was enough to terrify any ordinary adventurer. That night, as they set up camp, the campfire illuminated Himmel's slightly somber profile, and he had asked Eisen the same question.

(Remember)

At that moment, Eisen looked down at his rough, calloused hands, which had weathered countless battles and were now trembling slightly, and honestly answered, "I'm afraid."

Himmel turned his head, intending to say something like, "See, with Eisen here, there's nothing to be afraid of..." but he paused, somewhat surprised. He had hoped to gain some confidence from his most reliable partner. "Eh? You're afraid? I was thinking you definitely wouldn't be afraid, Eisen, and I was hoping to get some morale boost from you."

Eisen raised his head, his gaze steady as he looked in the direction from which the dragon's might was coming. "Yes, I'm afraid. Even the best warrior will feel fear when facing a powerful enemy like the White-Horned Dragon. It's instinct."

He paused, his voice low yet resolute, hardened by countless trials, as if stating a warrior's truth. "However, courage is not ignorance or fearlessness; it is often the twin brother of fear. A warrior who does not understand fear will sooner or later fall on the road to victory. It is this reverence for death, this clear-cut fear, that has guided me, spurred me on, and brought me step by step to where I am today. Himmel, your question has actually made me less nervous..."

Himmel smiled, "Is that so..."

(End of flashback)

The scene shifts back to the present-day deep forest. Himmel pulls himself out of his reverie, a knowing yet slightly self-deprecating smile playing on his lips, "Yes... it seems there's really no need to ask the same question a second time." His tone lightens slightly. "We've come this far together."

"That's right!" Ruby immediately bounced over, her emerald eyes sparkling with eager anticipation, waving her little fist. "We're already here! When we get to the Demon King's Castle, let's watch Ruby chant a super gorgeous, incredibly powerful magic spell to show that Demon King what he's made of! Let him see how powerful a human magician can be! Hehe~"

Heiter took a swig of wine, laughed heartily, and said with a sense of world-weariness, "Haha! That's right! No matter what lies ahead, whether it's a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, our team has come this far, there's no turning back! In short, we just have to keep going!"

Listening to her companions' resolute and determined words, Lupa couldn't help but feel a hint of envy in her heterochromatic eyes. She subconsciously gripped her spear tighter, imagining herself fighting the Demon King alongside them.

Lowell keenly noticed this subtle shift in emotion. He slowed his pace and walked alongside Lupa: "Do you regret it?"

Upon hearing this, Lupa raised her head, vigorously shaking her pink twin tails, her tone urgent and firm. "No! Master! You saved me, you gave me all of this! I am grateful for everything you have done. Although I long to participate in the battle against the Demon King, I would rather stay by your side, Master! This is the path I chose!"

Lowell looked at her slightly agitated expression and sighed softly, "I'm sorry, I was indeed selfish."

"Please don't apologize!" Lupa gripped the spear tightly in her hand.

"This was my own choice! Besides..." Her gaze sharpened, "The Corrupt Sage Qual is still alive; he was left to me by you!"

Lowell smiled, his tone guiding and tinged with a barely perceptible expectation. "Yes, he's still here. However, with your current strength, challenging him is a bit premature. Don't worry, I'll leave him for you to settle. But, Lupa, I hope to see the day you truly let go of the burden of this hatred, not for revenge, but to live for yourself, to live freely and happily. This world is vast, and there are many things worth experiencing. If one day you truly want to leave and pursue your own vast world, I will never stop you..."

"No!" Before she could finish speaking, Lupa interrupted her urgently, clutching Lowell's sleeve tightly. "Master! I want to follow you forever! This is the freedom and happiness I've always longed for!"

Lowell looked at her stubborn and earnest little face, and finally just smiled gently, patting her head lightly. "Is that so? Okay, whatever you want."

Just then, a violent commotion erupted from the woods ahead, accompanied by the roars of wild beasts and the cracking sounds of trees breaking. Everyone immediately became alert, Himmel and Eisen rushed forward to shield the mage and the still-wounded Lupa behind them.

Pushing aside the dense bushes, a peculiar sight appeared before them: a tall, burly man, shirtless and wearing only a pair of simple leather trousers, was tightly gripping the neck of a ferocious boar-like monster the size of a small mountain with his muscular, bronze arms!

The wild boar had menacing tusks and was covered in stiff hair; it was clearly not an ordinary beast, but a monster with a certain amount of magic. However, the bare-chested strong man relied entirely on his physical strength, his legs clamping around the monster's body like iron pincers, while his fists, as big as sand bowls, rained down on the boar's head and back, producing dull, resounding "thump-thump" sounds.

Although this monster wasn't considered top-tier in strength, suppressing it with sheer physical power still demonstrated astonishing might. Before long, the wild boar collapsed to the ground, motionless, under the burly man's ferocious strength.

The burly man released his grip, stood up, casually wiped the sweat and mud splattered on his face, and then turned to look at Himmel and his group who had suddenly appeared. His face held a hint of curiosity, and his voice boomed like a drum. "Oh? Hello! Judging from your attire... you are...?"

Before he could finish his question, Ruby and Himmel had been unable to contain their desire to perform, exchanged a glance, instantly understanding each other. They simultaneously stepped forward and struck the pose they had practiced countless times, a pose they thought was incredibly cool.

Ruby (hands on hips, head held high): "Since you've asked so sincerely!"

Himmel (flicking her hair, smiling): "We will mercifully tell you!"

Ruby (raising her staff): "To prevent the continent from being destroyed!"

Himmel (hand on sword hilt): "To protect the peace of the continent!"

Ruby (waving her little fist): "Upholding justice with love and truth!"

Himmel (eyes sparkling): "A cute and charming good guy!"

Ruby (loudly): "Ruby!"

Himmel (gracefully bows): "Himmel!"

The two shouted in unison (assuming a combined pose): "We are the Hero Party traversing the continent! The White Hole, a bright future awaits us!"

Heiter let out a loud burp at just the right moment and interjected, "That's it! Burp~"

This smooth, cheesy self-introduction left the burly man, who had just accomplished the feat of hand-to-hand combat with a wild boar, completely bewildered, his face displaying a bewildered expression that said, "I don't quite understand, but it seems pretty impressive." Even the somewhat oppressive atmosphere nearby was somewhat alleviated by this familiar yet comical entrance.

Lowell resisted the urge to facepalm, while Frieren yawned nonchalantly.