The Long Road, Fragments of the Past VII

As if driven by some unseen force, Brando followed Nemesis's orders and commanded everyone to camp where they were. However, he did not bring Charles, Medisa, or Hypamira with him. Instead, he alone chased after Nemesis into Anlase Forest. The two warhorses crossed the woodland at night and passed through a gentle stretch of sloping land—this was Viller Slope, north of Shallow Water Town, a place Brando knew well—but soon the trees grew sparse and the forest opened up. In Brando's vision, a path as white as silver stretched through the woods. It was actually the reflection of moonlight. With the silver moon hanging overhead, it outlined the uneven cedar treetops, while dead leaves lay piled in layers beneath them.

The female knight's graceful back remained in front of Brando, keeping an unhurried pace without saying a word. She simply continued forward in silence. But Brando could no longer suppress his doubts. He urged his horse closer and called out, "What exactly are you trying to do, Lady Nemesis—"

The female knight slowed her horse and replied without turning her head, "Didn't I already tell you? I know where the Crystal Deer is." Her voice was like a clear mountain spring, flowing softly.

That was not the answer Brando wanted. He wanted to know something else: "But how did you know...?"

They were already very close to a valley in his memories called Holy Silver Valley, where many Moonflowers bloomed. More importantly, it was also home to an even more beautiful and enchanting creature.

According to the folk legends of the Anlase region, a fascinating Crystal Stag lived in the forest. Whenever the moon was full, it wandered through the woods, devouring moonlight. Few people had ever seen it, but any hunter who happened to encounter it would enjoy good