The journey to the ritual site was far longer than anyone had initially expected. Under the Forest Elf's guidance, the group first traveled around the edge of the city before plunging deep into the woods.
With the Unicorn clearing the way ahead, even the roadless dense forest seemed to gain a path. But as they walked, Shade suddenly realized that this route was not unfamiliar to him. Around eight that evening, his suspicion became reality.
A barren, manmade trail abruptly appeared amid the leafless woods, and the Elf Girl riding the Unicorn signaled for everyone to stop.
After the five of them and their mounts followed the trail for fewer than twenty steps, the view suddenly opened up before them. Moonlight and starlight filtered through the crown of the lush giant tree, scattering dappled patches of light across the ground. Its branches and leaves swayed in the night wind, composing a song for the autumn night.
Beneath the giant tree stood five chairs exactly as they had been when Shade and the Doctor left. Only the rune on the back of the chair symbolizing "flame" glowed red, representing that the Demon had been slain.
The wind in the forest stirred everyone's clothes as well. Luvia unconsciously took a deep breath. Though this was her first time here, she somehow found the place strangely familiar. She attributed it to Shade having described it in excessive detail.
"Is this the place Shade mentioned?"
Emilia asked curiously. Miss Danist was similarly astonished by the scene before them.
"There won't be any danger here, right?"
That was Shade's question. The relatively taller elf immediately shook her head.
"Don't worry. It's not time for danger yet."
She took the initiative to explain:
"Although there are no especially strong traces of elements here, this is practically