As lotus-root-like openings, the caves were all interconnected, and the mountain wind howled through them.
When Gelman and Morel easily leaped from the final foothold on the sheer cliff to the cave entrance, Ging came to meet them.
"I was just wondering how long it would take for you to catch up with me, and then you showed up on your own. That saves me a lot of trouble."
As usual, Ging had his hands tucked into the pockets of his tattered pants. He glanced around.
"Just the two of you? What happened to everyone else?"
"The others are safe and gathered together. You and Knuckle were the only ones missing."
As he spoke, Morel peered into the depths of the cave.
"Is Knuckle here?"
As a responsible teacher, he was very concerned about Knuckle's safety.
"He's here."
Ging's words brought Morel some relief. He raised his right hand and pointed deeper into the cave.
"He's going through a trial of willpower. For now, I'm acting as his 'guardian knight.'"
"What does that mean?"
"Don't worry. He's made it through... Let's talk as we walk."
Ging set off, leading Gelman and Morel deeper into the cave.
"First, a question. Did you run into a Human-Raising Beast Papu?"
Morel frowned and shook his head, then pointed at Gelman.
"I didn't, but Gelman encountered one... Do you mean you ran into one too?"
"Yeah. I was hiding in a hollow tree, trying to endure the Dark Crown's torment, when I came across one."
"It tried to crack open my skull with its tongue while I looked weak..."
A slope lay ahead. Ging slid down it without effort.
Gelman and Morel followed close behind, and soon they reached a spacious stone chamber.
"I killed it. After the torment ended, I followed its tracks