Linley was grateful for the help of the Saint-level magical beasts. Otherwise, Grandpa Doehring might have disappeared forever.
But this wasn't a place they could linger, so the group quickly left the dangerous area.
The pursuit had left Linley covered in wounds. Bebe, who was beside him, wasn't in much better shape. Even the God-Eater Rat's black fur, with its formidable defenses, was now soaked with blood. Fortunately, Bebe hadn't collapsed. Doehring Cowart's soul had also grown dim.
What Linley and the others didn't realize was that they were heading straight toward Hodan's location. Of course, Hodan had planned it that way from the start.
Linley wasn't stupid, though. There was no reason for Saint-level magical beasts to come rushing over and save him. Even if they'd just happened to be passing by, they wouldn't have rescued a human. But Linley could hardly think about that now. He was exhausted. Even as he hurried along, his eyelids kept drooping, and he was on the verge of falling asleep at any moment.
A glimmer of light in the darkness stirred Linley from his drowsiness. He shook his head, trying to wake himself up.
Before Linley sat a young man warming himself beside a campfire.
"Heh, young man, come warm yourself by the fire." Hodan's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, and Linley's taut nerves finally relaxed.
Doehring Cowart paid no mind to his weakened soul and hurriedly warned Linley that this was a powerful person whose strength he couldn't fathom.
Linley knew that someone this powerful wouldn't need to go to such lengths to deal with him. He could also sense Hodan's goodwill. Besides, those Saint-level magical beasts wouldn't have rushed over and saved him for no reason. Even if they'd just happened to be passing by, they wouldn't