Back in the game...
With Joey Wheeler leading the way, everyone followed the road, easily dispatching the occasional minor monster.
As they passed a fork in the road, they spotted someone lying on the ground in the distance. Without hesitation, they hurried over.
"Anzu, heal him, quick!!!"
But Yugi stepped forward to stop her. "Don't waste precious magic recklessly. I remember you found some food in the kitchen. Why not try that first?"
Anzu took some bread from her backpack, tore off little pieces, and fed them to the hooded man.
"Is this... the taste of my father's cooking?" His eyes half-open, he stirred a couple of times and seemed to recover a little. "Did my father send you?"
"Are you Xiao Ke? The shopkeeper was worried about you coming here alone to gather herbs. By the way, do you know anything about a divine artifact that can destroy the ruler of darkness-Zorc?"
Something flickered in Xiao Ke's eyes. "A divine artifact? A forest spirit I happened to rescue told me about it."
Suddenly, his brows knitted, and he asked warily, "Why are you asking about that? Only heroes can destroy Zorc!"
"Hehe, we're the heroes!" Miho planted her hands on her hips, looking immensely pleased with herself.
"You count as a hero, Little Ribbon? You're just a merchant! The real hero here is yours truly, the great Joey Wheeler!"
Miho gave a petulant snort. "Hmph. More like a brute."
"Why, you little-!"
Everyone chuckled as they watched the two bicker.
Only 'Yugi' remained tense.
After hearing them out, Xiao Ke began to explain. "That's wonderful, noble heroes. The divine artifact is the Hero's Sword. With it, you'll be able to hurt Zorc."
He struggled to his feet. "The truth is, I secretly ventured into the Dense Forest to verify