Cordis stood on the cliff and watched for a while. Only after confirming that none of the three were anywhere in sight did he slowly look away.
Ponzu, however, was still frantic, desperately calling Bokukuka's name with tears in her eyes.
Cordis clamped a hand over her mouth. Frowning as he kept a wary eye on their surroundings, he said irritably, "Don't shout so loudly. Are you afraid those things won't notice us?"
Ponzu nodded through her tears, and only then did Cordis take his hand away. She tried to keep her sobbing as quiet as possible, but that shout of hers had already done its damage.
The monsters lurking in the surrounding forest began moving toward Cordis and Ponzu.
Cordis knew they couldn't stay there any longer. He wanted to urge Ponzu to hurry up and leave, but seeing her kneeling on the ground, choking on her sobs, he sighed helplessly.
He crouched with his back to her and said flatly, "Hurry up and get on. Those monsters are coming." Then he shot her an irritated glare.
"You're too slow. Don't fall behind and become a burden."
When Ponzu still got up at a sluggish pace, Cordis roared, "Hurry up! If you want to die, don't drag me down with you!"
"I'm still so young! I don't want to die!"
His shout made Ponzu hastily wipe the tears from her face. Still sniffling quietly, she climbed onto his back.
"Hold on tight," Cordis said softly.
Then he stood, supporting her thighs while she hooked her arms around his neck. He hitched her higher on his back, making sure she was secure.
He leaped straight off the cliff, and the surrounding trees rustled at his descent.
Unfortunately, Cordis landed right in front of a monster. Muttering about what a pain