A carriage raced down a dirt road, seemingly fleeing something in a panic.
The wooden carriage was already creaking as though it might fall apart at any moment, yet the driver kept whipping the horses' rumps, seemingly trying to go even faster.
With his superb driving skills, the driver forced their speed higher. Invisible magical elements also seemed to surround the carriage, bestowing a blessing upon it.
Inside the carriage, a middle-aged man with an arrow through his shoulder and a wound in his abdomen leaned in a corner, clutching his injury. His leather armor was stained with blood, and two little girls of eight or nine sat before him.
Both girls' faces were filled with terror and worry. They clutched the man's sleeves, pressing their lips together and not daring to speak.
The injured man instead forced a smile for them. "Don't worry, young ladies. Everything will be fine. We're about to enter the Demon Beast Forest. Those people definitely won't dare keep chasing us. Just close your eyes and be good."
The two little girls nodded repeatedly. Tears filled their eyes, but they were very well-behaved, forcing themselves not to cry.
"Captain Henry, we're about to enter the Demon Beast Forest. The carriage might not be able to get through."
The driver outside was an older man who looked to be in his fifties, with a short crossbow and a short sword beside him.
Even as the road grew rougher and the carriage shook harder, he kept it steadily balanced, even using magic to assist him.
"Abandon the carriage. We'll each take one of them and ride farther in-"
Although Henry's face had gone somewhat pale from blood loss, he still gave his orders.
"All right-"
Although he knew the Demon Beast Forest lay ahead, home to Feiersi,