In another part of the forest, deep within the shadows, there stand two cloaked figures.

"How interesting that those travellers defeated that abomination."

The man snorts, "I wonder if they can defeat you as well."

The Ferocious Monster doesn't take his bait and asks instead, "What will you do now?"

"I'm not telling you."

"Oh come on, I'm just trying to make friendly conversation."

The man stays silent.

She sighs, "Fine. Why don't you tell me why you let her go?"

"It doesn't matter. I don't want to be controlled by Heaven. I'd rather run away for the rest of eternity."

"Hehe. I'm going to be stronger than Heaven. I will consume them."

"That's why you let her go?"

"I don't have a use for her yet."

"And the Oracle?"

"After her transformation, she fell into a slumber but she's going to wake up soon."

He laughs bitterly, "I get it. The Oracle is the key to your power but what if your precious prophecy isn't to your liking?"

"..."

"Didn't think of that? Are you going to ask how to become more powerful than Heaven?"

"..."

"You're horrible, completely terrible but so easy to understand."

"I don't think that I am."

"Whatever, this is goodbye, don't look for me ever again."

"Hehe. Aren't you afraid that once I'm able to, I'll devour you?"

"Not really, I'll give you indigestion."

"..."

He disappears once more, not sparing a single glance at the so-called Ferocious Monster.

-

"Oh, that was absolutely brilliant! Absolutely breathtaking! Mani, oh Mani, I knew you could do it!"

//Did you now?//

"Hm."

The former fairy and dragon duo have become a trio now.

After the Light Chimera was defeated, Sophia told Mani about the young gorgon girl she found and saved. She told them how she left her at the cave while she went looking for Mani. She conjured a barrier, of course, so she would stay safe.

First, they healed their wounds with the supplies at hand. Then, they went back to the cave to pick her up.

The young gorgon was still unconscious but Sophia was happy that her life force was getting stronger once again.

"She should be okay soon but we need more supplies..."

"She is from a boarding school?"

"Yes, I'm assuming it's Aspar Hill but from this point it's very, very far away."

"So what should we do?"

"She needs proper attention, we need to find the closest town or city... actually..."

"Hm?"

"According to my calculations, my maps, and all the information I've gathered... we should be close to the town we were looking for."

"But it will most likely be abandoned if it still exists."

"Yes, although there might be supplies we can use and who knows? Maybe it's not abandoned but just low-key..."

"If we keep moving in this direction we might be able to reach it in a few hours."

"That's not bad. Even if we find nothing... we must be close to another city right?"

"Absolutely!"

"I know that fight took out a lot on us but I can keep moving."

"Absolutely not! We should rest first. At least for an hour and then go. Your arm isn't looking good at all."

"I'll fix it properly when we get more supplies and once we deal with this lost child."

"Yes. The gorgon child takes priority! Seriously what is she doing in such a dangerous place, hmph!"

"Hopefully, she wakes up soon and we can get her home."

After resting, they make their way through the Southern Rale Woods once more, each taking turns carrying the sleeping gorgon.

"I can't stop but wonder, I can't help but worry, just what has this child been through?"