nycdaug Chapter 888 Beyond the Fire
Chapter 888 Beyond the Fire
The mysterious girl walked up to Melina and gently touched her forehead. A faint blue light shone from her fingertips, and the light instantly covered Melina's entire body. Soon after, the wound that had been bleeding miraculously stopped bleeding and began to heal. She smiled and comforted her softly: "Don't worry, my healing technique can temporarily relieve your pain."
Although the wounds were temporarily under control, for safety reasons, Aser suggested: "Let's evacuate here first and find a safe place for everyone to have a good rest. We can make plans after we recover our strength."
"Good idea." Alan agreed and led the team towards a forest in the distance, hoping to find a safe shelter there.
Dragging their tired bodies, under the leadership of Aser, the crowd moved away from the land after the battle. As the night fell quietly, a bonfire was lit in front of them, and the warm light illuminated everyone's face. They sat around the bonfire and exchanged their experiences and thoughts during the day.
Allen looked at his tired but motivated companions and said firmly: "Tomorrow, we will continue to move forward. No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, we will definitely overcome them! Because——"
The group finally settled down in a hidden cave. The bonfire was burning, illuminating the surrounding stone walls and dispelling the chill in the night. With the help of the mysterious girl, Melina gradually recovered her strength, but she still looked a little weak. Everyone sat around the bonfire, silently enjoying this moment of tranquility.
Suddenly, a strange wind blew in from the cave entrance, bringing with it a strange smell. Lena stood up alertly, tightly grasped the dagger in her hand, and looked around. "What's going on? It feels wrong."
As soon as the words fell, an old figure appeared outside the firelight. It was a hunchbacked old woman wearing a tattered black robe, with greed and sinister light flashing in her eyes. "You foolish children, how dare you step into my territory! I am the only master here - Katrina."
Aser stepped forward and stood in front of his companions, "Who are you? We have no intention of offending you. We are just taking a break here."
Katrina laughed hoarsely, and the sound echoed in the empty cave. "Haha, you ignorant youngsters. I knew you were coming a long time ago. Your body and soul will be at my disposal. Especially you - Aser."
Allen clenched the sword in his hand and said sternly: "Don't even think about it! We are not that easy to deal with!"
Katrina snorted disdainfully and waved her hands lightly, and the air around her was suddenly filled with oppressive black mist. "In that case, then I'll let you see the true power of darkness!"
As she finished her words, several dark shadows attacked them like sharp blades. Aser responded quickly, swinging his sword to block, and shouted: "Everyone be careful! Fight on your own and protect Melina!"
Su Mei'er hurriedly drew runes and threw out small balls of light, trying to weaken the power of the black fog. She warned loudly: "This fog is corrosive, try not to touch it!"
Although Melina's injuries had not healed, she still insisted on raising her staff and chanting spells, trying to build a protective barrier to resist the black fog. The mysterious girl walked to Melina's side and whispered, "Let me help you." Her fingertips glowed with blue light again, which was injected into Melina's staff, making the protective barrier more stable.
At the same time, Lena and Alan cooperated well and attacked Katrina from both sides. Lena wielded the short knife and flexibly shuttled through the black fog; while Alan used the advantage of the long sword to launch a fierce attack.
Katrina sneered and pointed her finger. The black mist suddenly condensed into a solid object and turned into a huge crow that swooped down on the two. Aser saw the critical situation and shouted, "Lena, Allen, spread out! Don't let her form a combined attack!"
As everyone was trying their best to resist, the mysterious girl cast a spell again. She closed her eyes and put her hands together. After a moment, a strong light burst out from her palms, and then released countless tiny energy fragments, defeating the black fog in front of them.
"Take advantage of now!" Aser seized the opportunity and led everyone to launch a final attack on Katrina. Melina also gathered all her strength and cast a powerful light spell, which illuminated the entire cave.
Katrina screamed, but was ultimately defeated by the combined efforts of the crowd. Her figure turned into a cloud of black smoke and dissipated into the air. After the battle, everyone collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, exchanging victorious glances with each other.
"It seems that this storm is finally over." Aser said panting, with a relieved smile on his face.
The mysterious girl came forward and asked with concern: "Is everyone okay? No one is seriously injured?"
"It's okay, as long as we are together, there are no difficulties that we cannot overcome." Lena said firmly.
Alan stood up and looked at the gradually brightening sky outside the cave. "That's right. Let's go. We have to keep moving forward. There are still unknown challenges waiting for us ahead. No matter what happens, we will face it together!"
"Yeah." Su Mei'er nodded, her eyes firm.
At this moment, Melina looked up at the top of the cave above the campfire and suddenly frowned. "Wait, there seems to be something wrong with that old witch just now... Her eyes... seem to be hiding some secrets."
Everyone was shocked when they heard this, and they looked at each other, realizing that this victory might just be the beginning. "We still have to be vigilant, just in case," Allen said seriously.
Aser nodded in agreement: "Yes, get a good rest tonight and leave early tomorrow morning to ensure safety."
Everyone sat around the campfire, exhausted but full of determination. The atmosphere in the cave was a bit heavy, after all, the battle they had just experienced made them realize that the road ahead would not be smooth.
"It was so thrilling today." Aser sighed and turned his gaze to Melina, "Are you okay? Are you feeling better?"
Melina nodded slightly, her face still a little pale, "Much better, but still a little weak."
"It's okay, you just need to have a good rest." The mysterious girl comforted softly, her eyes full of concern.
Suddenly, a cold wind blew into the cave. Lena immediately stood up alertly, holding a dagger and looking around, "Everyone be careful! I think this wind is not right!"
Just then, an unfamiliar voice echoed in the cave, "Don't be so nervous, kids. I have no intention of attacking you."
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound in surprise, and saw an old man appear outside the firelight. He was wearing a gray robe, had a long white beard, and held an exquisite staff in his hand. His eyes were bright and he looked kind and benevolent.
Su Mei'er asked curiously: "Who are you? Why do you know we are here?"
The old man smiled, slowly walked to them and sat down, "My name is Elijah, I am a wizard who has lived in seclusion for many years. This cave was a place where I escaped from the world many years ago. I sensed through the spirit of nature that there was a human breath approaching, so I came to see what happened."
"Master Ilia..." Melina seemed to have heard of this name. "Are you the great wizard known as the Guardian of the Forest?"
Elijah nodded, "Well, I haven't seen you for many years. It's fate that you can appear here. Tell me, why are you here?"
Alan explained their situation and their encounter with Katrina honestly. Ilya thought for a moment and said, "That witch is indeed a trouble. But don't worry, I can teach you some knowledge to fight against dark magic."
Everyone's eyes lit up, especially Lena, "Really? That's great, we're very willing to learn!"
Elijah smiled and nodded, pulling out a book from his sleeve and handing it to them, "This book contains many ancient spells. Many of them can restrain the power of darkness, especially those techniques against evil monsters. Use them well, young man."
"Thank you, Master!" Aser said respectfully.
Just as everyone was about to thank Ilya, there were waves of wolf howls outside. "It seems that we have more than one visitor." Su Mei'er frowned, with a hint of worry in her tone.
Elijah closed his eyes and felt for a while. "Don't panic. They don't dare to come in here. I am one of the guardians of this mountain. The beasts here will respect my power."
Alan looked at the old man and asked firmly, "So what should we do now? Should we continue to stay here or leave as soon as possible?"
Elijah shook his head gently. "No hurry. You can rest here for one night. Tomorrow morning, I will lead you to find a safe path to the next town. The people there need the help of warriors to resist the imminent enemy."
Lena's eyes flashed with excitement, "Then it's settled!"
As the night deepened, the bonfire burned brightly. With a brief sense of security, everyone began to look forward to the future, and a new hope appeared in their hearts. When the first ray of morning light shone through the cave, a new journey was about to begin.
"It's time for us to set off!" With Alan's order, everyone's steps became more determined. However, no one noticed that a black crow on a hill in the distance was quietly watching all this...
"May the forest god bless these children." Ilya prayed in a low voice and then disappeared. In the grove near the entrance of the cave, a brother and sister hid in the bushes and watched the scene quietly.
"Brother, these people are really strong, especially the girl who uses healing skills. She is like a goddess." The younger sister said in an admiring tone.
"Humph, no matter how strong they are, they are not as powerful as our tribal warriors." The elder brother retorted unwillingly, but he could not hide the admiration in his eyes.
Everyone packed up their bags and left the cave under the guidance of Ilya. The sun outside was particularly warm, as if it was cheering them on. Aser looked back at the cave entrance and silently said in his heart: "May the God of the Forest bless you."
The group walked forward along the mountain path, and the surrounding scenery gradually became wider. Allen and Lena walked in front to lead the way, while Melina and the mysterious girl followed behind them. Aser and Su Meier followed behind and kept alert.
After walking for about half an hour, there was a fork in the road. On the left was a broad road leading to the town, and on the right was a narrow path leading to a dense forest. Alan stopped and asked Elijah, "Master, which way should we go?"
Elijah pointed to the road on the left and said, "That is the shortcut to the next town. However, if you are willing, the path on the right can take you to my residence, and I will give you some special gifts." After saying that, the old man's eyes revealed a hint of mystery.
"That sounds great!" Lena rubbed her hands excitedly. "I also want to see what your residence looks like, Master." Melina agreed with a smile.
In this way, the six of them turned to the right and soon arrived in front of a small wooden house hidden in the jungle. The wooden house was surrounded by a circle of flowers, emitting a faint fragrance.
"Is this your home? It's so beautiful!" Su Meier exclaimed. Ilya smiled, invited everyone to come in and take a rest, and started to prepare lunch.
During the meal, the mysterious girl looked around the room curiously at the various old objects. "Are these all your collections?" "Hehe, some are treasures I collected when I was young; some are souvenirs I got from friends." He pointed to a portrait hanging on the wall, which was a man in armor holding a huge sword. "This is my teacher, the one who taught me a lot of things back then."
As they were chatting, they heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Then a young man ran in hurriedly, "Teacher, something bad has happened! It seems that there is trouble in the village..." The man was slightly surprised to see the strange face, but he quickly regained his composure and continued to report the situation.
"Oh? What happened to make you so panicked?" Ilya asked calmly. The young man took a breath and then explained: "A group of uninvited guests broke into the village, and brought a lot of ferocious beasts. Although the villagers have tried their best to resist, the situation is now very critical..."
After listening to the report, everyone felt nervous. Lena clenched the dagger in her hand and whispered, "We just escaped from a fierce battle, and now we have to face new challenges?" However, before she could respond, Alan stood up, patted her on the shoulder and said firmly, "No matter what, as a soldier, we have the responsibility to protect innocent lives. Besides, we now have new knowledge to deal with those guys."
Hearing this, everyone felt a surge of courage. "Yes, we can't let those evil people do whatever they want!" Aser responded loudly.
Looking at this group of brave young people, Elijah smiled with satisfaction. "Very good, I knew that choosing to help you was the right decision. Now follow me, I will give you a ride."
Walking out of the cabin, the old man took out a walking stick that looked ordinary but emitted a strange glow, and tapped the ground gently. The next moment, the entire cabin was enveloped in a soft halo of light, which then turned into countless tiny points of light and slowly dissipated. When everything was clearly visible again, the surrounding scenery had completely changed - the originally lush and dense forest had now turned into a flat and empty grassland, and the outline of a village with smoke rising from the distance could be seen. (End of this chapter)