Now that we are mere mortals, we dare not be the least bit careless. My wife and I each wield a sword, cautiously clearing the way. This sense of tension is something we haven't felt in a long time. After walking some distance, we enter a forest where thorns grow in clusters and strange trees tower, seemingly filled with hidden dangers. "What does this God Master mean by this? Not meeting us is one thing, but toying with us like this?" I say with some irritation. "The God Master of the Lilin Universe is, after all, a child who enjoys playing, so it's understandable," Suōshā replies while walking. "A child?! The God Master of this universe is a mischievous kid? That's way too unreliable!" "Something dangerous is approaching again; let's save the chatter for later," Suōshā warns.No sooner had she spoken than a giant eagle perched atop a tree, glaring at us menacingly. It seems this will be our opponent this time. We assume a defensive stance, and the eagle, spotting an opening, charges at high speed. "Careful, honey!" I push Suōshā aside and block its sharp beak with my sword, piercing its wing with a strike. With a cry of pain, it drags me and my sword into the sky. Unable to use my flying technique, falling would mean certain death. I cling tightly to its wing, not daring to let go. "Be careful, darling!" we call out anxiously to each other. Struggling, I manage to climb onto its back and strike its nape. The eagle plummets to the ground with a scream, and I seize the chance to leap onto a tree, finally returning safely to the ground.That battle was both thrilling and fortunate. I breathe a sigh of relief as Enis and Suōshā rush over to check if I'm missing even a single hair. "I'm fine, don't worry," I reassure them. We continue our arduous trek toward the mountaintop. After a long journey, we finally reach the foot of the mountain. "As long as we climb to the top, we'll find the exit!" I say cheerfully to encourage them. "It seems safe here," Enis adds. "Yeah, just a bit more, and we'll make it through," I reply with a smile, leading the way."Ah!" Suōshā suddenly lets out a cry of pain. I turn back to see her foot caught in a plant resembling a Venus flytrap, its thorns piercing her flesh, blood streaming out. I swiftly cut the plant with my sword and pull out the thorns. "Are you okay, honey?" I ask, heartbroken. "I'm fine," she says, trying to stand but wincing in pain. I quickly support her. "Come on, I'll carry you," I say, crouching down. "I'm okay, I can manage," Suōshā insists, still stubborn. "No nonsense, get on!" I urge her. Unable to argue, she relents, and I carry her on my back as Enis and I continue toward the mountaintop. With an injured member, our pace slows, and we cautiously observe our surroundings. If we make it out, I'm going to give that God Master a piece of my mind.The journey is relatively free of large beasts, though we fend off a few aggressive plants. Just as we near the mountaintop, another crisis strikes. "Watch out!" Enis suddenly pushes me aside, but she is struck by a rolling boulder and falls off the cliff. "Honey!" I set Suōshā down. "If we don't make it back, you go on without us," I say before leaping after Enis without hesitation.During the descent, I use tree branches to cushion my fall, landing halfway down the mountain. Checking my injuries, I find only minor scratches. After jumping down from the tree, I search for Enis and soon spot her unconscious on a grassy slope nearby. I rush over, turn her over, and try to rouse her. "Honey, honey, wake up!" After repeated calls, Enis gradually regains consciousness. Aside from some facial scratches, she's miraculously unharmed, just like me. "You scared me to death!" I say, hugging her as I sob. "I'm okay, darling," she comforts me, wiping away my tears. Supporting each other, we search for a path back up the mountain.Perhaps due to a head injury, Enis is a bit dizzy and unable to use her sword techniques. I help her navigate through the trees and rocky hills, struggling to return to the mountaintop. After some distance, a creature resembling a hyena, slightly larger than one, suddenly appears. A fierce battle seems inevitable. I have Enis sit to the side, draw my sword, and prepare to fight.
