The night had not fully fallen, and a thin mist wound its way through the woods surrounding Bich City. Moonlight filtered through the treetops, casting mottled patches on the damp earth, which released a cool, fresh scent. Ethan led the group at the front, gripping his ebony sword tightly, feeling the faint vibrations along the hilt. He knew that the moment the wolves ahead noticed them, any lapse in attention could result in injury—or worse.
"Ethan, do you sense something different in the air?" Lily whispered, her staff glowing with a soft blue light.
Ethan nodded. "These creatures are craftier than the ones in the novice village. Keep formation and watch every movement."
Mark trailed slightly behind, murmuring to himself. "In my world, the forests whisper secrets… it feels like this place can sense our presence too." His palms glimmered faintly as he activated protective Taoist wards, preparing for any threat that might emerge.
Suddenly, several young wolves darted out from the shadows, claws slicing through the air. Ethan reacted almost instinctively, swinging his sword to block while issuing commands in a low voice: "Lily, fireball on the left flank! Mark, shield me!"
Lily's fireball struck one wolf with precise aim, its fur singed instantly. Mark quickly raised his shield, absorbing the impact as the claws grazed it. Ethan seized the opportunity to counterattack, decapitating the wolf with a swift strike. Anxiety and a weighty sense of responsibility surged through him—he realized that survival wasn't just about himself, but about keeping his companions safe.
After the skirmish, the three of them rested by a nearby stream. The night breeze carried the earthy scent of damp soil. Lily wiped sweat from her forehead with a damp hand. "Ethan, you coordinated well. Everyone kept pace with you."
Ethan gave a wry smile. "I'm just doing my best… I hope I'm not slowing you down. Do you trust me?"
Mark nodded slowly. "Trust grows through battle. We're learning to understand each other."
"Ethan, you looked exhausted last night," Lily said softly, her gaze fixed on his eyes. "Did you just return from the real world? What happened?"
Ethan lowered his head slightly, fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. "Yes… my father fell seriously ill last night. I went back to take care of him for a while. I haven't fully recovered since coming back."
Lily's expression softened as she gripped her staff, as if feeling the weight of his words. "I understand… the experiences in a parallel world and your real-life worries can press down on you at the same time."
Ethan sighed. "Yes. This world lets me temporarily forget the pain of reality and helps me grow… but reality always reminds me of my responsibilities."
The firelight flickered in the wind, casting shadows that traced Lily's outline. She sat down gently, arms wrapped around her knees, eyes fixed on the trees beyond. "My world is completely different from yours. I come from a magical academy in a parallel world, where people study the flow of magical energy, the theory and practice of spells, from a very young age. I've always wanted to research cross-dimensional magic, to connect the energies of different worlds."
Ethan leaned forward, feeling the breeze stir the strands of hair at his temples. He sensed the passion and determination in Lily's words and recognized her same yearning for the unknown that he carried within himself.
Lily continued, "In my world, magic is strictly regulated. The academy requires everyone to follow a fixed path for their studies. Innovation is a luxury few can afford. I came here to explore the unknown, free from all restrictions. I want to understand the essence of power, whether in my world, or… in parallel spaces like this one."
Ethan nodded slowly, speaking in a quiet voice, "So you came to this world… seeking freedom and possibilities, right?"
Lily smiled. "Yes. This place is dangerous, but full of opportunity. I want to explore the unknown with friends, learning from each other's strengths and experiences."
The wind whispered through the forest, rustling fallen leaves. Ethan felt the weight of responsibility settle heavier on his shoulders. He held his sword more firmly, silently contemplating how to protect his two companions, while also thinking of his father's illness and the uncertainties of the future.
Bathed in the glow of the fire, Lily murmured, "Perhaps… even if we come from different worlds, we can find friends who understand and support us. Here, I hope to make true friends, to face challenges together."
Ethan's gaze softened. "I understand. Thank you for sharing. My father is seriously ill, but with both of you by my side, I feel at ease. We'll move forward together—not just in battle, but… protecting each other."
Mark nodded lightly, quietly observing them, his eyes conveying trust and tacit understanding. The firelight danced across his face, mingling with the gentle wind that whispered through the trees.
The chill in the forest deepened, and the ground was slick with damp leaves that rustled softly underfoot. Ethan tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, his breath steaming in the night air. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders. Ahead, a pack of wolf-like creatures emerged, their eyes glowing red, teeth sharp as blades. Mark raised his shield steadily at Ethan's flank, his voice calm but urgent: "Three o'clock on the left. Watch for a flank."
Lily stood slightly behind, the tip of her staff pulsing with a faint light. Her eyes locked onto the enemy: "I'll control the center. Focus on output," she murmured. Her fingers traced sigils on the staff, and a glimmering ice-blue barrier erupted, holding the creatures in place.
Following Mark's guidance, Ethan adjusted his stance and swung his sword at a lunging wolf-like creature. The contact of steel against fur sent a shiver of tension and excitement through him. "Quick, Lily, give me more time to strike!"
The blue aura expanded, slowing the creatures' movements. Ethan lunged forward, cleaving one down. Sweat streamed down his forehead, exhaustion gnawing at his muscles, yet the weight of protecting his friends filled him with a renewed sense of purpose. Mark's shield gleamed in the firelight, reflecting bursts of flame as he provided solid defense.
During a brief lull, Lily crouched and began searching the forest floor with deft hands. "Here—some herbs. They could help with real-world ailments. From what I know of my parallel world, these herbs activate self-healing energy," she said, carefully gathering the luminous plants.
Ethan's eyes brightened. The fatigue momentarily lifted. "You… you can really use this to help my father?"
Lily nodded slightly, cradling the herbs in her hands. "As long as you return to the real world, I believe it will work. I want to help… and to repay the trust you've shown me."
Mark stood silently beside them, lowering his shield, his eyes radiating affirmation. He didn't speak, yet his quiet presence conveyed unwavering support.
Ethan drew a deep breath, carefully tucking the herbs away, then grasped both their hands. "Thank you… With you two, I'm no longer alone. I'll go back, carrying hope, and carrying your trust."
The wind rustled through the trees, carrying the earthy scent of damp grass. The firelight reflected on their faces, illuminating determination and warmth. Lily smiled softly. "Go quickly. Don't delay. We'll be waiting for good news."
Ethan nodded, warmth swelling in his chest. He focused, activating the channel between the virtual world and reality. A dizzying sensation washed over him, the forest and the firelight dissolving into shadows, replaced by the familiar sights of his bedroom and his father's pale face.
He knelt, carefully preparing the herbs as Lily had instructed. Slowly, his father's fever broke, his breathing stabilized, and his eyelids fluttered. Ethan grasped his father's hand, tears glinting in his eyes. "Dad… you're okay. Everything's going to be fine."
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, warm and gentle. Ethan felt an unprecedented sense of relief, recognizing the intricate connection between the virtual and real worlds. He whispered to himself: With Lily and Mark by my side, no challenge is insurmountable.
That night, he returned to the virtual world. The fire in the forest still burned, and Mark and Lily waited. Ethan stepped forward, offering a small gesture, silently conveying gratitude and trust. A flicker of surprise crossed Lily's eyes; Mark gave a slight nod. Their shadows intertwined in the firelight, warm and resolute.
The wind rustled the leaves above, a soft, comforting sound. Together, they stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The night was deep, yet illuminated by friendship and trust, brimming with strength.