The journey back took about fifteen minutes. They walked side by side, chatting casually along the way.
Red let out a long, weary sigh.
"Uncle… I'm really tired…"
His face looked pale, and exhaustion was clearly written across it.
"Alright, son. Come here, I'll carry you. Just close your eyes," Uncle Star said gently.
Red looked at him weakly.
"Why do I have to close my eyes, Uncle?"
"Because I want you to trust me, handsome boy," Uncle Star replied calmly.
"Ah… okay, Uncle…" Red murmured softly.
Then Uncle Star whispered under his breath,
"Cum vi lucis, permitte mihi uti vi…"
In an instant, a faint aura resembling starlight enveloped them. Their figures shot forward like a streak of lightning through the darkened path, moving at an astonishing speed. A journey that would normally take fifteen minutes was reduced to only five. Before long, they arrived at Uncle Star's residence.
However, Uncle Star's power was not without limitations.
As they stood before the courtyard gate, Red slowly opened his eyes. The moment he realized where they were, he froze in shock.
"Uncle… w-what…? How did we get here so fast?!" Red stammered.
"Hahaha… hey, kid, you were probably sleeping too soundly to notice," Uncle Star replied with a small laugh. "Don't think too much about it. Someday, you'll understand. For now, you need to rest. Come inside first, and Uncle will cook the best meal in the world, hahaha…"
"O-Okay… Uncle…" Red answered weakly, his body still drained of energy.
At last, Uncle Star and Red returned home safely. Without wasting any time, Uncle Star immediately began preparing his finest dish.
But what exactly had happened to Red to leave him so utterly exhausted?