Chapter 9 – Steps in Forsaken Lands
The fog of the Sacred Forest was still rising among the trees when Cael emerged from the makeshift tent. The air was cold, heavy, with the night's moisture still clinging to the leaves and the soil. In the distance, the sounds of wildlife could be heard, but it was a different kind of life, warped by the peculiarities of this world.
Leaf was there, sitting casually on a log, looking at him with those mysterious eyes. Cael forced a smile. He already knew what was coming next. Her voice, as always, was soft and enigmatic.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, her tone calm, yet carrying a hint of mild curiosity.
Cael took a few steps forward, trying to look natural, hiding the unease he was feeling.
"Good... a bit tired, but... it's nice to be in a calmer place, without any threats for now." He walked over and sat down beside her, keeping his gaze toward the forest.
Leaf did not reply immediately. She seemed to be analyzing his words, but, as always, without giving away what she was truly thinking.
"And what do you think of all this? Of everything that has happened so far?" she asked, more to herself than to Cael, yet still directing the question at him.
Cael took a deep breath, knowing his answer needed to be careful. He couldn't afford to show any suspicion.
"I think we're all just trying to understand what's going on... but in the end, we're here. And that's what matters." He looked at Leaf, trying to sound genuine. "And what do you think about the Helkaiser? That dragon... was it truly a threat?"
Leaf kept her eyes fixed on Cael, but her response was vague, more of a reflection than a clear opinion.
"The Helkaiser... He was more than a threat. But all of this is part of a cycle. Each of us has a role to play. You've realized that by now, haven't you? Everything here, everything that happens, is part of something greater."
A chill ran down Cael's spine upon hearing her words, but he kept his composure. He knew what he was doing, at least for now. She must not find out that he knew more about this world than he should.
It was then that the game's protagonist appeared, walking silently among the trees. His impassive gaze locked onto Cael for a moment, as if he already knew what was unfolding.
"We are leaving. The Forest of the Forsaken awaits us."
Cael looked back at Leaf one more time, who didn't seem surprised. She merely watched him with a distant look, almost as if she had foreseen this exact moment.
"Then... let's go," Cael said, turning toward the knight and starting to walk alongside him, toward the bleak forest that lay ahead.
The Forest of the Forsaken loomed further up, a thin line between the unknown and the familiar. The vegetation grew denser, the air heavier. The stillness of the place contrasted sharply with the intensity of everything Cael was feeling. But there was something else, something he couldn't ignore.
"System..." he thought, feeling the weight of doubt grow. "I defeated the Helkaiser. What now? Where is the reward you promised me?"
The answer came swiftly and sarcastically, as always.
"Ah, the purple dragon? Well, you won. Now, if you want, I can release the reward that was 'gifted' in the lottery. Otherwise, my hands are tied."
Cael frowned, annoyed by the dismissive way the System referred to the situation.
"Seriously? That's how you're putting it?" Cael thought, already feeling the irritating urge to demand an explanation.
"Oh, but of course! If you haven't noticed yet, this game is all about choices. If you feel deserving, touch the cube that unlocked more rewards."
The cube materialized before him, floating with a soft golden light. It was the promised reward, but Cael didn't feel satisfied. There was an irony to the whole situation.
"So this is how it works..." he thought, right before touching the cube, feeling a slight ripple in the air as the object split open.