Chapter 8 : Not all places are safe if not with the people we trust

Two weeks after the incident, Vell and Rika were riding their horses towards the sacred kingdom, discussing their journey so far. After a few hours, Rika asked for a break and Vell agreed, guiding their horses into the forest.

Vell took out some food for Rika and they sat together to eat and talk. After a while, they lay down together and gazed at the stars, until they fell asleep.

A few minutes later, Vell woke up from his sleep, looking around to make sure Rika was safe. As he was walking around the area, he heard the sound of demons and prepared himself for a fight. However, what emerged from the darkness was 43 rogue warriors, each with immense power, who had been following them in hopes of obtaining Rika's power.

Vell tried to warn them not to come closer but they disregarded his warning. The two groups had an argument until Rika woke up from her sleep and understood that they were in danger. She quickly hid behind the horses.

Just as Vell was about to attack, the sound of a powerful demon echoed from behind the thick forest. To their surprise, many demons emerged and they all attacked together, including Vell and Rika.

Vell used this opportunity to quickly take Rika far from the area, but as they tried to leave, they were stopped by a giant 2-meter tall demon, who was extremely strong and made it difficult for them to move forward.

Vell: "Rika, we need to get out of here, quickly!"

Rika: "I know, but what about that giant demon in front of us? How do we get past it?"

Vell: "I'm not sure, but we need to find a way. We can't let it stop us from reaching our goal."

Rika: "I agree, but we need a plan. We can't just blindly attack it."

Vell: "You're right. We need to use our heads and work together to defeat it."

As they discussed their plan, the demon let out a loud roar, ready for a fight. Vell and Rika stood their ground and with all their strength, they fought against the demon.

Vell and Rika struggled to defeat the giant demon despite the wounds inflicted by Vell's sword and Rika's shots. They reluctantly decided to retreat, as they couldn't beat the demon. However, in the process, they lost their supplies and horses, and were forced to continue on foot.

As they walked, Rika spoke up, "Vell, I don't think we can handle that demon anymore. We've lost our supplies and horses, and we're running low on arrow and energy."

Vell nodded, "I know, but we have no choice. We have to keep moving forward."

Rika sighed, "I know. I just wish we had a better plan."

Vell placed a comforting hand on Rika's shoulder, "We'll figure it out, Rika. We always do. We have to be strong and stay focused until you're not going to feel this anymore. "

Rika understand what Vell told to her but Rika still feeling the same

After they both escaped, they finally arrived at a place behind the lake. They finally rested in the area with exhaustion weighing on them. Because of that, Rika fell asleep on Vell's lap, but Vell remained strong to not sleep so that no threat would occur if they slept.

Vell: (Whispering to himself) I can't let my guard down, even if Rika is sleeping. I have to make sure she's safe.

Rika: (Moaning softly in her sleep)

Vell: (Strokes Rika's hair) You rest now, I've got you.

(Silent for a while)

Vell: (Looking around) This place seems peaceful, but I still have to be careful.

(Sits quietly, guarding Rika)

Suddenly, Vell noticed movement in the sky and was ready to attack, but before he could draw his sword, he was attacked by the giant demon again. Vell was thrown far from his original location, but he quickly drew his sword and attacked the demon. However, the demon was too strong, and one step was enough to claim Vell's life.

Their battle was intense, but even so, Vell was unable to defeat the demon. But from a distance, Rika, who was still awake, gave Vell strength, giving him the power to control clones.

Before he could use it, Vell was struck by the demon, causing his head to crack and die. But that was just a clone of Vell, and the real Vell was ready to attack the demon from behind. But after the demon hit Vell, it was revealed that it was another clone of Vell.

Vell released many clones and used his ability to attack the demon relentlessly using his clones. Despite releasing more than 10 clones, there was no effect on the demon. But Vell saw an opportunity where the demon was guarding its back, and Vell quickly jumped and unleashed a blow from his clone and hit the demon. Without wasting time, Vell moved to the demon's back and stabbed its head with his sword while unleashing fire from his sword.

The demon died. After that, Vell immediately went to Rika, but he saw that Rika was lying down and bleeding from her nose, causing Vell to panic.

A week later, behind the waterfall, there was a hidden cave. Vell took care of Rika with love. Vell opened Rika's clothes, and even though Rika felt embarrassed, she was unable to do anything because she saw that Vell had prepared a wet cloth. Vell wiped Rika's body from head to toe and put her clothes back on. Vell fed Rika by crushing fruit and feeding her.

After feeding Rika, Vell got up and checked his surroundings for any enemies. Soon after, Rika called for Vell as her chest was hurting. Vell quickly came over.

Vell: "Are you OK?"

Rika: "I'm OK. Just lie down next to me and hold my hand."

Vell agreed and the two of them fell asleep together, while holding hands.