(ch 17)the group of four

The journey to the towering hill unfolded swiftly. Under Nephis's expert guidance, they navigated the labyrinth rough terrain effortlessly, sidestepping any potential dead ends and eliminating the need for backtracking. Remarkably, there were no scavengers lurking in their path.

Their pace could have been even swifter if not for Cassia, whose steps were deliberate, aided by her staff. She traced her path meticulously, relying on the golden rope's guidance to inspect the terrain ahead before each step. The uneven trails of the crimson forest posed a formidable challenge for a visually impaired traveler, demanding from her utmost caution.

*Nephis could have just left her and made it easier for herself.*

*Only you would say that Sunny.... And you should start exploring the surroundings.*

*Got it.

Both of them remained largely silent, occasionally exchanging bewildered glances while trailing the two girls. Sunny was right though, Cassia appeared to be a burden even if it may sound harsh, within the unforgiving Dream Realm, misplaced compassion was a certain path to one's demise.

*Hey now that we're away from any prying eyes and nobody can hear us... Why did you give a fake name to the government?*

*It's complicated Sunny It's not my first name that would cause problems but my last name.*

*What's wrong with it?*

*Lunar, that's my last name if certain people found that out... It wouldn't be pretty for me.*(Rin)

*Who?*

[Valor, do not ever utter this name in public, scratch that, in your life.] (Rin)

*Got it.*

The sun was drawing closer to the horizon as they arrived at the hill. Upon climbing it and nearing the imposing cluster of coral, Nephis released the golden rope in a flurry of white spark only to conjure it once more. Thus, it materialized in her hands as a tidy coil.

*Ah. So it's a Memory.*

*She might have more.*

*I wonder what the rope can do?]*

And the answer was answered right in front of them, the length of the rope suddenly began to increase. Soon, it was thrice as long as it was before.

Nephis composedly form loops at both ends of the rope before tossing one end into the air, deftly encircling it around a prominent outcrop near the apex of the coral pillar. Subsequently, she conducted a thorough examination to ensure the rope's stability, climbing the pillar with dexterity and gesturing from above, indicating to the pair that it was safe to ascend.

*Do you need my help you? You know... with the state of your arm?*

*I'm fine, it's getting better honestly but thank you Sunny.*

Moving her arm to show it's recovering.

*Eh, sure so you wanna go first or should I?*

*I'll go first to make sure its safe.*

She walked up to the rope, grabs it and with her shin she pushed the foot out and used the other leg to scoop rope over the other one, using it as a hold. She used this method and got to the top of the coral mound waiting for sunny.

*You safe up there?*

Now that she thinks about it, it was really weird hearing his voice in her head.

*Yeah, there is no problem up there. I think?*

As she looked down at sunny, she thought this could have been a perfect opportunity for Nephis to push her off and kill Sunny while he was vulnerable as he climbed.

*Are you being paranoid too Sunny?*

*Yep, how did you know?*

*To be honest I thought Nephis would have kicked my ass down while you were looking up at me. If it were to happen, you would be able to survive somehow while i would go flying past you into the mud.*

Sunny giggled and said:

*We are really an untrusting bunch.*

*I am not really surprised, we are both from the slums where anyone would betray you for scraps.*

*Indeed, but if she wanted to kill us she would have done it sooner, we both know that she can just wipe our ass anytime. Now, could you give me a hand?*

Rin obliged, pulling him up to the top of the coral mound. Then they turned around and watched curiously, wondering how Cassia was going to get to them.

The blind girl put down the wooden staff and approached the rope. She grasped it, running her fingers along its length until she found the loop. Cautiously, she slid her foot into the loop while her hands held the rope. Without delay, Nephis grabbed the rope and began to pull, gradually lifting Cassia until she had reached the top. All she had to do was reach for Nephis's hand and take a step to join them.

The coral mound was larger than the circular stone platform on the giant knight's neck, resembling a miniature island. Tucked away at the top of the island, hidden by coral blades, the girls had created a quaint campsite. Here they had arranged piles of seaweed for sleeping, hung strips of scavenger flesh to dry in the sun, and even built a rudimentary firepit.

Rin nudged Sunny and pointed at the firepit when she noticed it.

*It was them the light from before.*

"Was it you two nights ago? We saw an orange light in the distance."

Cassia's face frowned.

"Yes, this was the first time we made a fire. But it turned out to be a really bad mistake."

Nephis sighed.

*Sunny asks them why*

*WHAT WHY ME?*

*Do it before I throw you off this mound myself.*

*Arg, Fine.*

"Did a problem happen?"

The blind girl touched her hair and turned her head to Nephis.

"At night, any light will attract monsters. First, we were attacked by scavengers. And then... then..."

Her complexion grew paler, and she couldn't bring herself to complete her sentence. However, it wasn't necessary; the vivid recollection of the massive tentacle and the menacing shark remained vividly etched in their thoughts.

*We were lucky that we didn't start a fire, even if we have nothing to begin in thought.*

*Yeah, I would have made a fire without a second thought.*

"Uh. I see."

Nephis looked at the sky and cleared her throat.

"It should be fine now. We still have time before the sun sets."

Afterwards, she immersed herself in the task of lighting the fire. Cassia decided to sit on a mound of seaweed and wait. Not knowing what else to do, they allowed their tired and battered bodies to find solace in rest.

*We could probably trade meat for water. I don't know about you but I am so thirsty*

*Yeah, me too. Hold up.*

"I have fresh meat in my rucksack. Do you have water?"

Cassia looked over to Sunny as he shows his rucksack and smiled.

"Yes!"

After that, she extended an arm to him. A second later, a beautiful bottle made of patterned blue glass appeared in her hand. Rin just watched confused as to why she gave such a small bottle

"That's a Memory I have. It's always full."

<<A N- Very short chapter today i apologize but need to give the BIGGEST shout out stories newest prof reader and editor Karma-Sensei-dono they have agreed help with story hear my Crazy ramblings thank you again for reading>>