The Search Continues [Part-1]

As Stefan turned around, he was surprised to find that it was Arwen who patted him.

''You..'', Stefan was not able to utter the complete sentence before he was hugged tightly.

After hugging Stefan for a while, Arwen released with a happy expression on his face.

''You boy! You disappeared that day without giving your address to me, and I could not find you in the whole town'', Arwen said.

Stefan scratched his hair and replied embarrassingly, ''You could not find me because I don't live in this town but in the forest.''

This time, William gave Ethan a look, to imply, 'I told you he was not simple. Despite having little to no magic power, he dared to live in the forest. This obviously shows that he must have a powerful defensive weapon or a strong person to protect him.'

Ethan understood and deeply reflected on whether he suffered an injury on his head in his childhood. Otherwise, how come he failed to see Stefan's uniqueness and the mystery revolving around him?

Arwen continued, ''I see. No wonder I couldn't find you in the town. By the way, what are you doing here?''

''I came to meet them'', Stefan gestured towards Ethan and William and introduced both of them after introducing Arwen to them.

After the introduction was over, Arwen extended an invitation to all three of them while pinching Aouli's puffy cheeks.

Aouli pouted in dissatisfaction, but did not shy away from Arwen's big hands. Aouli still remembered that when his brother fainted, it was this uncle who cared the most about Stefan and helped his brother to lie down.

''Sure, I will visit you after I am done with my work'', Stefan said, and only then did Arwen leave with satisfaction.

''So, you asked, why you were getting targeted right? It is because that herb is not an ordinary one. Its properties and advantages are enough to change your world views'', Ethan continued the conversation that was interrupted.

Stefan had a question mark on his face.

Seeing as he still did not understand the importance of the herb, William explained to Stefan, '' The name of that herb is 'Gringera'. This herb is known to have the ability to rejuvenate a dying person and help the body become younger by ten years.''

After pausing, he continued, ''Although it only works on a dying person who is actually not completely dead. Many people are willing to pay any price for getting this herb.''

Seeing how Stefan has a shocked expression on his face, William continued in a deep voice, ''It is said that this herb is only found by those who are destined for it.''

Even Ethan did not know this part about the herb, his mouth was opened in shock.

William stopped for a few seconds and then continued, ''Anyway, now that you have got the herb, don't sell it anywhere, because you will get a backlash if you try to defy someone's fate. As we all know, everyone has a different fate, and only those who are destined will be chosen by this herb.''

''Then does it mean that it is the herb which chooses the person and not the person who chooses the herb?'', Stefan asked after digesting the long information.

''Smart!'', William praised without hesitation.

.....

Esha thought to wait here for her savior and stay with him/her for three to five days to create a familiar bond. But now it seems impossible to stay here for a long time.

'I don't know how the tribe is dealing with the hole now. Obviously, Alexander could save everyone, but, he has to take advantage of Grandpa's health to present conditions.'

'If only Grandpa was in good health. Alexander wouldn't have been able to take advantage of the timing. It might be that Alexander could have done something to worsen Grandpa's health.'

The rims of her eyes became red and she sniffled. She sat down on the bed and hugged her knees, staring into the space.

It seems as if the little mouse could understand that she was in a bad mood and rubbed against her palm.

Esha looked at the little mouse and stroked its head. After sitting and thinking for about one hour, she decided to check out the tribe herself.

Anyway, according to her, she has already died once while fighting that tree demon.

Just as she got up and tried to see if she had something to teleport in her space. Although she knew the chances were slim, she still decided to give it a go.

She searched for quite some time before she found a small black pendant. She sighed in disappointment and observed the pendant.

It was in the shape of the moon. The pendant looked mysterious and powerful, but, Esha knew it was just to be used as a decoration, or for short-distance teleportation.

It was not very useful considering her current situation. But, then again, something was better than nothing.

....

Just as she opened the door of her room. She heard the voice of a young man.

She followed the sound and finally came to the living room.

Furthermore, she saw a handsome young boy entering the room with a child about four to five years old. The young one seemed in a hurry and entered the room hastily.

After passing her, his footsteps suddenly stopped. He turned back slowly and found out that Esha was standing there.

Although he knew her name, he did not call it out, because it would seem suspicious for a stranger to know her name, even if it was her savior.

''You are awake!!'', Stefan exclaimed in surprise.

Esha immediately thanked Stefan seriously and asked about her situation when he found her.

Stefan liked that Esha asked without beating around the bush. He conveyed the situation to her and hid some details that involved Heli's help.

Esha felt that it was impossible for Stefan to get rid of the tree demon only by himself. So he must have used some treasure or gone through a very difficult situation in order to save her. She was touched and deeply felt how much Stefan had paid to save her.

Her eyes held unshed tears but then thinking about something, her eyes were erratic, and she refused to look at Stefan.

Stefan did not notice anything wrong with her behavior and asked warmly, ''Would you like to eat something with us?''

After seeing that Stefan did not seem to mind it, Esha breathed a sigh of relief secretly and pretended to refuse, ''No, it is fine. You have already saved me and I can't ask much from you''.

''Since I saved you, it is my responsibility to make sure that you are fully healthy and healed before you go on your journey'', Stefan sighed lightly.

These light words had a great impact on Esha, and she pretended to be helpless against his request.

''Okay!'', she nodded and replied.