Chapter 8

A deep sadness and pity welled up inside me as I listened.

"We rely on the lost people outside, stealing their food even though we can't eat it. We don't take what isn't ours lightly; we only do it to survive. Sometimes, we risk everything to gather colorful leaves and plants from the Kobal Forest, but it's perilous work. The hypnalis wrap the vines and plants, and they even ensnare the leaves. It's truly dangerous to collect them," she said, lowering her gaze in disappointment.

"Then why were you in that forest earlier, Eriza? Were you risking your life to gather those leaves and plants? The trees and plants were dry when I saw them—what will you do for food?" I asked, a flurry of questions tumbling out as she wiped her tear-streaked eyes. Their struggles overwhelmed me.

"Warrior woman, those trees are our responsibility. In the morning, they're vibrant and provide our food, but at night, they wither. We fight to prevent this because if any of us eats the dried leaves or the ordinary green ones, it could be fatal. That's why we live here, to protect ourselves from that fate."

I looked around, noting the absence of trees or plants.

"I went into the forest when I smelled the food you were carrying. Although we didn't eat bread before, we are now just to quell our hunger. I didn't take your things immediately because I wanted to wait for the hypnalis to release their grip, avoiding their bites. I seized the chance while they were distracted by you to grab your things and escape safely."

"So, I was your bait?"

Her eyes widened in alarm, and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as she waved her thin hands in denial. "Not like that, warrior woman! I genuinely wanted to provide for my companions, who had gone four days without food. That's why I did that. And I saw your strength—you wield a sword and wield magic! I admire you for that. There's no deceit in my intentions."

I shook my head, smiling. I lowered myself to her level, but she flinched back, clearly frightened.

Gently, I held her head and tousled her hair affectionately. She gazed at me with curiosity.

"That's my way of showing praise for those who do good and show courage. It's also my way of expressing gratitude."

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, which only amused me further.

"But I'm not a person, warrior woman." She struggled to meet my gaze.

"Is that so? I noticed something about you since earlier."

She looked at me again, surprised. "What is it, warrior woman?"

"I told you my name before, but you keep calling me 'warrior woman.' Don't you like my name?" I pretended to sulk.

She stared at me, astonished, then shook her head vigorously. "No, you're mistaken, warrior woman! I mean, that's wrong. H-Hemira. Your name is beautiful, and it suits your beauty."

I chuckled at her reaction, and she flushed again.

"You too, Eriza. You are beautiful, and your heart is pure."

At my words, she blushed even deeper. "Ahh... H-Hemira, I should go see my younger sibling first. I'll leave you for now."

I nodded, and she hurried off to a smaller hoblin lying on a piece of cloth on the ground. I watched as she retrieved something from her clothes—my bread! Only a small portion was gone.

She helped her sibling sit up and fed him the bread, and I could see pure joy radiating from Eriza as she watched him eat. Yet, my heart sank for her; I was sure she was starving too, exhausted from the earlier chase for my belongings.

I stood up and turned back to Elderly Orum, who had been watching quietly. "Elderly Orum, is it alright that some parts of the Kobal Forest were burned? I apologize; that was my doing." I bowed my head, a gesture of sincerity.

"That's alright, Hemira. I'm sure the heavy rain has already put that fire out. We can plant new ones easily; they grow quickly. Don't worry. You did that to protect yourself, after all. The forest will return to its vibrant state," he said with a reassuring smile.

I sighed in relief, glad I hadn't destroyed their home and source of food.

"Now, I must ask you, Hemira. Why did a warrior from the kingdom of Gemuria end up here? Did something happen?" His gaze was steady.

"I have a mission entrusted to me, and I need to accomplish it as a warrior of our kingdom," I replied, keeping my mission details a secret.

"Is that so?"

I nodded, and he turned to leave, but then I called out, "Ahh... Elderly Orum, may I ask you one more question?"

He paused and turned back. "Go on."

"Do you know how to drive away or eliminate those hypnalis that took over your home?"

A brief silence fell between us, and I could see he was taken aback by my question. Once he regained his composure, he faced me earnestly. "Yes, I know how to drive them away. But if I share this knowledge with you, will you help us reclaim our home from their grasp?"

"I will do everything in my power," I replied earnestly, meeting his gaze.

He stepped closer, concern etched across his face. "Why would you risk your life for us? Don't you have your own mission to complete? Aren't you afraid that helping us could cost you dearly?" He looked up at me, his eyes filled with uncertainty, as I towered over him.

I glanced at Eriza, who gently cradled her younger sibling, their frail bodies resting against her thin legs. "As warriors of Gemuria, we must protect our people, even at the cost of our lives. You are part of our realm, and I will not turn my back on you. I'm truly sorry for not hearing your plight sooner." I bent down to meet his eye.

To my surprise, he suddenly dropped his staff and knelt before me, causing the other hoblins to turn their attention to our way.

"W-What are you doing, Elderly Orum?" I asked, unsure how to respond as I knelt beside him to offer my assistance, but he resisted my help.

"Thank you, Hemira! Thank you for showing us kindness! Your willingness to drive away the hypnalis means the world to us! With your help, we can finally return to Kobal and rebuild our lives." His head bowed low, nearly touching the ground, a gesture of deep gratitude.

The other hoblins followed suit, bowing in unison. "Thank you, warrior of Gemuria," they said together, their voices filled with reverence.

I looked back at Eriza, who remained seated with hope gleaming in her eyes as she looked at me.

"I swear as a warrior of Gemuria that I will fight to restore your home to you, but first, what do I need to know to defeat the hypnalis, Elderly Orum? Tell me how I can help you."

He met my gaze, his expression turning serious. "To defeat them, you must eliminate their leader. You need to destroy Hypnal."

My brow furrowed at the name. "Hypnal? Where can I find this creature?"

As I helped him to his feet, the other hoblins stood as well. "Hypnal is the largest black snake and the matriarch of all hypnalis in this region. Her nest is hidden within a massive web she spins for her lair. She is highly venomous; even a drop of her saliva can turn you to ashes in mere seconds. No one dares to challenge her. I don't know what can defeat her, but her tough skin is resistant to cuts from any sword or sharp weapon."

I nodded, absorbing the weight of his words.

"Knowing this, are you still willing to face her for our sake?" His eyes were wide with anticipation, pleading for my affirmation.

"I will," I declared firmly, and his face erupted into a smile filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Hemira! Thank you!" His grip on his staff trembled, a mix of excitement and hope.

"Elderly Orum, I will seek out Hypnal's nest. I promise to return your home to you and restore the Kobal forest," I vowed, bowing respectfully.

As I lifted my gaze, I noticed tears streaming down his cheeks, a mixture of sorrow and hope. "Be careful, Hemira. I will hold you to your promise and your safe return." His voice cracked, tears flowing freely.

I nodded solemnly, feeling the weight of my commitment.

I glanced at Eriza once more, her eyes filled with admiration and gratitude.

Stepping through the small door, I made my way to Nyebe, who was grazing peacefully nearby. The heavy rain had finally ceased.

Mounting her, I urged, "Hiyaaaahhhh!"

"NEHEEEEEEEEE!" she galloped back toward the forest we had traversed earlier.

I'm sorry, Lord Sueret, noble king, and Princess Ceres, but the hoblins need my help. I cannot abandon them after learning of their plight.

I promise you, princess… I will come for you.

I will rescue you and return you to the kingdom of Gemuria, to your father the king and mother the queen, and to all those who need you.

I swear it!

"Hiyahh!" I urged to Nyebe.

She responded with a loud whinny and surged forward, gaining speed.

Prepare yourself, Hypnal! I will end your reign the moment I find you!