Chapter 52: Paths to Growth

Nely and her companions rode through the dense forest, their horses' hooves kicking up a cloud of dust as they traveled along the winding path.

The canopy above cast dappled shadows on the forest floor, and the air was thick with the scent of pine and earth.

Nely couldn't shake the nagging feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach.

"How long will it take to reach Rendely?" Nely finally broke the silence, her voice cutting through the quiet murmur of the forest.

Arlo glanced over at her, his expression thoughtful. "About seven weeks, give or take," he replied, his eyes scanning the horizon as if calculating the distance. "But if we push ourselves, we might be able to make it in six."

Nely's heart sank at the thought of spending so much time on the road.

Every moment that passed brought her one step closer to the unknown, and she couldn't afford to waste any time.

Aria, sensing her companion's restlessness, spoke up from beside her. "Are you in a hurry?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity. "Why do you want to go to the city?"

Nely hesitated, unsure how much she should reveal to these strangers.

"I have to find someone," she admitted.

Aria let out a soft chuckle, her amusement evident in the twinkle of her eyes. "Aren't you a bit young to be traveling alone?" she teased, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her lips.

Nely ignored Aria's jibe, and turned her attention back to the road ahead.

As they continued their journey, the forest began to thin, giving way to open fields and rolling hills. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape as they rode on into the unknown.

Nely kept her distance from her companions as they rode through the forest, her eyes scanning the trees for any sign of danger.

She wasn't used to traveling with others, especially strangers, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that prickled at the back of her mind.

Arlo, ever the chatterbox, tried to strike up a conversation to break the tension. "So, Nely," he began, his voice cheerful but tinged with curiosity. "What's your story? Where are you from?"

Nely tensed at the question, her grip on the reins tightening instinctively. "I'm from...around," she replied evasively, keeping her answers short and vague.

She had learned the hard way not to trust too easily, especially when it came to revealing personal details.

Aria, always the peacemaker, sensed Nely's discomfort and tried to lighten the mood.

"Well, wherever you're from, we're glad to have you with us," she said with a warm smile, her eyes filled with genuine kindness.

But Nely remained wary, keeping her guard up as they continued their journey. She didn't want to let her guard down, not when there were so many unknowns ahead of them.

As they reached higher ground, the group decided to make camp and rest for the night. Nely found a spot away from the trio, her fingers tracing the smooth surface of the crystal-shaped object she had been inspecting quietly.

The setting sun cast a warm glow over the landscape, bathing everything in a golden light as the evening shadows began to lengthen.

Aria's voice broke the quiet, calling out to Nely from across the camp. Nely looked up, her curiosity piqued, as the enticing aroma of soup wafted through the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation.

She approached the trio cautiously, her eyes flickering between them as they sat around the crackling fire. Arlo grinned at her, his eyes twinkling with mischief, while Lode gave her a nod of acknowledgment, his expression unreadable as ever.

Aria smiled warmly at Nely, holding out a plate of steaming soup and savory meat. "Hungry?" she asked, her voice gentle and inviting.

Nely hesitated for a moment, her memories of Jake and Nate's betrayal and mistrust still fresh in her mind. But the delicious smell of the food proved too tempting to resist, and she accepted the plate with a grateful nod.

She was blessed by a god now, she was much stronger than before.

As she sat down next to Aria, the warmth of the fire seeping into her bones, Aria chuckled softly. "I'm so glad to finally have some girl company," she confessed, a playful twinkle in her eyes as she glanced over at her brother and friend. "These two can be so annoying sometimes."

Arlo grinned as he stirred the soup in the pot, the firelight casting playful shadows across his face.

Leaning back against a fallen log, Arlo chuckled and spoke, "Aria and I have always been drawn to adventure. We grew up hearing stories of brave heroes and legendary treasures, and we knew we wanted to be a part of that world."

Aria nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with excitement. "We've been on our fair share of quests over the years," she added, "but this one is special. We're on a mission to find a rare artifact rumored to be hidden in Rendely. If we can get our hands on it, we'll be set for life."

Nely turned to the quietest member of the group, who had been listening intently to their conversation.

Lode shrugged nonchalantly, his expression unreadable. "I'm just along for the ride," he replied cryptically. "But I have my reasons for wanting to see this through."

As they finished their meal and settled in for the night, Nely couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with her companions.

They were all outsiders in their own way, united by a common goal and a shared sense of adventure.

They journeyed onward for three more days, Nely found herself growing closer to her newfound companions.

Despite her initial reservations, she had come to appreciate their camaraderie and the sense of belonging they provided. They weren't so bad, she thought to herself, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she rode alongside them.

But deep down, Nely's true desire burned brighter than ever: to find Dune and become stronger. Dune had told her that he would likely be in the capital, and Nely knew that if anyone could help her, it would be him.

And then there was the Bloodrose Academy, renowned as the best in the continent for mastering one's powers. Nely had heard stories of its legendary instructors and rigorous training regimens, and she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the thought of testing her skills against the best of the best.

But above all else, Nely desired power and revenge. She had seen firsthand the dangers that lurked in the shadows, and she knew that in order to face them head-on, she would need to become stronger than she ever thought possible.

As they rode on, the anticipation of what lay ahead filled Nely with a sense of determination unlike anything she had ever known.

With each passing mile, she felt herself drawing closer to her goal, her heart pounding with the promise of adventure and the thrill of the unknown.

her thoughts drifting back to the days spent in the Blessings ceremony with Dune. In those harsh 15 days, he had been her only solace, her lone companion in the unforgiving wilderness.

She remembered how he had risked his life to save her, his courage shining through the darkness of their trials.

As the memories flooded her mind, Nely couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Dune. She recalled the moment he had held her in his arms, shielding her from harm, and her heart swelled with emotion.

Despite the pain and fear she had endured, there had been a sense of comfort in Dune's presence.

But along with the gratitude came a tinge of embarrassment as Nely remembered how she had complained and cried out in pain during their ordeal.

She instinctively covered her face, trying to hide her vulnerability, yet a smile played at the corners of her lips. Despite her

embarrassment, there was a sense of warmth in knowing that Dune had seen her at her most vulnerable and had still stood by her side.

Looking ahead, Nely felt a spark of excitement. She couldn't wait to reunite with Shorty, to share stories of their adventures and plan for the future.

Dune may not be strong like Nely, but he was her steadfast companion, her confidant, her only friend in a world filled with uncertainty. And for that, she would always be grateful.