Ch 21: There is trouble up ahead!!

Liza's gaze softened as she absorbed his words, sensing the depth of his feelings. "That sounds… really difficult," she said softly, stepping a bit closer to him, her hand brushing against the rough bark of a nearby tree as they walked. "You're not alone in this, you know."

Gray appreciated her kindness. "Yeah, I know. It just… sometimes it feels overwhelming." He offered a small, grateful smile, hoping to lighten the mood again. "But I'm getting stronger, and I'm learning along the way."

Vanisa, who had been slightly ahead, turned around, picking up on the serious tone. "Aren't you the one who said you would defeat the demon lords to get back to your place?" she asked, her voice firm yet encouraging, crossing her arms with a proud stance.

Gray hesitated, his gaze dropping to the forest floor. "I don't know anymore if I can make it," he admitted quietly, the weight of his uncertainty pressing down on him.