Episode 13

In another dimension, above a rampaging white dragon, there were two obscure silhouettes hovering in the air, their presence shrouded in darkness. 

Clad in flowing black cloaks that covered their entire forms, only fleeting glimpses of their noses and mouths were visible, concealing their true identities.

These mysterious individuals observed the majestic, beastly dragon thrashing below them like a demonic force, finding great amusement in the spectacle.

"I must say, your incantation yielded successful results," spoke a composed yet satisfied female voice, resonating from one of the figures. She turned her gaze towards her companion, a skilled practitioner of the dark arts, who hovered just behind her. "Your reputation seems to be well-founded," she commented, her blue eyes shimmering beneath the enigmatic depths of her cloak, thoroughly amused by the frenzied white dragon wreaking havoc below.

"I appreciate your kind words, milady," responded the dark mage, his head bowing slightly in acknowledgment, despite his towering presence over her. "I am pleased to have met your expectations." His attention then shifted back to the white dragon. "It was no easy feat."

Without a doubt, the individual was male, evident from his strong jawline and faint stubble visible beneath the cloak, leaving no room for uncertainty regarding his gender. The woman at his side appeared delicate and feminine, as indicated by her slender frame and stature. Her melodious voice further affirmed her femininity.

Growing somewhat weary of the spectacle, the woman spoke, "Will you consider applying the spell to other creatures as well?" she asked.

With a malevolent grin, the man replied, "I do plan to test the spell on other creatures. I think a fenrir or a manticore would make suitable subjects."

Satisfied, the woman nodded. "I eagerly await the results, then." Before she could say more, a shadowy figure materialized behind them, startling them both.

The newcomer cradled a white egg in his arms, its size reminiscent of a dragon's egg, unmistakably belonging to the raging white dragon below.

"I have successfully acquired the item, milady," the newcomer announced, bowing his head to the woman cloaked in black.

"Excellent!" The lady exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "Our mission here is complete!" She flashed a smile at her subordinates. "Our master is waiting. Let's go."

With that, the three figures disappeared in a flash, leaving behind the wreckage caused by the white dragon as though it were a mere triviality, erasing any trace of their presence.

***

Scarlet observed Theon in silence as he poured his mana onto the dagger. The air crackled, and the swirling gust of wind around him intensified in strength. Gradually, the dagger began to glow, its radiant light filling the entire room. However, a sudden stillness abruptly replaced the swirling wind, and the dagger lost its light.

Confusion filled Scarlet's mind, compelling her to ask, "Did you do it?"

Theon opened his eyes slowly, his expression contemplative as he gazed at the dull dagger in his hand. "Due to my weakened state, I couldn't recharge the dagger to its full strength." He did what he could in that moment. He can only charge below half of its capacity. He was weak, so it wasn't enough.

"Oh," Scarlet nodded, acknowledging the uncertainty in their situation. It sounds bad, but not that bad. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" she asked, talking about the dagger.

"It's both," Theon responded, twirling the dagger in his hand. "While I can use this to help us escape this prison world, we don't have enough magic to transport you back to the dark dimension."

"Oh," Scarlet said, blinking her cute little eyes as she absorbed this information. Even a little bit, she understood a gist of it, but one thing was bugging her though. "Is it that difficult to bring me back home?" she asked.

Theon stood up, he was done sitting on the ground. "Yes. I can't do that when I'm low on mana," he replied, his tone reflective. "To reach the dark dimension, we need to traverse three more dimensions, and looking at my current mana reserves, it's not enough to power such a journey."

"Oh, I see," Scarlet grinned, her appreciation evident in her face. "I understand now, thank you for taking the time to explain it to me."

Theon grunted in response, his gaze lingering on Scarlet's small, endearing face. In that moment, they appeared like a master and disciple, with Theon assuming the role of the mentor.

He couldn't fault Scarlet for her lack of knowledge though. It was clear that nobody taught her about the intricate laws of mana exchange and the dynamics of magic. She was still a little girl.

As someone who possessed such knowledge, he suddenly felt a sense of duty to help her understand the world around her.

"Anyway," Scarlet continued, her voice tinged with curiosity, "since you clearly know what you're doing, what do you think we should do now?"

Theon became quiet for a bit.

"The witch who imprisoned me must have already sensed my release," he explained, his expression serious as he assessed the gravity of their current situation. "We've lingered here long enough. Our priority should be to escape this place first, after that, we can consider our next move."

"Alright," Scarlet nodded, finding his plan reasonable. For now, she'll placed her trust on him. 

She extended her hand towards Theon, a gesture of trust on her part. "Let's go." she smiled. "I'll follow your lead."

Feeling like he was threading uncharted waters when it came to Scarlet, it was the first time Theon was at the receiving end of such an offer. No one has ever offered their hand towards him, not in the hundred years he's been alive. Her offer didn't repulse him in any way, so even when it felt strange, Theon accepted her outstretched hand with his free hand. His other one held Scarlet's dagger in it, the key to their escape. 

As their fingers touched, Scarlet suddenly surprised Theon by intertwining her small fingers with his, flashing a playful grin towards him. "For safety measures," she said, her eyes sparkling with glee and something else. 

An unfamiliar warmth coursed through Theon, a peculiar sensation that stirred a gentle flutter in his chest. It was a sensation he hadn't encountered before.

He glanced at Scarlet once more, the innocent question reflected in her eyes. Theon was being awkwardly quiet, so she wondered whether holding his hand was a bad idea. She slackened her fingers, testing whether he would let go of it, but he didn't. Instead, his fingers tightened as he refocused himself on the task at hand. 

Reciting the incantations, Theon channeled his energy into the dagger, causing it to glow once again. 

In his mind's eye, Theon envisioned the Floating Plains of Gildora, the farthest dimension he could take them. Slashing the dagger through the air, a rip in time and space happened—a portal appeared and it grew in size until it was large enough for both of them to step through.

Before stepping into the portal, Theon cast a withering gaze over his shoulder, looking at his prison cell. Silently, he vowed within himself. He will never set foot in this place again. 

Sensing Scarlet tugging at his arm, Theon looked down, and saw understanding in her eyes. She looked so small, fragile, yet resolute. "Let's go?" she asked, determination evident in her voice. Theon nodded.

"Yes." He said, shaking off any distraction as they stepped into the portal. The rip swallowed their forms, and they were gone, the cave silent once more, while the portal sewed itself together and disappeared as well.