After explaining what had happened, everyone began heading out. But just as they reached the exit, Ray suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Turning toward him, the others noticed a change in his eyes—he was using his second martial soul. He stared into empty space, speaking to the void with a confused expression."Why is that?" he asked.A pause. Then,"I got it... but is everything okay?"
He stood motionless for a few moments, as if in a trance. A wave of pressure suddenly washed over the area—intense, bloodthirsty, and filled with despair. The atmosphere twisted unnaturally, and the inner court members—especially Shrek's guardians—flinched.
Yet in Ray's eyes, there was concern."Are they okay?" he murmured again.
Seeing that he was clearly engaged in some sort of spiritual or mental conversation, the others held back and just kept a close watch. The elders began scanning the area, trying to figure out who—or what—he was speaking to.
But moments later, Ray clutched his head, as if struck by sudden, blinding pain.
Ray's POV
Sigh… life really is something else, I thought, glancing down at the girl who had just been sitting in my lap. Xiao Tao. One of my favorite characters—no, more than that. After what I saw today, I respected her deeply. I liked her. Maybe even loved her. I didn't know for sure yet, but I figured the future would sort it out.
Still… who would've thought I'd end up with her as my fated partner?
Double sigh.
The door opened, snapping me out of my thoughts, and the rest of the Shrek group entered. Xiao Tao immediately leapt off my lap, her face red.
After we explained what happened, the group decided to escort the other students into the forest. But just as we reached the front doors, I heard Master Elina's voice in my mind.
"Ray, join them on this trip."
I frowned."Why? What's going on?"
She sighed."You have to go. You'll understand when you get there."
The tone of her voice told me this wasn't something I could ignore."I got it. But... is everything okay?"
"Calm down. Control your emotions before I continue."
I took a breath and waited.
"Remember the being I made that bet with? He's a sore loser. So, as revenge, he sent the kids from your old world's orphanage into this one. In..."
Before she could finish, rage surged through me.
No—rage wasn't enough. If that bastard was here, I'd make art out of his pain. Death would be a mercy.
"CALM DOWN!"Sophia's voice cut through my fury like ice water, pulling me back. I gasped, then whispered,"Thanks, Sophie."
Elina's voice returned, calmer."Thanks, little deer. Anyway—my daughter had been looking after them after your death. When they were kidnapped, she immediately contacted me. I sealed them using something like your crystal seal to keep them safe until you get there. But..."
"But what?" I asked, still confused.
"He sent them to that group. The one you ran from."
"...I don't see the problem—"
"Do you remember how you escaped them? Or what really happened there?"
Suddenly, a sharp headache slammed into me.
I staggered.
The pain faded as soon as I stopped trying to recall.
"As I thought," she said, her voice gentler now. "You remember the basics of that life—but you haven't fully accepted it. That's why most of those memories are sealed. Going back there... will force you to face that trauma."
My fists clenched tightly.
"...I got it."
"Also, be careful. You'll know when your memories come back. But they aren't ordinary bandits. The scan will show you the way when you enter the forest."
I nodded silently.
I turned toward the elders, but before I could speak, Xiao Tao stepped up, concern written all over her face."Are you okay?"
I smiled at her and patted her head."Nothing major—just a mission from my master. I'll be heading to the Dou Forest too. Want to take a shortcut with me?"
She looked at the elders, who nodded approvingly."I'll go change and meet you there. Can you wait by the side of the training grounds?"
We nodded, and I walked off, still feeling... furious.
Back at my place, only a few regulars were hanging around the training area. I asked one to shut the door behind him as he left. Then I went up to my room.
I changed clothes and put on my flying artifact boots. As I stared into the mirror, Sophia's voice popped into my head again.
"Are you okay?"
I adjusted my new mask—one with better energy output—and replied quietly,"Yeah. I was just nervous about the kids. But since Master Elina said they're safe, all that's left is to beat some bastard's ass and bring them home."
"You know exactly what I mean. Stop dodging the question. ARE. YOU. OK?"
What a stubborn woman...
Sigh...
"Honestly? I don't know," I admitted. "That place... the fear... it was on a different level. I don't remember all of it, but what I do remember—"
I paused.
"...You saw it in my memory. That was a hellhole. And that's just from the surface memories—not even the ones that are sealed."
I looked out the window, and suddenly noticed someone watching me.
It was the little Phoenix.
Our eyes met, and for some reason... I felt calm. She blushed and looked away as I winked at her.
Cute.
A chuckle escaped me—and Sophia let out an exasperated sigh.
"Yup, you'll be fine. I don't know what I was expecting. Instead of preparing for a life-or-death battle, here you are flirting and thinking about petting the cute girl."
I felt my face heat up."Hey! I'm not flirting!"
"Sure you're not," she muttered, clearly giving up on me. "Yeah yeah, you're not flirting..."