As they walked away from the mysterious cave, the thick energy they had felt inside gradually thinned out. The oppressive weight lifted, allowing Zack and Sara to breathe easier. But Zack's mood didn't lighten.
He lagged slightly behind, dragging his feet, his expression dark with frustration. His fists were clenched, and every now and then, he would glance at Leo's back silently, the disappointment in himself obvious.
Sara, walking beside him, noticed. She glanced at Leo up ahead, who was talking casually with a few goblins. Then she leaned closer to Zack and said gently, "You're still thinking about earlier, aren't you?"
Zack looked away and muttered, "I was useless."
Sara gave a half-smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "We both were."
He grit his teeth. "If I was just a little stronger… if I could've just handled that energy…"
Sara shook her head. "Zack. We're not weak. We just aren't ready for something that heavy yet. Even Leo and Lili struggled a little, didn't you notice?"
Zack didn't answer. His silence was enough.
Up ahead, Leo suddenly stopped walking. He turned to face the group, his tone light but clear.
"Alright everyone, we'll be reaching the village before sunset. Once we get back, we'll rest first. Then I'll tell Gruk to assign some goblins for extra guard duty around that cave."
Sara nodded, but still had concern in her eyes. "Leo… about that cave. You're not going to ignore it, right?"
Leo shook his head. "No. We're not ignoring it. Lili is still there, looking into things. But for now, it's better not to cause a panic."
Zack muttered under his breath, "A panic won't help. But being unprepared won't either…"
Leo glanced at him, hearing the bitterness in his voice. He didn't say anything for a moment, then quietly said, "Zack. You'll get stronger. I know it."
Zack looked surprised. Leo smiled faintly and added, "Just because you couldn't go further today doesn't mean you never will."
Sara smiled too, softly bumping her shoulder into Zack's. "See? Even our genius leader agrees."
Zack looked down, then nodded, still quiet, but less tense than before.
With that, the group continued their walk back to the village. The sunlight was fading behind the trees, casting golden rays through the leaves. But even with the calm evening wind, Leo's mind remained focused.
That portal… the Zycrist…
This wasn't over.
Not yet.
As Leo and the rest of the group entered the village, the fading sunlight cast long shadows across the ground. The soft sounds of goblins and humans working together greeted them—hammering, building, organizing.
Ahead, Gruk was standing near a small wooden platform, talking to a few goblins and humans. His voice was firm, giving out orders with authority but calmness.
Leo slowed his steps. "Umm… guys," he turned to the others, "you can go rest for now. I've got something to talk about with Gruk. Bye."
Sara gave him a nod. Zack didn't say anything, still lost in thought. The others began to disperse.
Leo walked toward Gruk, who noticed him approaching. Gruk quickly wrapped up his instructions and waved the others off.
Turning to Leo with a curious look, he asked, "So? What happened in the cave?"
Leo scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed. "Well, uh… Gruk, I need your army. So, um…"
He trailed off, already feeling nervous. He had asked so much of Gruk and his goblins already. The guilt weighed on him.
But Gruk chuckled and slapped a hand on Leo's Legs. "Hey, Leo. You don't need to be shy. It's alright—we're friends. And when the time comes, you'll help us too. So just tell me what you need."
Leo let out a small relieved breath. "Thanks, Gruk. Alright then—here's what I need…"
He stepped closer and spoke more firmly, "I want some goblins stationed at the cave entrance, and some patrolling the edge of our village. No need to spread deep into the forest. Humans will assist your goblins too—Sara and Zack will stay at the cave. You, Sheron, Balzock, and Lili will remain here to watch the village while I'm gone. Is that alright?"
Gruk gave a firm nod. "Yeah, yeah. Got it. I'll take care of it." Then he turned and walked off to start preparing.
Just as Leo was about to leave, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Oh, you're back?"
Leo turned around. "Balzock? Yeah, just got back now."
Balzock folded his arms, raising an eyebrow. "I saw Zack earlier. Kid looked like someone stole his sword and pride together. Is everything alright?"
Leo sighed. "It's a long story. But to keep it short—Zack just thinks he's weak… that he can't help us."
Balzock groaned and rubbed his hand across his head. "Uhh, this young kitty. Always so dramatic."
He straightened and gave Leo a knowing look. "Don't worry—I'll handle him. Anyway, got any plans to discuss with me?"
Leo nodded and quickly repeated the same strategy he'd explained to Gruk.
Balzock nodded seriously. "Alright then. I'll select some solid human fighters for the job."
He gave Leo a small grin. "Now go. Spend some time with Niya and that little sister of yours. It's your last day here, after all."
Leo gave a soft smile, appreciating the reminder. "Yeah… you're right."
The two parted ways under the golden light of the setting sun, the village buzzing behind them with quiet preparation—for what was coming next.
Leo walked through the familiar dirt path that led to Niya's home. The sun had nearly set, casting a warm orange glow over the village rooftops. He paused in front of the wooden door where Lyra and Lia stayed and took a deep breath.
He raised his hand and knocked gently.
"Umm… Lia? Lyra? Anyone home? It's me—Leo."
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then—
Click.
The door swung open, and in the very next second, a small blur launched into his chest.
"I won't let you go this time!" Lia shouted, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
Leo stumbled back a step, surprised. His eyes widened. Wait… how? I was going to tell them tomorrow…
A cold thought struck him as he stared ahead blankly, still holding the little girl.
Balzock… that old man, Leo thought with a gloomy face in his mind, imagining Balzock casually telling them everything like it was no big deal.
He sighed and gently patted Lia's back.
"Umm… Lia? Can we talk about this?"
She didn't respond right away, but slowly nodded while still clinging to his side like a stubborn cat.
Leo gave a small smile and carefully stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
The house felt warm and familiar—faint smell of herbal tea in the air, a few playful drawings hung on the wall, and the sounds of a kettle softly whistling from the kitchen.
He could see Lyra sitting quietly near the fireplace, her eyes lifting toward him, unreadable—but clearly waiting.
Whatever this conversation would become… Leo knew it was going to be important.