Riccardo walked, silently scanning his surroundings.
"What are you thinking about?" Estrella asked, approaching from his left.
"Nothing significant."
"Ohh... so two days aren't enough for you to trust us?" she teased teasingly.
"I didn't mean that."
Estrella chuckled, clearly amused.
"I know, I was kidding!"
Riccardo smiled smugly.
"I know..."
"Estrella, don't bother the newcomer too much!" Dalai shouted from the front of the group.
"Don't worry, I'm not bothering him!" Estrella replied, casting a playful glance at Dana, who was walking behind them.
"Are you talking about me!?" Dana asked, surprised.
"Indeed, you talk to Riccardo quite often..." Dalai said in a mischievous voice.
"Well, yes, because it's nice to talk to him. He always seems to be daydreaming, but he actually always has something interesting to say."
"Always daydreaming, huh? Are you trying to say I sound stupid?" Riccardo asked, half-joking.
"No, absolutely not. In fact, I think I was right to insist on keeping you in the group."
Riccardo's mind flashed back to a memory.
—
"Come on, stay with us!" Dana insisted as Riccardo tried in vain to leave, only to be stopped, practically clinging to him as the others tried to pull her away.
—
The memory made Riccardo let out a soft sigh, almost a stifled laugh.
"With that kind of persistence, I don't think anyone could resist..."
"I get everything I want!" Dana declared proudly, leaving the others stunned.
"Anyway... are we going in the right direction?" Estrella asked after a brief pause.
"I think so. From that tree, I saw a beautiful lake around here." Dalai replied.
Riccardo's gaze fell on a tree with a carved mark.
"Yes... definitely." he muttered to himself.
"Hm? Did you say something?" Estrella asked, confused.
Riccardo quickened his pace.
"Excuse me, but let me lead from here on." He even passed Dalai, taking the lead.
"Why? I was the one who saw the lake."
"I saw that lake too... but from much closer."
"So, you've been to this part of the forest before?" Dana asked.
"Yes. Let's just say I spent the first week around here, trying to adjust to this way of life."
Dana looked around thoughtfully.
"It seems like a quiet starting point."
"It is now... but in the beginning, this place was hell. Too many useful resources. That's why most people like me left as soon as possible."
Dalai looked at him carefully.
"Did you have to fight other subordinates?"
"Yes. Dozens. Fighting every day was inevitable. But if you're wondering, I always tried not to kill, except once, on the first day. Then I had no choice..."
"I understand... sorry for asking."
"Don't worry. Nothing I regret."
After a short walk, Riccardo stopped in front of a large tree.
"We're here."
He stepped aside, revealing a large lake that shimmered before their astonished eyes.
"Water!" Dana shouted in delight.
The three rushed forward, eager for a drink.
"Wow, it's so fresh!"
"This is just what we needed!"
Riccardo squatted on the edge and drank too.
"So, shall we camp nearby?" Estrella asked.
"Fine by me!"
"Me too!"
"No." Riccardo's brusque tone instantly dampened their excitement.
"Why not!?" Dana asked.
"Just because so many have left doesn't mean the area is abandoned. Anyone left here... is dangerous. The kind of person who wouldn't hesitate to kill on sight."
The others fell silent, unable to argue with his reasoning.
"Then we have no choice but to leave." Dalai admitted, resigned.
"Too bad... this fresh water was so nice." Dana said with a sad pout.
"Don't worry. If we really need it, we can always come back." Riccardo reassured her, making Dana brighten slightly.
"So... where do we go now?" Dalai asked.
Riccardo allowed himself a faint smile. "How about a magical place to sleep?"
The group looked at him with growing curiosity.