Meliodas and Zeldris shook Boros's hand respectfully.
"Thanks for your help," said Meliodas. "We won't forget it."
Zeldris nodded.
"Without you, we'd still be going in circles."
Boros simply smiled, a kind look in his eyes.
"Do what you need to do. And be careful."
"So? Are you coming or not?" Rebecca called, tapping her foot impatiently. "I'd like to be home before sunset!"
Meliodas and Zeldris exchanged a determined glance. Then, in unison:
"We're coming."
The young girl gave one last wave to Boros and set off at a brisk pace. The two brothers followed her through the port's narrow streets. Soon, they left behind the docks and the market stalls.
Zeldris raised an eyebrow.
"Tell me, kid… You don't live by the harbor?"
Rebecca stopped, puffing her cheeks in frustration.
"I'm not kid, my name's Rebecca! And no, I don't live at the port. My family has a house on the hill. In the woods."
Meliodas cast a teasing glance at his brother.
"You're really great with children, huh…"
Zeldris shot him a glare.
"Shut it, idiot."
They resumed their walk along the forest paths. The sun was slowly dipping, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. Meliodas broke the silence.
"Are we getting close?"
Rebecca turned to him with a bright smile.
"Yes! It's just up there on the hill. We're almost there!"
She began running joyfully toward the trees.
"Hey, wait!" Zeldris shouted.
But Meliodas froze, instincts flaring.
"Watch out!!"
Rebecca stopped—too late.
A roar tore through the stillness. A massive beast burst from the bushes, bear-like but far larger, more savage. It charged straight at the girl. Rebecca stumbled, fell, and let out a cry of panic.
In a flash, Meliodas leapt forward, drawing Lostvayne. With a single swipe of shining steel, he cut the creature down. It collapsed in a cloud of dust.
Rebecca, wide-eyed, stared at Meliodas.
"You… you saved me…"
Zeldris came running.
"Is everything alright?!"
"Yes… I'm okay," she said, still trembling.
Meliodas reached out a hand, a comforting smile on his face.
"Next time, stay close to us."
Rebecca took his hand… and Meliodas froze.
A strange chill ran through him. Like a vibration in the air. Like an invisible breath brushing against his mind.
"Thank you," she said simply.
They continued walking.
Zeldris gave his brother a sideways glance.
"You coming?"
"Huh? Yeah. Coming."
But Meliodas was still staring at his hand—the one that had touched Rebecca's.
What… was that?
"Look!" Rebecca cried out.
Through the trees, between the golden branches of dusk, a small house appeared, nestled against the hill.
"This is where I live," she said.
Meliodas and Zeldris looked at each other.
The moment of truth was drawing near.