Ansel took a deep breath. He steadied himself for what came next. He declared with quiet determination. "Now, we return to the human realm."
The battle had been fierce, but their mission was over. He didn't dare to say the victory was from all efforts or that it was just luck. After all, it seemed like merely joke if he defeated the Fayfiend.
***
Ansel stepped back through the shimmering border that separated the Immortal realm and the human realm. As he emerged, the sky was painted in hues of twilight. It was soft purples and fiery oranges blended into the approaching night.
A cool breeze brushed against Ansel's skin, and he immediately felt a deep chill settle into his bones. His body was cold, exhausted, and weak, the toll of the fierce battle against.
Fayfiend was weighing heavily on him. However, it was natural. He had poured every ounce of his strength into the fight, and now that energy was gone. Yet, beneath the fatigue, a quiet relief blossomed within him. He had done it. He had defeated the seemingly invincible creature.
The forest around them was calm, peaceful in a way it hadn't been for a long time. The oppressive presence of monsters had lifted.
It was replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of night birds. Ansel's eyes scanned the familiar surroundings, grounding him back in the human realm.
Not far from where they stood, Andrew remained vigilant. He was standing guard over the Sigil.
When he saw Ansel, a warm smile spread across his face, a silent acknowledgment of victory. The smile said more than words could: Fayfiend has been defeated.
"Ansel, did you destroy the creature?" Andrew asked. His voice was steady but filled with genuine curiosity and hope.
Ansel nodded, his voice calm but tired. "Now, this forest is calm and there are no monsters anymore."
He paused, his mind drifting back to the stark contrast between the Immortal realm and the human world. "How long have I been gone?"
"Three days." Andrew replied without hesitation.
Ansel absorbed the information, and it made sense. The time spent in the Immortal realm had felt both endless and fleeting.
But three days were a long time for his human body to endure without rest or nourishment.
The weakness he felt was compounded by the fact that his body was still human. He struggled to adapt to the rough vibe of the Immortal realm where time and energy flowed differently.
As Ansel steadied himself, he noticed a familiar figure approaching. It was Touji who had been checking in regularly. Ansel greeted respectfully. "Sir…"
Andrew turned to acknowledge him and explained. "As long as you go, he came and asked when you will come back. He also delivered food."
Ansel's lips curved into a grateful smile. He said sincerely. "Thanks for your help."
He appreciated the support that had kept him connected to the human world during his absence.
The twilight deepened, and as night settled over the forest. Ansel felt a renewed sense of hope. Though his body was weary, his spirit was stronger than ever. The battle was won, but the journey was far from over.
"Amitoufu. Thank you for expelling the goblins from this forest. Now, everyone can calm down. Buddha bless you." Touji Ito said solemnly. His voice carried the calm authority of a devoted monk.
His words echoed softly through the quiet woods. A blessing that seemed to soothe the lingering tension in the air. The forest was once rife with chaos and danger. Now it felt peaceful and safe.
But Ansel himself was far from peaceful. His body, drained from days of relentless struggle and hunger, finally gave in. He was about to collapse, curling into a tight ball as exhaustion overwhelmed him.
"Andrew... My body is very weak. I can't stand up anymore…" He whimpered. The hunger gnawed at him like a relentless beast. He leaned his head on Andrew's shoulder.
Andrew, standing nearby, gave a sharp kick to Ansel's side. It was not hard enough to hurt, but enough to jolt him. "Stand up…stop pretending."
Ansel's eyes snapped open, indignation flaring despite his fatigue. He shot back, voice cracking slightly. "Who's pretending!!! Do you know what it is like when you don't eat for three days?"
Though his body begged for a rest. He forced himself to stand up, then struggled to his feet.
"Looks like you're going to have to carry me."
He added with a weak smirk, trying to mask his vulnerability. He curled his hand onto Andrew's arm.
Andrew's face twisted into a cynical expression, clearly unimpressed. He knew his friend well enough to see through the act. Ansel was stubborn, refusing to admit just how drained he truly was.
Before Andrew could respond, Touji Ito stepped forward quietly but decisively. The monk offered gently, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the banter between the two friends. "Let me carry you."
Ansel's eyes widened in surprise and discomfort. The idea of being carried by a monk, someone so serene and dignified, was almost unbearable to his pride.
He shook his head firmly and stood taller, despite the weakness threatening to pull him down. He insisted, voice steady but strained. "No thanks. I'm fine. I still have enough strength to walk."
Andrew rolled his eyes but said nothing more. He watched as Ansel took tentative steps forward.
With a sharp sigh, Andrew decided to take a more direct approach to snap Ansel out of his self-pity. Without warning, Andrew swung his leg in a quick, playful kick aimed at Ansel's side.
But Ansel was no fool; he had known Andrew long enough to predict this move. With a quick, fluid motion, he dodged the kick effortlessly. A small smirk played on his lips.
The playful exchange between the two buddies broke the heavy silence that had settled over them. Though Ansel was weary and worn, moments like these reminded them both of the unbreakable bond they shared.