Chapter 7: Return to Windia

Ryu's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurred and the dim light of the room doing little to help. Every muscle in his body ached, a dull, persistent pain that reminded him of a battle fought and lost. His mind was a haze, fragments of memory flickering like faint embers, just out of reach.

He shifted slightly, wincing at the effort, when a familiar voice broke through the fog.

"Ryu! You're awake!"

Nina's voice was filled with relief, and as his vision cleared, he saw her standing beside him. Her face was pale, a stark contrast to her radiant green eyes that brimmed with concern. Her hands hovered uncertainly over him, as if torn between wanting to help and not wanting to hurt him further.

"Nina…" Ryu's voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. He cleared his throat, struggling to sit up. "What happened? The last thing I remember is… Garr."

Nina gently helps Ryu sit up, supporting his back with one hand while her other steadies his shoulder. Her expression is a mix of worry and relief, her voice soft but urgent. "You fought Garr in the final match of the Contest of Champions. You transformed into your dragon form, but… you lost."

Ryu's face falls, his gaze dropping to the floor as a sense of failure washes over him. His hands tighten into fists, trembling slightly. "I lost… I couldn't win our freedom…"

The weight of his words hangs heavy in the air, and Nina leans closer, her tone quick and reassuring. "But it's okay, Ryu! Garr saved us from Balio and Sunder. He claimed you, Peco, and me as his prize. He protected us."

Ryu blinks, his confusion cutting through the fog of his emotions. He looks up at her, his brows furrowing. "Saved us? Why would he do that?"

Nina's expression softens, her worry giving way to something more contemplative. "I don't know his reasons," she admits, her voice steady and calm. "But he seems… different from Balio and Sunder. He doesn't share their cruelty or greed. He said he wants to talk to you when you wake up."

Ryu's mind races, trying to make sense of it all. Garr—the towering, intimidating guardian who had easily bested him—had saved them? The thought seemed as alien as the battle he'd fought. He looked at Nina, her steady gaze offering him an anchor amidst his turmoil.

Ryu, now fully awake and aware, swings his legs over the side of the bed, his muscles still stiff from the fight. As he rises, he notices Garr seated in the corner of the dimly lit room, his massive form enveloped in an almost otherworldly calm. The faint scent of incense lingers in the air, mixing with the crackle of a nearby candle. Garr's eyes are closed, his face an unreadable mask of contemplation, as if he's communing with something far beyond the physical.

Ryu approaches him cautiously, his footsteps soft against the wooden floor. He isn't entirely sure what to expect from the guardian who had bested him so easily. He clears his throat, his voice quiet but sincere. "Thank you for your help."

Garr's eyes snap open, sharp and piercing, their golden glow catching the candlelight. Slowly, he rises to his feet, his towering figure casting a long shadow across the room. Despite the calm air around him, his presence remains as imposing as ever. "I don't want your thanks," he replies bluntly, his deep voice steady and firm. "What I want is information."

Ryu takes a step back, instinctively guarded. "Information?"

Garr folds his arms, his gaze unyielding. "The Brood," he says, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Where are the other members of your clan?"

The question catches Ryu off guard, and his eyes widen slightly. "I… I don't know," he says earnestly. "I only recently learned about the Brood myself. I have no idea where they are—or even if there are others."

Garr's expression darkens, his jaw tightening as if weighing the truth of Ryu's words. His voice takes on a sharper edge. "If you're lying to me, I could destroy you with a mere thought," he warns, his tone a mix of menace and absolute confidence in his power.

Ryu doesn't flinch, his own gaze steady despite the tension in the air. "I'm not lying," he says firmly. "I truly don't know where they are. My earliest memories are… fragmented. Hazy. I barely know who I am, let alone the rest of my clan."

Garr's piercing gaze remains locked on Ryu, his golden eyes seeming to probe into his very soul. The room feels heavy, charged with an unspoken tension. For a brief moment, Garr's expression shifts—something flickers in his eyes, as if he's seeing something far away.

In Ryu's eyes, Garr sees a vision. A small dragon whelp encased in crystalline Crysm, shimmering faintly in the darkness. He watches as distant figures detonate the Crysm prison, shattering it in a burst of light and sound. The young dragon emerges, confused and vulnerable, only to be attacked moments later. Ryu unleashes a desperate breath of flame to escape, but he is quickly overpowered and caged.

The vision fades, and Garr blinks, his intense expression softening slightly. "I believe you," he says finally, his deep voice heavy with contemplation. "Your memories are fragmented, but they reveal enough."

Ryu exhales, unaware he'd been holding his breath. Garr settles back into his meditative position, his massive frame seemingly shrinking into the stillness of the room. The faint scent of incense swirls in the air, adding to the somber atmosphere.

"It makes no difference," Garr murmurs, his voice barely audible over the crackle of the candlelight. "Our destiny is already in motion, and nothing can change that."

Ryu furrows his brow, puzzled by the cryptic statement. "What do you mean by that?" he asks, his voice tinged with unease.

Garr's eyes remain closed, his tone calm but enigmatic. "You'll understand in time," he replies. "For now, you may go."

Ryu exchanges a glance with Nina, who has been silently observing the interaction. Her expression is a mixture of confusion and relief, as if struggling to accept Garr's words at face value. "Is it really okay for us to leave?" she asks hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Garr opens one eye, his irritation flickering briefly. "Did I stutter?" he says firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You. Are. Free. To. Go."

Nina doesn't wait for further clarification. She quickly scoops up Peco, who has been quietly watching from the corner, and heads for the door, her footsteps hurried but light. Ryu hesitates, glancing back at Garr.

"Thank you," he says softly, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Garr inclines his head slightly, his eyes already closed once more. "We will meet again," he replies, his words carrying a weight of inevitability.

Ryu lingers for a moment, feeling the gravity of the guardian's presence, before turning to follow Nina and Peco out of the room. As he steps into the hallway, the faint scent of incense lingers behind him, along with the image of Garr, seated in solemn meditation, left alone with his thoughts and the quiet crackle of the candlelight.

With newfound freedom and relief washing over them, Ryu, Nina, and Peco leave the arena, feeling lighter without the weight of Balio and Sunder's pursuit. They walk around town, and soon find themselves amidst a bustling crowd gathered around the Manilo merchants. The successes of Ryu and Nina in the Contest of Champions has turned the merchants into a sensation, with eager customers clamoring for the same gear that helped the young fighters in their battles.

The trio weaves through the excited crowd, making their way to a familiar Manilo merchant. After exchanging greetings, they inquire about purchasing a map of the area. The Manilo, recognizing them, gladly provides the map, offering it at a discount in gratitude for the unexpected boost in business.

Unfurling the map, Ryu and Nina study it carefully, tracing their fingers along the various paths. Their faces light up as they discover a northern route—a shortcut that could lead them back to Windia faster than they had hoped. "Look, this path here," Nina points out, "it should take us straight to Windia!"

They share a moment of shared excitement, their spirits lifted at the prospect of soon returning to Windia, where they might finally find some peace and safety. Peco makes a small, happy sound, clearly content with the prospect of a smoother journey. With their course set, they prepare to head north, eager to reunite with familiar faces and possibly find a new direction for their journey ahead. The road may still hold challenges, but for now, hope and determination carry them forward.

After a long day's journey, Ryu, Nina, and Peco finally approach a bridge leading to Eygnock Road, the last stretch before reaching Windia. With the city just a few miles away, they hasten their pace, eager to finally find refuge. However, their relief turns to tension as they finish crossing the bridge as they are confronted by familiar figures on the other side—Balio and Sunder.

Ryu steps forward, drawing his sword as he addresses the duo. "What are you doing here? We're not your prisoners anymore."

Balio smirks, his eyes glinting with malice. "We don't care about that anymore. You two made fools out of us! We're here for revenge."

Sunder, leaning casually against a tree, adds, "You've done well to make it this far, but this is where your journey ends."

Ryu, sensing the danger, places himself protectively in front of Nina. "They want me, not you," he says, trying to reassure her.

Balio's expression grows darker. "The rules have changed," he declares. "We don't care about the princess or ransom money anymore. We just want to see you all dead."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Ryu quickly transforms into his massive dragon form, his body shimmering as scales replace skin, and wings unfurl behind him. Nina, undeterred, readies her magical rod, standing resolutely by Ryu's side. Even Peco, the baby mutant plant, positions itself defensively, displaying a surprising readiness to protect its companions.

The air grows thick with tension as both sides prepare for a confrontation. Ryu's dragon form looms protectively over Nina and Peco, casting a shadow over them. Balio and Sunder, armed and ready, step forward, their eyes locked on their targets.

"Let's see what you're really made of," Sunder taunts, brandishing his dagger.

As the battle is about to begin, Balio holds up a hand to stop Sunder. "We shouldn't take any chances," he says, his eyes narrowing with determination.

Sunder's eyes widen in surprise. "You don't mean…?"

Balio nods solemnly. Without another word, the two brothers step back and, in a synchronized motion, slap their hands together. A blinding light envelops them, forcing Ryu, Nina, and Peco to shield their eyes. When the light fades, Balio and Sunder have merged into a towering, ten-foot-tall anthropomorphic unicorn monster, a fusion of their combined forms.

The creature's eyes burn with a fierce glow, and its voice, a mix of both Balio's and Sunder's, echoes through the air. "You're finished!"

The battlefield crackled with tension as Ryu, undeterred, summoned his strength. Opening his massive dragon maw, he unleashed a torrent of searing flames that roared toward the monstrous fusion. The fire illuminated the sky, casting shadows that danced like specters. But the creature didn't flinch. It stood there, absorbing the inferno as if it were nothing. The flames dissipated, leaving its grotesque form untouched.

"Pathetic," it sneered, its voice an eerie blend of dual tones that echoed like a sinister chorus.

Ryu's heart pounded, but he refused to back down. With a roar, he lunged forward, claws poised to strike. He aimed for the beast's throat, but it moved with shocking speed, its bulk defying its agility. One massive hand shot out, snatching Ryu by the neck mid-leap. The creature's grip tightened like a vice before slamming Ryu into the ground with bone-shattering force. The impact sent a shockwave through the battlefield, the earth splitting beneath Ryu's crumpled form.

The collision knocked the wind out of him, forcing him back into his human form. Ryu lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for air, his vision swimming. Pain surged through his body, but he grit his teeth, trying to rise.

The monster loomed over him, its malevolent grin widening. "You call yourself a dragon?" it mocked, stepping closer, its claws glinting with dark energy.

Suddenly, a brilliant flash of magic streaked through the air, striking the monster's back. The blast erupted in a burst of radiant light, causing the beast to stagger slightly. Nina stood a distance away, her hands glowing with residual magic, her face pale but determined.

"Stay away from him!" she shouted, her voice trembling but fierce.

The creature turned, its eyes narrowing in annoyance. "How touching," it growled, before raising its massive arms. Dark clouds swirled above, electricity crackling ominously. With a guttural roar, it summoned a storm of lightning that rained down like a wrathful god's judgment.

The bolts struck with devastating precision. Nina cried out as the electricity coursed through her, forcing her to her knees. Nearby, Peco was caught in the blast, his small frame crumpling to the ground, unconscious.

The beast chuckled, its gaze locking onto Nina. It began to stride toward her, its steps deliberate, savoring the moment. "You'll be the first to die," it sneered, its fist flexing in anticipation.

Nina, struggling to stand, looked up at the approaching monster, her heart pounding in fear. But before it could reach her, a blur moved into its path. Ryu, battered and bloodied, stood between them, his sword drawn and trembling in his hands.

The creature halted, then tilted its head in amusement. "Protecting her, are we?" it said mockingly, its dual voices dripping with cruel laughter. "How noble. You'll die first, then? Fine by me."

Ryu tightened his grip on his sword, planting his feet firmly. "If I fall," he said, his voice raw but steady, "it'll be fighting to protect my friends. And I won't make it easy for you."

The creature lifts its hoof, poised to crush Ryu beneath it. Ryu, eyes shut tight, grips his sword, praying silently for a miracle. As the hoof begins its descent, a blinding flash of light illuminates the scene. In an instant, Garr appears, his presence commanding and fierce. With a single, powerful thrust of his spear, he cleaves through the monster's chest, piercing it's heart.

Ryu and Nina stood frozen, their breaths caught in their throats as they stared at the unbelievable scene before them. Garr, the stoic and enigmatic Guardian, stood with his massive spear thrust through the chests of Balio and Sunder. The blade of the weapon glinted with a faint, otherworldly glow, slick with the blood of the two brothers.

"Garr... what the hell..." says the monster as it gurgles blood in its throat.

Garr smiles, "I told you that their lives belong to me. Now die!"

Garr then pulls his spear out of it's chest, blood gushing out. The monster then falls to its knees and collapses on the ground, causing the ground to shake violently from its weight. After the swift defeat of Balio and Sunder, Nina stands in shock, staring at the massive corpse on the ground. "Garr defeated them with one strike," she whispers, her voice filled with disbelief. Garr dismisses his spear, the flames engulfing it before it vanishes. He casually adjusts his sash and stretches his neck, appearing unfazed by the battle's intensity.

Garr then turns his attention to the children, checking them over to ensure they are unharmed. "Why did you help us?" Ryu asks, still reeling from the sudden turn of events.

Garr meets his gaze with a steady look. "It was destiny," he replies, his tone calm yet enigmatic.

Nina, still trying to process everything, asks, "What happens now?"

Garr looks at her thoughtfully. "You seem to attract trouble. I'll have to accompany you from here on," he declares. "For now, I need to go to Angel Tower, but I require a passport from the king. Since we are headed to Windia, I'll ensure you reach home safely, Windian."

The group, though weary, is relieved to have Garr's protection and guidance. They prepare to continue their journey, this time with a powerful ally by their side. As they make their way to Windia, Garr's imposing presence deters any potential threats, ensuring a safe journey for the group. The few monsters they encounter quickly retreat, intimidated by Garr's aura of power and confidence.

Upon reaching the gates of Windia City, the guards immediately recognize Princess Nina. Their eyes widen in surprise and relief as they swiftly open the gates, allowing the group to enter. Garr, Ryu, and Peco follow closely behind Nina, who is eagerly welcomed by the city guards.

The group is then escorted to the castle, where the grand gates open to reveal the royal court. Inside, Nina rushes forward and is warmly embraced by her parents, King and Queen of Windia. The royal couple expresses their gratitude and relief, thanking Garr and the others for ensuring Nina's safe return.

To celebrate Princess Nina's safe return, the royal family hosts a grand dinner in honor of the travelers who brought her home. The dining hall is filled with an array of delicious dishes, a feast that seems almost endless. Ryu and Nina, hungry from their long journey, eagerly dive into the food, savoring every bite after days of subsisting on apples and rations. Their faces light up with joy as they enjoy the warm, hearty meal.

King Windia turns his attention to the small, peculiar creature accompanying them. "Nina, who is this little one?" he asks, curious about Peco.

Nina, smiling, explains, "This is Peco. It traveled with us and helped us on our journey. Can we keep it here, Father? Please?"

The king chuckles warmly. "As long as it's not another pig, Peco is welcome to stay in the castle," he replies, referring to the time Nina brought a pig home, much to the dismay of the palace staff.

Ryu and Nina continue eating, savoring the food. "This is amazing!" Ryu says, his mouth full. "I've never tasted anything like it."

Nina nods in agreement, a smile spreading across her face. "It's been so long since we've had a proper meal," she says, her voice filled with relief.

Meanwhile, Garr sits in a corner of the dining hall, deep in meditation. His imposing figure contrasts with the festive atmosphere. A concerned maid, holding a tray of food, approaches him cautiously. "Excuse me, sir," she says, her voice trembling slightly, "would you like something to eat?"

Garr opens his eyes and looks at her with a calm expression. "I am an Endless," he explains. "Food is not necessary for me. However, if you have any worthy opponents, I would gladly face them."

The maid blinks, startled by his response. "Um, I… I'll see what I can do," she stammers, backing away nervously.

After Nina has had her fill, she looks up at her father with earnest eyes. "Father, can we arrange a home for Ryu and his friends?" she asks. "He's been searching for his friends, and I'd like them to live in the city."

The king, touched by his daughter's concern, nods with a smile. "Of course, my dear. Ryu and his friends are welcome in Windia. We can make arrangements for a suitable home for them."

Before the king can elaborate, Garr walks up to Ryu and places a hand on his shoulder, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "Your Majesty, Ryu's living arrangements will have to wait. I must take him to Angel Tower in the eastern continent, but we need a passport to cross the checkpoint."

The king, understanding the urgency in Garr's tone, nods. "I see. A passport will be provided for your journey to Angel Tower. Ryu, Garr, consider it done."

Ryu, appreciating the king's generosity, smiles reassuringly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After dinner, as the night settles in, Garr leads Ryu to an inn in the city, where they can rest before their journey. The innkeeper, already informed by the castle staff, welcomes them warmly and provides a comfortable room.

Morning arrives, and with it, the promise of new challenges and revelations. As they prepare to depart, Ryu feels a sense of resolve. With Garr, he feels ready to face whatever lies ahead.

As Garr and Ryu leave the city of Windia, the morning sun casts a golden glow over the landscape. The path ahead is clear, leading them towards the eastern continent and the mysteries of Angel Tower. The air is crisp, filled with the scent of morning dew, and the sounds of the waking forest accompany their journey.

As they walk, a sudden shout catches their attention. Turning around, they see Nina rushing towards them. Peco waddles beside her, trying to keep up with her pace. Ryu's concern is immediate. "Nina, what's going on?" he asks, noting her determined expression.

Nina catches her breath, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "I want to travel with you," she says, her voice firm yet pleading. "Peco and I… we want to help. Father and mother said that it was okay."

Ryu hesitates, worry etched on his face. "Nina, it'll be dangerous! You should stay home, where it's safe."

Tears well up in Nina's eyes, and her voice quivers as she asks, "Why can't I come? Am I really your friend, Ryu? Friends stick together, don't they?"

Ryu feels a pang of guilt and compassion. "Of course you're my friend, Nina," he replies softly, his resolve crumbling under her heartfelt plea. He looks to Garr, seeking guidance.

Garr studies Nina for a moment, his gaze penetrating as if searching her soul. He sees the shared history between Ryu and Nina, the bond they've forged through their trials, and the courage and strength that has grown within both of them. With a nod, Garr acknowledges the strength he finds in the young Windian princess. "The Windian can come," he declares, his voice leaving no room for argument.

With that decision made, the group continues their journey eastward. The road ahead is long and uncertain, but together, they face it. As the night deepens and the stars twinkle overhead, the group settles into their campsite. The flickering campfire casts warm, dancing shadows around them, providing a comforting glow against the encroaching darkness. The aroma of roasting apples and fish fills the air, mixing with the earthy scent of the forest floor.

Nina carefully turns her fish over the fire, glancing occasionally at Ryu, who is absorbed in preparing the apples. Peco, ever curious, watches the cooking process intently, occasionally sniffing the air and making soft, contented noises. Once their simple meal is ready, they eat in companionable silence, the warmth of the fire and the satisfaction of the food creating a momentary sense of peace and contentment.

After finishing her meal, Nina yawns and stretches. "I'm heading to the tent," she announces, her voice soft and tired. "Goodnight, everyone."

"Goodnight, Nina," Ryu replies, smiling warmly at her. He then looks to Garr, who is sitting in his usual meditative pose, eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to the world around him.

As Nina disappears into the tent, Ryu prepares to do the same, but Garr's voice stops him. "Brood child," he says, his tone gentle yet commanding, "we need to talk."

Ryu nods, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He sits down across from Garr, the crackling fire between them casting long shadows on their faces. "What do you want to talk about?" Ryu asks, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Garr opens his eyes, the flames reflecting in his deep, contemplative gaze. "I know you have many questions," he begins, his voice steady and calm. "About who you are, about the Brood, and why I have taken an interest in you. I will try to answer them as best I can."

Ryu takes a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "I want to know about the Brood," he says, his voice steady. "What happened to them? Why am I the only one left?"

Garr tosses a log into the fire as he delves into the history of the Brood. "You are not the last of your kind," he begins, his voice steady. "There are others, though few and scattered. Five hundred years ago, there was a conflict known as the Great War. It was a devastating battle that saw the near-extermination of the Brood. The survivors were forced into hiding, to protect themselves and their legacy."

Ryu listens, absorbing the weight of this revelation. "But why did they have to flee? What happened that caused such a war?"

Garr pauses, choosing his words carefully. "The Brood were powerful, and their abilities made them feared by the goddess. She saw them as a threat that needed to be eliminated. The details are complex, and the truth has been obscured by time and myth. But the reason we are heading to Angel Tower is directly linked to those events. The tower is a crucial point in the history of the Great War."

Ryu's curiosity deepens, mixed with a sense of foreboding. "What will we find there? What does it have to do with me?"

Garr's gaze meets Ryu's, his eyes are stern and full of seriousness. "You will understand when we get there."

Ryu, curious about his unique abilities, twirls his fingers, causing small stars to dance around his hand—a manifestation of his healing powers. "Why do I have this power?" he asks, looking at the stars in wonder.

Garr, watching the display, rubs his chin thoughtfully. Even he seems impressed. "Your healing abilities are rare, even among the Brood," he begins. "It suggests that you are descended from a specific tribe of the Brood, one that was deeply connected to the Holy Order of the Dragon God Ladon."

Garr continues, his voice taking on a tone of reverence and historical depth. "The Holy Order of Ladon was an ancient religion that worshipped the Dragon God Ladon. They stood in contrast to another prominent religious institution of the time, the Church of St. Eva, which ended around the time the Dragon Maiden Yua established her religion."

Ryu listens intently, absorbing this new information about his lineage and the legacy of his powers. "So, you're saying my healing abilities come from this Holy Order?"

Garr nods. "Yes. It's likely that your ancestors were members of this order, gifted with the power to bless and heal. This ability has been passed down through the generations, and now it resides within you. It is a part of your heritage, a link to the Brood's past and their role in the world's history. Do keep in mind that this healing power may be seen as the work of demons. The dragon maiden Valerie married a priest of St. Eva. These powers of healing were then passed down from the priests of St. Eva into the bloodline of the brood. St. Eva is a powerful demon known as Deathevan, the origin of healing powers among human kind."

The stars around Ryu's hand flicker and fade as he contemplates Garr's words. He feels a connection to something much larger than himself, a lineage of power and responsibility that stretches back centuries. The revelation adds another layer of depth to his journey, filling him with a mixture of pride and uncertainty about the path that lies ahead.

"Do you have anymore questions?" asks Garr.

Ryu nods, "I am looking for some friends, Teepo and Rei. We got separated after a confrontation with Balio and Sunder. Can you help me find them?"

"Balio and Sunder are ruthless," Garr says, his voice devoid of emotion. "I do not believe they are still alive. Balio and Sunder never leave survivors. The only reason you survived is because of your dragon powers. Your friends don't have the same protection."

Despite this grim outlook, Ryu insists on searching for them. "I can't just leave them," he says, his voice filled with determination. "We were separated, but that doesn't mean they're gone."

Garr sighs, his expression remaining firm. "There won't be any point in searching for them for now," he says. "You must focus on what's ahead. Keep in mind that there is a high likelihood that you will die when we reach Angel Tower."

Nina, having overheard the conversation, rushes out of the tent, her eyes wide with shock and fear. "Why would Ryu die?" she demands, her voice trembling.

Garr looks at her, his gaze steady. "Because he must face his destiny," he explains. "As he is now, he is not strong enough to survive."

Nina's eyes well with tears. "Then why are we even going there? Why put him in danger?"

Garr's expression remains calm. "Because it is necessary," he replies. "He must confront his destiny, his purpose in life is to fight. He must become stronger. There is still hope for him. The Brood have a natural instinct to protect, to grow stronger when those they care about are in peril. That's why I allowed you to come along, Windian. Your presence can help him unlock his true potential, and gives him a chance at survival."

Nina gasps, then turns to Ryu, "Ryu, do you care about me that much?"

Ryu's face turns red with embarrassment. He tries to run off, but Nina grabs his arm saying, "I want to get stronger too. Ryu, you can't die, I won't let that happen. If we get stronger together, we can face anything!"

Garr gazes upward, lost in thought. The crackling campfire casts flickering shadows on his resolute face. He breaks the silence, his voice steady and calm, "It's getting late. You both should rest for the journey ahead."

Ryu and Nina exchange glances, still processing Garr's words and the weight of their journey. They nod in unison, their expressions a mix of determination and unease. "Goodnight, Garr," Ryu says softly, as they make their way to the tent.

"Rest well," Garr replies, his eyes following them briefly before turning back to the sky.

As the night deepens and the camp settles into quiet, Garr remains by the fire, continuing his meditation. The serene moment is interrupted by a presence only he can sense—a voice, ethereal and distant, yet unmistakably clear in his mind. It is the voice of Myria, the goddess he serves, communicating a message only he can hear.

Garr listens intently, absorbing the divine communication. After a moment, he nods, speaking aloud to the silent night, "Do not worry, Myria. Everything is going as planned."

His voice, though barely more than a whisper, carries a weight of certainty and purpose, echoing softly in the stillness. With a final glance at the sleeping forms of Ryu and Nina, Garr closes his eyes, resuming his meditative state, preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.