The clash between the dullahan and the demoness continued unabated. Fatigue began to set in for the demoness as the atmosphere grew colder, filled with the clean, pre-rain air and biting winds. A precise strike from the dullahan disarmed the demoness, sending her weapon flying to the ground. The dullahan then moved to deliver a finishing blow, which connected.
Employing a magical incantation, the demoness executed a transposition spell, swapping her location with a decoy. She then swiftly fled in an undisclosed direction, escaping the pursuing Dullahan. The Dullahan's strike bisected the decoy, and by the time its remnants hit the ground, the demoness had vanished into the forest. Alric and Aelda, who had observed the entire encounter, were subsequently noticed by the Dullahan. As it advanced towards them, Aelda, having witnessed the intense skirmish, proposed their immediate departure. Alric, however, cautioned that the creature might track them to their residence. Aelda, comprehending the gravity of the situation, resolved to confront the Dullahan alongside Alric.
As the Dullahan advanced, Aelda initiated a binding spell to immobilize it. However, the Dullahan effortlessly severed these magical bonds and continued its relentless progression. Aelda then unleashed a barrage of fireballs, rock projectiles, and even hurled trees through a powerful hurricane spell. Yet, the Dullahan remained entirely unfazed, skillfully parrying each assault with its sword. In a subsequent attempt, Aelda tried to encase the creature within a magical shield. This shield, however, proved insufficient, shattering under the force of the Dullahan's swing. Losing her composure, Aelda began to contemplate employing teleportation magic to escape with Alric.
The dullahan advanced towards Alric and Aelda. As it drew near, Alric stepped forward, positioning Aelda to the side, and proceeded to strike the dullahan with his sword. The clash of their weapons resulted in the dullahan's sword shattering. Following the destruction of its weapon, the dullahan's head ceased to float, falling to the ground and disintegrating into dust. Alric and Aelda then returned to their home.
At home, Stella and Helga are engaged in combat training with Callie, who utilizes her summoning skill to conjure beasts for their practice. Concurrently, Whitney and Belle are occupied with felling tree trunks to procure additional firewood for the stove, essential for meal preparation. Upon the return of Helga, Stella, and Callie from their training session, they join Whitney and Belle. The group then takes a collective rest outside the kitchen before enjoying some juice. Subsequently, Alric and Aelda arrive at the house, bringing with them the spoils from their dungeon expedition, and partake in the refreshments with the others. Together, they resolve to sell the acquired items to an adventurers' guild in a kingdom.
Ren, an adventurer by nature, embarked on her journey shortly after Pacs. Her departure, therefore, did not surprise Eerie, who shares a close bond with her. Ren's travels continue in their usual, accustomed manner.
Meanwhile, Eerie, accompanied by Sion and Kris, resolved to reassemble her collection of spell books. Upon exiting the forest, they proceeded along a well-trodden path. During their traverse, the climate shifted, bringing strong winds and dark clouds. They sought refuge under a tree to shelter from the ensuing rain. Once the rain subsided, they resumed their journey on the same path. The landscape was dominated by expansive meadows where grasses swayed gracefully in the wind, presenting a serene vista. Subsequently, they entered a forest.
The forest, though not exceedingly dense, presented an unexpected obstruction as a colossal stone blockaded their path, giving the impression of a dead end. To both the right and left, the wilderness stretched, marked by an unbroken expanse of trees. Opting for the right, Sion and Kris advanced fearlessly, confident in the superiority of their armor and weapons, courtesy of Alric. Despite their self-assuredness, they maintained proximity to avoid becoming disoriented within the forest. After navigating a planned route, they discovered a house ahead. This dwelling, constructed of wood, featured a triangular roof with a prominent purple hue and a door adorned with star and moon motifs. They approached and knocked, inquiring if anyone was present. After a brief wait, someone emerged and opened the door.
A male figure emerged, inquiring about their needs. Eerie, Sion, and Kris collectively sought directions to the kingdom situated beyond the forest. The man, a human dressed in unconventional attire, introduced himself as Ains, a Wizard. He explained that he resided in the forest to avoid ridicule concerning his passion for wizardry. Currently, he was engaged in potion-making, collecting various herbs and brewing concoctions. He also presented a pot containing an undisclosed mixture of herbs, indicating an ongoing experiment.
Ains is familiar with the path to the kingdom because he resided there until he faced ridicule for being a wizard. Ains had many acquaintances until his curiosity about witches led him to become a wizard, a path influenced by his mother, who was a witch. The mockery he endured stemmed from other's jealousy of his clear life purpose. Many individuals Ains knew remained uncertain about their life's pursuits, leading them to deride him. Witchcraft involves witches and wizards in the creation of potions, spells, and countermeasures for powerful battlefield enchantments. Ironically, those who once mocked Ains eventually became soldiers in the kingdom.
Ains instructed Eerie, Sion, and Kris to follow him, stating he would guide them to the kingdom. However, before proceeding, they were required to collect a specific herb known as Blood-vine. Eerie was already familiar with this herb, recognizing its use in high-level healing. Sion and Kris inquired about its identification. Ains provided detailed recognition features for the Blood-vine, explaining that it thrives in a sophisticated area of the forest where sunlight is abundant. The surrounding trees exhibit an unusual growth pattern, resembling as trees that are fallen on the ground. Ains further clarified that a monstrous beast guards the herb, which is why he tasked Eerie, Sion, and Kris with its collection.