Stray

They did not run into other candidates again. In their field of vision was just endless trees and beneath their feet, they have stepped on countless ferns, dead leaves, and slimy mushrooms. Time had seemed to reverse, going back to a few days ago. They wondered if it was because Ann had chosen a safe route, as they were not harassed by any dangerous monsters along the way.

A few hours later, Ann, who was walking in front, suddenly stopped. It was about noon. The bright sunlight had turned the stone walls in front of them white. Looking up from where they were, they could see a small cliff above. Countless wide gaps stood upright at the bottom of it. It couldn’t be called a cave as it could barely accommodate a few people.

Ann poked her hunting spear inward causing the purplish-white lightning to reflect the moist stone wall. Although they didn’t find any creatures in the gap, they could smell the scent of burnt hair coming out from it.

“A stronghold.” Ann announced happily, as if she had completely forgotten the unpleasantness just now. Unfortunately, her teammates were still affected by the impact, and they didn’t respond to her. The female warrior raised an eyebrow at the awkward silence. Without making a comment, she began to draw a simple spell on the ground at the entrance of the cave.

The grey parrot got out of Nemo’s backpack and stood on his shoulder as it combed its feathers. Oliver leaned against the stone wall, resting his hand on the scabbard, and stared thoughtfully at Nemo’s face, causing the latter to feel itchy from his gaze.

“Do you have something you want to say to me?” Nemo finally couldn’t bear it anymore. This time he felt “Oh my god, I have something to tell you. I’m suffocating from it” was written all over Oliver’s face.

“How much do you remember before we met?” After hesitating for a moment, Oliver finally asked, in a serious tone.

“What?” Nemo looked back in confusion, “You have to ask a specific question—”

“Our first encounter.”