The Author's Viewpoint

Tave had sent Fang away, deep into the forest, to scout for any approaching demons. It was only a matter of time before they realized he and Vanya were no longer hiding in the cave, and, as expected, it didn’t take long.

The demons outside had begun to spread. More of them were patrolling the forest, and some even flew overhead, passing right above the golem. But they didn’t seem to care for the dormant giant. They simply ignored it, as though it were just part of the scenery.

Vanya needed time. At least an hour.

The golem’s core had to be overcharged, flooded with so much energy that it would not only awaken fully but also fall under her control. It was the only way for her Echo’s authority to override the original directive etched into the golem’s command.

And that process... it would drain her.

Soon, Fang sent a signal. A group of demons was moving toward the golem’s location.

Tave reacted instantly. He leapt down from the golem’s shoulder, dashing into the underbrush with barely a sound, heading toward the direction Fang indicated. Hidden behind thick trunks and heavy leaves, he watched, breath held.

But the demons turned.

At the last second, they veered, changing direction, unaware of how close they’d come to finding them. He waited, tense, still, until the threat had passed.

This forest was far from safe. The number of demons still prowling was overwhelming, and the more Tave and Vanya killed, the more attention they drew. It was only a matter of time before someone tracked their trail.

But against all expectations, Tave’s worst fears didn’t come to pass.