Thus, although they were on a treacherous path, they moved quickly and reached the resting point in the middle of the ancient road before sunset. Above the deep canyon, a three-tiered stone arch bridge stood firm. The summer water flow was abundant, rushing through the bridge arch. In the deep valley across the bridge, an ancient monastery stood quietly.
Melissa walked ahead, first reaching the other side. As she turned to wait for her companions, the sky suddenly darkened, and the earth trembled. The sky was torn open, and a yellow eye emerged.
It was the Demon’s Eye!
The evil eye turned and fixed its gaze on Melissa.
Carl’s magic book rustled, and a bright rune slid from its tip, transforming into a light sphere aimed directly at the demon eye’s pupil. The demon eye’s attention was drawn to him, and as its gaze met the light sphere, sparks erupted. The power fluctuated dramatically, and a scorching air current was suddenly released, causing the stone bridge to sway left and right, with gravel flying and falling into the raging current.
Carl gritted his teeth and endured for just a moment before the light sphere suddenly shattered.
With a loud boom, water mist scattered everywhere.
Naily was caught in the explosion and fell from her horse. Ignoring her bodily pain, she rose on the wobbling bridge, desperately searching for Carl’s figure.
As the water vapor gradually dissipated, a massive gap occupying almost half the bridge surface came into view. Her face turned pale, and she anxiously looked around, finding Carl lying at the edge of the break.
She rushed to his side, checked his breath, and sighed with relief.
Melissa, who was on the other side, ran over, helping Naily lift Carl and cross the swaying bridge, quickly retreating to the shore.
Just as they arrived, the sound of collapse behind them was deafening. The ancient arch bridge disintegrated, scattering stones and debris, with splashing water drenching them.
Naily knelt beside Carl, taking out a handkerchief to wipe his face, her fingers slightly trembling as she softly called his name several times, receiving no response. Carl’s face was extremely pale, his furrowed brow and tightly drawn lips revealing bodily suffering. Naily’s breathing became rapid, and she quickly supported him against a stone wall, taking out healing potions and slowly feeding them to him.
After emptying four or five high-level magic potions, Carl remained unconscious.
Melissa stood beside her, helping. She coldly raised her eyes to the sky. Deep red clouds covered the sky, and the demon eye had vanished. A cold flame seemed to burn in the depths of Melissa’s purple eyes, flickering with determination and fearlessness. She gritted her teeth: “Demon King…”
The youth’s breathing was rapid, but his body temperature remained as cool as usual. Naily removed his wet cloak and retrieved a blanket from her storage space, wrapping him tightly.
Besides waiting for the medicine to take effect, Naily felt powerless in this world. Taking several deep breaths to dispel her despondent thoughts, the yellow eye from before appeared before her eyes.
The system had always been vague about the Demon King’s identity, and the demon eye above Norn Palace had appeared after Carl left. Had the system found a new replacement, and the Demon King in Slos was no longer the Carl Sass she knew?
If that were the case, was Carl’s revenge about reclaiming the Demon King’s identity and power?
Naily felt unexpectedly jubilant: With the Demon King’s loneliness and power now borne by another, Carl no longer needed to become Demon King Carl Sass. She was indeed selfish. Even though she understood the Demon King’s burden was too heavy for anyone, as long as the person she cared about no longer had to walk the endless cycle, she couldn’t help but feel joy, not sparing a thought for sorrow for that replacement.
In that case, as long as the Demon King was killed, she would be willing to give up her role as guide, no longer rewinding time, but staying in this world after the ending for Carl…
Naily sensed that something was off.
Suddenly, Naily felt a rush of concern. “Are you sure you’re alright?” she asked, eyeing Carl’s pale complexion.
“I’m fine,” Carl replied, though his voice betrayed a hint of weariness.
Naily and Melissa exchanged worried glances, the unspoken question hanging in the air.
“We need to hurry,” Melissa urged, glancing over her shoulder. “Let’s move before it gets dark.”
Naily nodded in agreement, her heart racing as they began to walk toward the monastery. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being followed, but the sound of their footsteps drowned out her fears.
The forest around them loomed ominously, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch out toward the trio.
“Keep close,” Melissa instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.
With Carl in the lead, they pressed on, each step heavy with the weight of uncertainty.
Eventually, they reached the threshold of the monastery, its ancient stone facade standing strong against the suffocating darkness.
“This place… it feels different,” Carl muttered, barely loud enough for Naily and Melissa to hear.
“I know,” Naily replied, looking up at the towering structure. “There’s something about it.”
The three paused at the entrance, their breaths mingling with the cool night air.
“What do we do now?” Melissa asked, biting her lip.
Naily took a deep breath, steeling herself. “We go inside. We need answers.”
With a shared resolve, they stepped into the embrace of the monastery, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
“Among their three mounts, only Melissa’s foal had survived on the shore. However, it was uncertain whether the injured could withstand the horse’s swaying.
Karl had already spoken: “I can walk.” He took a few steps forward to prove he wasn’t forcing himself.
Melissa and Nelly exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat helpless.
Slowly leading the horse halfway, Karl showed no abnormalities, as if he hadn’t been injured, and appeared more agile than the slightly exhausted other two. Nelly felt fortunate and increasingly confirmed her speculation: having been in contact with the Demon King’s power, Karl, who was once associated with the Demon King, would not be severely wounded.
Soon they approached the monastery wall, and Melissa took out a beast horn and blew a signal, hoping to be received as travelers seeking shelter.
Shortly after, the gate opened quietly, and a white-robed monk peered out from behind the door.
Melissa produced the temple’s document and politely requested: “May the three goddesses be with you. I was commissioned to enter the demon’s lair to eliminate the Demon King and his minions. We were just attacked, and our companion was injured. We wish to stay here for a night.”
The monk cleared his throat, his tone somewhat stiff: “We are Trappist believers, sworn not to have any further contact with the secular world.”
He paused, revealing a hint of hesitation: “But since you are guests from Norn Palace, and there are injured, please allow me to consult before responding.”
He disappeared silently behind the door and reappeared just as quietly, opening the gate and bowing his head in welcome, silently guiding the three to tie up their mounts in the empty stable.
“Brother Simon will take the three of you to rest in the west wing rooms. May the goddess bless you.” This monk bowed courteously and quickly departed.
Brother Simon soon approached along the monastery’s corridor. He walked with his head down, his face hidden beneath the large hood of his robe. He spoke softly, his voice hoarse: “Please follow me.”
Melissa was startled by his voice, murmuring a name: “George?”
