As I let out a complicated sigh, Gyuri flew up to my side and asked curiously, "What's wrong with them, Popi?"
"I think there's something off with them. They're not hurt or sick, but they're losing their life force for some unknown reason."
"Why is that, Popi?"
The unexpected answer came from the giant beast beside me.
-That's because of the curse of the forest.
"A curse?"
This huge forest drains their energy bit by bit. If they keep losing energy like that, they'll end up dead.
"Am I in danger too?"
No, if you only spend a few days in the woods, you'll be fine. It's only a tiny amount of energy loss, and you can recover it easily. But newborns are different. Even a little loss can be fatal.
"So, can we break the curse with a blessing from the fairy queen?"
The giant beast nodded slowly.
Me and even those lurking in the shadows survive in this forest thanks to the fairy queen's blessing. Without her blessing, no one can live here.
It was becoming clear why the Shadow Clan was apprehensive about the fairy world and why this formidable creature was braving this place.
Kuiii Kuiiin
A pitiful cry emerged from the pit, and in that fleeting moment, the young beasts appeared to be losing even more strength, struggling to breathe.
In the dire situation of the infant beasts, the giant beast gazed at me with an agitated expression. I could sense the weight of urgency in its eyes, urging me to take immediate action.
Alas, the curse of the forest was not a predicament that could be resolved easily. In that case, my only course of action was to buy some time.
"Wait a minute."
Rising from my seat, I made my way toward my companions. Halting at a safe distance, I raised my voice and shouted.
"Andras!"
"SIHYEON! You need help?"
"Did you bring any potions? Something with Hap in it.
"Are you talking about that potion?"
Yes, please take out everything you have.
Andras promptly began rifling through his bag, retrieving a pouch that looked as if it had been neglected for some time.
He handed the pouch over to me through Terzan.
Is this it?
"Yes, thanks."
I hastily examined the potion within and made my way back to the spot where the cubs lay.
I desperately hoped that this would work.
With trembling fingers, I extracted one of the potions from the pouch and uncorked it, a sweet fragrance wafting about me.
-Kuiin. Kkuii..
Approaching the most exhausted-looking cub, I gently supported its chin with one hand and used the other hand to help the baby beast take the potion.
-Kurr!
Despite the giant demon beast's anxious snuffling, I focused my attention on feeding the potion as much as possible.
-Kuiiiii.
"Just hold on a bit longer and drink this. You'll regain your strength in no time."
Fortunately, the baby demon beast thought the potion was its mother's milk, so it eagerly gulped it down as I offered it.
Concerned that the cub might be too exhausted to drink the potion properly, I was relieved when it emptied the bottle faster than I thought.
The demon beast vowed to protect the entrance with a dignified air. It was a troublesome existence when it was an enemy, but it felt reassuring when it offered to help like this.
"Thank you. Then you shouldn't fight with the people over there?"
Are you referring to the individuals hiding in the dark?
"Yes, they are my companions."
-Kruuu!
The demon beast seemed uncomfortable with my words, evidenced by its forceful snorting, and the shadow clan appeared equally displeased.
"If you refrain from attacking them, they will not attack you. I do not expect you to become friendly, but please wait quietly."
Yes.
Eventually, the beast begrudgingly settled next to the pit where the babies rested, exuding an unexpected gentleness that belied its massive size.
After one last petting session with the young beasts, I clambered out of the pit and headed towards the party.
"SIHYEON!"
"Are you okay? Did you get hurt"
"I'm fine. After massaging a lot, I just lost a little bit of energy.
I acted nonchalant, not wanting to alarm those who were undoubtedly worried about me.
"That's amazing. I never expected you to defeat that colossal beast so quickly. Even when I witnessed it myself, I could hardly believe my eyes,"
"It's amazing really amazing!"
"Haha. I was just a little lucky."
Bardan and Terzan's surprise was evident, but I waved it off with a sheepish smile and shared the details of what had transpired with the demon beast.
"While Gyuri and I visit the fairy world, the demon beast promised to safeguard this place. Therefore, the Shadow Clan need not be too cautious,"
"Is that true?"
"Yes, it would not have lied when its children's lives were at risk,"
As soon as I finished speaking, the demon beast responded.
Krrrr! Of course. I'm not lying!
To my surprise, the beast responded despite being quite a distance away, its sharp ears attuned to our conversation.
"Now, Gyuri and I will depart for the fairy world,"
"Please take care, Sihyeon,"
"We will wait for your return,"
"Do not overexert yourselves,"
"Good luck."
Gyuri and I left the safety of the party and made our way toward the roots of the massive tree. As we approached, we noticed a large cave leading deep into the ground, following the path of the roots.
"This way, Popi! It appears to be this way, Popi!"
Gyuri, eager to return to the fairy world, rushed into the cave ahead of me. I proceeded cautiously, being mindful of every step.
Initially, I assumed the darkness inside the cave was impenetrable. However, as we ventured deeper, a mysterious light emitted from all sides, illuminating our path with its glow.
"Gyuri, can we really enter the fairy world through this path?"
"Yes, I sense it. Popi! The familiar sensation of the fairy world. Popi!"
With the light guiding us, we were able to navigate our way with ease, until we reached a point where the entrance was no longer visible.
As I continued to walk, I suddenly felt a sensation of dizziness, and my mind became hazy. It was a strange feeling, and I tried to call out to Gyuri, but before I could, my consciousness began to fade, and my vision turned pitch black.