The following day, the group arrived back at the Bloodthorns' camp.
Enric sighed, relief evident on his face. "Finally home. Nothing beats home, huh guys?" Cham Cham and Jonan didn't share his enthusiasm. Cham Cham felt deep sadness upon seeing the camp, it reminded him painfully of Tim.
Yet, he found some solace in the thought that leaving would allow him to escape these painful memories. His expression remained mournful.
Jonan, though not enthusiastic, felt sorrowful knowing he wouldn't see this place again for a long while. Reluctantly, he admitted to himself that he'd even miss Lydia's bossiness. He sighed, a bitter taste in his mouth.
As they approached the camp gates, one of the guards atop the high wooden wall called out, "Enric, is that you? You're back, but I only see Cham Cham and Jonan—where's Tim?"
"Bill, open the gate," Enric responded gravely. "This isn't the time to talk about it." Sadness tinged his voice.
Once inside, Enric spoke softly, "Listen, I know you both intend to leave, but maybe stay tonight, say your goodbyes properly. Cham Cham, if you want, you can stay at my place—I'm sure Lydia would appreciate it." Concern filled his eyes as he looked at Cham Cham.
Cham Cham replied painfully, "Thanks, Enric, but I'd rather be alone right now," before walking away.
Jonan quietly said, "Give him some time, he'll get better. And… could I join you both for dinner tonight?" He avoided Enric's gaze, slightly embarrassed.
Enric chuckled gently, "That's not even a question. Lydia would love to have you." His tone softened, though worry lingered as he glanced toward Jonan, who continued avoiding eye contact.
Later, as Jonan reached his hut, all he saw was emptiness—no one waiting, no cherished memories, just empty rooms and silence. Sitting down, he reflected deeply on his life so far.
His thoughts drifted to his mother's tragic fate, how he'd blamed himself, even knowing now he wasn't truly at fault. He thought of his father, whose harsh treatment finally made sense—he'd blamed Jonan for his mother's death. Memories surfaced of his conversation with Princess Naora four years earlier, and his promise they'd someday read history books together.
He recalled bitterly how his father hadn't hesitated to sell him to the bandits who'd now become his family. Jonan reminisced about the past four years—learning survival, hunting, fighting, cooking, sewing, and caring for himself.
His mind wandered to recent events: the terrifying battle with the monster Krizface, witnessing Tim's brutal death, and the mysterious power that saved him in the forest. So engrossed in his thoughts, Jonan hardly noticed night falling. Remembering dinner with Enric, he quickly rose and headed out.
Instead of going straight to Enric's hut, Jonan stopped by Cham Cham's. Finding him staring blankly at the walls, Jonan gently said, "Cham, come on, Lydia's waiting, and you know how terrifying she can be," offering a faint, comforting smile.
Cham Cham sighed, "I already said I'd rather—"
Jonan interrupted kindly, "Cham, just come. Enric and I were there when Tim died. There's no one else in the world you can open up to like us. It'll help." His voice was warm, convincing.
Cham Cham surrendered, quietly agreeing, and joined Jonan heading towards Enric's hut. Lydia was already aware of Tim's death and their decision to leave. "Don't leave," she pleaded, desperation uncharacteristic in her dominant nature, tears brimming in her eyes. Enric sat silently at the table.
Reaching out to Jonan, Lydia begged softly, "Please, Jonan, stay. It's too dangerous out there. I know you're special and want to discover who you truly are, but what's wrong with staying here? We're family. Cham Cham, you too—there's no real reason to go." Tears fell freely down her face.
Unexpectedly, Jonan embraced Lydia, shocking everyone, including Lydia herself. "Lydia," he said warmly, softly chuckling, "you're my favorite person here.
You're like a big sister to me—you supported and raised me alongside Enric since I arrived here.
I can't promise to visit, but I promise I'll never forget you." His voice cracked slightly, though he refused to shed tears.
Cham Cham, overwhelmed with mixed emotions, joined the hug, breaking into tears and sobbing, "I'm sorry, Lydia!"
Enric stood quietly, then joined the embrace, trying to comfort everyone.
The next morning, Jonan and Cham Cham stood outside the camp gates. Lydia, her face streaked with tears, stood beside Enric, whose expression was solemn. Picha, also present, nodded slightly at Jonan—no words spoken, but Jonan understood perfectly.
It was Picha apologizing for his actions four years earlier and silently wishing him luck on his journey.
Jonan and Cham Cham glanced back one final time before setting off once again toward the city of Bellhorn. They traveled on foot, making their journey significantly longer.
"How long do you think it'll take to reach the city, Jonan?" Cham Cham asked, tired and gloomy from hours of walking without rest.
Jonan responded indifferently, his expression unreadable. "If it's usually a two- to three-day trip by wagon, probably a week, maybe a week and a half."
Cham Cham sighed heavily. "Are you sure about this?" he asked nervously.
"Cham," Jonan replied coldly, turning a serious gaze on him, "this is your last chance. If you feel this isn't for you, return to the camp now. But know this, if you reach the city with me, there's no going back."
Cham Cham swallowed nervously, replying in a shaky voice, "As I said, I owe you my life, so I have no other choice. I was just testing you anyway."
Days and nights passed, and after six days, the city's massive stone walls finally came into view. Cham Cham began to think about everything he was leaving behind—the nights spent hunting with Enric, Lydia's meals, his memories with Tim—all of it was fading away.
Yet, he had to continue. He'd made a promise, not just to himself but also to Tim. He had to become stronger to protect the people he cared about.
Jonan, however, wasn't thinking about the camp or its people. His mind was filled with anticipation for what was coming. He was deeply curious about the mysterious power he'd discovered, and the possibility of seeing his sister and Princess Naora again intrigued him. Working for a noblewoman might grant him entry to royal banquets, where he hoped he could finally reunite with them.