The two unlikely allies kept pushing forward, rushing through the forest with relentless focus.
Though the beasts had been dealt with, neither of them lowered their guard.
The silence of the woods felt heavier now, as if something—or someone—was still watching.
The trees began to thin. Moonlight spilled into a clearing ahead.
Rem: "Guts… I sense something. It must be the children."
Guts: "I don't see 'em. Hurry—we might be too late."
They ran into the center of the clearing—and there they were.
The children.
All of them lay sprawled on the grass, eyes shut, their breathing shallow.
A faint fog of cursed mana hung in the air.
Bite marks.
Each child bore the same puncture wounds on their arms or legs—the puppy's fangs.
Guts: "The curse… Can you do anything?"
Rem: "I don't have the skills. If only my sister were here…
I'll try to treat the symptoms and ease the effect. We'll carry them out after that."
Guts: "Then I'll keep watch."
Suddenly, a small voice whispered from below.
Petra: "Nii-san… you're here… There's one more… she's far away… very far…"
The last of Petra's strength left her as she delivered that final plea.
She was trying to save her friend.
Guts narrowed his eyes, scanning the group.
And then it hit him.
Meili.
The one girl who didn't belong.
The one he had suspected from the start.
Guts (thinking): "Knew it. That kid was off from the beginning.
She's not getting away with this."
He turned to Rem.
Guts: "I'll find the last one. We don't have a choice."
A faint, melancholic smile tugged at his lips as he turned toward the trees.
Rem: "W-Wait! Please… It's too dangerous!
If the beasts took her that far, she's probably already—"
Guts: "A few overgrown puppies aren't gonna scare me off.
One of 'em's still out there. I'm bringing her back."
Rem: "…I trust you."
Guts: "If you're worried, join me once the villagers show up."
Rem: "We don't even know who we're really up against…
Or how long it'll take for the villagers to arrive.
What if I don't find you again?"
Guts: "You'll find me."
Rem: "Why are you so sure?"
Guts: "You'll smell it.
The stench I carry—the stench of the Witch."
Rem: "…Then I'll come as soon as they arrive."
He gave her one last look.
She was kneeling beside the children, her magic glowing soft and blue as she tended to their wounds.
Then he turned and walked into the darkness.
The wind stirred through the trees. Leaves rustled like whispers behind him.
His massive sword rested on his back.
The Black Swordsman was back in motion.
And for the first time in this world…