The time had come. With preparations complete, Gagagamoor mobilized for departure. Every member moved with sharp, purposeful efficiency, fully aware that danger could strike at any point along the road. Given the likelihood of enemy pursuit, they had increased their numbers to reinforce the main group and prepared a separate detachment to act as a decoy. The decoy squad would leave through a different exit, drawing attention away from the real path. If the enemy had been watching, they’d be watching the wrong door.
Before setting out, Belamus approached Meira directly.
“Let me be the one to escort Mimi into the cave,” he said, his tone steady, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
Meira turned toward him with a faint tilt of her head, mildly surprised. “Hmm? I had planned to take that role myself. What, are you saying you’re confident in your abilities?”
Belamus offered a quiet nod. “I am.”
She studied him carefully, lips pursed in thought. Meira knew her own strength. She was, by her own admission, the most capable fighter in Gagagamoor, and not without reason. But she wasn’t arrogant. She didn’t consider herself the strongest in the world. If someone stronger were available, she was pragmatic enough to step aside. The problem was that she had no clear idea of what Belamus could do.
“I don’t doubt you’re competent,” she said after a beat, “but I’ve never seen you fight. It’s hard to judge whether handing the task to you would be wise. Escorting Mimi isn’t a casual responsibility. If you're not strong enough, it could cost her life.”
Before Belamus could respond, Mimi jumped in.
“Belamus is really strong!” she blurted, her voice full of earnest conviction.
Meira raised an eyebrow. “You wish to go with him, Lady Mimi?”
Mimi gave a firm nod, no hesitation in her eyes.
That was when Rumalus stepped forward. “She’s right,” he said. “Belamus isn’t just strong; he’s terrifying. The special ops squad that chased us? That unit is made up of elite dwarves from across the entire kingdom. And even they couldn’t land a single hit on him.”
Another voice chimed in. Gregald, who’d fought alongside them before, crossed his arms with a smirk. “I’ve seen him in action, too. He’s not just strong. He’s the kind of strong that makes even seasoned warriors shut up and rethink their life choices.”
Meira looked between them: Mimi’s unwavering trust, Rumalus’s first-hand account, and Gregald’s blunt endorsement. Slowly, her expression shifted, curiosity giving way to acknowledgment. She didn’t say yes outright, but the edge of her resistance had clearly softened.
Meira folded her arms, gaze fixed on Belamus as she considered the collective endorsements he’d received. “Hmm… very well. I’ve no objection in principle. I don’t care whether it’s me or someone else. Whoever’s the strongest should be the one to accompany Lady Mimi into the cave. That said,” she added, her voice firm and even, “I’d still like to judge your strength with my own eyes before making that decision final. If we’re passing through the Great Frazes Forest, we’re bound to encounter monsters sooner or later. When that happens, I’ll be watching. Let’s let the forest decide.”
Belamus nodded without hesitation. “That’s fine by me.”
“Good. Then let’s move out,” Meira commanded, her voice crisp and authoritative.
With the decoy teams in position and their supplies secured, the Gagagamoor unit and Belamus’s group left the hideout, heading toward the territory where the Emperor Treant awaited. The forest path was thick with roots and ancient moss, the canopy high above letting in only narrow ribbons of sunlight. It was the kind of place where danger could step out from behind a tree at any moment, and it often did.
During the journey, Belamus continued to train Mimi in magic. Her progress remained astonishing. Each day brought new control, sharper focus, stronger spells. What others might take weeks to learn, she absorbed in hours. Even Delarosa, who had herself picked up magic with remarkable speed, found herself impressed.
“Wow… Mimi, you’re really getting the hang of this magic stuff,” she said, her tone full of awe and admiration.
“I still like swords better!” Navasha cut in, grinning as she swung an imaginary blade. “You should try it sometime. Way more fun!”
Mimi laughed nervously. “I’m… really not good at physical activities,” she said, declining politely but firmly.
As expected, their passage through the Great Frazes Forest wasn’t without incident. Wild beasts and roaming monsters emerged from the underbrush more than once, drawn by the scent of travelers and the pulse of magic in the air. But each time, Belamus and his allies cut them down swiftly. These weren’t the weak, sluggish creatures that lingered near Beresdral, either; they were faster, stronger, and more cunning. Even so, they posed little threat. The group’s cohesion and raw power overwhelmed them before they could do any real damage.
The dwarves of Gagagamoor, hardened though they were, couldn’t hide their surprise. For them, navigating this forest had always meant bracing for survival. To see Belamus and the others dispatch monsters so cleanly, and without visible strain, was nothing short of staggering.
Meira watched carefully throughout. By the time they’d cleared their third ambush, she’d seen enough.
“Belamus,” she said, catching up to him as they resumed their march. “It seems the others weren’t exaggerating. You are every bit as strong as they claimed—and not just you. Delarosa, Navasha… you’re all well beyond what I expected. Reliable allies indeed.”
Belamus met her gaze evenly. “Then… may I assume there’s no issue with me accompanying Mimi into the cave?”
“None at all,” Meira replied without hesitation. “Frankly, I think the chances of her making it through safely are higher with you than with me. I trust you to protect her.”
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask before we reach the entrance,” he said, addressing Meira. “What do we know about the monsters inside? If you’ve got any information, I’d like to hear it. The more I know, the better I can protect Mimi.”
He didn’t expect anything undefeatable to appear, but forewarning could mean the difference between reaction and readiness, especially with Mimi at his side.
Meira nodded thoughtfully. “They say the cave’s interior changes every time someone enters it. And to be honest, calling them ‘monsters’ might not be entirely accurate. The creatures that appear… they’re strange. Unnatural. No one’s quite sure what they really are.”
She paused, then added, “In truth, the cave is more like an extension of the Emperor Treant’s body than a separate space. Think of it as his innards: alive, shifting. Whatever lives inside does so with his permission. They’re not ordinary monsters. They’re more like… specialized organisms allowed to dwell in his presence.”
“I see.” Belamus frowned slightly, considering that. “If the layout and inhabitants change each time, then scouting reports aren’t much use. In fact, going in with expectations might be more dangerous than helpful.”
“Exactly,” Meira replied. “But there’s one thing you can count on. Whatever appears inside will be hostile. Everything in that place exists to repel intruders. If you’re not a seasoned warrior, you won’t survive. That much is certain.”
So, they would attack on sight. Belamus made a mental note to keep a barrier up at all times: constant defense, no openings. There would be no room for hesitation once they were inside.
The group pressed on through the deepening forest. As night fell, Belamus conjured a shelter using Magic House, and for the first time, they rested in comfort beneath the shadowed boughs. Meira, clearly unused to such luxury in hostile terrain, muttered in amusement that it was the most peaceful night she’d ever spent in the Great Frazes Forest.
Meanwhile, Mimi’s magical progress continued at a staggering pace. She had begun mastering more advanced spells, refining her control, and expanding her arsenal. Belamus was impressed. At this rate, she might actually be able to contribute in a real battle.
Mind you, he had no intention of letting her do so.
It wasn’t a matter of doubting her strength. He simply didn’t want her in harm’s way. Her growing skill was a safety net, nothing more. As long as he was at her side, there would be no need for her to lift a finger in the cave.
“How much farther to the Emperor Treant?” he asked the next morning. Two days had passed since their departure. Judging by their pace, they had to be close.
Meira nodded, eyes scanning the path ahead. “We’ve made better time than expected. We should be there soon.”