"Shin, hurry up! We need to leave as early as possible," Bael yelled, trying to conceal his anger.
The chief beside him shrugged, patted Bael on the shoulder, and walked off. But just before leaving, he shot Bael a stern glance.
Bael scoffed at him and turned his head to see Shin and Satel talking.
"See you in a week or two," Satel said, fixing Shin's coat.
Shin smirked at her. Satel pinched his ear and pulled him toward Bael.
"Ok, fine. See you then," Shin cried out as he grabbed her hand.
Satel reluctantly let go and ran off, frantically waving goodbye to Shin and Bael.
Shin and Bael then walked off into the distance as their journey began.
The pair walked through the meadows of Hona village into the forest. They remained silent as they threaded through the bumpy road cutting through the forest.
Shin looked around, taking in the breathtaking view of the forest. He repeatedly glanced at Bael, who occasionally glanced back.
What's up with the silence today?
Shin had noticed how silent and distant Bael had become ever since he beat him in the first trial.
"Hey Bael, are you mad about me beating you in the trial?" Shin asked, trying to break the silence.
Bael stopped, caught off guard. Shin looked at the bewildered expression on his face.
"You actually think I would be mad about a fight I wasn't even trying in?" Bael said coldly as he walked.
Shin was bewildered for a second.
I was sweating bullets in that fight, and this guy has the nerve to say he was holding back.
Shin quickly followed behind him.
"So then, what's with the silence?" Shin asked again.
"Since we're going to have to fight the heroes, I need you to tell me about the ones we have to look out for," Bael said, his voice stern.
"Not much to worry about. Only Bjorn and Emma are worth noting," Shin answered.
Bael turned to look at Shin, an eyebrow raised.
"Emma? The 20-year-old female hero who is blind?" Bael said in shock.
"Yes. The psychopathic ice hero who has never used a spell in her life," Shin answered, dread filling him.
Bael rolled his eyes. "If she can't use spells, then why mention her?"
"I mention her because no one but the hero party and the goddess know what she can do. I'd rather fight Bjorn than that psychopath."
Bael chuckled as he stared at the worried look on Shin's face while talking about Emma.
Bael dismissed Shin as they continued walking. The pair remained in silence.
"So… do… you… have any family?" Shin asked awkwardly.
Bael glared angrily. Shin immediately looked away in embarrassment.
"Never again. In your goddamn life. Ask me that question ever again," Bael said in anger.
Bael stormed off, leaving Shin behind. Shin ran up and silently walked behind him.
Bael never spoke again. They spent a few hours like this. Shin closed his eyes and stayed close to Bael.
He fell into darkness and saw two giant glowing eyes. A large hand flicked him back.
Shin opened his eyes. He was shocked to see that he and Bael were hiding behind some bushes.
Shin heard the snarling of creatures. He peeked up from the bush to see a group of about sixteen to twenty-five dormant demon jackals.
Shin stared at Bael, who was already smiling.
"Shall we start training, future king?"