Back at the sealed forest
A demon girl stood in front of the black abyssal cage. She ran her hand across the black mass of mana.
She could feel the rage of the imprisoned creature. She leaned forward onto the dome and hugged it.
"Shhhhh. I know it hurts to be caged. I know how you feel. I'm sorry I can't help you right now, but I will when I can," she spoke, her words comforting.
The rage inside began to subside. She let out a tiny smile as her small figure reflected off the black dome.
She smiled at the frail reaction of the creature. Her body radiated a lifetime of pain and suffering. She lifted her side to reveal her covered eye.
"Soon, we'll be free and together forever."
She then frowned; her face went cold as she turned away and left.
---
Shin and Bael made it out of the forest. They reached a road and followed it for a long time until they arrived at another village.
They were greeted by guards at the gate.
"Hello there, friends. What brings you here?" one of the guards asked as he approached Bael.
Bael looked up at the guard and rummaged through his bag. He found what he was looking for: two identity cards.
"Just here for a rest. We were passing by," Bael said as he stood up.
The guard glanced at the cards, then showed them to another guard. They exchanged a few words before returning to the pair.
"I see you've got a human with you. What is he? A slave or something?" the guard asked.
Bael sighed, his face cold and indifferent. He had expected this question eventually.
"No, he is my student. We are heading to the Demon God's shrine for the blessing to become king," Bael answered half-heartedly.
He was ready to fight if necessary. The guard didn't question him further and returned their cards.
They walked into the village, rented a room at an inn, and collapsed.
---
Shin opened his eyes. He was in a clear field atop the mountains. Behind him stood the familiar large black temple of obsidian.
"Hey Black, pay attention to your opponent!" Shin turned just in time to see a fist flying toward his face.
He dodged, but another punch came. Shin swiftly dodged again and countered with his own.
He missed, and the figure hit him hard, knocking him flat on his back. Shin looked up and saw a hand extended toward him.
"Hey Black, what's up?" the man asked as he hoisted him up.
As Shin got a closer look, he realized it was the Dragon God. He casually let go of Shin's arm and put his own around him.
"Nothing, Red. Nothing at all," Shin blurted out unconsciously.
The Dragon God smiled at him.
---
Shin woke up feeling a bit exhausted. He stretched, the sound of bones cracking echoing through the room.
Looking outside, he saw it was already morning. He got up and went down to the dining hall, where Bael was sitting with a group of men.
Shin walked up to them. Bael looked up.
"Morning, Your Majesty. I was just telling them about the danger we faced yesterday," Bael said as he stood and shook hands with the men.
They had breakfast, returned to their room, and fell asleep again.