The next morning, we move on to continue heading East to the Capital that I saw yesterday from the city. I feel regret that I choose to head forward through the forest rather than climb up the cliff to follow the road path.
It is much harder because the forest is where the monster dwells. There are so many monsters here that I could barely survive if not without Leo helping me.
"I guess he is really useful," I thought while staring at Leo.
"You should treat him grilled-fish later," Elijah suggested with a grin.
He knows that Leo has helped me to fight the monster and wants me to repay Leo with a treat. "Sure, if you can do much more than me." I give courage to Leo and run together with Elijah after making a clear path for him. Staying here longer would be a bad choice. I don't want to be a dead meat for them.
Looking at Leo makes me remember about my past life on Earth. People pet a dog or cat to accompany them. Believe it, cats are very dependable to protect their master. But dogs are reliable for their master.
I glanced at Leo, marveling at his small size as he fought the monsters. "He's so cute. Look how small he is," I thought.
Fortunately, animals in this world also can use magic and skill. I'm aware that Leo moves faster when there is a magic flow out on his feet. He uses his canine teeth that sting the enemy. He is useful to distract the enemy's while I can hit my magic on them.
"I'm sorry, gigantic snake, I can't fulfill your hunger. Today is your last day," I declared, chopping off the snake's head and carrying Elijah on my back.
"Leo, lead the way!" I commanded.
The cat seems to understand my words and shows me the way to get out of the forest. I get to reach a big lake in the middle of this forest. It is a wide opening where I can see the sky from here.
"Huh... Huh... Huh…" I panted, taking a deep breath and sitting down, placing Elijah beside me. "Fuhhh, that was crazy, right?" I chuckled.
"Meow," Leo replied, as if agreeing.
"Brother, there is blood," Elijah pointed out.
I wiped the blood off my face. "But I'm not hurt anywhere. This isn't mine," I said, realizing it was Leo's wound. "Leo!"
I realized it was Leo's wound. I immediately cast my healing magic on him as he was hurt on his leg. It must be from the back when he is running and scratches his foot on poisonous vine. The cat jumped on me and licked my face as he was happy for me to treat his wound.
I wondered if there's something also hurting Elijah and asked about him.
"What about you? Do you feel hurt anywhere?" I asked Elijah.
"Urgh. My stomach…" he groaned.
"What?! Where does it hurt? Let me take a look," I said, checking him over.
I can't see anything visible even scratch and look at him curiously.
"Brugh - Growl" His tummy grumbling.
"I'm hungry," Elijah said with a jesting smile.
"Ha-ha, not funny. You only got half of the meal Leo had today. Right, Mr. Supporter?" I teased.
"Meow!" Leo agreed.
"Not fair. I would help you too if I could fight," Elijah pouted.
"Then learn. I can teach you," I offered.
"Really?!" Elijah's eyes lit up.
"Yes, but first, you need to stay here with Leo. I'll search for some food," I said. I finished treating the wound and left them in the wood. I ask Leo to take care of Elijah.
"There must be something I can do to protect them, like casting a protective spell similar to my mother's," I thought.
I also learned some magic tricks that I watch mom using her magic to do a magic circle that can protect the caster in that circle. I try the magic on them and only wish for it if it is going to work.
"I hope this works," I thought, placing an invisible cloak over them. Testing it by throwing a rock, I confirmed it was effective when the rock was repelled.
"I just wonder how long it will last," I mused before heading into the woods.