The impact of both of Arthur's legs stifled the surface of the 'roof' of the cave. Just as Arthur had stepped foot, Gilda had already stepped straight down from the monster's shoulders as if she couldn't wait to release her grip on Arthur's body.
"You're so noisy. Can't you be calm for a day?!' said Arthur irritably. Not only because Arthur's screams disturb his concentration when climbing up, but Gilda's fairly complex hand grip caused claw scars and minor bruises on his body.Gilda was silent, not responding to Arthur's complaint. Either because she didn't care or was ashamed of her fear of heights appearing at an inopportune moment."Princess, are you ok?" asked Pipi worriedly."I'm ok. Ah, look! The scenery above here is so beautiful, isn't it?" said Gilda turning the corner in embarrassment.It's undeniable that the view of the cave, which is unnamed, was so unique that it made Gilda and Pipi amazed when they first saw it. The clouds enveloped the surroundings of the forest so that only pine tree shoots could be seen, as if the tree was not tall. In addition, river water splashing can be heard from there as if to indicate that the location is not too far from the cave. Unconsciously, a smile expands on Gilda's lips as she is fascinated by the beauty she sees."Never have I ever seen something so beautiful like this..." Gilda said subconsciously."Really?" asked Arthur curiously."Yes, during this time... I'm just busy taking care of my citizens without knowing there's anything else that needs to be enjoyed. That is, this kind of beautiful scenery."What Gilda says is true. But, unfortunately, she's too busy with all the affairs in the village of Morgue that she doesn't think of herself."As it turns out, you can also speak well to me. But, I guess, the arrogant nature is always inherent in you," Arthur replied. But, of course, it made Gilda aware of her 'negligence.' Her blood boiled again when she heard Arthur's words, and she also showed an annoyed face at the giant monster."You! Can you not disturb my peace?!" asked Gilda. Both eyes rounded with flushed faces. Anything that concerns the Jotun always makes her go up in the blood."Peace you said? Who showed you this kind of beautiful scenery? Who? Oh, yes. there's one more thing you need to know. I have a name, which is Arthur. You heard? A R T H U R! So, don't call me anymore with strange mentions, understand?""I don't care what your name is," Gilda replied."Well then, from now on I will call you by the name you also mentioned to me. Fair, isn't it?"Gilda turned her face, not answering Arthur's question. Instead, she focused both eyes on figuring out how to get out of the confines of Arthur the Jotun."This place is very unfamiliar to me. I can't find where my village is. Even the Dark forest is not visible from here," Gilda said, still spreading her gaze."Indeed, you know how the Dark forest looks from up here? Just getting into it just once. It was caught off guard by me, hahaha," Arthur said."Isn't it that in your woods there is a waterfall at the foot of Howa mountain? That's what I'm looking for. At least, the waterfall will definitely be seen from here. However, there are so many mountains around here that it is difficult to tell the difference," explained Gilda."Ah, you're right."Not only Gilda but Pipi also paid attention to the surroundings. Unlike Arthur and Gilda, Pipi feels that this place is familiar to her. It's just that she doesn't know for sure when she has come here."Mr. Arthur, where did you get the fish you hunted just now? Doesn't it mean there is a river around here?" asked Pipi, sitting pensively."yes, there is. From here, we need to go down this road to the end of the cave. Afterward, we have to jump from here and walk a little more. It's about a hundred meters from here," Arthur explained as he directed his fingers to the area he was referring to."Then, where did you come from? I mean, how did you find this cave?" asked Gilda, adding."I came from under the cliff, aka that abyss. I climbed up and found the mouth of this cave. And I did that while lifting your heavy body." No one sentence seems perfect without Arthur's scorn for Tanee's village leader.For a long time, Gilda had become accustomed to Arthur's babbling. She then ignored him again because she wanted to focus on her escape."So, you came from down there? In that case, although the distance is uncertain, but obviously, the Dark forest is from the direction you came.""Yes, you're right."****"How is it? Have you found it?""If I had found it, there would be no way I would have avoided my duty guarding the Dark forest, Gus!"Arthur's two best friends, Volka and Pierre, still have not given up on finding Arthur's whereabouts. As the day wore on, guilt haunted Gus even more as Rudolf looked deeply saddened by his son's passing. Currently, the two are looking for Arthur's whereabouts on various sides of the Dark forest. They rested for a while under the shady tree to talk. Due to Arthur's departure, some of the activities of the dark forest dwellers were stopped because they were busy searching. One of them is, for the first time, the Jotuns did not launch their actions to kidnap the villagers of Tanee. Likewise, with Volka, he could not continue his duties to guard the Dark forest because of the departure of his best friend, who made him uneasy."Volka, do you think I should talk to Rudolf?" asked Gus with a gloomy face."What's more? Didn't you say it all when Arthur disappeared?" asked Volka, puzzled."About my departure with Arthur to the southern forest the night before.""Gus, are you crazy? Rudolf will definitely be furious if he hears about it! We're going to be targeted, too. Do you know how horrible it would be if Rudolf was already angry? We will be killed by him because we interfere in this matter! Haven't we also agreed that this won't reach Rudolf's ears?! You're absolutely crazy, Gus!" concluded Volka."Please think carefully, Volka. It is possible that my serendipity at that time had something to do with the current disappearance of Arthur. Maybe we don't know, but it could be that Rudolf knows something! Rudolf will definitely scold us all the way, but I'm sure he won't be forever like that!" said Gus."Then, what if it's all out of nothing? What we have is no longer trusted by Rudolf!" said Volka. He insisted he didn't want to be blamed even though he was involved in this."You know, I'd rather be scolded by Rdolf than losing my best friend."Gus's remarks left the Volka. After that, he fell silent and tried to think clearly about everything.The reason is that Gus's remarks have some truth too. Rudolf's anger may be overwhelming, but it won't drag on. After all, the Jotuns already regarded Volka and Gus as a family."Alright... if you really want to tell you everything, just do it," Volka said with a deep breath."Yes, I'll do it. You don't have to be afraid, I'm sure Rudolf will understand," Gus replied."So, now we're going to see Rudolf?" asked Volka again, a little tense."Of course. Relax, let me talk, you just accompany me."Volka nodded in agreement. Although his heart was afraid, he was forced to do this for the sake of a clue to Arthur's disappearance. Moments later, the two turned their way to Howa's cave to meet Rudolf. They would stop the search for a while to set things straight on Arthur's father.When they got there, Volka and Gus paused for a moment at the mouth of the cave. They stared at each other for a moment while sighing simultaneously."You're ready, Gus?" asked Volka uneasily."O-Of course."Gus swallowed as he stared back at Howa's cave. Then, he rounded his resolve for what he had planned.'Come on, Pierre! You certainly can! It's all for Ivar's sake!' he said in a self-encouraging heart.They also continued their steps into the cave. There were not many Jotuns who were in Howa cave at that time. Because they are both looking for Arthur. Only Rudolf was seen there sitting pensively with his hands supporting his forehead."Mr. Odolf...," Gus called quietly. Seeing the arrival of Gus and Volka, Rudolf's face, which was initially gloomy, now turned into a summing. Spontaneously he immediately stood up to the two."Gus! Volka! Ah, you guys finally came too. How? You've found my son, right?" greeted Rudolf."W-we... haven't found Arthur yet, sir," Gus, who occasionally glanced at Volka. Meanwhile, Volka did not dare to look at Arthur's father in the slightest for fear."Then, what do you guys mean to come here?" asked Rudolf with a half-lost smile."Can we sit for a while, sir? I have important things to tell you.""Oh, ok. Please, sit down."Rudolf invited Volka and Gus to sit in a pile of stones at the end of the cave, and he was no exception. This time Rudolf's face looked different from when he first greeted them. The reaction caused deep unease for Gus, especially Volka."What's the matter?" asked Rudolf. His tone sounded severe and flat."Look, I have something to tell you. Before, Arthur forbid me to say it, but I guess you need to know about this before I beg you not to be angry and keep listening to my story until it's over. Because, who knows from this story, there is something that is a clue to Arthur's disappearance at this time," Gus explained. The temple rabbit is ready to accept the consequences of what he will do now.Rudolf nodded in agreement with Gus's request. Gus took a deep breath while turning to Volka for a moment. But unfortunately, this time, Volka did not reply to Gus's glance. Instead, he kept his head down with a look full of fear underground. Seeing Volka's uncharacteristic movement, of course, Rudolf felt that something was wrong. He was eager to ask but curious about what Gus was telling him.Then Gus tells everything about what happens between him and Arthur. He feels relieved and nervous at the same time.Rudolf's face changed even more from the beginning to the end of Gus's story. His eyebrows were bent with a smile that disappeared more and more on his lips. His gaze was flat as if he had hinted that he had heard all of Gus's stories well. Even so, until now, Rudolf still has no comment. This made Gus, especially Konsta, even more, doubtful that they would survive the anger of the Jotun elder."M-Mr Odolf ...," called Gus the plan with skepticism.Speechless, Rudolf stood firmly with Arthur's two friends still in touch. Before long, he stepped away without saying anything."Volka! Do something!" ordered Gus Volka, who had just regained consciousness from his silence."I don't... ah, all right. Let's hurry up before he goes any further!" said Volka.The two also dashed following Rudolf's departure. Unfortunately, Rudolf was no longer seen when they came out of the cave. Several other Jotuns stood in front of the cave with confused faces."Aunt Kara, have you seen Mr. Odolf?" asked Gus at one of Arthur's aunts."yes, I saw him running fast towards the north. He even almost hit us because he was so hasty. What's wrong with him? Do you know anything about it?"Long long ago ...Such a clear night with scattered stars adorns the sky of the village of Tanee. Hela Valrick, the mother of a beautiful daughter of Gilda Valrick, invited her people to spend the night together. That village field by lighting a bonfire that warmed them amid the cold of the snow that enveloped the surroundings."No, no. You don't have to bring any food. I have prepared enough meat for all of us. My husband brought six wild boars from the game this afternoon. So we're roasting together, ok?!" said Hela."Ah, you've always been like this to us. We don't know how to repay your kindness to Mrs. Valrick. After all, Mr. Emmett seemed tired after hunting. We became increasingly worried about his health," said one of the residents."We're all a family. No need to feel uncomfortable. My husband is such a tough guy that you don't have to worry about him." The smiles emanating from the villagers described the peace at that time. The kids are having fun too. They run around free
20 years later"Are you prepared?""I am, Father.""Then, go. When you're in crisis, leave everything. It's enough to just flee, as long as you're safe."Arthur walked out of his hiding cave towards Tanee Village. With a bunch of vines he used as rope, he didn't need too many hunting tools as his current target was a child."Hey, Arthur! If you managed to get more than one human, share them with me!" yelled Volka from afar, the guardian of Dark Forest covered by the darkness."I won't let you indulge in my rations! Hahaha!" shouted Arthur.Even when humans thought the curse bound the Forest, The Dark Forest had been an excellent place for the Jotuns. The caves they lived in were covered by Forest's thickness and gloominess, day and night.Luckily, it wasn't Winter. The absence of thick snow provided easier hunting for the jotuns and left the village without a trace.Soon as he reached the village border to the Forest, Arthur slowed down. He prepared to quickly slip behind the house he
"M-Mr. Jotun, can I go home? I-I miss my mother," Ramy said hopefully."Can you, you want to go home?" asked Arthur."Ye-yes, sir. Can I go home now?""Yes, I'll let you go now. Let me tell you my way home. Once from here, you will pass through the darkness of the Dark forest alone. Ah, or you need friend to go there? Or put it this way, I'll send my friend to accompany you along the way, Volka!! Come here!! I need your help!" cried Arthur.The pupil of the innocent child's eyes immediately dilated when he heard Volka's word. He immediately stuck the index finger in his mouth and showed it to Arthur."Ssshh... Okay, I get it. I'm not going anywhere. I'm sorry, sir," the boy bowed his head helplessly."Smart boy!" said Arthur with a cynical smile that looked whiny and sly.Who doesn't know Volka? The Dark Forest ranger creature that the villagers of Tanee feared after the Jotun. Volka never showed his form, and he only made a sound that would make humans unable to sleep with just one w
"So, what do you want?!" asked Gus."What do I want? You didn't hear me, did you?! But, I told you, I have good news for you!""I know. If you're like this, there's going to be something you want from me. That's right, isn't it?!"Arthur, who was used to his best friend's coldness, never once felt offended. On the contrary, Gus is a kind and loyal figure to anyone who wants to be friends with him.Want to be friends with him? Yes, not all Dark forest creatures dared approach the grumbling creatures, except Arthur and Volka. Therefore, they are finally now friends."Your remarks have some truth too. I was going to tell you something, but it feels better if you help me first," Arthur reasoned.Hearing this, Gus turned over and walked back to the tree he lived in regardless of Arthur's words."Gus! I haven't finished talking yet! Listen to me first!" shouted Arthur."I don't want to get involved in your stupid actions anymore!" concluded Gus, whose voice echoed from inside the tree."Oh,
SsshhhhFrom the darkness, a long and sizeable legless reptile emerged. The skin was golden brown with a tongue sticking out close to them."Ah, a snake? Who are you, and where are you from?" asked Arthur. He changed the position of his awareness to stand as usual. According to him, this figure is not dangerous."Kaia ..." Her distinctive hissing sound echoed throughout the forest."Alright, Kaia. I'm Arthur, and this is my friend, Gus. Please, don't underestimate him. Otherwise, you'll regret it later," Arthur retorted.Gus trailed off as he stared fiercely at Kaia. Arthur was indeed really serious when he said things about Gus. But, let alone Kaia, Arthur himself didn't dare to mess with the ancient rabbit."No need to linger. What is your purpose for coming here? I don't have much time to argue with you," Gus asked."Shouldn't I be the one who asked? This is my territory. What is the purpose of you guys coming here?" asked Kaia. Her long body squirmed softly around Gus and Arthur.
Gus's remarks sounded very serious. However, it wasn't apparent to Arthur. How not? His best friend seems to know what will happen later, behaving as if he doesn't know anything. Is it true that the wizard in the southern forest is more dangerous than Kaia?"Tsk! She's just a wizard. It can't be more dangerous than a big snake," Arthur scorned with a hint of a chuckle."You don't remember? Who has turned you into an evil creature like this?" Gus replied with a stern look as he continued in his footsteps."Of course I remember. But ....""Never mind, Arthur. If what we are doing is very important to you, then never underestimate every process. Please, just keep those selfishness of yours tight, understand?" snapped Gus.As we know, Gus was forced to help Arthur because he wanted to meet the kind that Arthur had met. Such ancient rabbits were quite tired of living a solitary life. Not because he was dissatisfied with the presence of his two best friends, Arthur and Volka, but because he
"What is your plan, Gilda?" asked Emmett to his daughter."I'm going to try to find Ramy. His mother did not want to eat because she thought about the poor boy. She just lost her husband and now has to lose her child," Gilda said, packing her hunting bag."It's useless for you to go. The boy must have been eaten as a dinner menu by the Jotuns," Emmett replied with a sly smile."Father! Why are you talking like that?! The villagers of this drape hope on us?!" concluded Gilda in a high tone.Hearing his daughter's emotional words, the older adult stood up and approached the child with both hands on his waist."Then, do you think the boy is still alive? Gilda, Gilda...." Emmett chuckled and continued his sentence,"You don't remember what happened to your mother? Oh! Do you want to come and live with her in heaven?!"Gilda could only be speechless without a word hearing her father's words. With tears now beginning to shed, she felt intense sorrow when she remembered his mother, who had b
"Sir, didn't you order me to accompany Princess Gilda? My wife couldn't bear to watch her walk alone into the woods."Apsel came over to Emmett by order. Previously, while Gilda was still in the village, Emmett ordered him to accompany Gilda to find Ramy in the Dark forest. But for some reason, after Gilda walked, Emmet gave another order instead. That is, staying quiet in the village of Tanee and not going anywhere. At first, Apsel felt confused by the Master's painting attitude. But, finally, he couldn't do anything about it and could only obey his happiness."Are you stupid or what? I told you, don't go anywhere and stay here until I give you new orders!""O-Ok, Sir. B-but... Princess Gilda....""Don't too much thinking about my daughter, who is none of your business! You got it?! After all, when did your wife dare to interfere in your work affairs, Apsel?!"Apsel just silently nodded according to the Master's orders. He couldn't do much because, at this time, Emmett seemed to be f